Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
964 results(12 / 39)
Food sovereignty and peri-urban horticulture
2023Benjamin Felix Richardson · · New Zealand (Auckland)
Auckland's urban sprawl threatens to significantly raise the price of fresh fruits and vegetables across the country, worsening chronic food security issues. Food production has become detached from the food security and food sovereignty of Aotearoa's people. The severity of this issue is driving calls for reform, and a conflict exists between humanity's agricultural subsistence and the destabilizing demands of financial extraction, where crucial productive hubs can be lost permanently.
Economic viabilityFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsUrban–rural linkageCommunity gardens and the social solidarity economy
2023Jade Morkel, Noxolo Dumani, Nick Malherbe, Shahnaaz Suffla · Community Development · South Africa
This case study, conducted in a low-income South African community, explored how a community gardener engages with the social solidarity economy (SSE) using thematic analysis of triangulated data from an interview, participant observation, and a participatory film. The study analyzed how the community garden fostered solidarity and established alternative micro-economic practices. It also considered challenges facing community gardens when connecting with the SSE.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsHealthFood sovereignty & justiceSistemas alimentarios urbanos y su gobernanza, ¿una alternativa viable para Venezuela en el marco de los sistemas agroalimentarios sostenibles?
2023José Anido · Agroalimentaria · Venezuela
This exploratory review study examined the viability of urban food systems and their governance in Venezuela, based on secondary sources. While identifying available resources like educational infrastructure and a renewed legal framework, the study highlighted significant limitations. These include increasing deforestation, deteriorating potable water services for urban agriculture, migration of skilled populations, decline in public funding for science and technology, opaque official information, and scarcity of financing for new developments.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsClimate changeIdentification of Factors for Active Use of Rooftop Greenhouses in Korea: Based on Analysis of Foreign Exemplary Cases
2023Kyunghun Min, Jisoo Ahn, Eunseok Lee · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea
This study analyzed exemplary cases from the US and Canada to identify factors for the active use of rooftop greenhouses (RTGs) in Korea. Despite international interest in RTGs for carbon neutrality and food security, their implementation in Korea is limited by a lack of relevant legal bases and policies. Essential factors for stable RTG operation include long-term support, initial capital, differentiated distribution, and a review of laws and regulations, highlighting the need for legal and policy frameworks.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsClimate changeDigital agriculture“I’m Happy for People to Collaborate, but I Don’t Want to Join in”. Addressing Failure in Community-supported Agriculture Networks
2023Bernd Bonfert · · United Kingdom; Germany
This article investigates "network failure" and collaboration barriers within Community-supported agriculture (CSA) networks in the UK and Germany, using qualitative case studies. The study found that CSA networks function effectively at national and local levels but experience relative failure at the regional level. Regular barriers to collaboration arise from capacity limitations, member differences, and competition, which the networks are actively trying to address.
Governance failureCSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsPolicyPredictive Analysis of Customer Churn in Community-Supported Agriculture Based on RFM Modeling
2023Xiaoying Yan, Mei Yin, Renren Li · Atlantis Highlights in Computer Sciences/Atlantis highlights in computer sciences · China
High customer turnover is a significant challenge in China's Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) industry. This study utilized RFM models (Recency, Frequency, and Monetary) and algorithms to regularly rank and classify the consumption ability of CSA customers. This was achieved by analyzing their recent purchase time, number of times of consumption, and consumption data.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsDigital agricultureCommunity Supported Agriculture in the Pearl River Delta
2023Ziyi Liu, Nicola Dempsey, Eckart Lange · The urban book series · China (Pearl River Delta)
This chapter investigates Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in the Pearl River Delta, China, aiming to understand its role in the local food system and in reducing food safety concerns. It notes a limited understanding of barriers to promoting and developing CSA, and little published evidence on public attitudes or their influence on CSA demand and development in the region. The study identifies current socio-economic and environmental catalysts and barriers for CSA farming.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicyUrban agriculture and farmers’ willingness to pay for treated wastewater: Insights from vegetable producers in the greater Accra metropolis of Ghana
2023Abdulai Adams, Samuel Sekyi, Irrshad Kaseeram · Cogent Food & Agriculture · Ghana (Accra)
This study analyzed the efficiency performance and willingness to pay (WTP) for treated wastewater among 214 urban vegetable producers in the greater Accra metropolis of Ghana. Using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and logistic regression models, results showed that the current production system is technically inefficient, with 33% more output possible from existing resources. The mean amount farmers were willing to pay for treated wastewater delivered to their farms was GH¢66.7 per month.
