Promoting vegetable gardens to improve nutrition

In Mugunga, a peri-urban area of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, many displaced families and host communities struggle to provide their children with nutritious, diverse meals. Fresh vegetables are often difficult to access regularly, and children under five, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, are particularly vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies. For families already facing economic hardship, growing their own food could make a meaningful difference—not only to their diets, but also to their dignity, resilience, and long-term well-being.

Our project, Promoting Vegetable Gardens to Improve Nutrition, aims to support 500 vulnerable households in establishing family vegetable gardens. By introducing accessible growing methods such as sack gardens, recycled tire planters, and raised beds, we will help families cultivate amaranth, spinach, biofortified carrots, and squash, even where land is scarce. With an estimated project budget of $96,000, we are currently preparing for implementation by identifying trainers and community members who will participate in the program. No funds have yet been raised, and the gardening activities have not started. Through our collaboration with GlobalGiving, we hope to reach more generous supporters, mobilize the resources needed, and turn this initiative into practical support for families in Mugunga.

The expected benefits go beyond access to fresh vegetables. Families will have an opportunity to improve dietary diversity, strengthen household food security, and potentially earn additional income by selling surplus produce. Women, who make up a large proportion of the intended beneficiaries, will play a central role in the initiative. Our goal is to help build a community where vulnerable families have the knowledge and means to grow nutritious food for themselves and their children. We sincerely thank GlobalGiving for helping us connect with a wider community of supporters. We also invite donors, partners, and compassionate individuals to contribute to this project. Every donation brings us closer to establishing 500 family vegetable gardens and giving vulnerable households a practical way to improve their nutrition and build a more secure future. Together, we can help turn limited resources into lasting hope for the families of Mugunga.