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Devine Nxumalo 

Nourish Environmental Monitor ( Kruger to Canyon Biosphere Region ) 
​
Devine is based at the Nourish Eco Village running the Permaculture Garden  & Eco Farm;
Here he shares some information on PERMACUTURE!

PERMACULTURE ARTICLE

1. What is permaculture?

Permaculture is derived from the word permanent agriculture and is defined as working with natural forces. It is the development of agricultural ecosystems aspired to be sustainable and self-sufficient. It is system of cultivation which seeks to integrate human activity with natural surroundings so as to create high efficient self-sustaining ecosystems.
 
Why are we doing permaculture in Nourish?

• There are numerous benefits  which includes:
  • Less waste – everything within the permaculture systems is utilized, using garden waste, & food waste as fertilizer.  Using leaves as mulch. The use of waste is one of the reasons why permaculture is sustainable.
  • Saves water - We harvest rainwater and wastewater (greywater) and making it more efficient and cost effective, this also helps us during dry periods. Mulching also saves water by preventing water loss through evaporation.
  • Economically feasible - permaculture is cost efficient, since we aren’t using pesticides, and our systems require less maintenance. All we do is to water our crops and do mulching from time to time. It is a system that works with nature to do the work!

 

• Resilient to Climate Change Permaculture helps our property to withstand the effect of climate change and continue to be productive. It is also an agricultural practice that is healthier to the environment, allowing for sustainable production for longer periods of time.  It allows us to produce more crop with fewer resources and less maintenance. Because we catch resources such as rain when they are abundant, we are able to have resources ( or energy)  in times of need.
•  Environmentally friendly – since our food gardens does not depend on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides it means our carbon footprint is less! Growing trees and gardens also promotes oxygen into a cleaner environment.

 

• Provides Food Food from the permaculture garden is used in the feeding scheme to bring health to the children eating daily. 

Some lessons we can learn from permaculture.
 
 

1. Design from patterns to details: Whether designing a new vegetable garden or new sustainable way of life, we have to look at the bigger picture before we become stuck in little things.

 

1. Integrate rather than segregate: Plants work well in diverse systems, same is true of people too. In your garden, home and life in general, it is a good idea to promote and value diversity in all its forms

 

1. Use small and slow solutions : Every journey begins with small step. Making small, incremental changes is the best way to move towards sustainable change,

 
 

1. Creatively use and respond to change : Change is the inevitable part of life. The changing seasons, the changing attitudes, our changing climate, how we respond to these changes will shape sustainable progress in years to come.

SUSTAINABLE HOUSEHOLD FOOD GARDENS IS THE BEST SOLUTION TO MITIGATE THE HARSH AFFECTS OF THE ECONOMIC RECESSION AND UNEMPLOYMENT AFTER COVID-19 NATIONAL LOCKDOWN.

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