Events for local farmers and food producers

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) actively facilitates events that enable local farmers and food producers to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate on sustainable agricultural practices. These initiatives are primarily coordinated through the iZindaba Zokudla project and the Centre for Ecological Intelligence (CEI), both of which are dedicated to fostering a more resilient and inclusive food system.

iZindaba Zokudla (Conversations about Food)

Established in 2013, iZindaba Zokudla is a multi-stakeholder engagement project aimed at creating opportunities for urban agriculture within Soweto’s food system. The project brings together urban farmers, entrepreneurs, academics, civil servants, and other stakeholders to collaboratively develop sustainable solutions for food production and distribution. One of the cornerstone events of this initiative is the Farmers’ Lab, a platform where participants engage in workshops and discussions on topics such as irrigation system design, seed library development, and biogas digester construction. These sessions are designed to be accessible and practical, equipping attendees with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement innovative agricultural techniques. The Farmers’ Lab has been instrumental in fostering a community of practice among local farmers, facilitating the exchange of ideas and experiences to enhance urban agriculture. 

Centre for Ecological Intelligence (CEI)

The CEI at UJ is committed to advancing sustainable urban agriculture through research, training, and community engagement. The centre has established integrated food systems across Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, and Mpumalanga, serving as living laboratories for both students and community members. These hubs offer experiential learning opportunities in areas such as agroecology, aquaponics, hydroponics, and the interconnection between water, energy, and food systems. By providing hands-on training and access to cutting-edge technologies, the CEI empowers local farmers and food producers to adopt sustainable practices that enhance food security and economic resilience. 

Accessibility and Participation

Both iZindaba Zokudla and the CEI are dedicated to inclusivity, striving to make their events and programmes accessible to a wide audience, including local farmers and food producers. While specific details regarding fees are not explicitly stated in the available sources, the emphasis on community involvement and empowerment suggests that many of these initiatives are offered at no cost or are subsidised to ensure broad participation. For instance, events like the Farmers’ Lab are designed to lower barriers to entry, enabling emerging entrepreneurs and farmers to engage without significant financial constraints. 

Through these comprehensive efforts, the University of Johannesburg demonstrates a strong commitment to facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration among local farmers and food producers, thereby contributing to the development of a sustainable and equitable food system.