Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
3623 results(101 / 145)
Strategies for Symbiotic Urban Neighborhoods. Case study in Yverdon-les-Bains (Switzerland)
2016Sophie Lufkin, Emmanuel Rey, Suren Erkman · Infoscience (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) · Switzerland
A case study in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, explored three scenarios (technological, behavioral, and symbiotic) for the future development of an urban sector by 2035. These scenarios tested design strategies related to industrial symbioses, production, storage, transportation, and urban agriculture, with energy flow analysis assessing each scenario's energy performance. The research highlights the necessity of complementary approaches that simultaneously combine technology, user behavior, and urban symbiosis to achieve high-energy performance at the neighborhood scale.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changePolicyUrban Gardening, Food Coops, Community Supported Agriculture: Transformative Wirtschaftsformen – Konsumpraktiken – Marktbeziehungen
2016Irene Antoni-Komar · HiBiFo – Haushalt in Bildung & Forschung · Global
This study evaluated how new food-related economic forms, such as urban gardening, food coops, and community-supported agriculture, contribute to reshaping consumption practices and market relationships to foster a sustainable food economy. Based on empirical data, the research elucidated the specific characteristics and transformative potentials of these initiatives. The question is whether these initiatives can transform the prevailing food system from the bottom up.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCSA & TeikeiImplementing the Urban Farming Master Plan in Horsley Park, Western Sydney: From Planning to Reality
2016Yolanda Gil, David Kirkland, Rocco Sergi · Water science and technology library · Australia (Sydney)
This chapter outlines the process of developing and implementing a master plan for urban farming in Horsley Park, Western Sydney. The case study highlighted that the implementation of the master plan has a number of challenges, including legislative and regulatory processes, and environmental and social matters. This suggests difficulties in transitioning from planning to the reality of farming in the Sydney region.
Governance failurePolicyPeri-urban agricultureBetween Green Image Production, Participatory Politics and Growth: Urban Agriculture and Gardens in the Context of Neoliberal Urban Development in Vienna
2016Sarah Kumnig · WU Research · Austria (Vienna)
This paper analyzes the implications of neoliberal urban development for agricultural spaces and practices in Vienna, Austria, where agricultural areas face pressure from population growth and a construction boom. Using the Donaufeld district as a case study, the analysis reveals selective preservation and activation of specific urban agriculture types and the use of participatory politics in urban development projects. The study highlights the challenges faced by urban agriculture amidst competing interests in a rapidly developing city.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityEconomicsCultural services provided by urban allotment garden ecosystems
2016Janina Borysiak, Andrzej Mizgajski · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Global
This study identified 64 cultural ecosystem services provided by urban allotment garden ecosystems. These services fit into the lowest level of the CICES v.4.3 classification, representing class types within one section, two divisions, three groups, and eight classes. All identified services were tabulated and discussed in light of the latest scientific publications.
CommunityBiodiversityHealthLos medios de comunicación y el surgimiento de la cultura agrícola urbana en Venezuela || The Media and the Rise of Urban Farming Culture in Venezuela
2016Irama Flores · Razón y Palabra · Venezuela
This work reflects on the relationship between media communication and the promotion of urban agriculture, and the creation of a new agricultural culture in Venezuelan cities. The essay focuses on the rescue of values rooted in planting, against a backdrop where reduced production of staple items and black market premium sales, coupled with high inflation, violate food access. It also considers how urban dwellers with an oil culture are now motivated to use their yards or residential areas as nurseries to grow their own food to ensure food security during scarcity.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityFood educationDIYConcluding remarks
2016Runrid Fox-Kämper · · Global
This book provides insights and examples of how urban space is negotiated, describing urban gardens as "lived places" where social relations, meanings, and a sense of place are developed. To trigger social benefits, it is essential that these sites fulfill more functions than just food growing and leisure. Horticultural practices, such as using pesticides or fertilizers, have a strong influence on the ecological impact of urban gardening; although awareness among gardeners has increased due to training programs in recent decades, this impact persists.
Environmental trade-offsCommunityOrganic cyclePolicyThe Potential of Urban Vacant Land For Producing Fresh Vegetables in the City of Maribyrnong, Victoria, Australia.
