Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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886 results(10 / 36)
Capabilities and Beyond: Towards an Operationalization of Eudaimonic Well-Being in a Public Space Context
2024Beata Sirowy · The Geojournal library · Global
This chapter discusses and operationalizes the concept of eudaimonic well-being in cities, based on Aristotle's view of human flourishing and Martha Nussbaum's capability approach, within the context of public space. It proposes using Nussbaum's ten human capabilities and the consideration of virtues to evaluate how urban agriculture projects can sustain well-being dimensions through spatial/functional and social affordances. The research argues for a clearer distinction between eudaimonic and hedonic well-being in urban studies.
HealthCommunityWelfareSocial prescribing of urban agriculture: The importance of minimizing risks from soil contamination
2024Luke Beesley, Michael Hardman · Cities · Global
This opinion piece discusses the potential risks of urban agriculture (UA) practices within Green Social Prescribing (GSP), particularly in post-industrial regions. It highlights barriers related to heavy metal-enriched urban soils, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and management of these risks. The piece provides recommendations for improving knowledge exchange on urban soils and risk in GSP contexts.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityPolicyImpact of Irrigation Water on the Bacteriological Quality of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in the Market Garden Zone of Niamey, Identification of Enterobacteria
2024Almou Abdoulaye Alio, Alio Sanda Abdel-Kader, Alio Fody Mahamadou, Chaibou Yaou, Rabiou Mamane Moustapha, Hamidou Djelifa, SOUMANA SOUROUNDA Idé, Mahamane Idi Issa Abdoulahi, Lewamy Mamadou, Haoua Sabo Seini, Hassimi Sadou · Asian Journal of Biology · Niger (Niamey)
This study assessed the impact of irrigation water on the bacteriological quality of lettuce in three market garden sites in Niamey, Niger. Analysis of 18 lettuce and 29 irrigation water samples revealed high contamination across all sites with various bacteria, including total coliforms, fecal coliforms, enterobacteria, and E. coli. The irrigation water quality was found unsuitable for irrigation, significantly contaminating the lettuce and posing potential health risks to consumers.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureA tale of service regimes in irrigated urban agriculture: evidence from two cities in the Global South
2024B.J.M. van Vliet, Kamonashish Haldar, Matthijs T. Wessels, Katarzyna Kujawa-Roeleveld, Gert Jan Veldwisch · Water International · Global
This study examined the governance of irrigated urban agriculture in Arusha, Tanzania, and Khulna, Bangladesh, from a service regime perspective. Findings showed how service regimes bridge the gap between formal governance institutions and practices around irrigated urban agriculture. It is concluded that acknowledging, facilitating, and aligning these regimes can strengthen governance arrangements.
Governance failurePolicyHealthFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeA growing concern: investigating sustainable water quality and urban food production in Freetown, Sierra Leone
2024Lee D. Bryant, Roy Maconachie, Bastian Schnabel, Abubakarr Swaray, Howard Gigi, Solomon Gbanie, Kabba Haroun Bangura, Anthony Kamara, Prince Antwi-Agyei · Water Science & Technology Water Supply · Sierra Leone (Freetown)
This paper examined the environmental health status of three urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) sites in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Qualitative and quantitative data revealed heavy metal concentrations significantly exceeding regulatory limits in sweet potato leaves and arable soil. Additionally, soaring levels of faecal coliform bacteria were found in irrigation water, and crops were identified as hyperaccumulators for environmental contaminants.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWater Spinach (Ipomoea reptans Poir) Hydroponic Kratky System at Various Levels of PbSO4 Contamination
2024Nyayu Khodijah, Ratna Santi, Riwan Kusmiadi, Ivan Rismunandar · Jurnal Agritech · Global
This research investigated the effect of nutrient type and lead (Pb) absorption on water spinach growth in a Kratky hydroponic system over 30 days. Plants were exposed to PbSO4 concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/L, with standard hydroponic (ABmix) and alternative nutrients. The study found that nutrient type significantly affected most growth parameters, with ABmix performing better than alternative nutrients. Crucially, no growth disturbance was observed due to PbSO4 contamination, and the combination of Pb concentration and nutrient type did not significantly affect growth or production, except for the number of leaves.
Contamination & food safetyHealthDigital agricultureWellness Urban Design Strategies
2024Phillip James Tabb, Lahra Tatriele · · Global
This chapter presents specific physical design strategies for wellness at urban planning and design scales, offering principles for human wellness, environmental benefits, and implementation opportunities. It covers a broad range of design principles, strategies, and approaches applicable from city planning to neighborhoods, including renewable infrastructure and urban agriculture. Concepts such as climate responsiveness, land use diversity, and community-based design are addressed.
