The emphasis on urban agriculture and sustainable food systems has become imperative for promoting health and environmental resilience. In 2022, the Center of Agricultural Resources System Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, initiated the program called ‘Development of Pesticide-free Vegetable Production Systems in Chiang Mai’s Urban Agroecology’. The program aimed to disseminate knowledge about growing pesticide-free vegetables across general public in Chiang Mai communities. The program is reported to be successful. However, the follow-up well-being benefits of the program, especially for the vulnerable population, might still be needed to confirm the impact and reach of the program. This research aimed to investigate the well-being benefits of older adults participating in the program one year after the program concluded, focusing on the in-depth interview of five elderly participants from the program in the Ton-Pin community. While some older adults engaged in pesticide-free vegetable cultivation as a recreational activity, others emphasized its direct health benefits, combining physical exercise and consumption of clean produce. Community knowledge and social networking enhanced the program's reach and impact. Furthermore, some participants viewed urban farming as an economic opportunity, while others use this opportunity navigate personal grief and loss that comes with old age. This study highlights the significance of urban agriculture in enhancing health, fostering environmental resilience, and promoting city livability, especially for the older demographic. The integration of the BCG economic model in Chiang Mai's urban agricultural initiatives offers a sustainable blueprint for other rapidly urbanizing cities globally.

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Urban Agroecology and the Well-Being of Older Adults: Exploring the Impacts of Residential-Scale Pesticide-Free Vegetable Production in Chiang Mai’s Urban Landscape

  • Pongsakorn Suppakittpaisarn,
  • Tupthai Norsuwan,
  • Thakoon Panyasai,
  • Nattaya Jaipunya,
  • Rattanaphon Chaima,
  • Kamon Thippachote,
  • Thanit Saltikulnukarn

摘要

The emphasis on urban agriculture and sustainable food systems has become imperative for promoting health and environmental resilience. In 2022, the Center of Agricultural Resources System Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, initiated the program called ‘Development of Pesticide-free Vegetable Production Systems in Chiang Mai’s Urban Agroecology’. The program aimed to disseminate knowledge about growing pesticide-free vegetables across general public in Chiang Mai communities. The program is reported to be successful. However, the follow-up well-being benefits of the program, especially for the vulnerable population, might still be needed to confirm the impact and reach of the program. This research aimed to investigate the well-being benefits of older adults participating in the program one year after the program concluded, focusing on the in-depth interview of five elderly participants from the program in the Ton-Pin community. While some older adults engaged in pesticide-free vegetable cultivation as a recreational activity, others emphasized its direct health benefits, combining physical exercise and consumption of clean produce. Community knowledge and social networking enhanced the program's reach and impact. Furthermore, some participants viewed urban farming as an economic opportunity, while others use this opportunity navigate personal grief and loss that comes with old age. This study highlights the significance of urban agriculture in enhancing health, fostering environmental resilience, and promoting city livability, especially for the older demographic. The integration of the BCG economic model in Chiang Mai's urban agricultural initiatives offers a sustainable blueprint for other rapidly urbanizing cities globally.