D-Town Farm (DBCFSN)

1. General information

Location and description of the intervention

City or FUA

Detroit (FUA)

Region

Northern America

Short description of the intervention

D-Town Farm, located within Detroit’s River Rouge Park, is a landmark urban agriculture initiative led by the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN). Since its establishment in 2008, this seven-acre farm—the largest in Detroit—has embodied the organization’s commitment to food sovereignty, justice, and security for the city’s African American community. Each year, the farm cultivates over 30 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs using sustainable and regenerative practices. Key operations include large-scale composting, rainwater retention, solar energy generation, and beekeeping, all of which support its ecological and educational missions.
Beyond production, D-Town Farm serves as a community hub. From May through September, it hosts public events that offer educational and recreational opportunities for children and families. The farm also provides hands-on training for aspiring growers through internships and volunteer programs, fostering community engagement and agricultural skill development. Volunteers play a crucial role in daily operations, with ongoing opportunities available throughout the growing season.
D-Town Farm’s mission extends beyond agriculture, serving as a platform for broader advocacy. By challenging barriers to food access, it addresses food deserts with a focus on empowerment and education. The farm supports the local economy by supplying fresh produce to restaurants, farmers markets, and residents, while its health-focused initiatives, such as the youth-centered Food Warriors Development Program, aim to reduce health disparities within the community.
The DBCFSN’s work at D-Town Farm exemplifies a model of community cooperation and self-determination, promoting equity and justice in the food system. By engaging with both local and broader urban communities, D-Town Farm not only strengthens Detroit’s leadership in urban agriculture but also contributes to food justice movements nationwide.
(Ref.1,2,3,4)

Website of the intervention

https://www.dbcfsn.org/copy-of-d-town-farm-2

Principal problems

Land use and Socio-economic change

Unequal availability and access to public green spaces

Health, Well-being and Social cohesion

Inadequate access to recreational opportunities

Resource Scarcity and Competition

Food insecurity due to disruptions in food production and distribution

Implementation area characterization

Climate

Continental (Cold-summer humid continental, Cold-winter dry continental, Cold-summer dry continental)

Ecosystem

Urban or built environment

Address

14149 W Outer Dr.
Detroit, 48239
United States

Location

The NBS is situated in an area, with clear delineation of boundaries and a specific shape (polygon). The NBS project can also have more than one area location (more than one polygon, situated close by).

Area boundary (map-based)

NBS area image

Source of NBS area image

https://www.google.com/maps/place/D-Town+Farm+(DBCFSN)/@42.3657303,-83.2594189,313m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x8824b55b260ce3c9:0x9e8580b36850bf8b!8m2!3d42.3656391!4d-83.2601914!16s%2Fg%2F11dymqxnqg?hl=en&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Total area

28328.00m²

NBS area

28328.00m²

Area description

Urban (main city)

Type of area before implementation of the NBS

Public Greenspace Area

Timeline of intervention

Start date of the intervention (planning process)

2006

Start date of intervention (implementation process)

2008

End date of the intervention

2008

Present stage of the intervention

Completed

2. Objectives of the intervention

Objectives of the intervention

Goals of the intervention

To enhance local food access and address health disparities by cultivating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs through sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, reducing reliance on external food sources.
To empower the local community through education and engagement, offering formal internships, volunteer opportunities, recreational opportunities, and public events that teach agricultural skills, promote healthy eating, and foster community cohesion.
To implement sustainable practices such as large-scale composting (soil remediation), rainwater retention, flooding remediation from the nearby river, and beekeeping.
To strengthen the local economy by supplying fresh produce to local markets, restaurants, and residents and by supporting the development of a localized food system through participation in the Detroit Food Policy Council.
To challenge conventional definitions of food deserts by advocating for a more nuanced and empowered approach to food justice that can serve as a model for other urban centers.
To preserve and promote African indigenous and local Native agricultural practices in order to honor cultural heritage and diversity. (Ref. 1-4)

Key Priorities

Social Justice and community

Sustainability challenge(s) addressed

Environmental quality

Soil quality improvement

Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)

Green space creation and/or management

Water management (SDG 6)

Flood protection

Stormwater and rainfall management and storage

Cultural heritage and cultural diversity

Promotion of cultural diversity

Preservation of historic traditions

Health and well-being (SDG 3)

Creation of opportunities for recreation

Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10)

Social cohesion

Social justice and equity

Environmental education

Sense of community and community engagement

Economic development and employment (SDG 8)

