Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
158 results(4 / 7)
Impact of landscape dynamics and intensities on the ecological land of major cities in Ethiopia
2021Mekonnen Amberber Degefu, Mekuria Argaw, Gudina Legese Feyisa, Sileshi Degefa · ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH · Ethiopia
This study characterized and compared the Spatio-temporal responses of ecological land to urban landscape dynamics in Bahir Dar, Addis Ababa, Adama, and Hawassa cities in Ethiopia for the last three decades (1990–2020). Three sets of Landsat satellite images, field observations, and urban land indexes were used to produce landscape maps and geo-spatial data analysis. Results showed that in all cities, ecological land had changed intensely regarding its quantity and spatial pattern, and the substantial expansion of built-up ecosystems was manifested at the cost of ecological land.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkageClimate changePolicyEXPLORING THE RECYCLING OF MANURE FROM URBAN LIVESTOCK FARMS: A CASE STUDY IN ETHIOPIA
2021Solomon Tulu Tadesse, O. Oenema, Christy van Beek, Fikre Lemessa Ocho · Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering · Ethiopia
This study in Jimma, Ethiopia, from 2015-2050, used an N mass flow model and field experiments to explore manure recycling from urban livestock farms under four scenarios. It found that livestock manures are the main organic wastes in urban areas, and manure production in urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is projected to increase 3 to 10 times. Critically, only 13% to 38% of manure nitrogen will be recycled in croplands, and intensification of urban livestock production greatly increased nitrogen surpluses, indicating a significant environmental tradeoff.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cyclePeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceCompostCultivating the city for ecosocialism
2021Salvatore Engel‐Di Mauro, George M. Martin · · Global
This chapter examines urban cultivation across diverse global contexts, finding that global South cities often experience declining food production due to displacement by financiers and landowners. It notes that urban cultivation is frequently associated with unacknowledged pollution problems, and its overall ecological impacts are not necessarily positive. Furthermore, urban food production, with the exception of Cuba, does little to reduce social inequality and can sometimes exacerbate it.
Environmental trade-offsFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyClimate changeExpanding Dengue Vectors Through the Border of Dhaka City: Vector Breeding Grounds in Gazipur City Corporation, Bangladesh
2021GM Saifur Rahman, Tahmina Akter · Bangladesh Journal of Zoology · Bangladesh
An entomological study in September 2019 examined 100 houses across five areas of Gazipur City Corporation, Bangladesh, to identify dengue vector breeding grounds. Both Aedes vectors were found in all areas, with Aedes aegypti being dominant. Rooftop gardens and under-construction sites were identified as the most important breeding sites, and the study found a comparatively higher number of Ae. aegypti breeding, indicating a potential for a major outbreak.
Environmental trade-offsHealthA Study to Improve The Sustainability of Ecological and Character Education in an Elementary School Garden
2021Mun Gi Hong, Bo Eun Nam · Journal of Character Education and Research · South Korea
This study analyzed the suitability of G National University's campus as an educational site for ecological and character education for elementary students. The campus had a green space ratio of approximately 40% and 120 woody plant species. However, vulnerabilities in plant diversity were identified, including a bias towards certain species like oak and azalea, and multiple species concentrated in small numbers. A critical finding was the overlapping flowering and fruiting seasons for most species, which could negatively impact the ecology of wild animals like insects and birds that rely on these resources.
Environmental trade-offsFood educationBiodiversityTHEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL APPROACHES TO THE FORMATION OF URBAN AGROLANDSCAPE STRUCTURES
2021Viktoria Shchurova · Current problems of architecture and urban planning · Ukraine (Kiev)
This article highlights the problems of the negative impact of the agricultural sector integrated into the central and middle zones of large cities. A critical view was formulated on the practical implementation of scientific and legislative documents, using the example of the city of Kiev, and strategies for reorganization, restrictions, or a complete ban on estate development in urban environments were analyzed. Specific plots of estate development in Kiev were identified as requiring reconstruction or complete renovation in accordance with the city's strategic development concept.
