Mode of Program Participation
Academic Scholarship
Participation Type
Paper
Presentation #1 Title
Building Community Capacity, One Garden at a Time: A Collaborative Evaluation of the Grow Appalachia Program
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Community-based gardening programs are well-documented for their positive impacts in addressing multiple dimensions of sustainable development, including improved food security, human and social capital, and environmental restoration. Yet research and resources are largely biased towards urban places. Therefore, this ongoing dissertation study has employed a sequential exploratory mixed methods approach to examine the efforts of community-based gardening programs in Central Appalachia, a rural environment that has experienced similar issues that impede sustainable development. Working with the Berea College-based Grow Appalachia initiative, this study uses key informant interviews, field observations, and population surveys of both program coordinators and participants to explore how community-based gardening programs might build rural capacities and for whom; the benefits and challenges associated with program function; and how these processes and outcomes are shaped by environmental and cultural conditions. This presentation will share insights about the Grow Appalachia program and sustainable rural development by sharing preliminary research results. It will also offer reflections and suggestions about collaborative approaches to research and program evaluation among academics and nonprofit organizations to show evaluation impacts on programmatic goals and strategic planning.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Elyzabeth (Elly) is a PhD Candidate in Rural Sociology and Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and the Environment at The Pennsylvania State University. Her research and teaching interests include sustainable community development, local and regional food systems, and environmental justice.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Candace Mullins lives in Berea, KY where she serves as the Associate Director of Grow Appalachia. Her work with GA addresses food insecurity in 7 states in central Appalachia--teaching families to grow food for themselves and for their communities.
Building Community Capacity, One Garden at a Time: A Collaborative Evaluation of the Grow Appalachia Program
Community-based gardening programs are well-documented for their positive impacts in addressing multiple dimensions of sustainable development, including improved food security, human and social capital, and environmental restoration. Yet research and resources are largely biased towards urban places. Therefore, this ongoing dissertation study has employed a sequential exploratory mixed methods approach to examine the efforts of community-based gardening programs in Central Appalachia, a rural environment that has experienced similar issues that impede sustainable development. Working with the Berea College-based Grow Appalachia initiative, this study uses key informant interviews, field observations, and population surveys of both program coordinators and participants to explore how community-based gardening programs might build rural capacities and for whom; the benefits and challenges associated with program function; and how these processes and outcomes are shaped by environmental and cultural conditions. This presentation will share insights about the Grow Appalachia program and sustainable rural development by sharing preliminary research results. It will also offer reflections and suggestions about collaborative approaches to research and program evaluation among academics and nonprofit organizations to show evaluation impacts on programmatic goals and strategic planning.
