Community gardens and urban agriculture are two important aspects of sustainable food production but with different concepts of production.
The concept of a community garden is typically constructed by a group of neighbours or members who want to cultivate and harvest fresh, healthy farm produce in a communal area. By so doing, they promote social interaction among one another. This helps them bring like-minded people together to work towards a similar objective.
Contrarily, urban agriculture refers to a technology-driven practice of cultivating food crops within the urban landscape. The primary aim is to maximise yield or promote food production.
This system incorporates systems such as hydroponic, aquaculture, horticulture, agroforestry, etc. to promote food security and ecological sustainability. This is achieved by increasing access to fresh, locally-grown produce, and reducing food waste.
Similarities
- Their shared goal alleviates food insecurity and ensures individuals have access to fresh and high-quality farm produce.
- These practices are prevalent in urban settings.
- Promotes social interaction regardless of the number of people working on the farm.
- Helps to raise awareness and broaden understanding of how to grow various types of foods.
Differences
- Crop distribution: In contrast to urban agriculture which avails farm produce for large distribution and off-site sale, crops cultivated in community gardens are primarily for personal or community use and consumption.
- Varying participation: Compared to a community garden which involves a group of neighbours, urban agriculture demands fewer individuals for its practice.
- Crop diversification: Community gardens practice diverse crop production and larger production, whereas urban agriculture focuses exclusively on high-yield crops.
- Cost-effectiveness: Urban agriculture requires significant inputs and supplies, whereas community garden is more cost-effective.
- The scale of production and expertise: Community garden is small in scale and can be started out with formal training with community members compared to urban agriculture which involves large-scale production and substantial knowledge.
Although these practices differ in objectives and operation, they both aim for the sustainable production of food and to address food insecurity in urban areas.
