Wednesday, September 27, 2023
AgriWatch
  • Agrihouse News
    • All
    • Agri-Influencer
    • Agri-Woman
    • Weekly Articles
    Dr. zanetor’s Monthly Agribusiness Skills and Jobs for the Youth Roadshow Bounces Back for its Third Edition

    Dr. zanetor’s Monthly Agribusiness Skills and Jobs for the Youth Roadshow Bounces Back for its Third Edition

    First Nebraska -Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Harvest Days Ends Successfully

    First Nebraska -Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Harvest Days Ends Successfully

    Register Now as an Exhibitor or Trainee for the Fifth Livestock, Poultry, and Fisheries Tradeshow

    Register Now as an Exhibitor or Trainee for the Fifth Livestock, Poultry, and Fisheries Tradeshow

    Celebrating 13 Years of Connecting Farmers, Input Dealers and Processors to Market- Pre-Harvest the Path Way

    13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Exhibition and Conference Launched

    Modernizing & Improving Market access for women in Agribusiness

    Agriwoman Marketplace Returns Energetically after a short break, expecting to draw about 50 Women in Farming, Marketing and related Agribusiness Value chain Activities for its 13th Edition

    Fifth Monthly Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclass to Focus on Yogurt Making and Dried Fruit Production

    Fifth Monthly Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclass to Focus on Yogurt Making and Dried Fruit Production

    NRCC Pledges Collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation to Develop Its 10 Acre Bamvim Land into A Model Agricultural Site 

    NRCC Pledges Collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation to Develop Its 10 Acre Bamvim Land into A Model Agricultural Site 

    Fiifi Kwetey to represent fmr President Mahama at the Nebraska-Ghana Trade and Investment forum

    Fiifi Kwetey to represent fmr President Mahama at the Nebraska-Ghana Trade and Investment forum

    Celebrating 13 Years of Connecting Farmers, Input Dealers and Processors to Market- Pre-Harvest the Path Way

    “All Roads Lead to Bamvim as Agrihouse Foundation Gears Up for the 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Exhibition Conference Launch”

    • Agri-Influencer
    • Agri-Woman
    • Weekly Articles
  • National News
    • All
    • Agribusiness
    • Crops
    • Fertilizer
    • Livestock
    • Machinery
    • Technology
    Dr. zanetor’s Monthly Agribusiness Skills and Jobs for the Youth Roadshow Bounces Back for its Third Edition

    Dr. zanetor’s Monthly Agribusiness Skills and Jobs for the Youth Roadshow Bounces Back for its Third Edition

    First Nebraska -Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Harvest Days Ends Successfully

    First Nebraska -Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Harvest Days Ends Successfully

    Register Now as an Exhibitor or Trainee for the Fifth Livestock, Poultry, and Fisheries Tradeshow

    Register Now as an Exhibitor or Trainee for the Fifth Livestock, Poultry, and Fisheries Tradeshow

    Celebrating 13 Years of Connecting Farmers, Input Dealers and Processors to Market- Pre-Harvest the Path Way

    13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Exhibition and Conference Launched

    Modernizing & Improving Market access for women in Agribusiness

    Agriwoman Marketplace Returns Energetically after a short break, expecting to draw about 50 Women in Farming, Marketing and related Agribusiness Value chain Activities for its 13th Edition

    Fifth Monthly Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclass to Focus on Yogurt Making and Dried Fruit Production

    Fifth Monthly Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclass to Focus on Yogurt Making and Dried Fruit Production

    NRCC Pledges Collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation to Develop Its 10 Acre Bamvim Land into A Model Agricultural Site 

    NRCC Pledges Collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation to Develop Its 10 Acre Bamvim Land into A Model Agricultural Site 

    “Connecting the Unconnected” – 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness exhibition and conference Slated for October 24-26

    “Connecting the Unconnected” – 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness exhibition and conference Slated for October 24-26

    Agrihouse Foundation and GhaNeb LLC Partner, to Create Agribusiness Trade and Investment Opportunities for Ghanaian Agribusinesses in Nebraska

