A communal vegetable garden or farm refers to a shared or collective agricultural space within a community where individuals or groups come together to cultivate vegetables for consumption and potentially for other purposes such as education, community engagement, or food security. It is a collaborative effort involving community members, organizations, or institutions working together to plan, develop, maintain, and utilize the garden or farm.

 

In a communal vegetable garden or farm, individuals or groups may contribute their time, resources, and expertise to grow a variety of vegetables using sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. The garden or farm can be located on public or private land, such as community centers, schools, parks, vacant lots, or designated areas within the barangay. This question was asked using the reference period 01 January to 31 December 2022.

Below are the definitions of each kind of communal vegetable garden or farm. 

 

1. Gulayan sa Barangay was initiated by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to promote backyard gardening and vegetable production in urban and rural areas. It aims to provide households with a source of fresh and nutritious vegetables, as well as to promote environmental protection and sustainable agriculture practices. Participants in this program are provided with seeds, seedlings, and technical assistance in setting up and maintaining their own backyard gardens. The program also encourages the formation of communal vegetable gardens in barangays, which are managed by associations, organizations, cooperatives, schools, or private groups.

 

2. Gulayan sa Pamayanan is a project of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) which give materials to jumpstart vegetable garden using urban gardening technologies.

 

3. Gulayan sa Paaralan was project of DA aims to promote healthy eating habits and encourage the production of fresh and nutritious vegetables in schools. Under this project, vegetable gardens are established in schools and students are trained on how to plant, maintain, and harvest vegetables. The project also aims to promote entrepreneurship among students by teaching them how to sell their produce and manage their earnings. Through this project, the DA hopes to promote food security, encourage healthy eating habits, and provide a source of income for students and their families.

 

4. Others includes other programs initiated/that are managed by an association, organization, cooperative, school, or private group.