Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
1138 results(6 / 46)
Hortas urbanas e restaurantes: análise do projeto Horta do Chef em Curitiba e suas conexões com a gastronomia
2025Ricardo de Amorim Cini, Juliana Hrycyna · Ágora · Brazil (Curitiba)
This study analyzed the challenges, expectations, and potential of the relationship between urban gardens and chefs, focusing on the "Horta do Chef" project developed by the City of Curitiba. A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and February 2023, involving a literature review and semi-structured qualitative interviews with two chefs and one public official. The results indicated that the "Horta do Chef" project was discontinued due to its decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceRole of Urban Farming in Promoting Sustainable Economic Development
2025Yosra Abduljalel Alajeli, Gunavathy Selvarajh · Journal of Business and Social Review in Emerging Economies · Global
This qualitative desk research investigated urban farming's economic, environmental, and societal impacts on sustainable economic development. Findings indicate urban farming enhances local economies, provides fresh produce, strengthens community engagement, and promotes green infrastructure. However, its broader adoption is hindered by limited land access, inadequate legislative support, and low public awareness.
Governance failureEconomicsClimate changeCommunityPolicyAdvancing the New Urban Agenda through Promoting Urban Agriculture: The Case of Masvingo City, Zimbabwe
2025Average Chigwenya, Samson Gwamure · Kuveza neKuumba The Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University Journal of Design Innovative Thinking and Practice · Zimbabwe (Masvingo City)
This research examined how urban agriculture has been incorporated in Masvingo City, Zimbabwe. A mixed methods approach, including interviews with key informants and field observations in urban agriculture areas, was adopted. The research found that despite the widespread practice of urban agriculture, Masvingo City is not innovative in including urban agriculture in its development agenda.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageCommunityPemanfaatan Lingkungan Sekitar sebagai Sumber Belajar IPS di SD
2025Muhammad Kaulan Karima, Erni Erni, Annisa Fitria, Annisa Rahayu, Hikmah Apriasih Riswanti, Njuah Mayatih Lumban Gaol, Siti Sundari Jaya Ningrat, Syalinni Kemala Nur, Salsa Islami Pashya · Jurnal Riset Sosial Humaniora dan Pendidikan · Indonesia
A qualitative study at State Elementary School 2 Metro Timur, Indonesia, explored the use of the surrounding environment as a Social Studies learning resource. While school gardens and community activities were found to be contextual and meaningful, obstacles included time constraints, unpredictable weather, poor student coordination, and limited facilities. The study suggests that environment-based learning has the potential to improve conceptual understanding and social skills, but faces significant limitations.
Limited or null effectFood educationCommunityCommoning and just sustainability across time, space and class: lessons from terminated urban gardening projects in Bucharest
2025Ioana Florea · Environmental Sociology · Romania
This paper investigated three collective gardening projects in Bucharest that closed between 2019 and 2021, analyzing what remains of their sustainability capacities and commoning efforts after termination. Findings indicate that while essential commoning aspects like collectivity building and autonomy can endure and transfer to other spaces, cross-class aspects fade away with these transpositions. This reveals that what persists from closed gardening projects is strongly tied to structural historical contexts.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsRELACIONES DE PODER Y GÉNERO EN PROYECTOS DE AGRICULTURA URBANA EN LIMA SUR: UN ANÁLISIS CRÍTICO DE LA PARTICIPACIÓN COMUNITARIA
2025Luis Enrique Serrano Ayasta, Josiane Stoessel-Ritz · Anales Científicos · Peru (Lima)
A doctoral research study in three low-income neighborhoods in South Lima, Peru, analyzed power relations within urban agriculture projects. The findings indicate that these projects, despite aiming for empowerment, often mask asymmetric power relations and reinforce preexisting inequalities, particularly for women gardeners. This perpetuates gender hierarchies and limits their participation and agency, reflecting paternalism from promoting organizations and community leaders.
Equity & displacementCommunityWelfareFood sovereignty & justicePolicyUnderstanding community supported agriculture through the intersection of practices and socio-technical Regimes
2025Mattia Andreola · Discover Sustainability · Italy (Trento)
This study conducted three years of ethnographic research, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, and quantitative data analysis, on "NaturalMente in Trentino," a CSA initiative in Trento, Italy. The research revealed multiple lock-in points, indicating that CSA constraints stem from organizational inefficiencies, deeply rooted cultural and behavioral habits such as the use of private gardens or a preference for supermarket convenience, and rigid institutional frameworks like cooperative dominance in the local agri-food regime.
