A Cape Town development forum has called on schools, clinics and churches to make their land available for food production or gardening projects.
Khayelitsha Development Forum secretary Zoliswa Lonja was speaking at the Food Security Summit in the sprawling township on Saturday.
The two-day event was attended by about 500 delegates from political parties and other structures, including Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel.
The aim of the summit was to discuss food insecurity problems and what steps should be taken to resolve them.
"We want to grow food in Khayelitsha but land is not available," Lonja said.
She also urged the government and the City of Cape Town to consider gardening projects in communities when planning for housing development.
A recent study conducted by Stellenbosch University in Khayelitsha found that out of 10 households, nine people go to bed with empty stomachs.
Manuel's spokesman Cameron Dugmore, who chaired Saturday's proceedings, said food security was of national importance, and added that delegates noted invitations from Brazil, China, Cuba and Italy to visit their farmers regarding food security.
"There was also a proposal that an agricultural school be established in Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town," he added.
Gavin Daniels, a member of Michell's Plain Education Forum, said the event could be used as a "tool" for residents and communities. "People will get relevant skills and be productive."
Land needed for gardening projects in Cape Town
A Cape Town development forum has called on schools, clinics and churches to make their land available for food production or gardening projects.
Khayelitsha Development Forum secretary Zoliswa Lonja was speaking at the Food Security Summit in the sprawling township on Saturday.
The two-day event was attended by about 500 delegates from political parties and other structures, including Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel.
The aim of the summit was to discuss food insecurity problems and what steps should be taken to resolve them.
"We want to grow food in Khayelitsha but land is not available," Lonja said.
She also urged the government and the City of Cape Town to consider gardening projects in communities when planning for housing development.
A recent study conducted by Stellenbosch University in Khayelitsha found that out of 10 households, nine people go to bed with empty stomachs.
Manuel's spokesman Cameron Dugmore, who chaired Saturday's proceedings, said food security was of national importance, and added that delegates noted invitations from Brazil, China, Cuba and Italy to visit their farmers regarding food security.
"There was also a proposal that an agricultural school be established in Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town," he added.
Gavin Daniels, a member of Michell's Plain Education Forum, said the event could be used as a "tool" for residents and communities. "People will get relevant skills and be productive."
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