Drivers and Barriers for Edible Streets: A Case Study in Oxford, UK

Kuhu Gupta, Mohammad Javad Seddighi, Emma L. Davies, Pariyarath Sangeetha Thondre and Mina Samangooei ()
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Kuhu Gupta: School of Architecture, Faculty of Health, Science and Technology, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
Mohammad Javad Seddighi: School of Architecture, Faculty of Health, Science and Technology, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
Emma L. Davies: Centre for Psychological Research, Faculty of Health, Science and Technology, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
Pariyarath Sangeetha Thondre: School of Sport, Nutrition and Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Health, Science and Technology, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
Mina Samangooei: School of Architecture, Faculty of Health, Science and Technology, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-23

Abstract: This study introduces Edible Streets as a distinct and scalable model of community-led urban food growing, specifically investigating the drivers and barriers to the initiative. Unlike traditional urban food-growing initiatives, Edible Streets explores the integration of edible plants into street verges and footpaths with direct community involvement of the people who live/work in a street. This study contributes new knowledge by evaluating Edible Streets through the COM-B model of behavioural change, through policy and governance in addition to behaviour change, and by developing practical frameworks to facilitate its implementation. Focusing on Oxford, the research engaged residents through 17 in-person interviews and 18 online surveys, alongside a stakeholder workshop with 21 policymakers, community leaders, and NGO representatives. Findings revealed strong motivation for Edible Streets, driven by values of sustainability, community resilience, and improved well-being. However, capability barriers, including knowledge gaps in gardening, land-use policies, and food preservation, as well as opportunity constraints related to land access, water availability, and environmental challenges, hindered participation. To address these, a How-to Guide was developed, and a pilot Edible Street project was launched. Future steps include establishing a licensing application model to facilitate urban food growing and conducting a Post-Use Evaluation and Impact Study. Nationally, this model could support Right to Grow policies, while globally, it aligns with climate resilience and food security goals. Locally grown food enhances biodiversity, reduces carbon footprints, and strengthens social cohesion. By tackling key barriers and scaling solutions, this study provides actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners to create resilient, equitable urban food systems.

Keywords: edible streets; urban food growing; community-led initiatives; regenerative design; biodiversity; environmental sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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