A LISS woman who has persuaded dozens of west Africans to pick farming over immigration will give an East Hampshire audience food for thought next week.

People who enjoy a charity dinner in Sheet tonight (Wednesday) can learn about the Home Farm Project which Africa Organics is supporting.

The project has breathed new life into rural Gambian villages by getting youngsters to grow organic and sustainable food instead of making a dangerous and illegal voyage into Europe.

People who tuck into the two-course meal at the Half Moon next Wednesday will be given a presentation by project director, Sandy Lansbury, who has been spreading the message of self-sustainability to African people for 17 years.

She said: “A lot of young people in The Gambia want to leave because of the poverty. There’s pressure from groups and families to do that and a lot of villagers have actually become devoid of young men as a result.

“For a few years we’ve been going up country to the remote villages and not challenging young people to stay but showing them something to stay for in terms of livelihood. We help them set up gardens and help and provide things like fencing, water wells and livestock like goats and rabbits.

“Of the ones we’ve helped I don’t know of any that have left, as they’ve remained, got children and are becoming prominent members of their community. It’s been very worthwhile because we’re only a very small charity, but we can see the difference it’s making.”

Africa Organics, which was established in 2004, combines western technology and permaculture ideas with traditional African skills and practices. Tickets for the dinner are £20 and can be purchased from One Tree Books in Petersfield.