Health promotion identifies health as a resource for daily living and emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between people and their environments in creating health (MacDonald, 2002). In this thesis. I explore how community gardening programs can be used to improve the health and well being of vulnerable populations by creating positive changes within their physical and social environments. Furthermore, I address how community gardens can educate and empower these populations to live healthier lifestyles. My research is based on the creation and exploration of a project in Victoria. BC, where homeowners share their backyard vegetable gardens with volunteer gardeners. It is a small-scale qualitative study in the tradition of ethnographic research where the aim is to enhance understanding of phenomena (Johnston, Gregory, Pratt, & Watts. 2000. p. 238). I facilitated the project and monitored the progress of three garden partnerships for six months during Victoria's long growing season in 2005. Using in-depth interviews and participant observation techniques. I was able to come to a deeper understanding of the participants' experience of the project. This thesis addresses how the project may have promoted their health and well-being with specific reference to physical, psychological and social health and well-being. Suggestions for improvements for future application of the project are also provided.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:uvic.ca/oai:dspace.library.uvic.ca:1828/2112 |
| Date | 26 January 2010 |
| Creators | Blake, Analisa |
| Contributors | Cloutier, Denise S. |
| Source Sets | University of Victoria |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | Available to the World Wide Web |
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