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Number of Campaign Supporters : 882
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Mikal in North West

(10 October 2012)
The future of each person is directly linked to the quality of food we all consume.
Barbara in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(10 October 2012)
Start looking at your people and what they can do which will benefit everyone. Unemployment is causing major crime in our beatiful country! this is a good way or correcting that!
MacDonald in Limpopo

(10 October 2012)
What is lacking is an actual strategy to implement solutions!
Ewald in KwaZulu-Natal - All Areas

(10 October 2012)
Processed foods are cheap and do little to build and enhance immune systems. Home food gardens create jobs, provide nutritious fresh healthy food and herbs and medicinal plants add to the well being of all.
Don in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(09 October 2012)
This is a way to help Save the People, by the People, for the People.
Anne in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(09 October 2012)
Do something real to address food security and stewardship of the land; these are what matter.
Ariane in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(09 October 2012)
Buying from micro-farmers is keeping with the principle of subsidiarity, that is: use the smallest unit of production available for a more equitable society.
Alex in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(09 October 2012)
Please help the People of South Africa regain control of their lives and dignity by supporting local farmers. We all have a right to healthy food.
Laura in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(09 October 2012)
Russia has solved their starvation problem through family farming. They have given families 2.2 acres or 6.2 acres, tax free. These farms provide produce for the whole country of over 100 million people. They have only 110 days in the year for farming and, despite this, have solved the country's starvation issues. We can do that too with the help of the government.
Peter in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(09 October 2012)
As responsible Christians we are command by God to be caretakers of the earth in everything we do. This is why I adore your vision of looking after the poor in this manner. You have my full support.

Pastor Peter
Jon in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(09 October 2012)
The rich will drive the final nails into the coffin of Mother Earth.
Diana in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(09 October 2012)
It's a great way to uplift people and communities, a simple, possible way to rise above the cycle of poverty and hunger
M in KwaZulu-Natal (Durban)

(09 October 2012)
Thanks for this

I note it is very hard to find organic food in SA.

And can we at least have GMO foods marked so we have a choice..
georgina in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(29 May 2012)
none right now. i need to get more informaiton first.
Briar in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(01 April 2012)
I appeal to the government to set up a strategy to implement organic Family Farming in consultation with experienced role palyers.
Eloi in International

(16 January 2012)
Micro-farming is an real innovative way to fight poverty and hunger. I am impressed by the creative and effective work of South Africa facing these universal problems, that we might have to face in Europe in short time.
Bernelle in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(16 January 2012)
I'm interested in how we can make it easier to achieve micro-gardens without subsidies, I believe it is possible. In my research I am combining chemical engineering thinking with the food garden movement. I also want to create dialogue in an easy way through a twitter and facebook type development currenlty in development - #ifigrowza (If I grow SA). I believe we can achieve this even if government does not come on board.
Peter in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(15 January 2012)
Regrets Rob but in a useless way I did not properly hear this message from your original post. You are my hero. Dont get despondent ol'pal. Peter Meakin
Dylan in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(12 January 2012)
I fully agree- I am a masters landscape architecture student at UCT and believe that agriculture should form part of design in most, if not all design projects if at all possible.
Caryn in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(10 January 2012)
It is such a simple solution for a devastating problem. Logic should prevail.
Sakhiwo Toto in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(10 January 2012)
this campaign is a reflection of how local communityities should be encouraged to take responsibility for their livelihood. they have the inherent capacity to address poverty within their immediate families & communities, all they need is the necessary support to exersise this right. Government must go beyond policy formulation & start supporting existing initiatives.
Gert in

(09 January 2012)
Son of a gun, this is so hlefpul!
marion in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(09 January 2012)
We must support the micro-farming movement -if we are to avoid starvation. It is a national disgrace that in 2011 children were still dying from hunger in veld - when all it needs is a bit of land, some seeds, some water and a bit of know-how.
Francois in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(09 January 2012)
family farming on small plots can contribute to poverty alleviation!
George in Gauteng (Johannesburg)

(08 January 2012)
South Africa is one of the driest 30 nations on Earth - average >500mm rain per annum; world average is 800mm. Forecasts that with current warming trends, the average will drop 40% by 2050 - i.e. >300mm rain per annum.