Economic viabilityEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceExperimental urban commons?: Re‐examining urban community food gardens in Cape Town, South Africa
2023Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira, Alexander Follmann, Daniel Tevera · Geographical Journal · South Africa
This mixed-methods study examined 34 urban community gardens in Cape Town, South Africa, to assess their capacity to function as urban commons across six areas: infrastructure, inputs, land, produce, labour, and immaterial components. Findings demonstrated that while these gardens counter neoliberal privatization and individualization, their capacity to function as urban commons is significantly curtailed by their entrenchment within the neoliberal context.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION OF LOCAL FARMERS TOWARD AGROBIODIVERSITY IN HOME GARDEN. CASE STUDY: BUOT VILLAGE, CHIENG YEN COMMUNE, VAN HO DISTRICT, SON LA PROVINCE, VIETNAM
2023Tuyet Truong, Khoirunnisa Khuzaimah, H.T.M. Pham, Ho Ngoc Son, Tuan Van Bui, Long Ha · SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF TAN TRAO UNIVERSITY · Vietnam (Son La Province)
A study surveyed 39 local farmers in Buot village, Son La province, Vietnam, to examine their perception of agrobiodiversity and factors influencing the adoption of syntrophic farming in home gardens. The survey found that most farmers understood the importance of agrobiodiversity and were willing to adopt syntrophic farming. However, challenges in capital, market access, and a lack of irrigation systems were identified as barriers hindering their adoption of syntrophic farming.
Economic viabilityBiodiversityDIYEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceAssessing the Impact of Community Gardens in Mitigating Household Food Insecurity and Addressing Climate Change Challenges: A Case Study of Ward 18, Umdoni Municipality, South Africa
2023Merishca Naicker, Denver Naidoo, Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi · African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies · South Africa
This mixed-methods study surveyed 120 community garden participants in Ward 18, Umdoni Municipality, South Africa, to assess the impact of community gardens on household food security. The survey found that 58.3% of participants did not receive sufficient food from the gardens, and only 15.8% achieved food security, with 40% experiencing moderate food insecurity. Despite their establishment, community gardens appeared ineffective in substantially improving household food security, with challenges including climate change impacts.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsPaying for nature‐based solutions: A review of funding and financing mechanisms for ecosystem services and their impacts on social equity
2023Austin Thompson‐Spain, Kyle S. Bunds, Lincoln R. Larson, Bethany B. Cutts, J. Aaron Hipp · Sustainable Development · United States
This scoping review examines funding and financing mechanisms for nature-based solutions and their impact on social equity in the United States. It finds that market-driven nature-based solutions can contribute to an inequitable distribution of urban ecosystem services. The distribution of benefits is influenced by local contexts, decision-making inclusion, and payment mechanisms, suggesting disparities in access for diverse and marginalized populations.
Equity & displacementPolicyEconomicsClimate changeCommunityRendimientos y eficiencia en el uso del agua de lechuga y tomate cherry en jardines urbanos
2023Posgrado en Ingeniería Agrícola y Uso Integral del Agua, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Chapingo, Estado de México, México, Hugo Antonio Fernández, R. Salazar, Posgrado en Ingeniería Agrícola y Uso Integral del Agua, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Chapingo, Estado de México, México, E. Fitz-Rodríguez, Posgrado en Ingeniería Agrícola y Uso Integral del Agua, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Chapingo, Estado de México, México, I.L. López-Cruz, Posgrado en Ingeniería Agrícola y Uso Integral del Agua, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Chapingo, Estado de México, México, Uwe Schmidt, Dennis Dannehl · Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua · Mexico (Mexico City)
Yields and water productivity of romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes were investigated in 13 urban gardens in Mexico City. Lettuce yields ranged from 0.10 to 1.20 kg m-2 with water use efficiency from 0.21 to 2.93 kg m-3, while cherry tomato yields ranged from 0.25 to 3.40 kg m-2 with water use efficiency from 0.32 to 5.52 kg m-3. Irrigation in these gardens is empirically done using potable water, showing an excess water supply of 0.27 to 0.4 m3 m-2 for a complete cycle of lettuce and cherry tomatoes.
Environmental trade-offsDIYEconomicsClimate changeA Critical Reflection on the "Deficits to be Overcome" in Urban Agriculture in Bulgaria
2023Svetlana Hristova-Vladi · Postmodernism Problems · Bulgaria
The book "Urban Agriculture for Improving the Quality of Life. Examples from Bulgaria," edited by Donna Pickard, explores the real versus potential effects of urban agriculture on the welfare of urban and nearby communities. This multidisciplinary study analyzes the interplay between urban agriculture practices and quality of life through social, educational, economic, spatial, and ecological aspects. It also delves into the historical dimension of urban agriculture in Bulgaria, including examples from Sofia in the 1930s.
Governance failureWelfareHealthEconomicsPolicyImpacts of climate variability on the vegetable production of urban farmers in the Addis Ababa metropolitan area: Nexus of climate-smart agricultural technologies
2023Mekonnen Amberber Degefu, Fantu Kifle · Climate Services · Ethiopia
This study examined the impacts of climate variability on vegetable production among 156 randomly selected vegetable farmers along the little Akaki River in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Climate data from 1996 to 2020 and farmer perceptions revealed high coefficients of variation for monthly and annual precipitation. Farmers perceived increased floods/rainfall (44.9%), drought frequency (13.5%), temperature (89.7%), and decreased vegetable productivity (86.5%). High precipitation and temperature variability negatively affect vegetable productivity, with nonadaptation (36.5%) also reported as an adaptation option.
Limited or null effectClimate changeUrban–rural linkageEconomicsCultivating communities in Mendoza, Argentina: Exploring social aspects of urban agriculture
2023Lena Katharina Mietz, Bárbara Civit, Alejandro Pablo Arena · Environmental & Socio-economic Studies · Argentina (Mendoza)
This study investigated vegetable consumption patterns, interest in vegetable production, opinions on urban agriculture, and barriers in the metropolitan city of Mendoza, Argentina. Using quantitative research methods and a citizen survey, the results showed strong interest from citizens in urban agriculture, but also identified barriers such as lack of time and resources.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyUrban Agriculture in Great Bandung Region in the Midst of Commercialization, Food Insecurity, and Nutrition Inadequacy
2023Oekan S. Abdoellah, Indri Wulandari, Kinanti Indah Safitri, Nafa Destri Fianti, Rahma Maulia Fadli Basagevan, Mega Nurul Aini, Rosalina Ilmi Amalia, Mahardhika Puspa Arum Suraloka, Gemilang Lara Utama · Sustainability · Indonesia (Bandung)
Commercialization of urban agriculture (UA) in the Great Bandung region has led to the displacement of small-scale farmers and reduced access to local food, exacerbating food insecurity among low-income residents. Subsistence farmers (48.91%) earned only 7.14% to 14.64% of the 2023 minimum wages, and food insecurity prevalence was predominantly observed after UA practices. The study also found a surplus of vitamin A among urban farmers, while inadequacies in other nutritional aspects were prevalent.
Equity & displacementEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityClimate change perception, adaptation strategies, and constraints amongst urban farmers in Anambra Metropolis, Nigeria
2023Cynthia Nneka Olumba, Eberechukwu Johnpaul Ihemezie, Chukwudi Charles Olumba · Climate and Development · Nigeria
This study aimed to understand urban farmers’ perceptions of climate change and the adaptation constraints they encounter in Anambra Metropolis, Nigeria. Household survey data using structured questionnaires showed that most urban farmers perceived climate change through effects such as increased weed infestation, drying up of streams/rivers, and decreased soil moisture. Principal adaptation constraints were diverse, falling within broader institutional, information, and financial categories. The study revealed that the socioeconomic conditions of urban farmers in developing countries pose a threat to urban agriculture's potential to mitigate climate change.
