CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM
This chapter contains the background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives

of the study, conceptual framework, significance of the study, scope and limitations of

the study and definition of terms.

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CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
1.1. Background of the Study

Agriculture in the Philippines is the essential industry in the country. Its

output sustains the local demand and considered to be essential commodities

within the country by growing crops for food consumption and fiber have been a

lifelong activity in the Philippines (Sanchez,  2020).

Agricultural communities developed when humans began to domesticate

plants and animals. It is about growing a sustainable society that nourishes

everyone— the farmers, the land and generations to come. According to DeMuro

(2013), some agriculture communities believes that edible landscaping can be

beneficial to the environment, and to the health and wellbeing of community

members. It reduces the impact of food deserts in low-income areas and allow

residents greater access to nutritious food that is necessary to live a healthy life

[ CITATION Kat13 \l 13321 ]. They can be a beneficial addition to many communities

by increasing the availability of nutritious foods, strengthening community ties,

reducing environmental hazards, reducing food miles and creating a more

sustainable system [ CITATION Kat13 \l 13321 ]

Edible Landscaping is an innovative concept of space management that

uses vegetables, herbs and fruit trees as major softscape materials to substitute

for the ornamental plants commonly used in conventional landscaping. It is a

complex activity of planning, design, implementation, and maintenance, as

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similarly done in conventional landscaping. The art of landscaping, or the act of

purposely changing the natural features that exist, with the intention of making

the environment more attractive similarly holds true in EL (Naranja, 2011).

According to Çelik (2017) Edible landscapes are a movement in transition

and sprouting up as a response to the slow food movement and living a greener

lifestyle. These plants are used both for aesthetic value as well as consumption.

Edible landscaping is the practical integration of food plants within an ornamental

or decorative setting [ CITATION Fil17 \l 13321 ]. Edible landscaping was developed

to serve one major purpose which is to secure food and medicine for the

community [ CITATION Moh18 \l 13321 ].

Physical factors of edible landscaping is important consideration towards

AgriCom at Barangay San Luis. This will give insights about the factors to be

consider in using edible landscaping for vacant lots of the community. Identifying

it needs the participation of the people through interviews, observations, survey

questionnaires and literatures.

The goal of the study through qualitative research approach is to come

up with physical factors as design guidelines to be considered towards AgriCom

through edible landscaping concept within the built environment of Barangay

San Luis.

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1.1.1. Review of Related Literature

Edible Landscaping

According to Christopher Wong of Young Urban Farmers for the Ontario Non

Profit Housing Association (2013) some of the many reasons to landscape with

edible plants include: recreation, relaxation, physical activity, mental stimulation,

fresh air, connect with nature, learning, try unique varieties of food, connect with

neighbours, engage with children, improve food security, save money, food

security have this:

Considerations

1. Sun Conditions

a. Determines what you can and cannot grow. Most edibles need as much sun

as possible, with a recommended minimum of 6 hours of direct sun per day

during the growing season.

b. Most urban edible landscape choices are limited by the amount of sun.

c. More sun generally translates into higher yields. Consider mature trees that

leaf out in the spring/summer, picket fences, and tall buildings that compete

for the sun’s rays.

d. Some veggies will grow in a partial shade area, like leafy greens and some

herbs. Use transplants for best results.

e. Assess your sun conditions by taking a picture every 2 hours to see exactly

what areas receive sun and when.

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 f. Sun conditions will change as the trees, bushes, and vines fill out with new

leaves in the spring, and over time as trees mature, and the sun’s movement

in the sky changes with the season.

g. Shady area can still grow edibles, but consider things like ferns (for the

fiddleheads they produce in the early spring), or fungi like our shiitake

mushroom grown on logs.

2. Site Conditions

a. Soil quality and consistency. Whether you have clay or sand soil, they can

both be improved by adding extra compost and organic matter. Most plants

prefer slightly acidic soil conditions and some plants need specific soil pH in

order to be as healthy as possible. For example, blueberries need especially

acidic and free draining soil. Soil can take a few years to build up and

improve.

b. Drainage. How quickly does water drain after a heavy rain? Most edible

plants prefer loose soil with good drainage. Improve drainage by building

raised beds, adding sand to the planting area and amending the soil with

organic matter.

c. Slope/elevation. Ideally, planting should be done on a flat and level surface.

Take a note of the prevailing wind conditions to determine the air flow in the

garden. Better airflow generally means less disease and healthier plants.

Gardens placed in a depression or bottom or a hill can have the air pool,

settle, and are at increased risk of frost damage as a result.

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 d. Existing plants. Make a note of what trees, plants, shrubs, and bushes are

already on site. Determine how big they will get in the future and if you want

to keep them in your design.

e. Heavy metals. Avoid growing food in areas of potential contamination like

next to a railroad track or gas station. The City of Toronto has a good guide

on how you can gauge the potential level of contamination and remedial

steps.

f. Existing hardscaping. Stone paths, retaining walls, fences, and other features

influence the look and feel of the garden.

3. Project Goals

a. What do you want to get out of the garden? For some people, it is to

maximize food production. For others, aesthetics and size constraints form

the basis of the garden. Because of the function gardens can play,

community engagement or year round production can be another goal to

achieve. Assess your needs, desires, and goals when starting up an edible

landscape.

4. Planning/Design

a. Different plants grow at different speed. Plan for how the garden will look now

and at the end of the season. Most people tend to overplant.

b. Perennials stay in the same spot. Annuals you can move around each year.

c. Consider edible “weeds”. Different cultures consider the same plants to be

weeds and prized edibles.

d. Consider the long term design and look of the landscape.

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 e. For edible crops and high production gardens, remember to rotate the crops,

plan in time for cover crops to minimize pest and diseases.

f. Like all designs, consider visual balance and the different sight lines and

angles people will be viewing the garden.

g. Proportion. Choose the final size of the plants and features to be in

conjunction with the size of the landscape. Ex. A huge tree in a small yard

will probably be out of proportion

h. Flow. How do people, water and air flow through the garden?

i. Is there a unified theme running through the garden? Ex. A certain colour,

texture, type of plant, etc.

j. Keep the design simple and don’t over complicate.

5. Plant and Harvest

a. Time planting around the late frost date in spring. Some cold hardy plants

can be put in earlier.

b. Succession plant greens and root vegetables for a continual supply

throughout the season.

c. Protect plants if a late frost, hail storm, or inclement weather arises.

6. Ongoing Care/Maintenance

a. Water regularly. Long and deep is best as well as in the morning.

b. If you direct seed, some plants may need to be thinned out like carrots and

lettuce.

c. Prune back fruit trees, berry bushes, and other perennials on a yearly basis.

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 d. Pinch off suckers and side branches of tomatoes, cucumbers, and other

vining plants to control size, shape, and growth.

e. Train peas, beans, cucumbers, and other vines along a trellis or supporting

structure.

f. Harvest, wash, cook, and enjoy the produce.

Practical Tips

1. Incorporate garden structures like a bamboo teepee, fence, arbor, pergola,

trellis, archway, gazebo into the design.

2. Container gardens make for excellent additions. They can add colour, height,

and texture to the look of the garden as well as provide a different soil climate

for specialty plants like blueberries.

3. Setup a watering schedule. All the time and effort that went into a garden if it

doesn’t get enough water during a heat spell or drought. A simple overhead

sprinkler on a battery operated timer is an inexpensive insurance policy for

the garden.

4. Start small and start simple.

5. Choose easy to grow plants that are drought tolerant. Many herbs fit this

category.

6. Plan work days with groups of people. A potluck lunch helps with strengthen

bonds between gardeners.

7. Just do it. The garden is a living, breathing, changing entity. It won’t be

perfect from day one; it will change over time; it will go through growth spurts.

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Spatial Factors Affecting Patterns Of Edible Landscaping In Urban Lanes

And Alleys

According to the study done by Ting-I Lee, Yi-Suang Hsieh, Jyun-Huei Huang, Li-

Jan Huang, Jia-Syun Li, Miao-Chi Syu & Pin-Rong Raymond Wu edible

landscaping presents a type of sustainable cultural landscape. Creating

productive space in and around cities provides several purposes, including

beautifying the environment, encouraging social interaction, securing fresh food

provision, supporting ecosystems and, in general, developing sustainably. The

spatial factors affecting patterns of edible landscape include land use, density,

and activities happened in the space [ CITATION TIN17 \l 13321 ].

