May 2008 Hall of Fame
The Earth Garden Project: Empower Impoverished Communitie...
The Earth Garden Project: Empower Impoverished Communities in Developing Countries
Simply put, tags are keywords used to identify an idea. Just click on one of the tags below to find like-minded ideas.
-
General Advice (31) Give advice
Advice given by recygirl05.31.08 | 04:02 PMyes, to all of the above... thank you!
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by rachie2605.31.08 | 03:41 PMHi, It would be best, if you can, to purchase the items you need in Nigeria as it adds to the local economy. I haven't read all the comments, but I assume you have contacts, etc., and know people in the country. You'll need that to do anything. Plus it's probably easier to bring money into the country than other items. Other items often get taxed. Sounds like a wonderful idea. I hope you're using seeds of foods that the people are used to eating. I hope you're using non-chemical fertilizer.
RachelAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by erinely05.31.08 | 09:51 AMHey Natalie,
I have another resource for you: Geoff Lawton, the amazing permaculturist.
He is based in Australia and doing some absolutely amazing things in the world with permaculture projects. His site is: http://www.permaculture.org.au/
I am going to be working with an Australian friend of mine on a project designed with Geoff in regards to bringing permaculture to everyone, this is going to be a world wide project.
Keep in touch with me and I will let you know when it has come to the surface.
you can contact me through the idea blob site, I have my email on my profile.
All the best,
ErinAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by recygirl05.31.08 | 09:28 AMThanks Jessy for your words of encouragement. I have actually changed my project idea and that is to focus on schools and orphanages as a way of bringing the nutritional needs to the community at large: teach the children at school (allow them to grow seeds at school) who in turn bring the garden concept to their homes. I think it's a much more practical solution. I will look into raising chicks... thanks for your input on that. Good luck! I hope you win! natalie
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by recygirl05.22.08 | 02:14 PMTo "grannybev" who advised me above. I'm sorry, I don't know how I missed your advice, which I only picked up today. Please write to me if you wouldn't mind sharing with me how one goes about setting up the water system you have proposed. This would be such an amazing thing to be able to set up. natalie
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by recygirl05.22.08 | 02:10 PMThank you Erin! Thank you all for such valuable resources; your input and your support. I'm not likely to win this race, but it's certainly been worthwhile! Warm wishes to all. natalie
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by inspector_wendy05.22.08 | 02:29 AMCongratulations Natalie!!!
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by erinely05.21.08 | 11:26 PMops, it looks like my html code did not work...the website is: www.benevon.com
ErinAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by erinely05.21.08 | 11:24 PMHi,
I agree with earlier information in regards to fundraising. I have done a lot of fundraising, everything from product sales, grant writing, events & direct donation.
There are some excellent resources for top quality fundraising help in regards to the "ask". One of the best are the programs from Terry Axelrod at: <a href="http://www.benevon.com/">Benevon</a>
Good luck!
ErinAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by recygirl05.21.08 | 11:13 PMAnd... I just visited your site which is now officially bookmarked! What a wonderful resource!
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by recygirl05.21.08 | 11:11 PMThanks Katyaa!
I have a friend whose forte it is to do fundraising events. She will be my key link to getting the initial seed money available (in addition to authentic collectibles that I am selling to raise the funds).
You read my mind; I was thinking of targeting celebrity gardeners as a way of increasing awareness and donations.
Thanks for checking in with me. I really appreciate that you took the time to give me such amazing advice. I'll try to find that NY Times article.
natalieAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by katyaa
05.21.08 | 08:02 PMI'm happy to offer some fundraising advice. You have all the ingredients for an extraordinary fundraising effort - so I'd think about ways to fundraise online. You have or could have the cornerstones of a successful program:
1. Tangibility and specificity: You have a very specific project that is compelling and immediately understandable to donors, which is great. Project-based fundraising is on the rise, because it's a good response to donor concern about impact and skepticism about money reaching people in need.
2. You're close to your fundraising goal: A few months back, the New York Times had a great article in the Sunday magazine about research into fundraising results. It found the most effective positioning of an "ask" was to show you're close to a fundraising goal. People like to think their gift will lifet a project over a fundraising goal.
3. You have a relatable cause: It's hard to raise money internationally unless people have a personal or emotional tie to the cause, and you have great potential audiences among US gar…moredeners and farmers!Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by recygirl05.20.08 | 09:51 AMThank you. I would eventually like to be able to build on a larger scale as you have suggested. There are so many avenues to explore. Thank you for the advice. I'll google it and take a look. natalie
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by 44sunSpots05.20.08 | 02:01 AMYou may want to consider a broader approach. A service group provides education and support for a village in Guatamala to develop their own economy. They combine agriculture, aquaculture and farm animals on a small scale. The organization bought land and in exchange for some of the crop sold the land to the individual farmer. They tought the people to market the rest of what they produced and did not need for themselves. The name is something like Agros.
