Have We Overlooked the Importance of Micro-Gardening in The Fight Against Food Insecurity?

First off, the term “micro-gardening” is something I had not heard before. I mean I realized one could have small gardens at home especially if you do not have large space. Just was not familiar with the term “micro-gardening”. Micro-gardening is soilless gardens suitable for urban areas and neighborhoods with a high population density and without much green space [1].

One might look at micro-gardening as a fabulous or stylish approach to garden, nonetheless, it ought not to be considered in that capacity. Micro-gardening’s are made to be manageable, moderate, highly productive, energy, and space-efficient. What's truly fascinating about this development is that crops that are grown on the ground can be grown on tables or any salvageable objects such as bottles, containers, and used tires [1].

Over the weekend I came across a publication from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) called “Stories from Africa: Changing lives through diversified healthy foods” and was intrigued at what communities in various African countries were doing to fight hunger and food insecurity. A particular story caught my attention and that was the story from Senegal.

Participants in the three-week practical and theoretical FAO micro-gardening training program for youngsters and women were taught how to micro-garden, compost, cultivate vegetables, herbs, and many more. In turn, these participants took what they learned and returned to their communities with new knowledge and skills for others to learn too.

I was intrigued by this story because for a start I never considered micro-gardening would be something Africans will be willing to take upon or show any interest in, especially on a large scale. Micro-gardening is very common in developed nations as most live in tight and small spaces. I am happy to see that attitudes are changing and open to advancements. It will be shrewd for other African nations to embrace this approach especially as it is inexpensive and economical.

What's not to love about micro-gardening? Moreover, it can be done at home, indoors, or outdoors. Micro-gardening has shown to be impactful and should not be overlooked as a possible contribution to the fight against food insecurity. At this point, no idea is overrated.

References

1. FAO. 2021. Stories from Africa: Changing lives through diversified healthy foods. Accra.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cb2841en

2. Image Credit: http://www.fao.org/ag/agp/greenercities/en/microgardens/index.html