Nyandano Farming Cooperative is an organic farming project near Tshulu Camp run by four farmers from the village of Tshianswane: Mr. Munyai Calvin, Mr. Ramashila Ntshavheni Obed, Mrs Munyai Mukondi, and Mrs Khalishi Norah.

 

As lack of water is the most pressing challenge facing farmers in the rain shadow area to the north of the Soutpansberg mountains, the group is experimenting with a technique called circle farming. Circle farming irrigates plants through an underground drip system such that water is not lost to evaporation. This technique was introduced by Andrew Brook-Smith who leads the Limpopo Branch of the Organic Farms Group (www.organicfarmsgroup.com). The farm will offer a continuous supply of vegetables for local people and provide Tshulu Camp and Tshulu Caterers with fresh organic produce.

 

The Nyandano Project hopes to increase food security in the Ha-Makuya area by demonstrating the high yield possible from circle farming. Circle farming makes it possible to irrigate enough vegetables to feed a household using only 36 liters of water three times per week. As it is possible to carry two extra 20 liter water canisters from a water source three times a week, this method of irrigation is viable for individual householders. Circle farming requires few materials and little maintenance, which also make it viable for households to use in the long run. Moreover, circle farming allows for a significantly longer growing season than would normally be possible, which will allow community members more access to fresh produce.

 

The circle farming initiative at Tshulu Camp was funded by Aliza Levine and Rebecca Thal from the University of Chicago using an a grant from Davis Projects for Peace. See their report (www.davisprojectsforpeace.org/project.php?project=300)

and photos of the beginning of the project.