Agricultural Tourism

People have become more interested in how their food is produced.

They want to meet farmers and processors and talk with them about what goes into food production. For many people who visit farms, especially children, the visit marks the first time they see the source of their food, be it a dairy cow, an ear of corn growing in a field, or an apple they can pick right off a tree.

“Once you carry your own water, you will learn the value of every drop.”

Value-added agriculture entails changing a raw agricultural product into something new through packaging, processing, cooling, drying, extracting or any other type of process that differentiates the product from the original raw commodity.

Examples of value-added agricultural products include garlic braids, bagged salad mix, artisan bread, lavender soaps, and sausages. Adding value to agricultural products is a worthwhile endeavor because of the higher returns that come with the investment. The opportunity to open new markets and extend the producer’s marketing season as well as the ability to create new recognition for the farm.

Increasingly, value-added products are hitting the local market as producers take advantage of high-demand product niches.

This is the key to success in value-added agriculture—niche markets are where

smaller producers can be most successful in creating value and establishing a profitable business.

https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/lifestyle/agritourism/

Environmentally Friendly Eating Habits

Sustainable eating doesn’t have to be hard, and it also doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing.

Adopting just a few of the items on this list can make a big impact. For instance, if one person chose to use reusable bags for the rest of their life, beginning at the age of 25, they could save more than 21,000 plastic bags. Point being: You can make a difference.

Go organic

The definition of organic can be a little confusing, but food labels can help. Certified organic foods are grown and processed using farming methods that recycle resources and promote biodiversity and without the use of synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes, and petroleum- or sewage-sludge-based fertilizers.

Though their benefits to the environment have a long-term payoff, organic foods can be pricier — if you’re on a budget, find out which foods are most worth buying organic, and limit your organic purchases to the ones that make the biggest impact.

Turn waste into a resource. 
If you’ve got the inclination and a little bit of free time, give composting a try and turn food scraps into a resource that keeps on giving.

https://greatist.com/health/33-environmentally-friendly-eating-habits

Karreekloof environmental protection plan

What Are We Responsible For?

With new beginnings comes huge responsibilities protecting the environment.  In the pipeline of Karreekloof we have exciting projects lying ahead. Supporting our community with beating hearts by helping the environment.

  1. RINO CLEAN: is a project in the township where people can receive a plate of food for every bag of rubbish they can give us. This will be done from our “community center” that is in progress and will be ready in the near future.
  2. RINO FIRE: not just creating jobs but removing invasive trees from farms in riverbeds and making firewood and charcoal to be sold in branded bags.
  3. RINO GROW: also a job-creating project where we will make compost for nurseries from the thin branches and leaves of the invasive trees.

The environment is essential if we want to preserve the flora and fauna of the natural world.

It is hard to feel motivated to save the environment when we feel disconnected from it. So, take time to appreciate the environment. Go for walks, meditate in a local park or other green space and do a little gardening each weekend.

That way, you will realize how much better a gorgeous natural world can make our lives. This will help to spur you on, to take action to conserve the environment for future generations.

People that destroys its soils, destroys itself.

We don’t just want to protect our communities environment, we want to create a community where the environment doesn’t need protection.

 

Principles of Poverty Alleviation

The Importance of Work

Sometimes people are genuinely unable to provide for themselves. Scripture tells us we should all be seeking to work rather than to live off the generosity of others.

Those of us who are employed or who own businesses need to value our work and do our best to it.

Those of us who are employed or who own businesses need to value our work and do our best to it.

Fighting poverty through job creation is essential. Employment is a fundamental tool. It promotes human dignity and the health and well-being of communities. The Church can be involved in this area.

Not demonizing the wealthy, the financially successful, the business owner, or the entrepreneur. It can also help by providing tools for the poor to find jobs and become more qualified for those jobs.

