Research & reports

Alvin D. Sokolow, Sonja Varea Hammond, Maxwell Norton, Evan E. Schmidt · California Agriculture · United States (California)

An exploratory study compared high- and low-conflict urban-agricultural edges in four crop-growing communities across two California counties, where about 2.5 million agricultural acres lie adjacent to or near nonfarm residences; a separate sidebar analyzed two edge situations involving animal and nursery operations in San Diego County. High conflict levels were found to stem largely from residents' unfamiliarity with agricultural activities, though conflict also related to specific farming practices; the study presents these as tentative generalizations and poses questions for further systematic research rather than firm solutions.

Rich Pirog, Rebecca Rasmussen · Iowa State University Digital Repository (Iowa State University) · United States

This study determined which transportation option -- farmer delivery or customer pick-up -- consumed less fuel and emitted less CO2 for an Iowa community-supported agriculture (CSA) enterprise. The method used the CSA farmer's actual delivery route(s) including customer addresses, the type of delivery vehicle used, and a hypothetical central pick-up location and time, calculating mileage via Mapquest and fuel/emissions using Bureau of Transportation Statistics and EPA data across four vehicle categories: Ford Ranger, Dodge Caravan, Toyota Prius, and U.S. average passenger vehicle fuel economy. Delivery using a Toyota Prius resulted in 2.77 times lower fuel usage and CO2 emissions than customer pick-up using U.S. average fuel economy; however, even if all CSA customers used a Toyota Prius for pick-up, farmer delivery remained more fuel efficient, though only by a factor of 1.35.

Philip E. Gates, Libby Gravatt, Tyler Mellos, Alex Miller, Dario Turjanski · Digital Commons - Trinity University (Trinity University) · United States

A rainwater collection system built for a small community garden in San Antonio, Texas, designed to operate as efficiently as possible for irrigation. The paper covers the original design problem and proposed solution, the construction process, and evaluation of the final design, including experiments run to determine specific building parameters. Once built, the system successfully distributed water through the garden plot using its component parts; drip hoses flowed at an average of 0.64 gallons per hour per foot, above the 0.45 GPH/ft minimum target, at a water height of 36 inches from the ground. The paper outlines the complete stepwise construction process and offers recommendations for future or similar systems.

Kevin C. Matteson, John S. Ascher, Gail Langellotto · Annals of the Entomological Society of America · United States (New York City)

Bees were surveyed over 4 years in community gardens in heavily developed neighborhoods of the Bronx and East Harlem, New York City, yielding 1,145 individuals from 54 species (13% of recorded New York State bee fauna). Soil-nesting individuals were relatively rare (25%), possibly due to a lack of suitable nesting soils, and parasitic species were scarce (5.6% of species, 2.6% of individuals); exotic species were common, comprising 27% of individuals and 19% of species collected. Compared with other bee faunal surveys in New York and New Jersey, including Central Park and Prospect Park, bee richness in these urban gardens was reduced and the species composition was biased toward exotic and cavity-nesting bees, though the gardens still supported a diverse bee assemblage despite their small size and location within highly urbanized areas.

Michelle Lee D’Abundo, Andrea M. Carden · Community Development · United States

A Community Garden Education Program created to combat obesity in a low-income community in eastern North Carolina, United States, was examined through observations conducted throughout the program and two focus groups held at the end of its first phase. The focus groups found that the administrators' initial program goals, centered on obesity reduction, differed from participants' own goals, which centered on wellness and community development. Participants also reported improved food sustainability as a result of the program.

Carolyn L. Hufford · EngagedScholarship @ Cleveland State University (Cleveland State University) · United States (New York City)

This historical account traces urban agriculture in Cleveland, Ohio, across the 20th century into the present. It documents recurring revivals of city-land food cultivation in response to economic hardship—working men's farms during the Great Depression, victory gardens during World War II, community gardens established during urban renewal, and present-day market gardeners of the local food movement—along with the Cleveland Public Schools Horticulture Program (CPSHP), which trained generations of student gardeners until it ended in 1978, after which some former school garden sites (tract gardens) became community gardens, and notes that greater Cleveland was once home to America's largest concentration of farming acreage under glass (Rose, 1950).