The Benefits of Edible Landscapes

9 affecting edible landscaping in alleys and

Fig. 1.1 Theoretical framework of factors
lanes.
Using edibles in landscape design can enhance a garden by providing a unique

ornamental component with additional health, aesthetic, and economic benefits

(Creasy, 2010). There are many reasons to incorporate edible plants into the

community landscape. These include:

 To enjoy the freshness and flavour of home‐grown, fully ripened fruits and

vegetables,

 To grow unusual varieties not available in stores,

 To get outside, interact with the natural world, and have fun (Beck and Quigley,

2001),

 To allow users to be more connected to their land and their food while being

able to build a food community around them,

 To share foods that are grown with friends and neighbours (Worden and

Brown, 2007).

Energy savings: Food from your yard requires no shipping, little refrigeration,

and less energy to plow, plant, spray, and harvest the produce.

Water savings: Tests show that most home gardeners use less than half of the

water agricultural production needs to produce a crop. Drip irrigation saves even

more. And unlike in agriculture, fields aren’t flooded and huge vats of water aren’t

needed to cool down the harvest.

Money savings: Enough food can grow an in a small garden and save money on

grocery bills. Certain edibles are highly productive and are more economical to

grow at home than to purchase (Worden and Brown, 2007).

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Food safety: Edible landscaping is just one example of how communities can

begin to address local food insecurity. Increase the food security of household.

Control the quantity and kind of pesticides and herbicides used on the foods you

consume (Mackelvie, 2014).

Better nutrition: Fully ripe, just-picked, home grown fruits and vegetables, if

eaten soon after picking, have more vitamins than supermarket produce that was

usually picked under-ripe and is days or weeks old when you eat it (Worden and

Brown, 2007).

Healthy community: Many studies have shown links between the edible

landscape activities and the health (physical and psychological), social,

economic, and ecological benefits.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

According to Morgan and Sonnino (2010), food security is a major issue

not only in the Philippines but also in other parts of the world where communities

are most pressures on account of their ecological and political sensitivities.

According to Sanchez (2020), a common scenario recently is how locals are

developing their backyard to raise their plants. These plants are vegetables and

fruits to sustain their own demand.

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 In the Philippines, food availability is one of the major challenges brought

about by rapid population growth and urbanization. One possible means of

addressing this challenge is through the adaptation of Edible Landscaping. It

considers the aesthetic and functionality of space in relation to the production of

safe and readily available crop products for the family and community.

Many municipalities are supporting the growth of rural agriculture by

adopting regulations enabling different types of food production, while a growing

number of non-governmental organizations provide support to rural residents

interested in growing their own food (Newman 2008; Goldestein et al. 2011).

Edible landscaping presents a type of sustainable cultural landscape.

[ CITATION TIN17 \l 13321 ] . Edible landscaping oftentimes called foodsaping is a

progressive food systems approach that encourages all people in their homes,

public spaces and workplaces to promote local food. Edible landscaping utilizes

food-producing plants in the residential landscape (Thompson and Sokolowski,

2016). Edible landscaping presents a type of sustainable cultural landscape.

[ CITATION TIN17 \l 13321 ].

Promotion of the EL concept in the Philippines aims to increase the

awareness and interest of people in gardening or farming. EL is promoting the

more creative use of most crop production technologies. The other goal of EL is

to engage more Filipinos in growing their own vegetables and thus to increase

vegetable consumption. EL is very flexible and open to any possible

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modifications brought about by new developments in landscaping and crop

production. It may evolve, but the aim of feeding every Filipino will remain.

Rosales has developed into a municipality with diverse avenues for

progress. In the past years, Rosales was only known as an agriculture-based

town where most people’s main source of livelihood is farming. About 70% of

people rely directly on agriculture as a livelihood. The main requirement of any

community is food security. Food security prevents malnourishment that has

traditionally been believed to be one of the major problems faced by developing

Municipalities.

To increase the food production and improve the physical environment of

the community in order to make it more safe, attractive and sustainable. The goal

of the study is to come up with physical factors to be considered towards

AgriCom through edible landscaping concept within the built-environment of

Barangay San Luis. Produce safe and readily available nutritious food for the

family and the community while creating an attractive and functional edible

landscape and maximizing the use of all resources present in the site.

Through interviews, onsite observations, and related literature evaluate

the degree of Edible Landscaping in the Barangay San Luis.

Specifically, the study deals to answer the following research questions to

achieve the aims of the study:

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 1. What are the physical factors of edible landscaping to be considered in the

place of study towards AgriCom?

