RESEARCH

Public Health Benefits from Urban Horticulture in the Global North: A Scoping Review and Framework

Urban horticulture in Global North cities offers public health benefits like improved mental health, physical activity, and diet, as shown by a scoping review of 138 papers.

Program Types: Social

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Community Gardens, Urban vs. Rural Settings, Homes/Private Residences

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Physical Health, Better Nutritional Awareness, Increased Social Engagement & Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Social Work

Type of Activity: Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Environmental Education

Evidence Type: Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews

Measurement and Evaluation: Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This scoping review systematically examines the impacts of urban horticulture (UH)—plant cultivation within city limits for food, materials, or decoration—on public health, the environment, and health behaviours. Researchers conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, EBSCO, and ScienceDirect, identifying 138 relevant papers. Exclusion criteria included studies focused on developing countries, animal agriculture, or solely economic analyses. The review synthesized evidence using a systems approach and the lens of ecosystem services, categorizing impacts as direct benefits (for UH participants), indirect benefits (for the wider community), and unintended consequences (potential downsides).

The analysis revealed that UH in the Global North has positive associations with mental health, physical activity, diet, and socialization. The review provides a framework for local authorities and urban stakeholders to maximize the benefits and mitigate the risks associated with UH, positioning it as a potential solution for addressing multiple health and societal challenges in urban populations.

Link

Cruz-Piedrahita, C., Howe, C., & de Nazelle, A. (2020). Public health benefits from urban horticulture in the global north: A scoping review and framework. Global Transitions, 2, 246-256.

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