Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
892 results(11 / 36)
Global health and environmental sustainability
2024CHIBUISI FRANCS OGBUKA, NGOZI O IZUCHUKWU, OGWO ELISHA UKO, OGECHI JULIANA OGBODO, OBI VICTORY IJEOMA · World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews · Global
This paper argues for a re-evaluation of current trends in assessing global health and environmental sustainability through the prevalence of diseases and natural resource availability. It suggests that achieving present needs without compromising future generations requires evolutionary and swift transformation in health for all programs, eco-friendly production and consumption, and urban farming. Global health and environmental sustainability should be summarized as the study and application of attaining welfare equity for all people in a sustainable environment.
HealthClimate changeUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceRecent Use of AB Mix Nutrients for Urban Farming in Malaysia: A Mini Review
2024Nur Dinie Syahirah Sanusi, Fadhlina Che Ros, Siti Zulaikha Ngah Demon, Ismayadi Ismail, Imad Hamadneh · Journal of Advanced Research Design · Malaysia
This mini-review discusses the extensive use of AB mix nutrients in Malaysian urban farming, noting their role in high yields but also their contribution to significant environmental pollution when overused. Although a survey of local entrepreneurs showed most complied with guidelines for chili plants, intensive use of fertilizers leads to nutrient leaching into the soil, causing environmental pollution and affecting humans, livestock, and microbial life. The review emphasizes the need for controlled nutrient application to prevent soil degradation and groundwater contamination.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleClimate changeHealthUrban horticulture for sustainable living
2024Riya Mittal, Juhi Sharma · International Journal of Research in Agronomy · Global
This review states that urban horticulture is essential for addressing food security, urban growth, and environmental issues. It examined techniques such as vertical gardening, rooftop gardens, protected cultivation, and Dutch grow buckets, showing they optimize space, reduce resource use, and enhance crop yields. These methods conserve water, increase biodiversity, and enable year-round production.
Climate changeBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceDIYURBAN FARMING PRACTICE CONCERNING LIFE CYCLE COST COMPONENTS
2024Puteri Sidrotul Nabihah Saarani, Asniza Hamimi Abdul Tharim, Asmalia Che Ahmad, Norhafizah Abdul Rahman, Mohamad Haizam Mohamed Saraf · PLANNING MALAYSIA · Global
This study aimed to identify the significant Life Cycle Cost (LCC) components concerning Urban Farming (UF) practices. Thirteen journal and conference papers from local and international contexts were reviewed, using thematic techniques to establish the attributes of UF practice throughout the Life Cycle (LC) phase. The findings indicate that LCC components occur during Planning, Installation, Management, Maintenance, and Harvesting/Disposal.
EconomicsHealthCommunityClimate changePhysical Activity as a Victim, a Perpetrator, or Part of the Solution to the Climate Crisis?
2024Peter Gelius, Sven Messing, Antonina Tcymbal, Leonie Birkholz, Karim Abu‐Omar · Journal of Physical Activity and Health · Global
This commentary examines the role of physical activity (PA) research in the context of climate change from three perspectives. PA is conceptualized as a victim, threatened by heat waves and extreme weather; as a perpetrator, due to the carbon footprint of some sports; and as a solution, through active transport and urban gardening which offer both individual and planetary health benefits. These perspectives can guide future research in the field of PA and health.
HealthClimate changeCommunityFlowing through urban agriculture : Art-science explorations of nutrient movement through Linköping's gardens
2024Geneviève S. Metson, Karin Tonderski, Elizabeth Carlsson · · Sweden (Linköping)
This document accompanies an art and science collaborative exhibit exploring how urban agriculture can contribute to sustainable resource flows to support food production, recreation, and water quality.
