ProgressreportoftunnelinstallationintheiSimangalisoWetlandPark
Introduction
Climate change has been recognized for decades, and its impacts are being felt globally.
Temperatures are rising, oceans are warming, and natural disasters such as hurricanes,
cyclones, tornadoes, andfloods arebecoming more frequent, destroying homes and taking lives
worldwide. Unpredictable weather patterns negatively affect the agricultural sector globally,
with farmers facing severe challenges as productivity declines. Tower gardens and shade
tunnels have proposed and are being experimented with in the fightagainst climate change.
Asthe summer season approaching, the field team is working hard to put up the 15 tunnels
across the threehubs. Atotal of 14 tunnels have been put up across the three hub area; 5 each
in Mabibi and Nkovukeni households, 3 in KwaDapha households and 1 at the hub. The field
teamtogether with hub supervisors, is using baseline information and existing criteria; (i)
women headed households (ii) grant dependant households (iii) people who are already
farming; to decide where interventions aremost needed. The YES group have been invaluable
in helping with tasks such as digging of trenches, collecting of materials and setting up of
tunnels.
Mabibi Climate ChangeAdaptation (CCA) workshop
Mabibi is a small community in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, also known as Zululand, situated in
a wetland and a proclaimed national park underthe management of iSimangaliso and
Ezemvelo. The community consists of smallholder farmers with livestock such as cattle, goats,
and traditionalchickens. They also have household gardens where they grow vegetables and
field crops like maize, sweet potatoes, cassava, and nuts. However, production has declined
due to intense heat and reduced rainfall. Some farmers have stopped tending to their gardens
because crops are either not growing or are spoiled by too much rain. Others face pest issues
in their gardens.
The purpose of this workshop is to train the YES youth group and Hubstaff on innovative
ways to assist thecommunity in adapting to climate change. First, they must understand the
concept of climate change, how it occurs, and how to mitigate its effects.
Past, Present, and Future
Past
•About 90% of households used to grow watermelons, but now it's difficult.
•Imbuya(indigenous spinach) and iskilwane (wild tomatoes) used to grow in grazing
lands.
•Indigenous fruits likeBonsi, Amathundulula, Amavilo, Inonsane, Amatemela, and
Amadongwa thrived in the park.
•Sugarcane was also widely grown.
Present
•Temperatures in the community are rising.
•Isibhayi Dam is decreasing in volume, making it harder to catch fish.
•Springs within the park are drying out.
•Rainfall is inconsistent, and pumpkins are rotting before maturity due to extreme
weather fluctuations.
•Tornadoes have been reported along the coast.
•Alien invasive species are spreading in the park.
•Wildlife in Mabibi is relocating as their food sources are disappearing.
Future
•Droughts will become more severe.
•Lake Sibhayi may dry up completely.
•Both commercial and subsistence farming may cease.
•Livestock production will decline due to drought and poor grazing.
•National economic collapse and widespread famine could occur.
•Unemployment, poverty, and crime will increase.
•Tourism in the area will decline.
•Indigenous plants and herbs will go extinct in the wetland, and invasive species will
take over the park.
Scientific Presentation on Climate Change
SAEON presented research on climate change impacts in South Africa, focusing on recent
events like tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods. The youth group connected the presentation to
their own observations, including a recent tornado along the coast that damaged households in
Enkovukeni. The presentation also highlighted the declining water levels in Lake Sibaya,
exacerbatedbynearby plantations.
Seasonality Diagrams
Two groups were tasked with creating charts to depict current rainfalland temperature levels.
The firstgroup found that temperatures have been steadily rising, shortening winters and
disrupting seasonalpatterns. The second group noted thatwhile rainfall seems to follow
traditional seasonal patterns, it is less effective, with shorter, less beneficial showers.
Figure 1: Groups presenting their seasonality diagrams
Possible Solutions by the YES Youth
•Reduce the number of plantations (such as Gumtrees) in the area
•Promote the clearing of alien invasive species
•Establish firebreaks and encourage fire monitoring
•Replant indigenous trees and plants that have disappeared
•Reduce livestock density to prevent overgrazing and erosion
•Stop the burning of veld (grassland) in the community
Climate-Resilient Agricultural Practices
Following the workshop, the focus shifted to agricultural practices aimed at combating climate
change. Many community members have stopped growing crops due to high temperatures,
droughts, and pest problems. Those still trying faceadditional challenges, including lack of
water. Practices such as deep trenches, micro-tunnels, and tower gardens are being introduced
to help mitigatethese issues.
