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Elephant-Friendly Shopping
Inquiry Activity A learning activity by Tom J. McConnell, 
Strategies to Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict Multi-cropping When you drive in the country, you probably see farm fields, each with just corn, or just beans, or just wheat or some other crop. This is called a "mono-culture" because it the goal is to grow just one (mono) crop. This forces us to have two large fields for each crop - corn in one, beans in another, and so on. This requires a LOT of land! But in nature, more than one plant will share the same space. Think of our yards - grass, trees, flowers, shrubs. Sometimes this works because it grows in layers (ground cover, shrubs, canopy of trees), and sometimes plants just grow well together. Indigenous people around the world used to grow crops this way. Fo˜r instance, in America, native people used to grow corn, squash and beans together, and called them "the three sisters." Today, we call this practice "Multi-Cropping." In several parts of Africa and Asia, farmers have been returning to multi-cropping as a way to farm in a sustainable way. This reduces the amount of land needed to survive and farm, and in some cases, produces much more on each acre of land! This method returns nutrients to the soil, controls weeds and pests, and brings more pollinators to increase yields Another benefit is that it can leave more land for wildlife, so it is a win-win situation for farmer and wildlife. Here are some examples of the products grown in mult-crop methods, especially in Africa and India. If you can't find these in your local grocery store, check out an international market near you. Cocoyam, Taro, Bananas, and Casava - These plants are often grown in the same fields in Africa and Asia. Cocoyams can be cooked like the yams you know. Casava is also known as "yuca," and is used to make tapioca! If you like boba tea, tapioca starch or pudding, or fried ßyuca, you already use casava! Cashews, groundnuts. rosemary, basil, pomegranite, soy beans, African eggplant - again, these are grown together in Africa and India. Cashews produce nuts, but the fresh cashew "apple" is also good to eat! Other crops can be grown under and between the trees. Mangos, Custard apple, and Papaya along with turmeric, corn, pineapple, chilies, and beans - Commonly grown together in Africa and South America. Coffee, cinnamon, bay leaves, cocoa (cacao) and avocado - These species are forest plants that would be found together in the wild, and some farms are beginning to grow them this way to conserve soil and forest ecosystems. Look for "forest-friendly" or "wildlife-friendly" labels. There are many more examples you can find by searching the internet! Look for examples that produce foods you like to eat! Learn About Repelling Wildlife
Click here to learn about strategies to safely repel elephants to protect crops... AND elephants. EXTENDING THE LEARNING: Planning your own "multi-crop" garden
Click here to put your knowledge to work as you plan a "multi-crop" garden for your home or community. |
Taro
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