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Vanderbilt University

Publication Date

Spring 2018

Program Name

Samoa: Social and Environmental Change in Oceania

Abstract

Keyhole gardens represent one of the many ingenious adaptations that are currently being used in Samoa to combat climate change, promote environmental sustainability, and improve diet. Through their design, these gardens are built to withstand greater fluctuations in climate; utilize alternative water resources and conserve fresh water; and contribute towards a solution to the waste management problem in Samoa. Additionally, keyhole gardens increase access to fresh produce, and can be used as tools to educate the community about healthy eating. This is of great national importance due to the myriad of health concerns that accompany the current diet in Samoa, which contains copious amounts of imported foods with low nutritional value and high fat and sodium content. This report includes a case study of Mikaele Maiava’s keyhole gardens, as well as pertinent information from multiple interviews and several secondary sources.

Disciplines

Family, Life Course, and Society | Nature and Society Relations | Place and Environment

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