Vol. 2012 No. 1 (2012)

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Community Gardening and Mental Health Resilience in Zimbabwean Slums, Tanzania

Kasanga Makawa, University of Dar es Salaam Ndaye Nshuti, Department of Advanced Studies, University of Dar es Salaam Mashiwama Nyamwe, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) Chilufya Mwakumbwa, University of Dar es Salaam
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18945674
Published: September 12, 2012

Abstract

Community gardening initiatives have been recognised for their potential to enhance physical health and well-being in various settings. However, their impact on mental health resilience, particularly in vulnerable urban populations such as Zimbabwean slums in Tanzania, remains understudied. The study employed a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with participants (n=20) from four randomly selected communities. Data were collected over a period of six months, analysing themes related to gardening activities, community engagement, and psychological outcomes. Participants reported significant improvements in mental health scores following the introduction of community gardening initiatives, particularly noting enhanced sense of purpose and social connection within their neighborhoods. Community garden programmes show promise as a low-cost intervention for improving mental health resilience among urban slum dwellers. Findings suggest that fostering community engagement through shared activities can lead to positive psychological outcomes. Further research should focus on replicating these findings in diverse settings and evaluating the long-term sustainability of such initiatives. Policy makers could consider integrating community gardening into broader urban development strategies as a mental health support mechanism.

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How to Cite

Kasanga Makawa, Ndaye Nshuti, Mashiwama Nyamwe, Chilufya Mwakumbwa (2012). Community Gardening and Mental Health Resilience in Zimbabwean Slums, Tanzania. African Aging Psychology (Psychology), Vol. 2012 No. 1 (2012). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18945674

Keywords

African geographyresilience theorycommunity psychologyaction researchqualitative methodologymental health promotionsocial support networks

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Vol. 2012 No. 1 (2012)
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African Aging Psychology (Psychology)

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