THE INSTITUTE OF AGROFORESTRY

 

 

 

EDUCATION AND INCUBATION: STUDENT DESIGNER 2016

 

- COMPETITION FINALIST -

 

 

Trees play a crucial role in almost all terrestrial ecosystems. They provide a wide range of products and services to rural and urban people. In standard commercial agricultural practises, natural vegetation is cleared for cultivation of crops.  The practice known as agroforestry is the integration of trees into productive agricultural landscapes.

 

Elevated within the plantation forests of Welgevallen’s experimental farm lands, the Educational institute of Agroforestry overlooks the historical farming town of Stellenbosch. 

 

The vision for the site is for a leading, world-class transformational education and incubation center focusing on environmental sustainability and training in agroforestry. With an emphasis on rural transformation, poverty alleviation and sustainable future food production, the centre will aim on educating and cultivating the next generation of farmers by offering public collaborative seminars, lectures and mentorship programs that empower and upskill individuals with knowledge, management skills and financial advices for the conservation of the environment through long term sustainable agroforestry practices.

 

The New developed Multifunctional Support Centre will comprise of Educational Training facilities, Farm extension offices, Soil and plant testing Technical laboratory, Commercial support center and Agricultural bank which will provide a platform for an educational exchange, scientific research and knowledge development needed to address national and global environmental issues,  the sustainable use of natural resources and commercial forest farming technologies.

 

The center will transform and showcase how agroforestry within farming systems and agricultural landscapes has the potential to lead to greater food security, improved productivity and poverty alleviation - transforming energy resources; lives and landscapes, both locally and globally.