Wakefield S., Yeudall F., Taron C., Reynolds J., Skinner A. · Health Promotion International 22(2):92-101 · Canada

Qualitative Toronto case study using observation, focus groups and interviews. Gardeners perceived numerous health benefits, including improved food access, nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and community cohesion.

· Society & Natural Resources · United States

Case study of a nonprofit heritage seed bank (the Seed Savers Exchange), examining the cultural significance of heirloom seed saving and exchange.

Emily J. Ozer · Health Education & Behavior · United States

While thousands of school gardens exist in the United States with anecdotal evidence of enhancing student learning, rigorous research on their effects and sustainability factors is limited. This review conceptualizes school gardens as systemic interventions for promoting student health and well-being and strengthening the school environment. It summarizes existing literature, provides a conceptual framework, and suggests further research to inform practice.

Steven M. Schnell · Geographical Review · United States

This abstract discusses the agrarian standard of local adaptation in farming, which asks what is the best way to farm in each of the world's numberless places, as defined by topography, soil type, climate, ecology, history, culture, and local need. It states that this standard requires bringing local nature, people, economy, and culture into a practical and enduring harmony. The text does not present findings from a study but rather a philosophical stance on agriculture.

Michelle Melissa Althaus Ottmann, Áurea Portes Ferriani, Ricardo Serra Borsatto, Homero Cidade Júnior, Cláudio Ferraz Oliver, Eduardo Feniman, Lourival de Moraes Fidelis, Nilce Nazareno da Fonte · REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE AGROECOLOGIA · Brazil

Since August 2006, an urban agriculture, landscaping, and horticulture program has been developed with children attending the Casa da Videira NGO in Vila Fanny, Curitiba, Brazil. Weekly transdisciplinary sessions have shown preliminary results including increased children's interest in environmental topics, proposals for solutions, and changes in family attitudes. Qualitatively, the program has improved the visual appearance of the area and fostered team cohesion.

D. Winterbottom · · United States (New York City)

In New York City, unique park spaces have been created on reclaimed neglected urban land, meeting various community needs including social, spiritual, cultural, and ecological aspects. These gardens, created by Puerto Rican immigrants as recreations of their indigenous landscapes, are valued by users for their restorative benefits such as stress reduction, ability to regain focus, calming engagement with nature, and an increased sense of well-being. This paper presents how these spaces function as restorative refuges and places to express and affirm traditional cultural values.

Roxanne Christensen · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · United States (Philadelphia)

This essay discusses the development and potential of SPIN-Farming as a tool to demonstrate the economic viability of urban agriculture, which the author began advocating for in Philadelphia in 1998. The author applied their background in helping entrepreneurs to develop SPIN-Farming, aiming to revive the farming profession and rebuild local food systems. SPIN-Farming is presented as a concept learnable across economic classes and geographical boundaries, fostering engaged agriculture.

Levon T. Esters · Career and Technical Education Research · United States

A study identified factors influencing the postsecondary education enrollment behaviors of students who graduated from an urban agricultural education program in the United States. Students reported that parents or guardians had the most influence on their enrollment decisions, with mothers or female guardians having slightly more influence. Interest in agriculture, personal factors, and job opportunities also influenced decisions, while non-enrolling students cited a lack of interest and personal factors.

Ma. Neftalí Rojas-Valencia, Ma. Teresa Orta de Velásquez, Víctor Franco · Linnaeus Eco-Tech · Mexico (Mexico City)

This study investigated the efficiency of applying organoponic techniques to urban crops in Mexico City, utilizing organic compounds, recyclable solid waste, homemade organic fertilizers, and treated wastewater. Three wastewater disinfection methods were tested: Ozone, APT, and a combination. Results showed that Ozone not only disinfected wastewater but also contributed oxygen and nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Ozone also reduced infection risk by eliminating pathogenic microorganisms and increased plant growth.

Sally A. Kitt Chappell · · United States (Chicago)

Sally A. Kitt Chappell's "Urban Nature" is a guide to Chicago's blend of nature and architecture, highlighting the integration of green spaces into the city's cultural life. The book explores historic sites like Garfield Park Conservatory and contemporary green spaces such as City Hall's rooftop garden and Millennium Park. It emphasizes the connection between buildings, landscapes, culture, and nature in Chicago's urban concept.

