ArtPeace News

Foundations for Farming
With fundraising for ArtPeace harder than ever and sales down for one reason or another, Art Peace are looking into alternative ways to fund their essential farming.

Johnston Simpson (member of St Andrews), contacted Hazel, a trustee of this registered non-profit
organization specialising in training small-scale farmers to adopt long-lasting, simple soil
conservation practices. FfF is based at a model 15 hectare farm on the outskirts of Harare. The
station has accommodations and a training centre for crop trials, training, and research. Before
joining FfF, most team members were experienced farmers. Many churches are involved in FfF
including Highlands Presbyterian Church.

The aim is to offer courses in organic farming to reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers the overuse of which hardens the soil, reduces soil fertility, pollutes air, water, and soil, and lessens important nutrients of soil and minerals.
The artists were sceptical at first – old habits die hard, but Johnston encouraged them to attend a two
hours ‘Vision Session’ at one of the Foundation’s stations in Domboshava, financed by a
donation from a St Andrew’s lady. The artists were very impressed by Rosie their enthusiastic
guide. They took notes and learned a lot. A lack of animal dung is a drawback but there may be
other economies e.g., through less use of expensive fertilisers etc. A follow up three days training
course is vital but the kitty is rather low at present and I will have to limit participants.

Art Peace learning all about the new procedures

This is Rosie