Environmental trade-offsPolicyUrban–rural linkageClimate changeCommunityUsing constructed soils for green infrastructure – challenges and limitations
2020Maha Deeb, Peter M. Groffman, Manuel Blouin, Sara Perl Egendorf, Alan Vergnes, Viacheslav Vasenev, Donna L. Cao, Daniel C. I. Walsh, Tatiana Morin, Geoffroy Séré · SOIL · Global
This review examines the use of Constructed Technosols (CTs), mixtures of organic and mineral waste, for green infrastructure (GI) in urban spaces. While CTs have high potential to provide multiple soil functions and contribute to urban greening, urban soils are often physically, chemically, or biologically unsuitable for GI features. The analysis suggests that the composition and structure of CTs should be adapted to available wastes and by-products, as well as future land use and environmental conditions, highlighting the need for careful design to overcome existing limitations.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleClimate changeBiodiversityDIYFirst records of the introduced African carder bee, Pseudoanthidium (Immanthidium) repetitum (Hymenoptera : Megachilidae), in Western Australia
2020Kit Prendergast · Pacific Conservation Biology · Australia
The African carder bee, Pseudoanthidium (Immanthidium) repetitum, first recorded in Queensland in 2000, has now been found in Western Australia, marking a significant distribution expansion. Three confirmed and one unconfirmed localities were identified in the Mandurah region, with abundant female specimens observed in one garden. The presence of this introduced species necessitates vigilance due to known negative impacts on native fauna and flora.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityPollinatorsCommunityImpacto del marabú (dichrostachys cinerea (l.) wigth et arm sobre la calidad de los suelos
2020Noiry Pérez Pompa, Santa Laura Leyva Rodríguez · Sinergia Académica · Cuba
A diagnosis of farms infested by Dichrostachys cinerea (marabú) in urban and suburban agriculture was conducted at Los Téllez farm in Becerra, Las Tunas municipality, Cuba. Soil quality indicators for reddish-brown Fersialitic soils over granitoids were evaluated across four land-use systems: two infested by D. cinerea and two agricultural systems cultivated for 10 years after marabú deforestation. Results showed that D. cinerea systems exhibited the highest soil quality index, based on organic matter, bulk density, and earthworm biomass. Conversely, cultivated systems achieved the lowest accumulation of organic carbon, oligochaete density and biomass, and total porosity.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleBiodiversityCollaborative research to support urban agriculture in the face of change: The case of the Sumida watercress farm on O‘ahu
2020Jennifer Engels, Sheree J. Watson, Henrietta Dulai, Kimberly Burnett, Christopher A. Wada, ‘Ano‘ilani Aga, Nathan DeMaagd, J. J. McHugh, Barbara Sumida, Leah L. Bremer · PLoS ONE · United States (O‘ahu)
A researcher-farmer collaboration on O‘ahu's Sumida watercress farm conducted a 25-year trend analysis and a year of intensive spring water sampling. Negative correlations were found between historical crop yields and increases in the Oceanic Niño Index, temperature thresholds, and pest outbreaks. Despite urbanization, on-farm water quality was very high, and microbial analyses suggested the farm provides nutrient retention services to downstream systems. The study demonstrates that challenges facing urban agricultural systems shift over time.
Environmental trade-offsCommunityClimate changeBiodiversityOrganic cycleTowards sustainable performance of urban horticulture: ten challenging fields of action for modern integrated pest management in cities
2020F. Feldmann, Ute Vogler · Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection · Global
Ten key challenges for plant protection in cities were identified, each belonging to a specific field of action of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in urban horticulture, according to Directive 2009/128/EC. These challenges include appropriate plant selection, microbiome engineering, nutrient recycling, smart digital solutions, diversification of vegetation, avoidance of pesticide side effects on beneficials, biorational efficacy assessment, effective pest diagnosis, efficient outbreak control, and holistic approaches.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityClimate changeCommunityDigital agricultureEdible urbanism 5.0
2019Alessio Russo, Giuseppe T. Cirella · Humanities and Social Sciences Communications · Global
This comment examines "edible urbanism 5.0," noting that urban and peri-urban agriculture can have negative effects on city ecosystems, which urbanists and planners have largely overlooked. It highlights the need for a concept that considers trade-offs between ecosystem services and disservices, especially given current unsustainable industrial intensive farming. Edible urbanism aims to integrate food security, resilience, and social inclusion through edible green infrastructure and modern food production.
Environmental trade-offsPolicyEconomicsClimate changeBiodiversityDirect and indirect effects of urban gardening on aboveground and belowground diversity influencing soil multifunctionality
2019Simon Tresch, David Frey, Renée‐Claire Le Bayon, Paul Mäder, Bernhard Stehle, Andreas Fließbach, Marco Moretti · Scientific Reports · Switzerland (Zurich)
A study in 85 urban gardens across Zurich, Switzerland, investigated the impact of gardening on five soil functions and the relationship between plant (600 spp.) and soil fauna (18 earthworm spp., 39 springtail spp.). High plant diversity positively affected soil fauna and multifunctionality, but intense garden management decreased plant diversity. This indicates a trade-off where intensive gardening, while potentially beneficial for some aspects, can negatively impact overall plant diversity.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityOrganic cycleCommunityMeasuring the Fate of Compost-Derived Phosphorus in Native Soil below Urban Gardens
2019Gaston E. Small, Sara Osborne, Paliza Shrestha, Adam D. Kay · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ·
This study measured phosphorus (P) concentrations in native soil below four- and six-year-old urban garden plots, collecting soil cores from five plots of each age. It found that inorganic weakly exchangeable P was significantly elevated in native soil below garden plots (>35 cm deep) compared to reference profiles, indicating accumulation of excess P from compost. This suggests that while urban agriculture can recycle P, over-application of compost may contribute to soil and water pollution.
