Vol. 7, Issue 9, Part G (2025)

Food insecurity remains a persistent and critical challenge in rural regions worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where limited access to water, declining soil fertility, and the adverse effects of climate change severely constrain agricultural productivity. This paper reviews the application of keyhole gardens (KHGs) as a viable and water-efficient agricultural technology for enhancing household food security in resource-limited settings. The review synthesizes evidence from diverse geographic contexts, drawing on published literature and case studies to evaluate the contributions, challenges, and potential of KHGs in improving agricultural outcomes. Findings reveal that KHGs contribute to increased dietary diversity, enhanced water-use efficiency, increased income generation, and reduced dependency on synthetic fertilizers, thereby supporting more sustainable agricultural production. However, adoption rates vary due to socioeconomic, cultural, and informational barriers that hinder successful implementation. The study notes that KHGs align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). KHGs offer practical solutions to address household food insecurity and water scarcity by leveraging local resources and empowering communities. The paper calls for further empirical research and a policy shift towards strengthening agricultural extension services to promote the adoption and effectiveness of KHGs, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.