Youth training in Musina
A practical and theoretical workshop was convened withyouth tohelp them explore agroecological
practices to equip them with valuable skills to promote food security, and encourage sustainable
livelihoods. Introducing livelihood options to youth that promote diversification and healthy
practices to empower and foster sustainable development. Inrecent years, there has been a
growing concern about the declining interest of youth in agriculture, which is a crucial sector for
economic development and food security. MDFin conjunction with LIMA have taken aninitiative
to introduce farming skillsand livelihoods avenues to local youth. This aims to explore the
importance of youth development in agriculture, the potential opportunities for diversification
through value addition, and the adoption of climate change strategies. MDF plays a pivotal role in
providing information andguidance to the youth, who require more knowledge in this field. Youth
developmentin agriculture is essential for the sustainability of the sector and the overall economic
growth of a nation. Engaging youngindividuals in farming not only ensures the transfer of
traditional knowledge andskillsbutalsobrings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. By
introducing farming skills to youth, MDFaimsto create anew generation of farmers who are
equippedwith the necessary knowledge and tools to contribute tothe agricultural sector and also
a versatile youth. MDF serves as a driver in providing information andguidance to the local youth,
who require more knowledge in youth development, value addition, and climate change adoption
strategies. By diversifying avenuesthrough value addition and adopting climate change strategies,
the youth can contribute to the sustainability and growth of the agricultural sector. It is crucial
to continue supporting and empowering the youth in agriculture toensure aprosperous future for
both the sector and the nation as a whole. The prearranged workshops will beprovided byMDF
for four days on Livelihoods options in a local clinic.Below are a few key concepts outlinedfor
the whole week?
•Agroeceological concepts for building soil profile and fertilityand how to control pest and
dieses focusing on the following key interventions
oTrench beds
oKeyhole garden
oTower garden
oHomemade drip irrigation systems
oLine levelling
oTypes of Concoctions on pest and dieses management
•Value addition products
•Balanced diets
•Climate adoption strategies
•Balanced diets.
Day 1 and two November 2023
Introducing youth to agroecology concepts holistically, the aim is to equip youth with the
knowledge and skillsto understand, learn, and implement agroecological concepts in their
households and communities. By adopting agroecological practices, we advocate for better living
conditions for locals and future generations, while also ensuring the health and vitality of our
ecosystems. The week training, will infuse opportunity to explore andlearn in detailed various
agroecological techniquessuch as trench beds, keyhole gardens, tower gardens, line level drip
irrigation, and self-made concoctionsfor pest anddisease control. These techniques are
designed tomaximize productivity while minimizing the use of syntheticinputs and harmful
chemicals. By them learning how to create their own concoctionsusing organic ingredients can
effectively manage pests and diseases without harming the environment or compromising
health.
Through this ongoing training, MDF aim toempower youth to become ambassadors for
agroecologyin their households and local communities. By implementing these practices, youth
can contribute to a sustainable and resilient future, where the well-being of both humans and
the environment are prioritized.
Trench Beds:Trench beds involve digging long, narrow trenchesandfilling themwith organic
matter, compost, and soil. Thismethodincreaseswater retention, improves soil fertility, and
promotes healthy root growth. The size of the trench be is 4m length by 1m wide and depth. The
terrain of Manezhe clinic is very rocky with mostly sand top soil. It was a very tiring exercise for
the youth but a good learning on how to improve soil fertility.
Trench beds encourage biodiversity, attractingbeneficial insects and animals that help control
pests and diseases naturally. By creating a balanced ecosystem, predatory insects and other
natural enemies of pests areattracted, which reduces the needfor chemical pesticides. This
promotes healthier plants and a more sustainable approach to pest management. Trench beds
emphasize the importance of nutrient cycling within the system. Organic waste, such as crop
residuesand animal manure, is recycledback intothe system throughcomposting or mulching.
This helps replenish nutrients in the soil, reducing the need for external inputs and improving
long-term soil fertility. The aim is to create a harmonious and sustainable ecosystem that supports
plant growth, soil health, and ecological balance. By mimicking nature's patterns, these systems
can enhance planting practices and contribute to prolonged soil fertility.
Ecocircle:ecological circles, are
used in sustainable agriculture
and permaculture. The main
purpose of an eco-circle is to
create a self-sustaining system
by mimicking natural patterns
and processes. It aims to
optimize the utilization of
resources, reduce waste, and
enhance overall ecosystem
health.
