empowering communities through community gis: A path to addressing food security amidst gentrification in inner east athens

By Sana Ullah, Spring 2024 Community GIS Student

As someone deeply rooted in community projects and passionate about leveraging technology for positive social change, the intersection of community GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and addressing complex issues like food security holds immense significance to me. With a background in agricultural development and rural communities, I understand the transformative power of collaborative efforts in tackling pressing challenges. In this blog post, I aim to explore the importance of community GIS, drawing upon my experiences and highlighting the role of the Community GIS course offered at the Geography department of the University of Georgia (UGA) in addressing food security, particularly in the context of Inner East Athens, Georgia. My journey in community projects began in the fertile fields of rural landscapes in Pakistan, where I witnessed firsthand the resilience and ingenuity of local communities in overcoming agricultural challenges. Working alongside rural farmers and community leaders, I learned the importance of participatory approaches in sustainable development initiatives. From implementing local food systems to promoting improved farming practices, I witnessed the transformative impact of empowering communities with the tools and knowledge to shape their own destinies.


Community GIS emerged as a powerful tool in my PhD career at UGA, offering a spatial lens through which to understand and address complex socio-environmental issues. By harnessing geospatial data and community input, GIS enables stakeholders to visualize patterns, identify disparities, and co-create solutions tailored to local contexts. From mapping land use patterns to analyzing socio-economic indicators, GIS empowers communities to make informed decisions and advocate for change. GIS empowers communities because analyzing data such as demographic data of an aera through GIS techniques can provide us with some significant information that could be used by local government, NGOs, and other stakeholders to shape policies and implement project for the development of the area. The Community GIS course offered at the Geography department of UGA stands at the nexus of theory and practice, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to leverage GIS for community-driven initiatives. Through hands-on projects and engagement with local partners, students explore the potential of GIS as a tool for social justice and environmental stewardship. By bridging the gap between academia and community action, the course cultivates a new generation of change-makers poised to tackle real-world challenges.


Inner East Athens, like many urban areas globally, grapples with the complex interplay of gentrification and the accessibility of nutritious food. As someone deeply rooted in agricultural practices and rural development, I recognize the critical importance of sustaining local food systems while navigating the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and climate change. This class blog is trying to highlight the importance of food security Inner East Athens because there are some reasons that cause it such as gentrification and studentification. Food security goes beyond mere access to food; it encompasses availability, access, utilization, and stability of food sources. Inner East Athens, historically vibrant with diverse communities, now faces the repercussions of gentrification, altering the socio-economic fabric and influencing food accessibility. Gentrification often leads to rising living costs, displacing low-income residents and disrupting their access to affordable and nutritious food. Gentrification reshapes neighborhoods and alters the challenges and opportunities for businesses for the local communities. This transition often marginalizes existing communities, exacerbating food insecurity among vulnerable populations. As property values soar, traditional residents are priced out of their neighborhoods, disrupting social networks and community cohesion vital for collective food security initiatives.


The challenges faced in inner East Athens echo across urban landscapes worldwide. Cities serve as epicenters of economic activity, attracting diverse populations seeking livelihood opportunities. However, rapid urbanization often outpaces infrastructure development, leading to food deserts and unequal distribution of resources. From New York to Nairobi, urban areas grapple with the dual challenge of food security and gentrification, underscoring the need for holistic interventions. Due to various socio-economic transformations in IEA, local initiatives and ideas can help tackle the community problems such as community gardens, urban farming cooperatives, and farmers' markets reclaim vacant lots and public spaces, fostering local food production and strengthening community resilience. One of the examples is Rashe who is very passionate about the development and prosperity of her community people.  These initiatives not only promote food sovereignty but also foster social inclusion and environmental sustainability. Effective policy frameworks are essential for addressing the root causes of food insecurity and gentrification. Governments must prioritize inclusive urban planning, ensuring equitable access to land and resources for small-scale farmers and marginalized communities. Zoning regulations should encourage mixed-income neighborhoods and protect cultural heritage, preserving traditional food systems and culinary diversity.


Creating resilient food systems requires collaboration across sectors, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and private enterprises. Partnerships that leverage local knowledge and global expertise can catalyze impactful interventions, fostering holistic approaches to food security and urban development. Empowering communities to lead their own initiatives promotes ownership and sustainability, fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards nourishing communities. As I embark on this journey at the intersection of community projects and GIS, I am excited by the possibilities that lie ahead. Through collaborations with local stakeholders, including community organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions like UGA, I am confident that we can leverage the power of GIS to create positive change in Inner East Athens and beyond. By harnessing technology as a force for social good, we can build more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities where everyone has access to nutritious food and opportunities for a better future. I had the opportunity to work with a dedicated group of people in my class project on gentrification. We found that due to gentrification the prices go high, and people become more vulnerable due to low socio-economic situations. I also listened to other group projects, and it was interesting to know how businesses, properties along with gentrification impact local people influencing their daily life and accessibility to food.

Bio: Sana Ullah is a third year PhD student of interdisciplinary agricultural education. He is focusing on small farmers’ access to information and resources about adaptation strategies to climate change. Mr. Sana is passionate about community empowerment through participatory research and agricultural development.

Keywords: Communities, GIS, Gentrification, Food security, Inner East Athens