Development of print and multimedia learning resources to support climate-smart school gardens, curriculum integration and agri-entrepreneurship promotion in rural South African primary schools

The Water Research Commission (WRC) and Old Mutual Foundation (OMF), in partnership with the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), implemented a research and development initiative titled “Demonstrating climate resilience in four rural schools with limited water availability by enhancing food and nutrition security through innovation and science transfer”. The project was carried out in four rural primary schools, namely: Mxaka (Eastern Cape Province), Boaramelo (Free State Province), Divhani (Limpopo Province), and Thandanani (Mpumalanga Province), located in water-stressed rural communities of South Africa. These schools face multiple intersecting challenges, including limited access to water, poor soil conditions, climate variability, and constrained resources for practical learning. In response, the project sought to improve climate resilience, enhance food and nutrition security, and strengthen agricultural learning through the establishment and integration of climate-smart school food gardens. This Executive Summary presents an overview of Deliverable 5, which focused specifically on designing, producing, and arranging print and multimedia learning resources to support climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices, promote curriculum integration, and foster early-stage agri-entrepreneurship among primary school learners. The materials developed include high-quality posters, infographics adopted when doing the training, pocket guides used, and short how-to instructional videos. Together, these tools form a comprehensive educational package designed to reinforce practical learning, strengthen teacher capacity, and enhance long-term garden sustainability. The materials simplify scientific gardening concepts, support hands-on learning, and cultivate an early entrepreneurial mindset. Designed in child-friendly, visually engaging formats, the resources serve teachers, learners, and community members, fostering long-term sustainability of school gardens and strengthening climate-resilient food systems in rural South Africa.