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Cultivating Conversations: DIG’s 2024 Salon Series

One of the biggest challenges we face in today’s world is disconnection. Whether it’s the divide between urban and rural communities, the gap between the global North and South, or our growing detachment from the land, this sense of separation keeps us from fully understanding the shared challenges that affect us all. At DIG, we believe that connection is the key to a world where everyone has access to nourishing food, sustainable livelihoods, and the dignity that comes with being

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Reflecting on DIG’s First Global Summit

A Celebration of DIG’s Global Community and a Vision for a Nourished Future Hosted at the National Western Center in Denver, Colorado, and with virtual audiences tuning in from across the globe, this inaugural event brought together an inspiring group of leaders, activists, and community members. The Summit marked the culmination of our 2024 Cultivating Conversations Salon Series, where we explored how our local and global stories are interconnected.  Celebrating Community Leadership and Global Collaboration DIG’s Global Summit was an

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How Anastasia’s Garden Transformed Her Family’s Future

Meet Anastasia For millions around the world, including women like Anastasia from the Kanyabukungu Batwa group in Uganda, “food security” is an elusive concept. Anastasia, an 80-year-old widow, has spent years navigating the harsh realities of food insecurity. Caring for 14 family members, her children and grandchildren, she has been carrying the heavy burden of providing for them all. Many nights, there was no food, and she and her family went to bed on empty stomachs. To survive, Anastasia and

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DIG Recognized for Inclusivity at the Indigenous Seeds Culture and Food Harvest Fair in Kenya

DIG was recently honored for our commitment to inclusivity at the 3rd Indigenous Seeds Culture and Food Harvest Fair, held at the Nyando Community Seed Bank in Kisumu. This annual event brought together organizations focused on indigenous seeds, food sovereignty, and sustainable agriculture. Among the key participants were Seed Savers Network Kenya, BIBA Kenya, PELUM Kenya, and various community seed banks—all united in their mission to strengthen local food systems. Olivia Nyaidho, our Director of Global Mission and Executive Director

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The Perfect Gift is One That Grows

THE DIG’s GIFT GARDEN The Perfect Gift is One That Grows: Explore DIG’s Gift Garden This Holiday Imagine giving a gift that keeps on growing. With DIG’s Gift Garden, you can honor someone you love with a meaningful gift that empowers families, strengthens communities, and nourishes the land for generations to come. This holiday, give a gift that goes beyond the moment—a gift that makes a lasting impact long after the holidays. Flip through The DIG Gift Garden. Explore DIG’s

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Gloria Mushabe Receives Prestigious FAO Global Farmer Field Schools Innovation Award

Celebrating DIG’s Transformative Work with the Batwa Community in Uganda In a significant moment for Development in Gardening (DIG), Gloria Mushabe, our Executive Director in Uganda, was honored as a laureate of the FAO’s inaugural Global Farmer Field Schools Innovation Award. Gloria, a well-deserved recipient, has been a driving force behind DIG’s work in Uganda since 2018. Her deep knowledge of agroecology and unwavering commitment to community-led development have enabled DIG to effectively reach some of the most marginalized communities

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The Power of Growth and Graduations

From Isolation to Community We believe social cohesion is more than just an abstract concept—it’s the foundation of our work and one of our most powerful Pillars of Impact. It’s what transforms isolated individuals into confident, connected community members. This transformation was on full display during the recent farmer graduations in Kenya, Senegal, and Uganda, where we had the honor of celebrating the incredible achievements of our farmers. These ceremonies were more than just a milestone; they marked the journey of

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Witnessing Hope in Action: A Field Trip to Kenya

“Seeing food insecurity solved one person at a time and witnessing how those efforts multiply is truly hope becoming reality.” Tom McGuire DIG’s Board Chair, Tom McGuire, recently traveled to Kenya with eight other participants to observe DIG’s transformative work up close. In his refections, he highlights the profound impact DIG’s Core Programs are having on participants. What stood out most to him was DIG’s ability to move the mark around social cohesion. Fostering strong, interconnected communities is foundational to

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DIG’s AquaFaba Cocktail

How Good Food Can Transform Health, Communities, and the Planet—Plus, a Delicious Cocktail Tip! When we come together around our shared love for good food, we’re not just filling our plates—we’re nourishing our health, strengthening our communities, and protecting our planet. At DIG, we work with some of the most vulnerable producers in the world, but here’s a little secret: as consumers, you hold incredible power too. Together, we can demand a shift in the entire food system. By supporting

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Soil Health

From Perception to Precision: How Farmer’s Insights and Soil Science Can Shape the Future of Regenerative Agriculture.  How do farmers’ perceptions of the health of their soil compare to laboratory results? How can comparing perceptions and laboratory tests influence the use of regenerative agriculture practices by smallholder farmers? These are some of the questions Postdoctoral Associate Jordan Blekking from the Department of Global Development at Cornell University, and, a recent recipient of a Polson Institute for Global Development grant, wanted

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A Reflection on DIG’s 2023 Kenya Field Trip

This May, DIG welcomed 10 guests to Kenya for our first Field Trip since 2019. DIG's Kenya team embraced us with open arms and took time to teach us some of what they do. Read about the experience from one of our trip participants, Dana Clarkson.

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“What a beautiful trip! To learn and see, first hand, the phenomenal impact the DIG organization is having in so many people’s lives was incredible!

Before this trip, I did not understand the magnitude the DIG program was having on entire communities, much like the seeds that are produced by every garden DIG helps establish.

Spending time with, and getting to know the Kenya DIG facilitators, was a humbling and heartwarming experience.  With each of their stories it was clear that, beyond the transformation the DIG opportunity has had on their own lives, seeing how the knowledge that they share will have a positive impact on such a profound amount of lives over time has given each of them extremely valuable purpose. It is apparent that the tireless efforts the facilitators make and knowledge they share with the farmers is at the heart of DIGs success.

Each of the farmers that I had the pleasure of visiting with just glowed as they explained how the DIG facilitators and programs have completely changed their health, their lives, the well-being of their family’s as well as that of all of their extended family and neighbors.  It was extraordinary to see so many community members show-up to each of the farms that we visited, genuinely enthusiastic to learn these ‘new’ invaluable skills. It became very clear how the hard work put into each farmer continues to propagate at an exponential rate.

To experience the Maasai Mara Conservancy was also absolutely incredible! I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with so many warm, fun people and being out seeing so much wildlife thriving in its natural surroundings was breathtaking.  To learn the value the Naboisho Conservancy places on protecting the wildlife and preserving the Maasai’s land while creating opportunities for them to develop a more sustainable balanced lifestyle, added to the richness of the experience.  To support an organization that is protecting those most valuable, in their natural state, and helping all of them to thrive, I felt aligned perfectly with DIG’s values and goals.

Thanks again, it was a trip of a lifetime.”

~ Dana Clarkson

Learn More About DIG Field Trips Here
Help Us Plant The Seed

Help Us Plant The Seed

Your support will grow our capacity to equip uniquely marginalized families with the skills and experience to meet their own needs and improve their well-being through climate smart, nutrient-dense gardening. Help us plant the seeds. Consider a contribution today.

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