On October 2, 2024, PELUM Eswatini in partnership with the Ezulwini Municipality, with local member organizations and stakeholders, proudly launched the Agroecology Training and Demonstration Center. The center will be used as a practical demonstration site for agroecological and permaculture approaches to food production. Demonstrations will cover what is possible for small scale to medium-scale farming, including approaches that can be applied by both rural and urban communities. Below are some of the demonstrations that will be available:
Rainwater Harvesting and Greywater Use: Practical training on water harvesting and recycling, beneficial for peri-urban areas.
Dry Sanitation (Compost Toilets): Demonstrations on constructing and using compost toilets with natural materials.
Indigenous Tree Nursery: Propagation and sale of indigenous trees to support the center’s sustainability.
Compost Area: Various composting methods and bio-fertilizer production, with opportunities for the public to contribute compostables.
Recycle Area: Collection of sorted recyclables for recycling centers and upcycling initiatives to turn trash into useful items.
Natural Building Demonstration: Construction of office and classroom spaces using adobe bricks and recycled materials, showcasing natural building techniques.
Farmers Market: Hosting local organic farmers to sell their produce, with an on-site shop to generate income for the center.
Solar Power: Use of solar energy to minimize operational costs and demonstrate renewable energy benefits.
Beekeeping: Training on beekeeping and honey production as an income-generating activity.
How Community Members Can Get Involved!
Aesthetically pleasing for urban communities
The center will be a green-gardened area in the center of the city and the public will have easy access and view of the facility. This is in line with the general agenda of increasing the number of green spaces in cities.
Direct action and education space
The center will provide an opportunity for PELUM Member organizations to conduct training for the different members of society including farmers, youth, church groups, and the general public using the center as a demonstration facility. The space also becomes an umbrella for organizing meetings, actions, and get-togethers for environmental purposes.
Addressing food security and food sovereignty
Visitors to the center will learn the different methods of producing food suitable for any kind of location be it in the rural or urban setting, dryland, small scale, backyard garden, or even medium scale.
A space for civic and environmental awareness
This space can be used as an awareness creation tool on environmental issues and the solutions that individuals can implement.
Water access and sanitation
By promoting dry sanitation, water harvesting and greywater recycling, the center will demonstrate water access enhancement and sanitation.
Focal Point for Recycling and Composting
The center is a focal point for food waste, general waste, and recycling. This will ensure that less organic waste goes to the landfill while at the same time ensuring the center has a constant supply of compost for vegetable production.
Source of Healthy Organic Produce
The center will provide a reliable yearlong supply of locally grown, organic produce for consumers either through direct purchase from the supermarkets. On a broader scale, the center contributes to national efforts to enhance food security and sovereignty, ensuring that household and the Eswatini nation at large, can produce their food sustainably. The launch of this center is a significant milestone for the Ezulwini community and Eswatini as a whole. It represents a commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. For the local community, it means increased access to fresh, organic produce and a hands-on learning environment where residents can gain valuable skills in sustainable farming practices.