Urban Food Self-Production in the Perspective of Social Learning Theory: Empowering Self-Sustainability

TL;DR

This study explores how social learning influences urban residents' participation in sustainable food production through hydroponic systems, highlighting motivations, experiences, and educational impacts in Polish communities.

Contribution

It introduces a novel socio-technological approach using hydroponic cabinets in urban flats and investigates residents' motivations and learning processes involved.

Findings

Residents are motivated by sustainability and food security.

Educational activities influence participation decisions.

Participants gained practical farming experience.

Abstract

Urban food production is becoming an increasingly significant topic in the context of climate change and food security. Conducting research on this subject is becoming an essential element of urban development, deepening knowledge regarding the benefits, challenges, and potential for the development of urban agriculture as an alternative form of food production. Responding to this need, this monograph presents the results of a project study developing innovative socio-technological solutions for sustainable food production and consumption. The idea behind this unique project was to install twenty hydroponic cabinets in the corridors of the selected block of flats, where residents would grow edible plants. The presented research aimed to understand the people who joined this unique initiative. The qualitative study employed purposive sampling and in-depth interviews conducted in two waves. The study comprised 42 participants drawn from two communities of residents in {\L}\'od\'z and Warsaw, Poland. The findings outline the reasons that motivate urban residents to implement sustainable food production solutions, their farming experiences and the educational activities that led to their decision to join an innovative urban food production project. The results obtained will be relevant for those involved in the urban education process, including city authorities, urban educators, pro-environmental associations, and grassroots activists.