We identified a gap, not only in culturally appropriate supports for Africans but also in data that tells the stories and experiences of our community. The Canadian Income Survey identified that in 2023, more than one out of every three Black Canadians is from a food-insecure household. Until now, no prior research has worked with African immigrants in Alberta on this topic, leaving our voices and experiences marginalized in policy discussions on improving health outcomes. 

This is why we partnered with Mitacs and University of Alberta public health researchers to launch the Growing Roots project, a transformative study exploring cultural food security and the role of collective community gardening. 

The percentage of visible minorities experiencing food insecurity is high, as shown in Figure 1. This includes people who are unable to access cultural foods. Since having access to safe, nutritious food is a cornerstone of health, evidence-based programs are urgently needed. Sinkunia Community Development Organization teamed up with researchers from the University of Alberta School of Public Health, graduate student Destiny Otoadese, and associate professor Elizabeth Onyango. The project received funding support from Mitacs Canada and the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security. This ongoing partnership was grounded in community-based participatory research.

Understanding Food Insecurity Through An Afrocentric Lens

Figure 2: Growth of the Black populations in Canada, 1996 to 2021. Culled from Statists Canada

The Black population in Canada has grown, and the fastest-growing Black population has been identified in the Prairies as shown in Figure 2. The Black population in Alberta also increased from 24,665 in 1996 to 129,390 in 2016, and reached 177,945 by 2021. Most are recent immigrants. The Growing Roots project launched in 2023 with 3 objectives: (1) to determine the prevalence of general and cultural food insecurity among Black African immigrants in Edmonton, Alberta (2) to explore the role of collective community gardens in meeting their cultural food needs and supporting health outcomes, and (3) to identify the barriers and facilitators to engaging in shared gardening spaces. The methods were informed by the Afrocentric lens, a framework that centers Black African experiences and ways of knowing in research. 

Cultural Food Insecurity: A Snapshot of The Study Findings

3 out of 4 participants experienced food insecurity in their household, meaning they struggled to access enough food. Regarding access to cultural foods, a higher number of people (4 out of 5 participants) reported the same. The numbers reflect real everyday struggles. Imagine worrying about how to afford a meal, or having to skip meals in your household because the foods available don’t align with your cultural and religious values. 

Cultivating Seeds of Sovereignty and Connection

Picture a garden bursting with vibrant greens: tomatoes, okra, and molokai, where families and friends laugh, share stories, and reconnect to their roots. For our community members, such spaces represent more than a source of fresh vegetables; they have transformed into hubs of meaningful relationships and mutual learning. The following themes emerged from the interviews and Afrocentric sharing circles: growing cultural foods to reclaim food sovereignty, passing down traditions to children, building bridges across diverse African cultures, and nurturing physical and mental health through gardening.

Uncovering Barriers to Engagement 

While the facilitators of engagement in collective community gardening emerged, the study also uncovered significant barriers that limit participation of the broader community. For instance, many participants had multiple jobs, leaving little time for gardening, while others struggled to grow tropical vegetables in Alberta’s cold climate.

Sharing knowledge, Inspiring Action

The Growing Roots project has culminated in sharing our work with a wider audience, including academics, policymakers, and community organizations, contributing to the growing body of evidence on community-driven initiatives addressing cultural food security.  The study suggests the need for more inclusive garden infrastructure, innovative greenhouses to extend growing seasons, and participatory governance and evaluation models that support cultural representation.

Join Us in Growing a Stronger Future Together

We are committed to expanding our resources, ensuring that every African immigrant in Alberta has access to the foods and spaces that make them feel at home.. You are invited to learn more about our work by visiting our website. Together, we can plant the seeds for a healthier, more connected future. 

Research Team