The UNICEF-project “Construction of family gardens and school gardens in the refugee camps of the Saharawis” (Tindouf region, S.W. Algeria) is contributing in a very efficient way to food security and public health in the refugee camps.  Continuous efforts to construct more and more family gardens are complemented by sending seeds collected by European citizens, who do not throw seeds from tropical fruits (melon, watermelon, pumpkin, papaya, avocado etc) or leftovers from vegetable seeds (used in their own garden) anymore in the garbage bin or on the compost heap.

For more info, have a look at :
<http://www.zadenvoorleven.wordpress.com>
where you will find introductory texts in different languages.

Here are some images taken in family gardens by engineer Taleb BRAHIM, coordinator of the project, in January-February 2008 :

Tasty lettuce in Sahara desert soil of the Smara refugee camp

Different plant species grown in plastic bottles (nursery) before planting in the desert sand.  Two advantages are registered : limiting irrigation water in the nursery and eliminating littered plastic bottles in the desert.

What a magnificent feeling when growing for the first time in 30 years fresh vegetables, full of vitamins and mineral elements, in the desert sand with an amazing minimum of brackish irrigation water (after mixing TerraCottem soil conditioner to a depth of 25 cm of soil along the dripper lines of the drip irrigation system).  Left : red beetroot; Center : onion; Right : cabbage and lettuce.  A success story in the combat of desertification, the care for food security and for public health, and the enhancement of annual income.