Governance failureCSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsPublic Policy Network Implementation: A Case Study in the Development Urban Farming for Sustainable Food Independence in Makassar City
2025Mahyudin Mahyudin, Muh. Akmal Ibrahim, Muhammad Yunus, Syahribulan Syahribulan · Journal of Management and Administration Provision · Indonesia (Makassar)
This research used a descriptive qualitative approach, including observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, to analyze the implementation of development network policies for urban farming for sustainable food independence in Makassar City. The findings indicate that the implementation of the urban farming development policy network requires improvement through joint actions among stakeholders. This is due to a lack of instructors assisting the Women Farmers Group (KWT), which is the target of the urban farming program, thus affecting the sustainability of activities utilizing yard land for productive use and food independence.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomics“Planting flowers into potholes”: urban community gardens as symptoms of institutional shortfall?
2025Ágnes Gagyi · Local Environment · Europe
This paper investigated urban gardening in an East European capital, focusing on institutional resources. The study found a clear relationship between a shortfall of institutional resources and the limited, conflictual promotion of urban gardens as sustainability tools. It argues that gardens' contradictions stem from the privatization of public functions, which has depleted institutions capable of implementing gardens as sustainability tools, instead outsourcing costs to garden communities.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyClimate changeThis is God’s land: Moral economies, spirituality, and insurgent land seizures in Zimbabwe’s urban peripheries
2025Johannes Bhanye, Abraham R. Matamanda, Ruvimbo Shayamunda · Discover Global Society · Zimbabwe
In Lydiate informal settlement in peri-urban Zimbabwe, Malawian migrants mobilize insurgent practices, including informal land seizures, spiritual claims, and communal strategies, to access land for farming. Access to land for urban and peri-urban farming remains a significant hurdle, especially for marginalized migrants. Migrants invoke divine ownership narratives, Nyau cult practices, and witchcraft deterrence as tactical tools for defending seized land.
Equity & displacementPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyWelfareEconomicsHealthThe islands and the city: peri-urban agriculture, food production, and sustainability in the chinampas of Xochimilco (Mexico City)
2025F. Xavier Medina, José Antonio Vázquez–Medina, Marco Covarrubias · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · Mexico (Mexico City)
This chapter discusses the factors linking food production, social and environmental problems, and future challenges in the chinampas of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage wetland area in Mexico City's peri-urban zone. It examines strategies implemented by stakeholders and their effects to envision future scenarios for sustainable food systems. The insularity of the chinampas imposes a particular character on agri-food production and the life of inhabitants, highlighting existing social and environmental problems.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityA produção de alimentos na agricultura urbana em tempos de insegurança alimentar: uma experiência com hortas no município de Palmas, Tocantins- Brasil
2025Francisco Pereira de Sousa, Clareana Maria Guimarães Franco, Cássio Bruno Sá de Souza, Débora de Paula Brito Fogaça, Marcos Paulo Parente Araújo, Maíra Santiago Pires Parente, Henrique D. Silva, Dirlley Douglas Alves de Oliveira · Caderno Pedagógico · Brazil
A qualitative and quantitative study in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil, aimed to understand the interfaces of the Palmas City Hall's community garden project. Based on ethnographic research, action research, and field study, the results showed that this local practice enhances community participation in urban garden planting in northern Palmas. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and is a viable tool for minimizing food insecurity and hunger reduction. However, the project requires structural adjustments, promotion of public and private partnerships, and support from universities and civil society for healthy sustainability.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfarePolicyDeliberative methods for cultural ecosystem services
2025Luna Khirfan · · Canada (Waterloo)
This chapter introduces three deliberative methods for cultural ecosystem services, based on empirical experimentation. One method, a conventional charrette, sought to understand and overcome barriers to community gardening at four community gardens in the Region of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The study identified barriers to community gardening.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomicsThe effect of Ethiopia's land certification program on rural and peri-urban farmers' land tenure security; evidence from Tigray
2025Tesfay, Hailay, Machethe, Charles · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Ethiopia (Tigray)
This paper examines the effect of Ethiopia's land certification program on the land tenure security of rural and peri-urban farming households in the Tigray region. Analyzing cross-sectional data from 500 respondents using logistic regression, the study showed that the program's effect is significantly influenced by the geographic location of farm households. The program produced better results for rural farmers than for peri-urban farmers, with certified households in rural areas being less likely to experience a change in their land tenure (less secure land tenure) compared to certified farmers in peri-urban areas.
