A project that helps people in developing

countries learn about and grow the best

local foods to meet their nutritional needs

A project that shows hungry

developing world communities

how to feed themselves with

locally grown foods.

Currently a project of Rotary District 9830

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Devonport North

In partnership with Food Plants International

Food Plants International

A not-for-profit organisation lead

by founder, Bruce French, who has created the Food Plants

International database

This unique database which includes 18,000 species

represents the most comprehensive scientific information

available on edible plants for all countries of the world.

Buz Green, an agri-business consultant, and a member of the Rotary Club of Devonport North of District 9830, Tasmania, Australia heads the Rotary Committee for the Learn/Grow project.

A Vital ToolThe database developed over 30 years

by Food Plants International provides:Scientific and common names of edible

plants

Photos and drawings of the plants

Information on how to grow them

Nutritional information

How each plant can be prepared and eaten

Aim

To sustainably reduce malnutrition in developing countries and reduce illness

disease

and mortality

…caused by nutritional deficiencies.

ObjectiveTo assist developing world communities LEARN about and GROW, in their own ‘backyard’, the best local food plants that match their nutritional needs.

Why Many local plants are nutritionally far

superior than ‘Western’ food crops.

Local plants thrive because they are naturally adapted to local conditions.

Wrong plantWrong plant Wrong placeWrong place

Wrong methodsWrong methods Wrong foodWrong food

Cabbage: Wrong Plant - Wrong Place

Many plants have 10 to 100 times the amount of ironiron when compared to cabbage.

But how would you know?

The iron content of just some of the leafy green vegetables found in tropical regions of the world.

Protein deficiency is a major problem in the tropical world, especially amongst women, children and the sick. Protein is needed for growth, health and overcoming sickness.

Green leafy vegetables – protein content

4 times4 timesProtein

8 times8 timesVitamin A

20 times20 timesVitamin C

8 times8 timesIron

4 times4 timesZinc

And it suits the tropics!

Cabbage

Momienh

OR

An example Vitamin C content tree fruits

• Solomon Islands • Papua New Guinea• The Philippines• Other

Measuring success

Adoption of local plant production

Increased levels of critical

nutrients in the population

A direct reduction in nutritional

deficiencies and disorders

A reduction in infant mortality at age 1 and age 5

…these benchmarks will be monitored over time

The next step - $100,000+

Deliver the Solomons’ program

Engage a partner

Bring external funding providers on board

Extend this program through Rotary

International

Provide an information support base

Act Directly

It is simple for any club or district to

incorporate LEARN ♦ GROW into existing

or new aid projects – identify the local

nutritional deficiencies in the population

and LEARN ♦ GROW can provide the

information!

Learn ♦ Grow Support Group

$10,000 = ‘Learn ♦ Grow Champion’

$1,0000 = ‘Learn ♦ Grow Ally’

Donation = ‘Learn ♦ Grow Mate’

‘Learn ♦ Grow Team’

The Learn Grow Team:

Volunteers are being sought to join the Learn Grow team.

Do you have a skill in: writing, communication, IT, project management, program leaders, marketing, sales, promotion, graphic design, agronomy, science or whatever, there is an opportunity for you in this project.

“Not only will nutritional food be more available... but those most at risk will have the DIGNITY of managing their own needs.”

Dr Eileen Gentilcore, RI

Your help will mean….

Rotary Rotary can make a difference!can make a difference!

www.learngrow.org