Food security grant goes beyond nutrition to build stronger

An R1 000 000 grant received from Western Cape Government, through the Garden Route District Municipality, will be put to good use in supporting the Greater Knysna Food Security Forum. Knysna Municipal Manager Ombali Sebola said that the Joint District and Metro Approach Grant allows for the implementation of a coordinated and effective Food Security Project.

“This project will not only address the existing and immediate food crisis,” he said. “It will facilitate short-term job creation and empower participants in the long-term with valuable skills development and training in small-scale food production and permaculture.”

The Food Security Project will continue the work of the Greater Knysna Food Security Forum by supporting eleven small, medium, and large sites in the greater Knysna municipal area. Through the grant, support will also be provided to backyard grower groups that are part of the forum. A learning space pilot project is also on the cards in one of the areas where learners from the school can be involved in gardening.

“The main concern is, of course, offering fresh produce to those who need it the most,” Sebola explained. “The elderly, learners at schools and creches, and the hungry will benefit from enhanced nutrition with meals supplemented with fresh, healthy ingredients. While twenty-four short-term jobs will be created on a three-month basis, participants will benefit from training in a range of subjects. Knowledge of soil fertility, compost, crop rotation, propagation, permaculture, and basic organic growing as a business model will set them up for long-term success in growing healthy food and, potentially, business. Winter is approaching. It is a great time to plant and grow, connect with nature, the environment, local food production, and its possibilities.”

Employment beneficiaries were identified via the municipal database and will be paid in line with the Expanded Public Works Programme’s (EPWP) rates. Only currently unemployed and indigent individuals were considered, and the youth and women, made up the bulk of appointees. Following EPWP protocol, appointments were made from within the wards where work is undertaken.

Local NPO Green Hearted will serve as the implementing agent for the Knysna Food Security Project. The project will also be coordinated and implemented from within the municipality’s community services directorate. An internal project steering committee will provide the necessary advisory support in the implementation of the project.

Since it was formed in 2020, the Greater Knysna Food Security Forum has supported many backyard growers, created a new community garden and a new school garden, and established a pilot project with a seedling nursery that supplies backyard growers, schools and community gardens. The forum consists of various stakeholders including Knysna Municipality, Green Hearted, local NPOs, the Community Work Programme, Community Development Workers, the Knysna Initiative for Learning and Teaching, Sparkling Minds, and the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency.

“Knysna has an excellent climate and soil for growing food. Through sustainable projects like this and amazing partnerships, we can ensure that no one starves, revalue food, and create job opportunities. Knysna Municipality is committed to alleviating the food crisis many of our residents are facing. This is evident in our collaborative efforts with the other members of the Greater Knysna Food Security Forum,” Sebola concluded. “Council has also resolved to provide an internal budget for the next financial year – and those to come – to augment any available funding for the Food Security Project. The right to food is a human right recognized under national and international law and is linked to one’s right to dignity and life. This project brings us another step closer to ensuring that none of our residents go hungry and that all are assured a dignified life.”