Islamic Relief South Africa and its partners are supplying two South African schools with agricultural tools for sustainable food production. In Cape Town, Islamic Relief SA, the University of the Western Cape (UWC), and Green New World installed vertical solar-powered hydroponic systems at Pelican Park High School. Concurrently, Islamic Relief SA and Green New World are providing greenhouse tunnels to James Nxumalo Agricultural High School in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal. The initiatives aim to educate students on unconventional, sustainable farming methods and empower women in both Pelican Park and Ulundi. These projects are designed to equip learners with practical skills while fostering community resilience through food security and economic opportunity.
Hydroponic Systems Explained
One hydroponic system has been installed at Pelican Park High School, with 11 additional systems scheduled for installation at the school at the beginning of August. Ridaa Manuel, the founder and director of Green New World, designed these vertical solar-powered hydroponic systems. Manuel also coordinates the University of the Western Cape's (UWC) Energy Storage Graduate Programme, and graduate trainees from this program assisted in the design and roll-out of the systems. Their involvement ensured that the technology was both innovative and practical for the school environment.
Manuel stated, "Because of safety concerns, the systems were moved to Pelican Park High School." She added, "Learners and participants will be taught how to fully operate the hydroponic systems, the advantages of hydroponics and why this is the farming of the future." This full training is key for the long-term success and sustainability of the project.
Hydroponic systems cultivate crops without soil, cycling water and nutrients directly to plants. These methods allow crops to grow five times faster than in conventional farming. The systems designed for the schools will operate completely off-grid, utilizing a solar panel to charge a battery that powers the pump distributing nutrient-rich water. This automated and self-watering system is emission-free. Its closed-loop watering system uses 90% less water compared to conventional farming, making it an environmentally conscious choice for regions facing water scarcity. Users can access data about the system using an app, allowing for efficient monitoring and management of the growing process.
Project Origins and Evolution
The project originated as a direct response to the needs of an Islamic Relief SA program that supports women caring for orphans. This program required a modular system capable of providing food for caregivers while also generating income. To accommodate urban living conditions, the initial systems were designed vertically to fit within women's backyards, maximizing space efficiency. Recognizing that many participants could not afford electricity, the systems were engineered to be solar-powered, ensuring accessibility and reducing operational costs. The design incorporated water recycling mechanisms to address the challenges women faced with limited access to water, noting the project's commitment to resource conservation.
However, due to safety concerns, the systems were subsequently relocated and installed at Pelican Park High School, shifting the immediate focus to an educational setting. In a future phase, 12 vertical solar-powered hydroponic systems are scheduled to be provided to James Nxumalo Agricultural High School, extending the reach of this innovative farming technology. This expansion will allow more students and community members to benefit from the advanced agricultural training.
Educational and Empowerment Goals
At Pelican Park High School, the hydroponic systems will be incorporated into the school’s agricultural management lessons, according to Rodney Prince. This integration will provide students with hands-on experience in modern farming techniques. Learners at James Nxumalo Agricultural High School, meanwhile, will be taught how to grow crops, such as spinach and tomatoes, in the greenhouse tunnels, stated Mzwakhe Dubazane, principal of James Nxumalo Agricultural High School. These practical skills are vital for future agricultural careers and food self-sufficiency. Plans are in place at both schools to train women in agriculture. Safwaan Mohamed stated that 50 women from each of the school’s surrounding communities will be recruited for training in basic agricultural practices alongside learners. Preference will be given to parents and guardians of children at the school for this training, Mohamed added, ensuring that the benefits reach directly into the families connected to the educational institutions.
Learners and participants will be taught how to fully operate the hydroponic systems, understanding their advantages and why they represent the farming of the future, Ridaa Manuel explained. This full education covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of the technology. Upon completing their training, women will receive a certificate from the South African Institute of Entrepreneurship, providing formal recognition of their newly acquired skills. Mohamed noted that 12 of the 50 women will be selected for advanced training in agriculture and entrepreneurship, enabling them to pursue more specialized roles and potentially establish their own ventures. He further explained that these trained women could farm on a larger scale, potentially at their homes, and sell produce cheaper than supermarkets, fostering local economic development. The hydroponic system requires little space and no soil, making it an ideal solution for urban and peri-urban farming. Users can also access data about the system using an app, which supports efficient management and optimization of crop yields.
