DISPATCHES FROM THE FARMRSS

Nourishing the planet

Sunday, March 07, 2010
I was recently sent a newsletter from the Worldwatch Institute's Nourishing The Planet  (NtP) project, a remarkable, pragmatic research endeavour that seeks to "assess the state of agricultural innovations" world wide, including cropping methods, irrigation technology and agricultural policy and more, with an aim to addressing world hunger, environmental degradation and climate change. These guys are 'on the ground' assessing what is REALLY already going on (incl. what's working & not working) and what's REALLY needed in regards to infrastructure and funding to carry forward sustainable agricultural, agroecological and socioeconomic projects to full realisation and success - "from local seed banks to
 processing facilities, from pro-poor value chains to marketing bureaus."

  

The Nourishing The Planet project places an "emphasis on sustainability, diversity, and ecosystem health, as well as productivity" and like all Worldwatch Inst. work, will ultimately be used to accurately and effectively inform interested international fund donors as well as governments. 


In Lilonge, Malawi, looking at a permaculture project

One of the reasons this aspect of the Worldwatch Institute's work resonates with us is because the great work they do AND the success stories they raise awareness about, helps us take heart in the face of all the suffering worldwide that is occurring and amid the uncertainty of global warming! Their Sustainable Agriculture Program "highlights the benefits to farmers, consumers, and ecosystems that can flow from food systems that are flexible enough to deal with shifting weather patterns, productive enough to meet the needs of expanding populations, and accessible enough to support rural communities"....that's a win-win approach surely?


In Kampala, Uganda, looking at school garden projects with DISC/Slow Food International

The Nourishing The Planet blog is very inspiring and informative in a grass roots, enjoyable way. It reports directly day to day about initiatives and innovations occurring in various countries around the world, that make a positive and sustainable positive difference to the lives of the people, thousands of people. A lot of these innovations are simple but make the difference between families leading healthy lives and accessing a decent livelihood.

The project will culminate in the release of a comprehensive report;  State of the World 2011, which "will be a roadmap for foundations and international donors interested in supporting the most effective agricultural development interventions in various agroecological and socioeconomic contexts."

  
In Kigali, Rwanda, looking a small livestock project with Heifer

Organisations like the Worldwatch Institute are a big support if not an imperative for democracy to occur and the eternal vigelence required to sustain human societal freedom and equality, as well as monitoring and aiding responsible care of our planet. 

The Worldwatch Institute "is an independent research organization recognized by opinion leaders around the world for its accessible, fact-based analysis of critical global issues". They say "the Institute's three main program areas include Climate and Energy, Food and Agriculture, and the Green Economy."

In Africa’s Largest Slum called Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya, Danielle Nierenberg looking at urban gardens

Over the years I have from time to time read articles and research reports from the Worldwatch Institute and find their work very helpful for trying to keep me and Tim consciously informed about world environmental and social issues (& positive progress!). You might find their resources helpful too? And/or you may be able to contribute to supporting their work somehow?

THANK YOU KINDLY TO:

BERNARD POLLACK, photographer, for his generosity in allowing us to publish his photos above.

 DANIELLE NIERENBERG, Senior researcher for NtP & MOLLY THEOBALD, co-Project Director for NtP
currently 'on the ground' in Antananarivo, Madagascar for their prompt & helpful correspondence with me the last few days, including providing & sanctioning the use of the logos & images above. 



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