Mrs M. Kisaka-Lwayo, Executive Manager, Research and Development

Research and Development

This programme constitutes the core business of ECATU. The strategic objective of the programme is to plan and implement a research agenda that support government’s key policy and strategic frameworks such as the PGDP, EPWP, IDPs and the National R&D Strategy.

We are cognizant of the fact that, innovation led development requires both a responsive and proactive approach. Whilst we endeavor to match our technologies with the current needs of beneficiaries, we also benchmark and keep in touch with innovations trends of the future.

Our focus areas are to:

  • facilitate access to basic infrastructure, water and sanitation;
  • contribute to the development of the agrarian economy and facilitate food security;
  • facilitate access to alternative sources of energy.

Projects undertaken in the 2007/2008 financial year are:

Basic Infrastructure

Objective: To pilot alternative sustainable approaches to the delivery of classroom buildings and related structures using locally available technologies which maximize on the participation of local communities during the process of delivery.

Projects include Mavundleni JSS, in Afred Nzo; Ndimakude Pre-school in OR Tambo; Mabandla Cultural Village in Umzimkhulu; Elliotdale BNG Rural Housing in Amatole.

Communities in Maluti trained on construction
Bricks produced by communities in Elliotdale

Water and sanitation

Objective: To strengthen capacity in rural onsite water, sanitation and health sector through the provision of sanitation facilities and water biofilter purification systems.

The School Based Water and Sanitation Programme which is aimed at meeting the above objective is a partnership programme between the Canadian Government, Provincial Department of Education, FETs (King Hinsta, KSD and Lovedale) and ECATU.  A total of six schools will benefit from this programme. The current participating schools are Lower Ntlaza JPS and Nobuhle JPS.

Communities at Lower Ntlaza JPS laying the slab for the sanitation facilities
Commissioning of sanitation facilities at Lower Ntlaza 16 August 2007

Agriculture

Objective: To demonstrate principles of organic farming, alternative approaches and technologies to organic farming to improve farming methods and address food security.

ECATU’s engagement in agricultural projects is aimed at addressing the pressing need for food security among rural households in the Eastern Cape Province and contributing to the regeneration of an agrarian economy.  A pilot project has been set up for organic farming at ECATU as a demonstration site.  
The aim is to eventually roll out organic farming and its associated technologies to rural households in the broader Eastern Cape. 

An organic tomato crop at ECATU pilot site
An organic tomato harvest from the ECATU pilot site

With organic farming, the natural diversity of plant life enriches the soil with natural minerals and nutrients. Organic farming is a cost effective option for sustainable food production and its adoption among rural households will address the issue of food insecurity.  Health conscious consumers are increasing willing to pay the premium associated with organic food and the potential to tap into the export market is also a factor for consideration.

Energy

Objective: To demonstrate alternative sources of energy available to rural communities and which are cost effective.

Research is currently going on to establish the viability of Biogas systems for lighting and cooking and solar energy options.