Diversity in local gardens involves cultivating a wide range of plant species, fostering biodiversity and resilient ecosystems. This diversity supports healthy soil, natural pest control, and crop rotation, reducing the need for synthetic inputs like pesticides and fertilizers. By growing various crops, local gardens enhance food security and ensure a sustainable food supply, especially in small-scale family farming systems. Diverse gardens also attract beneficial insects, promote pollination, and mitigate risks associated with monoculture, such as pest outbreaks and soil degradation.

However, family farmers face challenges in maintaining this diversity, including limited access to diverse seeds and resources, financial constraints, and pressure to grow cash crops for income. Despite these challenges, many family farmers understand the importance of diverse local gardens for community resilience, environmental health, and sustainable food production. Providing them with knowledge, resources, and market access can help preserve agricultural biodiversity.

Guests in the program: 

• Douglas, KGA Farmer,