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In 1990 Founder, Jeunesse Park, gathered a group of concerned individuals,representing the then major greening organisations in South Africa, who came together with the realisation that the real environmental crisis in this country centred on people, uplifting quality of life and addressing climate change. They recognized that a simple way of achieving this was through the greening of unhealthy, denuded and degraded landscapes. This was the birth of Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA), the first (and still only) South African social enterprise that develops, promotes and facilitates greening, climate change action, food security and sustainable natural resource use and management, known as Trees for Africa until 2000. 

Since then FTFA has assisted tens of thousands of people and remained in touch and often ahead of South Africa's democratic and more sustainable development. 

It was in the 1994 Review that then Chairman, the late Dr Enos Mabuza, wrote that FTFA's urban renewal programme had planted over 62 000 trees that year. He acknowledged that the symbolic value of the exercise far outweighed the immediate environmental impact, but even then the organisation's emphasis was on the importance of environmental upliftment as a critical factor in urban renewal. Enos was convinced that  FTFA was well positioned to participate in the development of long term environmental education programmes, particularly since its work was already endorsed by the Departments of the Environment and Education. 

1995 saw the launch of what has become a nationally acclaimed programme, EduPlant, initially funded by Eskom Community Development to motivate schools and their communities to green and grow food naturally. It saw too the growth of the Community Nursery project, described as "one of TFA's most tangible contributions to the RDP, providing business and horticultural skills, as well as accessible plant material for township dwellers." 

1995 was also a watershed year in that FTFA was nominated to the United Nation's Global 500 Roll of Honour, establishing FTFA as one of the world's leading organisations whose local efforts enriched the global environment. In addition, FTFA received the Department of Environment Affairs National Conservation Award for "outstanding achievement towards effective conservation and sustainable utilisation of the environment to ensure a better quality of life for all South Africans". Further recognition came with requests for assistance from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry(DWAF), an association that has continued since. 

In 1996 EduPlant had come into its own, ahead of the introduction of a new curriculum that included integrated  environmental education. Ringing endorsements included the then Minister of Agriculture's statement, "A competition that raises awareness of food security amongst the youth...deserves support. I gladly endorse your competition and would urge schools to enter...". FTFA was proud to be one of the first organisations in South Africa to recognise permaculture's essential principles for the sustainable and responsible use of resources and promote it nationally at school level.

That year FTFA contributed to the planting of 115 424 trees in 511 projects nationally and ran 30 workshops with some 60 community based organisations. FTFA also produced two publications, The Nursery Manual - How to set up and run a community nursery and South Africa's first grassroots Permaculture Manual, that emerged out of many workshops with educators, community based organisations and others. 

The 1997 Annual Review reported further approbation from Professor Kader Asmal, then Minister of Water Affairs &Forestry, who described Trees for Africa as "a dynamic, progressive and accountable NGO." In providing vital support services to communities through training, awareness and workshops on practical issues such as food security and water wise gardening, FTFA was praised for its consultative community based approach and the consequent high success rate of its projects. It reported increasing partnerships with government at all levels. It received the TOTAL Environmental Care Award at the SABC/PMR emPower Awards. 

1998 began on a sad note with the death of recently retired Chairman Enos Mabuza. The organisation, however, remained in good hands with the election of Windsor Shuenyane as Chairman. Windsor had been closely associated with TFA since its inception nine years before and was ready to take the organisation into the next phase of operation which included changes to TFA's infrastructure. 

Transformation, growth and development were still at the forefront of South Africa's focus but tempered by the growing realisation that economics had to be factored into the development process to ensure sustainability. FTFA, once again ahead of its time, had already made a major policy shift in this direction by requiring all applicants for trees to make a financial contribution towards the cost of their trees. The response was exceptionally positive and the year saw over 150 000 trees distributed, many during National Arbor Week. 

FTFA founder and then CEO Jeunesse Park played a significant role in the introduction of the concept of urban forestry, co-authoring a paper on Urban Forestry Key Issues. Recognising that over 66% of our population would be living in urban areas by 2000, the Urban Greening project was under way with funders including the Danish Cooperation for Environmental Development (DANCED) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. With support also from the Green Trust, FTFA began working with local authorities and communities in Gauteng to develop parks, nurseries, street trees and other greening projects. The work was extended to the municipalities of Port Elizabeth and Kimberley, providing a model for other local authorities. 

The impact of EduPlant continued, enhanced by the organisation of nine "introduction to permaculture" workshops for  government and teachers. Jeunesse was appointed to the National LandCare Steering Committee and the Urban Agriculture Task Team and DWAF appointed FTFA and Progreen as coordinators for all Arbor Week promotions. 

1999 was FTFA's tenth year as South Africa's leading greening organisation. CEO Jeunesse won the Mail & Guardian Green Trust Award. A long-awaited programme, "Trees for Homes", received funding from USAID. The Eskom EduPlant Competition attracted increased support from DWAF and funding from Tikkun and the Jewish National Fund, allowing the running of workshops for educators in all provinces. 

