In many areas of the world, there are villages surrounded by fertile land, and the people of the villages are willing to apply their skills and energy to generate income. However, in most villages there is very little work and activity, and the people are desperate for money and resources. Many leave their villages to search for work in the cities. One way to address this problem is through a system of food production called "Permaculture".

Permaculture is a way of producing food and managing resources far more efficiently than with conventional modern large-scale farming. Permaculture uses natural methods to enrich soil and to build self-sufficient systems with minimal waste. Using permaculture techniques, villagers can develop their own land for growing organic vegetables. This creates jobs and generates income for the local people, preventing the loss of cultural integrity caused by migration to larger cities.

Works of Wonder International has been invited by two of the traditional leaders of the Mavuso provinces in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa to design a project that will help the people in that area escape the trap of poverty. Our proposal includes a plan to apply permaculture principles that will help the Mavuso villagers develop their land and grow organic vegetables for sale.

A plot of land near the Mavuso village has been assigned by Chief Langa Mavuso for this purpose. On that plot, W.O.W., in partnership with other local groups, will develop 1 hectare to grow commercial vegetables. The developed land will be fenced and supplied with irrigation. Seven people from the village will take full-time responsibility for the project. We estimate that by the end of the first year, the land will produce R150,000 (about $18,000) worth of organic vegetables.