Thlolego Development Programme (TDP) – South Africa

The programme hosts eco-design workshops that train local people and international students together in a knowledge-sharing process. "Hundreds of local people have received training in food security principles and The Tshedimosong School, piloted permaculture content in the government curriculum."

The programme uses agricultural practices to create small businesses and capacity building training programmes. The programme organisers believe that the key to rural poverty alleviation lies in the provision of acceptable housing, access to water and sanitation, creation of local economies, and the development of sustainable livelihoods, preferably based on indigenous knowledge systems and eco-efficient practices.

TDP has its own building method, referred to as the ‘Tlholego Building System' (TBS). It uses locally available materials, skills and resources and the programme organisers say it has a low environmental impact, combining on-site waste treatment systems that meet all the requirements of contemporary housing. "The TBS was designed for the construction of low cost, high quality homes using modern mudbrick technology (a combination of indigenous knowledge and international research)." The programme trains people in ecological, energy-efficient construction techniques developed specifically for meeting the needs of rural areas.

The TBS has already been replicated in neighbouring communities, and has won international awards for innovation in meeting the housing crisis in southern Africa. Combined with the community knowledge of water and waste management systems, alternative energy sources, and the training of other rural villagers in managing these integrated skills, Tlholego offers implementation strategies for sustainable livelihoods.

Agriculture, Economic Development.