The use of eco circles has several benefits, including improving planting and prolonging soil
fertility. Eco circles utilize various techniques to improve soil fertilitynaturally, without relying
heavily on chemical fertilizers. We encourage companion planting growing different plants
together, where some plants provide nutrients to others, enhancing overall soil fertility.
Additionally, organic matter from composting and mulching is incorporated to enrich the soil
with essential nutrients and improve its structure.
Fruits tress and herbs in the garden: Planting fruit trees addslayers to the ecosystem, providing
shade, windprotection, and microclimates. Fruit trees also attract pollinators and offer habitat
to various organisms. They produce delicious and nutritious fruits, increasing the overall
productivity. Additionally, fruit trees add aesthetic value to the system, making it visually
appealing. Adding herbs under the fruits provide several benefits as lots of herbs have natural
pest-repellent properties, helpingto control pests without the need for harmful chemicals,
additionally, herbs attract beneficial insects that contribute to pollination andpest control.
Moreover, herbs can be usedfor culinary purposes, providing fresh flavours and enhancing the
overall biodiversity of the ecosystem.Introducing herbs as dietary requirements to the
community is very key as it makes community to diversify.
Tower garden: Tower
gardens are vertical
gardening systems that allow
plants to grow in a compact
and space-efficient manner.
They are particularly useful
when there is limited
horizontal space available.
Tower gardens enable the
cultivation of a wide variety
of plants, including herbs,
vegetables, and even small
fruiting plants.
The garden is for those who
are having trouble digging
trench beds etc. for those
who are residing in cities and
having limited spacetower
garden is a way to go.
Drip Irrigation:Dripirrigation isa
method of delivering water directly
to the plant roots, minimizing water
wastage. The design usually involves
a network of tubes or pipes with
small emitters that release water
slowly. This systemconserves water,
reduces weedgrowth, and promotes
more efficient nutrient uptake. MDF
has designed easily user friendly and
cheap drip irrigation, youth has been
trained on how to make the drip
system from the startso that they
can incorporate this to their local
gardens and their households.
Line levelling Line levels - (“string"
levels) are a special brand of spirit level usedfor levelling across longer distances. They are
attached to a tightly pulled string tofind level between two stakes in the ground to find level
ground.
oFind a length of string and two wooden stakes.
oTie one end of string to a wooden stake andhammer it intothe ground at the
highest elevation in the area.
oHammer in the second stake across the area you want levelled.
oPull the string across and tie the other end to the secondwooded stake loosely.
oPlace the line level on string within eyeshot.
oPull the string as tight as possible to get the most accurate reading.
oAdjust the string up and down until the bubble sits between the two black lines on
the vial.
oSecure the string.
oYou have found level between both stakes. Use the marks on the wooden stakes to
make measurements for your project
The line levelling was used to make stone lines tocontrol watermovement and stabilizesoil
erosion. Using stone lines isan effective technique to control soil movement and prevent the loss
of nutrients. Stone lines act as physical barriers thatminimize soil erosion and runoff, helping to
retain the soil and nutrients within the field.
Homemade concoctions for improving soil and crops nutrients- Using homemade concoctions
brews for soil improvement and pest and disease control is a cost-effective and environmentally
friendly way to maintain a healthy garden. These homemade concoctions are made using natural
ingredients such as herbs, fruits, and vegetables that areeasily accessible in most households.
They can be used as a foliar spray or added directly to the soil, providing essential nutrients and
promoting healthy plant growth. Furthermore, these brews can also actas a natural pesticide,
repelling pests and diseases withoutharming beneficial insects. This method of using homemade
brews alsoreduces the needfor chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can have harmful
effects on the environment and our health. By utilizing these natural and organic solutions, not
only are weimproving the quality of oursoil but alsocreating a healthier environment for
ourselves and our community. It is a simple yet effective way to achieve a bountiful and
sustainable garden.
Foliar spray was chosen to train the youth on, the following ingredients are needed to do foliar
concoctions:
Bin/drum/bucket
230l
Fresh manure
30kg
milk
5L
sugar
5kg
wood ash
4kg
bone meal
4kg
Weeds, comfrey, green materials
3-5x20l
agricultural lime
2-3kg
The foliar sprayconcoctionsshould be left for 15 days before itcan be used in the garden.
Measurement is for utilizing in crops you is you need 1lt of fresh foliar spray concoctions and add
4lt fresh water.
Brews for pest and dieses control –for pest anddiesescontrol with materials thatare easily
accessible within the communities of
Chilli, garlic
Small bunches (handful
Bar soap
1-2 bars
Paraffin
Small bottle
onion
1 large
Chopping board, knives, empty
containers/small buckets
Erna asked what are pest.
