Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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390 results(11 / 16)
Pemanfaatan Komunikasi Inovasi Digital Pertanian Perkotaan di Masa Pandemi Covid-19
2022Leonard 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.
Digital agricultureCommunityEconomicsTrend Analysis of Balcony Vegetable Gardens in Korea, Before and After COVID-19 Pandemic Using Big Data
2022Yumin 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.
DIYPolicyCommunityDigital agricultureEffects of Agrivoltaic Systems on the Surrounding Rooftop Microclimate
2022Jerome Wei Chiang Teng, Chew Beng Soh, Shiddalingeshwar Channabasappa Devihosur, Ryan Hong Soon Tay, Steve Kardinal Jusuf · Sustainability · Global
This study investigated the effects of agrivoltaic systems on rooftop microclimates and PV efficiency. ENVI-met simulations showed that PV temperatures in plots with crops below the PV system were 2.83 °C lower on sunny days and 0.71 °C lower on cloudy days, leading to a 1.13–1.42% and 0.28–0.35% improvement in PV efficiency, respectively. Data from a physical prototype indicated that evaporative cooling reduced ambient temperatures, with the agrivoltaic system generating 3.05–3.2% more energy daily compared to a control without crops.
Climate changeDIYOrganic cycleDigital agricultureGrowth performance of water spinach Ipomoea aquatica and freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii grown in aquaponic and hydroponic units
2022Zeba F. Alam, Karen Avena, Lorenzo Sales, Denise Suemith, Riane UY · Indian Journal of Fisheries · Global
This study attempted to optimize aquaponics culture conditions for water spinach and freshwater prawns, comparing their growth performance in soil, aquaponics, aquarium, and hydroponics units. Water spinach showed significant growth in the aquaponics setup compared to hydroponics, but less than in soil units. Freshwater prawns also recorded significantly higher growth in the aquaponics unit compared to the aquarium unit.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureSynchronous Generative Development amidst Situated Entropy
2022Stephen Fox · Entropy · Global
This paper aims to extend the theory of synchronous generative development, which balances human and environmental well-being, towards practical application in sustainable development projects. The theory is extended by referencing research on multilevel pragmatics, competing signals, commitment processes, technological mediation, and psychomotor functioning, and is related to human-driven biosocial-technical innovation through the example of digital twins for agroecological urban farming. However, practical examples in the paper suggest that counterproductive complexity can arise from situated entropy amidst biosocial-technical innovations, even when compatible with synchronous generative development.
Digital agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justicePengembangan Potensi dan Inovasi Pertanian Perkotaan di Kota Makassar
2022Annisa Nurulita Hasani, Muhammad Hasan, Citra Ayni Kamaruddin, Nurdiana Nurdiana, Nurjannah Nurjannah · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pembangunan dan Pendidikan Vokasi Pertanian · Indonesia (Makassar)
This qualitative descriptive study, using observation and interviews with purposive sampling, analyzed the development of urban agriculture potential and innovations managed by KWT Anggrek in Makassar City, Indonesia. The research aimed to identify potential developments and applicable innovations, finding that active roles from the community, government, and agricultural extension workers are needed. Key indicators included resource effectiveness, sustainability, ICT utilization, agricultural environmental potential, existing innovations, and development constraints.
CommunityDigital agricultureEconomicsPolicyEnvironmental and social life cycle assessment of growing media for urban rooftop farming
2021Susana Toboso‐Chavero, Cristina Madrid‐López, Gara Villalba, Xavier Gabarrell, Arne Björn Hückstädt, Matthias Finkbeiner, Annekatrin Lehmann · The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment · Global
A comprehensive environmental and social life cycle assessment of perlite, peat, and coir growing media, imported to Spain from Turkey, Germany, and the Philippines respectively, was conducted for urban rooftop farming. Environmentally, coir had the lowest burden, while perlite had the highest impacts due to mining and transport. Socially, peat performed best, but coir showed the worst scores in community infrastructure and human rights, and perlite performed lowest in health and safety.
