Family gardens : small is beautiful (M. HIRZEL)

Pictures taken by Miriam HIRZEL in May 2008 in the refugee camps of the Saharawi people in the Tindouf area (S. W. Algeria) :

2008-05 : At the very start of a family garden only a few plants are developing, but the lessons learned about solutions for food crop growth in the desert are extremely useful. (Photo M. HIRZEL)

2008-05 - The presence of some trees indicates potentialities to install orchards of drought tolerant fruit trees. These could play an important role in the provision of vitamin rich fruits for the improvement of the refugees' health, in particular that of their children. (Photo M. HIRZEL).

2008-05 - A combination of fruit trees with vegetables growing in their shadow would deliver extraordinary results in these family gardens. (Photo M. HIRZEL).

2008-05 - Who wouldn't be estonished to see such a rich bunch of vegetables growing in the desert ? And what is possible here can certainly be duplicated in any dryland area. (Phot M. HIRZEL)

2008-05 : Generally vitamins are lacking in diet of dryland people. So, instead of sending them vitamin pills, why not offering them a chance to grow vegetables like tomatoes in their own family garden ? Look at these and feel the need to duplicate this for every dryland family ! (M. HIRZEL)

2008-05 : Maybe you think this is only a poor result, but imagine you never had any fresh vegetable close to your house in the refugee camp. Wouldn't you be happy too and feel the hope for a better future . (Photo M. HIRZEL).

2008-05 : Gradually these people learn how to cultivate better and better on their way to a sustainable development. It starts with a few tomato plants, some beetroots, a cabbage and some melons. Next year this will become a little "oasis". (Photo M. HIRZEL).

2008-05 : We should never forget that a combination of traditional knowledge about plant growth in the desert with some cost-effective and well-adapted modern technologies can create wonders. With a minimum of irrigation, even from a teapot, people keep their vegetables growing and become less dependent on external food aid. Let us build on this for a better future without food problems for millions of people. (M. HIRZEL).