A Thousand Gardens in Africa Continues to Grow

25 coordinators of the Thousand Gardens in Africa project met in Nakuru, Kenya, from November 22-24 to exchange information and discuss the development of the initiative. The coordinators, including school teachers, experts and members of the local community, confronted issues ranging from soil fertility management, water use efficiency, farm health and hygiene and seed management. They also visited a model garden for a demonstration on best agricultural practices, and discussed the next stages of the project.

The Thousand Gardens in Africa project, launched in October 2010, provides education for farmers and young people, encourages the awareness of local plants and biodiversity, promotes respect for the environment and the sustainable use of soil and water. So far 394 gardens have been adopted thanks to the support of Slow Food members worldwide and numerous fundraising initiatives.

The meeting follows a series of training workshops held in Uganda, South Africa, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Tanzania and Senegal. The project in itself involves 25 countries where the Slow Food network is already strong.
Click here for an interactive map of the African communities that have so far been involved.

In many local contexts, the gardens represent a means of guaranteeing a daily supply of fresh and healthy food to local communities, improving the quality of life and the development of local economies.

Many fundraising initiatives for the Thousand Gardens in Africa are also being organized around the globe during Terra Madre Day 2011, Slow Food’s worldwide celebration of eating locally.

For more information on A Thousand Gardens in Africa:
www.fondazioneslowfood.com/pagine/eng/orti/cerca.lasso?-id_pg=30

For more information on Slow Food: www.slowfood.com

Click here to see the events being organized in support of the project during Terra Madre Day 2011.