Reducing food insecurity : Sack gardening

Most urban households in the developing world are located in slums, where agricultural plots are rare and land prices high. Consequently, urban households are totally dependent on markets for their food and are vulnerable to any increase in food prices.

Since 2008, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL has developed several urban agriculture projects in slums and impoverished neighborhoods (Kenya, South Sudan, Haiti).

In Kenya, for example, families are able to grow short cycle vegetables (spinach, cabbages, and amaranth) in sacks pierced with holes. Fully-grown leaves are collected once a week and three sacks can provide three to four meals per week for a family of five. 80% of the produce is consumed directly, while the surplus is sold to cover the cost of other expenses such as children’s education. Women’s and youth groups have come together around this innovative and inexpensive technique which not only has a high impact but is easy to reproduce.

Amongst the positive impacts of the project is the fact that the risk of people, particularly women, being harassed or attacked on their way to the market  has decreased since residents are no longer obliged to go and buy vegetables late in the day. Moreover, some groups and associations have decided to clean up waste disposal sites in order to clear space for the sack gardens, thus helping to improve living conditions in the neighbourhood.