Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
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Health 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 effectHealthDIYUrban 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 agricultureAssessing Healthy Effects between Local Level Farmer’s Markets and Community-Supported Agriculture and Physical Well-Being at the State Level
2024Patsy Kraeger, Rhonda Phillips, J. H. Lubin, Jonathan Weir, Kristina R. Patterson · Sustainability · United States
This study investigated the connection between local farmers markets (FMs), community-supported agriculture (CSAs), and physical well-being at the state level across the 50 states of the United States. Analyzing 2016 data from the United States Department of Agriculture using an ordinal logistic regression model, the study found an inconclusive relationship at the state level. While local FMs and CSAs may increase physical well-being, this study did not find such an increase.
Limited or null effectCSA & TeikeiHealthEconomicsUrban Agriculture as a Public Good: Valuing Farming and Gardening in Philadelphia and Chicago
2024Domenic Vitiello · Urban agriculture · United States
US cities have developed urban agriculture support systems reflecting competing values, with some prioritizing public good and others economic gains. A chapter reflecting on urban agriculture planning in Chicago and Philadelphia notes that institutional structures significantly impact equity and justice. The study indicates that the existing urban agriculture support systems in these cities may not adequately promote equity and justice.
Equity & displacementPolicyCommunityEconomicsHealthSocial prescribing of urban agriculture: The importance of minimizing risks from soil contamination
2024Luke Beesley, Michael Hardman · Cities · Global
This opinion piece discusses the potential risks of urban agriculture (UA) practices within Green Social Prescribing (GSP), particularly in post-industrial regions. It highlights barriers related to heavy metal-enriched urban soils, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and management of these risks. The piece provides recommendations for improving knowledge exchange on urban soils and risk in GSP contexts.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityPolicyImpact of Irrigation Water on the Bacteriological Quality of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in the Market Garden Zone of Niamey, Identification of Enterobacteria
2024Almou Abdoulaye Alio, Alio Sanda Abdel-Kader, Alio Fody Mahamadou, Chaibou Yaou, Rabiou Mamane Moustapha, Hamidou Djelifa, SOUMANA SOUROUNDA Idé, Mahamane Idi Issa Abdoulahi, Lewamy Mamadou, Haoua Sabo Seini, Hassimi Sadou · Asian Journal of Biology · Niger (Niamey)
This study assessed the impact of irrigation water on the bacteriological quality of lettuce in three market garden sites in Niamey, Niger. Analysis of 18 lettuce and 29 irrigation water samples revealed high contamination across all sites with various bacteria, including total coliforms, fecal coliforms, enterobacteria, and E. coli. The irrigation water quality was found unsuitable for irrigation, significantly contaminating the lettuce and posing potential health risks to consumers.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureAssessment of heavy metal transfer factors from soil to edible crops in peri-urban agricultural lands
2024Elliot Buckminster, Charlotte Breckenridge, Thomas Sedgwick · International Journal of Research in Agronomy · United Kingdom
This research quantified soil-to-plant transfer factors for six heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr) in lettuce, spinach, and carrot across 20 peri-urban agricultural sites in Berkshire, UK, from 2021-2022. Cadmium exhibited the highest mean transfer factor (0.31), and at 4 of 20 sites, cadmium concentrations in lettuce exceeded the EU maximum limit of 0.20 mg/kg fresh weight. Soil pH was a strong predictor for Cd and Zn transfer factors, with TFs increasing below pH 6.0.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureA tale of service regimes in irrigated urban agriculture: evidence from two cities in the Global South
2024B.J.M. van Vliet, Kamonashish Haldar, Matthijs T. Wessels, Katarzyna Kujawa-Roeleveld, Gert Jan Veldwisch · Water International · Global
This study examined the governance of irrigated urban agriculture in Arusha, Tanzania, and Khulna, Bangladesh, from a service regime perspective. Findings showed how service regimes bridge the gap between formal governance institutions and practices around irrigated urban agriculture. It is concluded that acknowledging, facilitating, and aligning these regimes can strengthen governance arrangements.
