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Permaculture: Challenges and Benefits in Improving Rural Livelihoods in South Africa and Zimbabwe

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  • Zahra Didarali

    (Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6139, South Africa
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • James Gambiza

    (Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6139, South Africa
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

Feeding a growing global population using conventional agricultural practices is leading to adverse environmental impacts. There is a call for alternative forms of agriculture that address social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainability. Permaculture is a holistic design framework that incorporates sustainable agricultural practices, potentially improving livelihoods. This study looked at the challenges and benefits of permaculture in improving rural livelihoods in Zimbabwe and South Africa. We used semi-structured interviews to collect data. Permaculture contributed over 40% to total income for participants in both countries. However, permaculture was not the dominant source of income and periodically straddled multiple livelihood strategies. The main benefits of permaculture were identified as improved human health, increased resilience to environmental changes, and reduction of input costs. The key challenges included high labour input, infestation of pests and diseases, and lack of knowledge on permaculture practices. Although permaculture presents significant challenges, its integration with other forms of sustainable agricultural practices can contribute to improved rural livelihoods.

Suggested Citation

  • Zahra Didarali & James Gambiza, 2019. "Permaculture: Challenges and Benefits in Improving Rural Livelihoods in South Africa and Zimbabwe," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:8:p:2219-:d:222327
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    2. Robson Silva Sø Rocha, 2022. "Degrowth in Practice: Developing an Ecological Habitus within Permaculture Entrepreneurship," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-23, July.
    3. Ramazan Çakmakçı & Mehmet Ali Salık & Songül Çakmakçı, 2023. "Assessment and Principles of Environmentally Sustainable Food and Agriculture Systems," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-27, May.
    4. Kaitlyn Spangler & Roslynn Brain McCann & Rafter Sass Ferguson, 2021. "(Re-)Defining Permaculture: Perspectives of Permaculture Teachers and Practitioners across the United States," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-12, May.

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