Africa-Press – Eswatini. The AIDS Health Foundation (AHF) Eswatini has partnered with the Taiwan Africa Vegetable Initiative (TAVI) to provide both nutritional and economic benefits to patients living with disabilities.
This initiative aims not only to support the health of participants but also to boost their livelihoods through vegetable cultivation and sales.
Dr Nkululeko Dube, Country Program Director of AHF Eswatini, explained that the clinic has provided patients with land to establish a large garden for growing vegetables. “Patients can harvest the produce for their own homes or sell it, which has already shown a significant positive impact on their lives,” he said.
Nontobeko Mbuyane, Communications Specialist for the Taiwan project, praised the dedication of the patients in the Matsapha clinic. “These individuals are very committed to their gardening activities, which clearly demonstrates their determination. We have also observed the positive financial effect this initiative has had on their lives. They are not only feeding their families but are also able to meet other household financial needs,” she added.
The project is funded by the Taiwan Ministry of Agriculture and Foreign Affairs and implemented locally by the World Vegetable Centre in Eswatini. It focuses on empowering patients with disabilities to take control of both their nutrition and economic well-being through practical engagement in agriculture.
Beneficiaries of the initiative have expressed heartfelt gratitude to AHF Eswatini and TAVI for creating this opportunity. Mlungisi Shongwe, one of the participants, described how growing indigenous vegetables has improved both his health and overall quality of life. “Despite living with a disability, I am able to grow nutritious vegetables that enhance my well-being. I encourage other people with disabilities to establish their own gardens and grow fruits and vegetables,” Shongwe said.
This programme highlights the importance of combining health interventions with sustainable livelihoods. By equipping patients with practical skills and access to nutritious food, AHF Eswatini and TAVI are fostering a model of empowerment that extends beyond medical treatment. The initiative is not only improving health outcomes but also promoting financial independence, dignity, and self-reliance among participants.
Through projects like this, the partnership between AHF Eswatini and TAVI is demonstrating how thoughtful collaboration can transform lives, offering hope and opportunity to people living with disabilities across the country.
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