Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2115 results(20 / 85)
La agricultura urbana como un modelo de transiciones justas
2024Jaume Vilasís Pamos, Pablo Aránguiz, Stefhania Lozano, Guillermo Palau Salvador · Revista Lecciones Vitales · Spain (Valencia)
This study examines urban agriculture initiatives in Valencia, Spain, which adopt an agroecological approach to promote sustainable practices like composting. While these collective strategies aim for sustainable agricultural models and contribute to food sovereignty, they face significant challenges, particularly regarding access to water. The initiatives also engage in political action and promote equitable organizational models.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityCompostPolicyStrategi Pemberdayaan Wanita Tani Penyangga Ketahanan Pangan Perkotaan Melalui Program Pekarangan Pangan Lestari
2024Dilla Aldilla, Andi Nuddin, Yusriadi, Suherman · Open MIND · Indonesia
This 2024 research focused on developing Women Farmer Groups (KWT) through the Sustainable Food Farms (P2L) program in Parepare City, Indonesia. An analysis identified weaknesses including a lack of fulfillment of market demands and internal group conflicts. Strategies proposed included selecting short-harvest crops, forming partnerships, and increasing group awareness of program outcomes to address these challenges.
Economic viabilityFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyEconomicsHow healthy are horticultural plants cultivated in urban gardens in polluted cities? The case of Mexico City
2024Ivonne Alonso Durán, Elizabeth Hernández-Álvarez, Ofelia Mortón-Bermea, Javier Castro-Larragoitia, Margarita Collazo-Ortega · Revista Internacional de Contaminación Ambiental · Mexico (Mexico City)
This study investigated the concentrations of 15 metal(loid)s in four vegetables (tomato, onion, chili, lettuce) cultivated in four urban garden locations in Mexico City. While soil analysis showed only vanadium exceeded Mexican limits in one location, various vegetables harvested in the study exceeded international recommended limits for cadmium, mercury, and lead. Lettuce exhibited the highest metal concentrations and transfer factors, with exceptionally high transfer factors for cadmium in lettuce and mercury in tomato.
Contamination & food safetyHealthErnährungsrat, Essbare Stadt, Gemeinschaftsgärten: Innere und äußere Logiken und Widersprüche der sozialökologischen Transformation durch Urban Gardening am Beispiel Köln
2024Alexander Follmann, Dorothea Hohengarten · transcript Verlag eBooks · Germany (Cologne)
This publication, titled "Ernährungsrat, Essbare Stadt, Gemeinschaftsgärten: Innere und äußere Logiken und Widersprüche der sozialökologischen Transformation durch Urban Gardening am Beispiel Köln," discusses the internal and external logics and contradictions of socio-ecological transformation through urban gardening, using Cologne as an example. The abstract states that this work was published in "Unterwegs in die Stadt der Zukunft" on page 241.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageFarm-to-Table Initiatives in Restaurant Food Production: Benefits, Challenges, and Consumer Perceptions
2024Dr.M.K. Ganesh · International Journal for Multidimensional Research Perspectives · Global
This mixed-methods study examined the farm-to-table movement in restaurant food production, identifying benefits like enhanced food freshness and local economic support. However, it also found significant challenges including higher costs, seasonal variability, and complex supply chain logistics. Consumer perceptions were generally positive, but the study emphasized the need for increased consumer education and policy support to overcome barriers.
Economic viabilityEconomicsFood miles & supply chainPolicyCommunityPlanetary health risks in urban agriculture
2024Nilanjana Ganguli, Anna Maria Subic, Janani Maheswaran, Byomkesh Talukder · Global Health Journal · Global
A systematic literature review of 55 papers identified five distinct planetary health risks associated with urban agriculture, despite its environmental benefits. The study highlighted particular concerns regarding trace metal bioaccumulation in soil and vegetables, posing health risks to populations. Additionally, risks related to wastewater irrigation, backyard livestock farming, and gaps in infectious disease research were identified.
