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Public Food Trees’ Usage and Perception, and Their Potential for Participatory Edible Cities: A Case Study in Birjand, Iran

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  • Juliette Colinas

    (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada)

  • Francesca Ugolini

    (Institute of Bioeconomy (IBE), National Research Council, 50145 Florence, Italy)

  • Mohammad Reza Khalilnezhad

    (Faculty of Arts, University of Birjand, Birjand City 9717434765, Iran)

Abstract

Public food trees are increasingly popular among researchers, urban planners, and citizens for their diversity of social, provisional, and environmental benefits. However, more research is needed to determine how to overcome their barriers. Here we used a qualitative approach to explore the usage and perception of public fruit trees and attitudes towards public usage and participation in two urban green spaces harboring fruit trees in Birjand, Iran: Tohid Park and Akbarieh Garden. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve visitors to both spaces, four administrators, and eight workers. Almost all visitors had great personal experience and interest in picking fruit; nevertheless, usage in these green spaces was low, partly due to social norms. Almost all visitors appreciated the public fruit trees for the diverse pleasures that they provide (sensory, emotional, cognitive, experiential, social). Ten also had a high interest in participating in their management, especially in Tohid Park due to its greater social impact. Education and access limitation were suggested by some as important to reduce tree damage and maximize production. Our findings expand our understanding of how citizens relate to public urban fruit trees and can be involved in co-management schemes, thereby contributing to building smart and participatory edible cities.

Suggested Citation

  • Juliette Colinas & Francesca Ugolini & Mohammad Reza Khalilnezhad, 2024. "Public Food Trees’ Usage and Perception, and Their Potential for Participatory Edible Cities: A Case Study in Birjand, Iran," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-23, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:19:p:8498-:d:1488972
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hajzeri, Arlinda & Kwadwo, Victor Osei, 2019. "Investigating integration of edible plants in urban open spaces: Evaluation of policy challenges and successes of implementation," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 43-48.
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    3. Anna Gregis & Chiara Ghisalberti & Savino Sciascia & Francesco Sottile & Cristiana Peano, 2021. "Community Garden Initiatives Addressing Health and Well-Being Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Infodemiology Aspects, Outcomes, and Target Populations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-12, February.
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