Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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A decision-analysis framework for school garden investments in Vietnam: evaluating trade-offs for nutrition, biodiversity, and economic outcomes
2026Cory Whitney, Thi Thu Giang Luu, Johannes Kopton, Eike Luedeling · Humanities and Social Sciences Communications · Vietnam
This study developed a decision analysis framework to optimize school garden interventions in Vietnamese public and private schools, evaluating their effects on child health, biodiversity, and economic outcomes across five investment scenarios. Results show that passive gardens consistently offer greater biodiversity and health benefits, whereas STEM gardens encounter financial and operational barriers, especially in public schools. The findings highlight significant financial constraints in public schools compared to private ones, revealing critical trade-offs among economic, biodiversity, and health outcomes.
Economic viabilityFood educationHealthBiodiversityEconomicsOpportunities and Constraints for the Development of CSA in Poland in the Context of Agricultural and Rural Transformation
2026Magdalena Raftowicz, Mirosław Struś · · Poland
This theoretical study analyzes the potentials and barriers to the development of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Poland, drawing on existing research. It identifies key barriers to CSA development, including financial, legal, organizational, and social factors, which originate from both farmers and consumers. The ongoing land ownership concentration in Poland, fostering industrial agriculture, is contrary to sustainable development and EU agricultural policy, posing a significant barrier to CSA development, particularly for farmers.
Governance failureCSA & TeikeiEconomicsPolicyCommunityUrban Agriculture as a Survival Strategy: Food Security, Inequality, and Community Development in Enugu State, Nigeria
2026Oshaba Patience Chizoba, Chinedu Augustine Igwenagu · Path of Science · Nigeria
A survey of 222 households and interviews in Enugu State, Nigeria, showed that urban agriculture (UA) is a critical coping strategy for food availability. However, UA perpetuates gendered inequalities as a "patriarchal bargain," where women's expanded reproductive labor does not necessarily lead to improved economic empowerment. Furthermore, UA strongly promotes bonding social capital but does not foster bridging social capital with formal institutions, thereby undermining its transformative potential.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityWelfareEconomicsEnjeux environnementaux de l'introduction prospective de l'intelligence artificielle dans l'agriculture périurbaine de Kinshasa
2026Patrick Lubavu Kyamasa, Pascal Tshisuaka Kalombo, Aimée Mahamba Iyanabita, John Mbuyi Kamuena · European Scientific Journal ESJ · Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa)
This study examined environmental, technological, and socio-economic determinants influencing the ecological viability of AI integration in Kinshasa's peri-urban agriculture, which faces threats like soil degradation and inadequate infrastructure. A field survey of 411 farmers in the Kimwenza area found 86.13% viewed AI positively despite major structural constraints, including lack of electricity (78.83%) and digital illiteracy (54.99%). The study highlights the current lack of anticipatory public policies to address these constraints for a sustainable digital transformation.
Governance failureDigital agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsDesign and Implementation of an Autonomous IoT-Based Irrigation System for Water Optimization in Peri-Urban Agriculture: Case Study of Green Village (DRC)
2026Kadima Muamba Donatien, Kabaubabo Kalombo Jean- Jacques, Mavula Kikwe Alexis, Kako Gbolo Etienne · International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (IJISRT) · Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
Peri-urban agriculture in the Democratic Republic of Congo heavily relies on natural rainfall, leading to yield decreases of up to 50% and a lengthening of the crop cycle from 21 to 45 days during the dry season. This study proposes the design and implementation of an autonomous IoT-based irrigation system to optimize water use at Green Village, Kinshasa. The proposed solution aims to enable real-time adaptive irrigation, reducing water loss and stabilizing production.
Limited or null effectDigital agriculturePeri-urban agricultureClimate changeEconomicsPERCEPTIONS ON URBAN-BASED GARDENING IN THE CITY OF ISABELA, BASILAN, PHILIPPINES
2026Bendijo, S.A., Rebuza, A.O., Pedillon, J.M., Amilbahar, G.V., Tabal, E.P. · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Philippines
This study in Isabela City, Philippines, explored community perceptions of urban gardening (UG). While awareness was linked to food security and sustainability, and perceived benefits included health, cost savings, and social cohesion, the adoption of UG was hindered by a lack of interest and resource constraints. Preferred UG forms like rooftop gardens and specific vegetables indicated aspirations for cost savings and nutrient content, but obstacles remain.
