Urban greening is both a climate response and a cultural shift, says Ephraim Ozabor, senior campaign manager at Greenpop, a Cape Town-based non-profit organisation (NPO) that focuses on restoring ecosystems. 

“At Greenpop, we believe in rolling up our sleeves and doing something real in the face of the biodiversity and climate crises,” he says. 

Eco-anxiety is the term used to describe the “psychological impacts of environmental problems”, says Dr Panu Pihkala in a textbook for university students.

The impact is often so intense that the anxiety paralyses people and hinders sustainability efforts, he writes.

Tree planting and urban greening initiatives empower citizens to get active instead of anxious, says Ozabor. 

“Beyond the practical impact, involvement offers individuals a sense of agency, transforming eco-anxiety into tangible action and creating a legacy of greener, more resilient spaces,” he says. 

Research supports this link between environmental action and community wellbeing. A 2024 academic article by Meiyi Li and colleagues argues that urban agriculture can reduce emotional vulnerability to climate change by building social networks and promoting sustainable land use. 

By converting anxiety into agency, communities are growing food and also cultivating resilience, according to Li and colleagues.

In Johannesburg, the name Siyoyisile Indlala means “we have conquered hunger”. For project development manager Gregory Mkhize, this is more than a name; it is a mission.

“[Our farm] began as a response to hunger and poverty,” Mkhize says. “[The aim] was to create a self-sustaining environment where everyone can thrive. It represents community empowerment, education and environmental stewardship.”

The community farm’s agricultural school runs short programs in agripreneurship, composting and rabbit farming production. One of Mkhize’s favourite memories is of a young participant who launched his own vegetable garden after training.

“Seeing his pride as he shared produce with the community was incredibly rewarding,” he says. “[It’s] a testament to the impact of our work.”

Siyoyisile Indlala shares their self-made concentrated liquid fertiliser with nearby gardens. 

“Many have adopted this sustainable fertiliser as part of their regular practices, leading to a reduction in chemical inputs and costs,” Mkhize says. “This builds stronger community ties as participants share knowledge and resources.”

A similar transformation is taking place at the Suikerbossie Park community garden. Leibbrandt recalls a neighbour in his 30s, deaf and mute, who previously had little to occupy his days. 

Through participating in the garden, he gained his own patch to tend and later found employment with a local gardening service. 

“The garden gave him a purpose […] that was quite beautiful to see,” says Leibbrandt.

What ties these initiatives together is the shared belief that ordinary people can transform spaces and futures. Mkhize says that everyday individuals have a vital role to play “in reclaiming public spaces and fostering resilience”.

“By engaging in farming, gardening and educational programs, they contribute to food security, environmental sustainability and social cohesion,” he says.

“My dream is to see Kayamandi youth [participating] in farming [and studying agriculture],” Patekile says, regarding his vision for Kayamandi. He also envisions Imveli Farm producing food to supply the Western Cape and beyond.

Ozabor says that collective action has ripple effects. By working together, people normalise sustainable practices, turning eco-consciousness into a cultural norm. That is how communities can move from awareness to action. 

Anyone can be the change in their community, says Mkhize. “To everyday South Africans looking to uplift their communities through urban or community farming, I would say: ‘Start small, be patient and connect with others’,” he says. “Every effort count[s] and each step you take contributes to building a stronger  community.”