Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
11393 results(105 / 456)
Rewriting the Erased History of Blacks in New Orleans Urban Gardening and Farming
2024Pamela Arnette Broom, Yuki Kato, Shawn “Pepper” Roussel · Humanity & Society · United States
This article examines the history of urban gardening by Black communities in New Orleans, United States. It uses oral history to complement official documentation, demonstrating that Black New Orleanians historically grew their own food for collective efficacy and to pass on horticultural knowledge. The study notes that most new gardens since 2010 lack cultural and social connection to this history.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyآليات 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 educationCommunityHealthUtopías concretas entre lo rural y lo urbano. Iniciativas comunitarias de agricultura urbana
2024Ion Martínez Lorea · Revista Española de Sociología · Spain (Pamplona)
This article uses Henri Lefebvre's concept of concrete utopia to analyze the practices of community urban gardens in Pamplona-Iruña, Spain. It interrogates their potential and limitations in responding to various situations of social vulnerability and rethinking the relationship between the rural and the urban.
Limited or null effectCommunityUrban–rural linkageWelfareExploring human appreciation and perception of spontaneous urban fauna in Paris, France
2024Chloé Duffaut, Florence Brondeau, Julien Gasparini · Cybergeo · France (Paris)
A questionnaire survey of 200 individuals in Paris, France, from May 2017 to March 2018, assessed the appreciation and perception of pigeons, rats, and hedgehogs in various urban locations. The study found clear differences in appreciation based on species and perceived usefulness, with rats disliked (2.2/10), hedgehogs liked (7.7/10), and pigeons receiving mixed reactions (4.7/10). Age, gender, education, or survey location were not decisive factors.
CommunityBiodiversityLife cycle assessment to evaluate the sustainability of urban agriculture: opportunities and challenges
2024Lena Katharina Mietz, Bárbara Civit, Alejandro Pablo Arena · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Global
This review focuses on the present state and methodology of life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the sustainability of urban agriculture. It notes that while urban agriculture is seen as a potential alternative for a resilient food system, existing case studies are mostly incomplete and lack diversity. Further research is needed, especially the integration of social and economic perspectives, to achieve a comprehensive scientific understanding.
Methodological critiqueClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsTechnology adoption model for smart urban farming-a proposed conceptual model
2024Amirul Asyraf Zhahir, Mohd Ilias M Shuhud, Siti Munirah Mohd, S.K. Kamarudin, Azuan Ahmad, Rossly Salleh, Norita Md Norwawi · Computer Science and Information Technologies · Global
This study proposes a conceptual model for technology adoption in smart urban farming, building upon a previous systematic literature review. The model is founded on Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) and incorporates factors from other technology adoption models. The research aims to provide insights into the components influencing technology adoption in smart urban farming, offering a framework for future studies and applications.
Digital agriculturePolicyEconomicsDesign knowledge of urban agriculture providing ecosystem services. A systematic literature review
2024Yu Huan, Steffen Nijhuis, Nico Tillie · Urban forestry & urban greening · Global
This systematic literature review analyzed 70 empirical research articles on urban agriculture, ecosystem services, and design research to identify gaps in design knowledge. The review found that while "research for design" is prevalent and offers abundant design knowledge, the infrequent use of "research through design" hinders the transition from implicit to explicit design knowledge, leading to a shortage of operational guidelines. The study proposes a framework for systematic design knowledge of urban agriculture to address these gaps and facilitate knowledge transformation.
BiodiversityClimate changeUrban Agricultural Revolution in Japan with Verticulture Technology
2024Ahmya Ayaka, Fujita Hanako, Hide Haruka · Techno Agriculturae Studium of Research · Japan
This study explored the impact of verticulture technology on urban agriculture in Japan using a mixed-methods approach, including field experiments, farmer surveys, and production record analysis. The findings indicated that verticulture technology significantly improved crop yields by up to 30% per square meter and reduced water usage by 50% compared to traditional urban farming. It also lowered greenhouse gas emissions and minimized land use, demonstrating its potential for enhancing food production efficiency and sustainability in urban settings.
