Dijo - An Agri-park (agro-processing plant) to empower informal vendors via urban agriculture to alleviate unemployment and food insecurity in Mamelodi West

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the re-industrialisation of our townships by using urban agriculture as a design driver. With global issues such as food pricing and population growth, these issues have had an impact on food as a resource. The proposal provides a food hub in Mamelodi. The architectural exploration of the design aims to create a space which can act as a catalyst for economic growth in the Mamelodi West. The plan seeks to create a food production space which connects existing networks found in Mamelodi. The systems are informal markets and spaza shops located in the area. The design proposal will revitalise the township economy to alleviate the food insecurity issue and unemployment found in the area. DIJO aims to create a closed-loop cycle of food production, food processing and food consumption. Also, to create an architecture that can empower the people of Mamelodi by having facilities needed to be competitive and creating a thriving economy. The project aims to develop an integrated approach with regards to ‘’agri-food system’’, food production, informal networks and distribution within a framework of socio-economic ecosystem integrity.