Safe farming practices that insure food security & community development Studying the viability of Neem plantations on Lombok Island Ascertain culturally appropriate working systems in Flores together with local community leaders.   Working with local NGOs to insure that education & community empowerment are pivotal elements to the project.

ROOTS Neem has a single very deep tap root and an extensive secondary root system, allowing it to access nutrients from poor soils and able to take water from deep in the soil so that it is able to survive in very dry conditions. Thus the tree helps to control erosion and replenishes top soil quality as it draw nutrition and moisture back to the surface of otherwise unworkable soils. RESIN Resin tapped from the bark provides a gum commonly used as a glue. BRANCHES & TRUNK Neem timber has been shown to be rot and insect-resistant. The neem tree’s wide strong branches produces excellent firewood. TWIGS Daily, millions of people brush their teeth with Neem twigs. Dentists confirm that this practice guards against periodontal disease. LEAVES A paste made from the leaves has been found to successfully treat skin lesions. And small portions of leaves mixed with regular feed seem to affect intestinal parasites in livestock. FLOWER The neem tree has a small bisexual flower colored purple which attracts bees resulting in the well known Neem Honey. FRUIT The neem tree can produce up to 50 kg of olive-like fruit per year from which an antiseptic soap can be made. SEEDS The seed has an active ingredient which acts as a pesticide, insecticide and even fungicide. Neem oil is clean burning and safe for use in local villages. Neem cake (the residue from pressing the seeds) is also found to be excellent fertilizer, outperforming farm manure and sewage sludge. The neem tree normally starts flowering and producing fruit a after 3 to 5 years and will reach full production at 10 years. Neem trees can live for 200 years.