Unlocking the secrets to sustainable farming -- cultivating eco-friendly practices!

Eco-farming weaves together cutting-edge science and innovative practices while profoundly respecting the natural world and its rich biodiversity. This harmonious approach results in vibrant farming methods that produce nutritious food and promote our ecosystems' health. Emseni Farming, in Kranskop, KwaZulu-Natal, is at the forefront of this movement. Revered as a pioneer in sustainable and eco-conscious agriculture, Emseni leads various agricultural projects designed to safeguard the soil, preserve precious water resources, and combat climate change. With every initiative, they create a flourishing environment that nurtures the land and the communities it sustains.

In line with its sustainability objectives, Emseni has diversified its operations over the years. Its agricultural activities include cultivating avocados and various fruits, a dairy farm, composting, and the hydroponic production of lettuce and peppers. They utilise peaceful and environmentally friendly methods in their farming practices. Beehives placed among the avocado orchards help with pollination and produce honey.

The small plants in the greenhouses are cultivated in coco peat grow bags placed on special gutters that keep them off the ground. The farm uses greenhouse waste, such as old coir bags, pruning waste, and removed plants, to create compost. This compost is returned to the agricultural projects, benefiting the avocado orchards and improving the soil structure.

Emseni has developed a sustainable farm to ensure food security that positively impacts the local remote community and future generations. The farm promotes job creation and skills development across various areas, from plant germination to packaging. The farm operates as a vital community-centered initiative and is the largest employer in its surrounding region. The individuals working here earn a fair wage, allowing them to provide for their families with pride and security. Given the scarcity of job opportunities in the locality, the numerous projects spearheaded by Emseni serve as a lighthouse of hope and prosperity for the community.

Locals play an active role in the farm's continuous development and its diverse initiatives. Specifically, the program offers comprehensive training sessions for local farmers and provides them with high-quality seedlings to enhance their agricultural practices. Through years of collaboration, Emseni farmers and community members have forged strong partnerships to foster upliftment and significantly improve the quality of life for everyone involved.

The various farming projects cultivated at Emseni generate multiple income streams, resulting in tangible benefits that directly benefit the community. Additionally, Emseni hosts multiple outreach events encouraging local participation, ensuring that the benefits extend to as many community members as possible. These initiatives promote the farm's products and reinforce community bonds and collective progress.

Be on the lookout for our next article which will highlight Emseni’s bee faming practices.

(Watch the following YouTube videos on Emseni Farming: New Emseni Farming Greenhouses; Emseni Farming Avocado project; Emseni, place of grace (drone footage). An electronic version of the thesis, Erlo Hartwig Stegen: A Missiological evaluation of his life, ministry and teachings,  is available on  the following website: https://repsitor.nwu.ac.za/handle/10394/37398 and you can also visit the catalogues on: https://sierra.nwu.ac.za/record=b2536893-S4)