The Urban Greening Strategies booklet, sponsored by the Royal Netherlands Embassy, was published to support local government and partnership urban greening programmes. 

2000/2001 was a time of change. The organisation changed its name to Food and Trees for Africa (FTFA) to reflect the increased focus on food security through permaculture food gardening activities. The year end was changed from March to September in order to optimise on fund raising opportunities by issuing audited financial statements prior to the calendar year end. 

Several major programmes were implemented. With significant DWAF support (R1,2 million) the Urban Greening Fund started linking local government authorities to the numerous local civic organisations requesting assistance with tree planting and food gardening projects, particularly in the townships. DWAF also donated R2million to the Eskom EduPlant Programme, now run in association with Tikkun. EduPlant reached an estimated 54 800 learners, 3 860 educators and some 7 400 community members in this year. The first phase of the USAID-funded Trees for Homes programme was completed with over 57 000 trees planted.

FTFA was involved in several major initiatives, such as the Department of Agriculture's national LandCare programme and the Presidential lead project for Urban Renewal in Alexandra.

The 2002 Annual Review, now covering the period up to the end of September 2002, naturally highlighted the United Nation`s third World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg. WSSD delegates were shown areas where FTFA programmes were in place, leading to an immediate R1-million funding commitment, with promises of further funding. Another WSSD highlight was the participation of world leaders including Prime Minister Tony Blair, UN Ambassador Michael Lake and EU Head of Environment, Margot Wallstrum in FTFA-organised tree-planting ceremonies in the townships during Arbor Week. FTFA attracted this support because it was seen to be a cost-effective service provider which delivers, and implements projects that are self-sustaining.

In 2003 a number of changes in partnerships took place, with the Woolworths Trust replacing Eskom as the major funder of the much-praised EduPlant programme. USAID funding, which had supported Trees for Homes since its inception, also come to an end. Barloworld came to the rescue, but FTFA began looking for a new partner for this project. There was praise for partners who had provided much needed core funding. The Green Trust's 12-year partnership subsidised two posts. While it was hoped that the Green Trust would continue its support, Deutsche Bank was welcomed as a new supporter.

FTFA extended its operations to assist organisations working in the field of HIV/AIDS, helping to reduce the potentially devastating effects of the disease by establishing permaculture food growing projects at clinics, schools and in public open spaces.

In 2004 FTFA was a finalist in the Mail &Guardian "Greening the Future" Awards and won both the Gauteng and National categories of the Institute for Housing South Africa award for Community Upgrader of the Year. 43 projects were implemented, over 3800 educators from all over South Africa attended 57 permaculture workshops, over 300 workshops were held for communities and trees were planted in 122 communities. Over 32 000 "Trees for Homes" were distributed and 11 000 more trees were distributed at 58 Arbor Week events. Three of FTFAs projects came 1st, 2nd and 4th in the 2004 Nestle Community Nutrition Awards competition. FTFA was the only NGO to be a finalist in the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Sustainability Reporting Awards.

And 2005 saw:

In 2006 the Carbon Standard was launched along with the first ever South African carbon calculator on FTFAs website. This catalysed global warming awareness in South Africa and encouraged several companies and individuals to start offsetting their carbon emissions through FTFAs tree planting programmes.

In 2007 FTFA was rewarded by the huge interest from local and provincial government in greening projects. Ekurhuleni Metro launched their greening project funding over 18 000 trees to be planted through the Trees for Homes programme for residents of this sprawling municipality. The Mpumalanga Province launched their greening initiative, the first provincial initiative in South Africa, by partnering FTFA to plant 40 000 Trees for Homes!

2008 saw massive new interest in FTFAs activities, with the recognition by several major corporations that the National Tree Distribution and Trees for Homes programmes are one of the most reasonably priced and effective carbon offset options in the country and offer good marketing opportunities. Many are using the new and updated carbon calculator on their websites and linking to FTFAs very well visited site. The Mpumalanga government launched the second phase of the Greening of Mpumalanga, now a Premier's flagship project. The Greening of the Cape Winelands also entered its second phase. The staff component grew to over twenty and a volunteer programme was launched. Two television commercials were flighted pro bono and Talk Radio 702 ran a climate change radio spot for FTFA. Prof Mohale Mahanyele took over the Chair as long standing Chairman Mr Windsor Shuenyane retired.

2009 started with great sadness at the loss of founding Patron Dame Helen Suzman. It also started with great support from some government departments and companies. FTFA continued working towards international carbon accreditation for its tree programmes which will open many new doors for funding and facilitate those who choose this offset option to trade. Trees for Homes recorded over 550 000 trees distributed and 5 400 community based educators trained and given stipends. 

