“Food security is not just about filling bellies; it’s about dignity, health and the very foundation of a thriving society.” - Rajendra Pachauri

ural Sindh faces significant challenges, including widespread food insecurity. According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey, a significant portion of the rural population in Sindh experiences acute food insecurity. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for April 2023 showed that a substantial number of people in Sindh were facing crisis (IPC Phase 3) and emergency (IPC Phase 4) levels of acute food insecurity. The situation is exacerbated by factors such as climate change, poverty and limited access to resources. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations recognises home gardening as a crucial strategy to enhance household food security and nutrition, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Recognising these critical issues, the Sindh Irrigated Agriculture Productivity Enhancement Project, a World Bank-funded initiative, implemented a Kitchen Garden HEIS Drip Kit intervention. This component aimed to address both food security and women’s empowerment by providing 15,100 households with a comprehensive package: drip irrigation kits, 200-litre water storage tank, essential tools, quality seeds and a capacity building programne.

Families cultivating fresh, nutritious vegetables significantly improved their food security and dietary diversity. This increased........

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