NORTHEY STREET CITY FARM - Planning process & Sustainable Outcomes

NORTHE STREET CITY FARM BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

CITIZENS DEVELOPING PLANNED SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD Montserrat Delpino-Chamy

3 Through a selection of Australian case studies, this collection aims to present community-based planning processes and design techniques used by different groups of citizens in building new neighbourhoods, or improve existing ones, independent of governmental sponsorship.

• BOOK 1 - “Tools & Strategies”. The first book offers guidance to plan community-based processes, and methodological tools to assess design outcomes for sustainable neighbourhoods initiatives. Finally, it presents a review of the main strategies that led to achievement and failure in developing planned sustainable neighbourhoods, based on grassroots processes.

• BOOK 2 - “Christie Walk”. The second book summarized the analysis of an eco-city residential project located 1km from Adelaide CBD. • BOOK 3 - “Northey Street City Farm”. The third book covers the case of an urban farm located 12km from Brisbane CBD • BOOK 4 - “Currumbin Ecovillage”. The final book presents the result regarding a private development project located 7km from the Gold Coas.

This work is the result of a Research Project developed at the School of Geography, Planning & Environmental Management of the University of Queensland. The research was presented as final project to get the grade of Master in Urban and Regional Planning, in 2011, directed by the prof. Yusnani Mohd Yusof, with the support of the prof. Greg Brown.

ISBN: 978-956-401-818-8 May, 2020

INDEX NORTHEY STREET CITY FARM

5

COMMUNITY-BASED PLANNING PROCESS

6

SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES

8

Food & Farming 9 Medicine & Health 10 Education 11 Economy 12 Transport 14 Energy 15 Water 16 Housing 17 Governance 18 Natural Environment 19 Built environment & Sense of community 20 Density 21 RELATING SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES TO PLANNING PROCESS

22

NORTHEY STREET CITY FARM

12 kms

Figure 14 - Location Northey Street City Farm, Brisbane

Figure 15 – NSCF Aerial View

Northey Street City Farm (NSCF) is a 4ha urban farm located 12km from Brisbane CBD. Despite not being related to any residential use, the project has had positive impacts on the neighbourhood and city scale. These impacts include the generation of volunteer jobs, food production, and organic markets, as well as a role for the community as an educational centre promoting sustainable practices. Running since 1994, NSCF developed as a community project, welcoming visitors, students and volunteers.

The installations of the Farm include a kitchen area (the main gathering place of the community) (see Figure 13), a Nursery, an office building and public bathrooms - all designed under sustainable principles. The area is set out as per permaculture principles, generating food to feed the volunteers, and provide products to sell during the adjacent markets on Sundays. NSCF also performs as a cultural events and community centre; organising celebrations and community gatherings

5

COMMUNITY-BASED PLANNING PROCESS During a Rural Market organised by the City Council 17 years ago, a group of citizens participating in one of the workshops agreed to work together to develop an urban farm project in Brisbane. After a long period of searching for a site the local Council offered a 4ha flood land lot. This site, which had been previously developed, is located next to Enoggera Creek, north of the city (see Figure 9).

As a strategy to apply for local grants, the group decided to establish themselves as a legal Corporation. The process to define their community statues was developed following a flat organisational structure, encouraging community participation. The final idea of this group was:

“To create a working model of a cooperative, community based urban permaculture farm which demonstrates, promotes, educates and advocates for environmental and economic sustainability in a healthy, diverse and supportive community.� (NSCF, 2011)

Based on this aim, the original community-based organizational structure remains until today; residents and volunteers are involved periodically in decision-making meetings that take place under a mango tree after mornings work in the farm. These meetings help to developed capacity building and trust between members.

The close relationship and partnership between the corporation and Brisbane City Council (BCC) meant the NSCF was favoured in applications for grants, resulting in diversifying of activities in NSCF. One of the more significative outcomes was the modifica-

6

tion of the local regulatory framework, recognising urban farms as an alternative land use activity inside the city. As a consequence of this, the lease between BCC and NSCF was formalised, allowing NSCF to diversify its economic strategies celebrating weekly organic markets and promoting social enterprise projects (Village Life). Another benefit of this partnership has been the possibility to develop governmental social programs within the farm. Activities such as “Planting for Pizzas” and “The Green Army” have provide recreational and payed opportunities for local citizens, while increasing human resources associated with maintenance activities in the farm.

