EXTENSION REPORT

Evaluating the Non- market Values  of Community Gardening.

We all know that green is good, but how do you convert this green into cash without selling it? The notion of growing what you eat and eating what you grow is just one of the many benefits of community gardening.  But what is the economic value of urban gardening and how do you place a monetary value on your garden? Just imagine an investor wants to buy your half-acre community garden, to build a service station.  He has all the statistical figures required to persuade you that his investment is worth more than your community garden. He has documented that the store will create employment, earn money and provide convenience to the urban residence. Well, for a short moment you may think that your garden is worthless and has no value, but if you think beyond eating healthy fruits and vegetables, you may just surprise yourself. In this article, we will briefly discuss the non-use values, functions and methods used to put a dollar figure on urban green space.

Let’s look at the different reasons why communities may want to have an urban garden: The health benefits from the garden are tremendous; one of the causes of cancer and other ailments are chemical pesticides used. However, our urban garden is grown by its consumers who practice pesticide-free farming. Thus, the chances of getting sick from pesticides contaminated produce are greatly reduced. The indirect health benefit from this eating habit would reduce the cost associated with treating cancer or other ailments. This cost saving would then be attributed to urban gardening.  Economic saving from community gardening comes from its stress reducing ability and since stress weakens our immune system and predisposes us to diseases, we can therefore relate gardening with reduced doctor visits.

Community green space protects the environment and society by absorbing carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming and other associated health issues such as respiratory ailments.  There are methods used to calculate and sell carbon dioxide, although this is more applicable to forest it just shows how the carbon that plants absorb can be given a dollar figure. Beautification and green space increases property value and economic potential for communities. Studies have shown that gardens help reduce crime and violence by getting people engaged in planting and harvesting and away from devious activities.  I am sure urban residence would pay to reduce crime and violence in their neighborhood. Gardeners may want the garden for their children to plant, learn and socialize.  Others may be concerned with just the existence of the garden or for future generations to have the same opportunity they had.

These values and functions are used to develop an evaluation tool to convince decision makers that the community garden may be worth more than a service station. One survey method that is used to find out how much the community would pay to have the garden is  the  contingent valuation, where a sample of the community would be asked,” how much would they be willing to pay” for something? This questionnaire package will also include questions to reveal people`s interest and concerns on green space issues.  Another method used is the replacement cost; how much it would cost to replace the garden if it was lost due to diseases or weather incidents. The economic valuation will be determined by the respondents, the location of the garden, the type and amount of produce grown. For example: a community garden may be worth more in an urban community than in the rural community. The Non-market value evolved from your survey will then be added to the market value; the amount of money generated from selling garden produce. Though, difficult and time consuming this valuation method gives a good indication of how much money people would sacrifice for the amenity being valued. Finally, you are equipped with evidence of statistical and economic data indicating the cost of your community garden.

If you need additional information on this topic or other related topics, you are welcome to attend the  Risk Management Education Training Workshop at the Mobile County Extension Office, 1070 Schillinger Rd, N, Mobile, AL 36608.  Please contact Michael McIntyre, Urban Regional Extension Agent at 251-574-8445 or on his cell at 251-259-1265.

Upcoming Programs

            The Alabama Cooperative Extension System in conjunction with the Gulf Coast Resource Conservation & Development Council is offering two chainsaw safety seminars on August 16th in Mobile and August 18 th in Spanish Fort from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. For more information, contact the Baldwin County Extension Office.

Cost Sharing Programs for Timberland Owners Announced

            The Baldwin County Forestry Planning Committee and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System invite timberland owners to attend a seminar aimed at identifying and reviewing available cost sharing opportunities.

            The seminar will be on August 14, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the ALFA Building on Highway 59 in Robertsdale.  Please pre-register for the seminar by August 10 by calling the Baldwin County Extension Office at (251) 937-7176.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability