Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS
410 MRAK HALL
DAVIS,CA 95616-8671
Performing Department
Human Ecology
Non Technical Summary
This project supports the mission of the Agricultural Experiment Station by addressing the Hatch Act area(s) of: rural and community development.People who live in cities are increasingly far from places where their food is grown. This contributes to a lack of understanding about how food is produced, and it also means that more vulnerable community members may face difficulties in accessing healthy food for their families. Urban agriculture refers to growing food within cities, either for personal or commercial use, and its popularity has risen in recent decades. The value of urban agriculture for nutrition, mental health, community empowerment, and neighborhood cohesion has been well documented, but in order to plan for growing food across the city as a whole, we need better maps that show both community needs and locations of food resources such as urban farms, community gardens, and farmer's markets. The equitable distribution of these amenities is critical for the social health of our cities.In this project, I will expand our knowledge of the geography of urban food production, focusing on Sacramento by developing an urban agriculture map of the region with a focus on social equity. This effort will help to inform ongoing discussions about food systems policy within the region, and it will also identify initiatives that need further infrastructure and support. Additionally, I will design with communities at specific sites within the region, specifically those that are managed by community-based organizations. This work will serve an immediate purpose of preserving valuable community assets, and it will also create a set of best practices for urban agriculture sites.?
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
25%
Applied
50%
Developmental
25%
Goals / Objectives
1. This work will expand a previous urban agriculture mapping project for Sacramento and evaluate potentials for further funding and collaborations.2. This project will undertake continued design work for urban agriculture sites that promote social equity.3. This project will evaluate management regimes and policies for informal urban agriculture sites and propose best practices.
Project Methods
This project utilizes mixed methods including collaborative mapping with geographical information systems; participatory design through community-engaged activities; interviews and focus groups; and document analysis.Related to urban agriculture mapping, I will input existing urban agriculture sites into a geographical information system (GIS) platform and prototype an online diffusion interface. Additionally I will interview key stakeholders on the value and use of a better geographic tool for urban agriculture and food systems policies. This work involves a review and validation of existing data and the addition of metadata (supplementary information) for each site. It also involves design prototyping, or the preparation of simulations in order to improve design concepts.I will provide ongoing design services for urban agriculture sites, including site planning, design of site features, cost estimating, and preparation of design guidelines. Site planning includes the careful documentation of existing conditions and site features, and the location and articulation of proposed changes and new site amenities, including key measurements, infrastructural systems, universal accessibility, and plant materials. Designs are captured using physical and digital drawing tools and are produced for design review and implementation.Finally, I will review and evaluate the management practices of informal urban agriculture projects and interview key stakeholders. This examination will include an evaluation of municipal policies and guidelines for community gardening, as well as city and county urban agriculture ordinances. In coordination with relevant community-based organizations, gaps between practice and policies will be identified, and new proposals will be presented to policy makers.