Some of the youth outlined bees as pest, anything infesting on our vegetables and tress
Erna emphasised that bees are the friend ofthe garden, and said that people should plant crops
that attracts importantinsects in the garden. Some of the key things farmers should do to avoid
lots of pesticides is doing the following:
•Monoculture we should intercrop and do crop rotation
•We need to be confusing pest and dieses within the garden
•We need to balance nature in the garden
•Practice companion planting torepel and confuse pests or plant decoy plants to attract
pests away from your plants.
The brewer created is for soft boded insects like aphids, we need to spray two to three times a
week, dilute 1lt to 4lt of the mixture on the plant. As direct spraying can burn the crops and kill
them.
Day3 03 November 2023
Day three training was mostly theory and add up from the previous days training, and practical’s on value
additiontrainingto give youthmoreoptionsonhowto do diversifyinlivelihoodsoptions.Thefollowing
outlined trainingfocused on.
➢Climate change
➢Nutrition
➢Value addition training
Climate change
Climate change poses significant challenges to the agricultural sector, including unpredictable
weather patterns, increased pest and disease outbreaks, and water scarcity. To ensure the
sustainability of farming practices, it is crucial to adopt climate change adaptation strategies.
The MDF plays a vital role in introducing these strategies to the youth, who need to be aware of
the potential impacts of climate change on agriculture and the available techniques to mitigate
these effects. This can include promoting sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming,
agroforestry, and water conservation methods.
MDF asks what Climate change is. Most of the youth struggled to answer the question it seemed
language was a bit of bearer or they couldn’t comprehendthe concept of climate change. But
eventually they got it
Climate change has significant environmental, social, and economic implications. It poses risks
to ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources. It affects agriculture, water availability, and
food security. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities andincrease the frequencyand
intensity of coastal flooding. Extreme weather events disrupt livelihoods, because property
damage, and can lead to the displacement of communities. Climate change also exacerbates
existing social inequalities, as vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected.
Climate change- can manifest in varioussigns and changes within a community. Here are some
examples:
Changes
Impacts
Increased temperatures
Rising average temperatures and heatwaves
are common signs of climate change. This
can lead to more frequent and intense
heatwaves, affecting human health,
agriculture, and ecosystems.
rainfall patterns
Changes in precipitation patterns, leading
to more intense rainfallevents or prolonged
droughts. This can impactwater
availability, agriculture, and the risk of
floods or wildfires.
Changing ecosystems
Disrupt ecosystems by altering the habitats
of various plants and animals. For instance,
some species may experience shiftsin their
geographical ranges or changes in migration
patterns.
Rising sea levels
As global temperatures increase, ice caps
and glaciers melt, causing sea levels to rise.
This can lead to coastal erosion,saltwater
intrusion into freshwater sources, and
increased vulnerability to coastal flooding.
Extreme weather events
Climate change cancontribute to more
frequent and severe extreme weather
events such ashurricanes, cyclones, and
storms. These events can result
Speciesand biodiversityloss
Extinction or migration of certain species as
they struggle to adapt to changing
conditions.
These signs and changes are not exhaustive, andtheir impacts can vary depending on the
geographical location and local conditions of a community. It is important to monitor and address
growth, reproduction, and survival. This can lead to changesin species composition and
distribution, potentially disrupting entire ecosystems.
Climate-smart agriculture
Climate-smart agriculture - are practices and systems that aim tosustainably increase
agricultural productivity while adapting to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions. Adopting such systems is important for nations, especially farmers, for several
reasons: It's important to note that the consequences of altered rainfall patterns can vary
depending on regional andlocal factors. However, understanding and addressing these potential
consequences are crucial for effective water resource management, agriculture, and disaster
preparedness in the face of climate change. Agricultural productivity: Changes in rainfall
patterns can significantly affect agricultural productivity. Droughts canlead toreduced crop
yields, livestock losses, and increasedvulnerability to pests and diseases. Conversely, excessive
rainfall can damage crops, cause soil erosion, and hinder fieldwork.
The concept of Climate-smart agriculture helps farmers cope with the impacts of climate
change, such as extreme weather events, changing rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures. By
implementing practices like crop diversification and improved water management, farmers can
build resilience and reduce vulnerability.