2016Sri Tuntung Pandangwati, Ole Fryd · · Australia (Melbourne)
A study in Maribyrnong, Australia, used secondary data and GIS to assess the potential of urban vacant land for vegetable production in three suburbs: Maribyrnong, Footscray, and Seddon. Maribyrnong and Footscray could meet annual local vegetable demand using less than half their vacant spaces. Seddon could potentially produce 93% of local demand by utilizing all existing vacant spaces.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyWelfareThe feasibility of school gardens as an educational approach in Greece: a survey of Greek schools
2016Valentina Plaka, Constantina Skanavis · International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development · Greece
A survey of 27 Greek schools with high interest in environmental education programs investigated the perceived value and feasibility of school gardens. Teachers in schools with gardens confirmed that participating students gained benefits and showed strong environmental consciousness. Interviewed teachers stressed that school gardens are feasible educational tools for promoting positive behavioral results and enforcing environmental knowledge. Teachers in schools without gardens cited lack of in-service training and funding as their main difficulties.
Food educationCommunity‘Balik Kampong’: Is Malaysia Facing the Trends of De-Urbanization?
2016NUR HUZEIMA MOHD HUSSAIN, HUGH BYRD · Jurnal Antarabangsa Alam dan Tamadun Melayu · Malaysia
This paper questions whether Malaysia is experiencing de-urbanization, or a return to a new form of rural life, following rapid urbanization and a shift from an agricultural to a manufacturing-dependent society. It notes that urban growth has increased demand for resources, while recent debates on oil depletion and economic decline have prompted discussions about urban and peri-urban food production. The study explores the emerging decentralization of cities and population in Malaysia.
Urban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceGreen inclusion: biophilia as a necessity
2016Alexandros Stavrianos · British Journal of Special Education · Global
This article argues for a strong link between inclusive pedagogy and environmental education, suggesting that environmental programs can promote inclusion. Transforming schoolyards into school gardens is presented as an example. Outdoor education experiences are proposed to facilitate positive development of self-esteem, peer socialization, teacher-student relationships, and a positive attitude towards school.
Food educationCommunityWelfareAn Automatic Scheduling System for Perishable Product’s Supply Chain
2016Isbat Uzzin Nadhori, Ahmad Ahsan · JAICT · Global
This paper proposes an information technology system to manage the supply chain of perishable products in urban farming. The system aims to increase the availability of fruits and vegetables for urban residents by shortening the distance between farmers and consumers. It enables all supply chain members, including producers, distribution centers, administrators, retailers, and consumers, to access and manage relevant information, thereby facilitating easier and faster planning of planting schedules, product selection, harvest schedules, and request fulfillment.
Digital agricultureFood lossUrban–rural linkageWastewater use in urban agriculture: an exposure and risk assessment in Accra, Ghana
2016P. Antwi Agyei, Jeroen H. J. Ensink · Journal of Science and Technology (Ghana) · Ghana (Accra)
A study in Accra, Ghana, from September 2012 to August 2013, analyzed 323 soil and irrigation water samples and 501 produce samples for E. coli, and interviewed 693 participants. It found irrigation water was significantly more contaminated than farm soil, and over 80% of produce samples were contaminated with E. coli, with street food salad being the most contaminated. Key risk factors included farm soil, wastewater use, and poor hygiene, while consumers did not prioritize health indicators despite high risk awareness.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPolicyUrban–rural linkageBancos del Tiempo y Huertos Urbanos como herramientas para el Trabajo Social en la intervención gerontológica
2016Laura Pacheco Montero · Documentos de trabajo social: Revista de trabajo y acción social · Global
This article assesses the utility of Time Banks and Urban Gardens as social work tools for gerontological intervention. The study analyzes these initiatives, their benefits, and the possibility of promoting quality of life in Social Work practice.
ElderlyCommunityWelfareDesain Apartemen Dengan Pendekatan Edible Landscape
2016Andrew Syah Wicaksana · Jurnal Sains dan Seni ITS · Global
This study proposes apartment designs using an edible landscape approach to address continuous population growth, urbanization, climate change, and pressure on natural resources. This design aims to bring positive psychological and practical influences towards a productive and conducive lifestyle in urban environments. The design approach is extrinsic (nature) and environmentally-oriented (ecological design), utilizing Donna P. Duerck's "Architecture Programming" method and Rob Krier's theory of architectural composition.
DIYClimate changeCommunityPolicyMalmököket - Andrum i staden med möten kring mat
2016Elin Karud · · Sweden (Malmö)
This thesis project resulted in Malmököket, a vibrant food center in the Nyhamnen district of Malmö, Sweden. The facility includes a People’s Kitchen and Diner, a wine bar, urban farming facilities, and food markets. The project aims to create a space for people to gather around food, fostering cooperative and social living, and promoting democracy and fellowship.
CommunityFood educationHow Can We Best Use Our School Garden Space? Exploring the Concepts of Area and Perimeter in an Authentic Learning Context.
