Representatives from the KZN Department of Agriculture and One Life Church get busy with the community garden project. Picture: Supplied
In a bid to tackle hunger within their communities, inter-denominational churches in KwaZulu-Natal have joined forces with the provincial government to launch an initiative aimed at establishing vegetable gardens.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) spearheaded the effort, unveiling its One Church One Garden programme on Tuesday.
Religious leaders, together with traditional leaders, men, women, and children, congregated at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Maphumulo area to witness the inaugural church garden take shape.
The One Church One Garden initiative seeks to foster a culture of food production within churches, with the harvested vegetables to be shared among disadvantaged members of the congregation. Each church will undergo a needs assessment to tailor the support it receives, which includes the provision of tools, seeds, seedlings, extension services, and comprehensive training.
Churches will use available land and space to establish either backyard gardens or tactical gardens suited for confined spaces. Additionally, rooftop gardens and vertical farms have been recommended to maximise space efficiency.
Zibuyisile Dlamini-Khuzwayo, Mayor of Maphumulo Local Municipality, expressed gratitude for the department’s initiative, emphasising the significance of uniting various denominations during times of compassion.
She hailed the department's commitment to improving livelihoods and viewed the programme as a significant step towards eradicating hunger in the province.
MEC Super Zuma highlighted the inclusive nature of the One Church One Garden programme, stressing its focus on empowering women, child-headed households, individuals with disabilities, and the youth.
He outlined the importance of launching the initiative during Human Rights Month and the approaching Easter weekend, saying it was a unifying force among religious communities.
"This programme is close to my heart. We are in a good position to equip all churches with the necessary resources to kick-start their vegetable gardens. In a few months, we envision families benefiting directly from the produce of our labour,” said Mr Zuma.