Research & reports

Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.

3 results

• Bioregional food systems and the structures of long-term territorialization processes

  2024

  Alberto Matarán-Ruiz, David Fanfani, Josefa Sánchez Contreras, Miguel Ángel Escalona Aguilar · · Central America; Europe

  This chapter examines bioregional food systems and territorialization processes in peri-urban agricultural areas, using three case studies from Central America and Europe. It notes that the historical co-evolutionary relationship between cities and surrounding farmlands weakened in modernity due to the global capitalist market, which reduced food to a commodity. The study highlights current problems while exploring how inherited relationships are being revived to adapt urban bioregions to climate emergency and resource scarcity.

  Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkageClimate changeFood sovereignty & justice
  Read source →DOI: 10.4324/9781003494072-8

• Assessing Agri-Food Start-Ups Sustainability in Peri-Urban Agriculture Context

  2021

  Ambrogio Zanzi, Valentina Vaglia, Roberto Spigarolo, Stefano Bocchi · Land · Italy (Milan)

  This study assessed the sustainability of eight agri-food start-ups in a peri-urban area of Milan, Italy, using the FAO's Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture systems (SAFA) framework. The application of SAFA indicators revealed positive aspects but also some limitations typical of unstructured enterprises.

  Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsPolicyCommunityClimate change
  Read source →DOI: 10.3390/land10040384

• The purpose of urban food production in developed countries

  2012

  Silvio Caputo · Kent Academic Repository (University of Kent) · United Kingdom

  This paper argues for a new role for urban agriculture in developed countries, focusing on environmental, social, and economic benefits. While urban agriculture can contribute to a low-carbon society and food access, it is not currently part of UK government strategies for food security. For urban agriculture to achieve its potential, it needs to become economically viable, requiring research into highly productive methods and business models utilizing local urban resources.

  Economic viabilityPolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceClimate change
  Read source →