Ecological participatory action research (EPAR): An approach appropriate to the study and encouragement of urban farming for a new model of community development in El Salvador.

摘要

Using the Ecological Participatory Action Research (EPAR) model, the research presented in this thesis elicited relevant information that urban farmers in El Salvador can use for the successful development of their communities. The thesis explains and develops the EPAR model as well as the factors that enabled nine families from three communities of San Salvador to succeed in urban farming. EPAR is a collaborative grass-roots research/development approach that takes into account actual, local circumstances, the previous experiences of the participants and the context in which they live, and shapes itself around the needs of the community. The data collected reveal that participants cultivate 210 varieties of plants using their indigenous knowledge, beliefs and philosophies, combining modern with traditional knowledge. Sixty-four plants are processed to produce food and natural medicines. During the fieldwork process, the participants created innovative plant-based development initiatives, inspired by the EPAR process and the new knowledge generated by EPAR.