Preferences of Farmers for Educational Materials to Build their Capacity for Small-Scale Urban Gardening: A Case of Maryland

This paper explores the preferences of urban gardening farmers for various training modules, learning resources, and timing participation in programs. Capacity building programs are critical to empowering gardeners sustain farming. Using data collected 2021 from 14 Maryland, results show that preferred audio-visual modules such as digital videos comprehensive manuals most. These were followed by one-on-one consultation, peer-to-peer interaction, hands-on training, interactive meetings, participatory workshops. Partnerships with local community farmers' markets; partnerships farmers’ forums, groups, associations; educational events among three top resources. Regarding time schedule preferences, they recommended day-long multi-session weekend workshops over weekdays. findings suggest a need adapt capacity modalities increase clientele effective program impact.