Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
590 results(7 / 24)
Understanding Multiple Ecosystem Services of Urban Agriculture Across Scales
2023Jiangxiao Qiu, Hui Zhao · EDIS · Global
This overview identified eight ecosystem services generally attributed to urban agriculture, including food production, microclimate regulation, stormwater retention, and social-cultural values. However, the study found that quantitative evidence for many of these ecosystem services, especially intangible ones, is scarce. It suggests that while urban agriculture could be integral to green infrastructure, further consideration is needed for types, technology, management, and potential tradeoffs.
Methodological critiqueBiodiversityClimate changeHealthOrganic cyclePolicyCommunityHealth risk associated with soil and plant contamination in industrial areas
2023Alicja Kicińska, Justyna Wikar · Plant and Soil · Global
This study assessed human health risks from contact with contaminated soil and consumption of plants grown in contaminated soils in allotment gardens and farmlands located in areas affected by Zn-Pb and steel industries and hard coal mining. Using US EPA methodology and pseudo-total concentrations of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in soil and plant samples, estimated daily intake and non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were analyzed for recreational and residential exposure scenarios. Findings indicated that the proportion of different exposure pathways in total health risk decreased in the order: intake of contaminated vegetables > accidental soil ingestion > dermal contact > inhalation of contaminated soil particles, and children are more exposed to toxic effects of PTEs than seniors and economically active adults.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPolicyThe role of urban and peri-urban agriculture in global food security from post-war to the COVID-19 crisis: new perspectives on food justice, global health, and sustainability,
2023Ana María Bertolini, Patrícia Constante Jaime, Gabriela Marques Di Giulio · Saúde e Sociedade · Global
A critical literature review discussed the evolution of food and nutrition security (FNS) and the contributions of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA). The review found that institutional responses to FNS are concentrated in times of crisis, which favors the maintenance of globalized and unsustainable food systems. UPA practices show peaks of rise and decline, evolving with the FNS agenda.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceHealthClimate changeUrban–rural linkageFood Security of Urban Agricultural Households in the Area of North Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
2023Oekan S. Abdoellah, Yusep Suparman, Kinanti Indah Safitri, Rahma Maulia Fadli Basagevan, Nafa Destri Fianti, Indri Wulandari, Teguh Husodo · Sustainability · Indonesia (Bandung)
This study investigated the food security of urban agricultural households (subsistence, semi-commercial, and commercial) in North Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. A study of 321 households found that the average calorie adequacy for all urban agriculture types was 84.53%, and 53.89% of respondents were categorized as food-vulnerable, indicating low household food security.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthSocial and Community Benefits and Limitations of Urban Agriculture
2023Alicia Papanek, Catherine Campbell, Hannah Wooten · EDIS · Global
This publication, authored by Alicia Papanek, Catherine G. Campbell, and Hannah Wooten and published in January 2023 by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, provides an overview of urban food production. It discusses the benefits of urban agriculture alongside potential challenges that can limit the success of these operations, including economic viability.
Economic viabilityCommunityHealthEconomicsComparison of bioactive compounds of continental and Mediterranean pomegranate fruits and its application in urban gardening
2023Radenka Kolarov, Mirjana Ljubojević, JOVANA SUCUR ELEZ, Mirjana Adakalić, BILJANA LAZOVIC, Dejan Prvulović, Sezai Erċışlı, DJORDJE MALENCIC · TURKISH JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY · Serbia
This study compared bioactive compounds in pomegranate genotypes from a continental region (Sremski Karlovci, Serbia) and a Mediterranean urban region (Bar, Montenegro). Analysis of phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, pigments, vitamin C, acidity, pH, and sugars, along with DPPH and ABTS antioxidant tests, revealed that pomegranates grown in the continental area had significantly higher amounts of biochemically active compounds than those from the Mediterranean urban region. This suggests adaptation to continental conditions, with continental samples showing greater antioxidant potential and proanthocyanidins content.
Limited or null effectDIYHealthUrban–rural linkageOccurrence and spatiotemporal distribution of PAHs and OPAHs in urban agricultural soils from Guangzhou City, China
2023Weisong Chen, Weixuan Xian, Guiying He, Zhongye Xue, Shaomin Li, Wenyan Li, Yongtao Li, Yulong Zhang, Xingjian Yang · Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety · China (Guangzhou)
A study in seven districts of Guangzhou City, China, evaluated the large-scale occurrence and spatiotemporal distribution of 16 PAHs and 14 OPAHs in urban agricultural soils. Average concentrations of ΣPAHs and ΣOPAHs during the flood season (59.6 ± 31.1-213 ± 115.5 μg/kg) were significantly higher than during the dry season (42.1 ± 13.3-157.2 ± 98.2 μg/kg). Coal combustion and traffic emissions were identified as the dominant sources for these contaminants in both seasons.