Economic viabilityCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsPersepsi Petani Terhadap Manfaat Urban Farming di Kecamatan Umbulharjo Kota Yogyakarta
2026Eska Stefani, Artita Devi Maharani, Nanang Kusuma Mawardi · AGRIBIOS · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)
In Umbulharjo District, Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, urban farming has been implemented as an alternative to improve food security and economic welfare. However, its implementation faces challenges such as land limitations, lack of access to modern agricultural technology, and low public understanding of its benefits. A descriptive quantitative study using a Likert scale (1-4) found that respondents strongly agreed that urban farming provides social benefits and agreed on its economic and environmental benefits.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsPolicyExploring the economic viability and marketability of aeroponics systems: An urban agriculture study in Navotas City
2026Hanna Kye Pohanes, Samantha Andrea Farinas, Maricar Cangayao, Jasmin Mae dela Peña, Chinie King Ho, Jonalyn Palconit, Jholan Hazel Tabance, Divina Gracia Cabaddu, Ryan dela Peña · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Philippines (Navotas City)
This qualitative study in Navotas City explored the economic viability and marketability of aeroponics systems in urban agriculture. Findings indicate aeroponics requires high initial investment and faces challenges such as produce failing to meet specific weight standards for sale, high energy consumption, and high setup costs. While offering benefits like efficient resource use and high yields, further improvements in system efficiency and operational methods are needed for it to become a viable and scalable business model.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceSocio-economic and urban form characteristics driving urban agriculture development: A spatial analysis across 11 large European cities
2026Paris Pencharz, Peter H. Verburg, Pierre Chopin · Landscape and Urban Planning · Europe
This study investigated the conditions enabling urban agriculture (UA) at a 1 km² scale across 11 large European cities. The intercity model suggested that UA is more likely found in greener, central neighborhoods with lower property prices and lower proportions of locally born residents. However, there is not a consistent set of factors implying UA presence, suggesting other social and policy factors might be at play.
Equity & displacementEconomicsCommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageA scoping review of the impact of urbanization on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa
2026Alemseged Gerezgiher Hailu, daniel girmay, samuel ataklti · Discover Food · Sub-Saharan Africa
This scoping review analyzed 155 sources (2009–2024) on urbanization's impact on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Findings showed rapid urban expansion converted 30% of peri-urban agricultural land in some regions, increasing dependence on imported staples, and low-income households spend 60–80% of income on food. A policy gap was identified, with only 12% of countries having supportive policies and 19% of cities designating land for farming.
Environmental trade-offsFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeHealthTransforming the capitalist food regime: A historical materialist perspective on community-supported agriculture
2026Bernd Bonfert · Capital & Class · Global
This article analyzes the transformative potential of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) through a historical materialist lens. CSA is found to be potentially capable of decommodifying and democratizing food production, de-alienating labor and socio-ecological relations, enhancing environmental sustainability, addressing social inequalities, and scaling effectively. However, these potential achievements face significant limitations and mutual trade-offs that individual CSAs likely cannot resolve, requiring collaboration at scale.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsThe Local Food System and Its Potential for Empowering Black Farmers and Growers
2026Mya O. Price · · United States
This chapter examines how local food systems can empower Black farmers and growers through direct-to-consumer and community-based markets, analyzing tools like farmers’ markets and urban agriculture. While case examples show Black-led initiatives, persistent barriers include limited capital, discriminatory pricing and lending, bureaucratic gaps, and uneven USDA support despite civil rights settlements. The study details these challenges.
