Community gardens and the social solidarity economy

Although research has demonstrated the ecological, public health and food security benefits of community gardens, few studies have considered community gardens in relation to a broader social solidarity economy (SSE), that is, inter-community networks wherein people develop commitments to building just and equitable economic alternatives. In employing a thematic analysis on triangulated data (collected via an interview, participant observation, and a participatory film), the present case study explores how a community gardener from a low-income South African community engages with his community’s SSE. We analyse how this community garden fostered solidarity and established alternative micro-economic practices. We also consider the challenges facing community gardens when connecting with the SSE. By way of conclusion, we emphasise the importance of taking a critical, broad-based view of the SSE within research, and how case studies can assist us in understanding the various influences that SSE initiatives can have within and across communities.