Permaculture allows intensive farming, high yields and self-reliance from a surprisingly small piece of land – in contrast to modern, mass crop agriculture, which is labor- and energy-intensive. The key to practical permaculture is integrated and mixed land use.	Permaculture
The research gardens at Thlolego (above) contain more than 100 useful edible and medicinal plant species. They provide a valuable laboratory for training, and serve as a genetic library for plant and seed material that are used throughout the region.	Recycling bags (above) for compost, cans and bottles, and reusable items are found throughout Thlolego village. They encourage residents and visitors to recycle organic materials.

At present, some residents rely on these gardens to generate an income. Ultimately, residents plan to begin commercial production of plants for sale in local and export markets. Hear Paul Cohen discuss self-reliance [Transcript]

Permaculture at Thlolego Permaculture is the primary development method used by Thlolego residents. The word "permaculture" was coined in the 1970s by Australian ecologist, Dr. Bill Mollison, as a contraction of permanent and agriculture. It is based on the premise that every element is interconnected, and that every action has implications for other elements in a system. Permacultural land use employs the design of beneficial ecological associations that form living systems capable of regenerating and supporting themselves. It is designed to maintain agriculturally productive ecosystems with the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems. When applied successfully, permaculture allows the harmonious integration of human settlement with the natural landscape, supplying inhabitants with food, energy, shelter, and other non-material needs in a sustainable manner. Permaculture shifts the emphasis away from mechanized mass production. If practiced on a large scale, permaculture would alter the prevailing social, economic, and political systems, producing a revolutionary change in human production and consumption patterns.