Exploring community perceptions of urban agriculture in baltimore city: A qualitative case study

Urban farming is a novel type of entrepreneurial urban agriculture that can benefit communities by increasing access to fresh produce, advancing economic development, and providing ecological services. If scaled-up effectively, urban farming may substantially contribute to sustainable local food production and community resilience to environmental threats. Research regarding its feasibility is lacking, however. To begin filling this gap, we explored the acceptability of urban farming among urban populations in Baltimore City. Using a case-study approach, we compared three site types: neighborhoods with 1) an active urban farm, 2) a new urban farm, and 3) a vacant lot where community members rejected plans for an urban farm. We interviewed urban farmers, neighborhood leaders, residents, and key stakeholders to elucidate community perceptions about urban farming, influences on those perceptions, and the effectiveness of processes to achieve community buy-in for urban farms. Results show that individuals believe urban farming contributes to community development by uniting fractured neighborhoods and creating employment opportunities. The contribution to healthy food access appears less salient to urban residents than to stakeholders promoting such projects. The data also demonstrate the importance of community support for urban farms to their success, the underlying social and racial influences that affect such support, and the methods leaders of such projects use to achieve acceptance. This research provides an important foundation for both urban farmers and city planners to develop strategies to transition urban agriculture from a fringe activity to an essential component of local food systems.