MuswellHillbilly

Much joy at GA HQ! The Observer Ethical Awards Awards recognise those who pioneer a sustainable future and identify products, ideas and companies that make ethical living  possible. GardenAfrica’s projects have been recognised with a nomination in the Best Conservation category.

GardenAfrica, to recap, is a UK based charity working with communities in sub-Saharan Africa, training people to plant vegetable gardens which feed families, free from dependency and debt. These gardens flourish in schools, hospital grounds and private homesteads, providing medicinal plants as well as food.

Futhi Fakudzi and her children

Traditional African agricultural knowledge is harnessed and combined with simple gardening techniques such as mulching and water conservation to create a productive vegetable garden in extreme and adverse conditions. Self reliance is key: local trainers are used and once the project is running, GardenAfrica pulls out, leaving the community with the skills and knowledge to continue growing food for themselves. Thus the gardens are sustainable in every sense of the word.

Cross fingers for GardenAfrica on 3 June when winners will be announced. Click here to view the short list.