Malawi is one of the countries most affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-saharan Africa with an average prevalence rate of 14 per cent of the adult population. Whilst the prevalence rate has stabilised and there is a greater availability of anti-retroviral drugs, thehigh incidence of malnutrition amongst the people affected by HIV/AIDS due to chronic food insecurity has meant that many are not able to adhere to the treatments being given to them.
At the beginning of 2008, One World Action launched the Integrated Food Security and Nutrition programme in partnership with the Malawi Network of People living with HIV/AIDS (MANET+) and the Golomoti AIDS Support Organisation (GASO) (a MANET+ community support group).
The aim of the project is to improve the livelihoods, nutrition and overall health of 150 food insecure HIV/AIDS affected households in Golomoti, Dedza district, by providing a simple, easy and sustainable method of growing vegetables all year around. After receiving training themselves, MANET+ and GASO are training 150 families in the preparation of compost manure as well as how to construct, establish and sustain thevertical gardens.
Vertical gardens are constructed in a sack, using a mix of soil, organic fertilizer and stones. This is placed close to the house for ease of access and people are encouraged to regularly water it with household waste water. The gardens provide an excellent source of nutritious vegetables such as cabbages, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots etc. As they don’t require a large plot of land and can be situated close to the house, they will benefit vulnerable families that are too sick or weak to farm a large plot of land. Using household waste water, they reduce the need for collecting water which is often a scarce resource and far away from people’s homes.
Sustainability represents an essential issue for One World Action which strives to create the power and the opportunities for the poorest and most marginalised citizens to transform their own lives. This project sustainability is pleasingly high, as it provides knowledge and skills that are replicable and achievable specifically among the poorest and most vulnerable families.
