Title : Investigating urban residents interest in community gardens: A case study of the Ga North Municipality
Abstract:
Rapid urbanization in Ghana has led to the loss of green spaces, adversely affecting environmental quality, food security, and social well-being in many urban communities. Community gardens have emerged globally as effective tools for enhancing ecological sustainability, promoting social cohesion, and improving access to food. However, there is limited research on urban residents’ interest in community gardens within the Ghanaian context. This study investigates the level of interest, motivations, and concerns of residents in the Ga North Municipality regarding the establishment and participation in community gardens. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining a household survey of 104 residents with key informant interviews from the relevant stakeholders. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and t-tests, while qualitative data were interpreted through thematic analysis. The findings reveal high resident interest in community gardens, driven mainly by environmental sustainability, opportunities to reduce food expenses, and the desire for improved community aesthetics. Residents also identified potential challenges, including time constraints, conflicts among participants, physical effort, and concerns about management and maintenance. The study concludes that community gardens hold significant potential for enhancing urban resilience and improving the quality of life in the municipality. However, their successful implementation requires strong institutional support, clear management structures, and community engagement strategies. The research recommends that local authorities collaborate with residents, integrate community gardens into urban planning frameworks, and develop policies that promote sustainable green space initiatives in rapidly urbanizing municipalities.
