Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
84 results(4 / 4)
Impact of urban agriculture on malaria vectors in Accra, Ghana
2008Eveline Klinkenberg, Philip J. McCall, Michael D. Wilson, Felix P. Amerasinghe, Martin J. Donnelly · Malaria Journal · Ghana
This study investigated the impact of urban agriculture on malaria transmission risk in Accra, Ghana, through larval and adult mosquito surveys. It found that Anopheles spp. and Culex quinquefasciatus outdoor biting rates were three and four times higher, respectively, in areas around agricultural sites compared to areas far from agriculture. The annual Entomological Inoculation Rate (EIR) was also higher in agricultural areas (19.2) than non-agricultural areas (6.6), suggesting that urban agricultural areas may increase malaria transmission risk by providing resting sites for adult mosquitoes.
Environmental trade-offsHealthUrban–rural linkagePrecision application of water for peri-urban horticulture
2007Viola Devasirvatham, P. S. Cornish · International Journal of Water · Australia
Peri-urban horticulture in Australia requires irrigation for year-round vegetable production. Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) offers higher water use efficiency and crop yields, with the potential to reduce environmental risks from drainage and runoff. However, SDI has potential disadvantages, including poor germination or crop establishment and uneven wetting patterns. Research is needed to solve these problems and enable environmentally acceptable vegetable production.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsClimate changeOrganic cycleThe Effect of Land Use on Soil Health Indicators in Peri‐Urban Agriculture in the Humid Forest Zone of Southern Cameroon
2006Adolphe Monkiédjé, Michael Spiteller, D. Fotio, Premasis Sukul · Journal of Environmental Quality · Cameroon (Yaounde)
This study evaluated the effect of different land uses on soil health indicators in peri-urban agricultural areas of Yaounde, Cameroon, by comparing five tilled sites with native forest land. While most cropped land showed higher levels of many soil health indicators, cultivation of crops like corn and sugarcane significantly impacted native soil quality. Specifically, phenol oxidase, microbial biomass C/organic C, and microbial biomass C/microbial biomass P were negatively affected, indicating negative management impacts on soil health.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleClimate changeURBAN FARMING AND MALARIA RISK FACTORS IN A MEDIUM-SIZED TOWN IN COTE D’IVOIRE
2006Barbara Matthys, Penelope Vounatsou, Giovanna Raso, Andres B. Tschannen, EMMANUEL GBEDE BECKET, Laura Gosoniu, Guéladio Cissé, Marcel Tanner, ELIÉZER K. N’GORAN, Jürg Utzinger · American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene · Côte d'Ivoire
This study investigated malaria risk factors in urban farming communities in a medium-sized town in Côte d'Ivoire, conducting two cross-sectional surveys among 112 households across six agricultural zones. The overall prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum was 32.1%. Findings indicate that specific crop systems and agricultural practices may increase the risk of malaria in urban settings of tropical Africa.
Environmental trade-offsHealthUrban–rural linkageEat Here: Reclaiming Homegrown Pleasures in a Global Supermarket
2004Brian Halweil · · Global
This book points out that the long-distance food system consumes staggering amounts of fuel, generates greenhouse gases, and compromises food security. Since 1961, the tonnage of food shipped between nations has grown fourfold, with food in the United States typically traveling 1,500 to 2,500 miles from farm to plate. While this system often runs roughshod over local cuisines, varieties, and agriculture, a local-foods movement is beginning to emerge globally.
Environmental trade-offsFood miles & supply chainFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeUrban–rural linkageEnvironmental concerns of (peri-) urban vegetable production: Case studies from Kumasi and Accra
2001E. Mensah, Philip Amoah, Robert Clement Abaidoo, Pay Drechsel · CGSPace A Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research) · Ghana
This document presents case studies on environmental concerns related to urban and peri-urban vegetable production in Kumasi and Accra, Ghana. It is part of a larger work on waste composting for urban and peri-urban agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleClimate changeWie beeinflusst die persönliche Betroffenheit die Einstellung gegenüber Füchsen in der Stadt
2001Fabio Bontadina, Pascale Contesse, Sandra Gloor · DORA WSL (Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research) · Switzerland (Zurich)
This study analyzed attitudes towards urban foxes in Switzerland using a nationwide survey and questionnaires for households and allotment gardeners in Zurich. While 60% of Swiss respondents were against urban foxes, only 40% in Zurich were; however, 70% of gardeners opposed them, with 55% reporting damage caused by foxes, which negatively correlated with fox acceptance.
Environmental trade-offsCommunityBiodiversityThe Paleoecology and Ancient Settlement of the Petexbatun Region, Guatemala
1997Nicholas P. Dunning, Timothy Beach, David J. Rue · Ancient Mesoamerica · Guatemala
This study of the Petexbatun region, Guatemala, found that ancient Maya peoples in Preclassic times cleared large areas of upland tropical forest for agriculture, leading to significant soil erosion. During the Late Classic period, population expanded, forest clearance resumed, and upland agriculture, including terracing, was practiced, which significantly checked soil erosion. The study suggests considerable variation in urban agriculture among the region's major centers.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkageClimate changeUrban agriculture in Dar es Salaam: Its contribution to solving the economic crisis and the damage it does to the environment
1996M. R. S. Mlozi · Development Southern Africa · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
This article discusses urban agriculture in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, examining its role in helping residents cope with the country's economic crisis. The study also associates urban agriculture with environmental degradation in the city. Factors encouraging urban agriculture at four levels are identified, and concerted efforts at all four levels are suggested to mitigate further environmental degradation.
Environmental trade-offsEconomicsClimate changeUrban–rural linkage