Abstract
One way of using public green spaces is to allow cultivation by citizens. Community gardening has proven to have many social benefits and can undoubtedly contribute to a sustainable society in a variety of ways. Yet while being clearly attractive for both citizens and officials, it does not always flourish in practice. In this study we draw on interviews with park engineers working in the city of Stockholm to analyze why community gardening is not more prevalent, despite the clearly existing political and popular will to promote it. The study shows that there are significant differences between Stockholm City’s district administrations. Through applying implementation theory, we show that relatively small variations in local resources, expertise, and interests fundamentally shape the outcome of community gardening initiatives. It is also shown that unclear guidelines and a lack of horizontal and vertical communication constitute institutional barriers to the implementation, development, and resilience of community gardening in the districts of Stockholm.
Highlights
Community gardening has increased in the world’s cities in recent years, due, no doubt, to its many inherent attractions and advantages
Based on our implementation theory analysis, we present some results regarding the challenges and obstacles described by the park engineers
The analysis shows that different local conditions and actions in the districts of Stockholm significantly affect the initiative of the park engineers, which in turn, indirectly, affects citizens’ initiatives
Summary
Community gardening has increased in the world’s cities in recent years, due, no doubt, to its many inherent attractions and advantages (see, for example, van der Jagt et al 2017). Relevant initiatives have come from various actors at varying levels (Nemoto and Biazoti 2017; Pölling 2016; van der Jagt et al 2017). As it is in many cities, so it is in Stockholm, with interest in community gardening having increased in recent years (Stockholms Stad 2013). As we noted in our earlier study of community gardeners, the prevalence of success differs markedly between Stockholm’s various district areas (Bonow and Normark 2018).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
