Change the world

25/07/2014

With food security a cause for global concern, learners, educators and visitors from the Southern Cape and surrounds stand to gain valuable insights on the dynamics of sustainable food production and related topics to be discussed at ScieX 2014.

This annual science expo hosted by Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Glenwood House School on 31 July and 1 August features a diverse group of knowledgeable speakers on topics such as –

(Thursday)

  • “Organic farming, Food  Quality and Food Security” by Prof Raymond Auerbach, NMMU;
  • “The cost of affordable food – what do consumers pay for?”  This talk, by NMMU agricultural economist, Johan Jordaan, is complemented by a presentation by lecturer Anthonie du Toit which looks at “a practical solution to the challenges of keeping food affordable”.
  • The global appetite for meat; and sustainable fishing are amongst the topics to be highlighted by Glenwood Life Sciences Students
  • “Healthy food – Fun, Economical, Easy and Delicious (FEED)” is the theme of a cooking demo and talk by culinary guru and well-known celebrity chef – Mr Francois Ferreira.
  • NMMU lecturer, Mrs Maryna Lehmann-Maritz will share her insights on - Dairy: Food for thought!, while Dr Jan Raats will discuss the Agri Park Concept;
  • “Virtual water and unaffordable food for Africa, from Africa” is another interesting perspective on the theme of food security. The presenter is Prof Maarten de Wit, NMMU Chair of Earth Stewardship Science.

The Friday programme, amongst others, features -

  • Dr Gavin Linsley-Noakes on “The use simple technology to produce nutrient rich food”;
  • Mr Pierre Maritz of Klein Karoo Saad, who is involved in the “breeding” of new products will present on – Genetics and Genetic Modification;
  • Dr Jaco Barendse, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, NMMU Sustainable Research Unit / SANParks, will put the spotlight on aquaculture with his talk titled, “The Blue Revolution and how it can (or should) contribute to feeding the planet”.
  • NMMU MTech student, Donovan de Swardt, will share some of the outcomes of his research findings relating to the Mopani Worm as a South African example of “Entomophagy and its potential as a sustainable food source”.
  • The talk by Ms Constance-Marie Hugo from Knysna High School, titled “Zero-Tillage and Cover Crops” is based on her extensive experience across continents, cultures and income groups.
  • Mr Andrew Mugford of Permaculture SA will share his expertise on permaculture and food security.

Do not miss the opportunity to enrich your mind at ScieX 2014. 

Contact NMMU (044 801 5111; george-info@nmmu.ac.za) or Glenwood House School (044 871 4048) for more information, or visit the campus' website at georgecampus.nmmu.ac.za  

Dr Jaco Barendse

Dr Jaco Barendse

Dr Gavin Linsley-Noakes

Dr Gavin Linsley-Noakes

Mr Francois Ferreira

Mr Francois Ferreira

Ms Constance-Marie Hugo

Ms Constance-Marie Hugo

Contact information
Ms Alet van Tonder
Manager: Marketing & Corporate Relations
Tel: 27 44 801 5098
alet.vantonder@mandela.ac.za