Digital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsEnhancing 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.
CommunityHealthPolicyAre apps for urban food purchasing and consumption meeting Italian consumers' needs? A mixed‐methods analysis
2024Francesca Monticone, Antonella Samoggia, Elena Viti · Journal of Consumer Behaviour · Italy
This mixed-methods study investigated Italian consumers' perceptions, barriers, and drivers for urban food purchasing and consumption apps, and analyzed the features of existing apps. The desire to eat fresh and seasonal food was identified as the main driver for buying from (peri)urban agriculture initiatives, and a mismatch emerged between consumer needs and app features. Sustainability food profiles and information on seasonal food are preferred by consumers but are present in a limited number of apps.
Digital agricultureEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureINOVASI PEMERINTAH DAERAH KOTA TANGERANG DALAM PENINGKATAN KETAHANAN PANGAN (STUDI KASUS PADA DINAS KETAHANAN PANGAN KOTA TANGERANG)
2024Nurmiftah Fauzi, Titi Stiawati, Arenawati Arenawati · Kebijakan Jurnal Ilmu Administrasi · Indonesia (Tangerang)
The Tangerang City Food Security Agency implemented a 1000-plant hydroponic assistance program as part of an urban farming initiative to strengthen food security. This qualitative phenomenological study used Rogers' innovation attributes theory to evaluate the program's relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. Results indicated the program provided economic benefits and spiritual satisfaction, and was compatible with existing values and food needs, but found room for improvement in the complexity aspect.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityPollination deficits increase with urbanization in Chicago
2024Alexandra Zink, Paul J. CaraDonna, Kelly Larsen, Amy M. Iler · Ecosphere · United States (Chicago)
This study investigated how urbanization relates to pollination by growing 240 plants (squash and tomato) across six sites with varying urbanization levels in Chicago, Illinois. For tomatoes, the magnitude of pollen limitation increased with greater impervious surface, indicating more pronounced pollination deficits at highly urbanized sites. For squash, evidence of pollen limitation was found only at the most urban site, with a weak trend of pollen limitation of fruit set (but not seed set) increasing with impervious surface.
Limited or null effectBiodiversityPollinatorsUrban–rural linkageNutritional 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.
HealthCommunityEconomics从自然疗愈到社会修复——公共健康视角下社区花园的疗愈价值探索
2024悦来 刘, 安锌 周 · Landscape Architecture · China
To explore the healing value of community gardens from a public health perspective, a study was conducted on four projects. Through literature review and questionnaire surveys, it was shown that community gardens promote individual healing, group therapy, and the repair and reconstruction of social relationships. This effect is realized through a three-layer mechanism: natural output services and physical space creation, individual physiological and psychological healing, and social relationship repair through community network building.
CommunityHealthWelfareA Polycentric Vision for Governing the Urban Food Commons
2024Emmanuel Frimpong Boamah · Urban agriculture · Global
This chapter examines alternative governance visions for urban agriculture, or urban food commons (UFCs), through the lens of polycentric governance. It argues that UFCs require a mix of institutional arrangements, including centralized, decentralized, market, cooperative, and command-and-control models, rather than a single approach. Four institutional design parameters are outlined to guide this polycentric vision: multiple decision centers, cross-scale and cross-sector interactions, an overarching rule system, and rule adaptability, exemplified by Chicago's NeighborSpace.
PolicyCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceTowards Urban Forest Restoration in the City of Bukavu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: Residents' Perceptions
2024Legrand Cirimwami, Fabrice Kibingani, Clérisse M. Casinga · Journal of Environment · Africa
A study of Bukavu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (more than 1.6 million inhabitants in 60 km², driven by rural exodus due to insecurity), examining residents' perceptions of deforestation to inform policy on urban forest restoration. Researchers sampled and interviewed 210 informants, 70 each in the communes of Kadutu, Ibanda, and Bagira. Findings show 85% of informants favour restoring green spaces, and at least 72.9% recognise green spaces as important for air purification, environmental improvement, ornamentation, erosion control, biodiversity conservation, and food production from fruit trees. 81.9% agreed that vegetation cover has decreased, especially since the 2000s, mainly due to rural exodus and unregulated housing construction. 87.1% see themselves as the main beneficiaries of green spaces and blame government as the main destroyer of green spaces that should also be the main actor in restoring them, while acknowledging some of their own responsibility, though less than government's. For restoration, 51.7% suggested tree-planting initiatives, favouring Eucalyptus, Cupressus lusitanica, and ornamental and medicinal trees, with awareness-raising and planned urbanisation also proposed as strategies.
