Bringing sustainable agriculture to life

Plot to Plate, a grassroots initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture, officially launched its proof of concept (PoC) recently at Groot Aub through the Capricorn Foundation, showcasing the viability and impact of small-scale food production within communities.This pilot initiative aims to demonstrate how local, low-cost solutions can play a pivotal role in addressing food insecurity and empowering communities through accessible, sustainable agriculture techniques.Plot to Plate has been established to test and refine practical food-growing methods that can be adopted by individuals, schools and local organisations. Community members will be guided in setting up and maintaining small-scale gardens that use water-saving techniques, natural fertilisers and locally sourced materials, minimising the environmental footprint while maximising output.“This project brings food production closer to home, empowering individuals to contribute directly to their household food supply and learn valuable skills along the way,” said Rikus Grobler, the innovations manager of the Capricorn Foundation. “Our aim is not just to grow food but to cultivate self-sufficiency, environmental stewardship and resilience in communities.”Reference materialLiving Earth, who form part of the project, is committed to helping rural communities become more self-sufficient, with permaculture being a key solution. In 2023, Living Earth organised an expo where the idea of a large-scale competition attracted the attention of the Capricorn Foundation.As a result, Living Earth and the Capricorn Foundation are now collaborating on the PoC to bring sustainable agriculture and food security solutions to communities across Namibia.A standout feature of the Plot to Plate approach is its open-source educational video series, designed to make sustainable farming skills accessible to all. Participants can watch these videos and, as they progress through different topics, earn environmental badges, symbolising their achievements. Each badge represents a level of knowledge gained, with short tests following each topic to ensure comprehension before moving to the next level.“This is a wonderful opportunity to learn a new skill or to overcome challenges you may currently face in your garden,” said Yolanda Nel, Plot to Plate project manager. “Our programme encourages continuous learning and development, building confidence and capacity for sustainable food growing within local communities.”Key to the proof of concept’s success is its collaboration with local partners who share a commitment to sustainable practices and community education.Challenges exploredThe team makes use of a dedicated plot in the Groot Aub settlement, where common gardening challenges are explored and resolved. By experimenting with various techniques, the team identifies challenges and refines solutions, offering low-cost, practical ideas to help participants overcome similar obstacles in their gardens.This hands-on approach provides participants with tested, adaptable solutions that are well-suited to local conditions, empowering them to cultivate successful and sustainable gardens.As the concept phase prepares to scale beyond its initial pilot phase, it will continue to explore additional funding and partnerships to support its expansion. By developing a strong network of community gardens, the programme envisions a future where food security is not only a national priority but also a shared community responsibility.

Bringing sustainable agriculture to life

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Bringing sustainable agriculture to life

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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