After 12 years the corporation has grown enough to provide employment for 6 people on part-time bases, beside casual appointments. Currently the organization of the Farm is managed under planning groups, including an Operations Coordinator who is also in charge of applying for external grants.

As declared by one of the founders, the secret of the success has been keeping the project loyal to its original objectives. However, interviewers identified difficulties on the process. According to the Operations Coordinator of NSCF:

“The flat organisational structure is both, the strength and weakness of the Farm”.

Time, social capital and consensus are required to achieve agreement. In order to improve these dynamics decision-making workshops are planned to be implemented between members and key volunteers in the short-term.

7

SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES As a result of the interviews conducted in Northey Street City Farm with one of the founders of the project, the Operations Coordinator, the Financial Manager, community members; the participatory work of the researcher as a volunteer in the Farm, direct observations and archival records; this analysis presents findings regarding actions and design techniques used by citizens to achieve sustainable outcomes regarding this case study.

The analysis is based on the Characteristics of Sustainable Neighbourhoods as described in the “Tool to assess sustainable neighborhood projects” presented in Book 1 of this collection, called “Citizens developing planned sustainable neighbourhoods - Tools & Strategies”.

Figure 16 - Northey Street City Farm logo

8

Figure 17 - Kitchen and community area

Food and Farming NSCF has developed 4ha of small-scale agriculture land. Being located in an accessible position inside a consolidated neighbourhood, the Farm enjoys a favourable location to celebrate organic markets every Sunday morning.

Table 16 - Northey Street - Food and Farming Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / TECHNIQUE DESIGN

MPLEM. LEVEL

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

Food and farming

PROMOTE LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION

• home gardens and small-scale agriculture

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

The whole project is a farm

• • • Urban Market Gardens

PROMOTE HEALTHY EATING

• Food shops and cafes being in close proximity to where people live.

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Organic Markets every Sunday morning connect farm production with other local enterprises and neighbours

The farm is linked to a consolidated neighbourhood

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

9

Medicine and Health By being open to involve volunteers in the farming activities, NSCF encourages participation in physical activities and healthy lifestyles. The farms kitchen works daily providing free food to volunteers. The Chai Cafe run together with the Organic Markets, are popular activities providing access to healthy food for local people. Periodically, cultural activities are also celebrated.

Table 16 - Northey Street - Medicine and Health Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / TECHNIQUE DESIGN

Medicine and health

CONTRIBUTE AND PROMOTE THE CONCEPT OF ‘HEALTHY LIFESTYLES’

• Encourage participation in sport and recreation, art, culture and heritage opportunities

MPLEM. LEVEL

1 2 3 4 5

PLANNING IMPORT.

L M H

• • Access to healthy food

10

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

OBSERVATIONS Gardening is an active occupation. The farm also organises especial cultural events.

Volunteers Kitchen, Chai Cafe and markets, offer food for volunteers and local people

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

Education NSCF is a wide urban spot for biodiversity. Besides gardening activities it also includes a reforestation area next to the river. In this context, environmental education plays a fundamental role. The project includes an educational centre where permaculture and sustainability courses (such as the formation of BCC’s “Green Army”), are constantly offered. The farm also shares knowledge between volunteers and local neighbours related to the practice of urban farming Table 17 - Northey Street - Education Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / TECHNIQUE DESIGN

IMPLEM. LEVEL

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

Education

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS

• Promote participation in biodiversity conservation activities

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Throughout farming and conservation land uses

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Education is one of their main activities. Ex. Permaculture Courses, Green Army

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Increase awareness and promote, education for sustainable development

• Presence of schools

REINFORCE LIFELONG LEARNING ALTERNATIVES

• Promote and support opportunities to participate in lifelong learning for everyone

The project includes an educational centre as well as different types of environmental courses

The Farm shares knowledge between volunteers and neighbours about gardening and sustainable practices

• Teaching sustainable skills 1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