Organic cycleClimate changeCommunityInisiatif hijau UiTM Cawangan Pulau Pinang: Program “MURO GARDEN” di SMA Tarbiah Islamiah, Georgetown
2024Mohamed Syazwan Osman · UiTM Institutional Repositories (Universiti Teknologi MARA) · Malaysia (Georgetown)
This study examines the implementation and strategic impact of the "MURO GARDEN" green initiative program, conducted by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang Branch at SMA Tarbiah Islamiah in Georgetown, Malaysia. The program is grounded in frameworks of environmental sustainability, urban agriculture, and academic institutions' corporate social responsibility.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeWater Volume and 3D Topographic Analysis of Hub Dam, Karachi, Using Remote Sensing and Global Bathymetry Data
2024Imran Ahmed Khan, Altaf Hussain Lahori · Trends in Ecological and Indoor Environmental Engineering · Pakistan (Karachi)
This study assessed the hydrography and created a 3D model of Hub Dam, Karachi, Pakistan, using global bathymetric and remote sensing data. A 3D volumetric analysis estimated the total water volume at approximately 79.954 × 10^6 m^3, indicating enough water for Karachi's needs for 503 days. Topographic analysis identified key elements affecting dam performance, confirming the dam's water storage ability.
PolicyClimate changeGreen Innovation: The Vital Role of Go Green Communities in Pakistan's Environmental Conservation
2024Waseem Ahmed Khattak · International Assulta of Research and Engagement (IARE) · Pakistan
"Go Green communities" in Pakistan were studied as grassroots movements promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, activities included waste management, urban gardening, and policy advocacy. The initiative demonstrated increased community involvement in eco-friendly efforts, leading to tangible outcomes such as waste segregation systems and enhanced green spaces. However, challenges including financial limitations, resistance from industries, and restricted access to green technologies highlighted the need for stronger institutional support.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyClimate changeFood educationProvisioning the 21st Century City: Community and School Gardens as Food Centers
2024Charleen Kepner · Anthós · Global
This essay analyzes case studies and academic research to explore urban agriculture and community gardens as sources of education and food production. It examines previous research showing that small-scale efforts can make lasting impacts in communities and contributes to discussions on alternatives to current farming practices. The essay suggests that policymakers and urban planners should support and expand community gardens as a feasible food production strategy.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyMaximising CO2 Sequestration in the City: The Role of Green Walls in Sustainable Urban Development
2024Mansoure Jozay, Mohammad Hossein Zarei, Sarah Khorasaninejad, Taghi Miri · Pollutants · Global
This study evaluates the conceptual potentials and limitations of urban biomass circulation for energy production, food production, and CO2 consumption, with a focus on multi-purpose green walls. It aims to discover new methods of carbon sequestration using green walls to achieve sustainable urban development and CO2 reduction. Green walls are presented as a solution for CO2 absorption in urban areas due to their land efficiency and ecosystem services.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageBiodiversityUrban Agriculture in a Megalopolis: A Model of Sustainable Food Security (Exemplified by the City of Saint Petersburg)
2024Svetlana Pyankova, Inna Mitrofanova, Olga Ergunova, Victoria Batmanova · Regionalnaya ekonomika Yug Rossii · Russia (Saint Petersburg)
This study analyzed urban agriculture as a sustainable solution for food security in megalopolises, exemplified by Saint Petersburg. It investigated key parameters affecting urban agriculture's efficiency, such as land area used, agricultural production, fresh food availability, and the introduction of modern technologies. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, including statistical data collection, modeling, comparative analysis, expert assessments, and forecasting, the study showed that urban agriculture in St. Petersburg has significant potential for increasing food security, reducing the carbon footprint, and improving municipal ecology.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsClimate changePolicyCharacterization of urban agriculture and farmers’ climate change adaptation: the case of Urban Wa, Ghana
2024Godwin K. Naazie, Isaac Agyemang, Anthony Mwinilanaa Tampah-Naah · Discover Sustainability · Ghana (Wa)
This study investigated the characteristics of urban agriculture and farmers' climate change adaptation in Wa township, Ghana. Mixed methods, including surveys of 362 urban households and 12 key informant interviews, were employed. Urban agriculture was found to be characterized by the production of animals like chickens, sheep, and goats, and crops such as maize, yam, beans, cabbage, and pumpkin, with land acquired through purchase or from relatives and friends. A strong relationship between residential class and urban farming type, and a moderate relationship between residential class and land acquisition type, were observed.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityBridging nature and urbanity through green roof resilience framework (GRF): A thematic review
2024Alishba Saqib, M Sana Ullah Khan, Irfan Ahmad Rana · Nature-Based Solutions · Global
A systematic review of 123 publications on green roofs and climate change identified recurrent themes including urban heat islands, stormwater runoff, thermal comfort, biodiversity, carbon footprint reduction, urban agriculture, and human well-being. The study proposes a Green Roof Resilience Framework (GRF) that integrates these concepts to enhance urban resilience.