Governance failurePeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsCommunityDIÁLOGOS DO SABER: A CO-CONSTRUÇÃO DE CONHECIMENTO ENTRE UNIVERSIDADE E AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR NA HORTA COMUNITÁRIA POVO UNIDO, JUAZEIRO/BA
2025Rita Regina Marques Costa, Denes Dantas Vieira, Vivianni Marques Leite dos Santos, Deise Cristiane do Nascimento · · Brazil (Juazeiro)
This qualitative and quantitative field study analyzed the interaction between university extension and community-based family agriculture at the Povo Unido Community Garden in Juazeiro, Brazil. Conducted between March and May 2025, the research involved semi-structured questionnaires and dialogues with 47 farming families to understand their perceptions of knowledge exchange and interaction with educational institutions. Results showed consensus on the importance of university extension, but farmers pointed out challenges such as limited time for discussion and effective inclusion of participants with lower educational attainment.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood educationPolicyWelfarePeran Pemerintah dalam Mengimplementasikan Peningkatan Ketahanan Pangan Kota Tangerang
2025Ilham Prtama Putra, Naila Nur Aziza, Nasya Rafika Putri, Tsabitha Naura Kamila, Ghina Halwa Mufidah · Arus Jurnal Sosial dan Humaniora · Indonesia (Tangerang)
This study aimed to analyze the Tangerang City government's role in implementing food security improvement programs and identify supporting and inhibiting factors. The research focused on an urban farming program with a 1,000-hole hydroponic system. A descriptive qualitative approach was used, with data collected through literature study and policy document analysis. Results showed the Tangerang City government acts as a regulator, facilitator, and coordinator. Supporting factors included clear regulations, provision of production facilities and technical training, active community participation, cross-sector collaboration, and hydroponic technology innovation. However, inhibiting factors included limited land, technical difficulties in technology adoption, limited resources, and low community adaptation to new innovations.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityLITERASI GREEN ECONOMY TERHADAP URBAN FARMING (Studi Kasus KWT Anggrek di Kelurahan Bara-Baraya Kecamatan Makassar Kota Makassar)
2025Muh Ainul Fattah, Sri Mardiyati, Nurdin Nurdin · AgriMu · Indonesia
This study analyzed green economy literacy in urban farming at KWT Anggrek in Bara-Baraya Village, Makassar City. As a quantitative descriptive study, green economy literacy using the 5R concept was rated "medium" at 66.38%. The urban farming at KWT Anggrek was found not to increase members' income, but only to minimize household expenses.
Economic viabilityEconomicsCommunityOrganic cycle‘This city is not for me’—farmers’ differentiated experiences of, and responses to, reorganisation of urban marshlands in Kigali
2025Karolin Andersson · Gender Place & Culture · Rwanda (Kigali)
This qualitative study in Kigali, Rwanda, examined the socially differentiated implications for urban farmers of reorganizing urban cultivated marshlands. The study found that marshland reorganization and closure reproduce farmers’ vulnerabilities, shaped by gender, age, health/ability, and education. It demonstrated a largely exclusionary pattern in the city’s urban greening agenda, contradicting authorities' stated ambitions.
Equity & displacementPolicyCommunityWelfare3 Food banks, food diversion, and other responses
2025Dennis Raphael · Policy Press eBooks · Global
This chapter documents the growth of charitable non-governmental responses to food insecurity in Canada and the UK, including food banks and community gardens. It argues that these responses are problematic because they fail to address the economic and political causes of food insecurity. Further failures include the stigma experienced by food bank users and the false belief that food insecurity is being resolved.