The Importance of Moral Proximity & Subsidiarity

The two principles are very similar. Moral proximity looks at problems and asks,        “Where am I personally responsible to act given my finite time and resources?”    Subsidiarity looks at problems and asks, “Who is best equipped to deal with them?”

Subsidiarity states that if the family cannot solve the problem, friends, community groups, and churches should step in.

https://tifwe.org/four-principles-of-poverty-alleviation/

 

Ways to protect the environment

We all want to protect our planet, but we’re mostly too busy or too lazy to put up big change that would improve our lifestyle and save the environment.


These are 7 simple habits to implement in your everyday life which will make a difference. There is nothing new here but if you follow at least some of these tips, you can be proud of yourself participating in the protection of the environment.

  1. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs:
    It is true that these bulbs are more expensive, but they last much longer and they can save energy and in the long term your electricity bill would be reduced.
  2. Donate:
    You have tons of clothes or things you want to get rid of. If they are still usable, give them to someone who needs them. You may also choose to give them to associations. These associations may sell them and collect a little money. Not only will you protect the environment, but you will also contribute to a good cause.
  3. Turn off your devices: 
    When you do not use a housing device, turn it off. For example, if you don’t watch TV, turn it off. Turn off the light when you leave a room (even if you intend to return.) It’s an easy habit to take up which will help you save a lot of money.
  4. Walk or cycle: 
    Driving is one of the biggest causes of pollution. If you want to use your car, ask yourself the following question: do I really need my car? Walk or use your bike if the journey is a short one.
  5. Detergent:
    Follow the recommended dose of detergent to wash your clothes or dishes.
  6. leaky faucets:
    Watch leaky faucets, which can cause a significant increase in the water bill. An average of 120 liters of water can be wasted due to a dripping faucet.
  7. Rainwater:
    Think of recovering rainwater. This water can be used for different purposes.

http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Ways_to_Protect_the_Environment

 

Karreekloof since 1881

Why the name Karreekloof?

No one really knows, but it could be because of the many Karee trees that grew in the kloof on the farm.

It is a farm rich in history and formed part of the Anglo Boer War. Many famous people’s footsteps lie here.

Time can tell many stories they say.  For Karreekloof time is much needed to understand and appreciate every little detail of information.

Fortunately, Peter Wright, the previous owner of Karreekloof, who still stays on the farm, shares endless stories, history, and lifelong experiences through his eyes as well as stories told by his father and grandfather.  Four generations since 1822 and still stories are being told.

Karreekloof was once a trading store known as Lilienfeld & Wright. Many of the historical experiences may be of interest to the current generations and those to come.

Although farming was the primary activity at Karreekloof, trading with Afrikaner cattle, Catalonian donkeys, and black head Persian sheep was as important.

The famous writer Olive Schreiner spent much of her time at Karreekloof writing one of her famous books, The Story of an African Farm.  The Boer War, however, brought its hardships and difficulties to Karreekloof. A British officer Lieutenant Logan of Nesbitt’s horse was shot on the farm, which was buried in the small farm cemetery.

On 17 July 1962 former South African President PW Botha visited the farm leaving a letter in which he thanked the family of Karreekloof for their hospitality and kindness. “I hope that it will rain soon so that the farming interests may flourish,” was his wishes to the Wrights.

Always interesting to know, that no matter where footsteps are being left, it always leaves a mark of some sort of history.  It all depends on how you leave it.

This is why owner Wiaan van der Linde puts in all efforts to keep every little bit of history alive at Karreekloof through the new facelift and a museum – telling the stories of a long time ago.

 

KAROO CUISINE

Eating and drinking in the Karoo is a culinary experience not to be missed.

The Karoo is a large area with many towns! The region offers a variety of traditional and wholesome Karoo dining experiences to suit all tastes and budgets! From the deliciously diverse flavors of South Africa’s indigenous and multi-cultural rainbow cuisine to culinary specialties from all over the world.

The Karoo is well known for its Lamb.

