Food forests are a sustainable system of gardening and farming that works with nature, and their point is to benefit both the environment and improve the lives of those that farm with nature. Eastern Cape organic farmer Bakhusele Mathupha believes that a food forest should be similar to a wild, natural forest.
“The food forest is something to behold,” he told Food For Mzansi’s sister publication, Health For Mzansi. “From canopy to ground, there are many, complex layers of plants and wildlife that live harmoniously with little disturbance from humans.”
Mathupha adds that it is advisable to create and maintain an ecosystem that mimics a forest. This usually involves starting with a barren or patch of land, and then the hard work begins: clearing the land of unwanted vegetation and deciding what will stay behind.
According to Mathupha, food forests sustain great biodiversity while providing nutritious native foods, which supports health and well-being. “Everything serves a purpose – a pattern of crops throughout the farm, vegetable gardens and fields are planted in thoughtful combinations; corn grows alongside mixed beans, and squash nestles under corn.”
How to establish a food forest
Rob Small, the co-founder of Abalimi Bezekhaya, says food forests can be established by planting trees and shrubs in strategic ways.
He explains permaculture is a way of life that leverages upgraded traditional agro-cultural systems to create new sustainable communities that result in better lifestyles in off-grid, rural, sustainably supplied villages, towns, and entire cities. A self-regenerating society of love and peace is produced when forest, mountains, land, water, air, sun, plants, animals, and human intelligence are combined.
Determining a goal for your food forest is also another important step, such as to generate an income by selling crops locally.
“Don’t overdo the thinking; just be clear what you want from the beginning,” Mathupha advises.
The concept behind food forests, according to Mathupha, is straightforward, but the endeavor requires time and patience, two resources that many local farmers lack. The concept also calls for some testing, which is another expense that some people deem excessively hazardous.
To read the full article by Health For Mzansi, click here.
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