Measuring sustainability performance of local food production in home gardens

Abstract

The growing interests in “local food” in recent years in public discussions, research and practice highlight its significant importance as a part of overall food system. This research compares spatially local food production potential of home gardens in nine residential neighbourhood case studies with varying physical densities at a local scale using geographic information systems and mathematical methods. This paper develops a “local food energy model” for measuring sustainability potential of growing local food mainly vegetables in the home gardens. The outcomes indicate that potential of the home gardens in supplying vegetables demand as a share of total dietary energy would depend on the morphological characteristics of urban forms, total resident population, total food demand and other related factors. Local food production in the home gardens could meaningfully contribute towards building a sustainable food future.

Keywords:

• local food
• sustainability
• spatial analysis
• home gardens
• neighbourhood

Notes

On November 1, 2010, eight existing different local authorities merged to form a single Auckland City Council (Yellow pages Guide to Auckland 2012).