The agriculture element of the Fullness of Life programme will address the following United Nations Millennium Goals (UNMDG) by achieving the targets set by the United Nations. Progress towards the UNMDG will be measured against the United Nation’s own indicators as listed.

UNMDG: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

Target: (1) Halve, by 2015, the proportion of people whose income is less than one dollar a day.
Target: (2) Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all, including women and young people.
Target: (3) Halve, by 2015, the proportion of people who suffer from hunger.

Indicators

1. A decrease in the number of people living on less that one dollar per day.
2. An increase in employment to population ratio.
3. A decrease in underweight children under five years of age.
4. A decrease in the number of people receiving less than the minimum level of dietary energy consumption.

There are three main points to the agricultural elements of the programme. The first is to introduce the concept of food security for each family within the community in which we are based, the second to produce quality crops chosen for their contribution to strengthening the body’s immune system and improving health, and the third is to develop crop production and animal husbandry into income generating activities within the community.

The plan with agriculture is to assess which crops can be grown in the local soil conditions. This will then be weighed against those crops that are required for a healthy diet, rich in the sort of nutrients needed to build up the immune system and develop physical well-being and mental strength.

Methods will be assessed to determine how to increase yields, and produce healthier crops. This is to take account of the limited access to land that most people will have. Initial research reveals the “Double Dig” method as a technology free way of boosting food production. Other methods will be examined. Such methods will include the digging of foot deep holes (zai), which are then filled with manure. This is to attract termites that digest the organic matters, making the nutrients more readily available to plants. Equally important, the insects dig channels through the soil, which assist in water drainage when the rains come. Trees can then be planted into the holes for soil replenishment.
Another method to be explored is the creation of terra preta soils areas, consisting of charcoal, broken pottery and organic matter such as food waste, animal faeces, animal and fish bones and the like. This produces a dark, highly fertile soil.

Animal husbandry will begin with something simple such as chickens, both for their egg laying and their meat. Other livestock will be introduced as the programme develops. Goats will be introduced early for both their milk and their meat.

Natural resources will be assessed and utilised. This may include fishing, wild vegetables, herbs, natural medicines and even wildlife. All local laws and restrictions will be adhered to with regard to these natural assets and their usage.

In the first instance it is intended to locate land, locate a workforce of participants/beneficiaries, and then provide them with the tools and seeds etc. – together with managerial oversight – needed to implement a simple crop production programme. Once this is underway, other aspects such as animal husbandry will be introduced.

Start-up needs include : A rotavator, spades, forks, seedlings/seeds, chickens.