Christian Aid garden showcases farming for the future

Christian Aid will be using this year's Royal Show to highlight the plight of farmers on the frontline of climate change.

The international development charity will re-create a small piece of Burkina Faso, West Africa, in the Flowers, Gardening & Horticulture area, showcasing how farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are adapting to the devastating effects of an increasingly unpredictable climate.

Visitors to the show, from 3-6 July at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, will be able to pick up handy do-it-yourself tips on how to combat summer drought inspired by farming communities in Burkina Faso, simple techniques that conserve water and improve the quality of the soil.

Alex James, farmer, writer, broadcaster and former Blur band member, who visited Burkina Faso with Christian Aid in May will be at the show on 3 July.

The garden itself will demonstrate simple soil and water conservation techniques as well as how to make natural fertilisers and bio pesticides. It will also highlight the benefits of small scale livestock breeding projects and new solar technologies.

Alex James said: "As a working farmer, I was fascinated to see how agriculture in Burkina Faso compares with the structure of farms in the UK.

"It was great to exchange ideas and techniques, learning how farmers there are dealing with the challenges presented by climate change and then bringing this back to the Royal Show audience."

Christian Aid will be using the garden to highlight its Climate Changed campaign and raise vital funds for climate related projects across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Karen Hedges, Christian Aid, said: "Farmers in the UK are increasingly facing changing weather patterns and having to adapt their practices accordingly, as are the eighty percent of subsistence farmers in Burkina Faso.

"These changes have devastating consequences when you make your living from the land, no matter where you live, and Christian Aid is keen to encourage the sharing of ideas and new technologies for combating the increasing threat of an unpredictable climate."

A special half hour documentary about Alex's visit to Burkina Faso, 'Alex James in Africa - Farming for a future', will premier on the Community Channel on Friday 4 July at 20.30 on Sky 539 or Virgin TV 233.

See Christian Aid's gardening tips at www.christianaid.org.uk/gardeningtips