Agriculture/ crop production

The Prinzessinnengarten Kollektiv Berlin is a community garden in the New St Jacobi Cemetery in Berlin-Neukölln that invites people to join in gardening and experience nature. As part of open gardening days, people can participate in the design of the garden areas and gain experience in the local, ecological cultivation of useful plants. The main aim of their work is to provide opportunities for education and participation. Activities are open to everyone and range from sowing, planting and harvesting to seed production, processing and preserving vegetables, keeping bees to questions of community-based urban habitat design.The community also has its own farm shop where seeds, food and processed products are sold. (Ref. 1; Ref. 4) Numerous projects for recycling and upcycling, innovative cultivation methods, organic beekeeping, composting methods and post-fossil mobility use the Prinzessinnengarten as a platform for sustainable urban living. Artists also work in the garden with participatory methods on the question of how cities and their coexistence can be designed in a sustainable and resource-saving way. Outside the Prinzessinnengarten, offshoot gardens are set up and collaborations are developed to build nationwide and European networks. Through lectures, workshops, study visits and participatory research in the garden, we endeavour to include and further develop the topics associated with the Prinzessinnengarten in discussions and education. (Ref. 7)

The project is located on a cemetery, which has been partially closed since 2016. This means that burials are no longer carried out on the site and the existing rights of use of the 500 or so remaining graves will no longer be extended after expiry. The church association lends the land to the project in exchange for maintenance work on the surrounding grounds. (Ref. 6)

Herboristerie Créole, established in 2012 in Martinique by Séverine and Rémi Asensio, is a private farm and business focused on cultivating aromatic and medicinal plants, managing all stages of production, processing, and marketing. Situated in the commune of Gros-Morne, the farm draws on traditional Creole knowledge to produce medicinal plants and Creole cosmetics. Spanning 1.8 hectares, it is organized as a forest garden, featuring a diverse ecosystem that includes aromatic and medicinal plants, spices, fruit trees, and tropical flowers. Agroecological practices are central to its operation, with natural mulching from coconuts and green waste, and composting from the forest garden enriching the soil.
In addition, Herboristerie Créole operates a certified organic herbal dispensary in Saint Joseph, specializing in medicinal plants. The dispensary merges ancestral knowledge from the local "Rimèd Razié" tradition—a practice involving the use of native plants and natural remedies for healing, passed down through generations—with modern pharmaceutical standards. It produces a range of products, including herbal teas, infusions, spices, oils, and capsules for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use.
The farm is instrumental in preserving and passing on ancestral knowledge, which was once banned during the period of slavery, while ensuring that its artisanal products comply with dosage and safety regulations. Located at the foot of the Carbet peaks, the farm holds the Biological Farming (AB) label and follows agroecological methods through its "Jardin Créole" approach. It avoids the use of phytosanitary products, aims for zero waste, and implements measures to preserve biodiversity. (ref. 1, 2, 5, 6)

The Ballymun City Farm project began as a grassroots initiative when local residents envisioned turning an underutilized green space into a vibrant community resource. Though initially rejected by the City Council, the project’s supporters recognized its potential to contribute to Ballymun’s environmental, social, and economic regeneration. With a vision to create something unique for the area, the farm was designed to foster community engagement, environmental education, and local sustainability. Over time, it has grown into more than just a recreational space—it has become a symbol of community resilience, offering people of all backgrounds and abilities a place to connect, learn, and grow together (4).
Situated on 6.6 acres provided by Dublin City Council, the farm aims to strengthen community bonds, enhance civic involvement, and combat social exclusion and isolation. It serves as both an educational and recreational space, providing opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds to engage with environmental topics, organic food production, native breed conservation, and traditional crafts. It is envisioned that the farm will include a designated ornamental garden, consisting of shrubs, flowers, grasses and bulbs, which will become a focal point for community activities/gatherings. In addition, we plan to install raised vegetable beds, fruit bushes.
Through urban food production and community gardens—effective tools for educating schoolchildren and engaging youth—the farm addresses the gap between food production and consumption, helping to increase appreciation for local food. Investments in green infrastructure like Ballymun City Farm also support urban and regional development, including the creation of jobs. (1, 2)

Ngong is a town in southern Kenya, located near Nairobi in Kajiado County, on the slopes of the Ngong Hills. The municipality has experienced significant development and population growth due to improved infrastructure and social amenities. However, this expansion poses a threat to biodiversity, as increased demand for agricultural land, wood, and raw materials is depleting the area's forests and putting many species at risk of extinction. Overgrazing, illegal logging, invasive species, and climate change-induced extremes like droughts and floods have further exacerbated the situation.

