Mrs Zulu had a dream gesturing at a grassy hillside somewhere between Qadi and Ntumeni in the heart of Zululand: "Soon this area will be a huge garden where we will grow herbs and medicinal plants. More than 20 women will be working in the garden. They will form an unbeatable and dedicated team creating their own income."

That was 3 years ago, in 2004.

 A glance at the site reveals that Mrs Zulu's vision has been more than just wishful thinking.

Today 22 women are  actively involved in the growing of 18 different herbs in an area of 2ha.

Bongi Bhengu and Tim Hadingham have been involved in the testing first phase of a participatory monitoring tool developed by the Royal Tropical Institute.  A workshop was held with the members of the Mathonsi

The Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of the KZN Department of Economic Development (DED-M&E) and the LMRF are inviting for applications for the 2008/09 capacity enhancement programme for emerging researchers on M&E in LED.

Those who are interested in participating are invited to download a file attachment below which has the following details:

Abstract:

The LMRF recently provided some support to Andrew Rylance, a development studies student at UKZN’s School of Development Studies, who is looking at the interactions between the operations of fresh produce markets and their relationship to informal traders as part of his masters dissertation. As part of this research he surveyed informal traders and fresh produce market management in both Durban and Pietermaritzburg, as well as running a number of focus groups with key stakeholders. Summaries of the finding of this research are available here. More information can be obtained from Bongi Bhengu or Andrew Rylance.

2007 has been a year of growth and progress for the LMRF. The achievements made and lessons learned are the foundation for many future successes.

The activities (some of which are described below) contributed to the establishment of sound working relationships between LMRF, its partners and the communities at large.

There is still a lot to be done. As an emerging organization we are in the midst of unprecedented change and transformation and we look forward to sharing an exciting 2008 with you.

On November 19 to 22, 2007 LMRF and the M&E unit of DED, delivered the third training workshop of the 2007/2008 Emerging Researchers Capacity Enhancement Programme (ERCEP).

Economic development agency conference A conference co-hosted by the IDC, the South African LED Network, GTZ, the LMRF and the Gijima KZN Programme

The value chain approach - a tool for unlocking pro-poor LED?

Workshop on LED and cooperatives South africa.
Co-hosted by the South African LED Network, the LMRF and the Gijima KZN Programme