Economic development: agriculture

Sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12)

Sustainable consumption

Sustainable production

Food scarcity / security

Implementation activities and NBS focus

Implementation activities

The Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN) engages in urban agriculture on its seven-acre farm, emphasizing sustainability and community involvement. Cultivation of crops is a key focus, with DBCFSN staff and volunteers growing over 30 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs each year using sustainable methods.
To support these efforts, DBCFSN emphasizes infrastructure construction and maintenance. Volunteers have built and maintain three hoop houses to extend the growing season. The organization also manages a comprehensive irrigation system, including underground waterlines and hydrants, and conducts large-scale composting to enrich the soil.
Community engagement and education are central to DBCFSN’s mission. From May to September, staff organizes public events for children and families, fostering community connection. They also offer internships and training sessions for new growers, led by staff and experienced volunteers.
Regarding market and distribution, DBCFSN staff and volunteers sort, pack, and distribute fresh produce to local restaurants, farmers markets, and directly to the community during market days, ensuring access to nutritious food.
Lastly, DBCFSN implements environmental and energy management initiatives, including a solar energy system, rainwater retention pond, and beekeeping, all contributing to sustainability goals.
(Ref.1,2,3,4)

Type of NBS project

Creation of new green areas

Creation of areas for food production (community gardens, allotments)

Creation of semi-natural blue areas

Creation of lakes or ponds

Ecological restoration of ecosystems

Soil remediation and revegetation

Knowledge creation and awareness raising

Protection of agroecology approaches (agroforestry & silvopastoral systems)

Sustainable use of natural resources to improve livelihoods and food security (eg. community- based wildlife or forest management)

Educational and awareness raising programs

3. NBS domains, ES and scale

NBS domain and interventions

Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented

Blue infrastructure

Lakes/ponds

Community gardens and allotments

Community gardens

Amenities offered by the NBS

Benches and drinking water stations

Design elements for well-being

Visual elements (e.g., expansive views, scenic views, natural light, diverse vegetation)

Auditory elements (e.g., birdsong, water features, quiet areas, rustling leaves)

Olfactory elements (e.g., floral scents, earthy smells)

Tactile elements (e.g., natural materials like wood or stone, exposure to sunlight)

Services

Expected ecosystem services delivered

Provisioning services

Food for human consumption (crops, vegetables)

Water (surface and ground water for drinking and non-drinking purposes)

Regulating services

Flood regulation

Pollination

Cultural services

Recreation

Intellectual interactions (scientific and / or educational)

Physical and experiential interactions with plants and animals

Social and community interactions

Scale

Spatial scale

Sub-microscale: Street scale (including buildings)

Beneficiaries

Demographics in implementation area

"River Rouge is an industrial Downriver suburb of Detroit. It is named after the River Rouge, which flows along the city's northern border and into the Detroit River. As of the census of 2010, there were 7,903 people, 2,897 households, and 1,885 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,982.3 inhabitants per square mile. There were 3,731 housing units at an average density of 1,407.9 per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 39.4% White, 50.5% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 4.2% from other races, and 5.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.2% of the population." (Ref.5)

Socio-economic profile of the area

Mixed income

Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts

Non-government actors

Non-governmental organisation (NGO) / Civil society / Churches

Primary Beneficiaries

Citizens or community groups

Young people and children

Marginalized groups

Specify primary beneficiaries

1. Detroit's African American Community: The project specifically aims to improve food security, justice, and sovereignty for Detroit’s majority African American population by increasing access to fresh, locally grown produce and empowering residents through education and engagement.

2. Local Volunteers and Interns: Individuals who participate in the farm’s volunteer opportunities and internships benefit from hands-on agricultural training, skill development, and a deeper connection to their community.

3. Children and Families: The farm’s educational programs and public events are designed to promote healthy eating habits, environmental awareness, and physical activity among children and families in the local community.

4. Local Businesses and Markets: Restaurants, farmers markets, and local consumers benefit from the availability of fresh, organic produce grown at D-Town Farm, supporting the local economy and encouraging healthier food choices.

5. The Broader Detroit Community: Through its advocacy efforts and participation in the Detroit Food Policy Council, D-Town Farm contributes to the development of a more equitable and sustainable food system for all residents of Detroit, particularly in addressing issues related to food deserts and health disparities.
(Ref.1,2,3,4)

Marginalized groups

Children, young people or youth groups

Disadvantaged ethnic or racial groups

Measures for inclusion of marginalised groups

Youth Engagement and Education: D-Town Farm prioritizes youth involvement through targeted educational programs, such as the Food Warriors Development Program. This initiative educates young people about healthy eating, sustainable agriculture, and physical activity, aiming to instill lifelong healthy habits. The farm also hosts public events and workshops designed for children and families, providing opportunities for hands-on learning and community involvement. Additionally, the farm’s children's area, complete with a small playscape, creates a welcoming environment for younger participants.

Empowerment of Black Communities: The project is deeply rooted in the principles of food sovereignty and justice, with a specific focus on Detroit’s Black community. DBCFSN, the organization behind D-Town Farm, was founded to address the food security needs of African American residents in Detroit. The farm serves as a model of community cooperation and self-determination, empowering Black individuals by providing access to fresh, healthy food and opportunities for active participation in the local food system. The farm’s activities are designed to create economic opportunities, build agricultural skills, and foster a sense of ownership and agency within the community.
(Ref.1,2,3,4)

Specify measures taken for vulnerable or marginalized communities

Targeted outreach and engagement efforts with vulnerable or marginalized communities to understand concerns or identify risks

Implementation of specific programs to address the needs of these communities

Provision of resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by vulnerable or marginalized groups

Collaboration with local community organizations or advocacy groups representing these communities

Other beneficiaries

Local wildlife (e.g., birds, pollinators)

Public health (e.g. increased physical activity opportunities, reduced stress)

4. Governance and financing

Governance

Governance arrangements

Led by non-government actors

Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative

The Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN) (activist and minority NGO) serves as the lead organization responsible for implementing the urban agriculture project. Local volunteers and interns play a vital role in the farm's operations, participating in various activities that help sustain the farm while gaining valuable agricultural skills. Youth and families benefit from educational programs and events designed to promote healthy eating and environmental awareness. University of Michigan students have contributed to the project by assessing agroecological pest management strategies at D-Town Farm, further enhancing the farm’s sustainable practices. DBCFSN is funded through dues and the contributions of members and supporters. DBCFSN is a membership organization. The NGO also received funding from the Kellogg Foundation, various USDA grants, private companies (Whole Foods).
(Ref.1,2)

Key actors - initiating organization

Non-government organisation/civil society

Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)

National government

Citizens or community group

Researchers/university

Private sector/corporate actor/company

Private foundation/trust

Stages of citizen and community engagement

Planning and design (e.g. site selection, identification of key priorities)

On-the-ground implementation

Level of citizen and community engagement

High

Community empowerment or capacity-building initiatives

Implementation of educational programs, workshops or trainings

Formation of community-led groups responsible for the the implementation, maintenace or monitoring of the project

Support of local entrepreneurs or small business development related to the project

Establishment of mentorship programs or partnerships with local institutions (e.g. schools, kinder gardens, hospitals, nursing homes)

Participatory methods/forms of stakeholder involvement (all stakeholders)

Crowd-sourcing/Crowd-funding/Participatory budget

Dissemination of information and education

Joint implementation (e.g. tree planting)

Co-management/Joint management

Uncommon actors ("Missing actors")

Community & Social Groups

Activist groups (e.g. climate, environment, justice, etc)

Minority rights organizations/ representatives

Private Sector

Local businesses (e.g. stores, restaurants)

Land owners

Public space owned by the city

Policy drivers

NBS intervention implemented in response to a Regional Directive/Strategy

Unknown

NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan

Unknown

NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan

Yes

Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan"

Detroit Food Policy strategy (Ref. 1)

Relevant strategy or plan

Urban agriculture or food security plans, policies, guidelines

Mandatory or voluntary intervention

Voluntary (spontaneous)

Enablers & Barriers

Type of enablers

Change agents (individual with major role influence on launching)

Collaboration with other projects that implemented NBS

Please provide details (e.g, name of the plan or strategy) for the selected policies or initiatives.