Environmental trade-offsCompostOrganic cyclePERLINDUNGAN HUKUM TERHADAP MASYARAKAT DI SEKITAR KEGIATAN USAHA PT PERTAMINA GEOTHERMAL ENERGY (PT PGE) HULU LAIS DI KABUPATEN LEBONG DITINJAU DARI ASPEK HUKUM LINGKUNGAN
2019Tri Andika, Waryenti Deli, P.E.Suryaningsih P.E.Suryaningsih · University Of Bengkulu Law Journal · Indonesia
Residents in Lebong Regency, Indonesia, experienced anxiety due to a landslide at PT PGE's Hulu Lais cluster A site. This landslide resulted in 6 deaths, sinking fish ponds, rice fields, and community gardens, and crop failure. Additionally, residents' drinking water sources were polluted, and drilling caused loud sounds, ground vibrations, hot steam, and dried plants. The drilling also drastically reduced water discharge from the Mubai river, impacting residents who relied on it.
Environmental trade-offsCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceAgricultural intensification and urbanization negatively impact soil nematode richness and abundance: a meta-analysis
2019Satyendra Kumar Pothula, Parwinder S. Grewal, Robert M. Augé, Arnold M. Saxton, Ernest C. Bernard · Journal of Nematology · Global
A meta-analysis of 111 published articles assessed the impact of human interventions on soil nematode richness and abundance in urban, agriculture, and disturbed grassland ecosystems compared to natural grassland and forest ecosystems. The study found that overall nematode richness was higher in forest ecosystems than in natural grassland, disturbed grassland, urban, and agriculture ecosystems. The meta-analyses concluded that human interventions, specifically agricultural intensification and urbanization, adversely impact both the richness and abundance of nematodes, which serve as soil health bioindicators.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageExcess phosphorus from compost applications in urban gardens creates potential pollution hotspots
2019Gaston E. Small, Paliza Shrestha, Geneviève S. Metson, Katherine Polsky, Ivan Jimenez, Adam D. Kay · Environmental Research Communications · United States
Survey data from 142 gardeners and urban farmers in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, USA, characterized phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) inputs and harvest, and measured soil P concentrations at a subset of sites. Median application rates were 300 kg P/ha and 1400 kg N/ha, with low nutrient use efficiencies (2.5% for P, 5.0% for N). Garden soils had a median Bray P value of 80 ppm, far exceeding recommended levels, indicating a buildup and potential loss of P and N. Urban gardens, though only 0.1% of land area, constitute one of the largest inputs of P to the watershed.
Environmental trade-offsCompostOrganic cycleClimate changeDiseases and health; case of wetland populations in the Bamenda urban area, North West Region of Cameroon.
2019Yolar Blandine N., Lawrence F. Fombe, Mokwe Bea Patrick J., Nuipokoh Oscar M. · Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal · Cameroon (Bamenda)
A study examining the impact of diseases and health on wetland populations in the Bamenda urban area of Cameroon found that increased human investment in wetlands enhances inhabitants' vulnerability to flood hazards and diseases like malaria, cholera, and typhoid. The wetlands in Bamenda are rapidly degrading due to population pressure, leading to reclamation, pollution, and urban agriculture, which exacerbates the proliferation of disease vectors.
Environmental trade-offsHealthUrban–rural linkageCommunityFarming in cities: Potentials and challenges of urban agriculture in Maputo and Cape Town
2019Erik Engel, Karin Fiege, Anja Kühn · · Africa
The UFISAMO project analyzed urban agriculture (UA) in Maputo and Cape Town. In Maputo, UA is the main income source for about 5% of the population, though it often does not cover monthly food costs, and a major challenge is the uncontrolled application of pesticides due to mono-cropping. In Cape Town's townships, UA plays a negligible role in income and food security due to small plots, sandy soils, water stress, and weak market links.
