Abalimi's interventions have resulted in a unique, powerful and sustainable product.  A Movement has emerged, which comprises thousands of people whose lives are changing for the better.  Supported by Abalimi, this broad-based, grassroots Movement spreads the messages of job creation, sustainable livelihoods, conservation and environmental education.

The Vukuzenzele Urban Farmers’ Association (VUFA) is South Africa’s first Black organic micro-farming movement.  This movement consists of people who are creating livelihoods for themselves through Urban Agriculture.  Members of this movement work to eliminate poverty through their own sustainable livelihood strategies. Abalimi is supporting this movement to make a difference.

Within VUFA are numerous groups and individuals, implementing successful Urban Agriculture projects.  The Fazeka Group in Guguletu, which is supported by Abalimi, is an example of a group that is on the path towards sustainability.

Fazeka consists of 8 women and one man, all of whom are pensioners.  The group is operating well and therefore only requires a small level of support from Abalimi.  The Department of Agriculture is now working with the urban farming movement to improve infrastructure and production skills.  Fazeka is one of the 5 community gardens that were selected by the Department. 

Linked to this is a unique social gardening and nature conservation movement that has also been born out of Abalimi’s interventions.  The Green Streets Movement consists of groups and individuals who are working to transform arid areas within the Cape Flats townships into flourishing indigenous gardens.

The increasing involvement of youth in these activities demonstrates the growth and sustainability of this Movement.

A grassroots teacher-driven Environmental Education Association has also emerged, as a result of the highly innovative work conducted by Abalimi’s sub-project SEED.

The Schools Environmental Teachers’ Association (formerly known as the SEED Teachers’ Association) provides horizontal support for teachers and works to enrol more teachers in the benefits of environmental education projects.  SEED actively supports this Association, which is beginning to have a greater say in the strategy and spread of SEED’s work.  The growth of the Teachers’ Movement demonstrates the success of SEED’s interventions amongst teachers and school communities.

Abalimi’s interventions have therefore resulted in exiting, ground-breaking products. Abalimi has served as a catalyst for a broad-based movement that actively promotes organic urban farming, community greening and environmental education.  These movements are linked to other organisations and movements nation-wide, and therefore have the potential to have a considerable impact on the economy and environment of South Africa.