Equity & displacementCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicyWhen Business as Usual Fails: The Case of Urban Agriculture in Detroit
2026Jocelyn M. Leitzinger, Robert David · · United States (Detroit)
A case study of Detroit's urban agriculture market indicates that "business-as-usual" development strategies, which prioritize large-scale investment projects, often fail to achieve their economic development potential. These strategies are noted to potentially exacerbate social or environmental issues, particularly within "moral markets" led by Black activists. The paper explores the mechanisms of such failures and offers recommendations for policymakers and entrepreneurs.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban Agriculture Policy and Household Food Security in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria
2026N. I. Odeh, A. T. OGAH, O. C. Odeh · Journal of African Resilience and Advancement Research · Nigeria
This study in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria, examined the urban agriculture (UA) policy framework and household food security using mixed methods, including interviews and a household survey. Findings revealed the absence of a dedicated UA policy, with UA regulated indirectly by general agricultural and land-use policies. Only 20.7% of households were food secure, while 79.3% experienced some level of food insecurity.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsAdvancing urban horticulture through vertical farming: A global review of technologies and sustainability
2026Khushal Balram Muradi, V Siva Teja, Harshavardhan Mohan Totawar, Laxmi PS, Choudhari Balaji Keshavrao, Yogesh V Wayal, N Sravya, Jagmal P Khatana, Sruthi T, Deshmukh Sarita Babarao · International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research · Global
This study conducted a global review of vertical farming technologies and sustainability. Vertical farming shows significant savings in land and water consumption compared to traditional agriculture, yielding high production and quality for leafy greens, herbs, and some fruiting species. However, high energy demand remains a significant barrier to its sustainability and economic feasibility. Key research gaps include crop improvement for controlled settings, energy-efficient system design, renewable energy integration, and standardized frameworks for sustainability evaluation.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceConstraints to Urban Agriculture for Sustainable Food Production in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State
2026Okorogba, Victory A., Amadi, N.S. · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Port Harcourt)
A descriptive survey in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria, identified constraints to urban agriculture for sustainable food production. The study, involving 46 female and 30 male urban farmers, found that poor infrastructural resources, poor environmental conditions, and limited intellectual skills of urban farmers hinder the achievement of sustainable urban agriculture.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty, capitalism and migrant workers
2026Sinem Kavak, Lorenza Arango, Doi Ra, Zeynep Ceren Eren Benlisoy, Carlo John Arceo, George T. Mudimu, Daren Shi-chi Leung, Adwoa Yeboah Gyapong, Mnqobi Ngubane · The Journal of Peasant Studies · Global
Migrant workers often remain marginal in food sovereignty discourse and practice despite their central role in the global food system. The emphasis on localization within food sovereignty often overlooks trends towards semi-proletarianization within small peasant and worker households, and a more inclusive food sovereignty agenda must address migrant workers' access to land.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageEconomicsPerceived sustainability impacts of converting to community‐supported agriculture
2026Lukas Egli, Jana V. Schmidt, Hanna‐Sofie Haf, Mirco Zech · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Global
This exploratory quantitative survey assessed farmers' perceived sustainability impacts of converting to Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA). While most perceived impacts were positive, adverse impacts were anticipated regarding climate and water, such as increased water usage from vegetable production. Farmers in CSAs with medium to high member participation perceived significantly higher biodiversity impacts and more positive sustainability impacts for members.
Environmental trade-offsCSA & TeikeiClimate changeBiodiversityEconomicsFeeding the Capital, Governing the Soil: Turning Policy and By-laws into Action for Urban Agriculture in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania
2026Baltazar Namwata · Journal of Agriculture and Agronomy (JAA) · Tanzania (Dodoma)
This mixed-methods study assessed the implementation of urban agriculture (UA) policies in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania, surveying 300 urban farmers. Findings revealed low farmer awareness of city planning (15.9%) and UA regulations (24.4%), limited access to extension services (25.4%) and credit (24.0%), and unreliable water sources for many (45.5%). The study concluded that supportive national policy recognition has not translated into effective local implementation, farmer awareness, reliable service delivery, or practical enforcement.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityIntegrating vertical and urban farming into sustainable food systems: a comprehensive review
2026Thulisekari Prasanna, Guda Bhargavi, Murugesan Mohana Keerthi · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Global
This comprehensive review synthesizes literature on vertical and urban agriculture within sustainable food systems, identifying production models and technical advancements. Empirical evidence indicates these systems can improve water/land-use efficiency, yield stability, and reduce post-harvest losses. However, significant challenges persist, including high capital and energy prices, inadequate crop diversification, technical complexities, and regulatory constraints, impacting their economic viability.
