Empowering Women through Climate-Smart Kitchen Gardening – Sukkur, Sindh

Under the Climate-Smart Livelihoods for Vulnerable Communities Project (July–December 2025), implemented by the Medical Emergency Resilience Foundation (MERF) with financial support from Scatec Pvt. Ltd. and its energy partners, and in close coordination with the Agriculture Extension Department, Sukkur, a two-day training on Kitchen Gardening for women farmers was organized at Village Abdul Rehman Bhambhro, UC Tarai, Saleh Pat, Sukkur.

The training was delivered by the Deputy Director Agriculture, Saleh Pat, along with the MERF field team. A total of 110 leading female farmers participated and were trained on:

• Importance and benefits of kitchen gardening
• Selection and preparation of land
• Quality seed selection and sowing methods
• Weed management and identification of beneficial insects
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Judicious fertilizer use and preparation of farmyard manure
• Efficient water utilization and agroforestry

Gender inclusion in agriculture and livelihood diversification through integrated livestock, poultry, and value-added products such as handicrafts

The sessions were interactive and participatory, helping participants establish linkages with the Agriculture Department and access ongoing technical support.

At the conclusion of the training, all participants received toolkits and seasonal vegetable seeds to practically apply their learning and start home-based vegetable production.

Kitchen gardening not only ensures access to fresh, organic, pesticide-free vegetables, but also contributes to household food security, income generation, and overall well-being by reducing expenses and promoting healthy eating.

Participants expressed deep appreciation for this initiative led by MERF and Scatec, recognizing it as a valuable step toward climate-smart, sustainable livelihoods and women’s empowerment in rural Sindh.

Together, we’re cultivating resilience, self-reliance, and healthier communities across Sindh.