Contamination & food safetyHealthClimate changeCommunitySiEUGreen White Paper with best practices
2024Nordregio, Luciane Aguiar Borges, Ana de Jesus · · Global
This report discusses the barriers and drivers of Urban Agriculture (UA) within the framework of the Horizon 2020 project 'SiEUGreen,' across environmental, technological, economic, social/cultural, and regulatory/institutional aspects. Based on insights from five showcases in Norway, Denmark, Turkey, and China, the results suggest that city food provision and UA systems can be designed considering circular economy regenerative cycles. However, key barriers limiting UA uptake include the need for more evidence-based research, further experimentation for innovative technological developments, high investments, difficulties accessing financial support, underdeveloped business cases, limited recognition of UA's benefits, and behavioral/cultural barriers.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleCommunityPolicyCultivando espacios socioambientales : perspectivas y transformaciones a través de la agricultura urbana y periurbana en el municipio de Foz do Iguaçu – PR.
2024Exzolvildres Queiroz Neto, Gilson Brandão de Oliveira Junior, Marcelha Silva de Andrade, Suncar Dabo, Geisiane Michelle Zanquetta de Pintor · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil
This article presents reflections on the practice of Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (AUP) and its impact on land use and occupation in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. The research raised several questions concerning rural-urban dynamics, the specificities of urban family farmers, and the complexity of land use in the municipality. Diagnostic results from a semi-structured research guide will be used as an empirical basis for further reflection, and the abstract does not state specific research findings or critical findings regarding governance.
Governance failurePeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkagePolicyMeningkatkan Semangat Komunitas Wanita Tani Melalui Revitalisasi Kebun Bibit Desa Karangmulyo
2024Alif Khair An Nassaj, Muhammad Luqman Hakim, Hanna Zharifa Marmu’asyifa, Liya Tsanyyatul Khishol, Andre Alfiansyah, Muhammad Afiq · Solusi Bersama · Indonesia
In Karangmulyo Village, Indonesia, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in the quality and productivity of community gardens and parks. A village nursery revitalization program aimed to overcome these negative impacts, restore land function, and boost the morale of women farmer communities through infrastructure improvements, adaptive crop planting, sustainable agricultural techniques, and community involvement. However, this abstract does not report on the specific effects of this program, such as the improvement of overall community welfare or the ensured sustainability of the village environment.
Limited or null effectCommunityWelfareClimate changeSelecting and operationalizing indicators for a comparative sustainability assessment of urban agriculture on the example of vertical farming and community supported agriculture
2024Martina Artmann, Marie Herzig, Henriette John · Discover Cities · Global
This study provides a framework for selecting and operationalizing indicators for a comparative sustainability assessment of different urban agriculture types, exemplified by Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and vertical farming. Based on a qualitative content analysis of vision guidelines, results suggest that CSA can be considered the more sustainable form across all three sustainability dimensions. However, considering vertical farming's main benefit is increased food production efficiency, it is suggested to balance its shortcomings and lack of vision on social justice, biodiversity conservation, and food quality by fostering a hybrid model of community supported vertical farming. This suggestion implies that vertical farming alone has limited effects in these aspects.
Limited or null effectCSA & TeikeiEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems Special Section: Improving Livability in Urban Areas: Examining Urban and Peri‐Urban Soil and Plant Management
2024Roberta Bulgari, Erdona Demiraj, Calogero Schillaci, Ahlem Tlili, Yushu Xia · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Global
This special issue examines urban and peri-urban soil and plant management, highlighting that soil-related factors in urban agricultural systems pose unique challenges. Issues such as soil fertility, soil biodiversity, and soil contamination require further investigation to enhance urban agriculture's contribution to livability. The issue collects studies supporting sustainable soil management and crop diversification, and explores remote sensing and deep learning for soil health monitoring and plant disease detection related to contamination.
Contamination & food safetyUrban–rural linkageBiodiversityPolicyHealthIs it healthy urban agriculture? Human exposure to potentially toxic elements in urban gardens from Andalusia, Spain
2024Sabina Rossini Oliva, Rafael López Núñez · Environmental Science and Pollution Research · Spain (Andalusia)
This study evaluated potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in vegetables and topsoils from urban gardens in Seville, Cordoba, Huelva, and a mining area (Riotinto), Spain, comparing them with market and peri-urban samples. Soils in the mining area and cities generally showed higher contamination with As, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn compared to other locations. Despite this, all PTE concentrations in vegetables from the studied urban gardens, including those from As-contaminated soils, were below health-based guidance values and market levels (except lettuce), and human health risk assessments indicated safe consumption.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureCommunityEcosophy as a form of protection for the Tapanuli Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) in the Batang Toru Landscape, North Sumatra, Indonesia
2024YUDHA LESMANA, Sambas Basuni, Rinekso Soekmadi · Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity · Indonesia
This qualitative study in the Batang Toru Landscape, North Sumatra, Indonesia, investigated human-orangutan conflict arising from forest clearing for economic development. It found that Tapanuli orangutans migrate to community gardens, leading to crop destruction and decreased economic income for local communities, thus triggering conflict. The study suggests that the concept of ecosophy, integrating intellectual, spiritual, and emotional dimensions, can raise public awareness for orangutan protection, with higher education levels showing more positive results, but highlights the economic viability challenge for communities.
