Factors that Influence Engagement in Home Food Production: Perceptions of Citizens of Trinidad

Abstract

Home food production plays a critical role in food security for residents of Trinidad and Tobago and around the world. The purpose of this study was to examine barriers and benefits that influence residents’ engagement in or rejection of home food production to inform social marketing programs. To address study objectives, interviews were conducted with 40 participants who represented five distinct Habitat for Humanity communities. Four subthemes emerged among the benefits associated with engaging in home food production: economic benefits, food safety, sharing and reciprocity, and personal well-being. Among the barriers, subthemes included: monetary expenses associated with start-up, lack of nonmonetary resources, lack of experience, generational disconnect, and barriers beyond human control such as the weather. While findings revealed many factors may hinder residents growing food around homes, there were high perceived social and financial values associated with this practice. Implications point to strategies that agricultural education professionals can use to encourage home food production among Trinidadians and in other locations.