Abstract
Youth urban agriculture programs connect youth with nature and support positive youth development. In this qualitative study, we use photovoice to amplify youth voices and explore 16 high school youths’ perceptions of how participation in a youth gardening program supported their confidence, connection, and sense of belonging. Using qualitative thematic analysis of photos, posters, and interviews, we identify several program processes that supported confidence and belonging, including meaningful relationships with peers and adults, connections with nature, and relationships with more-than-human beings. Our analysis reveals that nature is an important context for youth development and that nature is also more than context—that youth can build meaningful relations with more-than-human beings. We connect our findings to literature on positive youth development, self-efficacy, and belonging and theorize that connections with nature, which are commonplace in gardening programs, are an important element that supports youth thriving. We encourage youth development practitioners to create opportunities for youth to connect with the more-than-human world.
Recommended Citation
Ortbahn, Casey; Hecht, Marijke; and Lekies, Kristi
(2026)
"Positive Youth Development and Connection with Nature through Urban Agriculture,"
Journal of Youth Development: Vol. 21:
Iss.
1, Article 10.
Available at:
https://open.clemson.edu/jyd/vol21/iss1/10
Included in
Child Psychology Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Community-Based Learning Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Leadership Studies Commons