CommunityPolicyExploring the Role of Urban Agriculture in Indonesia’s Socio-Economic and Environmental Landscape: A Systematic Literature Review
2024Aji Saputra, Oekan S. Abdoellah, Gemilang Lara Utama · Jurnal Ilmu Lingkungan · Indonesia
A systematic literature review aiming to identify the methods used for sustainable urban agriculture in Indonesia and to assess the main opportunities and challenges of using it to achieve environmental, social, and economic goals. Using the PRISMA method, the review screened articles from the Scopus database and analysed 25 studies on the relationship between urban agriculture and sustainability. It reports that urban agriculture offers economic, social, and environmental benefits within sustainable urban environments, and concludes that realising its full potential requires coordinated efforts through policy development, community involvement, and overcoming existing obstacles.
CommunityEconomicsHealthPolicyHidroponik dengan Konsep Agro Voltec Guna Optimalisasi Kemandirian dan Ketahanan Pangan di Kelurahan Rejowinangun Selatan Kota Magelang
2024Alifia Revan Prananda, Cornelius Rangga Surya Kusuma, Daniel Gunawan, Terra Rhebekka, Galih Slamet · Manfaat Jurnal Pengabdian Pada Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia
A community-service report on introducing solar-powered hydroponic urban farming in Rejowinangun Selatan village, Magelang City, Indonesia (population density 7,361 people/km²), in response to declining green open space linked to rising population density and land concretisation, which affects food security and self-sufficiency. The programme delivered various approaches to educate and directly involve residents in building hydroponic systems integrated with solar panels, using renewable-energy technology to enable food production in limited spaces such as house terraces. It reports that this increases food independence and security, and that the vegetables produced are described as healthier owing to minimal pesticide use.
Digital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPublic Urban Agriculture Equipment: A Tool for Fair and Sustainable Food Policies? Potager du Roi and Cité Maraîchère, Two French Case Studies
2024Véronique Saint-Gès, Bethsabée Warin, Antoine Jacobsohn · Sustainability · France
A study of two French public urban farms, the Potager du Roi in Versailles and the Cité Maraîchère in Romainville, using the concept of the triple-layered business model to examine their sustainability strategy through empirical case-study research. The evaluation of their economic, social, and environmental impacts shows their dependence on multiple interlinked public policies, and points to the justification for significant, recurring public funding on grounds of general interest.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsClay 3D printed hydroponics: A paradigm to address global food insecurity
2024Logman Arja · International Journal of Architectural Computing · United States
This paper presents clay 3D-printed hydroponics as an urban farming and architecture proposal, reporting on a pilot study conducted in Atlanta, Georgia. It positions additively manufactured clay hydroponics as a soilless agriculture technique and discusses it in relation to urban food self-sufficiency. The paper is described as the first in a series on technology implementations.
Digital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCross-sectoral collaborations between nonprofit organizations and businesses: implications for organizations providing mental health rehabilitation services
2024Noga Pitowsky‐Nave, Michal Almog‐Bar, Hillel Schmid · Social Work in Mental Health · Global
This paper presents a case study of a community garden in Israel that emerged from a collaboration between a Social Service Nonprofit Organization (SSNO) providing mental health rehabilitation services and a real-estate business firm. Based on interviews with key figures, onsite observations, and document analysis, it examined the inter-organizational dynamics of this collaboration and its benefits and challenges for the SSNO and its service users. The results show that collaborating with a business can offer SSNOs benefits in financial resources and volunteers, but also involves difficulties, which were intensified in the context of a mental-health-focused SSNO.
WelfareHealthCommunityWater-Energy-Food-Forest Nexus in The Amazon Conservation Unit
2024Marcelo Macedo Guimarães, Mariluce Paes de Souza · Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental · Brazil
A qualitative study of a Conservation Unit in the Brazilian Amazon (the Lago do Cuniã Extractive Reserve) analyzing the role of forests within the water-energy-food nexus, focusing on how traditional populations use non-wood natural resources for their survival. Data were collected through questionnaire-based interviews and non-participant observation. The results show that maintaining forest resources improves water quality, controls erosion and resilience against droughts and floods, contributes to energy supply, and contributes to food safety for residents of the conservation unit. The authors note policy implications for management practices to conserve forests and to protect the quantity and quality of rivers, lakes, and aquatic and agricultural ecosystems in the reserve.
Peri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCompost amendment in urban gardens: elemental and isotopic analysis of soils and vegetable tissues
2024Simone Trimmel, Stefan Wagner, Laura Feiner, M. Feiner, Daniela Haluza, Rebecca Hood‐Nowotny, Ulrike Pitha, Thomas Prohaska, Markus Puschenreiter, Philipp Spörl, Andrea Watzinger, Elisabeth Ziss, Johanna Irrgeher · Environmental Science and Pollution Research · Europe
A study of urban gardens in Vienna, Austria, building on a previous study of eleven gardens in the city that found elevated lead (Pb) levels in some soil and plant samples. This work examined the elemental composition of soil and plants from two of the affected gardens one year after compost amendment. ICP-MS analysis of tomato fruit skin, pulp and seeds showed only minor variations in elemental composition unlikely to affect food safety, whereas radishes showed a tendency toward contaminant accumulation in root tips and leaves. Washing lettuce significantly reduced levels of potentially toxic elements including Be, Al, V, Ni, Ga and Tl, underscoring the importance of washing garden produce before consumption; compost amendment was associated with reduced Zn, Cd and Pb levels in radish bulbs. Lead isotope ratios in soil and spinach leaf samples from the earlier study, assessed by MC-ICP-MS, showed a direct linkage between the Pb isotopic signatures in soil and spinach leaves, supporting their use as tracers of Pb sources in the environment.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleHealthProduction, supply, and distribution
2024Wendy Davies · · Europe
A historical chapter exploring why monasteries were interested in acquiring gardens in the tenth century. It concludes the likely reasons included increasing the regular supply of garden fruit, legumes and medicinal herbs for expanding monastic communities, along with a regular supply of textile fibres. Some rural monasteries bought gardens in towns and operated shops there, supported by an available road network and plentiful draught animals as necessary elements of a distribution system. Textiles and plant dyes appear to have been supplied to urban communities, and the chapter suggests garden plots may have been acquired specifically to focus on textile and dye plants for cloth production and distribution, marking a new direction in monastic enterprise with a corresponding shift in garden output.
Food sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageA process evaluation of a randomized-controlled trial of community gardening to improve health behaviors and reduce stress and anxiety
2024Eva Coringrato, Katherine Alaimo, Jenn A. Leiferman, Angel Villalobos, Hannah Buchenau, Erin Decker, Lara Fahnestock, Pallas Quist, Jill Litt · Scientific Reports · United States
A process evaluation of the Community Activation for Prevention (CAPS) randomized controlled trial assessed implementation of a nine-month community gardening intervention in the United States using semi-structured interviews, direct observation of garden sites, and an exit survey. The trial enrolled 291 participants (19% non-white, 34% Hispanic/Latino, 58% with income under $50,000/year); among 145 assigned to gardening, 97 (67%) gardened the full season with a median visit time of 90 minutes per week, and of the 48% who completed the exit survey, 89% reported high satisfaction. Garden social events were offered at 73% of gardens but attended by only 48% of intervention participants; the evaluation concluded the intervention was delivered with high fidelity.
CommunityHealthWelfare