It is believed that Karoo lamb is tastier and more flavorsome than lamb from other regions, the reason being the different types of shrubbery which the sheep in this region feed on. The fragrant bushes in the Karoo impart an unmistakable ‘herbiness’ to the lamb. Here, the sheep roam freely on farms eating the Karoo vegetation to their heart’s content!

Braaivleis (BBQ): The word braaivleis is Afrikaans for “roasted meat.”

The word braai (pronounced “bry”, rhyming with the word “cry”; plural braais) is Afrikaans for “barbecue” or “roast” and is a social custom in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. It originated with the Afrikaner people but has since been adopted by South Africans of many ethnic backgrounds. The word vleis are Afrikaans for “meat”.

Bobotie: Bobotie, a staple of South African cuisine. It is believed to have originated with the Dutch and gets its name from the Indonesian word “Bobotok”. Bobotie has been part of the South African cuisine since about the 27th century. Back then it was made mainly with mutton and pork which were combined. Nowadays it is usually made using either beef or lamb mince. Dried fruits such as raisins and apricots can also be added. Flavored with mild curry, the mince is then topped with a milk and egg mixture and baked in the oven. Usually served with yellow rice with raisins.

http://www.south-africa-info.co.za/country/article/279/karoo-cuisine

The desert delivers delectable dishes

Northern Cape food terroir

Whether you explore the ancient food culture of the Khomani San or prop up the bar at the venerable Kimberley Club. The food terroir of the Northern Cape offers food fundis a platter of unique epicurean opportunities and delicious traditional dishes.

The essence of Northern Cape food can be eaten in the Karoo.

The word Karoo is a Khoi-Khoi term meaning thirsty land. But the apparently arid plains are filled with liquid-retaining indigenous edible plants. The diets of Karoo goats and lambs, which are so good to eat, are rich in these plants. Including wild mint, wild garlic, buchu, and purslane.

Chilly evenings draw hungry diners to the fireside.

People come for roosterkoek and venison potjies. Not to forget roasted leg of lamb. And of course the slow-cooked pens-en-pootjies (tripe and trotters) stew.

http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-northern-cape-food-terroir

What types of food are served on safari?

Food served on safari

Meals are international in flavor with soups, salads, cold meats, pasta dishes, meat and fish dishes, bread and other starch.

We prefer to use good, wholesome home-style cooking at elegantly set dining tables. Sometimes under the stars, guests can discuss and debate the day’s events with their fellow guests.

‘The more remote the lodge: the simpler the menu, the more central the lodge: the more sophisticated the menu.’

Wherever you are, you can count on tasty, wholesome food. Made by skilled hands and serve with Africa’s quintessential warm hospitality.

The fact that Africa is not considered a foodie destination is something of a tragedy, for those of us in the know. Not only is this continent home to a mouthwatering culinary offering inspired rich cultural heritage.

Boasts some of the most spectacular settings on earth for you to feast on breakfast, lunch, and supper.

http://www.go2africa.com/africa-travel-blog/30671

 

Roosterkoek

South Africa roosterkoek, a necessity at every braai (and festival)

Roosterkoek, it is hard to imagine a good old South African braai (BBQ) without it!

Roosterkoek forms such a big part of our South African culture.  Adorned with syrup, cheese, scrambled egg and bacon! Roosterkoek is literally pieces of bread dough that have been cooked on a grid over goals.

So although it is fairly easy to make roosterkoek, there are a few crucial points to get right before you can join the Roosterkoek Guild!

 

NB – Remember your roosterkoek is cooked on open coals. So once you start making the dough, also light your fire, or use the warm coals after you have braaied your meat. You must be able to hold your hands over the coals for 10 seconds without burning. Then the coals are ready! Any warmer than that and you will end up with charcoal offerings. Also, make sure your grid is very clean and I spray my grid with Spray ‘n Cook! You can also make roosterkoek on griddle pan if you yearn for them and there is a gail force storm outside!