Assessing the Impact of Community Gardens in Mitigating Household Food Insecurity and Addressing Climate Change Challenges: A Case Study of Ward 18, Umdoni Municipality, South Africa

South Africa, while nationally acknowledged as food secure, grapples with persistent household food insecurity, particularly in rural areas. Addressing this issue, the implementation of community gardens has gained traction. This mixed methods study focuses on the impact of community gardens on food security at the household level, exemplified by the community gardens in ward 18 of Umdoni Municipality. These gardens not only provide sustenance but also generate supplementary income through surplus crop sales. However, climate change threatens food systems and vulnerable livelihoods, necessitating assessment. A survey of 120 community garden participants was conducted, employing questionnaires and focused group discussions to gauge perspectives on crop production and food security. The survey revealed that 58.3% of participants did not receive sufficient food from community gardens, while 41.7% reported adequate supply. Only 15.8% achieved food security, with the majority (40%) experiencing moderate food insecurity. Challenges cited encompassed shifting rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, heightened disease, and pest pressures, and altered planting seasons. Intriguingly, despite their establishment, community gardens appeared ineffective in substantially improving household food security. These findings underscore the need for enhancing productivity and climate resilience within community gardens. Future research could illuminate strategies to bolster garden productivity and mitigate climate change impacts.