11

Economy NSCF counts the nursery, organic markets, chai cafe and education centre as its main economic inputs. With these strategies the project has generated 6 part-time paid jobs, and 7 temporary job opportunities for teachers and environmental experts. Without considering the positive economic externalities of the market activity, NSCF promotes local economy and supports business opportunities in the environment sector. The Farm relies highly on volunteer participation, offering them knowledge and access to telephone and internet. The strategic location of the project has facilitates the visit and involvement of a wide number of citizens

12

Table 18 - Northey Street - Economy Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / TECHNIQUE DESIGN

Economy

PROMOTE A DIVERSE AND LOCAL ECONOMY

• Provide satisfying and fairly paid work, with opportunities for the local workforce, including training

IMPLEM. LEVEL

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

6 persons work under part-time bases, and temporary jobs are generated for teachers and environmental experts.

• Offer opportunities for voluntary and unpaid work

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

The farm highly relies on volunteer’s involvement.

• Use local goods and services wherever possible

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Businesses own by local people

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Provide or support busi1 2 3 4 5 ness opportunities in the environment sector

L M H

• Incorporate good environmental management practices

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Food shops and cafes being in close proximity to where people live.

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Telephone and high speed internet

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

The farm generates and promotes local goods consumption, as well as the support of local businesses related with good environmental practices.

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

13

Transport NSCF is located next to a bus stop, facilitating accessibility through the public transport system. The farm also offers parking for bicycles and encourages bicycle transport use. However, car sharing programs are not been implemented between visitors and volunteers.

Table 19 - Northey Street - Transport Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / TECHNIQUE DESIGN

Transport

PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION TO ACCESS DAILY NEEDS

• Improve facilities and conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users

DIVERSITY OF LAND USE. LOCATING JOBS, SERVICES, SCHOOLS AND SHOPS CLOSE TO WHERE PEOPLE LIVE

14

IMPLEM. LEVEL

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Bikes infrastructure and promotion

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Not officially implemented

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Do not apply

• • Including more efficient use of the car eg car-sharing, private vehicles powered by renewable fuels • Promoting density around hubs

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

Energy A project to include solar panels in the new office building has been presented, and still waiting on grants for implementation.

Table 20 - Northey Street - Energy Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / TECHNIQUE DESIGN

IMPLEM. LEVEL

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

Energy

ENERGY EFFICIENT

• Promotion of renewable energy sources

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

The office building had been design under highly sustainable principles.

Solar panels are expected to be installed.

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Reduction in energy consumption

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

15

Water Water is an important aspect of Urban Farming functioning. In NSCF the grey water generated by the kitchen is reused for watering gardens. Permaculture principles have also been considered in the design of the gardens, modifying ground relief to generate natural water collectors. In addition, rainwater tanks had been included in the design of the office building.

Table 21 - Northey Street - Water Design Techniques PLANNING

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / TECHNIQUE DESIGN

IMPLEM. LEVEL

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

Water

WATER CONSUMPTION IS NOT FASTER THAN THE RATIO IT CAN BE NATURALLY REPLENISHED

• Recycled grey water

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Grey water of the kitchen is used for gardening

• Reduce household water consumption (restriction on watering of gardens, promote dual-flush toilets, lowflow shower heads)

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

DOMAIN

MORE EFFICIENT USE OF WATER

• Reduce water landscape 1 2 3 4 5 consumption with native plants

16

L M H

• Design of arterials and collectors streetscapes and parkways

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Collect rainwater

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Do not apply

Some native plants are used, but the farming activity limits this practice

Most areas are designed following permaculture principles to promote an efficient use of water.

The office building has been supplied with water tanks.

Housing The farm has built an office building with the support of a local government grant. Its design follows bioclimatic principles providing natural light and ventilation. A green roof has been proposed, although not yet implemented.

Table 22 - Northey Street - Housing Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / TECHNIQUE DESIGN

IMPLEM. LEVEL

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

Housing

SAFE, AFFORDABLE AND RESOURCE EFFICIENT HOUSES

• Wide range of houses types and prices

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Do not apply

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

The office building had been design under highly sustainable principles

• reuse of building materials;

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Compact housing

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Green roofs

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION

• • Bioclimatic design (solar access; indoor air quality and ventilation to minimise the need for air conditioning)

Do not apply

Planned but not included

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

17

Governance NSCF organises itself under a flat structure, where managers and volunteers have the same power. This highly inclusive and democratic approach promotes participation and involvement.

