GROWING food insecurity was one of the main concerns raised at a workshop last week hosted by Durban North resident Coral Vinsen.

Vinsen held an organic vegetable gardening, seed saving and swapping workshop at her home with more than 30 attendees to discuss food sovereignty.

As one of the longest-serving members of Amnesty International in South Africa, the 93-year-old said plans were also afoot to establish a community garden on Riverside Road near the Umgeni Bird Park.

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“We spoke about organic vegetable gardening which not only benefits our health but also the environment. By avoiding artificial pesticides and fertilisers, organic gardening ensures healthier food that is grown sustainably. Over the years I’ve done this sort of workshop informally but Enviro Week provided the perfect backdrop to discus several environmental issues and how we can promote food security.

“We spoke about how to grow your own vegetables, how to make compost and utilise small spaces. I’ve also tried to introduce Asian vegetables like bok choy to take root in gardens across KZN. I’ve been growing vegetables since 1976 so I feel it’s important to grow food sustainably. The seed swap was also a wonderful way to speak about gardening and plant varieties,” she said.

Vinsen was joined by the Durban North Conservancy on the day.

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