Equity & displacementDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceThe Sprouting Farms: You Are What You Grow
2021Jamie Wang · Humanities · Singapore
This article explores the rise of urban farming in Singapore, following small- to medium-scale urban farms, including rooftop gardens, community farms, and organic farms, through the politics of localism and the notion of care. It investigates how localism, in some contexts, has been reduced to a narrow sense of geographic location. The study also examines what is being cared for in urban farming and how it might transform bio-cultural and social-technological relations.
Equity & displacementPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityDigital agricultureNovel Materials for Urban Farming
2021Lifei Xi, Mengyuan Zhang, L. Zhang, Tedrick Thomas Salim Lew, Yeng Ming Lam · Advanced Materials · Singapore
This review discusses how novel materials are crucial for advancing urban farming, offering benefits like controlled release of nutrients, improved seed health, and better water retention in substrates. Singapore is presented as an example where urban farming, supported by materials science, can address food production challenges in land-scarce cities. The paper highlights potential research directions and challenges in the field.
Digital agricultureUrban–rural linkageClimate changeDISEMINASI TEKNOLOGI PEMBUDIDAYA IKAN PADA KELOMPOK PEMBUDIDAYA IKAN DI KELURAHAN DEMANG LEBAR DAUN
2021Indra Griha Tofik Isa, Riana Mayasari, Rian Rahmanda Putra · Community Development Journal Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia
The Macan Kumbang fish farming group in Demang Lebar Daun village, Indonesia, faced challenges including untimely feeding, overfeeding, difficulty measuring water quality, lack of waste management, and issues predicting capital return. This activity aimed to build IoT-based fish farming technology integrated with urban farming to address these problems. The final results showed increased cost effectiveness and production after the implementation of the fish farming technology.
CommunityDigital agricultureTypes of Vertical Smart Farms and Awareness of their use in Korean Cities Types and Feasibility Analysis of Vertical Smart Farms in Korean Cities
2021Han Kyul Heo, Eunseok Lee · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea
This study investigated types of vertical smart farms (VSF) and citizens' awareness of them in Korean cities through case studies and a questionnaire survey. Four VSF types were identified: rooftop, facade, indoor, and whole-building farms. The survey found that 22.2% of respondents were well-aware of VSF, and improving public awareness was considered the most important factor for VSF introduction. Education and promotion were deemed crucial for VSF diffusion.
Digital agricultureCommunityPolicyReviewing chemical and biological risks in urban agriculture: A comprehensive framework for a food safety assessment of city region food systems
2021Enrico Buscaroli, Ilaria Braschi, Chiara Cirillo, Agnès Fargue‐Lelièvre, Giuseppe Carlo Modarelli, Giuseppina Pennisi, Isabella Righini, Kathrin Specht, Francesco Orsini · Food Control · Global
This paper addresses the potential underestimation of food safety risks in urban agriculture (UA), which can lead to regulatory gaps, despite positive perceptions of UA. It reviews literature on UA food safety assessments, identifying indicators and developing a framework for evaluating food safety risks in UA initiatives. The framework uses business surveys and food analyses to calculate a food safety index for UA businesses and city regions.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPolicyDigital agricultureSTACKED
2021Luuk Graamans · Architecture and the Built Environment · Global
This research investigated the potential and limitations of plant factories (vertical farming) for urban food production. The STACKED method was developed to assess plant factory performance across multiple scales, from leaf to facility to city, analyzing resource requirements including energy, electricity, water, CO2, and land area use for fresh vegetable production. The study found that while plant factories feature extensive climate control, their necessity, effectiveness, and efficiency remain questionable, and their effects on the urban energy balance were also assessed.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsSustainable and low-cost automated greenhouse prototype with a social focus for integral formation
2021Norma Angélica ÁLVAREZ-TORRES, Omar VELARDE-ANAYA, Mario Balvanedo RODRÍGUEZ-ARENAS, Sara TORRES-ÁLVAREZ · Journal of Technology and Innovation · Global
This project developed a low-cost automated greenhouse prototype, installable on rooftops or gardens, with an electronic control system and user interface for use by children, youth, and adults at the "Manitas que hablan" institution. Through surveys, experiments, and observation, the study demonstrated the feasibility of collaborative work in developing a prototype for seed germination and crop harvesting. It also highlighted the importance of supporting the social sector by promoting urban gardens for the integration of children and young people.
