10,000 gardens in Africa – a successful example of food sovereignty!

Initially criticized as unscientific, the concept of food sovereignty has been recognized by experts as a serious solution to the hunger crisis and a means of achieving sustainable agriculture since the publication of the 2008 World Agriculture Report.

In 2011, Slow Food International launched a food sovereignty project involving school and community gardens in Africa. Originally titled 1,000 "Gardens for Africa," this initiative has led to the creation of sustainable vegetable gardens in schools, villages, and on the outskirts of cities in 26 African countries. In 2014, the successful project entered a significant expansion phase: the goal is to increase the number of gardens from 1,000 to 10,000!

The aim is to enable local people to grow and eat their own fresh, local food in community gardens. The transfer of knowledge between generations and the passing on of traditional and time-honored techniques also play an important role in promoting food sovereignty and food security. After the first four years of project work in Africa, it became clear that not only had more than 1,000 kitchen gardens been created, but much more had been achieved. A sustainable network had been established that is bringing about real change in society.

Children are proud of being able to provide for themselves with sustainable vegetables, young people once again see prospects and future opportunities in agricultural production, and old varieties and seeds are being preserved and recultivated. Last but not least, healthy, clean, and fairly produced food makes a significant contribution to people's health.

Gardening involves more than just cultivating and caring for plants. Every single kitchen garden that a community wants to create begins long before with observing the microclimate, analyzing the soil, and assessing the orientation of the area to ensure the best conditions for the garden. It is also necessary to ensure that water is available or can be collected and to identify any potential threats to the garden (animals, erosion, wind, etc.).

Slow Food provides regional experts who are available to offer advice and help establish contacts with other gardens from which indigenous seeds and plants that have not been genetically modified can be obtained. In order to maintain and perhaps even expand the garden, a seed bed and compost area are created near the garden from the outset. In addition, the garden should be protected by fences and barriers made from local natural materials. Plants such as wild cacti or flowers can also serve this purpose, as they are good for attracting beneficial insects that protect against disease. Sensible labeling of the plants serves to improve teaching and makes it easier for everyone to observe the plants in their various stages.

The project has been running since 2012 and is continuously evaluated by Slow Food Africa. Numerous partners support the project in order to quickly achieve the ambitious goal of 10,000 food gardens. However, the best and most sustainable success of the project is its organic spread across the African continent through the initiative and dissemination efforts of teachers, students, and communities.