Backyard gardening

Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) for Mota Lava, John Antas said, “ The reason for this demonstration is to capture the interest of famers coming to the market house and encourage them to utilize any available resources and land in their backyard for home gardening.”

Antas raised vegetable seedlings in a nursery before giving them to farmers.

“I have provided technical information on backyard gardening to farmers and at the same time assisting them with their backyard gardens.”

Engaging in backyard gardening adds to improving availability and access to fresh fruits and vegetables as well as resilience to natural disasters and climate change impacts.

This activity has generated interest in the communities, particularly in Port Vila such as church groups and schools.

Efate rural communities are also benefitting as effects of the COVID-19 pandemic also interrupt household operations.

Backyard gardens not only ensure food security but also community involvement and sustainability of the DARD urban garden programme.