A Participatory Evaluation of an Urban Garden Project in Ecuador: Exploring Factors That Impact the Recovery of People With Severe Mental Health Problems.

This article evaluates the impact of Huertomanías, an urban garden initiative in Ecuador designed as a person-centred, community-based mental health (CBMH) device supporting individuals with severe mental health problems (SMHPs). The study found that Huertomanías promotes recovery by fostering financial and personal autonomy, enhancing interpersonal relationships and connection with the environment, improving mental health management, and transforming family dynamics. External factors such as family support and public policy also significantly influence recovery, while limitations include insufficient financial remuneration for full independence. The findings underscore the importance of community-based mental healthcare and employment opportunities in mental health recovery, offering insights relevant for similar initiatives in Ecuador and Latin America.