Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
1545 results(11 / 62)
Integration of Digital Innovation in Urban Farming: A Review towards Advancing Sustainable Food Security in South and Southeast Asian Cities
2025Ghana Shyam Yurembam, Malay Pramanik, Ranjana Devi Yengkhom, L. Hemochandra, Bivek Chakma, Deepak Jhajharia, G. T. Patle · Journal of Agricultural Engineering (India) · Asia
This systematic review examined urban farming systems in South and Southeast Asian countries to address research gaps in technology adoption, costs, environmental benefits, and policy. Using the PRISMA method and Scopus/Web of Science databases, the review found that urban farming contributes to sustainability by reducing environmental impacts, improving water usage, and managing waste. It also noted that energy-efficient technologies and automation can decrease carbon emissions and optimize land use for increased yields, fostering self-reliant food systems.
Digital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyIntegrating Intelligent Irrigation Systems Across Morocco’s Cultivated Spaces: A Strategic Assessment for Sustainable Water Management
2025Anass El-Aabssi, Abdelhadi Assir · Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology) · Morocco
This study assessed the potential integration of Intelligent Irrigation Systems (IIS) across four agricultural categories in Morocco—protected agriculture, traditional open-field farming, urban agriculture, and natural ecosystems—for sustainable water management. The evaluation considered infrastructural readiness, technological compatibility, economic feasibility, environmental impact, and social consequences. Findings indicated that traditional open-field farming, which accounts for 85% of cultivated area and 70% of irrigation water, holds the greatest potential for water savings, up to 70%, through precision irrigation technology.
Digital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsLeveraging community agroecological values across scales for food system transformation in Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation, Northwest Territories
2025Jennifer Temmer, Alison Blay‐Palmer, Andrew Spring · Canadian Food Studies / La Revue canadienne des études sur l alimentation · Canada (Northwest Territories)
A Participatory Action Research study in Kakisa, Northwest Territories, applied the Community Agroecological Values Framework to food system planning. While the community successfully leveraged extra-regional resources by building relationships with organizations outside the territory, findings indicated that unstable relationships and conflicting perspectives regarding land use and agriculture constrained access to critical regional supports, including gardening knowledge networks, funding, and training opportunities. This study highlights the necessity of both short-term regional support and long-term local capacity building for sustainable food production.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyPengembangan Model Random Forest Regressor untuk Prediksi Kelembaban pada Pertanian Perkotaan Berkelanjutan
2025Miftah Farid Adiwisastra, Saeful Bahri, H. Syahwani Umar · Jutisi Jurnal Ilmiah Teknik Informatika dan Sistem Informasi · Global
This study aims to develop an IoT and AI-integrated smart farming system operating via edge computing. The prototype system collects real-time environmental data using pH, TDS, temperature, humidity, and water level sensors, processing it with the Random Forest Regressor algorithm to determine optimal conditions. Test results showed the model has very high accuracy in predicting humidity (R² = 0.99; RMSE = 0.65) and temperature (R² = 0.99; RMSE = 0.17), though discrepancies were noted under extreme conditions.
Digital agricultureClimate changeUrbanization, Climate Change, and Food Insecurity: A Triple Threat to Kiambu Sub-County, Kenya
2025Stella Kasiva Mbiti, Micah Makworo, Brenda Waruinu Githinji, Christine Sabwa · · Kenya
This study explored the inter-linkages of urbanization, climate change, and food insecurity in Kiambu Sub-County, Kenya. Findings show urbanization leads to dramatic land use changes, diminishing agricultural land, and exacerbated climate risks and food insecurity. The study identified institutional weaknesses, poor planning, limited regulatory frameworks, and political interference as key drivers of unsustainable urban growth and reduced food production.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyUrban–rural linkageCommunity connectedness and sustainable eating
2025Michela Lenzi, Andrea Scatolon, Luciana Carraro, Margherita Guidetti, Valentina Carfora · Current Opinion in Psychology · Global
This review explored how community connectedness influences sustainable eating, particularly meat consumption. It found that while community ties can encourage pro-environmental behaviors and support plant-based diet initiatives, a strong connection to one's community may also hinder the adoption of environmentally friendly diets by reinforcing meat-heavy culinary traditions. The potential for community connectedness to promote sustainable eating depends on factors like environmental awareness.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeImpacto del cambio climático en la seguridad alimentaria en regiones urbanas de Colombia
2025Piedad Margarita Montero Castillo, Diofanor Acevedo Correa, Yesid Alejandro Marrugo Ligardo · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Colombia
This study examines the impacts of climate change on food security for vulnerable social groups in urban areas of Colombia. Using documentary analysis and hermeneutic valuation, it considers the negative impacts of climate change on food production. Sustainable urban agriculture is analyzed as a contribution to providing access to nutritious and healthy food for vulnerable groups, fostering adaptability and resilience.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareHealthThe importance of digital record-keeping among urban agriculture communities: a review
2025Noryana Ahmad Khusaini, Munifah Siti Amira Yusuf · Universiti Putra Malaysia Institutional Repository (Universiti Putra Malaysia) · Global
This review examines the significance of digital record-keeping in urban agriculture, focusing on its impact on efficiency, productivity, market access, economic benefits, sustainability, and environmental benefits. The review identifies challenges such as a lack of digital skills, high implementation costs, inadequate technological infrastructure, limited connectivity, data privacy, and security. These challenges hinder the adoption of digitalization in urban agriculture.
