After reading the preceding article on the excellent publications of FAO and IFPRI, commented by AfricaFiles, I was recalling the success of the UNICEF project on “Family Gardens in the refugee camps of S.W. Algeria”.

Just to refresh my memory on the results obtained in a very short period with minimal means (an amazing return on investment !), I looked back at some pictures sent by the coordinating engineer Taleb BRAHIM.

Be my guest and judge for yourself if the lay-out of small kitchen gardens can help to obtain food security in all the drylands, even in the cities (remember the sudden rise of guerilla gardening caused by the growing food crisis).

2008-04 : Small kitchen garden in the Sahara desert. Plenty of carrots and other fresh vegetables with a minimum of water (Photo eng. Taleb BRAHIM)

2008-04 : Engineer Taleb proudly shows cauliflowers grown in the desert sand (Photo eng. Taleb BRAHIM)

2008-04 : Red beetroots contribute to food security (Photo eng. Taleb BRAHIM)

2008-04 : From now off this family is eating tomatoes almost every day (Photo eng. Taleb BRAHIM)

2008-04 : Who would expect all these different vegetables and fruits in such a dry soil with only a minimum of slightly saline water available ? Yes, we can have food security with a remarkably low budget ! (Photo eng. Taleb BRAHIM)

For more information on this success story, please contact me over email.

Prof. Dr. Willem Van Cotthem
Beeweg 36
B9080 ZAFFELARE – Belgium