In Kenya’s urban centers, where space is limited and the challenges of poverty and health intersect, a quiet yet powerful transformation is taking place. Through a collaborative initiative between CALL Africa and RODI Kenya, expectant and breastfeeding mothers living with HIV are being equipped with life-changing knowledge and practical skills to improve their health, nourish their families, and regain control over their lives. This initiative focuses not only on addressing immediate nutritional needs but also on building long-term resilience and empowerment among some of the country’s most vulnerable women.

Over a ten-day training program, the mothers participated in sessions that covered critical topics including urban organic gardening, soil fertility, maternal and child nutrition, and gender-sensitive child care. The program was designed to address the unique challenges these women face in urban environments such as limited access to land, high food costs, and stigma associated with HIV.

By introducing innovative yet accessible solutions like vertical and container gardening, participants learned how to grow nutritious food within small urban spaces. For many, it was the first time they saw food security as something within reach.

The integration of nutrition education with gardening practices was especially impactful. HIV-positive mothers require specific dietary support to maintain their health and that of their children, particularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding. By teaching these women how to grow and prepare their own nutrient-rich foods, the training enhanced their ability to make informed choices that directly benefit their health and strengthen immunity. This combination of gardening and nutrition is not only reducing household food insecurity but also contributing to better maternal and child health outcomes in the communities involved.