This site is dedicated to creation of self-sustainable neighbourhoods specifically in the Port Elizabeth area.

In a nutshell, to create self sustainable neighbourhoods (at least in terms of food production), here's what we need to do:

1. If you haven't already, start your own small vegetable and herb garden in your back yard. If you have very little knowledge or experience with vegetable gardening, why not try the door-sized garden I've designed that should be easy to maintain and will provide a variety of vegetables and herbs.
2. Once you're more confident in the garden and willing to offer more space to food production, expand your existing vegetable patch or start a separate one that will be used to produce food to share with neighbours and friends that are involved in project.
3. Once every month (if not more frequently) friends and neighbours who are also growing their own vegetables and herbs, and who share the vision of sustainable neighbourhoods, get together to discuss their progress and share tips and ideas for their gardens.
4. Over time, as each person dedicates more space in their yard to food production, not only will some families be entirely self sufficient, but they could also help provide for those who may not have as large a growing area and not producing enough to be self sufficient.
5. For project to grow, one could invite a few friends who are not aware of it over for dinner (ideally made only from food you have grown yourself or exchanged from other members of the group), and put forward the idea with them.
6. Not only does organic backyard farming reduce monthly grocery costs and provide you with much healthier food, but there is als the opportunity to help others by donating some of your produce to a homeless shelter for example, or give them seedlings to them so they can start their own garden on the premises. You could also do the same with your domestic worker or garden boy. Perhaps in giving them seedlings, and helping them establish their own vegetable garden, they could start a very similar project in their neighbourhood.

For a more detailed description of the idea and what was discussed at our last meeting, visit the updates page.
Over time I will try post gardening tips in the Tips and Ideas section. Some guides and other files will also be posted on the Files and Documents page.

If you have any questions or want to be involved in this project and join the group meetings, you can contact me [Ryan] at ryansnoopyallan@gmail.com