CULTIVATING HEALTH: THE POTENTIAL OF COMMUNITY GARDENS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Abstract

Introduction: Amid contemporary challenges related to health and nutrition, community gardens emerge as key components in Primary Health Care, playing an essential role in strengthening food security and nutrition. Consequently, they significantly contribute to promoting health and fostering healthier environments in communities. Objective: To identify the main evidence available in the literature regarding the role of community gardens in Primary Health Care. Method: This is an integrative literature review conducted using the databases of the Virtual Health Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Results: The final sample comprised 22 studies. In summary, the studies emphasize that community gardens emerge as a multifaceted and vital strategy, contributing significantly to Health Promotion and Education, Disease Prevention, therapeutic use through the cultivation of medicinal plants, income generation, and the promotion of community socialization. Conclusion: Community gardens stand out as versatile spaces capable of enhancing the quality of life in communities, going beyond mere food production and emerging as a multifaceted strategy to promote health, prevent diseases, preserve traditional practices, boost economic opportunities, and strengthen social fabric.