Then, the awful legacy (and continuing) of mining (gold & coal) and industrial(Sasol, Eskom, etc) has impacted most seriously in polluting this declining resourse.

So, with an increasing population, less potable water and escalating transport and food prices, the future looks bleak for about 90% of our population.

Many, but certainly not enough of the other 10%,
are becoming aware. But, possibly 90% of the 10% - many politicians, some corporates, educators, to name a few - are not readily or effectively addressing the challenges staring the nation in the face.

The F&G Trust is facing this REALITY.
George in Gauteng (Johannesburg)

(08 January 2012)
South Africa is one of the 30 driest countries on Gaia earth - currently a national average of >500mm per annum; world average 800mm. By 2050 the RSA average is expected to drop to >300mm, a 40% decline as trends continue unabated. The awful legacy of mining (gold & coal in particular) is seriously affecting availability of potable water. Rainwater capturing, use of grey water, recycling via wetland processes (natural & man-managed) and conservation of this vital resourse has become an absolute necessity, not a nice-ity. Micro-farming (including urban agriculture)are, possibly the only means of human survival for the majority of our people.

The Farm & Garden Trust initiative adresses REALITY - not the cuckoo dreamworld of maintaining privilege and control, at any cost, of many politicians, corporates and the general unawareness by the 10% economically fortunate.

There is speculation that if things do not change soon, a 2011 type Tunisian or Egytian revolution, will occur in the RSA. The social-media is becoming more powerful than parliament.
Frances in Gauteng (Johannesburg)

(05 January 2012)
Its so valuable. People need to plant to feed themselves.
Di in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(05 January 2012)
Micro farming means that people can work and feed themselves and others with dignity and not have to rely on government hand outs.
It's the way to go
Therina in KwaZulu-Natal - All Areas

(05 January 2012)
Very good idea
Emma in International

(04 January 2012)
This project is one of the precious models of what is truly in line with any kind of future on planet earth.
Hettie in International

(04 January 2012)
We need many, many more Abalimis, and nobody will have to go hungry!
Tony in Gauteng (Johannesburg)

(04 January 2012)
We can solve all our problems with small gardens. Nutrient rich, locally produced food, heals physically and mentally, producing a better society.
Sue in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(04 January 2012)
Poor or not poor, growing the family's own organic produce on its doorstep is the way not only to good health, but also supports sustainable living and, with hard work & support can lead to prosperity. I've seen and lived this myself. I wish for every SA family to experience this.
Avril in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(04 January 2012)
creating community grows psychologically healthy children. Creating community food gardens grows physically healthy children. Whatever we do must be for the children who are our responsibility.
Glenn in Western Cape (All Areas)

(04 January 2012)
If food security programmes, such as those that AB has pioneered, are not prioritised by government, the reality is that hunger will only drive further social instability which will have serious negative consequences on the entire social fabric.
Sam in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(04 January 2012)
I am 100% in support of micro-farming. It makes such complete sense. We need more farmers - more people who have farming skills. And small-scale sustainable farming is the way of the future. come on already! make food for all a reality. it's entirely possible.
Howard in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(04 January 2012)
Abalimi is a seminal initiative to bring food production back into the hands of the people, and to ensure a future for wholesome food.
Jonny in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(04 January 2012)
Food security through micro-farming and greening of residential areas is critical to adaptation to climate change across south africa as well as mitigation by increasing absorption of atmospheric carbon
John in Unknown

(04 January 2012)
Growing one's own food increases a person's dignity and independence. It also fosters community spirit.
Marilyn in KwaZulu-Natal (Durban)

