Food from Dryland Gardens - An Ecological, Nutritional, and Social Approach to Small Scale Household Food Production (CPFE, 1991): How to use this book: 1. Introduction: 1.2 The purpose of this book

Food from Dryland Gardens - An Ecological, Nutritional, and Social Approach to Small Scale Household Food Production (CPFE, 1991)

(introduction...)

Preface

Let us hear from you

Thanks

How to use this book

(introduction...)

1. Introduction

(introduction...)

1.1 Some definitions

1.2 The purpose of this book

1.3 The organization of this book

Part I - Gardens as a development strategy

(introduction...)

References

2. Gardens and nutrition in drylands

(introduction...)

2.1 Summary

2.2 Recommended dietary allowances and the nutrient content of foods

2.3 Special nutritional needs in drylands

(introduction...)

2.3.1 Children’s Special Needs

2.3.2 Women’s Special Needs

2.3.3 Work

2.3.4 Illness

2.4 Energy

2.5 Protein

2.6 Vitamins

(introduction...)

2.6.1 Vitamin A

2.6.2 Vitamin D

2.6.3 Vitamin C

2.6.4 Folacin

2.6.5 Thiamin (B1)

2.6.6 Riboflavin (B2)

2.6.7 Niacin

2.7 Minerals

(introduction...)

2.7.1 Iron (Fe)

2.7.2 Zinc (Zn)

2.7.3 Calcium (Ca)

2.8 Fats

2.9 Fiber

2.10 Anti-Nutritients

2.11 The effects of gardens on nutrition

(introduction...)

2.11.1 Nutrient Yields from Gardens

2.11.2 Effects on Nutrition

2.12 Resources

References

3. Gardens, economics, and marketing

(introduction...)

3.1 Summary

3.2 People, households, and economics

(introduction...)

3.2.1 Production Efficiency

3.2.2 Economic Rationality and Risk

3.2.3 Control of Resources: Individual or the Group?

3.2.4 Economic Development and Well-Being

3.3 Garden economics

(introduction...)

3.3.1 Garden Yields

3.3.2 Income and Savings from Gardens

3.3.3 Household Well-Being

3.4 Marketing garden produce

(introduction...)

3.4.1 Women and Marketing

3.4.2 Risk, Investment, and Return

3.4.3 Cooperation

3.4.4 Garden Income and the Household

3.5 Resources

References

4. Assessment techniques

(introduction...)

4.1 Summary

4.2 Assessment, monitoring, and evaluation

4.3 From whose point of view?

(introduction...)

4.3.1 Assessment and Collaboration

4.3.2 Representativeness

4.3.3 Insiders and Outsiders

4.3.4 Participant Observation

4.3.5 Gardens for Whom?

4.4 What do existing gardens tell us?

4.5 Interviews

(introduction...)

4.5.1 Composing Questions

4.5.2 Translating and Back-Translating

4.5.3 Choosing a Sample

4.5.4 Pretesting

4.5.5 Conducting the Interview

4.5.6 Coding, Checking, and Analyzing

4.6 Seasonality

4.7 Food distribution and consumption

4.8 Maps

4.9 Long-term trends

4.10 Outside sources

4.11 Resources

References

Part II - Garden management

(introduction...)

References

5. How plants live and grow

(introduction...)

5.1 Summary

5.2 The vascular system in plants

(introduction...)

5.2.1 Roots

5.3 Photosynthesis

5.4 Transpiration

5.5 Coping with heat and drought

5.6 Salt tolerance

5.7 Seasonal constraints to plant growth

(introduction...)

5.7.1 Daylength Requirements

5.7.2 Temperature Requirements

5.8 Resources

References

6. Growing plants from seeds

(introduction...)

6.1 Summary

6.2 Sexual reproduction in plants

(introduction...)

6.2.1 Life Cycles

6.2.2 Flowering

6.2.3 Pollination

6.2.4 Fertilization

6.3 Seed germination and dormancy

6.4 Suggestions for planting seeds under dryland conditions

(introduction...)

