ISHS Acta Horticulturae 742: International Conference and Exhibition on Soilless Culture: ICESC 2005
A STUDY ON MICROGARDENS THAT HELP REDUCE GLOBAL POVERTY AND HUNGER |
| Authors: | P. Bradley, C. Marulanda |
| Keywords: | hydroponics, organoponics, microgardens, poverty, hunger |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2007.742.16 |
| Abstract:
In 1996, United Nations FAO and others at the World Hunger Summit committed to the goal of reducing hunger by half by the year 2015. By 2001, FAO estimated there were 797 million people in chronic hunger in developing countries. By United Nations FAO’s own estimates, the number of people in hunger has been reduced only by 9 million people at the conclusion of the first decade. Clearly an alternative approach is needed if the goal is to be realized by 2015. One possible method to reduce hunger is to provide a US$ 350.00 family microgarden for the estimated 200 million families in hunger. The cost of this, if offered to every family, is about 70 billion dollars. The cost of hunger, considering early death, reduced labor, and medical complication is estimated by United Nations FAO to be several hundred billion dollars per year. The gardens have the potential to end the cycle of poverty and hunger. While microgardens are one possible solution, other options should also be evaluated and a global investment considered seriously. | |
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