Governance failurePolicyHealthFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeSoil quality in the urban gardens of Barcelona (Spain)
2024Cosimo Dondini, Xavier Úbeda, Giacomo Certini, Marcos Francos · Journal of Soils and Sediments · Spain (Barcelona)
This study analyzed soils from ten urban gardens in Barcelona, Spain, with a special focus on possible contaminants. Irrigation water was also analyzed, and some of the waters contained a high concentration of salts and nitrites, which are listed as a pollutant. While three tests for heavy metals did not attest to significant pollution, other toxic elements not considered in this study could come from road transport gases or the port of Barcelona. Overall, the soil quality was concluded to be suitable for growing vegetables.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleHealthCommunityA growing concern: investigating sustainable water quality and urban food production in Freetown, Sierra Leone
2024Lee D. Bryant, Roy Maconachie, Bastian Schnabel, Abubakarr Swaray, Howard Gigi, Solomon Gbanie, Kabba Haroun Bangura, Anthony Kamara, Prince Antwi-Agyei · Water Science & Technology Water Supply · Sierra Leone (Freetown)
This paper examined the environmental health status of three urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) sites in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Qualitative and quantitative data revealed heavy metal concentrations significantly exceeding regulatory limits in sweet potato leaves and arable soil. Additionally, soaring levels of faecal coliform bacteria were found in irrigation water, and crops were identified as hyperaccumulators for environmental contaminants.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPesticide residue and dietary intake risk of vegetables grown in Shanghai under modern urban agriculture in 2018–2021
2024Jinrong Tong, Dongsheng Feng, Xia Wang, Min Wang, Mei-Lian Chen, Yanfen Chen, Yingqing Ma, Bo Mei, R. Chen, Mengfeng Gao, Siwen Shen, Hongkang Wang, Weiyi Zhang · Heliyon · China (Shanghai)
A study investigated pesticide residues and dietary intake risk in 7028 vegetable samples grown under modern urban agriculture in Shanghai from 2018 to 2021, analyzing 68 types of pesticides. Pesticide residues were detected in 29.21% of samples, with 0.47% exceeding China's national maximum residue limits (MRLs). The target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) for detected pesticides were all less than 1, suggesting there may be no obvious health hazard for residents.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageWater 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 agricultureThe Practical Ethics of Urban Agriculture in Public Housing
2024Nevin Cohen, Michael H. Stein, Annie Hancock, Alfonso Morales · Urban agriculture · United States
This paper examined two housing authority-led urban agriculture projects in New York City and Denver, Colorado, highlighting their multidimensional benefits such as skill-building and community cohesion. While these projects improved residents' daily experiences, the study noted that social problems persist despite new interactions. The analysis emphasized the need to consider both stated and implicit goals in urban agriculture ethics, acknowledging that attempts to harmonize competing claims are at the root of urban agriculture practices.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyHealthWelfareHeavy metals and trace elements contamination risks in peri-urban agricultural soils in Nairobi city catchment, Kenya
2023Arcadius Martinien Agassin Ahogle, Sammy Letema, Gertrud Schaab, Veronica Ngure, Abraham R. Mwesigye, Nicholas Kibet Korir · Frontiers in Soil Science · Kenya (Nairobi)
This study assessed heavy metal and trace element contamination risks in peri-urban farmlands in Nairobi city catchment, Kenya, by analyzing 60 soil samples from ten vegetable farming zones. Results showed elevated concentrations of elements including As, Cd, Mn, Pb, and Zn, with some exceeding permissible agricultural thresholds. As, Cd, Hg, and Pb exhibited high ecological risks, with Cd contributing 46-66% of the overall risk.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthInvestigating Heavy Metal Contamination Extent of Soil and Plant from Urban Gardens in Jinju
2023Myeong Seok Jeong, Mina Lee, Chaw Su Lwin, Kwon-Rae Kim · 한국토양비료학회지 · Korea (Jinju)
This study investigated heavy metal concentrations in soil and crop leaves from 23 urban gardens in Jinju, Korea, to assess suitability for cultivation. While average concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn generally did not exceed Korean guidelines, the Geoaccumulation Index indicated ongoing contamination by Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. A significant amount of Pb was introduced into some soils from the atmosphere, and continuous monitoring for heavy metals in urban garden soils is required for food safety.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityOrganic cycleMapping and characterizing the urban and periurban agriculture in Porto Alegre, Brazil
2023Geisa Zanini Rorato, Eugenia Aumond Kuhn, Bruno Luan Soares Paula de Mello, Rodrigo Vitória Alves, Giulia Togni Geremia · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil (Porto Alegre)
This study mapped and characterized 82 urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) initiatives in Porto Alegre, Brazil. It found that educational and health-related initiatives with social and ecological objectives predominated. A significant finding was that only half of these initiatives were active at the time of the survey, with the rest being inactive or closed, indicating structural fragilities, especially in peripheral and less dense areas impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Economic viabilityFood educationHealthCommunityPeri-urban agricultureSchool Gardens and the Urban Child
2023Angela Oulton, Susan Jagger · · North America
A discourse analysis of historical school garden texts in North America reveals that school gardens have not been welcoming or accessible to all children, despite persuasive research on the positive effects of nature-based learning. Historically, school gardens were used to serve adult agendas, including containing urban children, assimilating marginalized groups, and creating laborers, thereby reinforcing patriarchal, colonial, white supremacist, and eugenic aspirations. This study explores how these discourses culturally constructed childhoods and influenced children.
