Imagine the value of demonstration gardening in Pashtun villages on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan, that are a living example of useful agricultural practices. Not only a beautiful garden aesthetically, but a resource for demonstrating and training local people in valuable gardening skills.

The nutritional demonstration garden and greenhouse have both continued to serve as a training area for gardening classes as well as a supply of planting material for the community. The tree nursery was utilized for grafting classes for both women and men. Classes were given in setting up simple greenhouses at the clinic site and then Operation Mercy distributed basic materials for 65 women to set up their own greenhouses. These women erected their own greenhouses in their home compounds where we were able to take part in home visits to see their progress first hand. Mens' groups in the community requested agricultural training. Training thus far has included establishment of gardens, hygiene, how to prevent pollution of the environment and planting of trees.

A tree sale was hosted with improved varieties of apple, peach, mulberry, plum and apricots brought in from a local district. 263 trees were sold. Some women wanted trees but did not have the money to purchase them so they agreed to work in the demonstration garden to pay for their purchases. The womens' groups also helped in constructing more demonstration greenhouses at various locations in the community.

With the goal to decrease the effects of malnutrition in this area and surrounding villages, the demonstration gardens continue to provide significant insight and practice toward improving home grown produce. The program, developed in large part by the late Cheryl Beckett (served with Operation Mercy in Afghanistan), continues to encourage and provide instruction in the growing of flowers, fruits, and vegetables in an arid land.

Through additional components to this project, groups of women are also able to train and become certified as community health workers, assisting in deliveries, first aid, basic health needs and education, and making referrals to local clinics and hospitals. Through a community based approach to planning, decision making and implementation, WPD is increasing the capacity and self-initiative of the community to address its own identified needs in the areas of agriculture and health.