According to the World Economic Forum, 35% of global crop production happens because of bees. Without these insects, you wouldn't have some of your favourite foods. Unfortunately, bees are at risk of extinction because of harmful pesticides and behaviours such as smoking them out because they are still thought of as pests. So, how can we all live harmoniously with bees and make sure we preserve them for our ecosystems and food security? And can we harness bees as an economic growth opportunity in underserved communities?
A social entrepreneur and co-founder of Local Village Africa, Mmabatho Portia Morudi, has some great ideas on this front. She has developed several successful projects that not only preserve bee colonies but are also transforming local communities. Another agricultural project bringing economic and social benefits to an “under-resourced” community in Cape Town is the Amaqanda Learning Garden in Philippi. We spoke to Esethu Mbooi, who has some insights on how we can take care of the land so that it takes care of us in return, one garden at a time.
The Bertha Centre is the first specialised centre in Africa dedicated to advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship and focuses on researching, educating, convening, catalysing and advocating for social, environmental and economic justice. Find out more at https://gsbberthacentre.uct.ac.za/. This podcast is produced by 2stories in collaboration with the Bertha Centre, UCT Graduate School of Business, and the Bertha Foundation.
Buy the African Harvest Activity Book Mmabatho Portia Morudi LinkedIn · Dr Sam Motsuenyane Our Team · Your Positive Imprint.com Saving Africa’s Honey Bees. Sustainable Beekeeper Mmabatho Portia Morudi · The UCT GSB Solution Space Website · WEF: 75% of crops depend on pollinators - they must be protected · Be The Earth Foundation: Amaqanda Learning Garden - Regenerative Farming YouTube Clip · Philippi Village Get to know more about the Amaqanda Learning Garden and our Green Gaudian Esethu Mbooi YouTube Clip · Philippi Village Website · Bertha Centre · Subscribe to the Bertha Centre newsletter · JFAC S4 Ep.6_ What do bees have to do with empowering communities_ Transcript .docx.pdf — PDF (161.8 KB)