Community gardens and their effects on diet, health, psychosocial and community outcomes: a systematic review
Hume C., Grieger J.A., Kalamkarian A., D'Onise K., Smithers L.G.
BMC Public Health, 22:1247
Urban Farm DB summary
A systematic review synthesizing 53 eligible studies. Community garden participation was positively associated with fruit and vegetable intake and several psychosocial and community outcomes, though effects on physical health indicators were mixed.
Key points
- 1This systematic review synthesized 53 studies examining the effects of community gardens on health, health behaviors, and community outcomes.
- 2Community gardening was associated with higher fruit and vegetable intake.
- 3Positive effects were observed for some psychosocial and community outcomes.
- 4Effects on physical health outcomes were mixed and inconsistent.
- 5Overall evidence quality was low, suggesting that the effects of community gardening might be overestimated.
Abstract and stored text
OpenAlexBACKGROUND: We systematically reviewed the effects of community gardens on physical and psychosocial health, health behaviors and community outcomes. METHODS: Quantitative studies that examined associations of health, psychosocial or community outcomes with community gardens were included in the review. Studies up to December 2020 were captured from searches of Medline, Web of Science, PsycInfo, EBSCOHost and CAB Abstracts. Data were extracted and study quality including risk of bias was examined. RESULTS: There were 53 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Studies examining associations between community gardens and nutrition or food security were most frequently reported (k = 23). Other factors examined for associations with community gardens were health (k = 16), psychosocial (k = 16) and community outcomes (k = 7). Effects appeared positive for fruit and vegetable intake, some psychosocial and community outcomes, but mixed for physical health outcomes. Evidence quality overall was low. CONCLUSIONS: Community gardening was associated with higher fruit and vegetable intake, positive psychosocial and community outcomes, but poor evidence quality suggests the effects of community gardening may be overestimated.
Why it matters for urban farming
This paper provides a systematic review of the benefits of community gardens. It confirms that participating in urban farming can lead to increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and improve social and psychological well-being. However, it also highlights that the evidence for physical health benefits is mixed and that overall evidence quality is low. This means urban farmers should be aware that while the social and dietary benefits are quite clear, claims about direct physical health improvements might need more robust research. It encourages urban farmers to focus on the tangible benefits of healthy eating and community building, while also advocating for more rigorous studies to fully understand all potential impacts.