Information channels are based on murals and personal communication. Formal and informal meetings are constantly celebrated under the mango tree and in the office building to discuss management and development issues. Throughout the partnership with BCC, the farm has implemented a special program to include disabled people in their gardening activities.

Table 23 - Northey Street - Governance Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / TECHNIQUE DESIGN

Governance

COMMUNITY CO-OPERATION, COLLABORATION AND CONSENSUS

• Citizens become informed and involved in decision-making

HIGH LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNANCE: NEIGHBOURHOOD, CITY AND REGION

18

IMPLEM. LEVEL

PLANNING IMPORT.

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

OBSERVATIONS The Farm works following a Flat-structure for decision making processes

• • Equality of access to information by communicating in different ways • Take into account the needs of special groups

Information channels are based on murals and personal communication.

The partnership with City Council helps them to include disable people in their gardening activities.

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

Natural Environment By being planned without fences the farm appears as both a productive area and a recreational space to be enjoyed by any member of the urban community. Native reforestation areas, such as the one developed by the river, offer recreational places to enjoy strolls and contact with nature. Its proximity to other open spaces helps generate a green corridor by the river.

Table 24 - Northey Street - Natural Environment Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

Natural Environment

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / TECHNIQUE DESIGN

IMPLEM. LEVEL

PLANNING IMPORT.

PEOPLE ACKNOWLEDGE THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF ALL LIFE, PUT THE NEEDS OF THE ECOSYSTEMS AND THE HUMAN SPIRIT ABOVE SPECIAL INTERESTS

• Include a network of open spaces consisting of both natural land and constructed public realm (“the lungs of the community”).

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

CONSERVE, ENHANCE AND ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO ENJOY THE CHARACTERISTIC LANDSCAPE

• Increase land conservation

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

OBSERVATIONS

The Farm has been projected without fences, allowing any citizen to visit it day and night. It also includes a native reforestation area by the river.

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

19

Built environment and Sense of community NSCF has successfully developed built environment that promote social interactions and generates a strong sense of community.

Shared activities such as gardening and cooking, as well as the celebration of weekly markets, promote physical activities and contact between citizens. The social network of the farm has built itself throughout periodical meeting under the mango tree, being recognised as the ‘core’ of the project. Built on previously developed land, NSCF has privileged accessibility to the urban network.

Table 25 - Northey Street - Built Environment / Sense of Community Design Techniques PLANNING

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / TECHNIQUE DESIGN

Built Environment – Sense of Community

PEOPLE HONOUR AND UPHOLD THE WELL-BEING OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY

• Shops, services and other destinations can encourage physical activity, social interaction and conviviality.

DOMAIN

ENSURE A ‘SENSE OF COMMUNITY’ AND NEIGHBOURHOOD FACILITATE SOCIAL INTERACTIONS

ENSURE SAFETY COMMUNITY SPACES. MINIMISE CRIME AND PROMOTE COMMUNITY SAFETY

20

• Community Spaces (both outdoor and indoor) for recreation and social interaction

• Homes and services easily accessible by active transportation modes

IMPLEM. LEVEL

1 2 3 4 5

PLANNING IMPORT.

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

OBSERVATIONS

Gardening, cooking activities and markets are based on community work and involvement

The kitchen, tables under the mango tree, and recently the area generated by the office building are meeting points for social interaction.

Accessible location.

PLANNING

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / TECHNIQUE DESIGN

IMPLEM. LEVEL

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

Built Environment – Sense of Community

PROTECT LOCAL HERITAGE AND PROMOTE LOCAL DIVERSITY AND DISTINCTIVENESS

• High density around transportation corridors

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Do not apply

• Mixed land use programs

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Do not apply

• Make use of previously developed land (‘PDL’) or vacant buildings rather than green field sites

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

DOMAIN

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

Density Table 26 - Northey Street - Density Design Techniques PLANNING

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / TECHNIQUE DESIGN

IMPLEM. LEVEL

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

Density

STABLE POPULATION, WITHIN THE CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE LAND

• Compact developments

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Do not apply

DOMAIN

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

21

RELATING SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES TO PLANNING PROCESS

In order to identify the key strategies associated to the development of Northey Street City Farm, this section relates the main sustainable outcomes of the project with the planning processes used for its implementation, recognizing which elements of the planning process have affected the levels of implementation of the actions and design techniques associated to each one of the planning domains described in Table 16 to Table 26.

