Mallika S

[Mallika S @missllika]

Could we create biodiverse edible spaces in cities to support foraging? Combining perspectives from city-dwellers, land managers, and theory, we suggest how urban greenspace could be actively enriched for human and non-human use! https://t.co/1c0TW6effU

[Mallika S @missllika]

@peerzis @RelayJFR #Cities expand and develop in different ways, and this chapter looks at how livelihoods evolve in response. A detailed and engaging read, thank you! #biodiversity #socioeconomic #sustainable #harvest

[Mallika S @missllika]

@dhyani_shalini Indeed, with lovely descriptions of cultural and spiritual practices that keep the urban connection to nature alive #biodiversity #urbannature #urbforag #urbanforage

[Mallika S @missllika]

Ever enjoyed picking nature's bounty at the street corner or the neighbourhood park? You're an urban forager! Join us to celebrate our book on the fascinating phenomenon: https://t.co/KWnt0gxqKb
#urbforag #urbanforage #urbannature #wildharvest #wildforaging

[Mallika S @missllika]

Visualising positive change is the first step towards creating sustainable cities in uncertain times: https://t.co/e56lZdi8zn
#FutureCities #climatesolutions #resilience

[Mallika S @missllika]

One way in which cities could future-proof their environment, food, health, and infrastructure
https://t.co/ot5VOsPDNL

[Mallika S @missllika]

How much of what people use comes straight from wild spaces? A fascinating journey across South Africa revealed many things to me https://t.co/vdx5QqW2iH
#biodiversity #economy #natural #resources #wild #food

[Mallika S @missllika]

@of_things_wild @Rhodes_Uni @NRF_News I think it goes both ways. Durban already has a problem of garden raids by monkeys for fruit, which may be exacerbated or eased, time and experiments will tell. On the other hand, planting indigenous edible species will provide habitat and transit for birds, insects, mammals.

[Mallika S @missllika]

1/6 Good day all! Presenting

Fruits in the city: the nature, nurture, & future of #urbanforaging

Work from my PhD with @Rhodes_Uni & @NRF_News at #DICECON20 #ValueNat

Foraging = collecting resources from open spaces for food, fuel, fibre, & fun!

#urbangreenspace #urbancommons

[Mallika S @missllika]

@AnotherBobSmith @Rhodes_Uni I too am yet to move back to ZA (when mobility is restored). Remote work until then.

[Mallika S @missllika]

3/6
Is it legal? On sidewalks, in public parks, vacant lots, unless otherwise specified

Barred: protected areas and species

Aligns with national goals and policy on agroecology, biodiversity economy

Unknown: How much, where is sustainable?

#urbancommons #DICECON20 #ValueNat

[Mallika S @missllika]

@of_things_wild @Rhodes_Uni @NRF_News Thanks Sakshi. The study was based along the east coast of South Africa. Municipalities currently provide indigenous species to new residential areas and public spaces, but these are rarely edible. Hoping that my list helps with planting multipurpose species soon.

[Mallika S @missllika]

@Mic_Lo1 2/3 of my respondents were women, but it is not necessarily gendered. Men and boys who herd livestock and walk to work also forage. Monkey orange is creamy and crammed with Vit C!

[Mallika S @missllika]

4/6
How can foraging help people?

1. Free food, fuel, fibre in small quantities & in times of need

2. Nutritional diversity, local economy, cost-saving

3. Transmission of biocultural knowledge, relationships, & traditions

#safetynet #bioculturaldiversity #DICECON20 #ValueNat

[Mallika S @missllika]

@AnotherBobSmith @Rhodes_Uni Thanks Bob! I'm done at Rhodes and now at UKZN. No problems from 'authorities/enforcement' as foragers use vacant land and street verges (equally) around residential areas. Very informal, and municipalities keen on designing for foraging.

[Mallika S @missllika]

@Mic_Lo1 Thanks Michaela. Several cities in the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt of South Africa.

[Mallika S @missllika]

2/6
What: fuelwood, medicinal herbs, wild fruits, wild vegetables

Where: 1-5km from home, in the bush, along sidewalks (east coast ZA)

Who: ~36yo, 2-child, 1-earning member households, with friends & family

Why: culture, leisure, recreation

#urbanforaging #DICECON20 #ValueNat

[Mallika S @missllika]

@Mic_Lo1 Thanks! Monkey orange (Strychnos spinosa), Wild plum (Harpephyllum caffrum), and Mulberries (Morus sp.). Parents, children, grandparents - a family affair. Foraging can be a response to shock, but is more often recreational.

[Mallika S @missllika]

@Glyn_nature The Indian Ocean Coastal Belt, the wettest biome in relatively arid South Africa.

[Mallika S @missllika]

6/6
Next steps: Identifying spaces, species, stewardship, & sustainability for urban foraging.

Municipalities provided with indigenous species list, experiments with different types of edible spaces to come.

Also: How foraging can assist Covid-19 response.

#DICECON20 #ValueNat

[Mallika S @missllika]

5/6
How can foraging help cities?

1. Local production & sustainable livelihoods

2. Multifunctional green infrastructure

3. Citizen engagement & co-governance

4. Urban biodiversity conservation

#urbangreeninfrastructure #stewardship #urbanbiodiversity #DICECON20 #ValueNat