Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
2115 results(63 / 85)
Agricultura urbana em Porto Alegre: dinâmicas socioeconômicas no espaço local
2015Elvis Albert Robe Wandscheer, Rosa Maria Vieria Medeiros · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil (Porto Alegre)
This study descriptively and qualitatively analyzed the socioeconomic dynamics of urban agriculture in Porto Alegre, Brazil. It highlighted issues in the demarcation of urban and rural spaces, showing that many areas designated as urban possess distinctly rural characteristics. The most significant impacting factors were markets and real estate speculation. The study concluded that while urban agriculture is relevant to the municipality, it faces difficulties arising from competition for space, which can lead to the extinction or displacement of production activities to other areas.
Economic viabilityEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkagePeri-urbanization and New Built-up Property Formation Process in the Peri-urban Areas of Ethiopia
2015Achamyeleh Gashu Adam · · Ethiopia
A study assessed the process of built-up property formation in Ethiopia's peri-urban areas. Through analysis of survey results and a review of relevant literature, the study elucidated the processes of peri-urbanization and new property development. It demonstrated that both formal (legal) and informal methods are equally important in converting peri-urban agricultural lands into urban built-up non-agricultural properties. This process creates intense competition for land between agriculture and non-agriculture, leading to the emergence of new property rights and the dissolution of existing traditional rights.
Governance failurePeri-urban agriculturePolicyUrban–rural linkageUrban Market Gardening and Rodent-Borne Pathogenic Leptospira in Arid Zones: A Case Study in Niamey, Niger
2015Gauthier Dobigny, Madougou Garba, Caroline Tatard, Anne Loiseau, Maxime Galan, Ibrahima Kadaouré, Jean‐Pierre Rossi, Mathieu Picardeau, Eric Bertherat · PLoS neglected tropical diseases · Niger
An extensive survey of urban rodents in Niamey, Niger, investigated the presence and distribution of rodent-borne pathogenic Leptospira species. Leptospires were not detected in the core city, but L. kirschneri was found in Arvicanthis niloticus and Cricetomys gambianus, rodent species restricted to irrigated cultures within the city. This study indicates the importance of market gardening in the maintenance and circulation of leptospirosis within Sahelian cities.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureMicrobiological and Physicochemical Evaluation of Jakara Canal Wastewater Used for Irrigation in Kano
2015M. G. Dahiru, Onaiwu Idahosa Enabulele · · Nigeria (Kano)
Microbiological and physicochemical parameters of urban wastewater from the Jakara Canal in Kano were analyzed to assess its potential for irrigation. Mean fecal coliform counts ranged from 64.43 ± 63.20 MPN 100/ml to 216.85 ± 350.16 MPN 100/ml, increasing along the canal. All physicochemical parameters were within FEPA and WHO/FAO acceptable limits, but conductivity needed monitoring to avoid salinity.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkage"What We Eat Matters": Perspectives on Food and Health in the Mexican Im/migrant Farmworker Communities in Indian River County, Florida
2015Hugo Puerto · Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research · United States (Florida)
This ethnographic study in Indian River County, Florida, investigated challenges in engaging Mexican im/migrant farmworkers in community-based health solutions, specifically community gardens. Despite efforts by farmworker leaders and the health department to promote community gardens for health and economic benefits, little engagement was observed within the farmworker community. The research, based on participant observation, surveys, and interviews, analyzed barriers to healthy eating and the limited role of grassroots initiatives in improving health outcomes.
Limited or null effectCommunityHealthFood educationWelfareA Study on Improving the Utilization of Biotope Area Ratio System Considering the Plant Growth Conditions
2015Gunwon Lee, Yunnam Jeong, Seongkyun Ji, Seiyong Kim · Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society · South Korea
This study aimed to improve Biotope Area Ratio (BAR) systems to address the increasing demand for urban agriculture, particularly in residential complexes where architectural and urban planning responses are lacking. It found that existing BAR systems are limited for crop cultivation because they only consider vegetation. The research proposes expanding BAR systems to include plant growth capacity factors, such as daylight, planting interval, area, and soil depth, to better accommodate urban agriculture demands.
