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The Impact of Urban Allotment Gardens on Physical and Mental Health in Norway

Author

Listed:
  • Mari Johnsrud

    (Department of Health and Exercise, School of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, 0107 Oslo, Norway)

  • Ursula Småland Goth

    (NLA University College, Campus Oslo, 0103 Oslo, Norway)

  • Hilde Skjerve

    (Department of Health and Exercise, School of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, 0107 Oslo, Norway)

Abstract

In Norway, many communities offer low-rent plots of land on which city dwellers can build summer cottages and grow crops. These allotment gardens serve as recreational escapes from urban life. However, little is known about the impact these gardens have on their members. This study attempts to shed light on today’s impact of allotment gardens in a public health setting in Norway. The study was based on 17 semi-structured interviews and 2 in-depth interviews with allotment house owners. Informants were mainly recruited by “snowball sampling”. Our data show that maintaining an allotment promotes exercise and provides a positive impact on self-perceived well-being and physical health through outdoor activities. Spending time in the garden contributes to new knowledge and experiences. Owning an allotment garden has provided new knowledge, new skills, new hobbies, and thereby an improvement in lifestyle. The allotment garden has a strong impact on perceived health, well-being, and sense of coherence (SOC) for the individuals. It promotes outdoor activities along with social interaction and can prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Suggested Citation

  • Mari Johnsrud & Ursula Småland Goth & Hilde Skjerve, 2024. "The Impact of Urban Allotment Gardens on Physical and Mental Health in Norway," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(6), pages 1-8, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:6:p:720-:d:1406808
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daisuke Machida, 2019. "Relationship between Community or Home Gardening and Health of the Elderly: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey in Japan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-15, April.
    2. André Hajek & Hans-Helmut König, 2019. "Self-Rated Health and Social Exclusion: Does Gardening Moderate This Relation? Evidence from the German Ageing Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-8, May.
    3. Litt, J.S. & Soobader, M.-J. & Turbin, M.S. & Hale, J.W. & Buchenau, M. & Marshall, J.A., 2011. "The influence of social involvement, neighborhood aesthetics, and community garden participation on fruit and vegetable consumption," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(8), pages 1466-1473.
    4. Masashi Soga & Daniel T. C. Cox & Yuichi Yamaura & Kevin J. Gaston & Kiyo Kurisu & Keisuke Hanaki, 2017. "Health Benefits of Urban Allotment Gardening: Improved Physical and Psychological Well-Being and Social Integration," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, January.
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