In response, the Rufford Foundation proposed the Improving Ngong Hills Forest Conservation Efforts through Raising Local Community Awareness of Biodiversity Conservation project. The initiative seeks to restore the Ngong Hills forest ecosystem through community-driven conservation. A nursery for native species was established, and tree planting campaigns were conducted in collaboration with national and local governments, community-based organizations, indigenous groups, and schools. Additionally, awareness programs and capacity-building efforts were launched, engaging local schools in restoration activities and organizing workshops to train community members and officials. (Ref. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Kungsgärdet Byaodling is an urban farm set up by local farming association Kungsbacka Tillsammansodling, in Kungsbacka south of Gothenburg. Since 2023, the project has been funded by a 78 000 EUR grant via the non-profit organisation Lokalt ledd utveckling Halland (locally led development) using funds from the EU and the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) [Ref. 1, 2, 4]. The goal is to grow food in a sustainable and circular way, building soil health and promoting biodiversity. Using a total area of 4500 m2 on former unused grassland, the urban farm includes: 1100 m2 of effective growing area, 1000 m2 of flowering meadows, fruit and berry trees and bushes, and functional and social areas. The meadows and trees are intended to contribute to biodiversity, while social areas are meant to create a sense of community and benefit the well-being of the people active at the farm [Ref. 1, 3]. The farming association has been around for a few years, but the project funds will allow them to expand and develop the farm over three years, invest in new equipment and arrange free lectures for the public about sustainable farming practices [Ref. 1, 4]. The grant will also allow them to take in more members without anyone having to pay anything, promoting social inclusion.

Airfield Estate, based in Dundrum, South County Dublin, is a dedicated sustainable food hub and Dublin’s only working urban farm and gardens. The 38-acre site, originally owned by the Overend family, attracts over 120,000 visitors for a fun day out including families, garden enthusiasts, schools, weddings and businesses.
The community garden at Airfield Estate is based on a partnership between the Estate and Toast corporation, a digital technology platform built for restaurants with an office in Dublin. The community garden was created to produce sustainable fruit and vegetables while also offering opportunities for people to learn about environmentally-friendly food production, empowering them to make more informed food choices. The Toast.org Community Garden at Airfield Estate will be a resource centre for education on nutrition, food sovereignty, seed saving, biodiversity, conservation, and resource management, supporting Toast.org’s mission to enrich the food experience for all. The community garden will also support Airfield Estate’s ambition to be Dublin’s sustainable food hub and help bring Dublin on its journey to be known as a world-leading sustainable food city (2, 3). The grounds will be accessible to everyone, from the local community and vulnerable groups to corporate employees, and the space will host horticulture talks and workshops on various topics. The partnership between Toast.org and Airfield Estate began in 2021 when some of Toast’s Dublin-based employees volunteered with the charity. The launch of the community garden is one of several ways Toast.org will support Airfield Estate throughout 2023. (2)

Tirana's urban development has set a new record in 2022, when more than 1.8 million square meters of new buildings were constructed (Ref. 5). This rapid development increased the need for accessible urban green areas. At the Tulla Urban Farm, a wide audience is trained to create those green areas in their yards, balconies and roofs with the added benefit of growing produce for their own needs (Ref. 1,2,5). This practice of food autonomy is deeply rooted in Albanian culture but has been lost in urban settings where concrete has taken over the city (Ref. 1). Tulla Urban Farm addresses this issue by providing an inclusive space for people of diverse backgrounds to come together and experience urban gardening first hand under the guidance of professionals from the Agricultural University of Tirana (Ref. 2,3). In these "urban agricultural schools", workshops, seminars and discussions are held to re-cultivate traditional agro-cultural practices and knowledge that will benefit the participants, many of which are from marginalised backgrounds (Ref. 1, 4). All these activities are facilitated through the rooftop greenhouse of the Tulla Cultural Center, which harbours over 300 plants (Ref.1). As such, Tulla Urban Farm not only provides a space for experiencing and learning about plants but also for social interaction and building a community that also addresses more serious issues such as mental health in a society that faces high rates of unemployment (Ref. 1).
The project had received inital funding from the German GIZ in 2022 and won the Cultures of Resistance Award through which it financed the first two years of its programme and enabled free participation at the urban agricultural school for all participants (Ref. 2,4).