Governance failureCommunityWelfareFood sovereignty & justicePolicyTransformar a partir dos interstícios: hortas urbanas comunitárias face à crise ecossocial
2025Sara Sama Acedo, David Berná Serna, Patricia Homs Ramírez de la Piscina · Scientific Repository of Open Access of Portugal (RCAAP) · Spain (Madrid)
A study analyzed the challenge faced by community urban gardens in Madrid, Spain, in remaining transformative spaces amidst an ecossocial crisis. These gardens are initiatives situated between community and public institutional management, with their expansion and institutionalization involving practices and relationships among diverse agents. The study points out the difficulty for these gardens to maintain their transformative role—updating community ties, reciprocity, and mutual care, and reformulating relationships with "nature" in the city and food supply—without being absorbed by market logics or marginalized into welfare or community volunteering spaces.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justicePERAN PENYULUH PERTANIAN DALAM MEMBERDAYAKAN PETANI DI KOTA YOGYAKARTA
2025Kadarso, Fahmi Atha Kanaka, Untoro Hariadi, Rini Anggraeni, Putri Perdana · Jurnal Pertanian Agros · Indonesia
This study, involving 88 farmers from Yogyakarta City, investigated the role and priority activities of agricultural extension workers using quantitative and qualitative methods. While farmers perceived success in social and technical roles, the study found that responsiveness and anticipation are critical aspects requiring strengthening to address the dynamics of urban agriculture.
Governance failureFood educationCommunityPolicyPENILAIAN KEGIATAN AGROWISATA DI KAMPUNG JAMBU KRISTAL KOTA SEMARANG
2025Natania Nysa Pertiwi, Nany Yuliastuti · Ruang · Indonesia
This quantitative study assessed the performance of agrotourism activities in Kampung Jambu Kristal, Semarang City, Indonesia, using questionnaires, field observations, and document analysis from 33 agrotourism managers. While overall performance was rated "fairly good" (total score 1616), infrastructure (score 1.74) and community economic benefits (score 1.98) were found to be in the "poor" category. Improvements are needed in physical aspects and economic benefits to enhance sustainability and community welfare.
Economic viabilityEconomicsCommunityUrban–rural linkageMenganalisis SWOT dalam Kelompok Tani Surya Hijau di Kelurahan Suryodiningratan, Kecamatan Mantrijeron, Kota yogyakarta
2025Siti Hajar, Siti Via Syahrani Putri, Hanif Fatihah Tsari, Muhammad Iqbal, Arjuna Arjuna, Nur Saudah Al Arifa D · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pembangunan dan Pendidikan Vokasi Pertanian · Indonesia
This study analyzed the empowerment strategies of the Surya Hijau Farmer Group in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, using SWOT analysis. The group, which practices urban farming with vertical planting, demonstrated strong internal cooperation but faced challenges including caterpillar pest attacks, difficulty obtaining quality growing media, and water scarcity. A critical finding was that the group's income was affected by fluctuating harvest prices, posing a significant threat to their economic viability.
Economic viabilityCommunityDIYOrganic cycleEconomicsGrass-roots Innovation for Justice in Urban Food Provisioning
2025Lídia Cabral, Ronald Ranta, Suleyman M. Demi, Ísis Domingues, Julian May, Claire Néel, Grace Nkomo, Luciana Marques Vieira, Marie Walser · · Global
An international research collaboration examined grass-roots food provisioning innovations in five urban locations across the UK, Canada, France, Brazil, and South Africa. These initiatives, which include social supermarkets and school gardens, faced challenges such as dependence on surplus food, logistical problems, funding limitations, and the need for ongoing volunteer support. The study found that these innovations struggle with economic viability due to funding and volunteer reliance.
Economic viabilityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareCommunityEconomicsArborização urbana, corredores ecológicos e agricultura urbana em áreas públicas, projeto Santo Antônio da Patrulha, RS
2025Marcelo Silveira Badejo, Calebe de Hebrom Livistom da Silva, Joana Josiane Andriotte Oliveira Lima Nyland, Afonso Henrique da Silva Júnior, Juliano da Rosa Justim, Cassiano Ranzan · OBSERVATÓRIO DE LA ECONOMÍA LATINOAMERICANA · Brazil
In Santo Antônio da Patrulha, Brazil, a tree inventory was conducted in the Cidade Alta and Centro neighborhoods to support an urban afforestation project. The survey revealed a lack of trees in 5 out of 41 streets in Cidade Alta and 2 out of 28 streets in Centro, with high rates of unidentified trees (53% and 12% respectively). Furthermore, pedagogical practices tested in schools and universities raised challenges regarding the management of flowerbeds in urban areas.
Governance failureCommunityFood educationBiodiversity