"DBCFSN helped to found, and actively support Uprooting Racism Planting Justice, which holds monthly sessions and bi-annual trainings designed to develop a deeper analysis of how the system of white supremacy impacts the food system, and how we work to mitigate that impact. They partner with local and national organizations to build a food movement that is focused on racial justice and equity. We serve as a Regional Outreach Training Center for Growing Power, a Milwaukee-based urban agricultural center led by Will Allen that is globally recognized as a major innovator in food system transformation." (Ref.1)
Change agents: In 2006, Malik Yakini, the organization’s founder and longtime Black liberation activist, brought together a group of citizens, many of whom were political activists and community organizers, to the address the lack of food access for the citizens of Detroit.(Ref. 7)

Governace and decison-making instruments

Strategic instruments (e.g. GI strategies, green space strategy or plans)

Economic and fiscal instruments (e.g. subsidies or grants, charges or fees, payments for ecosystem services (PES))

Educational and knowledge sharing instruments (e.g. science/ living labs, awareness raising campaigns, specific educational programs, green hubs)

Arrangements for governance cooperation

Capacity-building initiatives for governance actors (e.g. training workshops for local government officials/ community leaders)

Barriers

Wildlife Pressure: Located within Rouge Park, the farm faces significant challenges from wildlife, including groundhogs, rabbits, and other creatures that frequently consume the crops. This ongoing issue requires constant vigilance and mitigation efforts to protect the produce.

Flooding: The farm's proximity to the Rouge River results in frequent flooding, especially in the spring. The high water table exacerbates this problem, delaying planting and impacting crop yields.

Climate Variability: The changing climate, particularly in Michigan, has led to milder winters, which in turn increases pest pressure. Pests such as cabbage moths, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles are more prevalent, requiring intensive management using organic methods.

Infrastructure Limitations: The farm is not connected to the city's power grid, leading to challenges in maintaining consistent lighting and heating for seedlings. This limitation affects the farm’s ability to start crops early and sustain operations effectively.

Labor Shortages: The farm relies heavily on volunteer labor, which, while helpful, is not always sufficient for the large scale of operations. The seasonal nature of farming also means that retaining skilled workers year-round is difficult, leading to gaps in generational knowledge and continuity.
(Ref.2,6)

Financing

Total cost

Unknown

Please specify total cost (EUR)

"From 2006 – 2010, DBCFSN was funded exclusively through dues and the contributions of our members and supporters. DBCFSN is a membership organization. We have three levels of membership: Individual Members pay $10 annual dues. Family Memberships pay $25 and Organizational Memberships cost $120 annually. Those membership fees go to support the work of DBCFSN. Members are eligible to participate in selected program and to receive discounts on D-Town Farm produce." The NGO also received funding from the Kellogg Foundation, various USDA grants, private companies (Whole Foods). (Ref.1)

What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements?

n/a

Source(s) of funding

Public national budget

Corporate investment

Crowdfunding

Private Foundation/Trust

Type of fund(s) used

Earmarked public budget

Direct funding (grants, subsidies, or self-financed projects by private entities)

Donations

Membership or entrance fees

Non-financial contribution

Yes

Who provided the non-financial contribution?

Citizens (e.g. volunteering)

Type of non-financial contribution

Provision of labour

Provision of expertise

Co-finance for NBS

Yes

Co-governance arrangement

An NGO

Entrepreneurship opportunities

Yes

What entrepreneurship opportunities have arisen from the NBS project?

Sustainable agriculture or agroforestry businesses

What types of actors are leading the entrepreneurship activities linked to the NBS project?

Local community groups/ citizens

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

What types of support are provided to entrepreneurs engaged in NBS-related activities?

Financial assistance (e.g., grants, loans, equity investments)

Access to markets or supply chains

Business models

Local stewardship model

Green health model

Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?

Private non-for-profit actor (e.g. NGO, foundation)