Equity & displacementFood educationCommunityHealthPolicyWastewater driven trace element transfer up the food chain in peri-urban agricultural lands of Lahore, Pakistan
2023Muhammad Luqman, Muhammad Uzair Awan, Shaukat Khan, Razzaq Ahmed, Hsi‐Hsien Yang, Muhammad Rizwan Goraya · Agricultural Water Management · Pakistan (Lahore)
A study in Lahore, Pakistan, investigated trace element (TE) contamination in water, soil, fodder, and buffalo milk due to the use of untreated wastewater from the Hudiara drain for agriculture. Samples collected along the drain showed that TE contamination, including Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn, increased from upstream to downstream sites. Concentrations of these elements in water, soil, fodder, and milk surpassed permissible limits, indicating a significant transferability risk up the food chain and high Hazard Index values for irrigation water, fodder, and milk.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUnderstanding Barriers and Strategies to Accessing Healthy Food in Urban Agriculture for Community Residents in Predominantly Black Communities
2023Saria Lofton, Akilah Martin, Marjorie Kersten, Nanyombi Lubimbi, Helene Vilme, Forgive Avorgbedor, Angela Odoms‐Young · Community Health Equity Research & Policy · United States (Chicago)
This study interviewed 17 urban growers and local food advocates in predominantly Black communities in Chicago to understand barriers to accessing healthy food through urban agriculture. Key barriers identified were the lack of accessibility to traditional food retailers, the high availability of processed foods, and issues with the cultural acceptability of urban-produced foods. The research highlights significant challenges faced by these communities in accessing healthy food despite urban agriculture's potential.
Equity & displacementHealthCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsAGRICULTURE URBAINE : POURVOYEUSE DE DENRÉES ALIMENTAIRES ET SOURCES DE NUISANCES SANITAIRES AU QUARTIER SODEPRA À KORHOGO (NORD DE LA CÔTE D’IVOIRE)
2023Moussa Coulibaly · International Journal for Advanced Studies and Research in Africa · Côte d'Ivoire (Korhogo)
This study in Logokaha, Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire, aimed to show the impact of urban agriculture on food production and the health of farmers. Despite contributing to the empowerment of farmers, urban agriculture exposes them to health hazards. The methodology involved documentary research and field surveys.
Contamination & food safetyHealthFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityEducação para alimentação saudável: experiências com hortas escolares na educação básica
2023Alvorí Ahlert, Tatiane Fátima Nandi · REVISTA DE EDUCACIÓN AMBIENTAL Y SOSTENIBILIDAD · Brazil (Paraná)
A qualitative and quantitative study in schools bordering Lake Itaipu in western Paraná, Brazil, verified the use of school gardens as an environmental education tool. The research applied questionnaires to public elementary, primary, and special education teachers in the region. Findings showed that most teachers favored using school gardens but found it difficult to teach students about their importance due to a lack of technical knowledge on the subject.
Limited or null effectFood educationCommunityHealthEffect of an Integrated School Garden and Home Garden Intervention on Anemia Among School-Aged Children in Nepal: Evidence From a Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial
2023Ghassan Baliki, Dorothee Weiffen, Pepijn Schreinemachers, Akina Shrestha, Rachana Manandhar Shrestha, Monika Schreiner, Tilman Brück · Food and Nutrition Bulletin · Nepal
A cluster randomized controlled trial in rural Nepal (n=680 school children aged 9-13 across 30 schools) investigated whether an integrated school and home garden intervention improved hemoglobin levels and reduced anemia. The intervention did not lead to a direct significant reduction in anemia, as nutritional improvements were not strong enough to impact hemoglobin levels. However, the program indirectly improved hemoglobin levels for children under 12 by increasing good food and hygiene practices at home, particularly for girls, young children, and those with literate caregivers.
Limited or null effectFood educationHealthCommunityAGRICULTURE URBAINE: POURVOYEUSE DE DENREES ALIMENTAIRES ET SOURCES DE NUISANCES SANITAIRES AU QUARTIER SODEPRA A KORHOGO (NORD DE LA COTE DIVOIRE)
2023COULIBALY Moussa · International Journal of Advanced Research · Côte d'Ivoire (Korhogo)
This study in Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire, surveyed 81 farmers to assess the impact of urban agriculture on food production and farmer health. It found that urban agriculture, predominantly practiced by women (85.19%) with no formal education (71.61%), involves the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides with non-adherence to application intervals. A significant portion of farmers (59.26%) discard chemical packaging in the environment. Despite contributing to empowerment, this practice exposes farmers to health problems including fatigue (53.09%), injuries (25.92%), skin burns (11.11%), dry coughs/colds (32.10%), and diarrheal diseases (19.75%).
Contamination & food safetyHealthFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunitySecondary Non-Traditional, Urban Agriculture Students of Color and Their Motivation to Stay in Agriculture: A Study of Retention
2023Callan Hand, D. Barry Croom, James C. Anderson, Ashley M. Yopp, Aaron Golson · Career and Technical Education Research · United States
This phenomenological study investigated the motivations of non-traditional urban agriculture students of color to remain in agriculture. Findings suggest that while systematic instruction in agricultural sciences and positive local youth organization experiences contribute to a favorable perception of agriculture, they do not necessarily lead to a career preference for agriculture among these students. Furthermore, urban students of color perceived that the FFA Organization above the school level is not inclusive of them.
Equity & displacementFood educationCommunityHealth