· · United States (Lawrence)

The JJAMM Food Network was launched in Lawrence, MA, in summer 2006 to address three community needs: health, education, and employment. The program enabled elders and teenagers to learn nutrition, fitness, gardening, and money management, grow crops in community gardens, and sell produce to local restaurants. Although initial funding was challenging, the U.S. Department of Agriculture granted funding for 2007, fostering intergenerational interaction and relationship building.

William F. Stewart, James R. Barkley, Andrew Kernis, Katerie Gladdys, Troy D. Glover · Journal of Park and Recreation Administration · United States

This study assessed participants' lived experiences and place meanings in urban-agricultural fringe landscapes in the Chicago metropolitan area and Urbana, Illinois, using an autodriven photo elicitation method (APEC). Participants expressed place meanings that valued human history, tolerated human development, and indicated a need to heal the land. These findings informed two principles for park development: embodying public memories and allowing community-based restoration of ecological and cultural heritage.

John Owens · Lincoln (University of Nebraska) · United States (Lincoln)

The Lincoln Journal Star published an article featuring Community Supported Agriculture Networks and a Nebraska family selling farm products at the Haymarket Farmers-Market. This article discussed the benefits and opportunities of local food from local farms.

Kandace M. Bletzacker, David H. Holben, John P. Holcomb · The FASEB Journal · United States

This study aimed to explore community food security (CFS) in the Southeastern Appalachian region of Ohio, United States. Using the methods of Lopez and Tchumtchoua (2005), 38 indicators of CFS were measured in the largest census areas (cities, towns, townships) within the study region. These indicators included general community characteristics, community food resources, community resource accessibility, and community food production. This research was conducted in a region where no prior studies on CFS had been performed.

Ariana de Lena · Occidental College Scholar (Occidental College) · United States (Los Angeles)

This research provides an overview of the environmental justice movement in relation to community gardens and examines two community gardens in Los Angeles: the El Sereno Community Garden and Proyecto Jardín. While both gardens primarily consist of Latino participants, the El Sereno garden was found to have significantly lower rates of participation. The study analyzed how a community garden can best utilize its resources to most benefit its participants and its community.

Lynn A. Staeheli, Donald W. Mitchell · · United States (New York City)

This book explores the complex relationship between power, politics, and public space across various US cities, including Washington, D.C., Santa Fe, San Diego, Syracuse, and New York City. Chapter 5 specifically addresses the struggle for public access and control in New York's community gardens. The work reveals challenges in governance and public access within these urban spaces.

Roxanne Christensen · Sustainability Science Practice and Policy · United States (Philadelphia)

This paper discusses SPIN-Farming as a tool to demonstrate the economic viability of urban agriculture, which was initially advocated in Philadelphia in 1998. While social and environmental benefits are clear, economic proof was needed to motivate policymakers. The author applied entrepreneurial experience to develop SPIN-Farming, aiming to revive the farming profession and enable a scalable, accessible farming concept across economic classes and geographical boundaries, fostering local food systems.

Manon Boulianne · Research in economic anthropology · Canada (Quebec)

In Quebec, various initiatives linked to an "economy of solidarity" trend emerged from the mid-1990s. Using empirical material from a study conducted in Quebec between 2001 and 2004, this article aims to contribute to the understanding of marginal socioeconomic systems and practices, such as urban collective gardening and local exchange trading systems. These systems rely almost entirely on local resources and contribute to local provisioning.

Juliana Arruda, Nilson Antonio Modesto Arraes, Arruda, Juliana, Arraes, Nilson Antonio Modesto · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil

Since 1997, the Municipal Chamber and the executive branch in Campinas, São Paulo state, Brazil, have signaled an intention to place urban agriculture on the political agenda through legislation and regulations governing the Campinas Community Vegetable-Garden Program (CVP). Based on exploratory analysis and interviews conducted in 2005 with program managers, together with documentary sources, this study examined the management of the CVP to inform possible reformulation of the municipality's urban and peri-urban agriculture policy. The analysis found an almost total disconnection between the CVP and the municipality's education, health, and social-action policies.