Backyard Nutrition Gardens: An Eco-Sustainable Model for Improving Dietary Diversity in Rural Households

Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies continue to affect rural populations in developing countries, including India. While food availability has improved over the years, nutrient-dense diets remain limited. Backyard nutritional gardens (BNGs), commonly known as kitchen gardens, present a simple, affordable, and sustainable approach to address this nutritional problem. These nutritional gardens enable households to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, ensuring a regular supply of fresh and nutritious food. Beyond improving dietary diversity, they also help reduce food expenses, enhance food security, and empower women who are often responsible for managing household nutrition. This paper examines the significance nutritional importance of backyard kitchen gardens in improving nutritional security among rural families. It promotes their nutritional, economic, and social benefits and emphasizes their potential as a long-term strategy to Malnutrition in rural families.