Review on Potential for Keyhole Gardening Concept in Sri Lanka

Abstract

In the context of limited resource availability, wastes can be valuable raw materials if they are recycled properly. However, improper waste management has lead to many problems in the present world. Considering the nutrient recycling, these wastes can be effectively used in home gardening. The keyhole gardens are the brainchild of humanitarian charities and missionaries for use in impoverished countries with poor soil, bad weather, and starving people. The Keyhole gardening is a concept which can overcome the waste associated problems in an effective manner. By using this method it is possible to promote waste recycling process, home gardening with low cost and minimum labor cost. This gardening process does not depend on the climatic effects, can manage the own water content, light condition and many other requirements. It is a method through which recycled materials are used to sustain a garden in otherwise unfavorable conditions. It is most common in developing countries where arable land is scarce, or arid climates that do not usually sustain typical garden lots. They are a form of raised bed gardening that nourish plant growth and utilize composting, recycling, and minimal water. They also provide protection from many animals and make tending easy and almost effortless. It can provide sustainable food sources for people seeking to step farther off the grid, conserve gardening resources, and provide an additional holistic avenue for recycling materials. This method needs to be popularized among the women in Sri Lanka to secure their wellbeing, health, economy and environment in their life. This is a sustainable waste disposal technique to utilize waste materials in home gardens in municipal and dry zones in Sri Lanka. This paper examines how keyhole garden concept can be used as a solution for sustainable waste handling in Sri Lanka.