Cleveland, David A. and Daniela Soleri (1987) Household Gardens as a Development Strategy. Human Organization 46(3):259-270. ABSTRACT In general,
garden yield per unit area is equal to or greater than yield in field
crop production. Labor productivity in traditional gardens may be greater
than traditional field crop production, especially when trees and other
perennial crops are present. Evidence supports the potential of gardens
to improve nutritional status and income, and they are most often promoted
for these reasons. There is, however, little evidence of positive effects,
partly because of the complex chain of events from production, distribution
and consumption, to improved household well-being. Inter- and intra-household
patterns of control over resources are a key variable. For example, men
may take over women's gardens when they become financially successful.
The poor record of household garden projects suggests that to be successful
they must be more appropriate for the conditions of poor households, and
founded on the wealth of local gardening knowledge and experience. Improving
and encouraging traditionally-based gardens which are sustainable and
accessible to low-resource households may be the best development strategy
for household gardens
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