Alan Titchmarsh presenter of the popular BBC Television programme 'Ground Force' recently became Patron of Canterbury based charity 'Seeds for Africa'. The work of the charity started following the visit by Bishop Francis Loyo from the Southern Sudan to the Lambeth Conference held at the University of Kent in July '98. The charity specialises in the distribution of vegetable seeds to impoverished families and is currently supporting 15 projects in ten different countries, including Madagascar, Zambia, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Last year, 30,000 packets seeds were donated from all over the UK. It is at this time of year when gardeners start thinking about the purchase of seeds that Alan Titchmarsh would like to appeal to everyone to purchase an extra packet of seeds and send them to: Seeds for Africa, PO Box 581, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7SW.
Seeds required throughout the whole year include runner beans, peas, french beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, carrots and onions.
Through fund raising efforts, forty metric tons of seeds have been purchased directly in Africa. A £10 donation will purchase 100kg of seeds, A particular effort is being made to purchase much needed seeds for Mozambique following the recent disastrous flooding.
The charity has been able to help over 100,000 families they seek to train people in gardening skills that bestow independence and dignity. In assisting the poorer people they hope to build a legacy that will enrich lives not just for this generation but for generations to come.