One of the most successful projects to date is Dakar, Seneagl. This project was originally started by UN FAO and the Minister of Agriculture in Senegal.
The USAID and Family Health International-funded activity works with PLWHA and PLWHA associations to develop and maintain microgardens to facilitate access to fresh garden products and to diversify the current donated food packages. In collaboration with Senegalese Regional Agricultural Services and the US Peace Corps Senegal Agriculture Program, Counterpart is working with PLWHA beneficiaries to develop and implement low-cost, alternative gardening techniques.
As of 2009, 25 gardens have been started in Nioro, Kaffrine, Mbour, Tivavouane, Poponguine, Tiadiaye, Louga and Linguere. Training in gardening for beneficiaries is provided both by technicians from the Senegalese Agricultural Services and US Peace Corps volunteers.
Micro-gardens provide an innovative way to prioritize improved nutrition and as a direct result improve the health of PLWHA. Coupled with support from local agricultural service and the United States Peace Corps, this activity presents a win-win situation for beneficiaries. To date in FY2009, 3,496 different activities falling under this program’s HIV portfolio have benefited people in the regions of Louga, Thiès and Kaolack.