Building transformative capacity through the use and production of edible landscapes: A case-study of urban agriculture projects in the context of sustainability transformations

Abstract

The need to address the current socio-ecological crisis through transformative responses has increasingly been recognized and encouraged. The aim of this thesis has therefore been to explore how the collective use and production of urban edible landscapes can strengthen transformative capacities that are needed to initiate sustainable transformations. The research was conducted using a qualitative case study approach, consisting of two units: the edible city Andernach in Germany, and the housing cooperative Bertramjordet in Oslo, Norway. Two key aspects of transformative capacity have been examined. First, the development of social relations through social interaction, social networks, and sense of place attachment. Secondly, the development of various types of human-nature connections. The findings from the study suggest that the collective use and production of urban edible landscapes can strengthen both social relations and human-nature connections. However, the development of these relations is a complex process and varies according to structure and organization of such projects. The findings from the study particularly highlight the multi-scalar and relational characteristics of transformative capacity. In conclusion, both policy makers and researchers are therefore encouraged to increase their attention to the scalar dimensions of transformative capacity.