Bio-urban allotment gardens for citizens with a priority for the unemployed
About this good practice
The bio-urban allotment gardens of the city Council of Valladolid are located at 4 sites of the city:
- South area in the neighborhood of Parque Alameda.
- East Zone in the neighborhood of Santos Pilarica.
- North Zone in the neighborhood of Barrio España or Valle de Aran.
- West Zone in the La Victoria neighbourhood or the Botanical Garden area.
Three of the four areas have 50 individual orchards, each one has an area of 50m2 and a community area from 500 to 800m2. This community plot is intended solely and exclusively for committed associations that must dedicate all their production to charitable purposes outside the channels of commercial distribution.
The fourth area has 33 individual plots, each with an area of approximately 50 m2.
The urban gardens are focused on people registered in the city of Valladolid and who are between 18 and 65 years old with a priority for unemployed people
People taking part in this initiative receive technical assistance from an Agricultural Engineer throughout the year and also have a monthly training activity focused on the seasonal moment in which the orchard is found. All of them can use the terrain and the watering system without a cost for the participants. People can use the plots for 2 years and to extend the use for another 2 years more.
Resources needed
- A land of variable extension.
- Individual water supply for each plot.
- A store for work clothes and tools to carry out the work.
- A free manure collection point to supply the plots.
- An area for the fraternization of users with tables and benches.
- Common tools (forks, rakes, hoes, shovels).
Evidence of success
The evolution of the project is positive. The first years the occupation of plots was of 50% and currently is of 100%.
Urban gardening offers psychological support to users as many of them were long-term unemployed and had depression. Thanks to contact with nature this state of mind was attenuated by favouring personal development and communication with other people in the same situation. They also enjoy fresh vegetables throughout the year that they could not afford.
Potential for learning or transfer
From a technical point of view, this model could be transferred to any region and communities. It is easy to install since in all cities there are empty plots that currently are out of use and could be put into operation by minimum costs for water supply.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.