Ekurhuleni Metro started the third phase of their greening project aiming to see a fruit tree for every low income household. The National Tree Distribution Programme (now called Trees for All) continued to receive applications from schools, churches and other community centres and many individuals, small and large companies donated trees resulting in great greening and awareness activity. The Woolworths Trust EduPlant programme was successful as the leading school food security and environmental development, with the Department of Education and Water Affairs and Forestry joining SAFM as partners. The FTFA Board of Directors welcomed two dynamic new members in Kumi Naidoo (who was appointed head of Greenpeace International at the end of the year) and the fabulous and well known Dali Tambo. The FTFA team grew to over 22 people working full time, putting great pressure on the humble office space.

2010, the year SA hosted the FIFA World Cup, started with huge excitement as FTFA finally was able to afford to purchase a house in Wendywood, Gauteng. Thanks to Douw Jordaan and Garth Meyer for working tirelessly through the Christmas and New Year holidays so the FTFA family could move in at the beginning of January. The FTFA Khaya was opened at a great celebration attended by Board members, staff and families and friends of FTFA. Having a home (khaya) has transformed the spirit of FTFA and really created a healthy, hardworking family, now 30 employed full time growing our garden and bamboo wall, introducing meat free Fridays, gardening and hiking together and much more. With the economic difficulties around the world FTFA is working harder and leaner and hoping that funding and support will continue to grow as the need for our greening, food gardening, climate response and sustainable development work grows.

New partnerships with Renewable Energy Solutions to plant and use bamboo, Renewable Energy Certificates for electricity offsets, the Carbon Protocol of SA and getting closer to being registered for Verifiable Emission Reductions are growing the organisation. The introduction of the first SA Climate Change Leadership Awards in March 2010 showed FTFA to be leaders in climate response.  Absa and Engen joined The Woolworths Trust as partners to grow and develop EduPlant.

FTFA still works as it started, in response to community requests and through consultation with community leaders. In order to raise funding and spread awareness of the many benefits of greening activities, a proactive media campaign is maintained.

FTFAs mission is to contribute to a healthy and sustainable quality of life for all through environmental awareness and greening programmes

The objectives of FTFA are:

to contribute to greening, climate change, sustainable natural resource management and food security;

to create an awareness of the benefits of environmental upliftment activities amongst all communities of southern Africa;

to contribute to poverty alleviation, improved environments, capacity building and skills development.

FTFA works in partnership with government, the private and public sectors and civil society to improve the quality of life and environments for all communities of the country.

Some Achievements:

• Instigators of Permaculture and founders of the Permaculture network for South Africa through bringing Bill Mollison to the country in 1991

• FTFA become Sub Saharan partners of Global ReLeaf starting international Urban Forestry networking in South Africa 1992

• Winner of the Department of Environmental Affairs' Conserva  Award 1995

• Laureate of the United Nations Global 500 Role of Honour

• Winner of the President's Forestry Award 1996

• Winning NGO of the PMR "Empower" Awards 1996

• FTFA Board lobby and get Arbor Day changed to Arbor Week 1997

• Winning NGO of the PMR "Empower" Awards 1997

• DANCED funds South Africa's first Urban Forester working for FTFA

• Leaders in Urban Forestry and Urban Greening in South Africa

• Overall winner of the Mail & Guardian Green Trust Award 1999 for top environmentalist - Jeunesse Park

• Urban Forestry included in National Forestry Action Programme thanks to FTFA lobbying

• Impumelelo Awards 2000 for EduPlant

• Mail & Guardian Investing in the Future Awards 2000 finalist for EduPlant

• Founder member of the National Arbor Week Committee

• Winners of the Mail & Guardian Investing in the Future Awards in 2001 for Trees for Homes

• Winner of the 2002 Eskom's Chairman's award - Jeunesse Park

• FTFA was a finalist in the Mail & Guardian "Greening the Future" Awards in 2004

• FTFA won both the Gauteng and National categories of the Institute for Housing South Africa award for Community Upgrader of the Year in 2004

• Three of FTFAs projects came 1st, 2nd and 4th in the 2004 Nestle Community Nutrition Awards competition in 2004

• FTFA was the only NGO to be a finalist in the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Sustainability Reporting Awards in 2004

• FTFAs Busi Wawa won R100 000 for her Eastern Cape project through the Nestle Community Nutrition Awards

• Founder Jeunesse Park was a recipient of the International Chevron Conservation Award and won the first ever Mail & Guardian Chairman's Award for Excellence

• Jeunesse Park was a co winner in the UNEP Sasakawa Award for Climate Change in 2007 and also received the Arbor Day Foundation Caroline Morton French Award in 2008

• FTFAs website won Sangonet Best Use of Social Media and Best Website Award in 2009 - thanks to webmaster Douw Jordaan

• Joanne Lee Rolt and Joe Matimba were finalists in the Johnny Walker Strides Awards in 2010

• Joanne Lee Rolt was announced as one of SA's Young Entrepreneurs by the Mail & Guardian in 2010

• FTFA was a finalist in the Impumelelo Awards in 2010

• FTFA was a winner of the United Nations SEED Award in 2010

   

FTFA is the sub-Saharan partner of Global ReLeaf.