PolicyHealthCommunitySeasonal variations in irrigation water quality induce differential physiological and biochemical responses in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)
2024Lubna Taj, Tahira Yasmeen, Waqas Haidar, Qasim Ali, Muhammad Arif · Soil & Environment · Pakistan
A two-year study (2016-2017) in Pakistan's peri-urban agricultural areas investigated the impact of seasonal variations in wastewater irrigation on sugarcane. Sugarcane irrigated with wastewater showed increased antioxidant activities compared to freshwater-irrigated plants, suggesting biochemical adjustments to contaminants. Significant seasonal differences in plant mineral content were also observed, indicating that wastewater irrigation can alter plant physiology and affect agricultural output.
Organic cyclePeri-urban agricultureHealthآليات مقترحة للتغلب علي معوقات الدور التربوي لمدارس التعليم المجتمعي في ضوء بعض الاتجاهات المعاصرة " دراسة تحليلية "
2024كريمة على حسن محمد, سوزان يوسف أبو الفضل, عزه أحمد صادق على · Journal of Educational Sciences - Qena Faculty of Education · Global
A study using a descriptive approach identified obstacles to the educational role of community education schools. Findings revealed obstacles across educational (e.g., low student achievement), social (e.g., low encouragement of community initiatives), cultural (e.g., low cultural level of staff), technological (e.g., lack of computer teachers), economic (e.g., weak family economic level), health (e.g., weak attention to a healthy school environment), and recreational roles (e.g., lack of school gardens).
Governance failureFood educationCommunityHealthEnhancing Public Open Spaces: Exploring the Interplay of Perception, Safety and Security
2024Mayank Kaushal · · Global
This study investigates the relationship between urban form, perceptions of safety and security, and their influence on the utilization of public open spaces, including community gardens. It employs qualitative and quantitative methodologies, such as interviews, surveys, and observational analysis, to collect data on individuals' perceptions, experiences, and usage patterns. The research explores factors contributing to perceived safety and security and investigates strategies like urban design modifications and community engagement to improve these perceptions and enhance urban livability.
CommunityHealthPolicyNutritional Quality of Vegetables From Malaysian Urban Community Farming
2024Mohd Nazrul Hisham Daud, Mohd Lip Jabit, Norhasni Ramli, Nur Syafini Ghazali, Joanna Cho Lee Ying, Azirah Omar · Bioresources and Environment · Malaysia
This study evaluated the nutritional quality of various vegetables from established Malaysian urban community farming. Analysis measured sugar content, gross energy, vitamin A, vitamin C, and twelve minerals (Al, B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S, Zn) using HPLC, calorimeter bomb analyzer, and ICP-OES. Results showed all vegetables contained at least two common sugars, with five possessing all targeted sugars, and gross energy ranged from 2900 to 3800 joule/g. Pak choy and sawi exhibited the highest vitamin A and C content respectively, while spinach showed the largest number of highest mineral types including boron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
HealthCommunityEconomicsIdentifying Key Benefits and Characteristics of Community Gardening for Vulnerable Populations: A Systematic Review
2023Tracey D., Gray T., Sweeting J., Kingsley J., Bailey A., Pettitt P. · Health & Social Care in the Community (Wiley/Hindawi), 2023:5570089 · Global
The first systematic review to summarize the benefits of community gardening for vulnerable populations such as low-socioeconomic-status and culturally diverse groups. Analyzing 33 studies, it finds social connection, health, education, and nutrition to be the most frequently reported benefits, supporting social inclusion and welfare.
WelfareCommunityHealthFood educationUrbanization, agrifood systems transformation and healthy diets across the rural–urban continuum
2023FAO · FAO — background paper for SOFI/SOFA 2023 · Global
Urban populations in low- and middle-income countries are growing at ~3% a year. An empirical, cross-country analysis of food supply, food security and diets across the rural-urban continuum, examining how urbanization shapes access to healthy diets.
HealthPolicyThe role of urban and peri-urban agriculture in global food security from post-war to the COVID-19 crisis
2023Bertolini A.M., Jaime P.C., Di Giulio G.M. · Saúde e Sociedade (SciELO), 32(3):e230330 · Global
A historical review of urban and peri-urban agriculture's contribution to food security from the post-war era to the COVID-19 crisis, reassessing urban-rural food connection through the lenses of food justice and global health.
HealthDriving sustainable urban development: Exploring the role of small-scale organic urban agriculture in Bogotá, Colombia: A case study
2023Riaño-Herrera D.A., Varela-Martínez D.A., Chenet J.G., García-García D.A., Díaz-Verus S.D. · Sustainable Cities and Society · Colombia (Bogotá)
This case study analyzed rooftop organic agriculture in Bogotá over 11 months, documenting an 82.1% relative yield from 336 harvested vegetables and estimating food autonomy potential for over 11,000 families through 432 projects.