Governance failureDigital agricultureEconomicsCommunityClimate changePOSITIVE EFFECTS OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN BUILDINGS ON URBAN SUSTAINABILITY
2025R Mohammadzadeh · Proceedings of International Structural Engineering and Construction · Global
This qualitative secondary study, based on a structured literature review, examined the role of green infrastructure (GI) integrated into buildings for urban sustainability. Findings indicate that GI supports climate change adaptation, improves air quality, promotes urban biodiversity, and enables energy-efficient design. However, the paper also recognizes limitations related to cost, maintenance, and structural requirements for implementing building-based GI.
Economic viabilityClimate changeBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsResilience to abrupt global catastrophic risks disrupting trade: Combining urban and near-urban agriculture in a quantified case study of a globally median-sized city
2025Matt Boyd, Nick Wilson · PLoS ONE · Global
This study estimates the contribution of urban and near-urban agriculture to resilience against abrupt global catastrophic risks (GCRs) in a globally median-sized city. Using mathematical optimization and Google Earth image analysis, researchers determined optimal crops and land area for food production. Findings indicate that urban agriculture could feed 20% of the population, with an additional 1140 hectares of near-urban cultivation and 110 hectares for biofuel feedstock needed to cover the shortfall, though more land is required in nuclear winter scenarios.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood Systems
2025M. L. Wahlqvist · Food and nutrition · Global
This chapter defines food systems and their evolution, noting that current systems contribute significantly to environmental degradation. It highlights the urgent need for transformation due to increasing global food demand, environmental issues, political instability, and climate change. The chapter discusses alternative food systems, including urban agriculture, that prioritize sustainability, resilience, and social justice to address challenges in industrialized food production and ensure access to nutritious food.
Food sovereignty & justiceCSA & TeikeiCommunityClimate changeThe Langa Agri-Food Hub in Cape Town, South Africa
2025Natalia Urrego Díaz, Astrid Ley, Kurt Ackermann, Leonie K. Fischer · · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study focuses on the Langa Agri-Food Hub in Cape Town, South Africa. The Hub is an innovation-seeking project aimed at transforming the local food system from the bottom up, supporting farmers, and strengthening the community. Through a literature review and qualitative analysis, including site observations, interviews, and workshops, the study uncovered the Hub's potential to serve as a vital platform for individual empowerment and the strengthening of the local food system.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsClimate changeRole of Urban Farming in Promoting Sustainable Economic Development
2025Yosra Abduljalel Alajeli, Gunavathy Selvarajh · Journal of Business and Social Review in Emerging Economies · Global
This qualitative desk research investigated urban farming's economic, environmental, and societal impacts on sustainable economic development. Findings indicate urban farming enhances local economies, provides fresh produce, strengthens community engagement, and promotes green infrastructure. However, its broader adoption is hindered by limited land access, inadequate legislative support, and low public awareness.