    Agrihouse Foundation and GhaNeb LLC Partner, to Create Agribusiness Trade and Investment Opportunities for Ghanaian Agribusinesses in Nebraska

    • Agribusiness
    • Crops
    • Fertilizer
    • Livestock
    • Machinery
    • Technology
  • International News
    • All
    • Foreign News
    • News in Africa
    First Nebraska -Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Harvest Days Ends Successfully

    First Nebraska -Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Harvest Days Ends Successfully

    Brazil declares 180-day animal health emergency amid avian flu cases in wild birds

    Brazil declares 180-day animal health emergency amid avian flu cases in wild birds

    LIVESTOCK-CME live cattle hit record high as meatpackers scramble for supplies

    Dutch Livestock Farmers to Receive Payment for Halting Operations

    African Swine Fever Outbreaks Boost China’s Pork Production to Record High

    African Swine Fever Outbreaks Boost China’s Pork Production to Record High

    Massive Explosion at Texas Dairy Farm Claims Lives of 18,000 Cows

    Massive Explosion at Texas Dairy Farm Claims Lives of 18,000 Cows

    LIVESTOCK-CME live cattle hit record high as meatpackers scramble for supplies

    LIVESTOCK-CME live cattle hit record high as meatpackers scramble for supplies

    Seafarers cautioned to observe all vessel safety precautions – NAFAG

    Seafarers cautioned to observe all vessel safety precautions – NAFAG

    Australia: Crop exports set for record high after heavy rains

    Australia: Crop exports set for record high after heavy rains

    North Korea: Kim Jong Convenes Meeting to Strengthen Country’s Economy & Agri Sector Fearing Food Shortage

    North Korea: Kim Jong Convenes Meeting to Strengthen Country’s Economy & Agri Sector Fearing Food Shortage

    • Foreign News
    • News in Africa
  • Agri-Campus
    • All
    • Agri-Courses
    • Campus Trends
    Agri-Sports Meets Agribusiness: Meet Coach Eric, Guide and Drills Mentor at the 5-day bootcamp

    Agri-Sports Meets Agribusiness: Meet Coach Eric, Guide and Drills Mentor at the 5-day bootcamp

    Meet Participating Schools for the 6th AG-STUD Boot camp 2023

    Meet Participating Schools for the 6th AG-STUD Boot camp 2023

    AG-STUD 2023 to host Motor King Manufacturer, Madam Nora Gao as mentor for the 5-day Bootcamp

    AG-STUD 2023 to host Motor King Manufacturer, Madam Nora Gao as mentor for the 5-day Bootcamp

    UGBS With Funding From A.M.G Limited Commissions Innovation and Incubation Hub

    UGBS With Funding From A.M.G Limited Commissions Innovation and Incubation Hub

    OCP Africa Pledges Financial Support towards Agric Projects in O’Reilly and Accra Academy Senior High Schools

    OCP Africa Pledges Financial Support towards Agric Projects in O’Reilly and Accra Academy Senior High Schools

    Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings Donates 3 Laptops to Support Agric Students

    Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings Donates 3 Laptops to Support Agric Students

    Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia to Mentor Agric Students and Beginner Agribusinesses

    Vice Prez, Dr. Bawumia Pledges Support for Agric Students

    Agribusiness students urged to explore value chain opportunities through digitalization

    Agribusiness students urged to explore value chain opportunities through digitalization

    Change Your Poor Perceptions about Agric Students, 5th AG-STUD Campers Call on Teachers and Mates

    Change Your Poor Perceptions about Agric Students, 5th AG-STUD Campers Call on Teachers and Mates

    • Agri-Courses
    • Campus Trends
  • Marketplace
  • More
    • Agro-Market
      • All
      • Sales and Marketing
      “Connecting the Unconnected” – 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness exhibition and conference Slated for October 24-26

      “Connecting the Unconnected” – 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness exhibition and conference Slated for October 24-26

