Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
94 results(2 / 4)
The importance of digital record-keeping among urban agriculture communities: a review
2025Noryana Ahmad Khusaini, Munifah Siti Amira Yusuf · Universiti Putra Malaysia Institutional Repository (Universiti Putra Malaysia) · Global
This review examines the significance of digital record-keeping in urban agriculture, focusing on its impact on efficiency, productivity, market access, economic benefits, sustainability, and environmental benefits. The review identifies challenges such as a lack of digital skills, high implementation costs, inadequate technological infrastructure, limited connectivity, data privacy, and security. These challenges hinder the adoption of digitalization in urban agriculture.
Governance failureDigital agricultureEconomicsCommunityClimate changeUrban agriculture supports China’s vegetable supply without raising greenhouse gas emissions
2025Yuanchao Hu, Prajal Pradhan, Haoran Zhang, Zhen Wang, Qianyuan Huang, Qiqi Jia, Xihong Lian, Chao Xu, Rui Yang, Yuxi Tian, Zhibang Xu, Limin Jiao, Jürgen P. Kropp · Resources Environment and Sustainability · China
This study constructed a new dataset of urban productive spaces for 124 large Chinese cities to assess the potential of urban agriculture. It found that approximately 30% of urban vegetable demand could be met by utilizing spaces such as rooftops and open areas. However, urban agriculture showed little potential for greenhouse gas emission mitigation, with an average intensity (0.30 kgCO2e/kg) similar to traditional agriculture (0.31 kgCO2e/kg).
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeUrban–rural linkageEconomicsDigital agriculturePenerapan Prinsip Permakultur Desain Melalui Elemen Arsitektural pada Bangunan Vertical Harvest Farms, USA
2025Aprilia Shyntia Dewi, Muchlisiniyati Safeyah · Sinektika Jurnal Arsitektur · United States
This qualitative descriptive study analyzed the application of permaculture design principles through architectural elements at Vertical Harvest Farms, USA, using secondary data. The research found that Vertical Harvest Farms largely incorporates permaculture design principles through architectural elements, such as greenhouse-based materials adapted to local climate and optimal spatial arrangement. However, regarding mass typology, the farm was found to be less compliant with the permaculture design principle of "Design from Pattern to Detail."
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeDIYDigital agricultureUrban–rural linkageResearch on Urban Agriculture Scene Innovation Driven by Generative AI
2025Tong Wu · Scientific and Social Research · Global
This study analyzed the impact of generative AI on the intelligent transformation of urban agriculture from theoretical and technical perspectives. Generative AI was shown to be applicable in production optimization, marketing innovation, and farmer education, enhancing resource utilization efficiency and industrial sustainability. However, its widespread application faces challenges such as agricultural data silos, model adaptability, cost, and talent shortages, requiring collaborative support from policies, technologies, and talent.
Governance failureDigital agricultureEconomicsPolicyFood educationEconomic and Environmental Tradeoffs in Cultivating Short Food Supply Chains With Urban Indoor Agriculture
2025Joseph Seong, H. Christopher Peterson, Simone Valle de Souza · Agribusiness · Global
This study evaluated the economic and environmental sustainability potential of urban indoor agriculture (IA) using a multi-objective optimization model (IA-MOO) integrating a bioeconomic model for lettuce production. Results indicated that earnings before taxes (EBT) and energy use efficiency (EUE) are generally not conflicting objectives, except for a short production schedule frame.
