Hi everyone,
I just wanted to add to my novel solution in creating a non-profit social investment fund that supports agricultural businesses in the developing world. Aside from providing the necessary tools to farmers in these nations, I think that it should target the root of the problem, which is careful management of the Earth’s natural resources. I have outlined a more detailed action plan that can improve the current food crises:
- Instead of investing in larger scale farms, investors from the non-profit social investment fund should inject their funds in smaller farm communities, where a majority of the land is used for agriculture.
- Enabling the funds from organizations to aid in improving the condition of the soil that has been abused over the years can benefit and increase crop production.
- The poor should be properly educated by volunteer soil specialists and scientists to make use of their agricultural land and even grow small vegetable gardens in their own backyards to feed their families.
- Because too many crops from developing nations are being used for biofuel, the government should restrict certain crops, such as maize to not be included in the production of biofuel.
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June 16, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Good job in outlining some of the main points!
I completely agree on using investment funds to concentrate on smaller farm communities. With these funds we are able to keep the soil fertile and produce more crops. Sustaining the soil will generate more profit for farmers and firms.
Thanks keep me updated on other action plans you have.
June 16, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Thanks for your post! With farmers focusing on one of the root causes of the food crisis, fertile soil, the production of crops will be able to increase and people in developing nations will have access to sustainable food. However, I do know that finding investors to provide the necessary funds for the agricultural tools, poor farmers need will be difficult as those investors tend to put their funds in industrial farms.
June 16, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I think the restriction on crop type can lead to some slippery slopes.
Additionally, the US agricultural industry is heavily invested in the growing and harvesting of corn. Have fun trying to influence policy change in the US.
June 16, 2009 at 10:40 pm
I think the restriction on crops is very risky, however, I did read an article discussing that Africa’s government has enforced a law restricting the growing of maize solely for the pupose of producing biofuel. So, I think it is possible for other countries to put restrictions, however, I am also doubtful that the US will stop the harvesting of corn for biofuel because they are the ones that came up with the biofuel idea.