An assessment of the feasibility of initiating urban agriculture in Pardis New Town of Iran

Abstract

Initiation of urban agriculture in small-scale urban areas not only serves an ecological function but has also become one of the most important measures in urban management for increasing the sociocultural capital and the mental and physical health of citizens through providing a site for the social relations of the urban population. Community gardens have become especially important in Iranian new towns, which are facing severe social challenges. This research attempts to evaluate the possibility of initiating a community garden in Pardis New Town using the qualitative approach and content analysis of interviews, focus group meetings, as well as online survey. Research findings have shown that despite the short period of residence in the Pardis New Town, due to the background of local and self-organized communal activities to create a green neighborhood, the relatively adequate skills of residents in agriculture and gardening through work experience in their previous places of residence, and declaration of readiness to engage in volunteer activities, the conditions are favorable for the initiation of a community garden and for its bottom-up management in collaboration with official institutions. The findings of the analysis have identified the strategic requirements in the areas of design and management of community gardens.