Economic viabilityEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureVanguard Visions of Vertical Farming: Envisaging and Contesting an Emerging Food Production System
2024Mascha Gugganig · Science Technology & Human Values · Global
This paper explores the arguments and internal disagreements among experts popularizing vertical farming (VF), an emerging urban food production system. While VF is promoted for its space efficiency and independence from weather, it faces debates regarding its unsustainability and high energy costs for producing a limited range of perishable foods. Findings indicate that disagreements among vanguards reveal that VF is seen as one of many solutions, not the sole answer.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsRénover Cleveland : démolition, racisme et agriculture urbaine dans l’Amérique abandonnée
2024Pierric Calenge, Maie Gérardot · Métropolitiques · United States (Cleveland)
The work by Max Rousseau and Vincent Béal illuminates the ambiguities of a policy that organizes urban decline and racial segregation in Cleveland. This policy promotes urban degrowth and racial segregation, balancing algorithmic management and urban greening. The study focuses on the Rust Belt region, which experiences de-urbanization marked by the subprime crisis, racism, and segregation.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareClimate changeBiodiversityFood educationElderlyFood lossOrganic cyclePollinatorsHeirloom & landraceFood miles & supply chainCSA & TeikeiPeri-urban agricultureDigital agricultureDIYCompostFood educationWelfareElderlyFood lossOrganic cycleCommunityBiodiversityPollinatorsPolicyHealthEconomicsHeirloom & landraceUrban–rural linkageFood miles & supply chainCSA & TeikeiPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureA Smart Hydroponics System for Sustainable Agriculture
2024Supriya Jaiswal, Gopal Rawat, Chetan B. Khadse, Sohit Sharma · BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS eBooks · India
Hydroponic farming, adopted in urban India to meet food demands, faces shortcomings including higher initial costs, complex nutrient discharge, and energy requirements for microclimatic conditions and skilled labor. To address these issues, a smart hydroponic farming architecture is discussed, aiming to reduce human intervention and water wastage using wireless sensor networks and IoT.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureUrban–rural linkageEconomicsUrban Agriculture and Food Security
2024Aashna Sinha, Kailash Bisht, Digvijay Singh · · Global
This article explores vertical hydroponic farming, noting its benefits like reduced space and water use, and enhanced robustness with Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms (PGPMs). However, it also demonstrated that the system's ecological impact is significantly affected by growing media, pots, electricity use, and transportation. The study suggests potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and abiotic resource decline by using fiber as growing medium and paper containers.
Environmental trade-offsDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsOrganic cycleBeyond Efficiency: The Social and Ecological Costs of Plant Factories in Urban Farming—A Review
2024László Csambalik, Izóra Gál, Krisztina Madaras, Andrea Tóbiás, Péter Pusztai · Urban Science · Global
This review examines soil-based urban agriculture and high-tech plant factories for urban food resilience. It finds that while vertical farms produce high yields, inhabitant involvement is minimal, offering no social advantages. Automated plant factories require few highly qualified personnel and are unlikely to contribute to urban social well-being in the future.
Equity & displacementDigital agricultureCommunityEconomicsClimate changeMapping the Dynamics of the Vertical Farm: A Biopolitical Epistemology of Valuation
2024Hayley Birss · Social Epistemology · Canada
This study examines Infarm's vertical farming practice, a venture capital-backed solution for climate change mitigation, by mapping its actor-network. The analysis reveals that Infarm's vertical farming and its climate change mitigation logics are shaped by venture capital and its biopolitical epistemology of valuation. This framework conceptualizes life, biology, and climate in terms of political economy, indicating that economic viability is a primary driver.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureEconomicsPolicyRealising the potential of urban agriculture in Kingston, Jamaica
2024Sonia Gatchair · · Jamaica (Kingston)
In Kingston, Jamaica's largest urban space, systematic efforts to stimulate the adoption of commercially viable urban agriculture have lagged. This study examines the facilitators and impediments to commercially viable urban agriculture, arguing that knowledge transfer and the adoption of innovative, technology-driven approaches to farming, financing, and marketing are needed for success.