      Unscrupulous Persons Diverting Cocoa Fertilizers and Agri-Inputs – COCOBOD

      Unscrupulous Persons Diverting Cocoa Fertilizers and Agri-Inputs – COCOBOD

      PFJ Seed Suppliers Beg for GH¢207m Debts

      PFJ Seed Suppliers Beg for GH¢207m Debts

      Nat’l Biosafety Authority Approves First GM Crop

      Nat’l Biosafety Authority Approves First GM Crop

      CSIR – SARI Develops Technology to Increase Yield of Legumes

      CSIR – SARI Develops Technology to Increase Yield of Legumes

      Assin-Fosu MCE Urges Graduates to Venture into Sustainable Agriculture

      Assin-Fosu MCE Urges Graduates to Venture into Sustainable Agriculture

      Consider Neem Oil as Organic Pest Control Agent— Expert advocates

      Consider Neem Oil as Organic Pest Control Agent— Expert advocates

      8th Monthly ‘Agri-Woman Marketplace’ Set for Friday, November 12

      8th Monthly ‘Agri-Woman Marketplace’ Set for Friday, November 12

      Digitalization Needs Agric & Agric Needs Appropriate and Innovative Digital Systems— Agrihouse Foundation Director

      Digitalization Needs Agric & Agric Needs Appropriate and Innovative Digital Systems— Agrihouse Foundation Director

      • Sales and Marketing
    • Events & Shows
    • Editor’s Choice
No Result
View All Result
  • Agrihouse News
    • All
    • Agri-Influencer
    • Agri-Woman
    • Weekly Articles
    Dr. zanetor’s Monthly Agribusiness Skills and Jobs for the Youth Roadshow Bounces Back for its Third Edition

    Dr. zanetor’s Monthly Agribusiness Skills and Jobs for the Youth Roadshow Bounces Back for its Third Edition

    First Nebraska -Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Harvest Days Ends Successfully

    First Nebraska -Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Harvest Days Ends Successfully

    Register Now as an Exhibitor or Trainee for the Fifth Livestock, Poultry, and Fisheries Tradeshow

    Register Now as an Exhibitor or Trainee for the Fifth Livestock, Poultry, and Fisheries Tradeshow

    Celebrating 13 Years of Connecting Farmers, Input Dealers and Processors to Market- Pre-Harvest the Path Way

    13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Exhibition and Conference Launched

    Modernizing & Improving Market access for women in Agribusiness

    Agriwoman Marketplace Returns Energetically after a short break, expecting to draw about 50 Women in Farming, Marketing and related Agribusiness Value chain Activities for its 13th Edition

    Fifth Monthly Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclass to Focus on Yogurt Making and Dried Fruit Production

    Fifth Monthly Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclass to Focus on Yogurt Making and Dried Fruit Production

    NRCC Pledges Collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation to Develop Its 10 Acre Bamvim Land into A Model Agricultural Site 

    NRCC Pledges Collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation to Develop Its 10 Acre Bamvim Land into A Model Agricultural Site 

    Fiifi Kwetey to represent fmr President Mahama at the Nebraska-Ghana Trade and Investment forum

    Fiifi Kwetey to represent fmr President Mahama at the Nebraska-Ghana Trade and Investment forum

    Celebrating 13 Years of Connecting Farmers, Input Dealers and Processors to Market- Pre-Harvest the Path Way

    “All Roads Lead to Bamvim as Agrihouse Foundation Gears Up for the 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Exhibition Conference Launch”

    • Agri-Influencer
    • Agri-Woman
    • Weekly Articles
  • National News
    • All
    • Agribusiness
    • Crops
    • Fertilizer
    • Livestock
    • Machinery
    • Technology
    Dr. zanetor’s Monthly Agribusiness Skills and Jobs for the Youth Roadshow Bounces Back for its Third Edition

    Dr. zanetor’s Monthly Agribusiness Skills and Jobs for the Youth Roadshow Bounces Back for its Third Edition

    First Nebraska -Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Harvest Days Ends Successfully

    First Nebraska -Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Harvest Days Ends Successfully

    Register Now as an Exhibitor or Trainee for the Fifth Livestock, Poultry, and Fisheries Tradeshow

