Urban Farming

Almere Oosterwold | Almere, NL

Almere Oosterwold embraces urban agriculture as an alternative food system. Located in the peri-urban areas of the Dutch city of Almere, Oosterwold is a large-scale experiment of organic urban development with a high self-reliance to organize infrastructural works that otherwise would be the municipality’s responsibility. Residents are responsible to determine their own home, and to decide on the construction and management of roads, paths, greenery, water, and public space. Yet, with great freedom comes great responsibility. A few years into the experiment, several challenges are identified i.e. organization of wastewater management by citizens and provision of public goods and externalities. Sustainable urban agriculture is not yet being realized and to address these challenges Global Health students will collaborate with Oosterwold employees and residents to improve social cohesion. Nowhere in the Netherlands do residents contribute to the development of a new green city on this scale, and through this work students may be an integral part of this unique community.