Food & Farming

Medicine & Health

22

In relation to Food and Farming (Table 16), the strategy of working on previously developed land next to Enoggera Creek allowed locating the farm close to where people live. The study of the community-based planning process showed that the availability of this property was directly related with the partnership established with BCC from the beginning. With time, this support generated the recognition of urban farms as an alternative land use within the urban area, formalising the lease over the property and facilitating the celebration of weekly organic Urban Markets (see Figure 18) within the farm.

Medicine and Health (Table 17) presents good sustainable outcomes by offering food activities, such as organic markets and daily lunches, and additional recreational, artistic and cultural events.

These can be developed through a good organisational structure base on planning teams, and the usual sponsorship of governmental institutions.

Education (Table 18) achieved positive outcomes by engaging volunteers in gardening activities. This strategy allowed for opportunities to participate in biodiversity conservation and increase awareness in sustainable development (communities growing their own food) while teaching sustainable gardening skills. These practices have been complemented with the development of an educational centre offering life-long learning cour ses (see Figure 19), some of which were established in partnership with BCC (such as the ‘Green Army’ program).

Sustainable achievements regarding Economy (Table 19) were attained by recognising the strengths of the project to diversify business opportunities. The farming activities allowed the implementation of organic markets, nursery and the use of the community kitchen as a commercial café on weekends. These practices in conjugation with educational courses, are generating enough income to employ 6 people on part-time basis. These staff are in charge of managing the functioning of the Farm, while continually applying for external grants - generating a mixture between internal and external resources.

Figure 18 – NSCF’s organic market

Education

Economy

Figure 19 - Educational Activities

23

Transportation

Energy

Water

Housing

Governance

24

Transportation outcomes (Table 20) are strengthen by the Farm’s location, but diminished by the absence of car sharing programs.

Energy (Table 21) appears as a weak sustainable outcome. Even though renewable energy systems have been incorporated into the design, there are still not enough resources for its implementation.

In contrast, the Water (Table 22) planning domain presents good achievement. By taking advantage of community member’s knowledge and educational programs, the Farm generates technical assessments based on permaculture principles before the implementation of a new project. This allows a more efficient use of resources. Greywater and rainwater are recycled and employed in certain gardens.

Regarding Housing sustainable outcomes (Table 23), the involvement of an external consultant and governmental grants have allowed the development of the office building with bioclimatic design and recycled materials. The green roof proposed has still not implemented due to the lack of financial resources.

Governance (Table 24) has been based on a flat-organisational structure. This model has been implemented since the beginning of the project and remains until now, promoting high involvement of members in the decision-making process. Communication between participants happens throughout periodical meetings under the mango tree, next to the farm kitchen (see Figure 21).

However the absence of other means of communication between NSCF members, makes difficult certain aspects of the decision-making process, generating a slow implementation of new ideas.

The Natural Environment (Table 25) planning domain appears to be well implemented. It is part of the flood area close to Enoggera Creek and has been zoned for conservation purposes.

Natural Environment

Finally, Built Environment and Sense of Community presented outstanding sustainable achievements (Table 26). This was made possible by the availability of previously developed land (PDL) offered by Brisbane City Council. Planning for diverse Built Environment & activities (kitchen, office building, market garden, bathrooms, and Sense of Community nursery) connected through a pedestrian network inside the farm promotes physical activities and social interactions.

Figure 20 - Economic activities of NSCF

Figure 21 - Community Meeting place under the mango tree

25

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To my teacher Yusnani Mohd Yusof, for her support, trust and guidance. To the prof. Greg Brown, for its methodological rigor, and encouraging me to explore both the campus and the country.

To all the teams and volunteers of Northey Street City Farm, who taught me about growing plants and communities.

26

27

HTRON TEERTS YTIC MRAF 28

3