An Analytical Study of Urban Agriculture Projects: Prison-Farm Initiatives in Kermanshah

Document Type : Research Article-en

Authors

• A. Pashabadi
• Sh. Geravandi

Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/jead.2024.87678.1262

Abstract

 Urban agriculture promotes sustainable development and fosters societal participation, including the rehabilitation of various groups, such as inmates. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the effectiveness of prison-farm rehabilitation programs in Dizel Abad Prison in Iran. The research population consisted of two groups: one with 130 inmates, of whom 97 were selected and studied through systematic sampling via Cochran's formula, and the second group included 14 managers, offenders, and prison experts interviewed through a census. The data collection instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire based on the Kirkpatrick evaluation model. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, while its face and content validity were validated by a panel of experts. The findings at the first level of evaluation (i.e., reaction) showed that, with a confidence interval of 99%, the inmates were satisfied with participating in the urban agriculture training course. At the second level (i.e. learning), results indicated a significant increase in the inmates’ knowledge, with a statistically significant difference between their pre- and post-test scores (p<0.01). At the third level (i.e., behavior), the findings suggested that urban agriculture in prisons could lead to significant behavioral changes in inmates, with 95% confidence. At the fourth level of evaluation (i.e., results), the findings showed that although the urban agriculture training course in Dizel Abad Prison caused moderate changes in the inmates, the difference in pre-and-post-test scores was not statistically significant. Overall, the findings demonstrated that the urban agriculture training course in Dizel Abad Prison could bring about changes in inmates’ behavior, knowledge, and attitude. These findings support the potential of prison-farm programs within urban agriculture initiatives as viable methods for rehabilitation.
 

Keywords

• Agricultural rehabilitation
• Correctional education
• Kirkpatrick model
• Prison-farm
• Urban agriculture

Main Subjects

• Agricultural Economics

©2024 The author(s). This is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

