Why HAHU (ሀ ሁ) permaculture?

by Biruk Sahle

Hahu permaculture blog is inspired by the trending concepts like permaculture, urban gardening and self-sufficiency. The permaculture ethics and principles are the core values that called me to practice firsthand on our home garden and share our journey.

HA HU (ሀ ሁ) is the first two alphabets of the Amahric scripture in Ethiopia. They represent the first and second sounds of the Amharic alphabets. I wanted the name primarily to be Ethiopian origin as I am Ethiopian and as a reminder to the dream and vision I have for the application of permaculture in Ethiopia. I am inspired by the hope permaculture offers for a wide range of communities in Ethiopia and the world at large.

Beyond origin, I have decided with HA HU (ሀ ሁ) for two basic reasons. In Amharic common usage HA HU (ሀ ሁ) can indicate new (early) stages as well as the basics of anything.

Early Stages

I wouldn’t call myself a permaculture designer by any means. However, I would say I am an enthusiast and in my early stages of a life-time permaculture learning journey. Besides very questionable two years gardening experiences, 2019 would be the year of properly diving into urban gardening for me and my family of four, soon to be five.

The basics

I believe our society have moved a long way from the natural system and missed the basics. On every corner of the world, the human race is suffering from food related deficiencies be it lack of food or over indulgence of unhealthy food. Our agricultural systems have suffocated and abused the rest of living creatures with excessive use of chemicals and fertilizers. The best way to reverse any adverse effects would be holding back any intrusive activities and return back to the basics. We need to listen to nature and respond accordingly.

In this blog site, I will try to share garden progress updates including techniques we used, yield and any failures as they unfold. I will also share my take on permaculture, regenerative agriculture, urban gardening and self-sufficiency for constructive discussions.