Cả xóm chung tay biến bãi rác thành vườn rau xanh mát | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Nông nghiệp đô thị (Urban Agriculture): The practice of cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas.
• Mảng xanh (Green Space): Areas of vegetation within urban environments, contributing to ecological health and community well-being.
• Đất bỏ hoang (Abandoned Land): Land previously used but left unused, often degraded or contaminated.
• Cộng đồng (Community): A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
• Tự lực cánh sinh (Self-reliance): Relying on one's own power and resources.

From Wasteland to Community Garden: A Transformation in Ho Chi Minh City

This report details the remarkable transformation of a 400 m² plot of abandoned land in Ho Chi Minh City into a thriving community garden, providing free produce and fostering social cohesion. The project exemplifies a successful application of urban agriculture principles to address food security, environmental concerns, and community well-being.

The Initial State & Community Effort

Initially, the land was a neglected space, characterized by waste, weeds, and even discarded needles ("kim tim"). It was previously designated for a rabbit farm ("nhà thỏ") but was left in disrepair after demolition, becoming a haven for drug users ("mấy cái đám xì ke"). The transformation was driven by the collective effort of local residents. Individuals contributed both financially ("người có tiền góp tiền") and physically ("người có sức góp sức") to clear the debris, improve the soil, and establish the garden. The process was described as difficult, requiring significant labor to remove the waste and add fertile soil. A key motivation was to provide fresh vegetables ("rau") to impoverished women in the area, offering a source of healthy food.

Garden Produce & Community Benefits

The garden now yields a variety of vegetables including morning glory ("rau mồng tơi"), okra ("đậu bắp"), gourd ("mướp"), and winter melon ("bỉ đao"). Residents freely harvest the produce for their own consumption, enjoying the benefits of fresh, clean food ("đồ tươi rất là tươi sạch"). Beyond the provision of food, the garden has become a social hub. Residents collaborate on garden maintenance, share gardening knowledge, and enjoy social interaction. One resident, 86 years old, attributes her continued health and well-being to the garden and the community it fosters ("tôi cũng sống khỏe mạnh với con cháu"). She states, “I live happily every day.”

Addressing Urban Green Space Deficit

The project highlights a critical issue in Vietnamese cities: a significant deficit in urban green space. Current statistics indicate approximately 2-3 m² of green space per person in Vietnam, far below the 10 m² per person recommended by the United Nations. The report emphasizes that urban agriculture, alongside traditional tree planting, plays a vital role in increasing urban greenery ("mảng xanh"). The initiative demonstrates a practical solution to this problem, converting underutilized land into productive green spaces.

Scaling the Impact: City-Wide Transformation

The success of this single garden is not isolated. Hundreds of previously polluted and neglected areas ("bãi đất hoàng điểm đen ô nhiễm rác thải") across Ho Chi Minh City have undergone similar transformations into gardens and flowerbeds. This city-wide effort contributes to a greener, healthier urban environment and provides residents with access to free, clean produce. One resident expressed relief at avoiding potentially contaminated food from the market ("Không có mua những thực phẩm trôi nổi ở ngoài chợ nó quá chất này kia vậy đó"), emphasizing the peace of mind derived from growing their own food. The garden fosters a sense of community and well-being, with residents reporting improved mental health and social connections ("tinh thần mình thoải mái mình giao lưu nói chuyện đổi vui vẻ tinh thần mình thấy nó cũng tốt hơn").

Conclusion

This community garden project serves as a powerful example of how collaborative effort and innovative urban agriculture can revitalize neglected spaces, improve food security, enhance community well-being, and contribute to a more sustainable and livable urban environment. The initiative demonstrates the potential for scaling similar projects across Ho Chi Minh City and other Vietnamese urban centers to address the critical need for increased urban green space and access to healthy food.