RESEARCH

Community gardens as psychosocial interventions for refugees and migrants: a narrative review

This review found that community gardens can significantly improve the mental and social well-being of refugees and migrants by fostering a sense of identity, promoting social connections, and providing a sense of purpose, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive program design. Community gardens appear to be effective interventions for enhancing the psychosocial adjustment and integration of refugees and migrants into new communities.

Program Types: Social

Population Groups: Immigrants/Refugees

Setting or Context: Community Gardens, Public/Botanical Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Sense of Purpose, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Community Building, Improved Quality of Life

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This paper looks at how community gardens can help refugees and migrants with their mental and social well-being as they adjust to a new country. The researchers reviewed 21 articles to understand the benefits of gardening programs for these groups. They found that community gardens helped refugees and migrants maintain a sense of identity and adapt to their new surroundings by using their existing farming knowledge. The gardens also created opportunities for social connection with other refugees, migrants, and members of the local community. Participants gained a sense of purpose and self-worth by growing food and sharing it with others.

The review highlights that community gardens can be effective in supporting refugees and migrants by helping them re-establish important aspects of their lives that are often disrupted when they are forced to leave their homes. The findings emphasize the need to acknowledge and respect the traditions and agricultural knowledge of refugees when designing these programs. More research is needed to understand how to create community gardens that truly meet the needs of refugees and migrants and avoid unintentionally creating feelings of insecurity or cultural disconnect.

Link

Ramburn, T.T., Wu, Y.M., & Kronick, R. (2023). Community gardens as psychosocial interventions for refugees and migrants: A narrative review. International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, 19(2), 122-141.

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