The urban farm of Lak'a Uta is an initiative launched by the NGO Fundación Alternativas, which established the first community garden in Bolivia, located in the city of La Paz at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level (1-3). The initial plan was to develop the garden on private land, but since the goal was to create an open space accessible to all citizens, the project eventually sought a public location (3). The subdistrict of Cotahuma granted them permission to use the Lak'a Uta park, an abandoned area rendered unusable by two landslides in the previous year (3). Through voluntary efforts and an investment of 2,800 euros, the land was transformed over three years to accommodate 40 plots of 16m² each, with individual families cultivating a variety of vegetables (3).
Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the project adheres to many principles of organic agriculture in an urban setting (5). The area has become a biodiversity hotspot, featuring an artificial pond, 16 wild plant species, and 39 fauna species, including 34 bird species, two types of frogs that provide natural pest control, and three bee species (3-5). Compost is produced naturally using waste management practices and worms (4-5). In addition to edible vegetables, the garden produces medicinal plants, some of which help stabilize the soil and prevent further landslides (3-4). The infrastructure also includes a rainwater collection system (3-5).
Originally, the project aimed to improve access to food, particularly in response to the growing urban population (1-3). Over time, it has also fostered a strong sense of community, while promoting urban gardening through educational workshops and disseminating information nationwide (1-5). It is estimated that 20,000 people have been educated on urban agriculture, healthy eating, and reconnecting with nature (5). The project has also contributed to shaping a local government law supporting urban gardening within the municipality (3).

In 2021-2022, the fenced grassy area beside the Ballyfermot Community Civic Centre was transformed into a welcoming 'people’s park'—an open green space for the community (2). Designed by Dublin City Council’s Parks, Biodiversity, and Landscape Services, the park reflects ideas from local residents gathered over eight months of on-site conversations and two community consultation events.
The new park features a winding perimeter path, earth mounds planted with a variety of trees and plants for seasonal color, and infrastructure to support small community gatherings. An open pergola and a designated market space for food, plant, and craft markets provide inviting spots for social events. Along the park’s edge, a movement trail with playable elements for exercise and play adds a dynamic feature to the space.
Furthermore, a Jackstraws See-Saw is ideal for older children to play in groups and learn about movement whilst also being a tremendous informal seating area for them to gather and chat. Trees cover the See-Saw, offering shade and shelter from the weather, making it a great social space all year round. A Rope Course provides a physical challenge for older children to climb and balance at height while exploring the area. Informal play opportunities are found throughout the park to, with trees, fallen logs, benches and planting that create sensory, imaginative and physical play experiences. (5-7)
Additionally, an edible garden is planned to be developed collaboratively with local residents over the next 2-3 years (4).

In Phoenix, access to native, traditional foods prepared by Indigenous communities is scarce. This disconnection is rooted in the legacy of colonization and the forced assimilation of Indigenous peoples through practices such as mandatory residential schools. The Phoenix Indian School, which operated until 1990, is a stark reminder of these injustices, and deep-rooted systemic inequalities continue to persist today. In response, Indigenous food activists have worked tirelessly to promote traditional foodways and advocate for food sovereignty.
One such initiative is led by Native Health, an urban Indian health program that provides primary medical, dental, behavioral health, WIC, and wellness services in Phoenix. In 2019, Native Health launched a community-based garden initiative to reconnect urban Indigenous communities with their traditional life ways. The Native Health Traditional Garden was initially established on a 15-acre plot of vacant land, which sat atop the remnants of a notorious boarding school. However, when an investment firm purchased the land, the garden was displaced and forced to relocate. It downsized to less than an acre of space within a larger community garden project known as the "KeepPhoenixBeautiful Garden."
Despite these challenges, the Traditional Garden continues to thrive, drawing from Indigenous agricultural techniques such as Akimel O’odham canal irrigation, Zuni waffle beds, and Diné dry farming. The garden focuses on cultivating traditional, Indigenous, and desert-adapted plants, including corn, beans, squash, gourds, peppers, sunflowers, melons, and medicinal plants. In addition to growing these vital crops, the garden provides interactive learning opportunities for all ages, including workshops, youth clubs, pick-your-own events, and monthly community workdays.
The goal of the Traditional Garden project is to offer the urban Indigenous community opportunities for hands-on learning, and increased access to harvested produce. (1, 2)