Increased productivity: Climate-smart agriculture practices enhance agricultural productivityby
optimizing resource use and minimizing waste. This can lead to higher yields, improved food
security, and increasedincome for farmers. Environmental sustainability: By adopting climate-
smart agriculture, farmers can contribute to environmental sustainability. Practices like soil
conservation, efficient water management, andreduced use of synthetic fertilizers and
pesticides helppreserve natural resources, prevent soil erosion, and protect biodiversity.
Mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions: Climate-smart agriculture alsofocuses on reducing
greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities. By implementing techniques like
agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and integrated pest management, farmers can minimize
the carbon footprint of their farming practices. A new technic has been adopted to help farmers
mitigate and copy with the climate challenges they have within their respective communities,
the five fingers principles
•Finger number01 - Soil management: This involves practices like conservation tillage,
cover cropping, and crop rotation to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and enhance
nutrient cycling.
•Finger number02 - Water management: Smart farming techniques include efficient
irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and precision irrigation to optimize water use
and minimize water wastage.
•Finger number 03 - Crop management: This involves using improved crop varieties,
integrated pest management, and precision agriculture techniques to optimize crop
production, reduce pest and disease risks, and minimize the use of synthetic inputs.
•Finger number 04 - Soil fertility management: Smart farming practices focus on
sustainable soil fertility through techniques like organic matter addition, nutrient
recycling, and balanced fertilization.
•Finger number05 - Nature management: Smart farming emphasizes the protection and
enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystem services. This involves practices like
agroforestry, habitat conservation, and promoting beneficial insects for pest control.
By adopting these principles and practices, farmers can achieve sustainable agricultural
production, enhance resilience to climate change, and contribute to the overall well-being of
the environment. Mitigating climate change challenges in organic farming requires a holistic
approach that addresses both adaptation and mitigation strategies. It’s important to note that
climate change impacts can vary across regions, so it's crucial to tailor mitigation strategies to
specific local conditions and farming systems. Consulting with local farmers for further
information about local weather or climate can also provide valuable insights and knowledge-
sharing opportunities and better preparation for trainings.
Nutrition
Betty introduced daily food intake, she gave a pie example on what are glow, grow and go foods.
Types of food
What to eat
Glow- key Foods are rich in vitamins,
minerals, and antioxidants, which help
promote healthy skin
Fruits, vegetables, and certain types of
nuts.
Grow foods- are rich in protein, which is
essential for the growth andrepair of
tissues in our bodies
Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairyproducts,
legumes, and nuts.
Go foods- provide energy and fuel for our
dailyactivities. They are high in
carbohydrates
Grains, cereals, bread, pasta, rice, and
starchy vegetables like potatoes.
It is important to have a balanced diet that includes all three types of foods. While the specific
percentage of each category may vary depending on individual needs and dietary goals, a
general guideline is to aimfor a diet that consists of approximately 50% glow foods, 30% grow
foods, and 20% go foods.
Betty gave the youth a task to design daily food consumptions for the following age group
looking into what she has taught them about nutrition.
Age group
Breakfast
Lunch
Supper
45-60
Starch – sweet potatoes
Starch - Pap
Starch -Rice
Proteins - Milk Fresh milk
Proteins-Chickens
breast
Proteins- grilled
beef
Vegetables – steamed
carrots
Vegetables- Spinach
Vegetables- boiled
beetroot
Fruits – Apples
Fruits- orange
Fruits - grapes
Sugar
Erna asked why you add sugar to this age group as they are prone to most chronic dieses like
Sugar diabetic and high blood. You should be careful on what is being given to the elderly
Plate for 65 and above
Age group
Breakfast
Lunch
Supper
30-39
Soft porridge made
from mabele
Starch –Pap
milk and Veg
Beans and Rice
Mageu
Grapes
Butternuts
Fruits and banana
Sweet potatoes
Boiled eggs
Water
Plate for 65 and above
Age group
Breakfast
Lunch
Supper
Grandmother
and grand
Father
Soft Porridge with
milk
Pap, spinach ,
fish,
Starch -Rice
Brown bread, chess,
eggs and tea
Red meat
Cooked beans
Banana
Apple
Chicken
Fruits - grapes
Plate for 05 to years Children
Age group
Breakfast
Lunch
Supper
05 to 10 year
old babies
Slice of brown bread
and eggs
Cup of pap,
Spinach and
drum stick
Rice- green beans
and fish
Banana
Cup of milk
Pumpkins
Cup of tea
Apple
water
Why do we give babies soft porridge? Because their tummy is small so digestion of food will be
slow they need to eat mostly soft food.