The YES youth and Hub staff will monitor the implementation of thesepractices, adjusting
based on the needs of each field. For example, a farmer with a steep field might implement
contour farming, while those facing water scarcity may benefit from micro-tunnels or trench
beds.
Demonstration Day
On 18 September 2024,a demonstration took place at the household of Hlengiwe Makhanya,
who metthe criteria for showcasing climate-resilient farming methods. The YES youth
observed the construction of micro-tunnels, whichbegan with digging deeptrenches for
planting beds. Layers of green and dry matter, along with cattle manure and soil, were used to
create fertile planting beds. After constructing the tunnel, seedlings of diverse crops—such as
beetroot, kale, spinach, and herbs—were planted to promote biodiversity, which helps control
pests. Mulching was applied to regulatesoil temperature and moisture and to improve soil
fertility.
Figure 2: YES team preparingtrenches at Hlengiwe Makhanya’s
Three tunnels have been installed inthis village, benefiting Nomahlathi Thwala, Sibongile
Ntuli, andHlengiwe Mkhanya, all ofwhom meetthe criteria asheads of their households.
Materials had to be sourced from outside the households. The heads requestedmanure from
neighbors with livestock, and the field team and YEShelped loadand transport it. The same
was done for organic matter, with a large pile from grass cutting and maintenance at the hub,
which was transported in two truckloads to the sites and used to fill the trenches.
Nomahlathi is an elderly woman living with her grandchildren, with grants being the
household's main source of income. When the field team arrived, she was emotional, pointing
to her children'sgraves in the yard. Her eldest son passed away while halfway through building
her house. The tunnel will allow her to grow fresh vegetables year-round, complementing her
field crops like peanuts and maize.
Figure 4: Nomahlathi Thwala delighted at her tunnel where she will be growingvegetebales
Figure 3: YES team putting up its rst ever tunnel
Hlengiwe Mkhanya, another household head, is part of the "missing middle" and supplements
child support grants by making mats. She has tried farming for household consumption, but
livestock have posed challenges. The introduction ofa shade tunnel will improve her farming
efforts by keeping livestock out and enabling year-round cultivation. Of the three households,
Sibongile’s soil was the poorest—extremely sandy with little organic matter. Her trencheswere
filled with themost organic material and manure.
The Ntulifamily relies heavily on their garden, which has dark, fertile soil due to silt and
organic matter buildup.It was theonly gardenwhere we foundearthworms. Located atthe
lowest point of the property, the garden
retains moisture, and Sibongile has
dug two pits tocollect water for
irrigation. When we arrived, she was
growing a variety of crops, including
spinach, onions, peppers, cabbage, and
peanuts. Sibongile also collects
incema, a type of grass, to make and
sell mats to supplement her income
from childsupport grants and her
pension.
Figure 5: Tunnel mulched with leaves at Hlengiwe Makhanya's
Figure 6: Dark soils with organic matter and earthworms at the Ntuli household with team digging trenches
In the absence of field staff, the Mabibi YES team along with extension officers based at the
hub visited Nonkululeko Makhanya and Sibongile Mbonambi; selected participants who fit the
criteria; and dug trenches. Upon the field team return to Mabibi on the 14th of October 2024, a
trench was put up at Sibongile Mbonambi where kraal manure was collected from a nearby
household. Poles were bent and left at Nonkululeko Makhanya’s and the field team managed
to successfully put up her tunnel.
Figure 7: Sibongile Ntuli's tunnel done and planted with seedlings
Figure 8: Mabibi YES team's rst independently put up tunnel at Nonkululeko Makhanya's
Nkovukeni
Bhekiwe, Vusi, and Nomusa Ngubanewere
identified as among the most vulnerable.
Bhekiwe now lives in a one-room structure
madeof iron sheeting with her daughter and
grandchild, after their housewas severely
damaged by a storm. The fresh vegetables
from the tunnel will be a valuable sourceof
nutrition. Initially skeptical, Bhekiwe was
pleased and amazed once the structure was
completed, appreciating the protection from
birds and monkeys. Although water remains a
challenge, she is confident that the tunnelwill
make more efficient use of the little water she
can access, benefiting both her crops and her
family.
Figure 9: House destroyed by the storm at Bhekiwe Ngubane's
Figure 10: Bhekiwe marvelling at the tunnel with drip kits
supplying water to crops
Nomusa Ngubane
The search for manure in Nkovukeni
proved difficult. After digging
trenches, the field team spent a large
part of the day collecting manure and
organic matter from nearby
households, which delayed the
tunnel’s completion. However, the
trenches were filled and raised above
ground level.The following day, the
team split into two groups, with one
setting up Nomusa Ngubane’s tunnel
and the other digging trenches for Vusi
Ngubane. Nomusa’s tunnel was
installed in about twohours,
showcasing the team’s growing
efficiency and attention to detail.
