Tlholego is an ideal
place to observe and learn about native flora and fauna,
restoration of degraded lands, and integrated land use systems. The
grounds (left) contain residential dwellings, training facilities, gardens
for botanical research and food production, water harvesting and
sanitation systems, and energy efficient buildings.
Tlholego residents (left) work together continuously to upgrade housing, and to
increase food security and water and energy supplies throughout the village. This
includes development and testing of the TDP model Lelapa, a Tswana
word that relates to homestead. It refers to a family house and its
surrounding support systems, including natural waste treatment and
household food security systems.
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Erosion is a serious problem throughout South Africa, causing the loss of an estimated 10 to 100 tons of soil per hectare per year. By planting grasses and palms, Tlholego
residents have regenerated heavily-eroded areas in and around the
village and have successfully created diversified gardens. Widespread erosion
remains visible outside of the village (left).
Later this year, the Tlholego
Educational Institute will host an important national workshop addressing
the application of keyline design and earthworks engineering. Keyline
design considers the flow of water over an entire landscape and provides proven
techniques for soil regeneration, erosion control, and overall improved water
and land management in agricultural areas.
The Tlholego Educational Institute, Residential Village and and Tshedimosong Farm School together occupy 25 percent of the total land area. A Common Land Fund is being created that will own and manage the land that
is of common benefit to all people involved. The Common Land Fund will ensure that land
under this management system within a particular bioregion has the potential
to link into one integrated system. In this model, superb land care
technologies are used to ensure water falling on the land is directed into
the groundwater system, above-ground storage, and perennial plant
communities that are ecologically and economically planned to ensure optimal
conditions for establishing long-term environmental capital.
© 1999 Changemakers
Photos/Audio © Janet Jarman
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