2. What are the physical factors of edible landscaping found in the existing built

environment in the barangay?

3. What is the impact of edible landscaping through analysis of gathered data in

order to establish design guidelines that are needed towards AgriCom?

1.3 General Objective of the Study

The general objective of the study is to come up with physical factors that

will serve as design guidelines to be considered towards AgriCom through the

concept of edible landscaping within the community of Barangay San Luis.

Produce safe and readily available nutritious food for the family and the

community while creating an attractive and functional edible landscape.

1.4. Significance of the Study

To the public- the study provides an overview of the current situation of rural

spaces in barangay. The study creates awareness and interest of people in

edible landscaping that creates productive space in and around communities

provides several purposes, including beautifying the environment, encouraging

social interaction, securing fresh food provision, supporting ecosystems and, in

general, developing sustainably.

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To the Barangay- To uplift the community in terms of agricultural sector and to

have its identity as an AgriCom of Rosales. The study provides a developmental

concept that can be adopted of other barangays. It will be a great help on the aim

of the municipality’s to be only known as an agriculture-based town.

To the researcher- the study helps the researcher to have a clearer

understanding in establishing AgriCom through physical factors of edible

landscaping as design guidelines filling the gaps and make the design

successful. Provides innovative ideas that can be a great help in order to meet

the goal for future architectural research. The study provides empirical

knowledge that can be utilized for planning and designing rural spaces such as

landscapes.

1.5. Scope and Limitations

The purpose of the study is to identify physical factors of edible

landscaping towards AgriCom. The study Covers the Barangay with

approximately 426 hectares and divided into 7 zones. The purpose of the study is

to come up with a design guidelines that will fill the gap in designing landscapes

through the influence of edible landscaping concept within built-environment of

the barangay.

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 This study aims to be transparent with the maximum potential of public

users from the local community. The study used a qualitative descriptive

research method and will focus on the people and place relationship and the

gathered literatures. Deductive method will be the approach used in the study

that involves literature review, interview, survey questions and observations.

1.6. Conceptual Framework

Physical Factors of
Edible Landscaping
Towards AgriCom:
Brgy. San Luis, Rosales

In

DEPENDENT
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE:
VARIABLE: Towards AgriCom:
Physical Factors of Brgy. San Luis,
Edible Landscaping Rosales

Figure 1.2, the relationship between the independent variable (Physical Factors of Edible

Landscaping) and Fig. 1.2 Relationship of Research variables the dependent

(Towards AgriCom: Brgy. San

Luis, Rosales) can be described as Towards AgriCom is dependent on how suitable the

given physical factors of edible landscaping as guidelines for the built environment the

16
Barangay San Luis. The basic idea in this research is about how suitable the physical

Input Process Output

Literature Review
On-Site Observation Comparisons of Physical Factors of
Conducting Literature Edible Landscaping
Questionnaires to the Evaluating as Design Guidelines
residents of Brgy. San Questionnaires Towards AgriCom
Luis

factors of edible lands caping is to the built environment in the place of study towards

AgriCom.

Fig. 1.3 Conceptual Framework of the study

Also, in Figure 1.3, the input of the study, its processes and the expected output

of the research. The inputs of the study start from the information that will be generated

from the literature review, On-site observations, and survey. Next is the process where

in there will be comparisons of literature and the evaluation of the surveys. From these

processes, this research will come up with an output of a proof of Physical Factors of

Edible Landscaping as Design Guidelines Towards AgriCom.

17
1.7. Definition of terms

Agriculture- is the essential industry in the country. Its output sustains the local

demand and considered to be essential commodities within the country by

growing crops for food consumption and fiber have been a lifelong activity

in the Philippines.

Agriculture Community- It is about growing a sustainable society that nourishes

everyone— the farmers, the land and generations to come.

Edible Landscaping- Edible Landscaping is an innovative concept of space

management that uses vegetables, herbs and fruit trees as major

softscape materials to substitute for the ornamental plants commonly used

in conventional landscaping.

EL- acronym for edible landscaping

AgriCom- acronym for Agriculture Community

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 CHAPTER 2

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter contains the design and methodology used to acquire the result of an

assessment on a specific matter which is also referred to as the research problem; in a

systematic and conceptual analysis of methods applied to this study. It comprises the

process of the research design and data gathering tools which was interpreted through

a Descriptive type of research methodology.

