The Half Moon farming method is a way to turn arid and semi-arid infertile areas into productive farmland in Chad, Kenya, and Mauritania. It’s a simple solution: capture rainwater by digging catch areas in a half-moon shape. Reviving this traditional farming technique has transformed the land and the lives of the people who live there.
“Kenya’s Masaai community is using a clever technique to reap big rewards in the fight against climate change. Little ‘half moons’ dug into farmland – otherwise known as ‘water bunds’ – capture rainwater, allowing it to sink into the ground instead of washing away.”
This means seeds can actually take root, and vast areas of land can once again turn green.
Maasai conservationist Lanoi Meitiekini explained to the BBC how it works:
The Half-moon bunds are also happening in Mauritania, where they are improving food security and nutrition.
Because of this project, a dam was rebuilt …
The land is fertile again and …
A farmer, he was able to buy a cart, donkey, clothes, and more food for his family …
which gives milk for his children …
the cart makes transportation 4 to 5 times more efficient for him …
his village did not have access to drinking water …
but with the money from this project, they were able to purchase tools to build a new well …
and now they have access to drinking water.
This is another exciting sustainable farming innovation.
I have more ideas in my picture book, Food for the Future, Sustainable Farms Around the World.
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We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court
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Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- ⭐ Starred review from School Library Journal!
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Nautilus Silver Winner, Nonfiction Children’s Picture Book
- Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
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Bank Street College’s The Best Children’s Books of the Year
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