    Register Now as an Exhibitor or Trainee for the Fifth Livestock, Poultry, and Fisheries Tradeshow

    Celebrating 13 Years of Connecting Farmers, Input Dealers and Processors to Market- Pre-Harvest the Path Way

    13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Exhibition and Conference Launched

    Modernizing & Improving Market access for women in Agribusiness

    Agriwoman Marketplace Returns Energetically after a short break, expecting to draw about 50 Women in Farming, Marketing and related Agribusiness Value chain Activities for its 13th Edition

    Fifth Monthly Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclass to Focus on Yogurt Making and Dried Fruit Production

    Fifth Monthly Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclass to Focus on Yogurt Making and Dried Fruit Production

    NRCC Pledges Collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation to Develop Its 10 Acre Bamvim Land into A Model Agricultural Site 

    NRCC Pledges Collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation to Develop Its 10 Acre Bamvim Land into A Model Agricultural Site 

    “Connecting the Unconnected” – 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness exhibition and conference Slated for October 24-26

    “Connecting the Unconnected” – 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness exhibition and conference Slated for October 24-26

    Agrihouse Foundation and GhaNeb LLC Partner, to Create Agribusiness Trade and Investment Opportunities for Ghanaian Agribusinesses in Nebraska

    Agrihouse Foundation and GhaNeb LLC Partner, to Create Agribusiness Trade and Investment Opportunities for Ghanaian Agribusinesses in Nebraska

    • Agribusiness
    • Crops
    • Fertilizer
    • Livestock
    • Machinery
    • Technology
  • International News
    • All
    • Foreign News
    • News in Africa
    First Nebraska -Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Harvest Days Ends Successfully

    First Nebraska -Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Harvest Days Ends Successfully

    Brazil declares 180-day animal health emergency amid avian flu cases in wild birds

    Brazil declares 180-day animal health emergency amid avian flu cases in wild birds

    LIVESTOCK-CME live cattle hit record high as meatpackers scramble for supplies

    Dutch Livestock Farmers to Receive Payment for Halting Operations

    African Swine Fever Outbreaks Boost China’s Pork Production to Record High

    African Swine Fever Outbreaks Boost China’s Pork Production to Record High

    Massive Explosion at Texas Dairy Farm Claims Lives of 18,000 Cows

    Massive Explosion at Texas Dairy Farm Claims Lives of 18,000 Cows

    LIVESTOCK-CME live cattle hit record high as meatpackers scramble for supplies

    LIVESTOCK-CME live cattle hit record high as meatpackers scramble for supplies

    Seafarers cautioned to observe all vessel safety precautions – NAFAG

    Seafarers cautioned to observe all vessel safety precautions – NAFAG

    Australia: Crop exports set for record high after heavy rains

    Australia: Crop exports set for record high after heavy rains

    North Korea: Kim Jong Convenes Meeting to Strengthen Country’s Economy & Agri Sector Fearing Food Shortage

    North Korea: Kim Jong Convenes Meeting to Strengthen Country’s Economy & Agri Sector Fearing Food Shortage

    • Foreign News
    • News in Africa
  • Agri-Campus
    • All
    • Agri-Courses
    • Campus Trends
    Agri-Sports Meets Agribusiness: Meet Coach Eric, Guide and Drills Mentor at the 5-day bootcamp

    Agri-Sports Meets Agribusiness: Meet Coach Eric, Guide and Drills Mentor at the 5-day bootcamp

    Meet Participating Schools for the 6th AG-STUD Boot camp 2023

    Meet Participating Schools for the 6th AG-STUD Boot camp 2023

    AG-STUD 2023 to host Motor King Manufacturer, Madam Nora Gao as mentor for the 5-day Bootcamp

    AG-STUD 2023 to host Motor King Manufacturer, Madam Nora Gao as mentor for the 5-day Bootcamp

    UGBS With Funding From A.M.G Limited Commissions Innovation and Incubation Hub

    UGBS With Funding From A.M.G Limited Commissions Innovation and Incubation Hub

    OCP Africa Pledges Financial Support towards Agric Projects in O’Reilly and Accra Academy Senior High Schools

