Governance models and the socio-ecological role of community gardens in post-socialist Krakow

Abstract

Community gardens are increasingly recognized as critical nodes for socio-ecological learning and innovation, particularly in post-socialist cities navigating historical legacies and contemporary urban challenges. This study investigates how governance models -bottom-up, top-down, and hybrid - influence the inclusivity, ecological adaptability, and long-term sustainability of community gardens in Krakow, Poland. Drawing on qualitative research conducted across three distinct sites - a grassroots initiative (Salwator), a municipally-led project (Pychogród), and a hybrid model (Jagiellonian University Campus) - this paper explores the interplay between governance arrangements and socio-ecological outcomes. Ethnographic observations, semi-structured interviews, co-design workshops, and action research were employed to capture governance dynamics and the evolving role of gardens as transformative infrastructures. Findings reveal that grassroots initiatives foster strong community ownership and flexible ecological practices, yet face challenges related to resource instability and volunteer fatigue. Conversely, top-down models provide structural security and institutional support but risk alienating participants by limiting local agency. Hybrid approaches, exemplified by the Jagiellonian University Campus garden, blend institutional legitimacy with participatory processes, fostering inclusive decision-making and ecological experimentation, although they grapple with sustaining engagement amidst transient populations. The results underscore the necessity of adaptive governance frameworks that balance institutional support with community agency, particularly in post-socialist urban contexts characterized by fragmented social trust and uneven civic engagement. By conceptualizing community gardens as socio-ecological infrastructures, this study contributes to understanding how urban food systems can integrate sustainability goals with local cultural and environmental specificities. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and practitioners aiming to harness the transformative potential of community gardens to address broader sustainability challenges.