---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 11 Dec 1995 14:37:23 SAST-2
From: Mohamed, N, Ms, Najma <MOHAMED@enviro.uct.ac.za>
To: london@sunsite.unc.edu
Subject: RE: ORGANIC URBAN AGRICULTURE: INFORMATION REQUIRED
Dear Sir/Madam
I am writing on behalf of a development organisation, the Rural Foundation who are in need of certain
information as background to a study they are undertaking for Abalimi Bezekhaya (The People's
Garden Centre) in the Cape Flats Township to the east of Cape Town. The study aims to establish
the cost:benefit ratio of organic urban micro vegetable gardens (from 20 - 60 m2) , ie: economic
viability taking cost:benefit into account. Abalimi annually supports approximately 10 000 such
gardens in the township around Cape Town (Khayelitsha, Nyanga, Guguetu etc.) by supplying low
cost resources, training and follow-up.
In South Africa, there is no positive data available which shows that urban micro vegetable gardens
operated are economically viable and as such, agricultural funding is increasingly channelled into large
scale chemical operations.
Abilimi Bezekhaya however, knows from experience that, given the skill,organic urban micro gardens
can produce far more energy in terms of food output than they consume in terms of cash, but we do
not have the hard data, based on relevant studies, to put this case forward.As a result, funding for
urban micro vegetable gardens may dry up, unless we can put a definite case forward soon.
We urgently request copies of any data or studies which demonstrate the cost:benefit success of
urban intensive vegetable gardens in general and urban micro vegetable gardens in particular.
Our study which has started in November 1995, seeks to establish with this data a model which can
be compared to thousands of micro vegetable gardens we are currently supporting in the townships.
We would like to measure the viability of the township gardens against the best models anywhere in
the world and establish what further steps need to be taken to bring the township gardens up to that
level.
I would appreciate it if you could send me the information to the University where I am working.
If you do not have any information, please send this fax to any organisation/contacts which could be
useful.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely
Mohamed N (Ms)
Department of Environmental & Geographical Science
Environmental Advisory Unit
Fax: 021: 650 3791
Email: Mohamed@enviro.uct.ac.za
Dear Mr Khan
RE : EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY IN THE RECYCLING PROJECT FOR THE ATHLONE AREA
I am a student at the University of Cape Town completing my honours in Environmental and Geographical Science . I recently read an article in the Athlone news detailing the likelihood of starting a recycling project in the area . I would be very interested to know more about such a project as I feel it is an important initiative and one which could find great favour in the community . I would also like to get involved in such a project , though I will be working at the Environmental Advisory Unit based at the University of Cape Town , the job is only half day and my afternoons will therefore be free to involved in such a project. I would regard involvement in such a project not only as valuable experience but also as an investment in the community of Athlone .
I could forward you a copy of my curriculum vitae or arrange for an interview if it is possible for me to become involved in this project . I majored in Environmental and Geographical Science and I have some experience in the field of environmental education as well as knowledge of general environmental issues such as waste management and recycling .
I hope you will take my application into serious consideration and will let me know as to your decision at your earliest convenience .
Thanking you ,
Yours sincerely
Ms Najma Mohamed
Ms Najma Mohamed
Department of Environmental and Geographical Science
University of Cape Town
Private Bag
Rondebosch
Cape Town , South Africa
E-mail : mohamed@enviro.uct.ac.za