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CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

2.1. Research Design

In order to identify the physical factors of edible landscaping towards AgriCom,

the study used a qualitative descriptive research in sampling techniques and data

collection strategies.  Basically, the study proposed to observe and/or interact with a

study’s participants in their real-life environment to support a designer’s deeper

understanding of the design problem. (Bradshaw, Atkinson, & Doody, 2017). 

Descriptive research is also defined as a research method that describes as well

as explain, or validate objectives when it comes to a specific group of people. This

methodology focuses more on the “what” of the research subject rather than the “why” of

the research subject. While it’s not grounded in statistics, and usually leans towards

more qualitative methods, it can include quantifiable data as well (Hasa, 2017) In

addition, the descriptive nature of the research method requires the study to give a

description, analysis, and interpretation of the present nature, description, and

processes of the phenomena involved in the study. This research method focuses on the

conditions prevailing in the present, or how an individual, community, or object behaves

or works.

The collected background information and analysis of data is used to reach the

desired conclusion required in the research. Strategically step-by-step procedure must

20
 be followed to attain the research aims and objectives. Interpreting and describing the

information gathered through a precise method would allow the results of the research to

be achieved.

2.2 Population and Locale of the Study

The study was conducted in an observation procedure to the population or the

typical residential neighborhood of Barangay San Luis, Rosales, Pangasinan- barangay

officials and residents of the barangay. To gain further understanding about the place of

the study interviews and surveys were conducted to barangay officials and residents of

the community. The qualified residents should be living in the community for 10 years .

Resident involvement ensures that the physical factors found in the existing built

environment meets the physical factors of edible landscaping discussed from the

Literature. Social participation is a central element for the construction of safer and

equitable public areas.

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2.3 Data Gathering Procedure

The researcher used different methods and techniques in gathering data and has

followed a step by step process.

2.3.1 Topic Selection

In the data gathering procedure, the first step is to select a topic. Through the

preference and the experience of the people in the community, the researcher has

arrived to a topic which is Physical Factors of Edible Landscaping Towards AgriCom

that can be applied in the place of study.

Fig. 2.1 Data Gathering
procedure

Topic Selection

Problem and Setting

Data gathering
- Literatures - Survey Questionnaire
-Interview -Observation

Output

2.3.2 Problem and Setting

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It is important to identify the problem and familiarized to the place of study to easily

gather information needed in the study.

2.3.3. Data gathering

This step helps the researcher to arrive with the result and goal of the study. These are

the processes used by the researcher to gather data such as literature review,

interview, survey questions and observations.

2.3.3.1 Literature

The researcher uses literatures in covering up the study. It includes various

materials such, books, article, news and investigations from the internet. Through

literatures, the researcher identifies site selection parameters needed in the study.

2.3.3.2 Interview

Interview are used to gather information on a face-to-face basis. It gives some

insights and ideas from people who can contribute much on the study and this method

is appropriate for a qualitative research approach. During the interview, the researcher

and respondents exchanges their ideas to come up with a solution to the problem.

2.3.3.3 Survey Questionnaire

Questions are in closed ended and can be answered by yes or no. Through

survey, the researcher will get insights, feelings, beliefs, experiences, perceptions, or

attitudes of the respondents towards topic or problem.

2.3.3.4 Observation

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 Data’s are gathered through observation to the existing condition of the place of

study. It analyzes the current condition and help in identifying the needs and problems

of the community to come up with a solution. This is a way of gathering actual

information needed in the study. Checklist is important during this procedure to easily

monitor the status of the study. Through observation, the researcher will analyze and

interpret the relationship and connection of what the literature tells and the preferences

the people or the respondents about the topic. Through analysis and interpretation, the

researcher will come up to a Physical Factors of Edible Landscaping as a design

guidelines Towards an AgriCom output.

2.4 Data Gathering Tools

The researcher used camera to acquire photographs needed in gathering data

and information during the observation and interview. Audio recorder is also used to

record important data and to easily review it. Printed question for the interview is also

used. Internet play an important role in gathering literatures needed on the study.

2.5 Treatment of the data

In the study, descriptive and graphical statistical treatment of data will be use.

Data was tabulated the frequency and summarized using pie chart and tables and the

data statistically using the following formula;

P= f / n (100%)

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Where:

P= percentage equivalent n= total number of respondents

f= number of respondents

25