On Friday, September 27, 2024, the teamvolunteered to install Vusi Ngubane’s tunnel
independently to test their capability withoutexternal assistance. They first filled the trenches
with manure and organic matter, then assembled thegalvanized steel frame and attached the
nets. The team worked collectively and successfully completed Mr. Ngubane’stunnel, sending
pictures to the lead field staff to show their achievement
Figure 11: Tunnel at NomusaNgubane homestead
In the absence of field staff, the YES team in Nkovukeni visited two more households where
they prepared trenches and gathered material to makeup the beds prior putting up the structure.
On Thursday the 10thof October 2024,the group splitinto two team and visited the two
households to put up the tunneland did so successfully.
The Enkovukeniteam has been one of the two wonderful YES group working with in tunnel
installation. On Thursday the 10thof October 2024, the group successfully put upits second
tunnelindependently getting each time they do. Thegroup was ableto self-manage and had
Figure 12: Nkovukeni YES team putting up tunnel on their own at Vusi Ngubane
Figure 13: Stunning work by the team at Gloria Zwane's
the tunnel complete in a space of three hours at Khulekani Mthembu’s with one done earlier at
Gloria Zwane.
Figure 14: Snapshot of the team's day at Khulekani Mthembu's
KwaDapha
Things have not been easy withthis community regarding participation in workshops
especially to with the community with regards to beneficiaries. A resolution was taken to look
through the baseline data and select deserving households based on the developed criteria. As
things stand, three tunnels have been put up in the community and one at the hub.
For Khululiwe Sibiya; affectionately known as MaZungu Sibiya; the tunnel will be a great
additionto her garden fenced by iron sheeting andnetting. She is keen ongrowing more
vegetables to sell in KwDapha and surroundingvillages. She already reckons that the shade
tunnelwill do better than her garden due to the organicmatter buried in thesoil providing
nutrients and storing water in the soil. She is very much keen on seeing and trying out newly
introduced crops in kale and the numerous herbs she is not used to.
Figure 15: Tunnel put up at Khululiwe Sibiya alongside her iron sheet and drabs of net fenced garden
The trio of Thabile, Zandile Mthembu and SibongileMthombeni work together in a field in a
low lying area with a borehole where they grow vegetables for their families. Although they
have separate plots, the triowork together buying seedlings, collecting water and manure to
produce fresh vegetables. They were also among theten farmers who tried out tower gardens
they each have in their plots. Thetrio agreed to share the one tunnel as another practice to
improve their cropping activity which they will share among themselves. The reason for having
it at Thabile’s homestead was based on the proximity to borehole which is their only stable
water source. Thabile also had chicken litter and organic matter in grass and leaves readily
availableon site that they used to amend fertility. The chicken litter was from a combination
of traditional chickens and broilers that she grows from day olds and sells locally.
Figure 16: KwaDapha team mastering tunnel at Thabile Doris Tembe's
Table1: List of tunnel beneficiaries
Area
Tunnels put up
Mabibi
Nomahlathi Thwala
Hlengiwe Makhanya
Sibongile Ntuli
Sibongile Mbonambi
Nonkululeko Makhanya
Nkovukeni
Bhekiwe Ngubane
Nomusa Ngubane
Vusumuzi Ngubane
Gloria Zwane
Khulekani Mthembu
KwaDapha
Nomusa Manzini
KwaDapha Hub
Thabile Temabe, Zandile Mthembu, Sibongile Mthombeni
Khululiwe Sibiya
Note: The lists were done suing the baseline data spreadsheet and working with hub supervisors
Next steps
The field team is setto put up the last tunnel in KwaDapha and the see to the installation of
drip kits enabling the households to use greywater thus reducing thestress and need for fresh
water while stretching the already available water as much as possible. Theteam is also tasked
with monkey proofing the tunnels by installing doors that will be locked.
Aseries ofworkshopswill also follow looking at pest and disease control, seed saving to enable
farmers to keep their own seed thus reducing thecosts of buying seeds as well as seedling
production from their own seed. Soilfertility management will alsobe key as pests anddiseases
takeopportunity in ailing crops; organic teas and brewsand management of crops through a
range of herbs and combination of crops that compliment each other will be crucial.