The ward served 80% HIV/AIDS patients and had little funding to support their nutritional well being. Before Steve, they received only oil and rice in their daily diet, no vegetables. Once Steve began his garden on the property the patients began receiving vegetables rich in micro-nutrients in their daily meals. The garden itself was constructed using recycled and found local materials so the cost and upkeep was minimal. The garden was such a huge success and the patient response was so positive that Steve was inspired to start this nonprofit with the idea of expanding similar gardens into other needy communities around the globe.

In 2006, Development In Gardening became an official non-profit organization and we began two more projects in Senegal. Both of these programs were implemented in HIV outpatient communities enlisting the patients themselves in the construction and daily upkeep of the sites. These projects have blossomed into more than DIG could have anticipated. Not only are the patients and their families receiving daily nutritious vegetables but they are also coming together as a community to care for theirs and the garden's needs.

These gardens have become safe spaces for outpatients to socialize and discuss their personal stories and struggles, a place where they can find support and like friends. In countries such as Senegal the stigma surrounding HIV often makes people feel that that they have to be ashamed and hide their status. In the gardens they don't have to feel this way.

Throughout DIG's involvement at the site, we hold a series of workshops including garden care, organic pest management, cooking classes, and small enterprise development management. We've started free trade craft businesses with some of our communities and are interested in developing this initiative more. You can visit our website for more info on this.

DIG is a small organization with a grassroots perspective. We believe that only through teaching the necessary skills and proposing an economically relevant response can these communities realistically learn to help themselves. And these communities are in desperate need of assistance. When you are living with HIV/AIDS it is imperative that you follow a micro-nutrient rich and balanced diet. Without meeting these basic needs antiretroviral drugs are less effective and patients are 6 times more likely to die than those who are well nourished.

DIG is striving to empower at rick individuals to meet their basic nutritional needs by teaching them to create self sustaining community gardens. Thank you for your interest, we hope you will read more about us on our website: www.developmentingardening.org

Best wishes,

Sarah Koch