to an entirely new way of thinking
whereby ecoliteracy becomes paramount. This involves a deeper understanding of how modern farming practices are contributing to the
degradation of the environment
and how this negatively impacts on
livelihoods in the long term. Ecoliteracy education constitutes a process whereby farmers are allowed
to better understand what constitutes healthy grass plants and
healthy soil, and how water retention in a given location can be truly
maximised in order to reverse damage to the environment. Farmers
who have already instituted HLLM
will testify to the fact that they are
now benefitting from having more
available grazing and are therefore
able to run more livestock units
without overgrazing.
In early 2015 Zulukama’s Mceula
village will enter into the implementation phase of HLLM where approximately 400 households will
benefit from this new method of
sustainable farming. Months of
community mobilisation, grazing
evaluation, virtual camp demarcation, herder training and so forth
have laid solid foundations for future success and longevity of the
initiative. The initiative-specific
management team which includes
various eminent personalities domiciled in the village is headed by vibrant youth leader, Ayanda
Mrwebi, and it is believed by many
stakeholders that this pilot project
can be the catalyst which starts a
much needed transformation of the
broader South African communal
farming sector.
Any persons interested in HLLM
training can contact the Natalie
Smith of the SA Savory Hub at 084
573 1523 or
[email protected]