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The Potential Use of Agroforestry Community Gardens as a Sustainable Import-Substitution Strategy for Enhancing Food Security in Subarctic Ontario, Canada

Author

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  • Nicole F. Spiegelaar

    (Department of Environment and Resource Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 1G3, Canada)

  • Leonard J.S. Tsuji

    (Department of Environment and Resource Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 1G3, Canada)

  • Maren Oelbermann

    (Department of Environment and Resource Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 1G3, Canada)

Abstract

The high prevalence of food insecurity experienced by northern First Nations partially results from dependence on an expensive import-based food system that typically lacks nutritional quality and further displaces traditional food systems. In the present study, the feasibility of import substitution by Agroforestry Community Gardens (AFCGs) as socio-ecologically and culturally sustainable means of enhancing food security was explored through a case study of Fort Albany First Nation in subarctic Ontario, Canada. Agroforestry is a diverse tree-crop agricultural system that has enhanced food security in the tropics and subtropics. Study sites were selected for long-term agroforestry research to compare Salix spp. (willow)-dominated AFCG plots to a “no tree” control plot in Fort Albany. Initial soil and vegetative analysis revealed a high capacity for all sites to support mixed produce with noted modifications, as well as potential competitive and beneficial willow-crop interactions. It is anticipated that inclusion of willow trees will enhance the long-term productive capacity of the AFCG test plots. As an adaptable and dynamic system, AFCGs have potential to act as a more reliable local agrarian system and a refuge for culturally significant plants in high-latitude First Nation socio-ecological systems, which are particularly vulnerable to rapid cultural, climatic, and ecological change.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicole F. Spiegelaar & Leonard J.S. Tsuji & Maren Oelbermann, 2013. "The Potential Use of Agroforestry Community Gardens as a Sustainable Import-Substitution Strategy for Enhancing Food Security in Subarctic Ontario, Canada," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 5(9), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:5:y:2013:i:9:p:4057-4075:d:28981
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anne Bellows & Michael Hamm, 2001. "Local autonomy and sustainable development: Testing import substitution in more localized food systems," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 18(3), pages 271-284, September.
    2. Ninez, Vera, 1987. "Household gardens: Theoretical and policy considerations," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 23(3), pages 167-186.
    3. Turtola, E. & Paajanen, A., 1995. "Influence of improved subsurface drainage on phosphorus losses and nitrogen leaching from a heavy clay soil," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 295-310, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dickson Mgangathweni Mazibuko & Hiroko Gono & Sarvesh Maskey & Hiromu Okazawa & Lameck Fiwa & Hidehiko Kikuno & Tetsu Sato, 2023. "The Sustainable Niche for Vegetable Production within the Contentious Sustainable Agriculture Discourse: Barriers, Opportunities and Future Approaches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-25, March.
    2. Francisco Tomatis & Monika Egerer & Adriana Correa-Guimaraes & Luis Manuel Navas-Gracia, 2023. "Urban Gardening in a Changing Climate: A Review of Effects, Responses and Adaptation Capacities for Cities," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-16, February.
    3. Alejandro Huertas Herrera & Mónica D. R. Toro-Manríquez & Cristian Lorenzo & María Vanessa Lencinas & Guillermo Martínez Pastur, 2023. "Perspectives on socio-ecological studies in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-14, December.
    4. Meaghan J. Wilton & Jim D. Karagatzides & Leonard J. S. Tsuji, 2017. "Nutrient Concentrations of Bush Bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivated in Subarctic Soils Managed with Intercropping and Willow ( Salix spp.) Agroforestry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-19, December.
    5. Christine D. Barbeau & Maren Oelbermann & Jim D. Karagatzides & Leonard J. S. Tsuji, 2015. "Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change: Producing Potatoes ( Solanum tuberosum L.) and Bush Beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for Improved Food Security and Resilience in a Canadian Subarctic First N," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(5), pages 1-18, May.
    6. Jim D. Karagatzides & Meaghan J. Wilton & Leonard J. S. Tsuji, 2021. "Soil Nutrient Supply in Cultivated Bush Bean–Potato Intercropping Grown in Subarctic Soil Managed with Agroforestry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-16, July.

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