(04 January 2012)
Micro gardening is a way to ensure healthy nutrition and even a livelihood for many, many of South Africa's people! We should be driving this effort with great vigor in every province of our country!
Jantina in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(04 January 2012)
Micro-farming is an amazing initiative that provides people with the tools to help themselves. In addition, it reduces CO2 production by keeping the centers of production and consumption close together, teaches people valuable skills and ensures a steady supply of healthy vegetables.
ELLEN in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(22 December 2011)
WE ALL NEED TO PROTECT OUR EARTH
Sandra in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(22 December 2011)
Let's use land productively to improve the quality of our lives. In planning townships, always make space for food gardens - make them a way of life. They're about so much more than food, they're about the life of the community and our connection with the earth.
Ineke in Western Cape - Overberg

(22 December 2011)
I urge the South African government to take note of the achievements of Abalimi Bezekhaya, which are phenomenal, study its model and involve the Farm & Garden Trust in setting out a strategy to replicate and support this and other successful micro-farming models.
Rosemary in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(22 December 2011)
I have seen women and men whose lives have been turned around by micro-farming and the work of Abalimi Bezekhaya: they put nutritious food on their tables; they have self-confidence and hope. This is the way forward for food security.
Mike in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(22 December 2011)
Read "Small is Beautiful" by EF Schumacher - will change the way you see solutions, work and the world.
Susanne in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(22 December 2011)
The way to go in order to foster local self-reliance and hands on "sustainable" life choice
Melody in Gauteng (Johannesburg)

(01 June 2011)
If everyone grew their own food, no-one need go hungry
Patrick in International

(14 February 2011)
The alotments in the UK are small garden sized plots which are worked by people who enjoy producing their own produce as a hobby. There is usually a long waitng list for alotments and they consequently worked hard intensivly by those who are really keen on what they are doing - producing mainly organic fresh flowers & veg for their families and friends. The quantities they produce out of their small alotments is quite remarkable, and this South African project has every chance of winning in every way. Our set up here in the UK was started during the First world war when food was rationed, and it has gone on to become part of our heritage.
Georgina in Western Cape (All Areas)

(07 February 2011)
We all need to grow our own food - we need organic food, free from chemicals. We need to empower our people.
Kayla in Eastern Cape - Jeffrey's Bay

(27 January 2011)
The more people become self sufficient, the more the stress on government to feed a starving population is reduced. Government will save the national coffers millions of rands if people were not hungry. Teaching people to grow their own food is pracical and simple and can be applied on a grass roots level. Sometimes the simplest answers are the best.
Simone in Gauteng (Johannesburg)

(27 January 2011)
We don't need food to be sprayed to death, to travel thousands of kilometers and to be flash frozen. Let's each grow what we can and crop share!

This is an African country full of starving, jobless people...let's at least empoer them to feed themselves and reduce the levels of diabetes, heart disease and malnutrition in SA caused by the over-consumption of cheap nasty food!...

We have the power people!
Laurel in International

(27 January 2011)
This makes very good sense....I am hoping to make some sort of physical contribution to this type of movement in the next couple of years.
Wendy in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(25 January 2011)
People growing some of their own food will help with poverty alleviation in our country, ultimately making the job of government easier. Please support micro-farming plans.
Haidee [DUPLICATE] in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(20 January 2011)
Too much money and policy space is given to agribusiness agendas while real solutions to hunger, poverty and our environmental dilemma, such as microfarming are ignored. Government strategy must shift urgently. Why doesn't the DoA policy on Organic agriculture deal with microfarming?
Jean in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(17 January 2011)
This is GREAT news!!!! If Gov does NOT get this off the ground, then they clearly do not have their voters interests at heart! This is perfect to feed the masses.
Karen in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(09 January 2011)
This is the ultimate sustainability concept!
Candice in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(07 January 2011)
Viva Microfarming Revolution!

This is a movement which provides solutions to so many issues at once : social, physical, nutritional and environmental well-being. No toxins, near-zero emissions, affordable, empowering - Simple, elegant, effective.