Food Preservation
Diversification Avenues: Value Addition
One of the key avenues for diversification in agriculture is value addition. Value addition involves
transforming raw agricultural products into processedgoods with higher value andmarketdemand.
By introducing youth to value addition techniques, MDF aims to encourage youth to explore
entrepreneurial opportunities in agriculture. This can include activities such as food processing,
packaging, and branding, which not only add value to the products butalsocreate employment
opportunities and increase income for the youth. Training youth in value addition plays a crucial
role in adding value toindividual skills, especiallyfor theyouth facing joblessness in shrinking
economy of South Africa. Diversification skills, such as learning how tomakearchers, sweet chill,
and jams, can greatly enhance their relevance and abilityto sustain themselves byselling food
products. Byequipping the youth with the necessary training, they can not only acquire new skills
but alsocontribute tothe local economy bycreating their own businesses and generating income.
This enables them to become more self-reliant and less dependent on traditional job opportunities.
Some of thekey concept introduced to youthfor foodprocessingand preservation with ingredients
needed below:
Name of the
initiative
Ingredients
Measurements
Chilli sauce
Rice vinegar
Sugar
Chillies - red
Garlic
Ginger
Cornstarch/maize
Natural red food
coloring
250-ml
Small packet100g
100-200g
1 bunch
1 bunch
100g
1 small bottle
Vegetable Achar
Cauliflower,
Carrots,
Cabbage
Green beans
Coarse salt
White vinegar
Canola oil
Pickle masala
1 small
1 small packet
1 small
1 small packet
1 small packet
250ml
250
50-100g
Sweet potato bites
Spring onions
Flour
sweet potato
Egg
Freshcream (optional)
Baking powder
Oil for frying
1 small bunch
250g
500g
6
125ml
1 small packet
2l
Lemons
sugar
chopped melon
lemon juice
500g
3,5 – 4 kg
1kg
smallbottle of
lemon juice
Marmalade Jam
ginger
gelatine
Pepper, black
1 small bottle dried
1 small box
1 small bottle
Draying of
vegetable
Cauliflower
Tomatoes
Green pepper
Green beans
Sweet potatoes
Need to add the
vegetable for a
less than5 minutes
in boiling water.
Add vinegar for
keeping the colour
of the vegetables
Pesto
3 garlic cloves(minced
Parmesancheese
Pine nuts or chopped
walnuts or almonds or
other nuts
Olive oil
Mixed, freshherbs
packed
Salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon)
1/2cup
1/3cup
1/2cup
2 cups
¼ teaspoon
The training is teaching the youth to be more self-reliant and less dependent on traditional job
opportunities it is important for youth to be versatile as the social employment fund is not a
long term program so it may not always be readily available and not promised to be nonstop
funding. By developing diverse skillsand entrepreneurial abilities, youth can create their own
opportunities and become more resilient in the face of economic challenges. Self-reliance allows
youth to have greater control over their own financial stability and future. Relying solely on
traditional jobs leaves individuals vulnerable to layoffs, job insecurity, and limited income
potential. By diversifying their skills andbecoming self-reliant, youth can explore various
income-generating avenues and have greater flexibility in their career paths. If the youth
become less dependent on traditional jobopportunities promotes innovation and creativity. It
encourages young individuals to think outside the box, explore new industries or sectors, and
discover unique ways to contribute tothe economy. This can lead tothe development of new
businesses, products, and services, driving overall economic growth and job creation.Lastly,
self-reliance fosters a sense of empowerment and personal growth. becoming more self-reliant
and less dependent on traditional job opportunities empowers youth, enhances their financial
stability, promotes innovation, and fosters personal growth. It is a key aspect of preparing them
for the challenges and opportunities of the ever-changing job market.
In conclusion, it appearsthat some youth were overwhelmed by the training program. There
could be several reasons for this. It’spossible that they may not have been initially interested in
the agroecological aspects of the program. Some individuals may have joined the program with
different expectations or motivations, such as solely focusing on financial gains rather than the
opportunity to learn new skills. However, it'simportant to acknowledge that this kind of
program has numerousbenefits overall.
•It provides an avenue for skill sharpening and introduces participants tonew skills related
to agroecology
•Value addition products
•Climate adoption strategies
•Balanced diets.
These skillsare crucial in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and promoting
sustainable farming practices. While some participants may have felt overwhelmedproviding
ongoing support, mentorship, and creating a supportive learning environment can also
contribute to the success and effectiveness of the program. Overall, while there may be
challenges in engaging all participants, the program's positive impact on skill development and
knowledge enhancement in agroecologyis vital for the overall program