Climate changeBiodiversityUrban–rural linkagePolicyStrengthening Smart Agriculture in Malaysia through Pervasive Computing
2024Kamalanathan Shanmugam, Muhammad Ehsan Rana, Ainun Sara Binti Nasri · The Journal of Applied Technology and Innovation · Malaysia
Malaysia is actively using internet-based technologies such as cloud computing, big data analytics, IoT, and AI to enhance its GDP and living standards, particularly through Smart Agriculture initiatives. These initiatives prioritize sustainable practices and urban agricultural solutions. Despite the promise of ubiquitous computing for Malaysia's agricultural industry, the country faces obstacles that must be overcome to realize its full potential.
Digital agricultureClimate changePolicyEconomicsPatterns of Urban Sprawl and Agricultural Land Loss in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Cases of the Ugandan Cities of Kampala and Mbarara
2024Ronald O. Muchelo, Thomas F. A. Bishop, Sabastine U. Ugbaje, Stephen Akpa · Land · Uganda (Kampala)
This study examined urban growth and agricultural land loss in Kampala (1989-2015) and Mbarara (2002-2016), Uganda, using multi-temporal Landsat imagery. Kampala's urban area surged from 7.14% to 55.10%, and Mbarara's from 6.37% to 30.95%, while agricultural land decreased significantly in both cities. A substantial portion of urban growth encroached upon agricultural land (66.7% in Kampala, 57.8% in Mbarara), and unsustainable practices also converted wetlands and forests to agricultural land.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agriculturePolicyClimate changeUrban Agriculture and the Food–Energy–Water Nexus in Qatar and Drylands
2024Anna Grichting Solder · · Qatar
This chapter presents insights on urban agriculture and the food-water-energy-waste nexus in the Middle East and drylands, drawing from seven years of experience in teaching, research, and stakeholder engagement at Qatar University. The arid climate, scarcity of freshwater and fertile land, and the need to reduce non-renewable energy use necessitate designing circular, integrated systems for maximum resource efficiency. The Living Laboratory at Qatar University and urban agriculture plans developed with students, researchers, and communities illustrate these integrative and regenerative approaches for resilient landscapes in Qatar and the Gulf region.
Climate changeOrganic cycleFood educationCommunityUrbanAgriKG: A knowledge graph on urban agriculture and its embeddings
2024Bikram Pratim Bhuyan, Ravi Tomar, Thipendra P. Singh, Amar Ramdane-Chérif · Open Agriculture · Global
This study outlines the creation of UrbanAgriKG, a comprehensive knowledge graph for urban agriculture, by acquiring and synthesizing information from various sources. The graph depicts interrelationships among entities like urban farms, crops, and farming methods. The research also investigates the efficacy of different graph embedding methodologies to extract representations of entities and their relationships, aiming to improve decision-making in urban agriculture.