Thank you Abalimi Bezekhaya for bringing hope, beauty and a better life.
Shamim in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(04 January 2011)
From a health point of view, commercial farming uses too many pesticides, leading to air, water and soil pollution and well as contaminating the produce.
From a poverty and unemployment point of view, growing one's own food firstly, lessens your hunger and provides nourishment, places less reliance on external (probably low paid) employment, may reduce crime (i.e. not having to steal food or kill or steal items to sell for food), occupies unemployed adults and youth, teaches a skill and patience, and can become self-sustaining.
Tracey in KwaZulu-Natal - All Areas

(25 December 2010)
Plant a garden and feed yourself and your family for a lifetime!
sherene in KwaZulu-Natal - All Areas

(23 December 2010)
Increasing awareness of micro farming through education programs, and emphasising the importance of eating organic food,will assist in eradicating hunger. We can also teach city dwellers to grow veggies on their verandahs and window sills in pots. This can only be successful by strong government implementation.
Thea in North West

(19 December 2010)
Survival and food provision done with pride!
Rachel in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(18 December 2010)
This is an awesome plan! Viva micro!
Indira in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(17 December 2010)
Family farming produces the best tasting organic vegetables without factory farming and it provides people with a meaningful livelihood.
Val in Gauteng (Johannesburg)

(17 December 2010)
Most of these initiatives tend to be exclusive to the Cape. They need to be extended to Gauteng too.
Erica in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(17 December 2010)
I have seen how the poorest of communities benefit from being able to produce their own healthy and nourishing food. Help make people independent and give them hope and nutrition.
Robert in Eastern Cape - Jeffrey's Bay

(16 December 2010)
come on ANC, help us the people to grow our own food and feed our families properly, enough bread and eggs.
Michelle in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(14 December 2010)
Micro-farming empowers people and provides them with nutrition at a minimal cost. Raising education and awareness as well as governmental financial of micro-farming in South Africa is essential.
Johnny in International

(13 December 2010)
Like millions of others around the world, I'm deeply upset by the encroachment of big biotech with its patents,
expanding take over of seed and monopolies over
"food" from seed to table
which results in food
dictatorship, poor yields, defective crops
tied scientifically to
eco and human health damage, and the infringement on farmers'
rights.

The decisions made by the
South African government
will speak volumes as to
whose interests they
truly represent.

I implore the South African government to not cater to these massive monopolies.

Take a stand for food
independence, sustainability, the environment and the
health of communities in
your land.

Fully support and give
priority to micro-farming
initiatives.
sue in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(11 December 2010)
This is a fantastic initiative and should be implemented for the good of all.
alex in Eastern Cape - All Areas

(11 December 2010)
beautiful work, thank you for us all! Yes i want to help!Let me know how!
Tony in Gauteng (Johannesburg)

(10 December 2010)
Growing our own food is healthy and empowering.
Donna in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(10 December 2010)
Please think of our future. Teaching people to feed themselves is the most empowering thing one can do. No one should have to starve or steal to survive.
Damyanti in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(10 December 2010)
Being self sufficient is absolutely imperative. Educating one person can educate a whole family with ripple effect.
Estelle in Eastern Cape - All Areas

(10 December 2010)
I strongly support this initiative and urge the government to implement microfarming in every nook and cranny of SA. Growing your own food brings a sense of satisfaction, pride, contact with the earth,a healthier diet and empowerment to people who have felt disempowered.
Nicola in Western Cape (All Areas)

(10 December 2010)
I wholeheartedly support this innitiative.
Leslie in Limpopo

(10 December 2010)
Thank you for you efforts and willingness to do something simple to create enhancement, survival skills and resources. Micro gardens not only provide needed food, they give people joy, sense of community, hope, nutrition, skills, sharing and caring. Not to mention the reduced hospital and clinic costs associated with a healthier population. thank you for doing your part to make a difference in the lives of many. Allocate the necessary funds to support micro gardens in all of South Africa now now.
Chris in International

(10 December 2010)
the following letter which encapsulates my own views as it very important to be self sufficient particularly in hard times.
Margaret in International

(10 December 2010)
The growing international body of citizens who understand the critical important of developing sustainable, community based agriculture that sustains local needs over agri-corporate greed, will be watching closely to see whether or
not the South African government supports such
projects or caters to
big agri-business interests.
james in International