Economic viabilityUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyDigital agricultureUrban agriculture in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A systematic review of practices, challenges and sustainability
2026hawamkwela@yahoo.com MKWELA · Social Sciences & Humanities Open · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
This systematic review analyzed 42 studies from 1990 to 2024, examining urban agriculture practices, scale, socio-economic contributions, health and environmental impacts, and governance constraints in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Urban agriculture involves 36,000–60,000 households cultivating 1,800–6,000 hectares annually, supplying 90% of city vegetables, providing 20–70% of household income, and employing over 100,000 people. However, 85–95% of farmers lack secure land tenure, 78% of vegetable samples exceed WHO E. coli limits, and 90% of produce is sold informally with high post-harvest losses of 20–40%.
Contamination & food safetyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthPolicyToward digital community economies: California’s alternative food networks navigating market digitalization
2026Sasha Pesci, Ryan E. Galt · Agriculture and Human Values · United States (California)
This paper, based on 28 semi-structured interviews with direct market farmers in California, explores their experiences with market digitalization. It finds that while some farmers perceive online tools as eroding social and environmental connections, others view them as supportive of these connections, highlighting tensions in market digitalization for Alternative Food Networks.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureEconomicsCSA & TeikeiCommunityGeospatial Dynamics of Urban Irrigation Agricultural Land Use for Sustainable Income Generation on the Jos Plateau
2026Dr. Emmanuel Omomoh, Sunday Nannim, Dr. Rogers Rengje. Danlami Gujahar, Moses Omitunde Omirinde, Gwamzhi Ponsah Emmanuel · International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering Management & Applied Science · Nigeria (Jos)
A study analyzed urban irrigation agricultural land use changes in Jos South Metropolis, Nigeria, over a ten-year period (2014–2024) using geospatial techniques and fieldwork. Market garden area declined by 5.84%, while settlements expanded by 34.76%. Key constraints to sustainable urban agriculture were identified, including land tenure insecurity (63% of dry-season farmers were landless), limited access to irrigation water, pest and disease pressure, inadequate fertilizer supply, and increasing competition for land from urban development.
Governance failureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyIs community-supported agriculture a case of real utopia? The case of Germany
2026Hannah Bücheler, Christine Bosch · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Germany
This paper explores the potential of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Germany, applying Erik Olin Wright’s concept of real utopia to assess if CSA challenges capitalist structures. Drawing on secondary literature, the study evaluates the desirability, feasibility, and achievability of CSA. The results suggest that CSA in Germany qualifies as a real utopia, but faces limitations to growth due to implementation constraints such as the need for additional market channels and access to land.
Governance failureCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceThe association between climate-smart agriculture practices adoption and farm income and wealth of small-scale urban crop farmers in eThekwini municipality, with implications for food and nutrition security
2026Khumalo N. Z., Sibanda M., Mdoda L. · Frontiers in Nutrition · 南アフリカ・エテクウィニ市（ダーバン）
A multi-stage sample of 412 small-scale urban crop farmers in eThekwini municipality, South Africa, with a conditional mixed process model relating a composite index of climate-smart agriculture adoption (agroforestry, conservation agriculture, crop diversification, rotation, cover crops, drought-tolerant crops, mulching, organic manure, wetland use, soil conservation) to farm income and a wealth index. Adoption was positively associated with both, but the authors state the estimated income association is "relatively modest" and should be read with caution. Several socio-economic variables showed counterintuitive associations, and because existing agricultural training showed a weak association with income-enhancing adoption, the authors call for context-specific, outcome-oriented training and extension rather than more of the same.
Limited or null effectEconomicsClimate changePolicy