    OCP Africa Pledges Financial Support towards Agric Projects in O’Reilly and Accra Academy Senior High Schools

    Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings Donates 3 Laptops to Support Agric Students

    Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings Donates 3 Laptops to Support Agric Students

    Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia to Mentor Agric Students and Beginner Agribusinesses

    Vice Prez, Dr. Bawumia Pledges Support for Agric Students

    Agribusiness students urged to explore value chain opportunities through digitalization

    Agribusiness students urged to explore value chain opportunities through digitalization

    Change Your Poor Perceptions about Agric Students, 5th AG-STUD Campers Call on Teachers and Mates

    Change Your Poor Perceptions about Agric Students, 5th AG-STUD Campers Call on Teachers and Mates

    • Agri-Courses
    • Campus Trends
  • Marketplace
  • More
    • Agro-Market
      • All
      • Sales and Marketing
      “Connecting the Unconnected” – 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness exhibition and conference Slated for October 24-26

      “Connecting the Unconnected” – 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness exhibition and conference Slated for October 24-26

      Unscrupulous Persons Diverting Cocoa Fertilizers and Agri-Inputs – COCOBOD

      Unscrupulous Persons Diverting Cocoa Fertilizers and Agri-Inputs – COCOBOD

      PFJ Seed Suppliers Beg for GH¢207m Debts

      PFJ Seed Suppliers Beg for GH¢207m Debts

      Nat’l Biosafety Authority Approves First GM Crop

      Nat’l Biosafety Authority Approves First GM Crop

      CSIR – SARI Develops Technology to Increase Yield of Legumes

      CSIR – SARI Develops Technology to Increase Yield of Legumes

      Assin-Fosu MCE Urges Graduates to Venture into Sustainable Agriculture

      Assin-Fosu MCE Urges Graduates to Venture into Sustainable Agriculture

      Consider Neem Oil as Organic Pest Control Agent— Expert advocates

      Consider Neem Oil as Organic Pest Control Agent— Expert advocates

      8th Monthly ‘Agri-Woman Marketplace’ Set for Friday, November 12

      8th Monthly ‘Agri-Woman Marketplace’ Set for Friday, November 12

      Digitalization Needs Agric & Agric Needs Appropriate and Innovative Digital Systems— Agrihouse Foundation Director

      Digitalization Needs Agric & Agric Needs Appropriate and Innovative Digital Systems— Agrihouse Foundation Director

      • Sales and Marketing
    • Events & Shows
    • Editor’s Choice
No Result
View All Result
AgriWatch
No Result
View All Result
Home National News Agribusiness

Driving Nutrition and Food Security with Backyard Gardens

by AgriWatch
1 year ago
in Agribusiness, Agrihouse News, National News
Reading Time: 7min read
0 0
0
Driving Nutrition and Food Security with Backyard Gardens
0
SHARES
62
VIEWS
ADVERTISEMENT

InterestingArticles

Dr. zanetor’s Monthly Agribusiness Skills and Jobs for the Youth Roadshow Bounces Back for its Third Edition

First Nebraska -Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Harvest Days Ends Successfully

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Yaw Asante, an accountant and resident of Adentan new site, says he learned two lessons; to become more conscious of his health and wellbeing, as well as, take more control of food security in his home.

He said the multiple lockdowns and global restrictions brought home the wakeup call, and the way forward for him, was to invest in a backyard garden. “I realized I needed to be in control of my food security,” he recounted in an interview.

“I was practically buying everything, including every piece of food I ate. In the face of sudden lockdowns and what seemed like the whole world closing in, I knew some things had to change about the way I was living.”

Similar epiphanies were making the rounds across the globe as international organizations, development partners started tightening up food security measures to ensure that sufficient food and essential supplies were making it to all corners of the globe.

In Ghana, while the government took up initiative of providing poor households and communities with plates of food and some essentials food stuffs, Executive Director of local NGO, Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa and her team fashioned out an interventional project they were calling the “1Household, 1Garden.”

1Household, 1Garden was essentially, aimed at supporting interested households with knowledge, tools and seeds needed to start and sustain backyard vegetable gardens. Although Mr. Yaw Asante was not among the number of people to call on Agrihouse Foundation for support when the initiative was finally publicized on social media (because he was learning and making the most of Home Gardening, Ghana, a community on Facebook), the Foundation received thousands of calls from households that wanted backyard gardens. In spite of technical and financial and constraints, the team went on to support about six hundred households across the Greater-Accra Region with backyard gardens.

The commitment and tangible positive impacts of the effort, caught the attention of AGRA— Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa. Presently, with their support, the project is being funded by the USAID Feed the Future Program, to ensure its scale-up and sustenance. In a joint press release, the three organizations have noted that “1Household,1Garden” will contribute to food and nutrition security in the country, by ensuring ready and accessible vegetables for home consumption.

The focus now is on 17 districts in the Northern, North East, Upper East and West, where 2000 households will benefit from the Training session to be undertaken, and will further be equipped with garden tools, vegetable seedlings, seeds, compost, organic pesticides and a wire weave fencing mesh, to assist each person, establish a backyard garden. “the project’s greatest impact will be to directly contribute to the region’s food and nutrition security, through increased vegetable production, and to increase the incomes of smallholder farmers and  households by enhancing their capacity and agricultural systems to better prepare for and adapt to shocks and stresses,” the statement added.

Socio-economic, Cultural and Wellness Impacts of Backyard Gardening

An article authored by Galhena, D.H., Freed, R. & Maredia, K.M. Home gardens: a promising approach to enhance household food security and wellbeing, expound on the major benefits of backyard gardening.

Enhancing food and nutritional security

Reviews of studies from various countries reveal that the degree and combination socio-cultural impacts on societies engaged in home gardening vary across the board. Multiple social benefits of home gardens include enhancing food and nutritional security in many socio-economic and political situations, improving family health and human capacity, empowering women, promoting social justice and equity, and preserving indigenous knowledge and culture. The most fundamental social benefit of home gardens stems from their direct contributions to household food security by increasing availability, accessibility, and utilization of food products.

Home gardens are maintained for easy access to fresh plant and animal food sources in both rural and urban locales. Food items from home gardens add substantially to the family energy and nutritive requirements on a continuous basis. A pioneering research study on home gardens conducted by Ochse and Terra in the early 1930s, states that home gardens led to 18% of the caloric and 14% of the protein consumption by households in Kutowinangun, Indonesia. Subsequent studies on the Javanese home gardens point out a direct link between successful home gardens and households’ nutritional status, and observe an increase in households’ food consumption with intensification of home food production.

Home gardens can ensure food to underprivileged and resources-poor households as they can be established and maintained within a small patch of land or with no land using a few inputs. A study of home gardens in Cuba reveals that they were used as a strategy to increase resilience and ensure food security in the face of economic crisis and political isolation. To mitigate recurring food shortage and malnutrition, Cuban households obtained basic staple foods (rice and beans) through rations, but the households relied on their home gardens to obtain additional produce to diversify the family diet.

Improving health

Plants are an important source of medicine for humans and livestock and are used as biological pesticides to protect crops from diseases and pest infestations. Herbs and medicinal plants are grown in home gardens all over the world, and in developing countries nearly 80% of the people use them to treat various illnesses, diseases, and also to improve their health conditions. A generous portion of the plants found in home gardens have some medicinal value and they can be used to treat many common health problems in a cost-effective manner. For instance, Perera and Rajapksa, in their assessment of Kandyan gardens in Sri Lanka, note that out of the 125 plant species found about 30% were exclusively used for medicinal uses and about 12% for medical and other purposes.

Food insecurity and economic hardships force people to consume less and to settle for food that is of low nutritional quality. Adverse health effects due to inadequate intake of basic macronutrients are further compounded by deficiencies in micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. More than 35% of the fatalities worldwide are caused by factors attributed to nutritional deficits. Amongst them, vitamin A deficiency is a major health issue in many low-income countries and pose serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and their babies and growing children. Reports indicate more than 7 million women suffering from complications due to vitamin A insufficiency and cause 6 to 8% of the deaths amongst children under the age of 5 years in Africa and Asia.

