iZindaba Zokudla (Conversations About Food): Innovation in the Soweto Food System

iZindaba Zokudla (Conversations About Food) is an interdisciplinary research project that aims to create a more sustainable food system in Johannesburg through urban agriculture. In 2013, a multi-stakeholder engagement (MSE) process identified appropriate technology as a key requirement in a sustainable food system. In response, in 2014, an interdisciplinary student service-learning course was developed at the University of Johannesburg in the departments of Development Studies and Industrial Design. The service-learning course utilized a methodology that integrated participatory social science and human-centered design research methods in order to develop technologies to improve the productivity of marginalized and resource-poor urban farmers. Teams of students worked with farmers on three urban sites, each with their own specific technological needs. The students’ achievement of the service-learning course objectives was assessed through a variety of disciplinary specific practical and written assignments.