People Plant Gardens in Damascus Suburbs to Fight Starvation – By Zaman al-Wasl (Opposition website) -Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer

In a move aimed at challenging the ongoing siege in southern Damascus, people have started to launch alternative ways to fight starvation.

Abou Khalil, a 50-year-old man from Tadamon found no option but to plant in the area in front of his house to provide food for his family.

He told Zaman al-Wasl that he planted to secure some food for his family, as he did not want the tragedy of last year repeated, when his daughter suffered from malnutrition.

« I managed to plant this 100 square meter plot next to my house with fast-growing plants like parsley, coriander, lettuce, aubergine and other plants which do not need too much effort or water, » he explained.

Abou Khalil struggled to secure water to irrigate his plants, « but its still easier than not finding a thing to eat, » he said.

Abou Hussein, from Hajar al-Aswad had another experience; he planted on the roof of his house, since the neighborhood is heavily crowded, and he could not find an unused piece of land.

« I spent months carrying soil and water to the roof, to be able to feed my family. We hope these products will be sufficient, since it is the first time I practiced agriculture. It is difficult somehow, but still easier than suffering from hunger, » he said.

source : http://syrianobserver.com/News/News/People+Plant+Gardens+in+Damascus+Suburbs+to+Fight+Starvation

date : 12/12/2014