Research & reports

Luke M. Brander, Mark J. Koetse · Journal of Environmental Management 92(10): 2763-2773 · Global (meta-analysis)

Runs separate meta-analyses of the contingent-valuation and hedonic-pricing literatures to examine which physical, socio-economic and study-design characteristics drive the value of urban open space. Finds a positive, significant relationship between population density and open-space value, and that urban parks are valued more highly than forest, farmland or undeveloped land - but flags that methodological differences across studies have a large effect on estimates and that regional preference differences may limit how transferable any single value estimate is.

Nkawkaw Afriyie, Kofi Adziri, Yaw Asare, Amoako Gyamfi · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Ghana

A thematic analysis synthesized existing studies on community gardening impact measurement in Accra, Ghana, focusing on methodologies. While varied methods were reported, a notable theme emerged regarding the mixed results and challenges in accurately gauging the impact of community gardening on urban food security indicators, such as vegetable consumption rates among participants. This review underscores the importance of empirical data for understanding the effectiveness of urban agricultural interventions, but highlights methodological inconsistencies.

Levon T. Esters, Blannie E. Bowen · Journal of Agricultural Education · Global

This study investigated factors influencing career choices among graduates of an urban agricultural education program. While former students identified parents and friends as influential, and cited various reasons for their career paths, a discriminant analysis model could not distinguish between those who chose agricultural careers and those who did not after completing the secondary agricultural program.