(09 December 2010)
just do it, or suffer the consequences.
Lindi in North West

(09 December 2010)
Surely you know that the world wide famine is closer than comfort! What are YOU going to eat? Kindly wake up to the fact that food comes from growing it and that those growing it NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Jurgen in Gauteng - All Areas

(09 December 2010)
Lets feed our nation nutritius and healthy food to sustain life for all as nature intended.
Sharon in Gauteng - All Areas

(09 December 2010)
Sounds like a fantasic way to empower people. Plus I am all for organinc produce.
Sonica in Gauteng (Johannesburg)

(09 December 2010)
When we empower people to feed themselves we help build a stronger nation. No one needs to go hungry in this fertile land of ours! Help us to help ourselves.
MELISSA in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(09 December 2010)
All the best
Ray in Western Cape - Knysna

(09 December 2010)
It's simple really. It's critical and empowering.
Niki in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(09 December 2010)
Micro-farming gives dignity and purpose to those who practice it.

People who feed themselves do not burden diminishing Government coffers!
Pieter in KwaZulu-Natal (Durban)

(08 December 2010)
Go!
Ian in KwaZulu-Natal - All Areas

(08 December 2010)
I run a little Agri-Agency that services Agriculture in Southern Natal and Eastern Cape.
My Biological knowledge of farming can be put to use for our own nation. i see people living on the "egde" al the time, when this is so unneccessary. just a little assistance and basic garden work would put many family's in a healthier state of mind and stronger physical body scenario. People who act for themselves will encourage more and more to get off their "poor mind sets" and become active and less burden some on the state due to their better nourishment and state of health. When vivisting a country like Ugands this is very evident and the local people work at their crops and feed themselves and sell produce to feed others. This attitude has bought about the founding of one of the best coffe producing Co-Op's in the world.Pleae keep me posted in your progress.
Maritza in Gauteng (Johannesburg)

(08 December 2010)
No To Monsanto!!!!!
Paola in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(08 December 2010)
This is the means to bridge the poverty divide, to emancipate all from economic servitude, and free those unable to participate in the economy, from a hunger, malnutrition and the associated disempowerment.
Rachel in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(07 December 2010)
Small is beautiful and health is key.
Todd in International

(07 December 2010)
This seems a laudable initive,and useful anodyne to the S.A. goverments determination too whore themselves to multi national mass posioning bio wennies.
certianly priority must be given to these approachs.
Hendrik in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(07 December 2010)
'We are this season's people; there are no other people this season; if we blow it: it's blown' (Stephen Gaskin): I can't but conclude that we're well on the way to blowing it.
luke in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(07 December 2010)
this is exactly the kind of projects we need to see more of. local food produced by local people will improve nutritional demands and food security. not only that but the creation of local markets and the moving away from the dependence of large supermarket chains will save money and move people away from unhealthy suger\fat based diets towards healthyer more sustainable diets. VIVA F and G Trust!!!
Debbie in Gauteng (Johannesburg)

(07 December 2010)
This is the best possible vision for the future of farming in Africa, let's help get people back onto the land and empowered with the ability to grow their own food and charter their own fate. Local businesses need to buy from these small micro farmers and in so doing assist with redistributing wealth from the suburbs to the poorer areas rather than capital getting stuck in the middle with industry. Let them give us good food and let us give them good money!
Louis in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(07 December 2010)
Small, organic farming can not only provide livelihoods, but also feed the nation. Get away from agri-industry and empower and feed the nation!
Marise in Gauteng (Pretoria)

(07 December 2010)
Give a man a fish and you feed him for one meal... teach a man to fish and he is able to feed himself forever
Grace in Western Cape (Cape Town)

(07 December 2010)
Food security is a key priority for sustainability in rural and urban areas! Please support micro-farmers to make this happen.
Grace
Rhys in Gauteng (Johannesburg)

(07 December 2010)
The poverty in Afica is an oportunity to see the realisation of this dream.