Program on the Environment

Desert climates present a myriad of challenges within agriculture. Due to high water scarcity and infertile soils, the harsh desert environment adds barriers within the food production process, making fresh and local produce difficult to access. Research shows that dry climatic conditions can increase food insecurity in desert regions, disproportionately affecting low-income communities. Alongside these challenges, climate change is projected to exacerbate unfavorable agricultural conditions in the desert. Despite these obstacles, arid climates can offer vast agricultural opportunities through the application of sustainable agriculture techniques, commonly known as permaculture. Permaculture is the utilization of natural processes to cultivate crops while simultaneously supporting the diversity and stability of local ecosystems. During my work with Cactus Park Elementary School, my team implemented an educational garden that will employ permaculture techniques on a small-scale with the goal of distributing fresh produce to underserved communities. To accomplish this, I conducted research on how to execute permaculture on a small scale, identifying the potential benefits and challenges of applying permaculture in the desert climate. Through interviews with farmers in Las Vegas and an in-depth peer review, I found that incorporating local farmer and traditional Indigenous knowledge in conjunction with permaculture techniques on small-scale farms can produce more reliable crop yields. Integrating permaculture practices into arid agriculture can not only enhance food security but also contribute to the restoration of desert ecosystems.