Drought Hits Spain and Portugal

Both Spain and Portugal are facing reduced rainfall and drought that is impacting agriculture production in each country respectively. We encourage you to explore the linked article and reflect and discuss with others around the globe utilizing the discussion points shared below. 

Dry winter drains reservoirs, ruins crops in Spain, Portugal

Discussion Points

• What is happening in Spain and Portugal relating to weather and agriculture? What are the current and potential impacts (both in Europe, your home region, and/or around the world)?
• What from the article stuck with you and why?
• A number of photographs were shared providing visual context. What did you notice in these photos? What stood out to you?
• Is there anything that can be done to improve conditions in Spain and Portugal? What would you recommend? 

Desert Locusts

The Desert Locust is wreaking havoc in different parts of the world. We invite you to learn more about the Desert Locust and its impact on agriculture through an interactive story from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). After engaging with the interactive story utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations with others around the globe. 

A threat from the desert

Discussion Points

• What characteristics or traits make the Desert Locust so invasive to agriculture production?
• Of the characteristics shared which do you feel is the most troubling and why?
• Are you experiencing Desert Locusts in your home region? If so, what is the impact you are seeing? In not, are there other pests that are causing problems to agriculture production and if so, how?
• The FAO has tasked you with combating the increasing threat of the Desert Locust. How would you approach the challenge to mitigate or even eradicate the damage being done?

School Gardens in Jamaica

All around the world making sure that children have an adequate and nutritious food source is important. Today we look at a partnership in Jamaica that is addressing these needs through school gardens. We invite you to watch the linked video (4:44) and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations with others around the globe. 

School Gardens for Food Security in Jamaica

Discussion Points

• In watching the video, what did you notice about the scenes and video captured? How are conditions, buildings, crops, etc. similar and different to your home region? 
• In watching the video and reflecting, what challenges might the country of Jamaica face in feeding its people? How might one overcome these challenges?
• Do schools in your home region have a similar program with school gardens? If yes, what can you learn from each other (Jamaica school gardens and yours)? If no, could your school benefit from a similar program and why or why not?
• Discuss your final thoughts and take-a-ways from this video with others.