Mainstreaming ‘Grow Your Own’ As a Tool for Social Change : A Study On Own Food Growers, Their Practice’s Impact, and its Communication

Abstract: For a more equal, just, and sustainable society to emerge, much of the human population will have to change some of its paradigms and consequently behaviour in one way or another.  While part of society will need to learn how to live without unsustainable conveniences and control unconscious consumption, others will need to adapt their capabilities to deal with the effects of climate change. The urgency of the current environmental and humanitarian crises combined are forcing society to explore alternative solutions to such problems.  Some post-development scholars and agencies are also looking at the role of grassroots movements, such as degrowth, self-sufficiency and permaculture, to replace obsolete practices. This research is based on these post-development thoughts which, among other things, argues that less consumption in the industrialised world, facilitated by grassroots local actions, and learning from the epistemology of the South, is more effective in addressing inequalities and contribute to beneficial change in the world than traditional practices. This thesis examined who is part of the ‘grow your own’ community, how it is practiced, motivations and the impact growing your own food can have.  It also attempted to analyse the promotion of ‘grow your own’ as a contributor to tackle the excessive consumerism of the more affluent as well as a contributor to improve food security for the more deprived, in both, the Global South and North. The main methodology used to collect primary quantitative and qualitative data was surveys.  The data was analysed via a mixed approach, mainly using descriptive statistics and content analysis. This study found that most growers were based in the UK and above 50 years old.  The most popular produce were fruits, herbs, and tomatoes.  The main motivations to grow were, to buy less from shops, save money and eat more seasonal, local and organic food.  The main practice dissemination was word of mouth with some use of social media.  This research found that a local authority intervention in providing free plants to community groups in Bristol had a huge impact and the scheme expanded 66% over three years.