Client: Rural Women’s Movement (RWM)
RWM is a non-profit organization based in KwaZulu Natal Province (KZN), South Africa, that works with indigenous women’s organizations composed of approximately 50,000 individuals. It aims to address socio-economic, legal and political issues at the community and local level and in particular advocates reform with respect to women’s legal rights to land.
A particular challenge in KZN is the HIV/AIDS pandemic. RWM has proposed to address this through a food security program, as one of the main obstacles for persons afflicted with HIV/AIDS is that they often don’t have sufficient food to be able to withstand the physical effects of anti-retroviral drugs.
What has been done: In Spring 2012 a team from The New School worked with RWM on comprehensive food security program design. Their final report included research on food security at the national and provincial level and provided recommendations for increasing the organizational capacity of RWM. In Spring 2013, the new GPIA team worked with RWM on developing a kitchen garden project in two communities in the municipality of Imbabazane, uMqedandaba and eMyezane. This project focused on the intersection between HIV/AIDS and food security at the household level, and on identifying the key issues that hinder the development of a sustainable food system.
PIA Proposal for Fall 2013: Based on recommendations provided by the Spring 2013 PIA team, the Fall 2013 project will consult with RWM to prioritize 2 or 3 top recommended projects and design a comprehensive logical framework for each, including a plan for monitoring and evaluation. Other activities may also include data collection focused patients rather than caregivers, and identification of new stakeholders and partnerships.
Building RWM/KZN University Partnership: Develop a Food Sharing and Distribution System
Create a System for Knowledge Sharing: Farming and Agriculture
Improving Access to Water
Improving Access to Seeds
Secure Fencing
The Spring 2012 report “Confronting Food Insecurity assesses the external and internal factors that contribute to food insecurity in KZN. The Fall 20013 work, however, will primarily build on the recommendations provided in the Spring 2013 report Confronting Food Insecurity: A Kitchen Garden Project in Imababazane, South Africa (2013).
Faculty Supervisor: Chris London
