Food 4 Thought

Gardening

Food 4 Thought is an EU-funded project that aims to promote the practice of urban agriculture among young people. In the face of escalating climate challenges, urban agriculture is an urban phenomenon that citizens around the world use with a variety of benefits – from alleviating food insecurity to fostering community action.

As cities expand and global temperatures rise, the imperative to cultivate sustainable food systems becomes increasingly important and through the fusion of innovation and tradition, urban agriculture can play a pivotal role in fostering resilience, nurturing communities and mitigating the impacts of climate change in the urban environment.

By harnessing the potential of young people and equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, Food 4 Thought aims to facilitate the transformative shift towards greener and sustainable urban living.

Agriculture

The Project

Youth as Agents of Change

Empowering young people aged 18-30 to become catalysts for transformative change towards sustainable development.

Sustainable Food Systems

Harnessing organic farming methods and encouraging responsible consumption. Raising urban dwellers as stewards of the environment.

Collaboration for Urban Resilience

Establishing transnational connections among civil society, local authorities, experts etc. to strengthen collective response to climate change at the EU level.

Objectives

Food 4 Thought has curated a robust library of useful resources designed to bolster the endeavors of beginner urban gardeners and community champions. Drawing from extensive research conducted by six diverse organizations, Food 4 Thought assembled a comprehensive training package that explains the fundamental principles of gardening while delving into cutting-edge strategies for promoting urban agriculture in the digital age.

Central to the project’s mission is the cultivation of active citizenship and the fostering of youth entrepreneurship, which are pivotal in confronting the environmental challenges confronting urban landscapes today. 

Gardening
Gardening

Through activities such as seminars, video lessons, and engagement with experts and stakeholders, the project equips young people with the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable agriculture practices. By promoting urban agriculture and advocating for responsible consumption, the project encourages active participation in addressing environmental challenges and shaping resilient communities.

Leveraging digital platforms and innovative marketing strategies, the project facilitates the integration of technology into urban agriculture, making it more accessible and appealing to youth. Empowering young people to become agents of change, the project fosters social entrepreneurship by providing training and support for innovative solutions to food insecurity and environmental degradation in urban areas, thus contributing to improved food security and resilience for all.

7 Important facts about urban sustainability and agriculture

  1. According to the United Nations, over 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas, and this is projected to increase to 68% by 2050.

  2. By 2030, it is estimated that there will be 43 megacities worldwide, each with a population of over 10 million people.

  3. Urban areas account for approximately 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to energy consumption and transportation.

  4. Urban agriculture can contribute to food security by providing fresh, locally grown produce to urban populations, reducing reliance on long-distance food transportation.

  5. Studies have shown that urban agriculture can mitigate the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and enhance urban biodiversity by creating green spaces and habitats for wildlife.

  6. Urban agriculture initiatives often foster community engagement and social cohesion by providing opportunities for residents to connect with nature, learn new skills, and participate in shared food-growing activities.

  7. Research suggests that participation in urban agriculture can have positive social and psychological benefits, such as reducing stress, improving mental well-being, and increasing social capital within communities.

Results

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E-community of urban gardeners
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Agents of change across Europe
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New urban gardens across 6 European countries

What do experts say about Urban Agriculture

Urban Agriculture among young people

Open Learning Environment

  1. E-learning for promoting agricultural education and introducing young people to vegetable production.

  2. E-mapping for promoting best practices of engaging youth in agriculture at the EU level.

  3. E-skills assessment where young people will be able to assess their knowledge and skills.

  4. E-community in an online space where all participants can seek assistance from professionals in any related topic concerning agriculture practices, interact and influence their counterparts.

  5. “How to Grow” video tutorials that explain the process of growing vegetables from seeding to harvesting and in this way enhance skills and knowledge of farming in the urban environment.
Nature

Farmers in the city

  1. A programme with a series of workshops for young people involved in local agricultural activities by using the open learning platform.

  2. Young people will be encouraged to grow their own vegetables in their homes (rooftop, backyard, balcony) and private or common public spaces (schools, parks).

  3. Thirty young people will have the opportunity to exchange experiences and collaborate for the development of a community vegetable garden.

Partners

Geo Club

Geo Club Association is a Romanian NGO that was born from the passion of a few youngsters who wanted to take action. Our mission focuses on national and international networking among people of different nationalities, cultures and backgrounds.

Mundus Bulgaria is an NGO devoted to upbringing common civic values through encouraging educational opportunities for youth and adults. Mundus specialises in producing educational resources and carrying out trainings and events on a local and international basis.

Cefas

Ce.F.A.S. focuses on providing training, consultancy, and project management. Specializing in basic, professional, and on-the-job training, plus EU-funded projects. Committed to social inclusion with non-formal training for refugees and asylum seekers.

Connecting Dots

ConnectingDOTS is an NGO established in Nicosia, Cyprus. Its mission is to motivate and empower people to play a vital role in their own development as well as in that of their communities, especially in view of the digital and green transformations. 

Zamah

Zamah Foundation encourages sustainable development and philanthropy in local, often neglected communities in Croatia. It supports citizens’ initiatives in solving problems of their communities by empowering youth groups to take more active role.

aija

AJEA is a non-profit organisation, which aims to promote agriculture among youth and to provide agricultual education and training for youth. Our vision is to reduce youth unemployment, by upskilling them in the agriculture sector and providing them with the needed educational resources to be able to either work in the sector or manage their own agricultural enterprise.

Contacts

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