Hunger is a major problem worldwide, but the continent where the people suffer from hung is This is also the continent with the most the highest population growth, and the m poverty, wars. But experts from the Food and Agricultural tion (FAO) of the United Nations say that another important cause of hunger is low productivity on farms. If Africans could produce more food for themselves and local markets, there would be less hun Why are African farms unproductive Of course, there are some high productive farms in Africa, mostly large farms, often owned by international food companies They produce cash crops, such a coffee, sugar or bananas, which are sent to the developed countries. The farms that produce food for Africans are mostly small. Furthermore, te work is done mainly by women 70 percent according to the FAO. Women have always had an important role in agriculture in Africa, but in recent years, their share of the farming has have work. grown, a many men moved to cities to Thus, women are the key to reducing hunger in Africa. Food production will never increase unless the women get some help on their farms.They are in need of help. First of all, they are usually overloaded with other jobs. They have to prepare meals and care for children, and they often have to carry water from miles away. Secondly, they have to do all the work in the fields themselves, with just a hoe (digging tool). This is back-breaking work,but most women have no other choice. Tractors are far too expensive for most small farmers in Africa-women or men. In recent years, some African men have begun farming with work animals such as oxen. Studies have shown that using oxen does increase productivity. But women are not allowed to own or use oxen in many parts of Africa. In any case, oxen are quite expensive and the plows used to break up the soil are hea There is another animal, however, that could help women with their farm work: donkeys. There are a number of reasons for promoting the use of donkeys among women farmers. One is that there are no traditions anywhere in Africa against women using donkeys. Second, donkeys are much cheaper than oxen. They are also less to keep, since they do not need special food, but can live on the grass and leaves that they find. Unlike oxen, donkeys rarely get sick, and they do not mind hot, d weather ry Finally, donkeys are smaller and lighter, so they are easier to handle and to train At the same time, thou much smaller than oxen, donkey s are surprisingly strong and tough. They are not strong to pull a plow deeply through heavy soil, but they can do other kinds of plowing and they can be used to remove unwanted plants between rows in fields. Furthermore, the donkeys help with transport. This is no small matter. Instead of carrying water or vegetables in heavy containers women can put things on the back of the donkey, or in a cart pulled behind the donkey on their heads, In Zimbabwe, some women are already using donkeys on farms. Researchers from the talked with these women and found that the do made a real difference in their lives. With the donkeys to help, women were able to produce more food for their families. Also, with a lighter workload, women had more time and energy for other things. They could take better care of their families and even start mall businesses in their villages.