Sack Gardens

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

Sack Gardens allow people to grow short-cycle vegetables 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 also 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 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 neighborhoods.

For over 30 years, the humanitarian aid organization SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL has been committed to providing aid in the event of conflict and natural disasters. Their mission is to provide aid as quickly and as efficiently as possible to endangered populations by meeting their vital needs: drinking water, food and shelter.

Publicly available: yes
Countries where available: Kenya, South Sudan, Haiti
Price range (USD): Contact supplier for quote