Looking for the simplest, but most effective method to solve the hunger problem in the drylands ?  Offer a small family garden to every hungry family at almost no costs.  You only need a  fence, some simple tools, a bit of long lasting, water and fertilizer absorbing soil conditioning compound and some seeds.

Inventive rural people generally construct the fence around the small garden plot with local materials (e.g. an earthen wall, wire or plastic).  Seeds can be obtained very easily (see www.seedsforfood.org).  Five kg of a long lasting soil conditioning compound are sufficient to treat 50 m2 of garden and this compound is only to be applied one single time for at least 10 years.  Finally, simple tools can be purchased at the lowest prize.

Just have a look at the fantastic results obtained by UNICEF at their family garden project in the Sahara desert (S.W. Algeria) to convince yourself of the feasibility to eradicate hunger in a harsh environment.  With a minimum of efforts a maximum effect can be obtained in the combat of hunger.  The French say : “Il faut le faire !“. (Photos by agronomist Taleb BRAHIM).

2007-01 Preparation of a family garden in Smara refugee camp : drip irrigation tubes on desert sand treated with water and fertilizer absorbing soil conditioner

2007-04 : The same garden 3 months later, with a lot of fresh vegetables for refugees who never had fresh food to eat

2008-02 : Can you ever believe these zucchinis were grown in the desert ?

2008-02 : Young eggplants growing in soda bottles (see also http://containergardening.wordpress.com)

2009-03 : Food full of vitamins and minerals growing with minimal investment in the drylands. Why don't we apply this method for sustainable development to help the hungry people in the drylands to family gardens, school gardens and hospital gardens ? Is it too simple ?