Contamination & food safetyHealthClimate changeNurturing soil-adarities
2023Bethaney Turner · · Global
This chapter explored human-soil relations in urban home and community gardens through ethnographic fieldwork. While biodiverse soil offers direct health benefits, the presence of contaminated, toxic soils, prevalent in lower socio-economic neighborhoods, was shown to expose inequities in access to safe gardening sites and hinder the realization of potential therapeutic benefits. It argues that the therapeutic benefits of gardens are best realized when humans cultivate attentive relationships with myriad multispecies companions.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthBiodiversityOrganic cycleWelfarePlant growth and microbial responses from urban agriculture soils amended with excavated local sediments and municipal composts
2023Jordi Guimera Garcia, Natalie Bray, Yowhan Son, Aleah L. Butler-Jones, Sara Perl Egendorf, Jenny Kao‐Kniffin · Journal of Urban Ecology · United States (New York City)
In New York City, a study investigated plant growth (tomato, pepper, kale) in soils constructed from four municipal composts mixed with sediments from the NYC Clean Soil Bank, to assess the potential for safe urban agricultural soils. While Clean Soil Bank sediments enhanced plant growth when mixed with BRL compost, they also negatively impacted tomato aboveground biomass production by 29% in LES compost and tomato plant height by 18% in QBG compost, indicating variable effects depending on compost properties.
Contamination & food safetyCompostOrganic cycleHealthClimate changeProductivity and Efficiency of Community Gardens: Case Studies from the UK
2023Silvio Caputo, Victoria Schoen, Chris Blythe · Land · United Kingdom (London)
Data was collected from seven community gardens and one community farm in London, UK, during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons using a citizen science approach, investigating crop yield, resource inputs, and social benefits. Results showed very mixed levels of crop and social productivity depending on organizational structure and agenda, with no clear pattern emerging. This study suggests that citywide productivity evaluations based on small data samples may not be reliable.
Limited or null effectCommunityEconomicsHealthClimate changeHeavy metal contamination of vegetables in urban and peri-urban areas. An overview
2023Gerhard Fischer, F. Fischer · Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas · Global
This overview, based on the ScienceDirect database, addresses heavy metal (HM) contamination in vegetables from urban and peri-urban areas. It notes that HMs like Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr, and As accumulate to toxic levels in the soil-plant-consumer continuum, causing health damage to consumers and physiological alterations in plants. Leafy and solanaceous vegetables accumulate the most HMs, while cucurbits and legumes are least affected.
Contamination & food safetyHealthClimate changeCommunity gardens and the social solidarity economy
2023Jade Morkel, Noxolo Dumani, Nick Malherbe, Shahnaaz Suffla · Community Development · South Africa
This case study, conducted in a low-income South African community, explored how a community gardener engages with the social solidarity economy (SSE) using thematic analysis of triangulated data from an interview, participant observation, and a participatory film. The study analyzed how the community garden fostered solidarity and established alternative micro-economic practices. It also considered challenges facing community gardens when connecting with the SSE.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsHealthFood sovereignty & justiceA Study of the Relationship between Willingness to Participate, Expected Behavior, and Participation Constraints in Urban Farming Utilizing Hydroponics† - Focusing on the Rooftop Hydroponic Farmming Project at the GSES, SNU -
2023Do-Eun Kim, Gwang-Ryul Son, Ga-Hyoun Yu, Yong-Hoon Son · Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture · South Korea (Seoul)
This study aimed to identify participation constraints perceived by school community members in urban farming activities using hydroponics and understand the structural relationships of variables influencing decision-making. Participation constraints were categorized into intrinsic, interpersonal, and structural factors. Hypothesis model verification results showed that interpersonal constraints significantly influenced participants' willingness to participate and their expected behavior.
