Access to food security knowledge

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is actively engaged in disseminating food security knowledge and sustainable agricultural practices to local farmers and food producers, primarily through its Centre for Ecological Intelligence (CEI). The CEI offers a range of training programmes and initiatives designed to empower communities with the skills and technologies necessary for sustainable food production.

Centre for Ecological Intelligence (CEI)

The CEI is dedicated to advancing sustainable urban agriculture and food security. It provides teaching and training courses in various disciplines, including agroecology, aquaponics, aquaculture, hydroponics, and the interconnection between water, energy, and food systems. These programmes are designed to equip both students and community members with practical skills for sustainable food production. 

Community Engagement and Training

A core aspect of the CEI’s mission is community engagement. The centre has established integrated food systems at various sites across Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, and Mpumalanga. These sites serve as living laboratories and incubation hubs, offering experiential learning opportunities for local farmers and food producers. Through hands-on training in techniques such as aquaponics—a method combining hydroponics and aquaculture—participants gain valuable insights into sustainable farming practices. 

iZindaba Zokudla Project

UJ also supports the iZindaba Zokudla project, a multi-stakeholder engagement initiative aimed at creating opportunities for urban agriculture within a sustainable food system in Soweto. This project facilitates collaboration among urban farmers, entrepreneurs, academics, and civil servants to develop appropriate technologies and enterprises. Activities include the Farmers’ Innovation Lab, where participants engage in workshops on topics like irrigation system design and biogas digester construction, fostering practical skills and knowledge sharing. 

Access and Participation

While specific details regarding the cost of these programmes are not explicitly stated in the available sources, UJ’s initiatives are designed to be accessible to a broad audience, including local farmers and food producers. The emphasis on community involvement and empowerment suggests that these programmes are structured to accommodate participants from various socio-economic backgrounds, potentially offering free or subsidised access to training and resources.

Through these comprehensive efforts, the University of Johannesburg demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices among local communities, providing valuable knowledge, skills, and technologies to support local farmers and food producers.