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Paper short abstract:

Drawing upon different stakeholders’ perceptions and experiences, we discuss the present and future environmental, economic, ideological and political trade-offs and challenges derived from the ornamental sector and gardening in the drylands of southern Africa.

Paper long abstract:

The use of plants in ornamental gardening and landscaping is growing as an opportunity for employment, occupational therapy and enjoyment in southern Africa. In particular, the restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic boosted public interest in gardening. This growing interest links to the widespread love for and traditions associated with plants in African communities, the increasing media coverage about climate change and environmental security, and the increasing modernisation of southern Africa. As with any industry, the development of the ornamental sector engenders a complex web of trade-offs. This paper draws upon empirical data collected in several countries across southern Africa to unpack these trade-offs from several outlooks and angles. We describe the ornamental sector and the use of ornamental plants in southern Africa and address the historical, socioeconomic and environmental factors shaping them. We focus on the transnational nature of the ornamental sector, emphasizing the socioeconomic and environmental trade-offs, particularly between personal preferences and rights and environmental sustainability (specifically biological invasions, biosecurity, and water security). We debate the socio-cultural significance of ornamental plants and landscaping styles across the sub-region. We analyse how the ornamental sector supply chain, the use of certain plants and the landscaping practices reflect not only the environmental characteristics of the drylands but the history, geopolitics and power relations within the sub-region. We call for a debate on what future scenarios might look like and what actions might take if the prevention of biological invasions and the protection of human livelihoods and rights in the sub-region are priorities.