The Centre for Ecological Intelligence (CEI) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) is an innovative hub dedicated to advancing sustainable urban agriculture, food and nutrition security, and active community engagement.
Founded with the vision of creating a center that supports research, teaching, and advocacy in agroecology and environmental sustainability, CEI has established itself as a beacon of hope and innovation in community settings such as schools, villages, and campuses in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and Mpumalanga.
A living laboratory for experiential learning
The CEI is more than just a research center; it is a living laboratory where theory meets practice. The center has set up integrated food systems at various sites, offering incubation hubs for experiential learning. It also provides practical experience for undergraduate and postgraduate students and integrated learning for agricultural students and youth employment service interns.
The University of Johannesburg CEI project manager, Godfrey Ndamane, said undergraduate and postgraduate students from diverse disciplines engage in hands-on research and projects that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. These projects include aquaponics, hydroponics, agroecology, the circular economy, transforming food waste into rich and liquid fertilizer, entrepreneurship within the water-energy-food nexus, and more.
Read more at foodformzansi.co.za