The transformation in Chitra, a tribal woman from Nandurbar, was made possible with the support of Plan International, which played a crucial role in empowering her journey. Wasim Shaikh, Program Coordinator from CYDA, provided dedicated mentorship and guidance. Starting with a small kitchen garden, Chitra improved her family’s economic status. Today, she mentors other women, proving that with the right support, women can overcome adversity and become powerful agents of change in their communities.
Situated in the Satpura ranges, Nandurbar is a district facing a persistent crisis: malnutrition. Generations have struggled with insufficient access to nutritious food, leaving a trail of health challenges, particularly among the district’s most vulnerable populations. The haunting realities of malnutrition, especially for children categorized as Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), as well as mothers, have placed Nandurbar decades behind other districts in terms of health indicators. This story explores the region’s challenges and the transformative impact of kitchen gardening intervened through Centre for Youth Development and Activities.
The Malnutrition Crisis
Nandurbar’s struggle with malnutrition is particularly severe among its tribal women, who face unique challenges due to their traditional lifestyles and limited access to diverse, nutritious foods. The deeply rooted dietary imbalance and lack of food diversity are exacerbated in tribal communities, where many families rely on monotonous meals of rice, udid dal, and seasonal vegetables like okra, pumpkin, and brinjal. These meals are not only inadequate in variety but also fail to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating women. This contributes to dangerously low haemoglobin levels, complicating pregnancies and leading to poor maternal and child health outcomes.
The lack of awareness and resources, compounded by the district’s high rates of malnourished children, reflects a vicious cycle that tribal women are particularly vulnerable to. The statistics are alarming, with a large number of children classified as severely or moderately acutely malnourished (SAM and MAM), while high-risk pregnant women and lactating mothers lack the necessary nutrition to battle these health challenges. This calls for urgent, sustainable interventions that specifically address the nutritional needs of tribal women, ensuring access to diverse, wholesome diets and enhancing their overall health and well-being.
Sowing seeds of change
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, CYDA launched an ambitious initiative to establish 1,000 kitchen gardens across 100 villages in the Satpura region. Partnering with Krishi Kendra Nandurbar, intensive training programs have been conducted for families, empowering them to cultivate their own nutritious produce. The initiative included distributing comprehensive kitchen garden kits containing seeds of vegetables like brinjal, tomatoes, and chilies, as well as roots and leafy greens.
For families that had never experienced the joy of growing their own food, this intervention sparked hope. The training went beyond gardening techniques, instilling an understanding of balanced diets and the importance of nutrient diversity. Mothers, in particular, embraced the program, recognizing its potential to transform their children’s health.
From crisis to change
The outcomes of the kitchen gardening initiative have been truly transformative. Here are some key results:
- Improved Nutrition: Over 1,000 households established kitchen gardens, introducing a variety of vegetables and greens to their diets. Beneficiaries reported significant improvements in overall health, particularly among children and mothers.
- Addressing Malnutrition: Of the 462 SAM children enrolled, over 340 successfully transitioned to normal nutritional status. Similarly, 700 of the 802 MAM children improved to healthier categories.
- Empowered Mothers: High-risk pregnant women and lactating mothers directly benefited from the initiative. More than 1,200 high-risk pregnant women received hospital referrals and complete antenatal care (ANC), significantly reducing complications.
- Healthcare Linkages: A total of 3,091 beneficiaries were registered in the program, gaining access to government schemes and healthcare services. Over 200 SAM children with medical complications were referred to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers (NRCs).
The kitchen gardens not only addressed immediate nutritional needs but also fostered a sense of self-reliance among families. Women, in particular, found renewed confidence in their ability to provide for their families. The impact spread throughout the broader community, motivating others to embrace kitchen gardening practices.
Empowering families through Kitchen Gardening
For many families, the kitchen garden became more than a source of food; it became a symbol of resilience and hope. Mothers expressed joy in seeing their children’s health improve, while children delighted in the novelty of harvesting fresh vegetables. The initiative reinforced the importance of nurturing not just plants but also aspirations for a healthier future. Kitchen gardening is not just about fighting malnutrition; it’s a sustainable way to tackle food insecurity. As Nandurbar works toward better health and nutrition, the lessons from this effort can guide other areas facing similar issues.
Seeds of change – Overcoming challenges through community-led initiatives
Despite progress, Nandurbar still faces significant challenges. Issues such as gaps in education, limited job opportunities, and poor water sanitation highlight the ongoing need for intervention. Tackling malnutrition requires a comprehensive strategy that includes improving education, healthcare, and community involvement. CYDA’s kitchen gardening initiative stands as a symbol of power of grassroots efforts. By sowing seeds of change, Nandurbar’s families are reaping the rewards of improved health and well-being, proving that even in the face of adversity, hope can take root and flourish.
