3rdWorldFarmer (http://www.3rdWorldFarmer.com)

common sense media says

Thought-provoking sim about being a poor farmer.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this serious simulation can be bleak and depressing at times -- your family can go into debt, get sick, and even die. But, the game also teaches kids about the hardships and unfortunate realities of farm life in Africa (civil war, raids by guerilla forces, stealing by refugees, disease, drought) and how to use planning skills to overcome them. Also, until they figure out the game's strategy, kids may also get frustrated when their family repeatedly dies.

Educational value: Teaches kids to use planning and strategy to solve problems.
Positive messages: Both men and women can become head of the household.
Violence: You can see a photo of guerillas holding guns, but the "violence" from the wars, raids, disease, and death isn't shown -- just talked about in the "report" you get after finishing the game.
Sex: You control how often the wife gets pregnant by simply clicking a button.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on 3rdWorldFarmer

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about some of the issues facing Africa and other developing nations. What are the causes of poverty? How realistic is this simulation? Do farmers actually raise elephants? How does supporting your local representative help prevent guerilla forces from raiding your farm? Why is buying a cell phone important? Do you think it is more important to have a school or a clinic?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
While the graphics are rudimentary, the simulation is thought-provoking and kids will learn about the importance of investing in infrastructure, political leadership, insurance, and community projects. The site also provides links to resources about world hunger.

This review was written by Jinny Gudmundsen
 
 

Review It

 

Review 3rdWorldFarmer





Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

kpurple987
teen, 14 years old
 
Pretty Cool
This a pretty cool game and i think that it is a good strategy game.

13Jazz
kid, 13 years old
 
anyone over 8 can play
if your 9 u can play this game but it is kinda boring

emily12
teen, 16 years old
 
What's Not to Like?
This addictive and entertaining game is for kids but anyone older then 10 could play. The depressing attitude the game can give off makes you feel so sorry for the farming families in 3rd world nations. That's the point right? To give an educational game that depicts real life situations??? And that's exactly what they've done. This game is educational but make sure you give it some time, the game can take a long time to play. My only critisism is you can't exit and come back to the same game, you sart over. Oh well....

soccer2929
teen, 17 years old
 
ADDICTING!!
This game is addicting and i love it it is soooooo fun!!

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
 

vote now

Will you visit 3rdWorldFarmer?


Already visited it? What do you think?

 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors


About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age