Knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding sustainable gardening: a study among urban women homemakers in Lucknow, India
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This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of urban women homemakers in Lucknow regarding sustainable kitchen gardening. The research aims to understand the factors influencing the adoption of sustainable gardening practices and to identify barriers to their implementation. Using a self-structured questionnaire, data were collected from 125 respondents, revealing that the majority were middle-aged, post-graduate educated, full-time homemakers with moderate family incomes. Findings show that while 44% of respondents were somewhat familiar with sustainable gardening, composting was the most widely recognized practice. However, awareness of other sustainable practices, such as using drought-tolerant plants, remained limited. Most respondents had positive attitudes toward sustainable gardening, driven by personal interest rather than community or family traditions. Key challenges identified included space limitations, time constraints, and pest management, while water availability was not a significant concern. Notably, 76% of respondents had established kitchen gardens, with many relying on online resources and social media for information. Organic pest control was the most common practice, while techniques like companion planting were less prevalent. The study found significant correlations between socio-demographic factors, such as occupation and homeownership, with respondents’ understanding of sustainable gardening practices. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational initiatives and digital outreach to promote sustainable gardening practices, addressing barriers to further adoption among urban women in Lucknow.
Article highlights
Socioeconomic influence on gardening practices
The study reveals that middle-aged, educated, and married urban women homemakers with moderate income levels are more likely to adopt sustainable kitchen gardening. Factors such as homeownership and flexible schedules contribute to their active participation, highlighting the influence of socio-demographic stability on gardening adoption.
Knowledge gaps and adoption of sustainable practices
While 44% of respondents were moderately familiar with sustainable gardening, practices like composting were widely adopted, whereas techniques such as using drought-tolerant plants and companion planting were less common. This underscores the need for targeted educational interventions to bridge knowledge gaps and promote diverse sustainable practices.
Barriers and opportunities in promoting sustainability
Space limitations, time constraints, and pest management were identified as major barriers to sustainable kitchen gardening, despite positive attitudes and long-term engagement (76% of respondents had gardens for over six years). Leveraging digital platforms and social media as primary sources of information can play a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges and expanding outreach.