Governance failureEconomicsClimate changeCommunityPolicyThe Role of Minor Mediterranean Fruit Trees in Sustainable Residential Landscaping: A Longitudinal Perspective
2025Mümüne Selen Abbasoğlu, İbrahim Kahramanoğlu · HortScience · Global
This study explored the role of minor Mediterranean fruit trees in sustainable residential landscapes by examining their presence, selection criteria, and long-term trends in home gardens. Data from structured surveys of 400 homeowners revealed olive (60.3%) and pomegranate (50.0%) as the most prevalent species. Older gardens (40+ years) exhibited greater biodiversity, while newer gardens prioritized easier-to-maintain and aesthetically appealing species. Overall, the study indicated a gradual shift from traditional Mediterranean fruit trees to monotonous, low-maintenance gardens.
DIYBiodiversityClimate changePEMBERDAYAAN WILAYAH TAMBAKREJO SEMARANG MELALUI PENGUATAN URBAN FARMING UNTUK MEWUJUDKAN KOTA TANGGUH DAN BERKELANJUTAN
2025Nana Kariada Tri Martuti, Muh Sholeh, Rossi Prabowo, Inaya Sari Melati · ABDIMAS UNWAHAS · Indonesia (Semarang)
In Tambakrejo Village, Semarang City, Indonesia, a challenge exists due to the low human resource capacity in managing integrated urban farming. This program aims to enhance partners' capacity to develop an integrated farming system combining urban farming and aquaculture. As a result of the activities, the Tambakrejo farmer group received facilities such as rainwater harvesting installations, vertical gardens, various vegetable seeds, and compost, along with training on strengthening farmer group institutions and technological innovation in vegetable and fish cultivation through aquaponics.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeFood educationIntegrating urban rooftop farming into city governance in megacities: A systematic literature review
2025Md. Ashikuzzaman, Mohammad Shahidul Hasan Swapan, Atiq Zaman · Cities · Global
This systematic literature review analyzed 75 published materials using PRISMA methodology to characterize the governance process for urban rooftop farming (URF) in megacities. The study found that a structured governance framework for URF is scarce, but existing literature helps define potential policy instruments and strategies for integration with city governance. A two-tier governance framework is proposed, requiring attention from local government and stakeholders.
PolicyCommunityClimate changeTemporal and Spatial Analysis of the Environmental State of the Valencia Plain Aquifer Area Using the Weighted Environmental Index (WEI)
2025Javier Rodrigo-Ilarri, Claudia P. Romero-Hernández, Sergio Salazar-Galán, María-Elena Rodrigo-Clavero · Sustainability · Spain (Valencia)
This article analyzes the impact of urban sprawl on the Valencia Plain aquifer system from 1990 to 2018 using the Weighted Environmental Index (WEI). Results show urban surfaces expanded by 70% and rainfed agricultural areas declined by over 59%, leading to a 9.2% reduction in environmental value (WEI decreased from 44.80 to 40.68). These changes threaten ecosystem sustainability and reduce the capacity to deliver ecosystem services.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agriculturePolicyBiodiversityClimate changeUrban agriculture supports China’s vegetable supply without raising greenhouse gas emissions
2025Yuanchao Hu, Prajal Pradhan, Haoran Zhang, Zhen Wang, Qianyuan Huang, Qiqi Jia, Xihong Lian, Chao Xu, Rui Yang, Yuxi Tian, Zhibang Xu, Limin Jiao, Jürgen P. Kropp · Resources Environment and Sustainability · China
This study constructed a new dataset of urban productive spaces for 124 large Chinese cities to assess the potential of urban agriculture. It found that approximately 30% of urban vegetable demand could be met by utilizing spaces such as rooftops and open areas. However, urban agriculture showed little potential for greenhouse gas emission mitigation, with an average intensity (0.30 kgCO2e/kg) similar to traditional agriculture (0.31 kgCO2e/kg).
