Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
3241 results(104 / 130)
Promoting Urban Agriculture: Insurance as an Important Tool
2013Pian Pian Wang, John G. Nevius · Environmental Claims Journal · Global
This article discusses the role of insurance in promoting urban agriculture, which is increasingly important due to population density and climate change. It suggests that insurance, public policy, and land use law must be combined with financial support to help urban agricultural initiatives flourish. The article proposes adjusting existing insurance, establishing local programs, and incorporating risk analysis into urban land use planning to encourage urban agriculture.
PolicyEconomicsClimate changeThe need for policy framework for urban/peri-urban agriculture in Ethiopia: a reflection
2013Messay Mulugeta · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Ethiopia
This study assessed the need for a policy framework for urban/peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in Ethiopia. It was based on a desk review of other countries' experiences and policy frameworks, supplemented by primary and secondary data from Ethiopia and interviews with legislators, experts, urban farmers, and urban planners. The study's synthesis indicates that formulating a policy framework and by-laws for UPA in Ethiopia is imperative for the country to fully utilize the sector's potential.
PolicyPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsOrganic cycleResearch on the Relationship between Agricultural Information and Urban Agriculture Economic Growth
2013Heng Shi, Ya Jun Shi, Guang Cai Xu · Applied Mechanics and Materials · China (Beijing)
This study proposes a non-weight agricultural information index model based on the analytic hierarchy process, developed in the context of Beijing's agricultural information development. It suggests that agricultural information promotes the economic growth of urban agriculture, particularly peri-urban agriculture, by facilitating the transition from traditional to modern agriculture.
EconomicsDigital agriculturePeri-urban agricultureTo Detroiters and Outsiders
2013Leah A. Walker · · United States (Detroit)
This comment discusses the history, benefits, and laws relevant to urban farming in the United States, with a specific focus on Detroit. It highlights the essential role of urban agriculture for Detroit's survival and potential revival. The comment also examines the laws with the most immediate impact on urban farming in Detroit and the significance of timing due to impending changes in zoning ordinances.
PolicyCommunityEconomicsGreenhouse Hydroponics in Coastal Slums of Mumbai: Market Access and Economic Benefits in Ghana,
2013Akosua Owusu-Bonsu, Yaa Afua, Kofi Agyeiwa, Bright Emmanuel Owusu · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · India (Mumbai)
This study investigated market access and economic benefits of greenhouse hydroponics among urban farmers in Mumbai's coastal slums and Ghana's agricultural hubs. Using a mixed-methods approach, data showed that hydroponic greenhouse production led to a 45% increase in vegetable yields compared to traditional farming methods, with over 70% of producers reporting higher income from market sales. Market access was significantly improved through partnerships with local NGOs and government initiatives.
Digital agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityFarmers’ Perceptions of an Innovative Food Production Technology: Freight Farms
2013Corey James Majeika, Raymond P Stockwell, Shawn A Czerniak · Digital WPI · Global
This study conducted 13 in-depth interviews with farmers to assess their perceptions of Freight Farms, a company growing leafy greens and basil in adapted shipping containers. Most farmers doubted the economic feasibility of Freight Farms, questioned its technologies, and noted the lack of organic certification.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureEconomicsUrban Agriculture and Poverty Mitigation in Zimbabwe: Prospects and Obstacles in Bulawayo Townships
2013Philani Moyo · Journal of Human Ecology · Zimbabwe
This study qualitatively examined the role and contribution of urban agriculture to household food security, employment creation, and income generation among low-income working-class and urban poor households in Bulawayo townships, Zimbabwe. It was found that urban food production significantly contributes to household food access and security, improving dietary diversity and nutritional intake. However, the potential of urban agriculture is constrained by factors including land tenure insecurity, erratic water access, small plot sizes, inadequate capital for optimizing plot productivity, and ambivalent application of urban land-use laws.
Economic viabilityWelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicyIMPLEMENTASI PROGRAM URBAN FARMING PADA KELOMPOK SUMBER TRISNO ALAMI DI KECAMATAN BULAK KOTA SURABAYA
2013Annisya Noer Wiyanti · · Indonesia (Surabaya)
A descriptive qualitative study investigated the implementation of an urban farming program for the Sumber Trisno Alami group in Bulak District, Surabaya City, which began in 2011. The program aimed to meet food needs, improve nutrition, and boost the economy for 6000 poor households. However, the program's implementation was not considered successful in achieving its poverty reduction goal, with some suggesting its discontinuation.
WelfareFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityGuarantee loans for urban agriculture in Gampaha, Sri Lanka
2013Priyanie Amerasinghe, Vajira Hettige, K. V. A. H. P. Wijenayake · Documents & Reports (World Bank) · Sri Lanka
Agricultural development for food, nutrition, and livelihood security is a high political priority in Sri Lanka. National priorities include developing food-secure and resilient cities, with the Western Province initiating its urban agriculture campaign in 2000.
EconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban Agriculture Production Mode 3: Intensive Production of Vegetables
2013Danfeng Huang · Journal of Changjiang Vegetables · Global
This paper discussed the importance of intensive vegetable production in urban agriculture, highlighting its role in guaranteeing the supply, quality, and safety of fresh vegetables. It summarized key aspects of intensive production, including industrialized seedling production, facility production, efficient cultivation, postharvest processing, and commercial management, but also presented environmental problems and restricting factors in the development of intensive vegetable production.
Environmental trade-offsEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justice远郊区县推进“都市农业示范工程”的探索与思考——以邛崃为例
2013舒显奇梁建琼官智茹陈丽 · 农村经济 · China (Chengdu)
This study briefly outlines the advantages and current status of urban agriculture development in Qionglai, a major agricultural county in Chengdu's outer suburbs. It discusses the problems encountered in developing urban agriculture and proposes countermeasures for Qionglai to advance its "Urban Agriculture Demonstration Project." The research is based on an understanding of urban agriculture's connotations, functions, and development status at home and abroad.
PolicyEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureChallenges in Vertical Farming and Controlled Environments Agriculture
2013Michael R. Hoadley · Illinois Digital Environment for Access to Learning and Scholarship (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) · Global
A talk by Michael Hoadley, founder of Chicago firm Fewzion, discussed challenges in vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture. The presentation emphasized the importance of framing discussions within the context of economically self-sustainable models, free of dependence on policy subsidy and philanthropy. This highlights concerns about policymakers' over-zealous view of urban agriculture as a panacea for social ills.
Economic viabilityEconomicsPolicyClimate changeMapping and Theorising the Spatiality, Scale and Functionality of Urban Agriculture in Ghana
2013Heather Mackay Niittylä · · Ghana
This thesis mapped and investigated the form and function of urban agriculture in two intermediate-sized cities in Ghana. It examined the contribution to farming households' food security.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsFresh Squeezed: The Dilemma of Local Food Production Along Colorado's Front Range Urban Corridor
2013Amanda Jessie Weaver · Digital Commons - DU (University of Denver) · United States (Colorado)
This project combined U.S. Agricultural Census data with a survey of local producers in Colorado's Front Range Urban Corridor to examine the competition between urban development and food production. The study found that urban development is increasingly encroaching on rich agricultural lands, which are also desirable for housing. Consequently, Colorado faces increasing competition for land, potentially driving local food prices up and displacing producers to peripheral areas or out of food production entirely.
Governance failureUrban–rural linkageEconomicsPolicyClimate changeCommercialization of Urban Farming: The Case of Vegetable Farmers in Southwest Nigeria
2013Roseline J. Akinlade, Olubunmi Lawrence Balogun, Adekemi A. Obisesan, Akinlade, Roseline J., Balogun, Olubunmi L., Obisesan, Adekemi A. · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Nigeria
This study analyzed the determinants of commercialization among 230 urban vegetable farmers in Oyo and Lagos states, southwest Nigeria, using primary survey data and a Tobit model. It found that farmers' participation in domestic and regional markets remains low due to various constraints, notably poor market access. The average farm size was 0.05ha, and the average market participation index was 0.73. Factors influencing commercialization included age, farm size, association membership, education, distance to market, and input costs. The study concluded that social capital significantly affects market participation, and recommended proactive support from governments and NGOs to facilitate farmer organizations and market linkages.
Economic viabilityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceLa agricultura urbana como proceso de desarrollo a escala humana. Los huertos urbanos en zonas degradadas de São Paulo
2013Glenda Dimuro, Esteban de Manuel Jeréz · POLI-RED (Revistas Digitales Politécnicas) (La Universidad Politécnica de Madrid) · Brazil (São Paulo)
This paper presents the 'Cidades sem fome' project, a citizen initiative in São Paulo's degraded areas. Through urban agriculture, this project enables residents to satisfy basic needs, regain control over their lives, and challenge market-driven growth processes. It aims to reduce hunger and unemployment, foster social mobilization, and rehabilitate degraded urban areas, offering an alternative to current urban production and management models.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsThinking about the Chinese-style Community Supported Agriculture
2013Chen Hui-fan · Anhui nongye kexue · China (Zhengzhou)
This article analyzes the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model in Zhengzhou and proposes a new Chinese-style CSA model, "daughter-in-law in the city, her husband outside the city," inspired by roof vegetable gardens. This model is presented as beneficial for organic agriculture development and urban roof greening, offering a mutually beneficial practice for combining roof greening and agriculture. It is described as a green economy approach that promotes ecological environment protection and urban-rural economic development.
