Urban Green Community Gardens

Greening Cities and Strengthening Community Resilience

Project Overview

The Urban Community Gardening project supports youth and local communities in establishing and managing community gardens that enhance food security, promote environmental awareness, and improve well-being in urban and peri-urban areas.

Implemented by Ethiopian Youth Environmental Awareness (EYEA), the project addresses challenges such as limited access to fresh food, urban environmental degradation, and social vulnerability. By transforming underutilised urban spaces into productive green areas, the project promotes sustainable urban agriculture while strengthening social cohesion and community resilience.

Through youth-led initiatives, practical training, and inclusive community participation, urban gardens become spaces for learning, cooperation, and sustainable food production.

Objectives

The project seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• Improve access to fresh, nutritious, and locally produced food in urban communities

• Promote sustainable urban agriculture and environmentally responsible practices

• Support vulnerable groups through community-based food production

• Encourage youth participation and leadership in urban greening initiatives

• Enhance environmental awareness and community resilience in cities

  
  

Core Components

Community Garden Establishment

The project supports the creation and development of shared garden spaces by:

• Identifying and rehabilitating underused urban land

• Applying sustainable and climate-friendly gardening practices

• Promoting collective garden management and ownership

These gardens serve as practical models of sustainable urban food production.

Gardening Training and Awareness

Participants receive hands-on training and awareness support covering:

• Basic and advanced gardening techniques

• Soil health, composting, and organic practices

• Water-efficient and climate-resilient cultivation methods

• Sustainable food production and nutrition awareness

Training strengthens local capacity and ensures the long-term success of community gardens.

Community Engagement and Inclusion

The project actively involves:

• Youth and students

• Local residents and community groups

• Vulnerable and marginalised populations

Inclusive participation ensures that gardens respond to community needs and foster shared responsibility.

Strategies and Approach

The Urban Community Gardening project applies inclusive and practical approaches, including:

• Community participation and local ownership

• Youth-led planning and garden management

• Capacity building through experiential learning

• Promotion of environmentally friendly and low-input practices

• Collaboration with local stakeholders, volunteers, and institutions

These strategies support long-term sustainability and positive social impact.

Target Groups and Geographic Focus

• Target groups:

  • Youth and students

  • Community members

  • Vulnerable urban populations

• Geographic focus:

  • Urban and peri-urban areas in Ethiopia

• Project status:

  • Ongoing

    
    

Expected Impact

Through this project, EYEA aims to:

• Improve food security and nutrition in urban communities

• Increase green spaces and environmental quality in cities

• Strengthen social cohesion and community engagement

• Empower youth as leaders in sustainable urban development

• Promote resilient and environmentally responsible urban lifestyles

  
  

How to Get Involved

Individuals and organisations can support the Urban Community Gardening project by:

• Volunteering in garden establishment and maintenance activities

• Supporting training and awareness sessions

• Providing tools, materials, or financial support

• Partnering with EYEA on urban greening and food security initiatives

  
  

Join Us

By supporting the Urban Community Gardening project, you help create greener cities, strengthen community resilience, and improve access to healthy food.

Together, we can transform urban spaces into sources of nourishment, learning, and connection.