Integration of Research and Education on Urban Agriculture through Action Research

Anna Marie Nicolaysen (Norwegian University of Life Sciences)

In this paper we will present our experiences of working with action research methodology within a research module of a project on urban agriculture and the quality of life in the Oslo region. We will also discuss a more general theme of the integration of research and education within the agroecology master’s programme at Norwegian University of Life Sciences. The pedagogical basis of this programme is experiential learning with situations “out there” placed in the centre—not as examples of theory but as starting points for the learning process, where theory and experiences will be linked. We thereby aim at bridging the observed gap between knowing and doing.

As a part of the above mentioned research project, the students are conducting participatory action-oriented case studies in Oslo, Norway, investigating the change system for development of urban agriculture. This project module has adual purpose: to develop knowledge about the change processes and to support implementation of urban agriculture as the project is carried out. Together with the stakeholders we develop a vision for urban agriculture in Oslo and for specific public spaces within the city. The students identify supporting and hindering forces of a transition toward the vision, and action plans for change to be carried out. The inputs from the case study allows us to grasp the local dynamics of the system of change and incorporate tacit, situated knowledge of local challenges and potentials in the strategic recommendations. Our research questions include: How to successfully integrate UA in compact city development in Norway in terms of participatory processes for change? What is the vision for UA projects in Oslo? What are hindering and supporting factors for democratic integration of UA in public space? How can we facilitate adequate plans of action for developing UA?