Afghan project closing celebration bittersweet: Farmers vow to carry on new business enterprises

March 31 was a bittersweet day for staff and clients of MEDA’s Through the Garden Gate (TTGG) project in Afghanistan as 100 people gathered in Kabul to celebrate the project, which has officially ended. But the women vowed the project’s impact will continue.

“When I asked if they will carry on,” reports Helen Loftin, MEDA’s director of women’s economic development, “the response was an overwhelming ‘yes, of course.’ They’re having weekly meetings and are involved in seasonal activities such as planting crops – with skills and knowledge learned through the project.”

Over four years, TTGG has brought prosperity and hope to the lives of 2,500 women farmers and their families. It also has given them pride in their accomplishments and new respect in their community. Village facilitator Mahbooba Hashimi spoke of the project’s benefits and its positive influence on her children. “Now I am strong,” she said.

Mahbooba, a mother of nine, lost her son in a suicide bombing in Kabul four years ago. His death was such a blow that Mahbooba’s husband became despondent and could not work. So Mahbooba got involved with Through the Garden Gate. “Now, we have learned this new system of life, so things can be better and better.”

Scott Gilmore, executive director of Peace Dividend Trust, noted, “MEDA is the only one to successfully coordinate with ministries, local partners and international organizations – working together and linked to the private sector. This project is a shining example of how to integrate all levels of expertise and implement locally at the grassroots level.”

“Through the Garden Gate has been a huge success,” notes Helen. “Manager Catherine Sobrevega and her staff have done a wonderful job. Warm words of gratitude and congratulations flowed from Afghan government ministries, Canadian and U.S. development agencies, non-governmental agencies, the Afghan Women’s Business Council (MEDA’s partner in TTGG) and poignantly from the women farmers themselves. They have mixed emotions, as they will deeply miss the visits of project staff – they have developed deep friendships over the life of the project.”

MEDA’s work in women’s economic empowerment continues. We can help one woman achieve economic empowerment for every $2 you contribute. Go to www.blessedopportunity.org.

Highlights: Through the Garden Gate (TTGG)
• 93% of TTGG women farmers have increased their yields and their incomes with the knowledge and skills gained from the project
• 86% now belong to savings and credit groups
• More details will follow as project reports are finalized

MEDA staff attending the Through the Garden Gate (TTGG) closing celebration Mar 31 in Kabul, Afghanistan included Helen Loftin, director of women's economic empowerment; Catherine Sobrevega, MEDA Afghanistan TTGG country manager; Pariwash Najib, business development manager for MEDA's Afghan Secure Futures (ASF) project; Lana Mo, TTGG horticulture extensionist; and James Williams, ASF chief of party.