The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on home gardening practices in Irbid District, Jordan

Home gardening has been instrumental in enhancing the self-sufficiency initiatives of families across the globe. Numerous researched emphasized the positive impacts of practicing home gardening throughout COVID-19. In Jordan, few studies were conducted to examine the influence of COVID-19 on various facets of life, including employment and the livelihoods of Jordanians, but no research had discussed the pandemic impacts on home gardening. To address this research gap, a quantitative survey was conducted to assess the attitudinal, behavioral, and emotional responses related to home gardening among individuals residing in the Irbid District, both prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey instrument comprised 11 statements, with responses measured on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (very low extent) to 5 (very high extent). A total of 374 Jordanian participants from the Irbid District completed the questionnaire. Furthermore, the study aimed to ascertain whether demographic variables, specifically age and educational background, significantly influenced these trends during the pandemic. Analysis of the collected data revealed several key findings, as participants reported a moderate level of importance attributed to home gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic, a notable increase from the low importance perceived prior to the pandemic. Also, a significant increase in the time dedicated to home gardening activities was observed during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic periods. Moreover, the respondents indicated that home gardening during the pandemic was associated with increased happiness and a substantial reduction in stress levels, while the perceived contribution of home gardening to household food security rose to a moderate extent during the pandemic, contrasting with a pre-pandemic rating of low. Also, a shift in preference towards cultivating edible plants over ornamental varieties was evident during the COVID-19 period. According to the results, a substantial proportion of participants (49.2%) utilized internet and social media platforms for acquiring home gardening information, while reading books was the least preferred method. Also, statistically significant differences were identified in home gardening trends during and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic concerning age and academic qualifications. These differences were more pronounced among the youngest age cohort (18-30 years) and individuals with lower educational attainment. The findings of this study indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced home gardening practices in the Irbid district, demonstrating a positive shift in citizen perceptions and engagement. The increased importance and engagement in home gardening during the pandemic highlight its adaptive capacity in supporting both individual well-being and household food security during a public health crisis. Future research is recommended to investigate the long-term sustainability of these observed changes in home gardening trends in the post-pandemic era.