Governance failureCommunityHealthPolicyA citizen science report—Tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) in allotment gardens in Graz, Styria, Austria
2023Julia Reichl, Christina Proßegger, Bernhard Eichholzer, Pamina Plauder, Maria Sophia Unterköfler, Karin Lebl, Alexander Indra, Hans‐Peter Fuehrer · Parasitology Research · Austria
In allotment gardens and a second location in Graz, Styria, Austria, citizen scientists collected adult Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and eggs, which underwent morphological examination and DNA barcoding. A total of 217 eggs and 14 adult specimens were found, indicating that Aedes albopictus is already breeding in Graz. However, continued monitoring efforts are needed to determine if stable populations can survive there.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityDeveloping and Implementing In-Person and Virtual SoilSHOPs in Atlanta, Georgia, as a Community-Engaged Approach to Screen and Prevent Soil Lead Exposure
2023Eri Saikawa, Erin Lebow-Skelley, Rosario Hernandez, Faith Flack-Walker, Leann Bing, Candis M. Hunter · Journal of Public Health Management and Practice · United States (Atlanta)
In Atlanta, Georgia, in-person and virtual Soil Screening, Health, Outreach and Partnerships (soilSHOPs) were implemented through a community-engaged partnership to screen soils for lead. These soilSHOPs informed best practices for increasing awareness about lead exposure and led the US Environmental Protection Agency to identify a Superfund site, confirming soil lead contamination.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityFood educationUrbanisation threats to dairy cattle health: Insights from Greater Bengaluru, India
2023MS Alam, Silpa Mullakkalparambil Velayudhan, Debpriyo Kumar Dey, Chiamaka Adilieme, Pradeep Kumar Malik, Raghavendra Bhatta, Sven König, Eva Schlecht · Tropical Animal Health and Production · India (Bengaluru)
A study in Greater Bengaluru, India, interviewed 151 dairy farmers and analyzed 97 forage samples from 10 lakes and vegetable leftovers to assess urbanization's impact on cattle health. While lake fodder was nutritionally high-quality, 43% of samples contained toxic heavy metals above critical levels. Logit models showed that insufficient drinking water and lake fodder negatively impacted cattle health, despite 60% of farmers believing their cows were healthy.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageFood lossA Critical Reflection on the "Deficits to be Overcome" in Urban Agriculture in Bulgaria
2023Svetlana Hristova-Vladi · Postmodernism Problems · Bulgaria
The book "Urban Agriculture for Improving the Quality of Life. Examples from Bulgaria," edited by Donna Pickard, explores the real versus potential effects of urban agriculture on the welfare of urban and nearby communities. This multidisciplinary study analyzes the interplay between urban agriculture practices and quality of life through social, educational, economic, spatial, and ecological aspects. It also delves into the historical dimension of urban agriculture in Bulgaria, including examples from Sofia in the 1930s.
Governance failureWelfareHealthEconomicsPolicyUrban Agriculture in Great Bandung Region in the Midst of Commercialization, Food Insecurity, and Nutrition Inadequacy
2023Oekan S. Abdoellah, Indri Wulandari, Kinanti Indah Safitri, Nafa Destri Fianti, Rahma Maulia Fadli Basagevan, Mega Nurul Aini, Rosalina Ilmi Amalia, Mahardhika Puspa Arum Suraloka, Gemilang Lara Utama · Sustainability · Indonesia (Bandung)
Commercialization of urban agriculture (UA) in the Great Bandung region has led to the displacement of small-scale farmers and reduced access to local food, exacerbating food insecurity among low-income residents. Subsistence farmers (48.91%) earned only 7.14% to 14.64% of the 2023 minimum wages, and food insecurity prevalence was predominantly observed after UA practices. The study also found a surplus of vitamin A among urban farmers, while inadequacies in other nutritional aspects were prevalent.
Equity & displacementEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityPrevalence and risk factors of childhood diarrhea among wastewater irrigating urban farming households in Addis Ababa
2023Adane Sirage Ali, Sirak Robele Gari, M.L. Goodson, Claire Walsh, Bitew K. Dessie, Argaw Ambelu · PLoS ONE · Ethiopia
This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of diarrhea among children under five in 402 wastewater irrigation farming households in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 2021 to February 2022. The overall prevalence of diarrheal cases in children under five was 22.3%. Diarrhea was strongly associated with wastewater-related occupational exposure factors, including body washing with irrigation water, contaminated cloth with irrigation water, use of protective clothing during farm work, use of farm work cloths at home, and bringing unwashed farm tools home.
