Title : Cultivating green wisdom: Urban horticulture techniques for home vegetable cultivation in small spaces for older adults
Abstract:
Home vegetable cultivation has been widely recognised as an urban horticulture practice capable of promoting physical, mental, and social benefits, particularly among the elderly population. Interaction with plants and contact with the natural environment contribute to stress reduction, mood improvement, strengthening of autonomy, and encouragement of healthier dietary habits. However, many older adults face difficulties in implementing home vegetable cultivation, mainly due to limited space, lack of technical knowledge, and restricted access to appropriate materials. In this context, this study aimed to identify practical and accessible techniques for small-space home vegetable cultivation targeted at the elderly population, as well as to develop educational material to support the adoption of home horticulture practices. The study was conducted in the city of Feira de Santana, located in the Brazilian semiarid region, characterised by high temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, and frequent drought periods. The city has experienced rapid urban expansion and presents notable socioeconomic inequalities, with a significant portion of the elderly population living in areas with limited physical space and restricted access to resources for food production. In this context, small-scale urban horticulture initiatives represent important strategies for promoting food security, environmental sustainability, and improvements in quality of life. The methodology initially involved a literature review on urban horticulture and its benefits for the health and well-being of older adults. This was followed by a field stage that included visits to a home horticulture project developed with elderly women living in the Doutor Milton Gomes da Costa housing complex, located in the Queimadinha neighbourhood in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. During these visits, cultivation practices, commonly grown species, and the main challenges faced by participants were observed. Based on these observations, a questionnaire consisting of 16 open-ended and multiple-choice questions was developed and administered to 30 elderly participants from the extension programme “Open University for the Third Age (UATI)” at the State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS). The questions addressed interest in home vegetable cultivation, availability of physical space, perception of its benefits, and the need for technical guidance. The results indicated that most participants expressed interest in practising home vegetable cultivation and recognised its benefits for health and well-being. However, the main limitations identified were limited available space and lack of specific technical knowledge related to soil preparation, species selection, and proper management. Participants highlighted the need for practical and accessible guidance to enable cultivation in restricted environments. Based on the collected data, an educational booklet entitled “Harvesting Well-Being” was developed, providing step-by-step guidance on vertical and horizontal home vegetable cultivation in small spaces, selection of adapted species, reuse of materials, and sustainable horticulture practices. The material was made available in digital format and disseminated in academic and community environments, expanding access to information. It is concluded that educational materials adapted to the reality of older adults represent an effective strategy to encourage home vegetable cultivation, promote autonomy, and contribute to healthier and more sustainable food practices.