Digital agricultureEconomicsClimate changeAgricultural City – its Formal Shape in the Light of Historic Theoretical Designs and Emerging Technologies
2024Marta Rudnicka-Bogusz · Civil And Environmental Engineering Reports · Global
This study presents three lesser-known theories of W. Czerny, L. Zimowski, and O. Hansen regarding the “agricultural city,” alongside theories by L. Migge and F.L. Wright. It focuses on the role of agriculture within the city framework and its implications for future urban built structures. Urban farming is positioned as a multifunctional tool contributing to food security, ecological sustainability, community resilience, and social cohesion within the concept of a regenerative city.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityClimate changePolicyA systematic review of emerging trends in crop cultivation using soilless techniques for sustainable agriculture and food security in post-pandemic
2024Monsuru Adekunle Salisu, Yusuf Opeyemi Oyebamiji, Omowunmi Kayode Ahmed, Noraziyah Abd Aziz Shamsudin, Yusoff Siti Fairuz, Yusuff Oladosu, Mohd Rafii Yusop, Zulkefly Sulaiman, Fatai Arolu · AIMS Agriculture and Food · Global
This systematic review, utilizing the PRISMA framework, focused on emerging trends in soilless technologies for urban agriculture in the post-pandemic era. It examined the environmental impact, resource efficiency, and water usage of soilless farming techniques such as aeroponics, hydroponics, and aquaponics, evaluating their advantages and disadvantages compared to conventional soil-based farming. The review suggests that these innovative strategies hold promise in fostering sustainable urban agriculture and ensuring food security.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeDigital agricultureUrban Agriculture and Green Urban Planning
2024Janmejoy Gupta · · Global
This study discusses the role of urban agriculture in urban greening and sustainability. Examining the Rajendranagar Mandal peri-urban area in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, through a primary survey, it was found that neither the local government nor the majority of building occupants were encouraging any kind of urban agriculture in unused land along road medians or water bodies.
PolicyClimate changeUrban–rural linkageCommunityBenefits of Non-Commercial Urban Agricultural Practices—A Systematic Literature Review
2024Ouiam Fatiha Boukharta, Iona Yuelu Huang, Laura H. Vickers, Luis Manuel Navas-Gracia, Leticia Chico-Santamarta · Agronomy · Global
This systematic literature review investigated the benefits of non-commercial urban agriculture (NCUA) forms and their contribution to food production. It collected 1355 articles from qualified search engines, ultimately analyzing 40 articles. The findings indicate that implementing NCUA practices yields multifaceted social, economic, and environmental benefits, including improving people's health, reducing food expenditure, and creating sustainable cities. The review also noted that awareness of urban agriculture and the recognition of its benefits differ between developed and developing countries.
HealthEconomicsCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEnhancing public health through modern agronomy: Sustainable and nutrient-rich practices
2024Amanullah, Urooj Khan · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Global
This commentary explores modern agronomy concepts such as precision agriculture, urban agriculture, and agroecology. It aims to demonstrate their potential to enhance public health by improving food quality, enhancing nutrition, and safeguarding the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. The commentary discusses the implications of these practices for public health.
HealthClimate changeDigital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceSpatial pattern and distribution of urban farms and climate change adaptation implications in urban Ghana
2024Godwin K. Naazie, Isaac Agyemang, Anthony Mwinilanaa Tampah-Naah · Cogent Food & Agriculture · Ghana
This mixed-methods study in urban Ghana investigated the spatial pattern and distribution of urban farms using geospatial data and 12 key informant interviews. It found that animal rearing (cattle, goats, sheep, poultry) is clustered across urban neighborhoods, and urban farm sizes also show a clustered pattern. The distribution of animals in open spaces is dispersed, while those in walled or wooden structures are clustered.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageEconomicsAn Intelligent Water Management Framework for Irrigating Urban Gardens in Technologically Advanced Cities
2024G. Ananth Kumar, A. Supriya, G. Soumya, B. Thriveni, Dr. Sandhya C, H. Sai Kumar Reddy · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
The Innovative Water Management Protocol introduces a strategy for sustainable urban agriculture in smart cities. This approach optimizes irrigation water usage by integrating intelligent sensors, data analysis, and automated processes, utilizing real-time information on soil moisture, weather, and plant needs. It also incorporates IoT-enabled devices for remote monitoring via mobile applications, aiming to conserve water, foster environmental sustainability, and enhance food security.
Digital agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justice