Mines to Vines

Roots of Peace helps conflict-ridden areas transition away from violence and return to self-sufficiency by redeveloping the agricultural infrastructure.  The group’s two-pronged approach rebuilds communities by removing the vestiges of war–most notably landmines–and helping residents reclaim farmland for domestic production or the creation of specialized export good, such as wine.  Goods produced by the program have attracted favorable attention at food and wine festivals in North America and Europe.

The aid group has recently received attention for its work in Afghanistan, where it has worked closely with local farmers to plant vineyards and orchards in areas cleared of military ordnance.  The vineyards offer a profitable export, bringing money into communities devastated by war since the 1970s and helping offset the appeal of opium poppy cultivation.  While bringing cash into small communities, the program also restores the knowledge infrastructure lost during the decades of conflict as migration and destruction of the land disrupted the lives of farm families.  Other programs have restored land in Angola, Croatia, and Cambodia; the group has started tentatively to clear mines from agricultural areas in Iraq.

Recently Roots of Peace has served as a consultant, averting future conflicts by helping communities explore land use patterns and demands for resources in light of population growth and economic development.  An ongoing  project in Kyrgyzstan helps the mountainous country increase agricultural and pastoral efficiency, maintain arable land, and monitor the social and economic effects of the continuing transition away from Soviet-style development that marked the republic during much of the twentieth century. 

The group rallies support from many different quarters.  While the field work relies on the talents of munitions experts, agronomists, and community development specialists, the group maintains a public presence and raises funds by appealing to school groups and families with its Penny Campaign.  Roots of Peace also uses Facebook to raise awareness, an appropriate idea given the use of social networking sites by expatriates and refugees to maintain cultural ties.