296
K. Specht et al.
With reference to UA, Appel et al.(2011) mention, in particular, the possibility to
create a new type of open space “that may be the starting point for collective grassroots processes, practised autonomy and networking, and that may play an important
role in promoting (local) politics” (Appel et al. 2011, 152, translated by authors).
This enables UA stakeholders to actively shape a part of the city, based on their own
ideas (Appel et al. 2011).
Those engaged in UA can broadly be classified into two groups. The first group
comprises people who carry out farming as their usual main occupation, whether parttime or full-time. They may have deliberately chosen the proximity to an urban area,
or may have experienced urban growth encroach on their farm over time. The second
group comprises individuals who practise UA as a hobby in their spare time (Vejre
et al. 2016). These two UA subgroups differ. Above all, urban gardens are usually
tended as a hobby, whereas urban agriculture tends to be practised by professional
actors.
15.3 Functions and Services Provided by UA Concerning
Sustainable Land Management
The functions and services of UA mentioned in the scientific debate are extremely
varied. As a multifunctional service, UA has, in principle, the potential to have a
positive impact on social, ecological and economic concerns in cities (Schulz et al.
2013). Based on Pearson et al. (2010), the services are presented below using the
three pillars of sustainability. Where possible, reference is made to sustainable land
management.
15.3.1 Social Functions and Services
Various studies have documented that UA may contribute to strengthening the social
capital of the city (Santo et al. 2016). In particular, the notion of multifunctionality of
the city should be stressed in this respect. There are social demands, for example, with
regard to additional services provided in the areas of leisure, recreation and education.
Being green spaces in a city, urban gardens may make an important contribution to
the city landscape and to increasing the quality of life in urban spaces.
This is achieved by creating new networks between actors from different social
backgrounds and milieus, which is particularly the case with community gardens.
In this context, services conducive to the integration of disadvantaged social groups
are attributed to UA projects (Santo et al. 2016; RUAF Foundation). These social
services are also achieved by creating new places of interaction and encounter, which,
particularly in neighbourhoods with a lack of green space, improve residential quality
and may result in a higher level of identification with the neighbourhood (Appel et al.
K. Specht et al.
With reference to UA, Appel et al.(2011) mention, in particular, the possibility to
create a new type of open space “that may be the starting point for collective grassroots processes, practised autonomy and networking, and that may play an important
role in promoting (local) politics” (Appel et al. 2011, 152, translated by authors).
This enables UA stakeholders to actively shape a part of the city, based on their own
ideas (Appel et al. 2011).
Those engaged in UA can broadly be classified into two groups. The first group
comprises people who carry out farming as their usual main occupation, whether parttime or full-time. They may have deliberately chosen the proximity to an urban area,
or may have experienced urban growth encroach on their farm over time. The second
group comprises individuals who practise UA as a hobby in their spare time (Vejre
et al. 2016). These two UA subgroups differ. Above all, urban gardens are usually
tended as a hobby, whereas urban agriculture tends to be practised by professional
actors.
15.3 Functions and Services Provided by UA Concerning
Sustainable Land Management
The functions and services of UA mentioned in the scientific debate are extremely
varied. As a multifunctional service, UA has, in principle, the potential to have a
positive impact on social, ecological and economic concerns in cities (Schulz et al.
2013). Based on Pearson et al. (2010), the services are presented below using the
three pillars of sustainability. Where possible, reference is made to sustainable land
management.
15.3.1 Social Functions and Services
Various studies have documented that UA may contribute to strengthening the social
capital of the city (Santo et al. 2016). In particular, the notion of multifunctionality of
the city should be stressed in this respect. There are social demands, for example, with
regard to additional services provided in the areas of leisure, recreation and education.
Being green spaces in a city, urban gardens may make an important contribution to
the city landscape and to increasing the quality of life in urban spaces.
This is achieved by creating new networks between actors from different social
backgrounds and milieus, which is particularly the case with community gardens.
In this context, services conducive to the integration of disadvantaged social groups
are attributed to UA projects (Santo et al. 2016; RUAF Foundation). These social
services are also achieved by creating new places of interaction and encounter, which,
particularly in neighbourhoods with a lack of green space, improve residential quality
and may result in a higher level of identification with the neighbourhood (Appel et al.