I was heartened this week when a friend who works in a project to support AIDs patients in Addis, told me about a recent initiative. It was called ‘peri-urban gardening’. The head of each household was taught how to transform a small patch of ground by clearing away many stones and breaking up the thick, sticky soil. They were shown how to remove the soil to a considerable depth then add manure, charcoal and egg shells for nutrients. Further instruction was given about composting and making a simple fertiliser. During the final meeting a hoe was brought in.