Mickaele Maiava’s Organic Keyhole Gardens

Keyhole gardens are raised garden beds designed with a central composting basket that extends into the garden in a keyhole shape (Mohan et al. 2020). These gardens are a nature-based solution because they integrate organic waste recycling and water conservation practices. The composting basket provides nutrients to the surrounding plants, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, while the raised bed design conserves water by reducing evaporation and promoting efficient irrigation. Additionally, keyhole gardens are often constructed using locally available materials, making them sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Mikaele Maiava’s Organic Keyhole Gardens, designed to withstand adverse effects of climate change, offer resilience against challenges like saltwater incursion, cyclones, and drought, as highlighted in Allen’s (2018) article. While not large-scale climate mitigation infrastructure, keyhole gardens contribute significantly to food security in small island nations like Samoa.

Originating in Africa to combat water scarcity and limited fertile land, keyhole gardens have adapted to diverse climates, rooted in indigenous knowledge. Maiava’s project demonstrates the value of community-driven initiatives, with ongoing maintenance managed by volunteers, minimal ongoing costs, and profits from produce sales supporting sustainability.