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Community Gardening in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods in Phoenix, Arizona: Aligning Programs with Perceptions

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  • Bleasdale, Tommy
  • Crouch, Carolyn
  • Harlan, Sharon L.

Abstract

This study examined a struggling community gardening program in a low-income minority community in Phoenix, Arizona. The gardening program exists within a larger local food initiative organized by a nonprofit community development organization. The nonprofit’s goals for the com­munity gardening program are to provide residents with opportunities for education, extra income and socializing. In partnership with the nonprofit and local residents, we undertook a study to determine the potential for increasing the recruitment and retention of local gardeners in order to sustain a successful community gardening program. We used interviews and participant observation to create an exploratory survey that measured residents’ percep­tions of benefits and burdens associated with gardening. Results revealed that while respondents had a level of gardening interest and experience in the commu­nity, they also lacked awareness about the garden­ing program. Perceptions of the benefits and burdens of gardening varied among current gardeners, ex-gardeners, and people who had never gardened. The benefits of gardening suggested by many residents differed from the local food initia­tive goals. If community gardens and local food initiatives are to succeed, organizers should align their programs with the desires of neighbor­hood residents and educate them about a wide range of potential benefits of gardening to both individuals and neighborhoods.

Suggested Citation

  • Bleasdale, Tommy & Crouch, Carolyn & Harlan, Sharon L., 2011. "Community Gardening in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods in Phoenix, Arizona: Aligning Programs with Perceptions," Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, Center for Transformative Action, Cornell University, vol. 1(3).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:joafsc:359400
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    File URL: https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/359400/files/42.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Patricia Allen, 1999. "Reweaving the food security safety net: Mediating entitlement and entrepreneurship," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 16(2), pages 117-129, June.
    2. Ioan Voicu & Vicki Been, 2008. "The Effect of Community Gardens on Neighboring Property Values," Real Estate Economics, American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association, vol. 36(2), pages 241-283, June.
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