Governance failurePolicyDIYCommunityOs Impactos da Agricultura Urbana na Qualidade da Água na Nascente do Igarapé do Mindu - Comunidade Nova Esperança (Manaus – AM)
2015Samara Aquino Maia, F. Wachholz, Raquel Gouvêa dos Santos, João Carlos Ferreira Júnior · Boletim Amazônico de Geografia · Brazil (Manaus)
This study identified environmental impacts on a Mindu Igarapé spring in Manaus, Brazil, by collecting water samples at eleven points. Water temperature increased from 29.6 to 30.6°C downstream due to riparian vegetation removal and dredging. pH (6.6-7.7) and electrical conductivity (0.16-0.32 mS/cm) also increased downstream, possibly linked to expanding horticulture using fertilizers. Most analyzed water quality variables were negatively influenced by anthropogenic activities, including horticulture, riparian vegetation removal, dredging, and small dam construction.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeCommunityKomunitas Urban Farming Dan Kedaulatan Pangan: Studi Kasus Di Jakarta, Bandung Dan Bogor
2015Zulfadhli Nasution · · Indonesia (Jakarta, Bandung, Bogor)
This study investigated the relationship between urban farming communities and food sovereignty in Jakarta, Bandung, and Bogor, Indonesia. The findings suggest that the discourse of food sovereignty has not been exposed to urban farming communities. This is attributed to urban farming having different historical roots and social and political characteristics compared to the food sovereignty movement.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkagePolicyComparative Analysis of Heavy Metals from Groundwater Sources Situated in Keko and Kigogo Residential Areas, Dar es Salaam
2015Isabela Thomas Mkude · Journal of Water Resources and Ocean Science · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
This study assessed heavy metal concentrations in 12 groundwater samples from Keko and Kigogo areas in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, during dry and rainy seasons. While copper and zinc concentrations were low, lead concentrations were detected beyond WHO permissible levels (0.01-0.35mg/l). This high lead presence may be attributed to urban agriculture activities, onsite facilities, and industrial waste discharge around the Msimbazi river.
Contamination & food safetyHealthThe Resilience of Urban Agriculture in the Face of Adversity from the City Authorities: The Case of Mkoba
2015Nyasha Chaminuka, Peter Makaye · Global Journal of Human-Social Science · Africa
This paper analyzes urban agriculture in Mkoba, Gweru, as a survival strategy for residents facing food insecurity and poverty, despite opposition from city authorities. It argues that urban agriculture is a resilient practice that has become a significant feature of urban livelihoods, often increasing the burden on women. The paper suggests that city authorities are losing the contest over urban spaces and should reform legislation to accommodate urban agriculture.
Governance failureWelfarePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceA agricultura urbana em Natal (RN): da produção convencional à orgânica
2015Rosangela Medeiros Hespanhol · Confins · Brazil (Natal)
This study analyzed the trajectory of farmers from AMIGS (Association of Friends and Producers of Vegetables Residents of Sitio Gramoré and Adjacencies), a significant vegetable supplier in Natal, Brazil, who have been transitioning from conventional to organic production since 2012. The organization of farmers through the association and partnerships with companies and institutions were crucial for enabling this change, reducing dependence on intermediaries through direct sales at ecological fairs. However, problems related to the individual acquisition of inputs and conflicts with farmers still using conventional systems were observed.
Governance failureOrganic cycleCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUse of soil amendments for urban horticulture in the savannah and forest areas of Ghana
2015Abdul‐Halim Abubakari, Laura Atuah, B. Banful, Hypolite Bayor · Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management · Ghana
A study in Ghana reviewed literature and surveyed farmers on soil amendments for urban horticulture. The review found that research on soil amendments has been limited to land management and nutrient recovery, not addressing quality issues for specific production systems. Farmers adopt varying application rates due to lack of standardization, and barriers include technology for collection, funds for purchase, and labor employment.
Economic viabilityDIYCompostEconomicsEroding the Community in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Competition's Effects in Alternative Food Networks in California
2015Ryan E. Galt, Katharine A. Bradley, Libby Christensen, Julia Van Soelen Kim, Ramiro Lobo · Sociologia Ruralis · United States (California)
A study of 111 CSA farms in California examined the effects of competition within alternative food networks. Analysis showed that perceived competition is negatively correlated with CSA farms' profitability, farmer satisfaction, various indicators of CSA's social embeddedness, and two community food security strategies. Competition was found to undermine some commonly held CSA values, specifically fair farmer compensation and strong member-farmer relationships.
Equity & displacementCSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceUnravelling the politics of urban food transitions. A governance approach on Alternative Food Networks
2015Alessandra Manganelli · Lirias · Global
This early-stage PhD research (Month 12) investigates the governance of Alternative Food Networks (AFNs), focusing on their internal dynamics and relations with external institutions. While civil society actors catalyze AFNs, the institutional environment they face is not always favorable or accountable, with examples including changes in political priorities and constraining regulations. The Brussels-Capital Region serves as the main empirical case study, analyzing movements like GASAP and "Le Debut des Haricots."
Governance failurePolicyCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceTrace Metal Contamination in New York City Garden Soils
2015Zhongqi Cheng, Anna Paltseva, Ireyena Li, Tatiana Morin, Hermine Huot, Sara Perl Egendorf, Zulema Su, Roxanne Yolanda, Kishan Singh, Leda Lee, Michael Grinshtein, Ying Liu, Kayo Green, Win Wai, Bushra Wazed, Richard K. Shaw · Soil Science · United States (New York City)
This study analyzed trace metal concentrations (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb) in 1,652 soil samples from 904 gardens in New York City. It found that many soils exceeded New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Soil Cleanup Objective (SCO) limits for Pb, Cr, As, and Cd. Specifically, about 21% of community garden samples and 71% of home garden samples exceeded SCO limits for Pb and As, and less than 3% of all samples met criteria for unrestricted use.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityDIYA política brasileira de segurança alimentar e nutricional: concepção e resultados
2015Walter Belik · Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional · Brazil
This article discusses the use of the Food and Nutritional Security concept in Brazil's Fome Zero Project and its implementation through various programs initiated in the past decade. It concludes by calling attention to the need to improve programs related to supply, food and nutritional education, and urban agriculture to enable the functioning of an integrated Food and Nutritional Security system.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareFood educationSustainable Development for People or Profit?