Governance failureClimate changeEconomicsPolicy“I am not by any stretch a gardener, just curious”: Feminist Gentrifier Memoirs and an Ethics of Urban Gardening
2023Maria Sulimma · Ecozon European Journal of Literature Culture and Environment · Global
This article examines "feminist gentrifier memoirs," specifically Anne Elizabeth Moore’s Gentrifier (2021) and Vikki Warner’s Tenemental (2018), focusing on gardening practices. It explores the writers’ conflicted positions in gentrifying neighborhoods and their complicity in processes of displacement and real estate speculation, despite benefiting from urban sustainability measures like urban farms and gardens. The texts engage with complex emotions arising from their white privilege and homeownership.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyEconomicsEvaluating Importance of Community Gardens in Times of Calm and Crisis: From Relaxation to Food Self-Provisioning
2023Marek Hekrle, Jan Macháč, Lenka Dubová · Resources · Czechia
This study investigated how ecosystem services (ES) provided by the community garden 'Žížala na Terase' in Czechia are affected during crises related to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased food prices. Results indicated that the importance of social interaction and educational ES significantly decreased in the COVID-19 scenario. Conversely, the role of community gardens as places for recreation increased. In the food self-provisioning scenario, provisioning ES increased at the expense of recreational ES. Economic assessment further showed that cultural ES were the most monetarily valued, followed by provisioning ES.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthNetwork Structure in Sustainable Urban Farming Development Policies in Makassar City
2023Mahyuddiin · KnE Social Sciences · Indonesia (Makassar)
This qualitative study analyzed the network structure of sustainable urban farming development policies in Makassar City, Indonesia, using observations, interviews, and documentation with stakeholders. The findings indicate that the network structure is not fully effective due to erratic, uneven, and unclear contact between actors, and a lack of binding written agreements in the trust dimension. However, information sharing and resource exchange dimensions are progressing well.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityEconomicsWhich urban agriculture conditions enable or constrain sustainable food production?
2023Seongeun Lee, Seongmin Shin, Hansol Lee, Mi Sun Park · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Global
A systematic review of urban agriculture (UA) case studies identified conditions enabling and constraining UA development across different country income groups. For high-income countries, a lack of farmers' knowledge and urban development are significant challenges to UA implementation. Common requirements for all income levels include motivation, labor, policy, social capital, and arable land.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsCommunityThe Impact of Indonesia Green Economy in Masterplan for Future Urban Farming Indonesia
2023Agnes Naipospos, Raia Azzura · Journal of Sustainable Development and Regulatory Issues (JSDERI) · Indonesia
Indonesia faces a reduction in vegetable supply due to rapid urban development, and urban farming can be a solution to meet food needs, reduce household expenses, and increase farmer income. Using a normative juridical approach, this study indicates that Indonesia needs an urban farming program, but its current implementation is not optimal. Therefore, the Indonesia Masterplan for Future Urban Farming (IM-for-FUF) is introduced as an innovation expected to better support the implementation of the green economy.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceUrban gardening as a risk-reduction strategy – an intersectional analysis of top-down gardening initiatives
2023Emelie Larsson, Katarina Giritli Nygren · Journal of Risk Research · Global
This study analyzed strategy documents and municipal website information to examine how municipalities frame urban gardening as a risk-reduction strategy, using critical discourse analysis. It identified two discourses: an eco(no)logical risk discourse addressing ecological risks within a capitalist market logic, and a social risk discourse focusing on gardening for work training. The findings reveal that top-down urban garden initiatives highlight contemporary inequalities in urban spaces.
Equity & displacementPolicyCommunityEconomicsWelfareThe entrepreneurial ecosystem and the performance of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Amhara region, Ethiopia: the political–legal perspective
2023Mulugeta Chane Wube, Heena Atwal · Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship · Ethiopia
This study, conducted in the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia, examined the integrated effect of the entrepreneurial ecosystem's political-legal subsystem on the performance of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and the mediating role of entrepreneurial competence. A sample of 499 MSE operators engaged in manufacturing, construction, and urban agriculture was selected. While the political-legal aspects significantly impacted both entrepreneurial competency and MSE performance, the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and MSE performance was found to be insignificant. The mediating role of entrepreneurial competency in the relationships between policy and business performance and other business environments and business performance was also shown to be insignificant.
Limited or null effectPolicyEconomics