This project will expand on Partners in Aid & FRIEND Fiji’s successful Backyard Gardening and Healthy Cooking program to two other rural village in Fiji, helping families grow their own food, improve nutrition, and strengthen livelihoods. Delivered in partnership between Partners in Aid (Australia) and the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises & Development (FRIEND Fiji), ...
Partners in Aid
Backyard Gardening and Healthy Cooking for Improved Nutrition in Fiji Villages
GOAL
$2,000
Australia
Field of Interest
- Community and economic development
- International aid and development
Target Population
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
Project Summary
This project will expand on Partners in Aid & FRIEND Fiji’s successful Backyard Gardening and Healthy Cooking program to two other rural village in Fiji, helping families grow their own food, improve nutrition, and strengthen livelihoods.
Delivered in partnership between Partners in Aid (Australia) and the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises & Development (FRIEND Fiji), the next project will support village households to establish small organic gardens using the proven “9 x 9” model, nine types of crops grown in a nine-square layout to encourage variety and year-round food supply.
Participants will receive hands-on training in sustainable gardening, composting, seed saving, and healthy cooking using locally available vegetables, herbs, and root crops. The project responds to growing challenges of malnutrition, NCDs and food insecurity as more Fijian families rely on imported, processed foods.
By the project’s end, families will be eating more nutritious, home-grown meals and selling any surplus to boost household income. Community seed banks will be established to ensure long-term access to seeds and local food resilience.
With support from the Australian Communities Foundation, Partners in Aid and FRIEND Fiji will help another village take a major step toward healthier families, stronger livelihoods, and lasting self-reliance.
Project Outcomes
By the end of the project, every participating household will have a productive backyard garden growing a variety of organic vegetables, herbs, and fruit. Families will be preparing healthier meals and relying less on processed and imported food.
At least 70% of households will maintain gardens with five or more crops, and 80% will report cooking meals from their gardens several times per week. Half of all families will establish small seed banks to save and share seeds, ensuring long-term independence from commercial suppliers.
Community members will gain skills in organic agriculture, soil health, composting, and natural pest control, along with practical knowledge of healthy cooking and nutrition. Both men and women — including youth and people with disabilities — will participate in training and community meetings, promoting inclusion and shared ownership.
Some households will earn small amounts of income by selling surplus produce at local markets, helping to sustain their gardens into the future.
Overall, this project will reduce malnutrition risks, improve household food security, and build community resilience to climate and economic pressures. Supported by Partners in Aid and FRIEND Fiji, it will help one more village grow stronger — one garden at a time.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $4,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Private Donations | $2,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Seeds and seedlings | $1,150 |
| Agriculture Officers for delivery of project objectives | $1,800 |
| Fuel cost for 5 trips to the communities | $800 |
| Refreshments for villagers during training | $250 |
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