Global Health as Vector for Agroecology in Collective Gardens in Toulouse Region (France)
Agroecological transitions in collective urban gardens in Toulouse region were studied through the prism of global health (2011–2022). The specific meaning of “global health” in the context of urban gardens concerns the health of gardeners (well-being and physical health), plants, soil, and animals,...
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Urban Science |
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| author | Wilkens Jules Stéphane Mombo Camille Dumat |
| author_facet | Wilkens Jules Stéphane Mombo Camille Dumat |
| author_sort | Wilkens Jules |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Agroecological transitions in collective urban gardens in Toulouse region were studied through the prism of global health (2011–2022). The specific meaning of “global health” in the context of urban gardens concerns the health of gardeners (well-being and physical health), plants, soil, and animals, as well as the interactions between humans and non-humans, which are crucial for gardeners. A sociotechnical research project was developed on four different collective gardening sites, consisting of the following: 1. surveys issued to 100 garden stakeholders to highlight issues and practices, participation in meetings with the social centers in charge of events, and focus groups; 2. participative agronomic and environmental measurements and field observations, including soil quality analyses; and 3. analysis of the available documentary corpus. In order to produce the results, these three research methods (surveys, agronomy, document analysis) were combined through a transdisciplinary approach, in that both the field experimentation outcomes and retrieved scientific publications and technical documents informed the discussions with gardeners. Consideration of the four different sites enabled the exploration of various contextual factors—such as soil or air quality—affecting the production of vegetables. A rise in the concerns of gardeners about the impacts of their activities on global health was observed, including aspects such as creating and enjoying landscapes, taking care of the soil and biodiversity, developing social connections through the transmission of practices, and regular outside physical activity and healthier eating. The increased consideration for global health issues by all stakeholders promotes the implementation of agroecological practices in gardens to improve biodiversity and adherence to circular economy principles. Four concepts emerged from the interviews: health, production of vegetables, living soil, and social interactions. Notably, nuances between the studied sites were observed, according to their history, environment, and organization. These collective gardens can thus be considered as accessible laboratories for social and agroecological experimentation, being areas that can strongly contribute to urban ecosystem services. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5c04f4cf975545cf99bc5d17dc1c433d |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2413-8851 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Urban Science |
| spelling | doaj-art-5c04f4cf975545cf99bc5d17dc1c433d2025-08-20T03:13:54ZengMDPI AGUrban Science2413-88512025-07-019727210.3390/urbansci9070272Global Health as Vector for Agroecology in Collective Gardens in Toulouse Region (France)Wilkens Jules0Stéphane Mombo1Camille Dumat2Toulouse Université and DYNAFOR-INRAE, 24, Chemin de Borde Rouge-Auzeville CS 52627, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan Cedex, FranceRéseau-Agriville, 3 rue Jean Ingres, 31320 Castanet-Tolosan, FranceToulouse Université and DYNAFOR-INRAE, 24, Chemin de Borde Rouge-Auzeville CS 52627, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan Cedex, FranceAgroecological transitions in collective urban gardens in Toulouse region were studied through the prism of global health (2011–2022). The specific meaning of “global health” in the context of urban gardens concerns the health of gardeners (well-being and physical health), plants, soil, and animals, as well as the interactions between humans and non-humans, which are crucial for gardeners. A sociotechnical research project was developed on four different collective gardening sites, consisting of the following: 1. surveys issued to 100 garden stakeholders to highlight issues and practices, participation in meetings with the social centers in charge of events, and focus groups; 2. participative agronomic and environmental measurements and field observations, including soil quality analyses; and 3. analysis of the available documentary corpus. In order to produce the results, these three research methods (surveys, agronomy, document analysis) were combined through a transdisciplinary approach, in that both the field experimentation outcomes and retrieved scientific publications and technical documents informed the discussions with gardeners. Consideration of the four different sites enabled the exploration of various contextual factors—such as soil or air quality—affecting the production of vegetables. A rise in the concerns of gardeners about the impacts of their activities on global health was observed, including aspects such as creating and enjoying landscapes, taking care of the soil and biodiversity, developing social connections through the transmission of practices, and regular outside physical activity and healthier eating. The increased consideration for global health issues by all stakeholders promotes the implementation of agroecological practices in gardens to improve biodiversity and adherence to circular economy principles. Four concepts emerged from the interviews: health, production of vegetables, living soil, and social interactions. Notably, nuances between the studied sites were observed, according to their history, environment, and organization. These collective gardens can thus be considered as accessible laboratories for social and agroecological experimentation, being areas that can strongly contribute to urban ecosystem services.https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/7/272urban collective gardensagroecologyglobal healthtransmission |
| spellingShingle | Wilkens Jules Stéphane Mombo Camille Dumat Global Health as Vector for Agroecology in Collective Gardens in Toulouse Region (France) Urban Science urban collective gardens agroecology global health transmission |
| title | Global Health as Vector for Agroecology in Collective Gardens in Toulouse Region (France) |
| title_full | Global Health as Vector for Agroecology in Collective Gardens in Toulouse Region (France) |
| title_fullStr | Global Health as Vector for Agroecology in Collective Gardens in Toulouse Region (France) |
| title_full_unstemmed | Global Health as Vector for Agroecology in Collective Gardens in Toulouse Region (France) |
| title_short | Global Health as Vector for Agroecology in Collective Gardens in Toulouse Region (France) |
| title_sort | global health as vector for agroecology in collective gardens in toulouse region france |
| topic | urban collective gardens agroecology global health transmission |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/7/272 |
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