5. Evaluation and learning

Impacts, benefits

Environmental impacts

Environmental quality

Improved soil quality

Achieved improved soil quality

Water management and blue areas

Increased protection against flooding

Achieved increased protection against flooding

Improved stormwater management

Achieved improved stormwater management

Green space and habitat

Increased green space area

Achieved increased green space area

Increased number of species present

Achieved increased number of species present

Enhanced support of pollination

Achieved enhanced support of pollination

Description of environmental benefits

-Achieved improved soil quality: "In agroecological pest management, chemical inputs are replaced by broader management strategies including soil conservation, cover crops, intercropping, predator release, and crop rotation." ; "Previous studies have demonstrated that netting and row covers typically change the interior microclimate and increase the temperature, humidity, and soil moisture" (Ref. 8)
-Achieved increased number of species present: "Apprentices will engage in diverse tasks including tending to over 30 fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and participating in community-building events. "; "Lined by a see-through deer fence, the Farm’s large hoop houses and open beds of tomatoes, garlic, beans and other vegetables peer out into the lovely park. " (Ref. 2, 3)
-Achieved increased protection against flooding: " Even still, D-Town continues to engage considerable volunteer help, seeking creative and financially efficient solutions to technical challenges such as temperamental soil types, crop damage by animals and a sloping terrain that causes crop bed flooding. They also plan crop plantings by committee, which allows for innovative suggestions and democratic participation in the process. Ideas such as investigating the feasibility of rice paddy fields in the flooded parts of the farm are a benefit of their deliberative process." (Ref. 2)
-Improved stormwater management: "For water, the farm started as basically a bucket brigade in its first year to having a rainwater retention pond with two water towers that gravity-feed 40,000 gallons of water to a drip irrigation system in 2015. “It reduces our dependence on city water,” says Yakini. “It’s also a water conservation technique. The whole farm is a permeable surface. We’re contributing to that more by capturing the rainwater and it’s easing the strain on the city storm water management systems.” (Ref.9)
-Enhanced support of pollination: "The farm features [...] bee-keeping." (Ref.1)
-Increased green space area: "Establishment of 28328 sq m urban farm" (Ref.1)

Environmental impact indicators

Green space area created (in ha)

2.83

Water retention capacity (m³ or %)

151

Economic impacts

Increase of green jobs (e.g. paid employment positions)

Achieved increase of green jobs (e.g. paid employment positions)

Generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation)

Achieved generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation)

More sustainable tourism

Achieved more sustainable tourism

Increase in agricultural production (for profit or not)

Achieved increase in agricultural production (for profit or not)

Generation of income from NBS

Achieved generation of income from NBS

Description of economic benefits

-Increase of green jobs (e.g. paid employment positions): “Between 2006 and 2010, D-Town was run entirely by volunteer labor. Now [thanks to donations and grants] they are staffed by a small team” (Ref.2)
-Generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation): “D-Town continues to engage considerable volunteer help” (Ref.2). “Each summer we offer an urban agriculture internship program that trains a cohort of new farmers. We also expose the interns to the social justice lens that guides DBCFSN’s work and helps the interns develop job readiness and entrepreneurial skills.” (Ref.1)
-More sustainable tourism: “Agri-tourism is also an important part of what we do.” (Ref.1)
-Increase in agricultural production (for profit or not): “DBCFSN began its urban agriculture efforts modestly in 2006 on a quarter-acre plot of land on Detroit’s eastside. Relocating in 2008 to River Rouge Park, D-Town grew to its current seven acres” (Ref.2)
-Generation of income from NBS: “We grow more than 30 different fruits, vegetables and herbs that are sold at the farm on weekends, at the Wayne State University Farmers Market and to wholesale customers.We are working to launch the D-Town Brand Producers Co-op. This co-op will offer a line of value-added products that will be sold in local retail stores under the D-Town label.” (Ref.1)

Evidence for use of assessment

Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process

Yes

Actors involved in the assessment, monitoring or evaluation of NBS impacts

Non-government organisation/civil society

Researchers/university

Presence of indicators used in reporting

Yes

Type of indicators

Input indicators

Output indicators

Process indicators

Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports

Yes

Link to monitoring/evaluation reports

https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/148799/Carver_Venugopal…

Availability of a web-based monitoring tool

No evidence in public records

Name of any specific impact assessment tools

Unknown.

Link to the output of assessments

https://www.monicamariewhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/D-Town_Farm_African…

Use of GIS in mapping impacts

No evidence in public records

Cost-benefit analysis

Unknown

Transparency

Meetings with stakeholders’ representatives

Inclusion of diverse stakeholders in project governance processes (e.g. planning, implementation, monitoring, etc.)

Community forums for information sharing and encouraging the participation of marginalized groups

Public disclosure of project funding sources and/or budgets

Justice

Community satisfaction

Positive: The majority of feedback and reports indicate high levels of satisfaction and appreciation for the NBS project within the community.

Description of locals satisfaction with the project

"D-Town Farm is a place where people can breathe, free of all of these kinds of energy [aggression that people of color experience daily, whether from someone’s body language or the tone of a voice],” Yakini says. D-Town represents a microcosm of the solution, adds Kaduma, calling the farm a place to find peace: “Cultivating crops to feed our community—that in itself is liberating. Relying on ourselves to eat, drink and breathe.” (Ref.9)

Trade-offs & Negative impacts

Unknown

Measures to prevent gentrification or displacement

No initiatives or policies were implemented

High-quality & Transformative NBS

Multiple impacts delivery (climate, biodiversity, just community)

Goal setting and impacts delivery

No, project goals were not set, and benefits were not delivered in all 3 key areas.

