Pacific Islands Taro Based Homegardens (Vanuatu)

Taro based homegardens are widespread throughout the Pacific. Vanuatu, a relatively large Melanesian island country, has a hot and wet tropical climate and is dominated by low forest and thicket bush vegetation. Its vibrant cultural traditions and its agricultural system ensure subsistence production and high food security, which provides the small economy with resilience in times of external economic shocks and natural disasters, such as cyclones. In their traditional, mostly small gardens people cultivate multiple crops and fruits: rich varieties of taro and yam, sweet potato, manioc or cassava, breadfruit, rice, sugarcane, island cabbage, naviso, pineapple, pawpaw, banana watermelon, tomato and kava. Root and tree crops, spices and indigenous nuts (nangai or navele) generate household income. Maintaining the traditional agro-biodiversity of the homegardens, which also moderate the island's climate, is essential for disaster mitigation and self-sufficiency.