Urban Agriculture in French Polynesia: From the Traditional fa’a’apu to the Collective Garden. The Example of the Garden of the University Residence of Outumaoro
The current sanitary crisis questions the capacity of production systems, particularly agricultural and industrial systems, to cope with disasters. The protection measures put in place at the state level encourage a return to the local level. Traditionally, for several generations, Polynesians have cultivated a family garden, called fa’a’apu. This garden allows them to feed themselves, through the fruits and vegetables they grow, but also to treat themselves with medicinal plants. From a resilient perspective, we will develop the example of a collective garden, initiated by students living in the university campus. This garden appears to be a response to the increase in prices observed since the beginning of the health crisis. In addition, the students, who are isolated and far from their families, find that working on the land creates a social link in the residence. Moreover, the garden improves their living environment and offers them an occupation that is experienced as soothing, which some link to their Polynesian identity, citing the practice of fa’a’apu.