The South African Civil Society Information Service
A nonprofit news agency promoting social justice. Seeking answers to the question:
How do we make democracy work for the poor?
A nonprofit news agency promoting social justice. Seeking answers to the question:
How do we make democracy work for the poor?
2 Apr 2013
One billion people go to bed hungry every night and two million children die from malnutrition every year. A high proportion of them are in sub-Saharan Africa. Climate change, land grabs, food price fixing, commodity trading and the financial crisis all play their part in the food crisis that the world is currently facing. On March 26, the Frontline Club in London hosted a panel of experts to engage with the problem. One thing they agreed on is that there is enough food being produced in the world to feed the entire global population. The problem is one of distribution.
© The Frontline Club
Posts by unregistered readers are moderated. Posts by registered readers are published immediately. Why wait? Register now or log in!
Growing Wonder Foods in Drought Stricken Areas
I have wondered also about the possibilities of changing some farming practices in drought stricken areas to using drought resistant food sources, as well as food sources that are as complete and nutritious as possible. An example is quinoa. There is a health craze regarding quinoa at the moment, but this plant really sounds like a great crop. It is drought tolerant and resistant, once the seedlings are growing. The grains are surrounded by saponin, a natural pesticide, making it unpalatable to birds. The leaves can also be eaten like spinach. And it is one of the few plant foods that contain a complete protein. I read somewhere that a few cups of quinoa seeds when planted and grown in a few acres, will produce enough food to feed a family for a year.