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by grannybev05.19.08 | 05:09 PMHI NATALIE,
I AM AWARE THAT MOST AREAS ARE NOT ONLY HARD UP FOR FOOD BUT ALSO WATER. MOST AREAS IN THESE COUNTRIES CARRY THEIR WATER FOR MILES TO JUST SUPPLY HUMAN NEED. IHAVE STARTED RAISING PLANS HYDROPONICLY RUNNING SOLLAR PUMPS TO SUPPLY WATER FROM THE RESERVE WHICH IS NUTRIENT RICH AND REFILLED ONLY WEEKLY NO LAND IS NEEDED AND THE SETUP REQUIRED LITTLE SPACE AND AFFORDS MAX YIELD. SETUPS ARE CHEEP AND CAN BE MADE WITH LITTLE EFFORT. A LARGE PLASTIC JUG FOR EACH PLANT A FEW PIECES OF HOSE A LARGE BARREL FOR RESIVOIR AND MOST OF ALL AIR STONES TO MIST AND A SINGLE SOLAR CELL AND A PUMP. NUTRIENTS CAN BE MADE FROM MANEUR AN WATER AND OTHER ELEMENTS LIKE IRON ETC.
GOOD LUCKAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by recygirl05.15.08 | 11:13 PMThanks Michelle for taking the time to write. I too have been thinking about small/cheap live stock, namely chickens, as a way of increasing people's nutrition and income. Perhaps there is a way of getting involved with Heifer International; something I plan to explore.
I also enjoy the idea of solar ovens (which can easily be made with few materials/low cost) being part of every - micro - garden that is created. This may also offer additional income in an indirect way i.e. women do not have to spend their hours looking for firewood, but can cook "to go" food in the solar oven for people commuting to and from work etc.
There is so much to explore.
Thanks again!
natalieAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by inventorspot 05.15.08 | 11:36 AMI loved the idea I had seen a while back to give chicklets and raising chickens, with the goal of giving away from the initial target to another family.
I think cheap livestock that can be used to provide more livestock to others in the community is a great idea.
Michelle
InventorSpot.com - #1 Advice Resource for InventorsAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by calmguy305.15.08 | 03:56 AMhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmlrtHdREVw
Video Title: Israel Boasts Agricultural InnovationsAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by recygirl05.06.08 | 03:05 PMThank you once again! Penn State sounds like a wonderful opportunity for students, such as myself, to get involved with sustainable projects. It's very interesting to see that Lake Victoria is mentioned; I recently saw Darwin's Nightmare and thought of ways in which the quality of life in Tanzania could be uplifted via a school, Earth Gardens and so on. The abundance of their fresh water is an extremely inviting aspect of doing work over there.
Wonderful resources. Thanks again. natalieAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by khanjan 05.06.08 | 12:22 PMNatalie, Here's a link to a paper that talks about lessons learnt working on an entrepreneurial project in east africa...for whatever its worth:
http://www.nciia.org/conf08/assets/pub/mehta.pdfAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by recygirl05.06.08 | 12:31 AMThank you for your advice and for viewing my idea profile.
As mentioned to Amarjeet, the relationship in the village of Odi has been built since 2002. They also have a project manager on the ground in Nigeria. That is part of what is so nice about starting a pilot project there.
With regards to new communities that I plan to work with, I agree that the social context needs to be understood in order to work with the people. That is where research and volunteers on the ground in that country will come in. There is also an amazing networking ability via websites such as idealist.org
I am aware of the water crises that exist in certain countries--particularly in Africa. For this reason, I will primarily focus on areas that do have access to water and then look at ways in which water can be introduced i.e. working with other non-profits that drill water wells for example. I see the collaboration of working with other non-profits as such an exciting and necessary part of development; it's the joining of hands that allows us to achieve even gr…moreeater goals through the work that we do as individual organizations and that of working together.
Thanks for the NutriBusiness link. Pregnant women are among the largest pool of people who are affected by a lack of nutrition. The original idea of The Earth Garden Project was to work with pregnant and breast-feeding mothers. I was deeply affected by a personal experience of mine a couple of years ago. The circumstances of these women has been stirring in my consciousness ever since.
With regards to the website: I am currently building a website, but am reluctant to publish it as The Earth Garden Project has not been established as a non-profit as yet. This is something that will change over the next few weeks.
Lastly, thank you for the heads up on Paul Polak--I'll take a look.
I would love to hear more about your project.
Sincerely,
natalie carter
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
Advice given by khanjan 05.04.08 | 11:55 PMAlso, check out the NutriBusiness concept:
http://www.jneb.org/article/S1499-4046(07)00966-9/abstract
I am working with the author of the paper - Audrey Maretzki to set up a similar initiative in Tanzania - with significant value addition. Feel free to email me...Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
Great idea. Very inspirational.
Great Idea Nat... Awesome that you are trying to make a contribution, I wish you all the best :)
Good Luck Nat - very impressed and proud of you. I wish you success SSXX
YOU HAVE INHERITED YOUR MOM'S GREEN FINGERS SO PASS IT ON TO OTHERS TO SAVE LIVES
Natalie - I am very impressed! Make it happen and let me know how I can help! I will comment in more detail when I have time. From Michael Wallis-Brown
syggy, this is a brilliant idea... i love it... it is a poverty and malnutrition is a global problem. as for seeds i have an organic company that we use in peru... seeds f change... for $50. you get 1,000 seed packages... a big discount... after finals, we'll see how i can help you. ducky
my nats.... you inspire me, my friend!!!!! ****
i know poverty isn't in the interest of big business, but saving lives ought to be our main priority; & i AGREE
(Ooops-wasn't finished yet) i AGREE, that when people know how to float above the waters of Capitalism (learn to fish) instead of being 'given', 'a', fish (the help we give through orgs, charities & ever necessary acts of kindness) we can change our actions & live "with" those communities by helping them survive unseen acts of nature, beyond our control. i 'give' you my 'one' vote; i am asking for your vote "&" the votes of those in agreement with you, 'that the longevity of life is precious'. The Life Float aims to help people survive above the drowning CAPITALISM we perpetuate through (our governments helping us to) live as we do! Help me win & will $hare with you & perpetuate your idea beyond $10,000. Let this be a promise set in stone, or a plee …morefor those who are dying through the acts of the unprepared nature of government. Poverty exists because Capitalism survives. A Lowercase Equality is the only way to better a Capitalistic Society aimed at getting rich while the rest of us suffer. This is the balancing act of humans teaching humans to 'give' from there pockets instead of from their sources, within (to help us understand "&" END poverty FOREVER) 'sow' that all can be wealthy & rich, within! "Teach a human that the bait to fish & feed him/her self, is within, & many forms of food will follow the nature of the heart/the listener. Pace the peace~! inione.
I am so proud of u Nattie!! Its megs!! Well done... love you
Hej Natalie. I am inspired by what you are doing with your project for Nigeria. Here is a design website fyi that may be of help http://www.design21sdn.com/. Keep it all up and sending you hope and strength in all the biggest boxes i can find. Wayne
Wayne, what a wonderful resource. Thank you for sharing this information with myself and others. I have signed up and will explore all that is has to offer. Hold thumbs for this crazy race. x nat
Hi Nats, Brilliant idea!!!.. I have great faith in you and your amaizing project. Lucille
i hope you win Natalie! You'll be saving lives!
Thank you Natalie for doing your thing!!!
excellent concept - you might also check out Needful Provision, Inc (www.needfulprovision.org) we have excellent training modules already developed and more in "progress" like radio schools - all geared toward eliminating hunger and poverty worldwide best of luck
You know, even if another problem arises in the countries you are going to help, they will have the skills to get their gardens going again wherever they may be. Too bad so many people have their lives constantly disrupted by their governments. I am voting for you. Please vote for mine if you like what I will be doing! http://www.ideablob.com/ideas/1700-Backyard-plant-propagation-to-h
There's over 300 million people in the US, I think those states are a little mixed up. But it's a great cause.
Thanks Serpa. I'll look into it (and hadn't considered it that way). I'll try to find more current ones. Planning an Earth Garden for South Africa in August. Keep a lookout for us ;) Thanks for your support! natalie
I love your idea, Natalie! What a wonderful cause... the world needs more proactive people like you! Let me know if you need any help... xo stephanie
Given the current world food crisis I think this is an amazing way to make a difference!
Hey Natalie I think what you are doing is really great. I Love the Idea. You are a good soul.
Natalie, I think your idea is brilliant. Back in 1952 , in "Agriculture School for Teacvhers" we had a project called "Huerta Familiar" (Family Vegetable Garden) that was to be developed in the slums of Buenos Aires. Unfortunatly it became politicized and thus, died of political poison. I remember a l;ot of great ideas for it. It was meant mostly for people who don't have any land, many of them ssquaters. My enthsiastic vote for your project, Mamablitz
Thank you Jeffsmom! It's so nice to hear some encouragement. My project does aim to work with landless people; that's one of the joys of the technique that I plan to use: vegetable gardens can be made in a relatively small space (4x4 square feet--with vertical growth). These gardens can also be used as roof gardens. I couldn't think of a better way to utilize useless space (aside from solar panels). Thanks once again! natalie
Hi Natalie, I believe I found your project on another website a few months ago and signed up to support it there as well. (If it's the one I'm thinking of?) Just wanted to say keep up the great work and you're doing a great job! It's a great idea that can translate to anywhere really. Take care! Wendy http://www.ideablob.com/ideas/2011-Rescue-Yarn
Good idea, and timing with rising food costs - education is always a great first step.
Hey Nats, Good luck! x
FANTASTIC NATALIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! x!!
This is an excellent initiative Nat and I wish you the best of luck with it
Sounds like a wonderful project Natalie! Maybe you should make a documentary about journey so we can all share it with you. Thanks for making a positive difference in the world.
Natalie, you're a natural encourager. With a virtue like that, I know you'll surely bless others through your work, whether it's by way of Earth Garden project or something else altogether. I hope your project does get off the ground so that families in Odi, Nigeria and elsewhere can, in time, move beyond subsistent living with the proper knowledge and education about planting and growing.