Environmental trade-offsCommunityEconomicsHealthPolicyEnvironmental Impact of Exceptional Quality Biosolids Use in Urban Agriculture
2019Odiney Alvarez‐Campos, Gregory K. Evanylo · Journal of Environmental Quality · Global
The impacts of exceptional quality (EQ) biosolids and inorganic fertilizer applied for rehabilitating anthropogenic soils on potential nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) water quality impairment risk were compared. After two years, reclamation rates of biosolids resulted in soil P saturation ratios greater than the recommended 30% but lower than the 65% limit. While nitrate N (NO3–N) posed the greatest nutrient leaching risk, lysimeter-collected mass loading of NO3–N from reclamation rates was not greater than for the inorganic fertilizer.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleHealthClimate changeBiodiversitySoil Constraints to Urban Agriculture in Valley Beds of Yaoundé (Cameroon)
2019Ibrahima Saidou · Journal of Environmental Science and Allied Research · Cameroon (Yaoundé)
A 2014 study in Yaoundé, Cameroon, surveyed 40 farmers and analyzed soil in two valley bed suburbs, Nkolodom and Nkolbisson, to identify soil constraints on urban agriculture. While nitrogen and phosphorus levels were adequate, soil salinity at Nkolodom was brackish to moderate (810 mS/m), potentially constraining crop growth. Soil fertility was also found to decrease with distance from farmers' houses.
Environmental trade-offsEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCropping Practices and Their Drivers in Various Cropping Systems in Peri-urban Areas of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
2019Delphine Bernadette Ouédraogo, Delwendé Innocent Kiba, Zacharia Gnankambary, Sheick K. Sangaré, Diakouba Sirima, Hassan Bismarck Nacro, Michel Papaoba Sédogo · Journal of Agricultural Science · Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)
This study investigated cropping practices and their drivers in 133 peri-urban farms near Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Soil sample analysis revealed that monoculture led to low soil organic carbon, while polyculture led to low soil available potassium. The socio-economic conditions of the farms explained up to 60% of the variability in cropping practices.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceDecreased Landscape Ecological Security of Peri-Urban Cultivated Land Following Rapid Urbanization: An Impediment to Sustainable Agriculture
2018Dan Yu, Dongyan Wang, Wenbo Li, Shuhan Liu, Yuanli Zhu, Wenjun Wu, Yongheng Zhou · Sustainability · China (Changchun)
This paper assessed the landscape ecological security (LES) of peri-urban cultivated land in Changchun City, China, at three time points, considering both cultivated and surrounding landscapes. Results showed that urbanization affected the peri-urban cultivated landscape, with metrics like patch density and edge density progressively increasing for cultivated land within 20 km of the urban center. This indicated elevated fragmentation and vulnerability, and the study concluded that decreased LES of cultivated land impedes sustainable peri-urban agriculture.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeBiodiversityImpact of Urban Agriculture on the Species Distribution and Insecticide Resistance Profile of <i>Anopheles gambiae s.s.</i> and <i>Anopheles coluzzii</i> in Accra Metropolis, Ghana
2018Joseph Chabi, Miracle C. Eziefule, Rebecca Pwalia, Joannitta Joannides, Dorothy Obuobi, Godwin Amlalo, Charlotte Addae, Alidu Iddrisu, Dominic Acquah-Baidoo, Samuel Akporh, Sampson Gbagba, Kwadwo K. Frempong, Melinda P. Hadi, Helen Pates Jamet, Samuel Dadzie · Advances in Entomology · Ghana
This study in Accra Metropolis, Ghana, compared Anopheles gambiae s.l. species composition and insecticide resistance between two vegetable-growing and two non-vegetable growing areas. All A. gambiae s.l. populations tested were resistant to five insecticides, with lower mortalities observed in vegetable-growing areas (e.g., 2.6% and 12.5% for deltamethrin) compared to non-vegetable areas (36.2% and 38.9%). Anopheles gambiae s.s. and Anopheles coluzzii were dominant in vegetable-growing areas. The findings indicate that urban agriculture contributes to the development of insecticide resistance, which needs consideration in vector control strategies.
Environmental trade-offsHealthBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageDiversity and nutrient balances of urban and peri-urban farms in Ethiopia
2018Solomon Tulu Tadesse, O. Oenema, Christy van Beek, Fikre Lemessa Ocho · Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems · Ethiopia
This study investigated the diversity and nutrient balances of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) systems in three Ethiopian cities, using data from 425 households (Addis Ababa: 175, Adama: 126, Jimma: 124). It identified six farm types, including commercial livestock (cLS) and subsistence field crop (sFC) systems. The study found that cLS systems accumulated significant nutrients (450 kg N, 85 kg P, 260 kg K ha−1 year−1) with low use efficiency (26% N and P, 15% K), while sFC systems depleted nutrients (−30 kg N, −17 kg K ha−1 year−1) with high use efficiency.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justice