Uplifting the status of women

In many cultures, women play an important role in food production but at times their worth is somewhat undermined. They are also active in home gardening, though their involvement in the home garden tends to be determined by socio-cultural norms. In most scenarios women’s contribution to household food production is immense, but this does not imply that home gardening is predominantly a female activity. Women’s participation and responsibilities in home gardening varies across cultures, including land preparation, planting, weeding, harvesting, and marketing. In fact, in some cultures, women are the sole caretakers of household gardens while, in others, they play more or less a supportive role. Howard’s 2006 analysis of 13 home gardens case studies in South America revealed that women are the main managers of home gardens across the region. Home gardening activities are vital and fit well with their day-to-day domestic activities and employment patterns along with their cultural and aesthetic values. On the other hand, in the Indonesian context women take part during planting and harvesting and, in Sri Lanka, they provide labor during peak times. Regardless, particularly for women and disadvantaged groups, home gardening is an avenue for social and economic enrichment. Example, Home gardens stimulate social change and development. Amongst the Achuar Indian community in the upper Amazon, a woman’s ability to maintain a lush home garden not only demonstrates her agronomic competency but also her status in society. Similarly, for the Saraguro women of the Andes, a plentiful garden help elevates a woman’s social eminence and demonstrates her commitment to the family’s wellbeing. Through home gardening women have developed proficiency related to plants and garden practices that helps them become better home and environment managers. Their labor is indispensable to maintain the garden.

Preserving indigenous knowledge and building integrated societies

Home gardens consist of a variety of components and species that represent social and traditional aspects of different societies. This rich indigenous culture and communal knowledge base is expressed through home gardening by the selection of plants and animal species as well as the farming practices used by the local community. Home gardens serve as a valuable repository for preserving and transferring indigenous crops and livestock species, production knowledge and the skills from one generation to another. Interactions in and around the home garden create and reinforce social status and ties between the household and the community. Home gardeners habitually exchange or gift planting materials, vegetables, fruits, leaves, herbals and medicinal plants for social, cultural, and religious purposes. Such interactions are essential for social integration and building social capital. The social dimension of home gardening is yet not fully explored.

Economic benefits

The economic benefits of home gardens go beyond food and nutritional security and subsistence, especially for resource-poor families. Bibliographic evidence suggests that home gardens contribute to income generation, improved livelihoods, and household economic welfare as well as promoting entrepreneurship and rural development. Through the review of a number of case studies, Mitchell and Hanstad assert that home gardens can contribute to household economic well-being in several ways: garden products can be sold to earn additional income; gardening activities can be developed into a small cottage industry; and earnings from the sale of home garden products and the savings from consuming home-grown food products can lead to more disposable income that can be used for other domestic purposes. Home gardens are widely promoted in many countries as a mechanism to avert poverty and as a source of income for subsistence families in developing countries.

Environmental benefits

Home gardens provide multiple environmental and ecological benefits. They serve as the primary unit that initiates and utilizes ecologically friendly approaches for food production while conserving biodiversity and natural resources. Home gardens are usually diverse and contain a rich composition of plant and animal species. Hence they make interesting cases for ethno-botanical studies.

Gardens are complex and may resemble ecological agricultural production systems that sponsor biodiversity conservation. The rich diversity and composition of species and the dense distribution of faunal and floral strata denote extraordinary features of home garden ecology. Buchmann’s 2009 assessment of 25 home gardens in Central Cuba noted 182 plant species. Other reports from around the world also identify a significant concentration of plants used as vegetables, fruits, herbs, medicines, yams, and spices. Home gardens also contain a wide spectrum of plant species, some of which are landraces, rare or threatened species, and specific cultivars selected for a set of desirable traits. Thus they become ideal sites for in situ conservation of biodiversity and genetic material.
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