2016Sarah Selmer, Keri Duncan Valentine, Melissa J. Luna, Sarah Rummel, James Rye · Australian primary mathematics classroom/Australian primary mathematics classroom (Online) · Australia
This article describes students' mathematical journey as they design their own garden beds, using Garden Based Learning (GBL) as an integrated mathematics and science unit. Students engaged in practical learning while exploring the concepts of area and perimeter.
Food educationDIYThe right to the garden : Allotments and the politics of urban green space in Sweden
2016Jennifer Mack, Justin Scherma Parscher · · Sweden
In Sweden, continuous access to green space was a fundamental aspect of public life since the late nineteenth century. As apartment living became prevalent in Swedish cities during the early and mid-twentieth century, allotment gardens emerged as a key social reform to provide contact with nature amidst overcrowding and rapid urbanization. Green space increasingly became a right for Swedes across all socio-economic classes.
CommunityPolicyХарактер угодий водосбора малых мелководных озер и факторы уязвимости их экосистем
2016Alexandra Rizhinashvili · Digital Library of the Belarusian State University (Belarusian State University) · Global
This study analyzed the key limnetic parameters of four small shallow lakes: two located in allotment garden areas and two in forest-covered areas. It found that lakes with largely unexploited catchments contain a "hidden" source of nutrient load, primarily phosphates. Furthermore, lakes with catchments occupied by allotment gardens exhibited intensive overgrowth by floating vegetation.
Environmental trade-offsCommunityBiodiversitySTUDENT LEARNING, CHILDHOOD & VOICES | RESEARCH ARTICLE Community garden: A bridging program between formal and informal learning
2016Ranjan Datta, Rebecca English · · Global
This auto-ethnographic study explores the role of community garden activities in bridging formal and informal learning for urban children's science and environmental education. Based on five years of community garden activities, the author found that these practices promote relational learning methods and adhere to forms of agency such as embracing diversity, sharing power, and trust building. The study offers insights for environmental educators aiming to incorporate ethnic diversity and engage children in research leading to community action.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceHealthLiving in cities, naturally
2016Terry Hartig, Peter H. Kahn · Science · Global
Natural features, settings, and processes in urban areas can help reduce stress associated with urban life. Public health benefits from street trees, green roofs, community gardens, parks, open spaces, and extensive connective pathways for walking and biking. Such urban design provisions also yield ecological benefits, both directly and by shaping attitudes toward the environment and environmental protection.
CommunityHealthBiodiversityGrowing urban food as an emerging social practice
2016Karin Dobernig, E.J. Veen, Peter Oosterveer · · Global
This chapter examines urban food growing as a social practice, addressing how it relates to practice theory and social change. It explores what "urban food growing" means as a social practice and how it interacts with other existing social practices in urban contexts. The text notes that while urban food growing is often framed as an emerging movement, it has historical precedents like victory gardens and allotment gardens.
CommunityPolicyNutrients: Growing Systems and Zero Waste Future
2016Gundula Proksch · · Global
This chapter discusses urban agriculture as a holistic approach to nutrient resource management in cities, aiming to reestablish closed-loop systems for nutrient recycling. It provides knowledge on aligning plant nutrient needs with efficient growing systems and recycling strategies like composting and anaerobic digestion. The chapter also illustrates the potential integration of these systems into building designs and their impact on building performance.
Organic cycleCompostUrban–rural linkageA Study on Passive Sustainable Techniques (PST) in Urban Landscape
2016Anbuchchelvi Kalaiarasan · Indian Journal of Science and Technology · Global
This study aimed to strengthen urban landscapes with green infrastructure using passive sustainable practices to improve urban health and safety. It identified 30 micro-level passive techniques, such as xeriscaping and green roofs, which utilize natural processes and limit active energy use. The research compared the environmental effects of these techniques for existing and proposed urban landscapes, concluding that conserving soil, water, air, energy, and species is key to connecting fragmented landscapes into a unified urban green mass.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeHealthAgricultura urbana a "pequeña" escala
2016Lorena Meneses Medina · Universitas Científica · Colombia
An urban children's garden was created between July and December 2015 at the Fundación Hogar el Divino Niño (FHDN) in Colombia, which feeds approximately 100 vulnerable children daily. Led by Nelson Enrique Casas Leal, the project aimed to build an organic farm with the support of children and youth interested in urban agriculture production practices. The garden cultivated tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, cilantro, squash, oregano, thyme, and medicinal plants, and became a life and survival option for the participating children and their families.
Food educationCommunityWelfareOrganic cycle