CSA & TeikeiDIYUrban–rural linkageEconomicsThe role of urban agriculture in the development of middle-sized towns: Cases from East Africa
2013Dick Foeken · Journal of Geography and Regional Planning · East Africa
This paper, discussing the role of urban agriculture in the development of middle-sized towns using three East African cases (Nakuru, Morogoro, Mbeya), argues that urban agriculture can be transformed into a thriving sector contributing to employment, income, and food provision. It describes the current situation, focusing on resource allocation, benefits, and environmental challenges, and concludes that a favorable legal and policy setting, support and education, and improved market conditions, led by both government and the private sector, are necessary to achieve this.
EconomicsPolicyFood educationCommunityHerd Management: Labor Strategies in Local Food Production
2013Brandi Janssen · Anthropology of Work Review · United States
This paper explores labor strategies for producers in the growing local food sector, where increased demand creates challenges for scaling operations. A major obstacle to growth is access to reliable, affordable labor. The paper discusses typical options for obtaining and retaining labor, including paid employees, volunteers, and interns, noting that each strategy has social and economic advantages and disadvantages for producers and the community.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityUrban agriculture : guerrilla gardening : future trends
2013Carol Posthumus · SABI Magazine - Tydskrif · Global
Discussions about providing nutritious food for a growing population often include agricultural growth, focusing on both the quantity and quality of food produced. An emphasis is also placed on the growth of smallholder farmers, particularly women farmers, as a solution for future food provision.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsThe role of community supported agriculture in the development of organic agriculture in Croatia
2013Ivan Sarjanović · Geoadria · Croatia
An online questionnaire was administered to 46 group members and 5 farmers to investigate the functioning of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) groups in Croatia and the socio-economic characteristics of their members and collaborating farmers. The survey confirmed that CSA group members are younger, highly educated individuals living in large cities or urbanized regions (Zagreb, Kvarner, Istria), driven by eco-social motives such as ecological consciousness, healthy food, and cooperation. Farmers collaborating with CSA groups practice ecological agriculture on farms smaller than the Croatian average, and they cooperate due to easier product sales and the positive effect on their income and local community involvement.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsOrganic cycleWhich way for UPA in Africa?
2013Diana Lee-Smith · City · Africa
This paper reviews a synthesis from late 2010 on Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (UPA) data from East and Central Africa, identifying major issues such as UPA's relationship to food security and poverty, its waste recycling effectiveness, and policy responses. The analysis is updated with data from Southern Africa, suggesting UPA's capacity to recycle nutrients, particularly on efficient crop-livestock backyard farms, signifies its potential role in making cities sustainable.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyOrganic cycleCommunitySurvey and Analysis on the Demand of Urban Agriculture Development on Finance in Tianjin
2013Zhao Shu-ji · Tianjin Agricultural Sciences · China (Tianjin)
In Tianjin, the demand characteristics for financial support for urban agriculture development were investigated. The results showed that peasant households and agricultural zones had multiple needs for agricultural techniques, and urban agriculture development required significant support from government fiscal and monetary resources.
EconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageSchool Gardens and pupils in Croatia's economy in the second half of the 19th century, with special emphasis on the school in Sibinj
2013Krešimir Škuljević · · Croatia
This study addresses the topic of student economy and school gardens in Croatia between 1848 and 1880. With a special focus on the school in Sibinj, the effects of legal changes and problems in their implementation were examined. It is noted that existing literature rarely elaborates on related concepts such as teachers' obligations and rights, characteristics of school gardens, the role of local political administration, and the purpose of gardens.
Food educationEconomicsPolicyResearch on specialized level of agricultural structure in Beijing
2013LI Rui-fen · Journal of Beijing University of Agriculture · China (Beijing)
This paper aimed to recognize the comprehensive level and scale of the agricultural structure in Beijing, China. It also sought to identify developing differences within Beijing's agricultural sector.
EconomicsPolicy