The Rich Diversity of Urban Allotment Gardens in Europe: Contemporary Trends in the Context of Historical, Socio-Economic and Legal Conditions

Lidia Poniży, Monika J. Latkowska, Jürgen Breuste, Andrew Hursthouse, Sophie Joimel, Mart Külvik, Teresa E. Leitão, Andrzej Mizgajski, Annette Voigt, Ewa Kacprzak, Barbara Maćkiewicz and Magdalena Szczepańska
Additional contact information
Lidia Poniży: Department of Integrated Geography, Faculty of Human Geography and Planning, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-680 Poznan, Poland
Monika J. Latkowska: Faculty of Biology, Botanical Garden of Warsaw University, 00-478 Warsaw, Poland
Jürgen Breuste: Department of Geography and Geology, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Andrew Hursthouse: Institute of Biomedical & Environmental Health Research, School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
Sophie Joimel: UMR EcoSys, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78850 Thiverval-Grignon, France
Mart Külvik: Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
Teresa E. Leitão: LNEC—National Laboratory for Civil Engineering, 1700-066 Lisbon, Portugal
Andrzej Mizgajski: Department of Integrated Geography, Faculty of Human Geography and Planning, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-680 Poznan, Poland
Annette Voigt: Department of Architecture, Urban and Landscape Planning, University of Kassel, 34137 Kassel, Germany
Ewa Kacprzak: Department of Agriculture and Rural Geography, Faculty of Human Geography and Planning, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-680 Poznan, Poland
Barbara Maćkiewicz: Department of Agriculture and Rural Geography, Faculty of Human Geography and Planning, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-680 Poznan, Poland
Magdalena Szczepańska: Department of Agriculture and Rural Geography, Faculty of Human Geography and Planning, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-680 Poznan, Poland

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 19, 1-19

Abstract: Urban allotment gardens (AGs) provide a unique combination of productive and recreational spaces for the inhabitants of European cities. Although the reasons behind the decision to have a plot, as well as the mode of use and gardening practices, are well recognised in the literature, these issues are mainly considered in relation to particular case studies within a single country. The regional diversity of European allotment gardens is still poorly understood, however. This knowledge gap became an incentive for us to carry out the present study. The research was conducted in seven countries: Austria, Estonia, Germany, France, Portugal, Poland and the UK. Surveys were used to assess the motivations of users regarding plot uses and gardening practices. Information was also collected during desk research and study visits, making use of available statistical data. Allotment gardens in Europe are currently very diverse, and vary depending on the historical, legal, economic and social conditions of a given country, and also as determined by geographical location. Three main types of plots were distinguished, for: cultivation, recreation–cultivation, and cultivation–recreation. The recreational use of AGs has replaced their use for food production in countries with a long history of urban gardening. The only exception is the UK. In some countries, the production of food on an AG plot is still its main function; however, the motivations for this are related to better quality and taste (the UK), as well as the economic benefits of self-grown fruits and vegetables (Portugal, Estonia). Among the wide range of motivations for urban gardening in Europe, there is increasing emphasis on active recreation, contact with nature and quality food supply.

Keywords: allotment gardening; functions of allotment gardens; plot holders; use of plot; food production (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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