Cultivating Liberation : Gardens as Agents of Connection and Empowerment in Havana, Cuba

The paper delves into urban gardening in Havana, Cuba, uncovering how these green spaces are more than just places to grow food but hubs of community resilience, cultural preservation, and economic survival, especially in the face of recent global challenges. Through stories of various gardens—private backyard plots, community-centered spaces, and entrepreneurial ventures—this research showcases how these gardens blur the lines between private and public life. They act as informal classrooms, barter markets, and sanctuaries of both tradition and adaptability. Most importantly, Cuban gardeners demonstrate remarkable ingenuity and solidarity despite facing hurdles like resource shortages and climate change by using natural fertilizers, sharing seeds, and supporting each other to create sustainable and resilient green havens.