ECATU aims to expand its food security programme by empowering rural communities in the Chris Hani and OR Tambo Districts to establish food gardens in their homes. This was confirmed by the CEO, Ms Zanele Silo at a rural development conference held on the 4 and 5th of May 2010. Read more
The Executive Manager for Reaserch and Development Mrs Maggie Kisaka-Lwayo was part of the South African delegation of 44 led by Honorable Minister, Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, Mr. Gugile NNkwinti who attended the conference on " the dynamics of Rural Transformation in Emerging Countries" hosted by the Institute of Human Development (IHD) and the planning Commission of India from 14-16 April 2010 in New Delhi, India. Read More
To view more pictures on this conference and study tour to India: Click here
ECATU under the Research and Development Unit hosted the first IKS seminar on the 25 February 2010 at the Health Resource Centre in Umthatha. This knowledge sharing activity was focused on the theme "The Role of Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) in Sustainable Rural Development" and speakers delivered papers which were aligned to the said theme. This forum served as a basis for consultations on the development of an IKS framework in support of rural development programmes in the Eastern Cape.
The Indigenous Knowledge Systems seminar brought together knowledge practitioners, community representatives, traditional leaders, municipalities to give input to the research areas focus for 2010 – 2013. The forum explored solutions presented by IKS to solve socio-economic challenges the Eastern Cape Province is confronted with such as poverty, unemployment, lack of skills and food insecurity e.t.cThe Eastern Cape Appropriate Technology Unit (ECATU) in its mandate is committed to using applied research in appropriate technologies to advance rural development in the Eastern Cape.
The research focus will be directed at mainstreaming of IKS and Indigenous ways of knowing so they can contribute to the global knowledge economy. Additionally ECATU exists to contribute meaningfully towards the eradication of poverty by involving itself with projects that will meet the developmental needs of the poor communities in the province. Click here for documentation