Economic viabilityCommunityBiodiversityEconomicsOne Health Approach to Study the Occurrence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase- and Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. in Urban Agriculture in Burkina Faso
2024Fatimata Bintou Josiane Diarra, Isidore Juste O. Bonkoungou, Zakaria Garba, Namwin Siourimè Somda, Djifahamaï Soma, Marguerite Edith Malatala Nikiema, Évariste Bako, Souleymane Sore, Natéwindé Sawadogo, Nicolas Barro, Kaisa Haukka · Microorganisms · Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)
A study in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, assessed the occurrence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) and Klebsiella spp. (ESBL-K) in 356 samples from lettuce, the environment, and gardeners' stools in market gardens. The overall prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria was 65.2%. Specifically, ESBL-Ec was found in 25.0% of lettuce samples and ESBL-K in 43.4% of lettuce samples, indicating a high prevalence of these resistant bacteria in urban agriculture.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityPractice of compost use in urban farming: Opportunities and constraints in the West Region, Cameroon
2024Moye Eric Kongnso · International Journal of Environment Agriculture and Biotechnology · Cameroon
A mixed-methods study in the West Region, Cameroon, examined compost use in urban farming through 265 household surveys, 11 in-depth interviews, and one focus group. While compost availability and technical assistance favor its use, small-scale farmers face significant technical, knowledge, financial, institutional, and policy constraints. State extension services prioritize mineral fertilizers over compost, and the current regulatory framework does not encourage compost use, leading to the persistence of traditional practices.
Governance failureCompostOrganic cycleEconomicsPolicyThe community contributions of urban farms in Singapore
2024Sean Olivia Nicholas, Niki Harré · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Singapore
A review of existing literature and a case study of three urban farms in Singapore were conducted to examine their community contributions. Content analysis of 27 interviews with employees and volunteers revealed that these farms empower participants, generate social capital, provide jobs, involve marginalized groups, and promote pro-environmental behaviors. However, the farms were limited by poor job prospects and lower-than-expected yield.
Economic viabilityCommunityWelfareEconomicsClimate changeThe Health Burden of E-Waste: The Impact of E-Waste Dumping Sites on Child Mortality
2024Stefania Lovo, Samantha Rawlings · The World Bank Economic Review · Ghana, Nigeria
This study investigated the impact of e-waste dumping sites on neonatal and infant mortality, focusing on two major dumpsites in Ghana and Nigeria. Using a difference-in-differences approach, outcomes were compared for children born near and far from dumpsites before and after their creation. E-waste sites increased neonatal and and infant mortality for those living closer to the sites, with event studies suggesting effects emerge two to three years after site openings. There is suggestive evidence that contamination of water and of urban farming produce are among the drivers of the observed effects.
Contamination & food safetyHealthEconomicsAssessment of concentrations of heavy metals in three leafy vegetables irrigated with wastewater in Hadnet district, Mekelle, Ethiopia
2024Hailekiros Tadesse Tekle, Desta Berhe Sbhatu, Gebreselema Gebreyohannes · H2Open Journal · Ethiopia (Mekelle)
A study in Hadnet district, Mekelle, Ethiopia, assessed heavy metal concentrations in wastewater, spring water, and three leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach, cauliflower). Wastewater samples from four experimental sites exceeded permissible limits for 4 out of 10 heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn), and spring water from a comparison site also exceeded limits for 4 metals (Al, As, Cd, Cu). Leafy vegetables grown in the least contaminated experimental site showed high concentrations for 6-7 out of 10 heavy metals, with lettuce and spinach having elevated levels of As and Al, respectively. The study concluded that the wastewater used for irrigation is not safe, the farm soils may have accumulated significant heavy metals, and the cultivated vegetables are highly contaminated, necessitating regulation of wastewater use for irrigation.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureCommunity-Based Resilience Analysis (CoBRA) to Hazard Disruption: Case Study of a Peri-Urban Agricultural Community in Thailand
2024Alisa Sahavacharin, Fa Likitswat, Kim Irvine, Lihoun Teang · Land · Thailand (Pathum Thani)
This study assessed the potential of peri-urban areas for sustainable development, focusing on a pandan farming community in Pathum Thani, Thailand, using the Community-Based Resilience Analysis (CoBRA) approach. The community identified COVID-19, water quality, and solid waste as their primary disruptive challenges. The study concluded that the community was moderately resilient to hazards, and COVID-19 was the primary disrupting event over the past 10 years.
