Food is good. So is sustainability. And the Sustainable Farm Project at the base of the Lubombo mountains near Siteki, Eswatini combines the best of both! The purpose of this project is triple fold.
1. The farm provides fresh, nutrient-dense food.
More than 30% of the population in Eswatini is affected by HIV. Providing our neighbors and communities with healthy, fresh food to those with HIV/AIDS is vital; it is necessary to maintain strength, energy and a healthy immune system. In addition to our neighbors, the farm also provides food for area care points that serve orphaned and vulnerable children in our community.
2. The farm is demonstrating and teaching sustainable farming techniques.
Since eSwatini has experienced massive drought throughout the past decade, we have implemented a farming technique called aquaponics — a method using fish to fertilize water that gravity-feeds into water beds with plant floating on top. The plants clean the water, and it is then pumped back into the fish tank. Because the same water is being recycled, this method of farming uses 90% less water than traditional farming and is also an organic and compact growing method.
3. The farm creates a revenue stream and employment opportunities for people in our community.
In eSwatini, over half of adult individuals are unemployed. Because of the high unemployment rates, many people resort to unethical and damaging ways of making money to provide for their families. The farm currently provides steady, ethical employment for six people in our community and also provides an in-country revenue stream.
eSwatini Updates
After our OHA Water Relief Campaign, we received enough donations to service our current well in eSwatini, which will aid with pressures from the drought. Excess funds have been allocated to our staff’s salaries.
Current farm-focused projects & fundraising goals surround:
- Staff Salaries
- Staff Meals
- Fuel & Vehicle Maintenance
- Install Electricity System
- Automated Irrigation
- Maize
Last updated October 15, 2020. Please email info@oneheartafrica.org for ways to get involved.
