The resilience of KwaZulu-Natal farmers during the Covid-19 pandemic and intersecting crises is highlighted in “Stories of Resilience Built Through Agroecology”, a new book launched by Biowatch.
The book includes the experiences of 24 farmers who have adopted agroecology methods. These farmers have improved household food security and nutrition and built resilience to the intersecting climate, biodiversity, water, and food crises that have affected their communities.
Vanessa Black, Biowatch advocacy, research and policy coordinator, emphasised the need for resilience in the food system as stresses continue to mount.
“These experiences, arriving one on top of the other, provide a window into the stark potential future we face should we not respond creatively and urgently to the need for systemic change,” said Black.
“With the unfolding climate and biodiversity crises, economic and political turbulence, and strengthening corporate power, the stress in our food and social systems will continue. The need for resilience within farming communities and the food system is even greater.”
Diversity and depth
One of the researchers involved in the book, Mark Mattson, was struck by the impact of Tholakele Mfekayi’s garden. Despite its small size, the garden featured 62 species of plants, illustrating the power of diversity and depth.
The launch of the book was held at the Durban Botanic Gardens and was attended by Biowatch friends and family, farmers, and guests. The book can be downloaded online.
Nomusa Ngwenya, an agroecology demonstrator and teacher, was among the 24 farmers featured in the book. She noted that “agroecology is a way of living that is grounded in respect and care for people and the environment. It requires constant learning, experimentation and adaptation, but the rewards are huge”.
Agroecology potential shines bright
The stories of these farmers highlight the potential for agroecology to build resilience and transform communities in the face of intersecting crises. As “Stories of Resilience Built Through Agroecology” show, their experiences offer a roadmap for a more sustainable and equitable future.
“Biowatch is often challenged to prove that agroecology works,” said Black. “As the stories of resilience in this new book confirm, agroecology not only enables farmers to improve household food security and nutrition but also enables many other benefits despite the hardships the farmer’s experience.”
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