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!