How community gardens in Costa Rica are empowering local families

How home gardens are transforming tourism and livelihoods in Costa Rica

When tourism came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic, families in Liberia, Guanacaste, turned to something closer to home — their gardens. What began as an urgent response to survive has since evolved into a movement for long-term resilience, sustainable food systems, and community empowerment.

To support this transition, Creciendo Juntos, the community program of Península Papagayo, partnered with Costa Rica’s Ministry of Agriculture and donors connected to the peninsula to launch the Home Gardens initiative. Originally conceived as a lifeline for families who had lost their jobs, the program now provides sustainable livelihoods and fosters mental well-being across the region.

This film follows the story of women like Heidi Palacios, who transformed her home vegetable garden into a reliable source of income with the support of Creciendo Juntos. Today, more than 100 families are harvesting fresh produce not only for their own tables, but also for hotels and guests at Península Papagayo — building direct bridges between tourism and the local community.

The majority of participants are women, in a region where formal job opportunities are scarce. Through the Home Gardens initiative, families gain not only a second income, but also new skills, confidence, and pride in producing their own food — ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared more equitably with the communities who make it possible.