Research & reports

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

3 results

• Characteristics and Roles of School Gardens in Urban Areas of Japan: Perspective of School Managers

  2023

  Rushi Wang, Shigeto YANAI · Land · Japan

  This study surveyed school garden managers at public elementary schools in an urban area of Japan to analyze school garden characteristics and influencing factors. Findings indicated that school gardens inside schools offer better safety but less community connection, while external school farms provide more agricultural experience space. Schools with both types showed stronger community ties but decreased safety, and a notable lack of budget, teachers, supportive policies, and manager motivation was observed in operating school gardens.

  Governance failureFood educationCommunityPolicy
  Read source →DOI: 10.3390/land12030565

• Successes and challenges of a university-based agroecological community garden and educational program in Japan

  2023

  Benjamin Schrager, Hiroki Ikeda, Takahashi Yukitsugu · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Japan

  This article explores Utsunomiya University’s Eco-programs, which combine a pesticide-free community garden with an educational series, using ethnographic data. Findings indicate tensions between the Eco-programs' agroecological goals and other institutional goals at the university. Despite these conflicts, the programs provide a space for agroecological gardening and serve as an example of an alternative agricultural initiative in Japan.

  Governance failureCommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justicePolicy
  Read source →DOI: 10.5304/jafscd.2023.124.011

• A Case Study on Resident's Awareness of the Meaning and Role of Edible Landscape

  2000

  Isami Kinoshita · Journal of The Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture · Japan

  This study analyzed residents' awareness of edible plant cultivation on their properties and the formation of edible landscapes in public spaces, in relation to childhood experiences and memories. The findings showed that childhood experiences influenced the formation of edible landscapes on private properties, which held multiple meanings, but the attribution of meaning to edible landscapes in public spaces was weak, highlighting resident involvement as a challenge.

  Governance failureCommunityFood educationUrban–rural linkage
  Read source →DOI: 10.5632/jila.63.687