Dumping of Imported Chicken Heralds GITC Crunch Meeting

Next Post

Deputy Agric Minister Applauds “1Household 1Garden” Project

Next Post
Deputy Agric Minister Applauds “1Household 1Garden” Project

Deputy Agric Minister Applauds "1Household 1Garden" Project

Fall Armyworm Costs Ghana $177m Loss – CSIR-CRI

Fall Armyworm Costs Ghana $177m Loss – CSIR-CRI

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

ADVERTISMENT

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Agrihouse Foundation Is Building the Human Capacity of Our Youth— Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings

Ghana’s Agricultural Sector Must Pay Attention to the Food Supplements Industry— Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings

February 11, 2021
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia to Mentor Agric Students and Beginner Agribusinesses

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia to Mentor Agric Students and Beginner Agribusinesses

March 25, 2022
‘Increased Productivity, Solution to Food Insecurity

‘Increased Productivity, Solution to Food Insecurity

February 8, 2021
Ghanaian Farmer TV Show on Joy Prime Launches ‘Support the Farmer’ Initiative

Ghanaian Farmer TV Show on Joy Prime Launches ‘Support the Farmer’ Initiative

January 27, 2021
Agrihouse Foundation Is Building the Human Capacity of Our Youth— Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings

Agrihouse Foundation Is Building the Human Capacity of Our Youth— Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings

February 11, 2021
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia to Mentor Agric Students and Beginner Agribusinesses

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia to Mentor Agric Students and Beginner Agribusinesses

2
Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation to Address, “Israeli Doing Business in Africa Forum” Tomorrow

Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation to Address, “Israeli Doing Business in Africa Forum” Tomorrow

2
‘Gold in the Soil Award’ Nominees Highlight Positive Impacts of Communal Farmer Groups Ahead of 3rd WOFAGRIC, Tomorrow

Post-harvest-losses Erode Successes of PFJ – Esoko

1
Partner Local Small-Scale Agribusinesses, Agrihouse Executive Director Urges Israeli Agri-Investors

Partner Local Small-Scale Agribusinesses, Agrihouse Executive Director Urges Israeli Agri-Investors

1
Agrihouse Director Calls for More Value Chain Collaborations at 11th Pre-harvest Agribusiness Conference & Exhibitions

Agrihouse Director Calls for More Value Chain Collaborations at 11th Pre-harvest Agribusiness Conference & Exhibitions

1
Dr. zanetor’s Monthly Agribusiness Skills and Jobs for the Youth Roadshow Bounces Back for its Third Edition

Dr. zanetor’s Monthly Agribusiness Skills and Jobs for the Youth Roadshow Bounces Back for its Third Edition

September 22, 2023
First Nebraska -Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Harvest Days Ends Successfully

First Nebraska -Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Harvest Days Ends Successfully

September 20, 2023
Register Now as an Exhibitor or Trainee for the Fifth Livestock, Poultry, and Fisheries Tradeshow

Register Now as an Exhibitor or Trainee for the Fifth Livestock, Poultry, and Fisheries Tradeshow

September 18, 2023
Celebrating 13 Years of Connecting Farmers, Input Dealers and Processors to Market- Pre-Harvest the Path Way

13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Exhibition and Conference Launched

September 18, 2023
Modernizing & Improving Market access for women in Agribusiness

Agriwoman Marketplace Returns Energetically after a short break, expecting to draw about 50 Women in Farming, Marketing and related Agribusiness Value chain Activities for its 13th Edition

September 13, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

© 2022 Agrihouse Foundation. All Rights Reserved. | Developed by Benjamin.

No Result
View All Result
  • Agrihouse News
    • Agri-Influencer
    • Agri-Woman
    • Weekly Articles
  • National News
    • Agribusiness
    • Crops
    • Fertilizer
    • Livestock
    • Machinery
    • Technology
  • International News
    • Foreign News
    • News in Africa
  • Agri-Campus
    • Agri-Courses
    • Campus Trends
  • Marketplace
  • More
    • Agro-Market
      • Sales and Marketing
    • Events & Shows
    • Editor’s Choice

© 2022 Agrihouse Foundation. All Rights Reserved. | Developed by Benjamin.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In