PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Currently, many impoverished women in Sohmkhele buy crops from large distributors and sell them at local markets as a means of supporting themselves and their families. These women are likely to be very interested in entrepreneurial opportunities and forming groups for support. To build upon the activity of soccer, we suggest developing more land for use as a community garden, which would be harvested and developed by a group of Sohmkhele’s women. The extra land necessary could be allotted by the Tribal Chief. The garden would serve to educate and train the community on more productive and sustainable farming; contour ridge farming, using a nutrient fixing legume and a cereal crop such as corn, produces food for harvest while replenishing the soil. As designers, we can only recognize the potential that this investment holds for Sohmkhele’s future; therefore we gave it a place in our proposal. Hinging the functions of soccer and farming, we developed a structure to serve this dual role as well as a site plan for organization. Recognizing its necessity, the Department of Agriculture has been fighting to improve farming practices in Kwazulu-Natal, and over time has developed a number of programs that seek to create educational opportunities and community gardens. We would look to these experts for assistance in organizing, funding, and developing the agricultural aspect of this proposal. We believe it is a perfect and necessary opportunity for their involvement.
It is clear from this project that spaces for community interaction can serve both the sport enthusiasts and those involved in the livelihood of a community.
I've been to South Africa, seen both sides of the development equation. In a country oppressed by apartheid for so long, there is a need for understanding the pressing social issues that can make an individual leave their birthplace for the large urban center in hopes of a better future. If communities can fend for themselves by mixing livelihood and educational & recreational opportunities, the better the chances of them flourishing in a positive framework with long-term aspirations in their future.
Projects like these serve the common good while bringing a stimulus for people to participate in the larger scheme of their development potential.
Hopefully the next stage will bring even more projects that will foster self-sufficiency while committing to further growth in other areas as well, i.e., health, higher education and family welfare.