GARD is a non-governmental organization based in Kenya that focuses on improving food and nutrition security as well as overall well-being of women smallholder farmers, their children, households, and their communities. We currently have 100 participants, which means that our programmes directly impact more than 800 people.
Our Approach
GARD’s goal is to alleviate poverty, promote healthy living, and improve food security. We provide participants extensive educational programmes in sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and financial literacy so they have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide their families nutritious diets throughout the year and sell the surplus to help pay for other household requirements. As a community-based programme, we have worked with local organizations from the start, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Assistant Chiefs and other local government leaders, women’s groups, and other community organizations and leaders.
Our Impact
Every year we measure food security indicators of GARD participants against those of a control group. We have consistently found improvements in consumption, farming practices, and food security, including:
Increased consumption of vegetables,
Increased use of environmentally sustainable farming methods,
Higher percentages of food security and,
Lower percentages of food insecurity.
Additionally, participants report that they and their children are healthier and make fewer visits to health clinics.