Reaching original project goals

Most of the project goals were achieved

Please specify the achievements of the project goals

Social Justice and Community:
-Increased visibility and opportunity for marginalised groups or indigenous peoples/-Increased sustainability of agriculture practices/-Promotion of cultural diversity: “It’s important to us out here is also to elevate culturally important and culturally relevant practices. We know our African indigenous ancestors had a lot of growing knowledge which is why they were enslaved and brought out here to begin with and so we lean on a lot of our DNA knowledge of growing and of stories of our ancestors. As well as wanting to partner with some of the Local Natives in the community, the Anish shab stewarded this land and so listening to some of their practices of how to re use regenerative agriculture, as they call it now and to treat Earth well and treat the plants well as we're also putting nutrient-dense food into our own bodies; we're definitely looking forward to having a more sustainable place to sell food at the Detroit food Commons.” (Ref.6)
-Increased opportunities for social interaction: “D-Town Farm hosts an annual Harvest Festival, “What’s Growing On: Cultivating the Rich Legacy of the Detroit African American Agricultural Tradition” with a celebration that included food, music, crafts, lectures and a spirit of cultural exchange.” (Ref.10)
-Increased involvement of locals in the management of green spaces: “In 2006, Malik Yakini, the organization’s founder and longtime Black liberation activist, brought together a group of citizens, many of whom were political activists and community organizers, to the address the lack of food access for the citizens of Detroit. Approximately 40 people attended the first meeting at the Black Star Community Bookstore to discuss the importance of “raising the awareness about food policy to ensure our community was getting the healthiest food possible” (Ref.7)
-Increased access to healthy/affordable food: “DBCFSN works to increase access to fresh, healthy food options and eliminate what are popularly known as “food deserts.” (Ref.2)
-Increased awareness of NBS and their benefits: “Apprentices are encouraged to participate in farm-hosted events like the "What's for Dinner?" lecture series, weekend workshops, and to visit their weekend farmstand to see the fruits of their labor.” (Ref.3)

Long-term perspective

Yes

Cost-effective solutions

Yes

Equitable impacts

A. All stakeholders benefit fairly from the project

Transformative capacity

Social change (e.g. social relationships, networks and dynamics within them)

Technical change (e.g. built infrastructure of cities and their parts, roads, buildings and so on)

Magnitude of change

Transformative: (deep) by focusing on and substantially changing structures, including institutional ones (norms and rules).

Application of lessons learned

The NBS has been shared or used as a good practice to trigger transformative change

The NBS has informed policy and regulatory processes

Perception of Environmental Change

Yes

NBS Supports ecological or environmental anxiety

Unknown

6. Sources

References

DBCFSN (n.d.). FAQ Build Black Food Sovereignty with Us. Accessed on September 3, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Wey, T. (2012). D-Town Farm. Uix Detroit, Accessed on September 3, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund (n.d.). D-Town Farm. Accessed on September 3, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Visit Detroit (n.d.). Detroit's Greener Side | Detroit Urban Farming. Accessed on September 3, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Mendoza, A. (n.d.). River Rouge. Accessed on September 3, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

The Ohio State University IPM Program (2024). D-Town Farm Detroit. Accessed on September 3, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

White, M. (2018). D-Town Farm: African American Resistance to Food Insecurity and the Transformation of Detroit. Accessed on September 3, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Carver, L.; Venugopal, A. (2019). Agroecological Pest Management Strategies at D-town Farm. Accessed on September 3, 2024, [Download];

Catallo, C. (2017). D-Town Farm Soldiers On. Edible Wow, Accessed on September 3, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

10.

Sharp, R. (2013). “Planting seeds of justice and harvesting freedom” at the D-Town Farm Harvest Festival. Knight Foundation, Accessed on September 3, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Comments and notes

Additional insights

Funding of the project from 2010: Since 2010, we have received significant funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and from various USDA grants. We have also received funding from WHY Hunger, The Annenberg Foundation, The ERB Family Foundation, Hands Across America, HUFED/Wallace Center, the Fair Food Network, the Institute for Agriculture Trade Policy, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, City Connect, the Conservation Fund, Whole Foods Market, Michigan State University, Eastern Market Corporation, Great Lakes Detroit Bioneers, Detroit Food and Fitness Collaborative and Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice. (Ref.1)

Public Images