Socio-cultural benefits of an urban agriculture initiative designed for vulnerable populations in Tucson, Arizona

Abstract

While urban agriculture can address many chal­lenges faced by vulnerable populations, the additive effect of combining two completely different groups in an urban food production setting is murkier. To examine the role of a collaborative urban garden setting in addressing food security and social isolation challenges among university students, refugees, and asylum seekers in Tucson, Arizona, we designed a 10-week-long study cen­tered around communal food production, educa­tional sustainability workshops, and cultural exchange. We relied on the elements of the socio-ecological and nature-based solutions frameworks to emphasize the interconnectedness of human systems and natural environments. Through pre- and post-study surveys (students) and interviews (refugees) and observations with nine students and refugees, we found that both groups experienced positive impacts on food access and social connec­tions. All of this is reported within the context of developing a sense of agency and belonging.

The results indicate that urban gardening creates pathways to empowerment and equal­izes the differences between the groups and the groups and society. We recommend future research explore additional benefits of such collaborations and potential ways of institutionalizing them within communities with significant vulnerable popula­tions.