Collective community gardening for food security and integration of African immigrants in Edmonton, Alberta

Cultural food insecurity, which is the inability to acquire, afford, and eat the traditional foods of one’s ethnic origin is a form of food insecurity that disproportionately affects new immigrant, especially the Black identifying Canadians. However, research that explores alternative ways to diversity Canadian food systems to accommodate new immigrants and to allow for smooth transition and integration of African immigrants are limited. The current project aims to address this knowledge gap by exploring the barriers and facilitators of use of collective community gardens in providing spaces for production of culturally familiar foods and in supporting the integration of new African immigrants in Edmonton, Alberta. In collaboration with Sinkunia Community Development Organization (SCDO), we will conduct a qualitative and quantitative study to investigate the barriers and facilitators of engagement to community gardening and the most preferred culturally familiar vegetables and fruits. This project will be an initial step towards the diversification of Canadian food system by contributing to creation of knowledge on the most preferred cultural vegetables and fruits.

Faculty Supervisor:

Elizabeth Onyango

Student:

Partner:

Sinkunia

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Alberta

Program: