Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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967 results(11 / 39)
Knowledge-Based Identification of Urban Green Spaces: Allotments
2024Irada Ismayilova, Sabine Timpf · AGILE GIScience Series · Global
Allotment gardens, a type of Urban Green Space (UGS), offer environmental, social, and health benefits but are often not recognized as a distinct category in land use maps due to their specific characteristics. This research proposes an identification approach utilizing semantic features such as the presence, density, and height of garden huts, proximity to water bodies and railroads, and the presence of pathways. The three-step workflow, combining a Random Forest classifier, hut extraction, and density-based clustering, accurately identified 78% of allotments in Augsburg and 88% in Wuerzburg.
CommunityPolicyBiodiversityWellness Landscape Strategies
2024Phillip James Tabb, Lahra Tatriele · · Global
Chapter 6 presents specific physical design strategies at the landscape design scale for wellness planning, based on Halbert Dunn’s concept of high-level wellness. These strategies provide principles for human health, benefits to the natural environment, and implementation opportunities within the urban built environment. The chapter covers diverse applications from parks and greenspaces to healing gardens and edible landscapes, offering concrete approaches and design principles illustrated through precedents.
HealthBiodiversityCommunityMitigating urban heat island and enhancing indoor thermal comfort using terrace garden
2024Girish Visvanathan, Kailas Patil, Yogesh Suryawanshi, Vishal Meshram, Shrikant Jadhav · Scientific Reports · India (Chennai)
A study conducted in Chennai, India, from April to June 2023, assessed temperature dynamics on a building's terrace by comparing a well-maintained garden area with an exposed region using temperature and humidity sensors. Findings indicated a significant reduction in internal room temperatures in areas with rooftop gardens, ranging from 4 to 11 °C, compared to rooms with fully exposed roof configurations. Simulation studies suggested that optimizing soil beds and plant density could yield an additional 3-4 °C reduction, resulting in an overall difference of up to 14-15 °C.
Climate changeBiodiversityDIY"APPLICATIONS AND IMPLICATION OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES IN COMPOST "
2024Atiqullah Sarwari, Abdieva Guljamal, Abdul-Bari Hejran, Mohammad Hassan Hassand · Bulletin of Toraighyrov University Chemistry & Biology series · Global
This study aimed to accurately measure soil quality parameters through the application of manure compost and bacteria fertilizers or their combination during maize development, in order to establish a quick and effective method for repairing deteriorated farmland soils. The research investigated the dynamic effects on the variety of community structure, basal respiration, and microbial count and biomass in soil.
CompostOrganic cycleBiodiversityResearch on the Commercial Model of Medicinal and Edible Plants: A Case Study of Gynura Bicolor
2024Shujun He, Shumei Xiao, Qiaoying Lin, Hong Wu, Shufen Xiao, Tingwei Deng · Journal of life sciences and agriculture. · Global
This study focused on the commercial potential of medicinal and edible plants, analyzing the growth traits, nutritional worth, market demand, and potential applications in landscape architecture of Gynura bicolor. Through an assessment of its cultivation techniques and ecological value, the plant's adaptability to diverse environments and its potential contribution to enhancing urban green spaces were highlighted. A dual strategy integrating ecological aesthetics with a commercial model was proposed, demonstrating that the plant's utilization contributes to both ecological balance and economic feasibility.
EconomicsBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageIndicators of Cultural Ecosystem Services for Peri-Urban Agricultural and Natural Areas at an Intermediate Scale: A Case Study of Arequipa, Peru
2024Marina Torreblanca, Flavio Choquehuanca, Javier Martínez, Martinez Alfaro · Land · Peru (Arequipa)
This research developed indicators for Cultural Ecosystem Services (CESs) in peri-urban agricultural and natural areas (PANAs), using Arequipa, Peru, as a case study. A systematic review combined with a participatory workshop identified 230 indicators across 19 subclassifications, with 115 indicators across 13 subclassifications assessed for impact level. This study enables the selection of practical indicators to facilitate PANA landscape management and support decision-making for interventions.
Peri-urban agricultureBiodiversityCommunityPolicyIdentifying pollinator‐friendly sites within urban green spaces for sustainable urban agriculture
2024Ehsan Rahimi, Chuleui Jung · Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment · South Korea
This study developed a methodology to identify optimal urban locations for pollinator-dependent crops in South Korea. Researchers generated habitat suitability maps for 243 pollinating insects across 10 major cities using species distribution models and Graphab 2.8 software. The analysis found a strong positive correlation between green space cluster modularity and pollinator distribution, indicating that areas with higher modularity have richer pollinator populations and are suitable for urban agriculture.
BiodiversityPollinatorsUrban–rural linkageClimate changePersepsi Masyarakat terhadap Program Urban Farming
2024Dika Supyandi, Pipit Pitriani, Mahra Arari Heryanto · MIMBAR AGRIBISNIS Jurnal Pemikiran Masyarakat Ilmiah Berwawasan Agribisnis · Indonesia (Bandung)
This quantitative research, using Rasch Modeling and a census of urban farming group members in RW 04 Pajajaran District, Cicendo, Bandung City, aimed to analyze community perceptions of urban farming benefits. The study found that the community sufficiently benefited from the program, perceiving it as making the environment green, beautiful, and productive. However, respondents believed urban farming could not minimize household food consumption costs, indicating environmental benefits were more dominant than household resilience.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthBiodiversitySustainable utilization of cultivated land resources based on "element coupling-function synergy" analytical framework: A case study of Guangdong, China
2024Hao Yang, Runyan Zou, Yueming Hu, Lu Wang, Yingkai Xie, Zhengxi Tan, Zhiqiang Zhu, A‐Xing Zhu, Jianzhou Gong, Xiaoyun Mao · Land Use Policy · China
This study introduced an "element coupling-function synergy" analytical framework and constructed a causal Bayesian belief network to identify trade-offs and synergies among multiple functions of cultivated land resources in Guangdong, China. The findings revealed trade-offs between food cleanliness and food production/social security. Synergistic relationships were found among food production, social security, and ecological regulation, as well as among ecological regulation, habitat maintenance, and landscape culture. The study divided the area into eight functional zones and formulated multi-objective management plans.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityPolicyPlant diversity and its use in Javanese urban home garden: An ethnobotanical study in Central Java, Indonesia
2024Salma Ardelia Darmastuti, IRFAN ABU NAZAR, AHMAD DWI SETYAWAN · Asian Journal of Ethnobiology · Indonesia (Surakarta)
An ethnobotanical study in ProKlim RW 16 Banjarsari Village, Surakarta City, Central Java, Indonesia, identified medicinal and food plants in urban home and community gardens. The study found 56 species commonly used by residents for medicinal and food purposes, with lemongrass being the most used medicinal plant and chili the most used food plant. Likert Scale calculations indicated that 90.25% of respondents agreed self-grown food plants are fresher and healthier, and 93.39% agreed more plants reduce air pollution and lower earth temperature.
DIYCommunityBiodiversityHealthGuerrilla Gardening in a Time of Ecological and Social Crisis: An Exploratory Endeavor to Feel Connected with a Lost Piece of Forest
2024Margaretha Häggström, Mårten Häggström · The Trumpeter · Sweden
This four-year exploratory study in a clearcut in western Sweden investigated the feasibility of cultivating crops in a nutrient-poor, shadowless environment to support biodiversity. The study found that while it was possible to grow potatoes, peas, and some summer flowers without special efforts, it was difficult to grow other vegetables and root vegetables. The project suggests that planting activities in clearcuts may impact people's sense of human-nature identity and respect for the natural environment.
Limited or null effectDIYBiodiversityFood educationCommunityGreen horizons: Exploring the potential of vertical green walls
2024T Jeyasurya, C. Subesh Ranjith Kumar, P. Irene Vethamoni, K. Sivasubramanian, M. Djanaguiraman · Plant Science Today · Global
This review explores the concept, suitable plant choices, and benefits of green walls in urban settings, identifying them as a solution to environmental challenges from urbanization. Green walls offer environmental, social, and economic benefits such as improved air quality, noise reduction, energy conservation, and biodiversity enhancement, while also promoting urban agriculture and community engagement. Implementation requires careful consideration of structural integrity, irrigation, and maintenance.
BiodiversityClimate changeCommunityUrban–rural linkageEcological benefits of roof gardens and the difference of roof gardens in different regions
2024Qingxian Lin · Applied and Computational Engineering · Global
This paper examines the ecological benefits of rooftop gardens in response to rapid urbanization and its associated environmental problems. Rooftop gardens were found to improve air quality, store rainwater, mitigate the heat island effect, and protect biodiversity. These benefits alleviate urban air pollution, water resource stress, urban heat island effect, and ecological destruction, with numerous existing applications confirming their feasibility for future cities.
BiodiversityClimate changeMotivations for Urban Agriculture Policies: Evidence from Norway’s Largest Urban Areas
2024Inger‐Lise Saglie · The Geojournal library · Norway
This study investigated the motivations for urban agriculture policies in Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, Norway, identifying five categories of motivations. These include urban "green" development, food production and alternative food systems, provision of social meeting places and community building, municipal welfare services (work training, integration, health promotion, knowledge sharing), and active citizenship and co-creation of city development. While motivations were similar across cities, their emphasis varied.
PolicyCommunityBiodiversityWelfareOverlooked and misunderstood: how urban community gardeners perceive social wasps and their ecosystem functions
2024Julia M. Schmack, Monika Egerer, Susan Karlebowski, Astrid E. Neumann, Ulrike Sturm · Journal of Insect Conservation · Germany
A survey was conducted in urban community gardens in Berlin and Munich, Germany, to assess perceptions of social wasps and their ecosystem functions. Gardeners rated wasps as the least beneficial insect for urban gardens among other insect taxa, and predation was perceived as a negative function in insects and spiders. Knowledge of wasp ecology was positively associated with respondents' willingness to share gardens with wasps, suggesting negative perceptions are likely driven by a lack of knowledge and negative emotions.
CommunityBiodiversityPollinatorsUrban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems Special Section: Improving Livability in Urban Areas: Examining Urban and Peri‐Urban Soil and Plant Management
2024Roberta Bulgari, Erdona Demiraj, Calogero Schillaci, Ahlem Tlili, Yushu Xia · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Global
This special issue examines urban and peri-urban soil and plant management, highlighting that soil-related factors in urban agricultural systems pose unique challenges. Issues such as soil fertility, soil biodiversity, and soil contamination require further investigation to enhance urban agriculture's contribution to livability. The issue collects studies supporting sustainable soil management and crop diversification, and explores remote sensing and deep learning for soil health monitoring and plant disease detection related to contamination.
Contamination & food safetyUrban–rural linkageBiodiversityPolicyHealthEcosophy as a form of protection for the Tapanuli Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) in the Batang Toru Landscape, North Sumatra, Indonesia
2024YUDHA LESMANA, Sambas Basuni, Rinekso Soekmadi · Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity · Indonesia
This qualitative study in the Batang Toru Landscape, North Sumatra, Indonesia, investigated human-orangutan conflict arising from forest clearing for economic development. It found that Tapanuli orangutans migrate to community gardens, leading to crop destruction and decreased economic income for local communities, thus triggering conflict. The study suggests that the concept of ecosophy, integrating intellectual, spiritual, and emotional dimensions, can raise public awareness for orangutan protection, with higher education levels showing more positive results, but highlights the economic viability challenge for communities.
Economic viabilityCommunityBiodiversityEconomicsConservation Value to Bats: Assessing Multiple Functional Habitats in a Nature Preserve at the Urban-Agricultural Interface via Temporal Ecology
2024Han Li, Jeremy A. White · Sustainability · United States
This study assessed bat activity patterns at Glacier Creek Preserve in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, from 2018 to 2020 using acoustic monitoring to determine its conservation value for bats. Nine species, including the endangered Myotis septentrionalis, were recorded, with edge habitats showing higher overall and foraging activities for several species compared to open habitats. The preserve provides roosts, commuting corridors, and foraging grounds for different bat species.
BiodiversityUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureAnalysis of Land Cover Changes and Sustainable Reforestation in Sianjur Mula-Mula District, Samosir Regency, Indonesia
2024Budi Utomo, Rezky Nizar, Rizky Wahyudi, YUNASFI YUNASFI, Samsuri Samsuri, Mohammad Basyuni · OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences · Indonesia
This study analyzed land cover changes in Sianjur Mula-Mula District, Samosir Regency, Indonesia, between 2017 and 2022 using Sentinel 2 imagery and a guided classification method. In 2017, shrubs dominated, covering 4,689 hectares (39.68%), a pattern that persisted in 2022 with 4,529 hectares (38.32%). Forest land decreased by 182 hectares (1.54%), while built-up land increased by 111 hectares (0.95%). The study concluded that reforestation of 4,529 hectares of shrubs is necessary to maintain Lake Toba's water quality.
