Research & reports

Catalina Cruz-Piedrahita, Charlotte Roscoe, Caroline Howe, Daniela Fecht, Audrey de Nazelle · Frontiers in Public Health · United Kingdom

A cross-sectional analysis of 204,478 UK Biobank participants examined the association of fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, and greenspace exposure with health and wellbeing markers. Meeting recommended levels for fruit/vegetable intake and physical activity was linked to better health and wellbeing. However, participants in greener areas who were physically active were more likely to feel alone and report poor health, and evidence for three-way interactions was weak.

Phil Nichols, Sara Heitlinger · interactions · United Kingdom (London)

Spitalfields City Farm, an urban farm in Inner East London, has served as a site for participatory design collaborations with researcher Sara Heitlinger for over 10 years. This article presents an exchange of views between Heitlinger and farm manager Phil Nichols regarding the farm's work and their ongoing collaboration in the context of social and environmental sustainability.

Yun Kyeong Hoh, Jin-Hae Chae, Hyun‐Jung Lee · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global

This study investigated the differences in perceived social values of community gardens as urban green spaces between participating and non-participating residents, through a survey conducted from December to March 2021. Data were analyzed using frequency analysis, independent samples T-test, and regression analysis with SPSS 21.0. Results showed that both groups recognized the social values of community gardens as important and highly valued leisure and recreation, but differed in the prioritization of symbolic, commons, and ecological values. Participating residents prioritized institutional support, while non-participating residents emphasized program diversification and physical environment improvement.

Riris Lindiawati Puspitasari, Arief Pambudi, Yunus Effendi · Jurnal Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Universitas Al Azhar Indonesia · Indonesia (Depok)

This community service activity implemented simple hydroponics training to enhance the skills of the street children community in Depok. Training involved street children students at Sekolah Master Depok, practicing hydroponics with simple equipment, and group mentoring. Participants gained information on simple hydroponics techniques and successfully grew vegetables like water spinach, spinach, mustard greens, and pakcoy, which grew unimpeded until harvest at 8 weeks after planting.

Neneng Nurlaela Arief, Melia Famiola, Andika Putra Pratama, Prameshwara Anggahegari, Aghnia Nadhira Aliya Putri · Sustainability · Indonesia (Bandung)

This study examined the effectiveness of bio-based experiential learning in raising environmental awareness among 74 students (ages 9-11) in Bandung, Indonesia, using participatory action research and storytelling. The program provided valuable education on urban farming, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. The outcome demonstrated that this communication approach is effective.

Leonardo Alfaiate Ferreira Borges, Roberto Barboza Castanho, Joelma Cristina Santos · Geosul · Brazil

This study aimed to understand the dynamics of urban agricultural products in Ituiutaba-MG, Brazil, particularly in the western sector, through dialogues with producers. Using a methodology that included bibliographic review, data collection, field visits, and producer interviews, the research developed a profile of urban agricultural production in the city, detailing its models and functions. The study highlights urban agriculture's role in economic and social decentralization and its contribution to food with fewer agricultural chemicals.

Leonard Dharmawan, Pudji Muljono, Dwi Retno Hapsari, Bagus Priyo Purwanto · Jurnal Penyuluhan · Indonesia (Bogor)

This study, conducted in Bogor City, Indonesia, used quantitative and qualitative methods to identify the readiness of extension workers and supporting facilities for digital urban agriculture extension during the Covid-19 pandemic, and factors influencing farmer empowerment. Results indicated that extension workers are ready for digital counseling and communication support facilities for digital innovation are good. Farmer empowerment directly affects farmer productivity and is indirectly positively influenced by environmental support, farmer innovation activities, and individual characteristics of farmers.

Lorena Suárez Peña, Romina Alejandra Robles Calderón, José María Jiménez Carillo, Luis René Justiniano Lujan, Leevan Salvatierra Burgos, Aharon Jazielt Andrade Sandy · Revista 3i Ingeniería Innovación Investigación · Bolivia

This quantitative study diagnosed the viability of implementing urban gardens in El Torno Municipality, Bolivia, by identifying residents' knowledge and perceived barriers. Findings indicate that despite a lack of knowledge, the population is willing to implement urban gardens, considering school gardens an optimal option. The study concludes that implementing urban gardens in El Torno Municipality is viable, with a genuine interest in promoting urban agriculture as a sustainable and beneficial solution for the community.

