Original Research

Disability-inclusive community development: A case of a community garden in Limpopo province in South Africa

Brian Tigere, Theresa Moyo
African Journal of Disability | Vol 11 | a850 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v11i0.850 | © 2022 Brian Tigere, Theresa Moyo | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 09 February 2021 | Published: 06 January 2022

About the author(s)

Brian Tigere, Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, Faculty of Management and Law, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
Theresa Moyo, Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, Faculty of Management and Law, University of Limpopo, Polokwane

Abstract

Background: Persons with disabilities living in rural areas are marginalised and excluded in most developmental initiatives in South Africa. They face many economic, political and social problems; hence, improving their quality of life is a daunting and challenging task which needs interventions from both the state and non-governmental stakeholders.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the role played by community gardens in rural Limpopo province in uplifting the lives of persons living with disabilities as well as their communities as a whole. Its main objectives were to assess the social and economic benefits they have provided to this group of people.

Method: A qualitative research design was used for this study. Twenty-one participants were identified through purposive sampling. They were made up of people with disabilities, officials from Departments of Agriculture and Social Development. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data which was analysed thematically.

Results: Key results were that community gardens have contributed to the economic and social well-being of persons with disabilities. They have assisted them with income to supplement their social grants. They also created jobs for their members and contributed to improved livelihoods of their families.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that people with disabilities are capable people who, if given the necessary support, can transform their livelihoods both socially and economically. The study recommends that a disability access audit be conducted to resolve the accessibility challenges of the garden.


Keywords

disability-inclusive community development; persons living with disabilities; community development; community gardens; disability and development; livelihoods; accessibility

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Crossref Citations

1. The role of community gardens in achieving UNSDG 11, Target 7: safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces
Joanne Dolley, Michael Howes
Australian Planner  first page: 1  year: 2024  
doi: 10.1080/07293682.2024.2421176