2015Eric Weaver · Suburban Sustainability · Global
This review details the relationship between key planetary systems and the many adverse impacts of industrial agriculture, drawing from top-tier journals. Research indicates that industrial agriculture is a major force pushing environmental limits, with multinational corporations continuing to influence national environmental regulations. Current literature debates whether political systems can institute sustainable solutions, suggesting that grassroots efforts may be the most viable solution to displace the industrial agriculture model.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsContesting urban agriculture: the politics of meat production in the License-Buy-Back Scheme (2006-2007) in Hong Kong
2015Kin Wing Chan · Open Research Exeter (University of Exeter) · Hong Kong
This study examines the politics of meat production in Hong Kong's 2006-2007 License-Buy-Back Scheme (LBBS), focusing on pig farming. It investigates how the LBBS served as a tactic to reduce and control the pig farming industry, contrasting it with urban vegetable farming which holds a more positive aesthetic image. The research highlights a scarcity of studies on why certain forms of urban agriculture are valued more than others.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justice1 Emerging Issues in Urban Agricultural Development in
2015West Africa, Olufunke Cofie · · West Africa
An examination of urban agriculture (UA) development in West Africa reveals that despite its known benefits for food supply and livelihoods, UA is not fully recognized as an important component of urban development. This is due to high land demand from other sectors and perceived health risks by authorities. Policy makers need to address issues to institutionalize UA and integrate it into urban development plans.
Governance failureUrban–rural linkagePolicyHealthEconomicsThe Case of the Co-op Coup
2015Claire L. McCarty, Pamela Dixon · Journal of case studies · Global
A case study on the West Central Food Hub Producers' Co-op reveals that the group decided not to proceed with starting the Food Hub Co-op. The decision was made because the costs for management, infrastructure, and delivery would far outweigh the co-op's profitability, leading to its discontinuation.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityProjections of Future Summer Weather in Seoul and Their Impacts on Urban Agriculture
2015Jin Hee Kim, Jin I. Yun · Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology · South Korea (Seoul)
This study evaluated daily temperatures for June-September from 2041-2070 in Seoul, projected by the RCP8.5 climate scenario, to understand climate departure implications for urban agriculture. Analysis of climate extremes and their effects on hot pepper growth revealed that while mean temperatures might depart after 2040, extreme events like heat waves and tropical nights already exceed past variability. Applying scenario data to hot pepper cultivation showed that planting and harvest dates are expected to deviate, and the maximum cultivation duration has already deviated from past variability.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeUrban–rural linkageAgriculture urbaine et enjeux de santé
2015Christine Aubry, Jeanne Pourias, Anne Cécile Daniel · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Global
Urban agriculture is gaining popularity, often for its contribution to urban greening, re-establishing connections between urban dwellers and agricultural and food production, and among urban dwellers themselves. However, urban agriculture also involves significant health issues, which advocate for urban planning that promotes its maintenance or establishment under healthy environmental conditions.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPolicyCommunityResistances and appropriations. Urban laboratories of social and cultural experimentation in the ci
2015· REGAC - Revista de Estudios Globales y Arte Contempor�neo · Spain (Valencia)
This paper maps collective initiatives in Valencia, Spain, that emerged in response to inadequate national and local cultural policies. These initiatives, including urban orchards, acted as resistance to institutional policies or appropriated spaces due to a lack of public institutional interest. They function as urban experimentation laboratories for social and cultural transformation, forming a dense local network.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceBeyond ‘local’ food: how supermarkets and consumer choice affect the economic viability of small‐scale family farms in Sydney, Australia
2015Sarah James · Area · Australia (Sydney)
This paper argues that small-scale family farmers on Sydney's urban fringe are directly connected to and reliant on the mainstream food system for their economic viability. It highlights that a localized focus on threats and solutions risks neglecting the impact of supermarket power and consumer choice on these producers. The study emphasizes the need to examine the continuing connection between the mainstream system and 'local', small-scale producers to achieve food system change.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrbanization and soil nutrient challenges and opportunities: lessons from Malawian cities.
2015David Mkwambisi, Andrew J. Dougill, Philip Antwi‐Agyei, C. P. Chabvuta · CABI eBooks · Malawi
Research in Lilongwe and Blantyre, Malawi, assessed urban agriculture's potential to improve soil quality, crop yields, and livelihoods. Preliminary evidence showed urban waste could address food insecurity and soil nutrient benefits, but several constraints in waste management were identified. City authorities are not proactively utilizing organic municipal waste for soil quality and agricultural production benefits.
Governance failureOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCompost