Latino Research Seminar
| Date/Time: | Thursday, 24 Mar 2011 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Location: | 113 East Hall |
| Cost: | Free |
| URL: | http://www.soc.iastate.edu/index.html |
| Phone: | 515-294-6480 |
| Channel: | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
| Categories: | Diversity Lectures |
| Actions: | Download iCal/vCal | Email Reminder |
Abstract
Using the community capital framework, this study describes what makes it possible for Latinos to become gardeners and beginning farmers in two rural Iowa communities. Four in-depth interviews were carried out in Denison and four in Marshalltown with Latino/a gardeners and beginning farmers participating in community gardening and farming programs. I used participant observation in people's homes and garden plots to understand the meaning of gardening and farming among Latinos. Human, cultural, and social capitals are essential elements for Latino gardeners to succeed. The interaction between these three capitals mobilizes other community capitals to improve household well-being. These Latinos bring to their new gardening and farming their previous knowledge of agriculture, fresh food and how to cook it from their countries of origin and other parts of the U.S. Recommendations center on how to mobilize the most critical community capitals.
This series, initiated by a group of ISU faculty, staff, and graduate students, aims to bring together students and faculty members at Iowa State who are addressing issues and concerns that affect Latinos in Iowa.