Yesterday, we had a Facebook Livestream to introduce our new Energy and Environment Program, and we were excited to see the interest from our viewers. If you missed the livestream, don't worry; we are happy to share more about this innovative program in today's blog article. Follow the link below to learn more about the program.
The End of Plenty Book Review
The Race to Feed a Crowded World
Author: Molly Horn
Has the Green Revolution Failed?
The work of Norman Borlaug was supposed to feed the world. Father of the Green Revolution in the 1940’s and 1950’s, Borlaug developed varieties of wheat that were resistant to disease, drought, pests, and other natural forces, allowing farmers across the world to reap a higher yield from their crops and earn more income, feeding more people the world over. He had no way of knowing, however, that his work would lead to crop bioengineering, which today means that corporations can patent seed variants and control what farmers are allowed to grow and sell, especially in developing countries.
Smallholder farmers across the world have seen their profits sink as they come into competition with agriculture giants like Cargill, Bayer, and Monsanto. The vast majority of crops planted in the United States now go to feed the animals that we eat. 70% of American farmland is used for feed for cattle and pigs, rather than being used to feed the human population. The same is increasingly being seen across the world, where crops are grown to feed animals for meat, rather than to feed humans themselves.
Climate change is catastrophic for farmers
In addition to the mega-farms, climate change is forcing many farmers off their land as drought strikes and they can no longer grow enough crops to sell, or as flash flooding washes away a year’s worth of effort and precious topsoil along with it. The worldwide push to slow down global warming is often met with pushback from those who either don’t believe the science of climate change, or who stand to profit from the practices that cause climate change in the first place.
What could the future look like?
In the End of Plenty, Joel K. Bourne Jr. offers a picture of the future we could have if organic farming becomes the norm, and small farmers are able to feed their families and make enough profit to keep their business going. Even crops that are raised with only partially organic techniques succeed where conventional farming fails. Inexpensive drip irrigation becomes the standard and farmers the world over see their crops succeed. This is the future we could have if we want it – a world where there is enough food for everyone, where toxic pesticides no longer poison the groundwater, and a world where global warming is slowed and even potentially reversed.
How is Orant working toward this goal?
The Orant Agroecological Farm is a test plot on Orant’s campus in Kasese in which we are piloting natural farming methods that are good for the environment and for people’s health. Now, after the first year, the plot is very productive, already producing new banana shoots and papaya fruit and much more! Stay tuned for more updates on our Agroecological Farm and more stories from the field!
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The Orant Journal
Have you ever wondered what Orant means? It’s not just a funny word - it has a deeper meaning that we’re telling you about this week in the blog. Read more about it here and learn where we got our name and why we are grateful for you, our readers, donors, and supporters, this week and always.
We are happy to announce the graduation of our Mwayiwathu Farming Club. This group has experienced so much transformation over the past 3 years we have worked with them and we are now in the process of selecting our second cohort. Read our blog article for inspiring stories from Mwayiwathu!
A traditional Malawian breakfast or snack, Chigumu is a delicious banana cake that satisfies your sweet tooth while also being nutritious. Try it today!
Malawi, a country renowned for its beauty and rich diversity, is home to vibrant cultures and traditions. Amidst this tapestry of differences, one beloved staple unites its people, evoking cherished childhood memories - Nsima. Made from Cassava, Millet and most commonly Maize, Nsima is more than just a meal. It is a cultural cornerstone.
Recently, through donations from our generous supporters, our WASH Program brought clean water to Kanono village, a community in our catchment area. Read our latest blog article to discover the profound impact this gift has had on people from Kanono village.
We are so happy about the strides our Business Development Program is making. In today’s post, we share the story of Judith Kachala, a Financially Empowering Microloans (FEM) for Women program cohort 3 member. Judith’s story is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. Read our latest blog to learn more about Judith’s story.
Apply today for jobs with our Assistant Facilities Coordinator position in Dowa, Malawi!
Apply today for jobs with our Energy and Environment Program Manager position in Dowa, Malawi!
Introducing our newest staff member, Mphatso Chembekeza, our Grants Officer in Kasese, Dowa, Malawi. We are proud to have him on our team!