References

1. Aguiar, A. (2022). The importance of education in the penitentiary system and its resignification in resocialization. Revista Gênero e Interdisciplinaridade, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.51249/gei.v3i01.644
2. Ajah, B. (2019). Agricultural training of inmates and challenges facing food security in Nigeria, A study of Awka and Abakaliki Prisons. Research Journal of Food and Nutrition, 3(1), 3-10. https://doi.org/10.22259/2637-5583.0301002
3. Alsalamah, A., & Callinan, C. (2021). The Kirkpatrick model for training evaluation: bibliometric analysis after 60 years (1959–2020). Industrial and Commercial Training. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict-12-2020-0115
4. Anderson, T.L., & Leal, D. (1997). Enviro-capitalists: Doing good while doing well, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Lanham, Md. : Rowman & Littlefield, c1997. 189Pp.
5. Asokhia, M.O., & Agbonluae, O.O. (2013). Assessment of rehabilitation services in Nigerian prisons in Edo State. American International Journal of Contemporary Research, 3(1), 224-230. https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:12314238
6. Bachi, K. (2013). Equine-facilitated prison-based programs within the context of prison-based animal programs: State of the science review. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 52(1), 46-74. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1080/10509674.2012.734371
7. Baggio, S., Weber, M., Rossegger, A., Endrass, J., Heller, P., Schneeberger, A., Graf, M., & Liebrenz, M. (2020). Reducing recidivism using the Reasoning and Rehabilitation program: a pilot multi-site-controlled trial among prisoners in Switzerland. International Journal of Public Health, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-020-01372-9
8. Baybutt, M., Dooris, M., & Farrier, A. (2019). Growing health in UK prison settings, Health Promotion International, 34(4), 792-802. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/day037
9. Beseres, M. (2017). Unintended rehabilitation: A comparative analysis of prison animal programs, retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/papers, 713
10. Bowlby, J. (1969). Unintended rehabilitation: A comparative analysis of prison unintended rehabilitation: A comparative analysis of prison animal programs attachment and loss, Vol. 1, Attachment, New York: Basic Books. https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:148996506
11. Bozick, R., Steele, J.L., Davis, L., & Turner, S. (2018). Does providing inmates with education improve postrelease outcomes? A meta-analysis of correctional education programs in the United States. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 14(4), 389-428. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11292-018-9334-6
12. Braz, R., & Gilmore, C. (2006). Joining forces: Prisons and environmental justice in recent California organizing. Radical History Review, 96, 95-111. https://doi.org/10.1215/01636545-2006-006
13. Brewster, D.R., & Sharp, S.F. (2002). Educational programs and recidivism in Oklahoma: Another Look. The Prison Journal, 82(3), 314-334. https://doi.org/10.1177/003288550208200302
14. Brown, A., Frissora, G.G., Wardle, R.E., & Onwudiwe, Ch.bC. (2015). Rehabilitation in prison: An examination of prison animal programs. Journal of Ohio Council of Criminal Justice Education, 17-32. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ysu1452118256
15. Brown, G., Bos, E., Brady, G., Kneafsey, M., & Glynn, M. (2016). An evaluation of the master gardener programme at HMP Rye Hill: A Horticultural Intervention with Substance Misusing Offenders, Prison service Journal, 225, 45-52. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304355054_An_Evaluation_of_the_Master_Gardener_Programme_at_HMP_Rye_Hill_A_Horticultural_Intervention_with_Substance_Misusing_Offenders
16. Coppedge, R., & Strong, R. (2013). Vocational programs in the Federal Bureau of prisons: Examining the potential of agricultural education programs for Inmates. Journal of Agricultural Education, 54(3), 116-125. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2013.03116
17. Correctional Facilities Organization of Kermanshah Province. (2021). Retrieved from the internet: https://www.prisons.ir/service/Provinces/kermanshah
18. Criss, J., & John, A. (2023). Therapeutic interventions for mental wellness in correctional facilities: A systematic review. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X231159884
19. Darke, S., & Aresti, A. (2016). Connecting prisons and universities through higher Education. Prison Service Journal, 266, 26-32. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303312318_Connecting_prisons_and_universities_through_higher_education
20. Darmawati, M.R., Ruslan, A., & Muchtar, S. (2020). The essence of fostering Inmates in the penitentiary system. Journal of Law, Policy and Globalization. https://doi.org/10.7176/JLPG/94-11
21. Davis, K. (2007), Perspectives of youth in an animal-centered correctional vocational program: A qualitative evaluation of Project Pooch, Retrieved from pooch.org/documents/project-pooch-qualitative-eval
22. Dissel, A. (2007). Rehabilitation and reintegration in African prisons. Human Rights in African Prisons. HSRC Press: Cape Town, p. l55-176. https://www.csvr.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/Rehabilitation_and_reintegration_in_Afri.pdf
23. Farley, H., & Pike, A. (2016). Engaging prisoners in education: Reducing risk and recidivism. Advancing Corrections: Journal of the International Corrections and Prisons Association, 1, 65–73. http://icpa.ca/1st-edition-of-advancing-corrections-journal/?utm_source=ICPA%3A+Advancing+Corrections+Journal+2016+&utm_campaign=Buch2016&utm_medium=email
24. Fedyunin, A., & Peretyatko, N. (2020). Conceptual problems of the rehabilitation institute in criminal proceedings. 278-286. https://doi.org/10.20310/2587-9340-2020-4-14-278-286
25. Granger, K.V. (2017), Grow where you are planted: The use of gardening as offender rehabilitation in prison, Online Theses and Dissertations, 528. https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/528
26. Han, T. M., Gandenberger, J., Flynn, E., Sharma, J., & Morris, K. N. (2021). Empowerment theory and prison-based dog training programs. Journal of Social Work, 21(6), 1360–1376. DOI:1177/1468017320954350.
27. Harkrader, T., Burke, T. W., & Owen, S.S. (2004), Pound puppies: The rehabilitative uses of dogs in correctional facilities, Corrections Today, 74-79. DOI:1007/978-3-030-25618-0
28. Howard, J. (2017). Punishment as Moral Fortification. Law and Philosophy, 36, 45-75. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10982-016-9272-2.
29. Howells, K., & Day, A. (1999). The rehabilitation of offenders: International perspectives applied to Australian correctional systems. Australian Institute of Criminology, trends & issues in crime and criminal justice. Available: http://aic.gov.au/documents, Accessed: 4 March 2013. https://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi112
30. Hunter, G., & Boyce, I. (2009). Preparing for employment: Inmates' experience of Participating in a Prison Training Programme. The Howard Journal of Crime and Justice, 48(2), 117–131. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2311.2008.00551.x
31. Kaye, Th.N., Bush, K., Naugle, Ch., & LeRoy, C.J. (2015). Conservation projects in prison: The case for engaging incarcerated populations in conservation and science. Natural Areas Journal, 35(1), 90-97. https://doi.org/10.3375/043.035.0113
32. Kirkpatrick, DL. (1996). Techniques for evaluating training programs. Classic Writings on Instructional Technology, 1(192), 119. https://www.scirp.org/reference/ReferencesPapers?ReferenceID=1735231
33. Lahm, K. (2009). Educational participation and inmate misconduct. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 48(1), 37-52. https://doi.org/10.1080/10509670802572235
34. Langat, K.C. (2016). Effects of farming rehabilitation programmes on short term offenders serving in Shikusa farm prison in Kakamega County, Kenya. International Journal of Novel Research in Humanity and Social Sciences, 3(3), 65-80. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304714950_Effects_of_Farming_Rehabilitation_Programmes_on_Short_Term_Offenders_Serving_in_Shikusa_Farm_Prison_in_Kakamega_County_Kenya
35. Lee, A.Y., Kim, S.Y., Known, H.J., & Park, S.A. (2020). Horticultural therapy program for mental health of inmates: Case report. Integrative Medicine Research, 10(2), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2020.100495
36. Lee, S.M., Suh, J.K., & Lee, S. (2008). Horticultural therapy in a jail: Correctional care for anger. Acta Horticulturae, 790(790), 109-113. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2008.790.14
37. Leonardi R.J., Buchanan-Smith H.M., McIvor G., & Vick, S-J. (2017). You think you’re helping them, but they’re helping you too”: Experiences of Scottish Male Young Offenders Participating in a Dog Training Program. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(8), 945. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14080945
38. Listiana, A. P., & Hastjarjo, S. (2021). Urban farming: implementation of prisoner guidance in an effort to support food security towards Rutan Boyolali productive. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 905, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/905/1/012008
39. Liu, S., Wu, X., & Yuan, J. (2023). The impact of growth environment on individual crime behavior. Journal of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, 22, 408-414. https://doi.org/10.54097/ehss.v22i.12489
40. MacKenzie, D.L. (2006). What works in corrections: reducing the criminal activities of offenders and delinquents. Cambridge University Press, 251. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511499470
41. Mattson, R.H., Kim, E., Marlowe, G.E., & Nicholson, J.D. (2004). Horticultural therapy improves vocational skills, self-esteem, and environmental awareness of criminal offenders in a community corrections setting. HortScience: a publication of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 39(4), 837D-837. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.39.4.837D
42. Mburu, H., & Gathitu, C. (2022). Effect of prison programs on rehabilitation of inmates in County, Kenya. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 6(10), 489-495. https://ideas.repec.org/a/bcp/journl/v6y2022i10p489-495.html
43. Mims, D., Waddell, R., & Holton, J. (2017). Inmate perceptions: The impact of a prison animal training program background, Environmental and Sociology Psychology, 5(2):1-4. https://doi.org/10.18063/esp.v3.i2.753
