The UN recently released a World Food Programme Report announcing what many in Nepal must already know: hunger has reached alarming levels in much of the country, especially the western hills.
In the face of such widespread suffering, it seems a bit trivial to celebrate one small experiment like Ajamvari Farm. Yet several weeks ago, the World Food Programme and European Union announced major investments in agricultural projects to support small farmers — especially women — in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Gemmo Lodesani, Director of the WFP liaison office in Brussels, explained the reasoning:
…one of the best ways to make sure people have access to food is to help small farmers increase production.
Of course, those of us involved in small farms and alternative agriculture have know this for years. And we also know that productivity needs to be balanced with sustainability and health for people and the environment. However, it’s good to have official recognition that the efforts of small farms where people simply grow and eat food can make a difference to the bigger problems of the world.
coincidence–i am writing an essay on food security options for coming Tuesdays’s column!
Hurray! I hope you will write a brief introduction and include a link for the post here. It’s so important and there’s so much more to say. I look forward to reading your column.