Global Gardens Research: A Connection to the Land

A research team from Boise State University is studying the ecological knowledge of Boise farmers from refugee backgrounds and learning how they adapted to farming in a new location. The project will bring more understanding of how Global Gardens farmers are using knowledge from their home countries here in Boise and contributing to the local food scene and farming techniques.

Hear from two of the student researchers on the project: Alice Mwamba – a nursing major and former refugee from the DRC – and Maci Mattravers, an ethnic studies major from Boise. Both are sophomores with minors in refugee studies.

Also joining the conversation is professor and researcher Lisa Meierotto, Boise State Global Studies Program Lead. Hear more from Lisa on global trends and perspectives on episode 39.

Join the research team in February at Boise State for a community event to share in the results of the project. And check out Global Gardens for seasonal produce!

The title of the research project is: Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Communities: A Study of the Social, Ecological, and Economic Factors Shaping Experiences of Global Gardens Farmers

It is funded by Boise State Resource Nexus for Sustainability Grand Challenges

Participants:

Dr. Rebecca Som Castellano is the principal investigator.
Ben Brock, Program Manager, Global Gardens
Deanna Dupuy, City Design Manager, Planning and Development Services, City of Boise
Dr. Kelly Hopping, Assistant Professor, Human-Environment Systems, Boise State University
Dr. Lisa Meierotto, Associate Professor, School of Public Service, Boise State University
Oliver Nsabimana, Farm Manager, Global Gardens
Dr. Rebecca L. Som Castellano, Professor, Sociology, Boise State University
Dr. Laura Villegas-Ortiz, Economist, Boise State University Affiliate

A public event featuring the research will be held at Boise State during the Spring 2025 semester. Stay tuned!

Show Notes

Other Episodes

Episode 48

Run for Refugees: Uniting for Welcome

Episode 26

Moses Mukengezi: ‘I am more than a refugee, but it’s also part of me’

Episode 46

Displaced for her Baha'i faith, Mona Heern holds on to joy