44. Miriti, G.M., & Kimani, M.W. (2017). Analysis of prisons Rehabilitation programs on behaviour reformation of offenders in kenya: a cause study of Kisumu main prison, European Journal of Business and Social Sciences, 6(6), 59-85. https://www.ijsac.net/sites/default/files/2019-12/4.11.5.pdf
45. Mitra, P., & Agarwal, Sh. (2016). Age or marital status and mental well-being of female inmates inhabitant of Lucknow Jail. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 4(175), 2348-5396. https://doi.org/10.25215/0401.075
46. Moloko, H.B., Ng’ong’ola, D.H., & Kamkwamba, H. (2018). The importance of prison farms: Evidence from Malawi’s prisons. Sustainable Agriculture Research, 7(3), 9-20. https://doi.org/10.5539/sar.v7n3p9
47. O'Connor, T.P., & Perreyclear, M. (2002). Prison religion in action and its influence on offender rehabilitation. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 35(3-4), 11-33. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/I0.1300/J076v35n0302e
48. Omoni, G.E., & Ijeh, Sh.U. (2009). Gualitative education for inmates: a panacea to effective rehabilitation and integration into the society. Edo Journal of Counselling, 2(1), 28-37. https://doi.org/10.4314/ejc.v2i1.52651
49. Oshinsky, D.M. (1996). Worse than slavery: Parchman Farm and the ordeal of Jim Crow justice, New York, Free Press. https://www.amazon.com/Worse-than-Slavery-Parchman-Justice/dp/0684830957
50. Uddin, I., Mbadiwe Igbokwe, E., & Olatunji Olaolu, M. (2019). Prison Farm Inmates’ Reformation and Rehabilitation: the Nigerian Experience. Criminology & Social Integration, 27(2), 204–220. https://doi.org/10.31299/ksi.27.2.3
51. Richards, HJ., & Kafami, D.M. (1999), Impact of horticultural therapy on vulnerability and resistance to substance abuse among incarcerated offenders. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 29, 183–193. https://doi.org/10.1300/J076v29n03_11
52. Robinson, M.L., & O'Callaghan, A.M. (2008). Expanding Horticultural Training into the Prison Population. Journal of Extension, 46(4), 1-4. https://archives.joe.org/joe/2008august/iw4.php
53. Ross, M. (2011). Pedagogy for Inmates: An Approach to Peer Health Education for Inmates. Journal of Correctional Health Care, 17(1), 6-18. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078345810378251
54. Sachitra, V., & Wijewardhana, N. (2020). The road to develop inmates’ skills and attitudes: an analytical study of contemporary prison-based rehabilitation programme in Sri Lanka. Safer Communities ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), 19(1), 15-34. https://doi.org/10.1108/SC-01-2019-0002
55. Strimple, E.O. (2003). A history of prison inmate-animal interaction programs. American Behavioral Scientist, 47(1), 70-78. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764203255212
56. Tett, L., Anderson, K., McNeill, F., Overy, K., & Sparks, R. (2012). Learning, rehabilitation and the arts in prisons: a Scottish case study. Studies in the Education of Adults, 44(2), 171-185. https://doi.org/10.1080/02660830.2012.11661631
57. Timler, K., Brown, H., & Varcoe, C. (2019). Growing connection beyond prison walls: How a prison garden fosters rehabilitation and healing for incarcerated men. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 58(4), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1080/10509674.2019.1615598
58. Turner, W.G. (2007). The experiences of offenders in a prison canine program. Federal Probation, 71(1), 38-43. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279705696_The_experience_of_offenders_in_a_prison_canine_program.
59. Van der Linden, S. (2015). Green prison programmes, recidivism and mental health. Criminal Behavior and Mental Health, 25(2), 338–342. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbm.1953
60. Vandala, N.G. (2019).The transformative effect of correctional education: A global perspective. Cogent Social Sciences, 5(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2019.1677122
61. Weber, S.R., Hayes, M.P. & Webb, T, & LeRoy, C.J. (2015). Environmental education in prison: a comparison of teaching methods and their influence on inmate attitudes and knowledge of environmental topics. Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 16(2/3/4), 267-283. https://doi.org/10.1504/IER.2015.071026
62. Wormith, J., Richard, A., Simpson, Mark., Lorraine, R. Reitzel, Fagan, Thomas J., & Robert, D. Morgan. (2007). The rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders: the current landscape andsome future directions for correctional psychology. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 34(7), 879-892: Oxford University Press, Oxford. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093854807301552
63. Zautorova, E.V. (2019). Ecological education of convicts in prison. https://doi.org/10.46741/2076-4162-2019-13-2-289-294
64. Zelenski, J.M., Dopko, R.L., Capaldi, CA. (2015). Cooperation is in our nature: Nature exposure may promote cooperative and environmentally sustainable behavior. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 42, 24–3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2015.01.005
65. Zivanai, E., & Mahlangu, G. (2022). Digital prison rehabilitation and successful re-entry into a digital society: A systematic literature review on the new reality on prison rehabilitation. Cogent Social Sciences, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2022.2116809