Governance failurePeri-urban agricultureClimate changeCommunityEconomicsHealthHealth Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Lettuce and Spring Onion on Human Health in Kumasi, Ghana
2024Prince Owusu Adoma, Afia Sakyiwaa Amponsah, Kwarteng Twumasi Ankrah, Francis Acquah, Hubert Amu, Richard Osei Agjei, Ruby Hanson · Environmental Health Insights · Ghana
This study in Kumasi, Ghana, assessed heavy metal concentrations in lettuce and spring onion cultivated at anthropogenic urban sites. It found that mean concentrations of nickel in lettuce (137.15 ± 0.0231 mg/kg) and spring onion (173.55 ± 0.02 mg/kg) at BSGS, and zinc in both vegetables across most sites, exceeded WHO/FAO permissible levels. Furthermore, the cancer risk factor for nickel in both lettuce and spring onion exceeded the benchmark of 1 × 10−6, indicating a potential increased cancer risk for consumers from long-term consumption.
Contamination & food safetyHealthThe Effect of Urban Gardening Activities on Physical Activity and Sleep Quality in Middle-Aged Women
2024Young-Bin Jung, Hyung-Kwon Yun, In-Chang Son, Se-Na Choi, Kwan Jeong Song · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
A 12-week study involving 20 middle-aged women in an urban gardening program and 20 in a control group examined the effects on physical activity and sleep quality. While the experimental group showed an increase in physical activity and improvements in stress and sleep quality scores, the study found no statistically significant difference in physical activity, stress index, or sleep quality between the experimental and control groups.
Limited or null effectHealthDIYInvestigating the Social Relations of Community Gardens for Adult Education
2024Mitchell McLarnon · Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education · Canada
This paper described and analyzed the social relations emerging from an adult education internship and community-based garden project in Montreal, Canada. Using institutional ethnography, it uncovered how adult education internships in community gardens and gardening programming can produce disproportionate outcomes for adult learners, community workers, and community members. It elucidated that specific institutional contrivances, such as funding, policy, work processes, and discourse, structure and define who experiences access to gardens, gardening, its ostensible health and well-being benefits, and adult education.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood educationPolicyUrban Agriculture in the Kathmandu Valley: Assessing Practices, Impacts, and Challenges for Sustainable Food Production and Well-being
2024Kalpana Waiba, Alina Maharjan, R Shakya · Journal of Environment Sciences · Nepal
This study investigated the status and impact of urban agriculture on the population in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. A structured questionnaire survey of 230 families showed that 51% of respondents had access to growing areas and 76% chose kitchen gardening. The main motivations were economic considerations (50%) and personal satisfaction (20%). Participants reported cultivating 55% of their diet, contributing to good health, though challenges such as plant diseases (40%) were present.
Limited or null effectHealthEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureLand Market and the “Sendoff” of Peri-Urban Agriculture in Tanzania: An Evolutionary Analysis of Practices and Actors
2024Kelvin Haule, Bupe Kabigi · Ghana Journal of Geography · Tanzania
This study analyzed land markets and their influence on peri-urban agriculture and livelihood strategies in Tanzania. It found that widespread monetary land markets, including formal, informal, speculative, entrepreneurial, and land grabbing forms, are transforming peri-urban agriculture into non-farm activities. These informal changes are causing a “sendoff” of peri-urban agriculture, and if unmanaged, land markets are suggested to become a blight for indigenous people selling land.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsPolicyThe 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 agriculture