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeUrban–rural linkageEconomicsDigital agricultureUrban Agriculture in Mogadishu: Opportunities and Constraints
2025Yasin Mohamed Ibrahim · Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology · Somalia (Mogadishu)
A study in Mogadishu, Somalia, used snowball sampling to assess constraints and opportunities for urban horticulture. It found that temperature, wind, pests, diseases, and limited irrigation water significantly restrict production, particularly for open-field farmers who face high irrigation demands, pest infestations, and low-quality yields unattractive to buyers. While greenhouses offer some protection, plastic greenhouses specifically suffer from inadequate gutter height and poor ventilation, requiring farmers to use primitive methods to combat extreme temperatures.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEVALUATION OF THE FEASIBILITY OF URBAN AGRICULTURE IN EDIRNE CITY CENTER
2025Beyza Aleyna Bayram, Selin ARABULAN · Pamukkale University Journal of Social Sciences Institute · Turkey (Edirne)
This study aimed to identify and evaluate the urban agriculture potential in Edirne, Turkey, based on the hypothesis of transforming passive areas into urban agricultural areas. It conducted a literature review, reported on climate, topography, vegetation cover, and land use conditions, and used SWOT analysis to evaluate potential in technological, economic, demographic, sociological, and ecological contexts. The study determined that urban agriculture practices in Edirne, where the existing structure is quite favorable, can be evaluated as a strategic development tool with proper planning and management.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeBiodiversityCommunityImplementation of Solar-Powered Water Pump and Monitoring System for Hydroponic Urban Farming
2025Adi Mahmud Jaya Marindra, Dwi Surya Santaki, Deny Kurniawan, Ferdian Ilham Maulana, Raihan Adji Widjaksana, Muhammad Irham Amzari, Pandu Jati Bayu Saputra, Chenny Azalia Eka Putri Minggus, Rafi Fauzan · Jurdimas (Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat) Royal · Indonesia (Balikpapan)
This project addressed power outages affecting hydroponic gardens of the Women Farmers Group (KWT) Sepinggan Raya in Balikpapan, Indonesia, by implementing a solar-powered water pump and a water quality monitoring system. The program included a survey, system installation, and training. Results indicate that the system improves hydroponic productivity and reduces operational costs previously dependent on the national electricity grid, also empowering the local women's group with renewable energy knowledge.
Digital agricultureCommunityEconomicsClimate changeAn integrated quantitative framework for exploring sustainable scenarios in urban agriculture planning
2025Zih‐Ee Lin, Yin-Chi Lin, Mengshan Lee, Pei-Te Chiueh, Chun-Wei Wu, Yu-Sen Chang · Sustainable Environment Research · Taiwan (Taipei)
This 2025 study proposed an integrated framework for urban agriculture planning, incorporating land use classification, design scenarios, and quantitative environmental impact assessment. Applied to Taipei, Taiwan, the framework identified 9.4% of the city's area as potential urban agriculture sites, with half being small ground plots. The analysis of 16 scenarios revealed trade-offs, such as food crops enhancing supply versus ornamental plants mitigating the urban heat island effect.
Climate changePolicyUrban–rural linkage“Planting flowers into potholes”: urban community gardens as symptoms of institutional shortfall?
2025Ágnes Gagyi · Local Environment · Europe
This paper investigated urban gardening in an East European capital, focusing on institutional resources. The study found a clear relationship between a shortfall of institutional resources and the limited, conflictual promotion of urban gardens as sustainability tools. It argues that gardens' contradictions stem from the privatization of public functions, which has depleted institutions capable of implementing gardens as sustainability tools, instead outsourcing costs to garden communities.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyClimate changeUrban Agriculture Technical Advisory
2025Ivanjack, Katherine Rose, Preciado, Kylie J · DigitalCommons - CalPoly (California State Polytechnic University) · United States (California)
This senior capstone project aims to explore the potential of urban agriculture to address critical challenges in sustainability, food security, and community development within California cities. The project highlights practical and innovative approaches to urban farming that can be adopted or adapted to suit the unique needs of urban areas across the state.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityClimate changeAdaptive trait divergence of annual plants in response to urban habitat diversity in a megacity
2025Nakata Taichi, Naoyuki Nakahama, Nobuko Ohmido, Atushi Ushimaru · Journal of Ecology · Japan (Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe)
This study investigated the effects of urban habitat diversity on plant trait diversification in the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe megacity, Japan, using a common garden experiment with seeds from 23 Commelina communis populations from rural agricultural lands, urban agricultural lands, parks, and roadsides. Urban habitats generally exhibited higher soil pH and land surface temperature. Urban populations, particularly those from roadsides, showed distinct traits such as increased plant height, larger plant height/width ratio, fewer shoots and leaves, and/or larger leaves compared to rural populations. QST-FST comparisons and trait-environment relationships strongly suggest that local adaptation to hot, shaded, and/or eutrophic urban environments drove the observed trait divergence among various urban populations.
BiodiversityUrban–rural linkageClimate change