About community gardens

An evaluation by Russ Grayson + Fiona Campbell - April 2000

< introduction < relevance < impact < efficiency < effectiveness < progress
< sustainability < recommendations < conclusions < full document for printing

EFFECTIVENESS

In agricultural terms, Sydney's community gardens have achieved a variable effectiveness as food production systems.

At best, they make a minor contribution to family dietary needs, some more so than others. Critical to productivity appears to be horticultural know-how and previous gardening experience.

The comparative cheapness of foods in supermarkets and the availability of social security income is most likely responsible for community food production having a lower profile than urban gardening has in some developing countries.

As previously covered, community gardens in Sydney have achieved some effectiveness as waste minimisation training facilities, thanks to enthusiastic gardeners who want to extend the outreach of the gardens to fulfil a broader social role and to local government and waste board support.

Successful social venues

As social venues, community gardens are quite effective. They provide a valid form of healthy recreation and encourage a sense of involvement in an area while improving the urban environment.

Educational venues

Community gardens are useful educational venues.

Community educators, such as community college courses, make use of the gardens. For instance, Stella Maris Eco-Garden in Manly and the Randwick and UNSW community gardens in the eastern suburbs have been used by adult educators as well as TAFE and local government/ waste board waste minimisation classes.

PAGE UPDATED... Monday, 14 January 2002