6.4.1 Preparing the Seeds

6.4.2 Preparing the Planting Site

6.4.3 Planting the Seeds

6.4.4 Planting Density

6.4.5 Covering the Seeds

6.5 Caring for newly planted seeds and young seedlings

(introduction...)

6.5.1 Watering

6.5.2 Mulching and Shading

6.6 Diagnosing seed planting problems

(introduction...)

6.6.1 Testing Seed Germination

6.7 Thinning

6.8 Resources

References

7. Vegetative propagation

(introduction...)

7.1 Summary

7.2 Cuttings

(introduction...)

7.2.1 Trees

7.2.2 Perennial Herbs

7.2.3 Cassava.

7.2.4 Sweet Potatoes

7.3 Tubers, tuberous roots, and bulbs

7.4 Offsets

7.5 Suckers

7.6 Grafting

(introduction...)

7.6.1 Compatibility for Grafting

7.6.2 Effects of Stock and Scion on the Grafted Tree

7.6.3 Approach or Attached Scion

7.6.4 Budding

7.6.5 Apical Grafting

7.6.6 Topworking

7.7 Layering

(introduction...)

7.7.1 Simple Layering

7.7.2 Air Layering

7.8 Resources

References

8. Plant management

(introduction...)

8.1 Summary

8.2 Nursery beds and container planting

(introduction...)

8.2.1 Nursery Beds

8.2.2 Container Planting

8.2.3 When Direct Planting is Better

8.3 Planting sites and the sun

8.4 Transplanting

(introduction...)

8.4.1 Timing

8.4.2 The Site

8.4.3 Water

8.4.4 The Transplant

8.5 Plant interactions

(introduction...)

8.5.1 Mixed Planting

8.5.2 Allelopathic Plants

8.5.3 Crop Rotation

8.6 Weed management

(introduction...)

8.6.1 Resource Use

8.6.2 Effects on Pest Populations

8.6.3 Timing

8.6.4 Methods of Weed Control

8.7 Pruning

(introduction...)

8.7.1 Reasons to Prune

8.7.2 Guidelines for Pruning Trees

8.8 Trellising

8.9 Resources

References

9. Soils in the garden

(introduction...)

9.1 Summary

9.2 Soil and land-use classification

(introduction...)

9.2.1 Indigenous Classification Systems

9.2.2 The USDA Classification of Soils in Drylands

9.3 Physical properties of soils

(introduction...)

9.3.1 Soil Texture and Structure

9.3.2 Soil Porosity and Permeability

9.3.3 Soil Color

9.3.4 Soil Temperature

9.4 Soil profile and depth

9.5 Soils and plant nutrients

(introduction...)

9.5.1 Soil pH and Plant Nutrition

9.5.2 Nitrogen

9.5.3 Phosphorus and Potassium

9.5.4 Other Nutrients

9.6 Organic matter

(introduction...)

9.6.1 Animal Manures

9.6.2 Composting

9.7 Preventing soil erosion

(introduction...)

9.7.1 Decreasing Runoff

9.7.2 Decreasing Raindrop Impact

9.7.3 Increasing Soil Resistance to Erosion

9.7.4 Reducing Wind Erosion

9.8 Building garden beds

(introduction...)

9.8.1 Sunken Beds

9.8.2 Raised Beds

9.9 Resources

References

10. Water, soils, and plants

(introduction...)

10.1 Summary

10.2 Dryland garden water management

10.3 Water, soils, and plants

(introduction...)

10.3.1 Water Storage in the Soil

10.3.2 Water Movement in the Soil

10.3.3 Evaporation

10.3.4 Water Uptake and Transport by Plants

10.4 Soil water and garden yield

10.5 How much water?

10.6 Measuring water applied to the garden

10.7 When to water

10.8 Mulches, shades, and windbreaks

(introduction...)

10.8.1 Surface Mulches

10.8.2 Vertical Mulches

10.8.3 Windbreaks, Shades, and Cropping Patterns

10.9 Resources

References

11. Sources of water for the garden

(introduction...)

11.1 Summary

11.2 Water quality for plants

11.3 Water quality for people

11.4 Rain

(introduction...)

11.4.1 Rainfall Records

11.4.2 Measuring Rainfall

11.5 Harvesting rainwater for dryland gardens

(introduction...)

11.5.1 Patterns of Water Harvesting

11.5.2 Building on Local Knowledge

11.5.3 Catchments and Runoff

11.5.4 Estimating the Catchment to Garden Area Ratio

11.6 Harvesting stream flow and floodwater

(introduction...)

11.6.1 Water Spreading

11.6.2 Flood Recession Gardening

11.7 Groundwater and wells

(introduction...)

11.7.1 Groundwater

11.7.2 Locating a Well

11.7.3 Hand-Dug Wells

11.7.4 Small-Diameter Wells

11.8 Water storage

11.9 Resources

References

12. Irrigation and water-lifting

(introduction...)

12.1 Summary

12.2 Irrigation efficiency

12.3 Surface irrigation

(introduction...)

12.3.1 Transporting Water to the Garden

12.3.2 Basin Irrigation

12.3.3 Furrow Irrigation

12.3.4 Trickle Irrigation

12.4 Root zone irrigation

(introduction...)

12.4.1 Pitcher Irrigation

12.4.2 Water Table Irrigation

12.5 Sprinkler irrigation

12.6 Irrigation problems

(introduction...)

12.6.1 Waterlogging

12.6.2 Salinity

12.7 Water-lifting

(introduction...)

12.7.1 Lifting with Human and Animal Power

12.7.2 Lifting with Other Power Sources

12.8 Resources

References

13. Pest and disease management

(introduction...)

13.1 Summary

13.2 An ecological approach

(introduction...)

13.2.1 Pest and Disease Management by the Crop Plant

13.2.2 Environmental and Mechanical Management of Pests and Diseases

13.2.3 Pest and Disease Management Using Other Organisms

13.2.4 Pest and Disease Management with Chemicals

13.3 Examples of pest and disease management

(introduction...)

13.3.1 Insects

13.3.2 Nematodes

13.3.3 Large Animals as Pests

13.3.4 Diseases

13.4 Diagnosing pest and disease problems

(introduction...)

13.4.1 Wilts (Table 13.1 and Figure 13.26)

13.4.2 Leaf Problems (Table 13.2 and Figure 13.27)

13.4.3 Abnormal Growth (Table 13.3 and Figure 13.28)

13.4.4 Fruit Problems (Table 13.4 and Figure 13.29)

13.5 Resources

References

Part III - Garden harvest

(introduction...)

14. Saving seeds for planting

(introduction...)

14.1 Summary

14.2 Seeds, gardens, and diversity

(introduction...)

14.2.1 Diversity in the Seed

14.2.2 Diversity in the Garden

14.2.3 Conserving and Using Genetic Diversity: How and for Whom?

14.3 Seed saving

(introduction...)

14.3.1 Seed Harvest and Processing

14.3.2 Seed Drying

14.4 Saving seed from trees

(introduction...)

14.4.1 Cold Stratification

14.5 Seed storage

(introduction...)

14.5.1 Moisture and Temperature

14.5.2 Pest Control

14.6 Resources

References

15. Processing, storing, and marketing food from the garden

(introduction...)

15.1 Summary

15.2 Harvesting garden foods

15.3 Cooking and using garden foods

(introduction...)

15.3.1 Fresh Foods

15.3.2 Dried Foods

15.4 Food drying

(introduction...)

15.4.1 Materials for Drying

15.4.2 Preventing Contamination

15.4.3 Selecting and Preparing Produce for Drying

15.5 Sprouting and malting

(introduction...)

15.5.1 Sprouting

15.5.2 Malting

15.6 Fermentation

(introduction...)

15.6.1 Pickling

15.7 Storing garden foods

(introduction...)

15.7.1 Preharvest Storage

15.7.2 Postharvest Storage of Fresh Produce

15.7.3 Storing Dried Produce

15.7.4 Storing Other Processed Garden Foods

15.8 Marketing garden produce

(introduction...)

15.8.1 Harvesting for Market

15.5.2 Transport from Garden to Market

15.8.3 Protecting Produce Quality at the Market

15.9 Resources

References

16. Weaning foods from the garden

(introduction...)

16.1 Summary

16.2 The role of weaning foods

16.3 Nutrient density

(introduction...)

16.3.1 Energy

16.3.2 Protein

16.3.3 Vitamins and Minerals

16.3.4 Weaning Food Consistency

16.4 Hygiene

16.5 Weaning as a part of daily life

16.6 Resources

References

17. Glossary

(introduction...)

17.1 Abbreviations used in measurements

17.2 Equivalencies in units of measurement

17.3 Atomic symbols and molecular formulas

17.4 Other abbreviations and acronyms

18. Some crops for dryland gardens

(introduction...)

18.1 Common English and scientific names for some crops and crop groups

18.2 Important dryland garden plant families

19. Resource organizations

20. References

1.2 The purpose of this book

FOOD FROM DRYLAND GARDENS was written to encourage gardens that serve local needs, that are based on local knowledge and resources, and that conserve natural resources and the biological diversity of traditional crops. It was written for field workers, extension agents, students, project workers, and program planners. Both a beginner’s guide as well as a reference for those with more experience, this book helps the reader observe and work with local people to ask appropriate questions about the community, the environment, and the potential for gardens to improve nutritional, economic, and social well-being.

Because every location, household, and community is different, the solutions to their gardening problems must be unique. Finding locally appropriate solutions is best accomplished through an appreciation of the adaptedness of indigenous gardens, and of the fact that gardeners manage these gardens according to the same principles on which Western, formalized science is based. While the application of horticultural science may lead to improvements, the foundation from which to begin any garden project is existing local knowledge because it supports equity through self-sufficiency and local participation and control. This is true even where great change has occurred, as in refugee camps, crowded urban areas, or environmentally degraded rural areas. Therefore, although many specific techniques are included, this is not a how-to cookbook. The basic principles of nutrition, agriculture, ecology, and social science are described, along with examples of indigenous gardening, with the goal of encouraging experimentation and adaptation to each situation.

Figure 1.2 The World’s Drylands (After UNESCO 1977)

We emphasize long-term environmental and social sustainability throughout FOOD FROM DRYLAND GARDENS. Environmental sustainability means the management of soil, water, and biological resources so that all future generations can also use them. To be socially sustainable gardens must improve nutrition and income in ways that are cost effective and promote local self-reliance and a just distribution of resources. This means gardens that use local resources available to all households; these resources include indigenous gardening techniques, and indigenous trees and other garden crops.

Promoting social sustainability requires an understanding of relationships within the household, and between the household, the community, the nation, and the rest of the world. It means ensuring participation and equity for minorities, including many indigenous peoples, and for women, children, and the handicapped. To improve the well-being of the poor and hungry of the drylands their needs, desires, resources, and skills must be kept at the center of the project and they must have control over changes affecting them.

When garden projects from the largest to the smallest fail, it often seems obvious in retrospect that a major cause was the lack of understanding by project workers of the human side of the food system. Trying to understand whole systems can be frustrating and time consuming at first and mistakes will be made. This book will increase awareness of gardens as part of ecological and social systems, and garden projects based on this awareness will have a greater chance of success. However, this book alone is not enough: gaining a firsthand understanding of the social, environmental, and economic ways in which the local system works is most important, and should be a prerequisite for all project workers. Like other improvements, gardens promoted in this way may not produce showy and spectacular results at the beginning, but are more likely to respond to real needs, and persist and grow beyond the life of the project.