Harvesting health: exploring the health promotion benefits of a backyard garden sharing project for vulnerable populations
| dc.contributor.author | Blake, Analisa | |
| dc.contributor.supervisor | Cloutier, Denise S. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2010-01-26T17:50:20Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2010-01-26T17:50:20Z | |
| dc.date.copyright | 2006 | en |
| dc.date.issued | 2010-01-26T17:50:20Z | |
| dc.degree.department | Dept. of Geography | en |
| dc.degree.level | Master of Arts M.A. | en |
| dc.description.abstract | Health promotion identifies health as a resource for daily living and emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between people and their environments in creating health (MacDonald, 2002). In this thesis. I explore how community gardening programs can be used to improve the health and well being of vulnerable populations by creating positive changes within their physical and social environments. Furthermore, I address how community gardens can educate and empower these populations to live healthier lifestyles. My research is based on the creation and exploration of a project in Victoria. BC, where homeowners share their backyard vegetable gardens with volunteer gardeners. It is a small-scale qualitative study in the tradition of ethnographic research where the aim is to enhance understanding of phenomena (Johnston, Gregory, Pratt, & Watts. 2000. p. 238). I facilitated the project and monitored the progress of three garden partnerships for six months during Victoria's long growing season in 2005. Using in-depth interviews and participant observation techniques. I was able to come to a deeper understanding of the participants' experience of the project. This thesis addresses how the project may have promoted their health and well-being with specific reference to physical, psychological and social health and well-being. Suggestions for improvements for future application of the project are also provided. | en |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/1828/2112 | |
| dc.language | English | eng |
| dc.language.iso | en | en |
| dc.rights | Available to the World Wide Web | en |
| dc.subject | community gardens | en |
| dc.subject | health aspects | en |
| dc.subject | Victoria | en |
| dc.subject | British Columbia | en |
| dc.subject.lcsh | UVic Subject Index::Humanities and Social Sciences::Social Sciences::Geography | en |
| dc.title | Harvesting health: exploring the health promotion benefits of a backyard garden sharing project for vulnerable populations | en |
| dc.type | Thesis | en |