CommunityClimate changeBiodiversityFuture cities: Designing resilient urban ecosystems with AI-assisted horticultural planning
2024MVV Satyaveni · South Asian Journal of Agricultural Sciences · Global
This article explores how AI technologies are reshaping urban green infrastructure and optimizing horticultural planning to address challenges from urbanization and climate change. Using a mixed-methods approach including a literature review (2010-2024), meta-analysis, and case studies, the research found that AI integration improves plant health monitoring, precision irrigation, predictive biodiversity modeling, and spatial planning of green zones. AI also enables real-time responses to climatic shifts, strengthening ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and cooling effects.
Digital agricultureClimate changeBiodiversityPolicyFood as a public service for people and pollinators: evidence-based insights from regenerative placemaking in New Zealand—the Waharoa living lab
2024Bárbara Ribeiro, David E. Pattemore, A. B. Morris, Leo Baldwin-Ramult, Daniel Exeter · Journal of Urbanism International Research on Placemaking and Urban Sustainability · New Zealand
An action research project in Waharoa, New Zealand, transformed a former bowling green into a public, edible landscape. This 400 m2 Living Lab (LL) involved multi-stakeholder cooperation (government, community, and academia), and participants perceived benefits as transition pathways to more nutritious dietary choices, health education, and reduced criminality in a socially deprived region. Analyses of interviews, observations, and pollinator surveys conducted at the LL confirmed that 14 visiting species were drawn to the site, leading to an approach to regenerative placemaking that combines human health and biodiversity benefits.
CommunityHealthBiodiversityPollinatorsImprovement of the urban microclimate with aromatic and medicinal plants
2024Administrative Region of Central, Thessaloniki, Greece, K.I. Maknea, Nikolaos Thymakis, Julia Nerantzia Tzortzi, A. Asănică · Romanian journal of Horticulture · Greece
Experimental research at eight sites in Thessaloniki, Greece, evaluated the impact of aromatic and medicinal plants on the urban microclimate. Sites with these plants showed a 10-15% temperature reduction compared to non-planted areas, and potted plants on simulated balconies led to a 5-10% temperature reduction. However, areas with dense vegetation and water features exhibited increased humidity and limited air circulation, creating adverse thermal comfort conditions.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityClimate changeDIYNatural systems in IIHS campus, Kengeri
2024· · India
The IIHS Campus in Kengeri, India, is located at the intersection of Ramasagara Lake, Sulikere Forest, and an urban settlement, making it a suitable site to examine the interconnectedness between natural systems and the built environment. The campus aims to become an archetype of a safe space for humans and nature, building eco-friendly and climate-resilient structures, and establishing a multidisciplinary living lab. The NATURAL SYSTEMS Box Set documents the campus's water systems, biodiversity, integrated campus agriculture, and related experiments.
CommunityBiodiversityOrganic cycleDancing with foxes: More‐than‐human design in ‘the chicken city’
2024Catherine Oliver · Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers · United Kingdom (London)
This paper examines urban chicken-keeping in London, where urban spaces are transformed to accommodate chickens. It argues that the human-imposed design of urban barnyards is often impractical for chickens, leading to lawns being torn up, plants demolished, and vegetable patches consumed. Additionally, chickens are vulnerable to local foxes, highlighting that chickens' behaviors and territoriality often overflow their assigned space, challenging human design intentions.
Environmental trade-offsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageUnderstanding environmental generational amnesia through urban school garden learning experiences in Gimuy/Cairns, Australia
2024Rachael Walshe, Lisa Law, Neus Evans · Local Environment · Australia (Cairns)
This paper explores the potential of urban school garden learning experiences in Gimuy/Cairns, Australia, to remediate Environmental Generational Amnesia (EGA). Drawing on interviews with various staff at a Far North Queensland primary school, the study found that school garden experiences foster interaction patterns that combat EGA's symptoms, offering new possibilities for reassembling students into local ecologies and remediating EGA manifestations.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversity