Greening futures: Empowering women through climate-resilient culinary herb gardening

Abstract

Climate change is one of the environmental challenges which has been affecting food crops, disrupting flowering and fruiting and contributing to overall food insecurity in Pakistan.Globally, herbs gardening is world’s most ancient food production which is practiced by women. This study measures the awareness level of culinary skills by involving women in cultivation of culinary herbs gardening in district Faisalabad, Pakistan. A mixed method technique was used to conduct this research. A quantitative research was carried out with 38 respondents through random sampling technique and qualitative research was conducted through hands-on training workshop of women growers were investigated and asked about cultivation of popular culinary herbs. Practical sessions were organized in a community Garden (Jinnah Garden Faisalabad) Pakistan. Most significant outcome of this research was creating some strong linkages between women growers and stakeholders for climate mitigation strategies in horticulture farming. Mostly respondents serving vegetables once daily to their family meals. They believed that vegetables/herbs are rich source of vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. The respondents know that vegetable helps to detoxify the body. Vegetables/herbs are high in nutritional values and low-calories. They told that they had sufficient space in their homes for kitchen gardening.