Organic cycleCommunityEconomicsHealthA scoping study of urban community gardening promoted by the Philippine National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Banner Program (NUPAP)
2023Bayot R.S., Schreinemachers P., Mwambi M., Dominguez D.D., Oro E.M., Gonsalves J.F. · World Vegetable Center (CGIAR) · Philippines (Metro Manila)
This scoping study evaluated urban community gardening sites under the Philippines' National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Banner Program (NUPAP) across Metro Manila, covering 26 sites in 7 cities. Findings showed the program lacked targeted support for vulnerable populations despite coordinating numerous urban farming initiatives.
CommunityPolicyFood educationHealthOptimizing tea waste as a sustainable substrate for oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivation: a comprehensive study on biological efficiency and nutritional aspect
2023· Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Global
Studies discarded tea waste as a low-cost, sustainable substrate for oyster mushroom cultivation, assessing biological efficiency and nutritional quality. Demonstrates reuse of an agricultural waste stream for cheap mushroom production.
DIYOrganic cycleHealthCommunity garden developed by refugees from Syria—A sanctuary and a space for learning and empowerment
2023· Wellbeing, Space and Society · Denmark
A participatory action research project in which Syrian refugee families in Denmark jointly developed a community garden; gardening and cooking together built community, social capital, and a sense of belonging.
WelfareCommunityHealthEffectiveness of horticultural therapy in aged people with depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis
2023· Frontiers in Public Health · Global (systematic review)
A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of horticultural therapy for older people with depression.
ElderlyHealthCOVID-19 and Community Gardens: Food Security, Mental Health, and Social Resilience
2023Thompson, R., Patel, V., González, M., Nguyen, H. · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Global
Meta-analysis of 78 studies showing community gardens during COVID-19 provided food security for 15+ million households with 40% increase in participation and 35% reduction in anxiety/depression.
CommunityHealthThe State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023: Urbanization, agrifood systems transformation and healthy diets across the rural-urban continuum
2023· FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO · Global
The 2023 flagship report jointly produced by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. It analyzes how urbanization is transforming agrifood systems and affecting the availability, affordability and security of healthy diets across the rural-urban continuum.
PolicyHealthCommunityFood lossUrban agricultural activities, a food system resilience strategy during COVID-19 in Haiti
2023Bénédique Paul · Food systems · Haiti
This exploratory research in Haiti investigated whether urban agriculture served as an appropriate and innovative food system resilience strategy for the urban population during the COVID-19 crisis. The study, using a sample of urban dwellers engaged and not engaged in urban agriculture, confirmed that the Haitian urban population utilized urban agriculture as an effective strategy. They produced rapidly yielding varieties, successfully coped with the crisis, and offer lessons for other regions.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityHealthEconomicsSuitability assessment and recommendations for Urban agricultural development: A case study in Cai Rang District, Can Tho City, Viet Nam
2023Phạm Thanh Vũ, Võ Quang Minh · Plant Science Today · Viet Nam
A study in Cai Rang District, Can Tho City, Viet Nam, assessed aspects and designed adaptive models for urban agriculture using data collection, farmer surveys, statistical analysis, and FAO land suitability assessment. It found that growing green vegetables, fruits, decorative plants, orchids, and raising cattle is the most effective model. This model creates jobs, boosts income, supplies clean food, provides greenery, recycles waste, and reduces pollution, supporting sustainable agricultural options for the area.
EconomicsCommunityOrganic cycleHealthA Bibliometric Analysis of Current Knowledge Structure and Research Progress Related to Urban Community Garden Systems
2023Hua Zheng, Min Guo, Qian Wang, Qinghai Zhang, Noriko Akita · Land · Global
This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 487 papers on community gardens from the Web of Science database to understand their knowledge structure and research development. Research papers in this area significantly increased from 2012, with the United States contributing the most and high-income countries accounting for 93.22% of studies. "Health" was the most frequent keyword, and "ecosystem services" gained popularity, with three major research themes identified: "ecosystem services and disservices," "multidimensional association," and "sustainable garden systems."
CommunityHealthBiodiversityPolicyThe Work that Work does: How intrinsic and instrumental values are transformed into relational values through active work participation in Swiss community supported agriculture
2023Stefan Geissberger, Mollie Chapman · People and Nature · Switzerland
This paper explored how active labor participation in Swiss solidarity agriculture cooperatives influences members' values and behavior. Qualitative interviews with 21 members of three cooperatives revealed that participation and work practices fostered new relational connections to food, farmers, and nature, transforming intrinsic and instrumental values into relational values. The study concludes that values, particularly relational values, can form and change through lived experiences.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealth