Kitchen gardening has been supporting families in enhancing food security and nutrition in households across Balkh province. This programme, which began in 2022 and will continue through 2024, focuses on diversifying food intake by providing vegetable seeds, gardening tools (wheelbarrows, gloves, fork weeders, etc.), and fertilisers to 1,400 households over the past two years. Additionally, 30 demonstration plots will be established across 15 targeted communities in 2024.

We have distributed eight types of vegetable seeds, including cucumber, eggplant, sweet pepper, red radish, tomato, onion, and cabbage. Our programme also includes training sessions on environmentally friendly pest management, effective vegetable harvesting techniques, and proper storage and processing methods to minimise waste and maximise nutritional benefits.

To further support these efforts, we have trained 1,657 caregivers through cooking demonstration sessions, which aim to enhance their culinary skills and promote nutritious cooking practices.

The kitchen gardening support programme aims to improve the nutritional situation, growth, and development of children under five years old while also reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortality in the targeted communities. By increasing access to home-grown vegetables and providing education and training, the programme empowers households to achieve better food security and nutritional outcomes.

Nasrin*, a mother and one of the participants says, “I received services and training by attending cooking demonstration sessions. I learned how to prepare complementary foods from the vegetables we grow in our kitchen gardens and how to diversify our daily meals. I also gained insight into the importance of maintaining personal and environmental hygiene for children’s health."

"I am grateful to Save the Children for providing such a good service in remote villages. These programmes improve the health and nutrition of children and raise awareness among parents."