The Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF), in an effort to combat food insecurity by promoting healthy living through nutritional education and food security, and in partnership with eThekwini Food Security, has launched an aeroponic vertical garden at the Isipingo Clinic.
The aeroponic garden system is an innovative plant cultivation technique. This method involves suspending plants in an environment composed solely of air or mist, thereby eliminating the traditional need for soil or aggregate mediums.
The Isipingo Clinic Food for Health Garden Training Hub said it aims to address food insecurity and promote healthy living, particularly to those on antiretroviral treatment (ART).
“Good nutrition is the foundation of effective HIV and TB care. Without proper nutrition, patients are less able to withstand the side effects of their medications and more susceptible to opportunistic infections. This garden is more than just a source of food; it’s a lifeline that supports the health and well-being of our patients,” said Dr Siyathemba Nxele, provincial medical manager for AHF in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) this week unveiled a report which revealed concerning levels of food insecurity within the province of KZN.
The garden, designed by Joe West of Nandagram Ecovillage, is space-efficient and can produce a high yield of 2 700 to 3 600 plant units per growing cycle.
It addresses food insecurity in urban areas and promotes sustainable practices such as recycling and climate-resilient gardening.
Reshma Ramnandan, national pharmacy and operations manager at AHF South Africa, emphasised the innovative nature of the aeroponic system.
“This system is a game-changer for community gardens, particularly in urban settings where space is at a premium. By utilising vertical growth, we can maximise plant output while promoting sustainable practices like recycling and climate-resilient gardening.”
“By involving the community in the creation and maintenance of this garden, we are not only providing them with the tools to improve their health, but also fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. This is particularly important in areas like Isipingo, where community cohesion and shared responsibility can lead to a safer, healthier environment for all,” Ramnandan added.
Ramnandan said the garden reflects the collective commitment of AHF and the eThekwini Municipality to address spatial and climate challenges that impact access to adequate nutrition in the region, while also highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship through recycling and repurposing materials.
The project also serves as a training hub for the community, empowering them to replicate these gardens in their own homes.
A comprehensive training programme has been conducted, showcasing diverse planting techniques using tunnel gardening, recycled materials, raised beds, and flat land gardening.
“The Training Hub is a result of a successful partnership between the Health Unit (Social Health – Food Security, Isipingo Clinic), Aids Health Foundation (AHF), and the Department of Agriculture and Agro-Ecology.
AHF provided a state-of-the-art tunnel with aeroponic systems and essential garden inputs, while the Department of Agriculture and Agro-Ecology donated compost.
“The clinic generously provided the site for this pioneering project,” said Londiwe Ncube, the food security manager.
The Mercury