Economic viabilityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicyDigital agriculturePengembangan Pemasaran Digital Berbasis Media Sosial Instagram Untuk Meningkatkan Daya Jual Hasil Produksi Pada Kelompok Tani Urban Farming “Keputih Bersemi” Kelurahan Keputih, Kecamatan Sukolilo, Kota Surabaya
2024Brilliant Adam Ramadhani, Shalahuddin Fathan, Jessica Putri Margaretta, Putri Wahyu Pebrianti, Ika Sari Tondang, Nuriah Yuliati · Kegiatan Positif Jurnal Hasil Karya Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Surabaya)
The Urban Farming Group "Keputih Bersemi" in Keputih, Surabaya, faces challenges in optimally selling and distributing its produce, such as pak choi and lettuce, due to conventional marketing methods. The majority of group members are elderly and unfamiliar with technology, limiting sales and distribution. The abstract suggests that digital marketing via Instagram and WhatsApp could increase visibility and sales.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsElderlyDigital agricultureThe Disenfranchisement of Practitioners and the Public Sector in Innovative Urban Farming in Sub-Saharan Africa: Insights from Nigeria
2024Emmanuel Olatunbosun Benjamin, Abiola Adegoke, Gertrud Buchenrieder · Land · Nigeria (Lagos)
This exploratory qualitative research, conducted in Lagos, Nigeria, used focus group discussions to compare the perspectives of private urban farmers and public sector representatives on innovative urban farming. Urban farmers identified a lack of public sector support for circular agri-food technologies, while public sector representatives attributed issues to farmers' behavioral and educational shortcomings, including poor coordination. These differing views highlight complex dynamics and a need for structural changes and stakeholder dialogues to develop effective urban farming policies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyCommunityDigital agricultureWater Spinach (Ipomoea reptans Poir) Hydroponic Kratky System at Various Levels of PbSO4 Contamination
2024Nyayu Khodijah, Ratna Santi, Riwan Kusmiadi, Ivan Rismunandar · Jurnal Agritech · Global
This research investigated the effect of nutrient type and lead (Pb) absorption on water spinach growth in a Kratky hydroponic system over 30 days. Plants were exposed to PbSO4 concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/L, with standard hydroponic (ABmix) and alternative nutrients. The study found that nutrient type significantly affected most growth parameters, with ABmix performing better than alternative nutrients. Crucially, no growth disturbance was observed due to PbSO4 contamination, and the combination of Pb concentration and nutrient type did not significantly affect growth or production, except for the number of leaves.
Contamination & food safetyHealthDigital agricultureUrban farming with rooftop greenhouses: A systematic literature review
2023Annie Drottberger, Yizhi Zhang, Jean Wan Hong Yong, Marie-Claude Dubois · Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews · Global
This systematic literature review, based on 45 articles, examined the benefits and challenges of rooftop greenhouse technology. While benefits include optimized land use, increased profitability, good yields, and resource efficiency, the review identified significant challenges. These challenges include additional investment and operational costs, limited availability of flat roofs, and various regulations, which hinder the widespread adoption of rooftop greenhouses.
Economic viabilityClimate changeEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agriculturePemanfaatan Pemasaran Digital sebagai Media Penjualan Produk Pertanian Perkotaan oleh Kelompok Tani Empelan Terbin
2023Kadek Dwi Pradnyani Novianti, Ni Kadek Sukerti · WIDYABHAKTI Jurnal Ilmiah Populer · Indonesia (Denpasar)
This community service activity focused on the Empelan Terbin Farmer Group in Denpasar City, which practices urban agriculture but faces challenges in distributing and selling its produce. The group's agricultural products were often only shared locally or discarded due to excess harvest, indicating a lack of effective sales channels. To address this, the activity provided training and assistance in digital marketing via Facebook to help the group introduce its products to a wider audience and generate profit for sustainable land management.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureEconomicsCommunityFood lossFAZENDA VERTICAL COMO MODELO SUSTENTÁVEL DE AGRICULTURA URBANA
2023Renata Priore Lima, Lady Laura Soares Gundim · Revista Gestão & Sustentabilidade Ambiental · Brazil (São Paulo)
This study investigates the benefits of vertical farms as a sustainable food production model in cities. Through a literature review and a case study of Pink Farms in São Paulo, Brazil, the results indicate benefits such as energy and land use optimization, but also highlight the ecological, social, and landscape limitations of vertical farms.