Paulo Silvano Magno Fróes-Júnior, Fabrício Khoury Rebello, Marcos Antônio Souza dos Santos, Cyntia Meireles Martins, Maria Lúcia Bahia Lopes, João Paulo Borges de Loureiro · Conjecturas · Brazil (Belém)

This study interviewed 63 urban farmers in Curuçambá, Belém Metropolitan Region, Brazil, analyzing business management and entrepreneurial skills amidst urbanization and crime risks. It found that 98.41% of businesses are family-managed, but 52.38% have little management experience, with 76.19% never keeping financial records and 81.71% never seeking technical assistance. A significant 33.33% of farmers rated criminality as "very high" severity, indicating that a lack of public safety severely limits commercial performance and investment in urban agriculture.

Yumin Park, Yong-Wook Shin · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea

This study analyzed trends of balcony vegetable gardens in Korea from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021, using 5,011 posts from Naver blogs and cafes. Before COVID-19, balcony vegetable gardening gained attention as urban agriculture participation, but after the outbreak, it became an activity for healing, emotional support, environmental campaigns, and healthy hobbies. The findings suggest that balcony gardening activities provide a healing effect.

Denise Misleh · The AAG Review of Books · Global

Organic stores, trendy coffee shops, and food initiatives generally associated with the alternative food movement, such as farmer's markets and community gardens, have become a clear symbol.

Edyta Janus, Bożena Szewczyk-Taranek, Agnieszka Smrokowska-Reichmann · Folia Horticulturae · Poland

A questionnaire survey of 203 allotment garden owners in three Silesian cities, Poland, explored perceived functions and importance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents over 61 years observed a generational shift from food cultivation to recreation, while no age group noted technological progress or new crops. Allotment gardens were crucial during the pandemic as a private, restriction-free space and a coping strategy for lockdown stress.

Rafael Lima Oliveira, Gabrielly Dos Santos Lima Oliveira, José Raimundo Oliveira Lima · P2P E INOVAÇÃO · Brazil

This study investigated the role of cooperativism as an element for strengthening urban and peri-urban agriculture (AUP) in Brazil. Findings revealed that the absence of public policies and credit availability are limiting factors for AUP. Increased production and product outflow are also difficulties faced by these farmers, which could potentially be resolved through cooperation.

Junce Zhou, Taoze Sun, Xiaohua Guo, Wei Wang, Hongna Mu · Horticulture International Journal · Global

This study introduced the concept of Edible Landscape into university campus planning and design under COVID-19 pandemic circumstances. Construction principles of healing, practicality, ecology, economy, and adaptation to local conditions were illustrated, and a construction strategy was proposed to assist teaching and research activities, alleviate negative emotions, and produce fresh fruits and vegetables. This strategy aims to offset the shortcoming of traditional ornamental-value-centered landscapes.

Alexandra Rodríguez, David Jácome-Polit, Alain Santandreu, Denisse Paredes, Nataly Pinto Álvaro · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Ecuador

This article reviews the history and achievements of the Participatory Urban Agriculture Project (AGRUPAR) in Quito, Ecuador, which has promoted urban agriculture for nearly 20 years. The Municipality of Quito is now implementing public food policies to strengthen the city's food security and resilience, moving beyond just urban agricultural production. The authors hypothesize that cities establishing urban agricultural programs are better positioned to implement food policies for resilience and sustainable urban development, though additional progress is needed to fully integrate urban agriculture into city-scale policy.

Janina Wittenberg, Maria Gernert, Hamid El Bilali, Carola Strassner · Sustainability · Germany (Münster)

This paper explores the role of grassroots initiatives in the transition towards a sustainable urban food system in Münster, Germany, using questionnaires, interviews, and desk research. Results indicate that many initiatives in Münster focus on education and information, raising awareness, rather than offering material alternatives. Policy, education, networks, and communication were identified as key leverage points.

