For centuries, Singapore has been a hub for different cultures and trade, making it a fitting starting point for three Global Focus Programs by the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.
With space at a premium, the Singapore government's plan to produce 30% of its food needs by 2030 means innovative and creative solutions are needed.
Hosted by Bjorn Low, the Edible Garden City is an urban food farming model in the heart of Singapore which has turned asphalt and concrete into an edible garden visited by butterflies and birds, surrounded by skyscrapers.
With the aim to reconnect Singapore's citizens with nature and community, the Garden has become a thriving social enterprise, employing people with disability to produce microgreens and other edible plants which are sold to Singapore's high-end markets.
The Garden also features a sensory garden for the elderly. Immersed in a purpose-built garden of colourful flowers and strong scented plants, Singapore's elderly (over 50s) participate in gardening classes which have been studied and proven to reduce stress markers and inflammation, and thereby reducing the risk of disease.
The Edible Garden is an exciting model for its social impacts, but it hasn't yet proved to be the sole solution to Singapore's future food security concerns. They are also looking at increasing Singapore's nutritional output through edible landscaping on a larger scale, planting public spaces with cassava, tapioca and sweet potato, as well as edible greens.
Source: Tarun Richards