Garden provides a boost to those affected by HIV

The garden project in rural Zimbabwe is the brainchild of a local group called People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). The group discussed ways to bolster their nutrition, whilst meeting regularly to discuss their problems and raising income for their families.

A herb and vegetable garden had potential to provide opportunities for all these things. The project started with 32 members comprising of 22 females and 10 males. Membership has now reached 92, of which 42 members are positive, 15 are Orphans and Vulnerable Children, 10 community volunteers and 25 other vulnerable people. The project benefits people across four neighbouring villages.

The community already had a garden but had no technical know how or materials, such as seeds and fencing. The garden was often damaged by domestic animals. In May 2008, Plan facilitated the training of group members in horticultural crop management and use of herbs. 23 group members participated in the training, leading to the decision to submit a project proposal to Plan for further support.

Herbs aid symptom management

Many of the PLWHA use herbs as part of symptom management or treatment, so the training covered safe use of herbs, dispelling harmful myths and misconceptions. It was also emphasized that herbs do not replace important conventional treatments such as anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Members on such treatments were encouraged to continue. The trainers included staff from the ministries of Agriculture, Health and the National AIDS Council (NAC).

Besides the training, the project also financed the purchase of fencing materials, such as poles and nails, as well as seed. The group members helped to build the fence. Family members helped out too, especially when members of the group were not able due to illness, and the children in the group participated after school and on weekends.

Each member has their own piece of land in the garden where they grow tomatoes, onions, carrots, rape, cabbages, sugar beans, sweet potatoes, grey amaranth (mowa) and maize. There is also a portion of land for growing herbs such as lemon grass, moringa, yarrow, mint and comfrey. Crops are grown in rotation throughout the year and members use watering cans to irrigate their crops. Community health workers who are also members of the garden usually facilitate meetings which cover a variety of issues raised by members.

There is more food available

Food availability has improved across the four villages and surrounding area as a result of the garden project. Tomatoes, covo and rape are sold at a nearby business centre, schools in the vicinity, and local markets. Group members can barter their produce for clothes, small grain and maize. During the height of the 2008/09 drought, members of the group were cushioned from its most severe effects as they had access to food from the garden.

One group member, Annacolleta, explains her experience:

“I want to thank Plan because since 2006 when my husband died I did not know what killed him….In 2007 I felt very sick and went to hospital where I was diagnosed to be HIV positive. I was given medication and… care facilitators started visiting me. In May 2008 I joined the garden support group where I got some … land to cultivate vegetables and other crops. I am so happy because I am now able to get vegetables to eat from the garden. The drought last year did not affect me much. …We are also taught how to manage HIV through the use of herbs which we grow in our garden.”

The project is not only increases the income and food available to support group members but also allows them to develop confidence, skills and a feeling of empowerment and self sufficiency. The garden is a platform for psychosocial support. Most of the livelihoods of affected households and communities are now far more secure thanks to this sustainable community initiative. The garden has been like a symbol of hope and perseverance for people living with HIV and AIDS.