Environmental trade-offsDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsAlgorithmic Food Justice
2023Lara Houston, Sara Heitlinger, Ruth Catlow, Alex Taylor · Policy Press eBooks · United Kingdom (London)
Workshops critically experimented with the possibilities and challenges of blockchain as an infrastructure for food abundance and reparative work, using fictional scenarios set in a London transformed into a city farm by 2025. This experimentation suggested that blockchain presents challenges to such restorative and sustainable work. For participants, reparation involved working in the aftermath of social and environmental collapse to bring into being more-than-human-value systems that radically decentered human knowledge and experience.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityDigital agricultureClimate changeEvaluating the impacts of nutrients recovery from urine wastewater in Building-Integrated Agriculture. A test case study in Amsterdam
2023Michele D’Ostuni, C. Stanghellini, A. Boedijn, Leonardo Zaffi, Giuseppina Pennisi, Francesco Orsini · Sustainable Cities and Society · Netherlands (Amsterdam)
The feasibility of using urine and greywater streams as nutrient solutions in a theoretical model of Building-Integrated Agriculture in Amsterdam was evaluated. Results showed it is feasible to use urine and greywater as nutrient solutions; however, treated urine had higher macronutrient concentrations than literature fertilizer recipes, requiring dilution with increasing amounts of greywater to match N or P concentrations. Consequently, P deficiencies in plants or excessive N concentration were found in the final wastewater-based nutrient solution.
Limited or null effectOrganic cycleDigital agricultureAquaponics and Urban Farming Solutions in the US: A Comprehensive Review - Assessing the Viability, Benefits, and Challenges of Integrating Fish and Plant Farming in Urban Settings
2023Olasumbo Olagoke-Komolafe, Joshua Oyeboade · International Journal of Multidisciplinary Futuristic Development · United States
This study comprehensively reviewed the viability, benefits, and challenges of urban aquaponics systems in the United States. Through a systematic literature review and content analysis, significant environmental benefits were identified, while economically, long-term benefits potentially outweigh initial setup costs. Challenges such as technical complexities, financial barriers, and the need for specialized knowledge are also notable.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureEconomicsCommunityFood educationProspecção Científica e Tecnológica sobre o Uso de Softwares para a Oferta e a Comercialização em Hortas Comunitárias
2023Jamille Anderson Luiz da Silva, Paula Tereza de Souza e Silva · Cadernos de Prospecção · Global
This study aimed to identify mobile applications developed or used for offering and trading food products in community gardens, through scientific and technological prospecting. Searches were conducted across multiple databases using keywords like "Aplicativo," "App," "Software," "Horta," and "Agricultura urbana." The results showed few applications associated with the theme, with most intended for specific localities and few available for widespread use, indicating a limited effect of existing tools.
Limited or null effectDigital agricultureCommunityEconomicsVertical Farms: A Sustainable Solution to Urban Agriculture Challenges
2023Wenhao Zhu · Highlights in Science Engineering and Technology · United States (Chicago)
This paper focuses on the characteristics of vertical farms, using The Plant vertical farm in Chicago as an example to describe its design and performance, and analyze its advantages and design principles. The success of The Plant is attributed to saving raw materials and waste disposal costs through waste utilization, staggered electricity consumption, and insulated structures to maximize energy cost savings. However, while small-scale pilot projects of vertical farms have achieved some success, many constraints remain for scaling them up due to high construction and operation costs and high technical levels.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureEconomicsClimate changeControlled Environment Agriculture and Its Ability to Mitigate Food Insecurity
2023Aubrey Lynn Garcia, M.A.C. Griffith, George Paul Buss, Xiusheng Yang, John L. Griffis, Sarah E. Bauer, Ankit Singh · Agricultural Sciences · Global
This review investigates Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) as a potential solution for food security, discussing its rationale, growth factors, and technologies. While indoor farming systems like vertical farming enhance urban access to food, the cost of CEA remains high, though it is decreasing due to technological advances.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsIdentification 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