Contamination & food safetyHealthEvaluating Importance of Community Gardens in Times of Calm and Crisis: From Relaxation to Food Self-Provisioning
2023Marek Hekrle, Jan Macháč, Lenka Dubová · Resources · Czechia
This study investigated how ecosystem services (ES) provided by the community garden 'Žížala na Terase' in Czechia are affected during crises related to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased food prices. Results indicated that the importance of social interaction and educational ES significantly decreased in the COVID-19 scenario. Conversely, the role of community gardens as places for recreation increased. In the food self-provisioning scenario, provisioning ES increased at the expense of recreational ES. Economic assessment further showed that cultural ES were the most monetarily valued, followed by provisioning ES.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthAssessment of Microbial Contamination in the Infulene River Basin, Mozambique
2023Clemêncio Nhantumbo, Nídia Cangi Vaz, Mery Rodrigues, Cândido Manuel, Sífia Rapulua, Jéssica Langa, Hélio Nhantumbo, Dominic Joaquim, Michaque Dosse, José João Sumbana, Ricardo Santos, Sílvia Monteiro, Dinis Juízo · Water · Mozambique
A study investigated fecal microbial contamination levels in river water, drainage water, and drinking water in the Infulene River Basin, Mozambique. Samples from the Infulene River and drainage showed 82% positive for Total Coliforms and 61% for Escherichia coli, while drinking water samples were 63% positive for Total Coliforms and 23% for Escherichia coli. The study confirmed a high vulnerability to microbial contamination across all investigated sources due to poor sanitation and a lack of drainage infrastructure.
Contamination & food safetyHealthSeasonal variation and risks of potentially toxic elements in agricultural lowlands of central Cameroon
2023Annie Stéphanie Nana, Timo Falkenberg, Andrea Rechenburg, Joshua Ntajal, Juliet Wanjiku Kamau, Anne Ayo, Christian Borgemeister · Environmental Geochemistry and Health · Cameroon (Yaoundé)
This study assessed the seasonal characteristics and ecological risks of potentially toxic elements (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni) in urban agricultural soils across four lowlands in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cr exceeded recommended thresholds in some or all areas, with Cr exceeding thresholds in all areas during both seasons. One area recorded strong soil pollution (grade V) during the wet season, indicating that preventive action is needed to limit heavy metal contamination in the lowlands of Yaoundé.
Contamination & food safetyHealthClimate changeÉvaluation et risque sanitaire de la bioaccumulation de métaux lourds (cadmium, cuivre, plomb et le zinc) chez le chou (Brassica Oleracea L.) produit en agriculture urbaine : Cas du périmètre maraicher de Dogona (Bobo-Dioulasso)
2023Issaka Senou · Journal of Applied Biosciences · Burkina Faso
This study assessed heavy metal bioaccumulation in cabbage grown on the Dogona market garden perimeter in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, using a randomized block design with urban solid waste treatments. The results showed high levels of cadmium, copper, and lead in cabbage leaves, with concentrations significantly exceeding WHO standards across all treatments. A critical finding was that consuming this cabbage poses a high health risk to consumers due to significant ingestion of cadmium and lead.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleClimate changeAnalisis Dampak Kebijakan Program Kebun Sekolah untuk Mengatasi Kekurangan Gizi pada Anak
2023Deni Permana · ANTASENA Governance and Innovation Journal · Global
This analysis evaluated the impact of school garden programs on students' nutritional status and nutritious food intake, using surveys, interviews, and nutritional status measurements before and after program implementation. School gardens positively impacted students' nutrition knowledge and increased fresh fruit and vegetable consumption, contributing to a reduction in malnutrition prevalence with significant increases in children's weight and height. However, the program's success was constrained by budget limitations and a lack of training for educators, highlighting the need for adequate training, stable financial support, and curriculum integration.
Governance failureFood educationHealthPolicyWelfareFirst Report of a Rust Fungus (Puccinia sp.) Infecting Lemongrass in Minnesota
2023Nicholas Greatens, Nick Klejeski, Les J. Szabo, Yue Jin, Pablo D. Olivera · Plant Disease · United States (Minnesota)
In July 2021 and July-October 2022, rust disease was observed on all 20 lemongrass plants in a community garden near Mankato, Minnesota, USA, causing 5-50% leaf loss. Molecular analysis of the rust fungus identified it as Puccinia cesatii or a closely related species. Although P. cesatii has been reported on Cymbopogon species, lemongrass is not generally considered a host, indicating an unusual infection.
Limited or null effectCommunityHealth