Julia R Bryant · Digital Archive @ GSU · United States (Atlanta)

This paper explores how urban farming in Atlanta, Georgia, shows evidence of neoliberal shaping and retooling. Through qualitative analysis, including a case study, interviews with farmers, participant observation, and archival data collection, it examines how the city and the farm are understood from the perspective of the farmer to understand the degree to which these contestations are resisting neoliberalism. The research suggests that while urban farming can provide spaces for contestation to neoliberalism, scholars should more fully consider the hybridized nature in which urban farmers understand their work.

Julieth Milena Jurado Chana, Irma Soto-Vallejo · Luna Azul · Colombia (Manizales)

A mixed-method approach was used to identify and understand the characteristics of urban agriculture practices in the San José commune, Manizales, Colombia, and their impact on sustainable urban development and territorial defense. Information collected through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and field observations was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively with ATLAS.ti software. Findings indicated that urban agriculture is recognized in the commune as a strategy for territorial appropriation and defense, and community actions have led to more sustainable urban development.

Bianca Minotti, Angela Cimini, Gabriella D’Amico, Davide Marino, Giampiero Mazzocchi, Simona Tarra · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Italy (Rome)

This study analyzed food policy processes in the city of Rome, Italy, focusing on the Agrifood Plan, Food Policy for Rome, and Community Gardens Movement. Using a conceptual framework combining policy integration and governance innovation, the research showed that each process performs a different form of governance based on the actors and backgrounds involved. The study demonstrated a strong link between governance innovation and policy integration, with the conception and application of policy integration varying according to the process's governance vision.

Dorota Winnicka-Jasłowska, Sabrina TKACZUK · Architecture Civil Engineering Environment · United Kingdom

This study conducted qualitative research on three rooftop gardens in London, investigating their way of use, attractiveness, maintenance, and popularity levels. Surveys were carried out among visitors, alongside two non-participant observational surveys during warm and cold months. The research established a profile of users visiting such public spaces and determined characteristic architectural features that make these spaces accessible, attractive, and willingly visited.

Kimberly Hill-Tout, Claudia Towne Hirtenfelder, Kiera E. B. McMaster, Megan Herod · Gastronomica The Journal of Food and Culture · Canada

In April 2021, a panel discussion on food security in Canada took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article aims to make visible the vulnerabilities and structural injustices embedded within Canadian foodscapes through different perspectives on food security and justice. COVID-19 rendered many of the structural injustices of food security in Canada more visible.

Eugene McCann, Nathan McClintock, Christiana Miewald · Environment and Planning E Nature and Space · United States (Portland, Oregon)

This paper introduces "impermaculture," a model of urban agriculture where farmers in cities like Portland, Oregon, embrace the impermanence of their operations, viewing the potential for displacement by higher-value developments as an intended modus operandi. This approach, utilizing portable growing systems, is presented as a means of stabilizing the "sustainability fix" in neoliberal cities. The study suggests that this 'impermaculture by design' shores up and temporally rescales the sustainability fix, providing stability to urban agriculture initiatives despite their temporary nature.

Friederike Well, Ferdinand Ludwig · Land · Germany (Munich)

A design strategy for blue-green architecture (BGA) was applied and evaluated in a practical project at a school garden in Munich, Germany. Architecture and landscape architecture students designed and implemented a BGA, building a nature-based system where school garden greywater is treated in a constructed wetland and combined with rainwater to feed a redesigned pond. This increased biodiversity, contributed to the environmental education of pupils, and demonstrated high learning success for the students.

· University of Westminster Press eBooks · Taiwan

This chapter explores society's interaction with the environment through four pieces. A case study from LanCheng, Taiwan, by Shaw-wu Jung, examines how a community garden re-engaged local elderly populations with traditional farming methods. Other pieces analyze food anxiety in Chinese poetry, the historical context of waste separation in China, and the concept of "smart villages" in Maoist science fiction.

Lucy Yosita, Kunthi Herma Dwidayati, Rd. Diah Sri Hartati, Usep Surahman, Yan Nurcahya · Lentera Karya Edukasi · Indonesia (Bandung)

This community service activity in Cipaganti Village, Bandung, Indonesia, aimed to empower the PKK community by improving ecological space, food security, and family economic resilience through urban farming. The program provided training on cultivating ornamental plants, specifically caladium, aglonema, and sansiviera, which are easy to breed and maintain. The goal was to increase community understanding of environmental protection, foster care for green spaces, and boost economic potential through new entrepreneurs.