Digital agricultureFood educationHealthZoom Meeting Platform Bagi Kelompok Tani Elok Mekar Sari Untuk Meningkatkan Kinerja Kelompok di Era Pandemi Covid-19
2021Haryanto Tanuwijaya, A.B Tjandrarini · Surya Abdimas · Indonesia (Surabaya)
The Kelompok Tani Elok Mekar Sari farmer group in Surabaya, Indonesia, experienced a decline in performance during the COVID-19 pandemic because its members lacked the skills to use online applications for their activities. To address this, a community service initiative provided training on the Zoom Meeting Platform, both offline and online. This training successfully enhanced the group's performance by enabling members to conduct various activities remotely while adhering to health protocols.
CommunityDigital agricultureEcology, landscape and urban agriculture. An innovative envelope for vertical farms
2021Valerio Morabito · TECHNE - Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment · Global
This text explores the relationship between ecology and landscape architecture, and urban agriculture and vertical farm experiments through the lens of circular economy and recycling. Urban agriculture plays ecological, social, cultural, and aesthetic roles, evolving into new architectural experiments with vertical farms. Finally, it describes a building envelope patent developed by APS spin-off UNIRC for organizing vertical farms in unfinished buildings.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeDigital agricultureThe Unwanted Heritage of Prefabricated Wartime Air Raid Shelters—Underground Space Regeneration Feasibility for Urban Agriculture to Enhance Neighbourhood Community Engagement
2021Paweł Matacz, L. Świątek · Sustainability · Poland (Szczecin)
This article addresses the problematic heritage of Nazi German underground air raid shelters in Szczecin, Poland, by exploring their revitalization for urban agriculture. Through inventory and analysis, a modular hydroponic plant-growing system adapted to these prefabricated spaces was proposed. This solution aims to overcome negative associations, strengthen food sovereignty, initiate bottom-up community activity, and build social ties in residential neighborhoods.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureUrban–rural linkageTechnological Application to Managing a Municipal Urban Garden
2021Fernando Almeida, Nuno Miranda, Bruno Vieira · Advances in environmental engineering and green technologies book series · Global
This chapter presents a mobile application designed for farmers to manage municipal urban gardens. The app provides information on crop status, products to grow, and required maintenance, aiming to simplify the production process. It also seeks to enhance the sustainability of urban agriculture activities across economic, social, and logistical dimensions.
Digital agricultureCommunityEconomicsSDG Implementation through Technology? Governing Food-Water-Technology Nexus Challenges in Urban Agriculture
2021Sandra Schwindenhammer, Denise Gonglach · Politics and Governance · Germany
This qualitative and participatory case study in Germany examined the governance implications of an emerging technology in urban agriculture that connects wastewater treatment and agricultural production for urban hydroponics. The analysis found that while this technology has the potential to facilitate SDG implementation, it simultaneously creates new sector interlinkages between water and food, leading to policy demands that necessitate more integrated policymaking.
Governance failureDigital agriculturePolicyClimate changeFood sovereignty & justicePotential for Sustainable Urban and Peri-Urban Agricultural Practices in Nairobi County
2021Mary Njoki Mwaura, Sabina Mukoya-Wangia, Japheth Ododa Origa, O.L.E. Mbatia, Evans Chimoita · Journal of Agricultural Extension · Kenya
A study of 149 respondents in Nairobi County examined urban and peri-urban agricultural practices, finding composting and open field farming popular but not the most profitable. More profitable practices like cattle rearing and mushroom farming were unpopular due to expensive inputs and specialized skills. The study indicates that popular practices are less profitable, highlighting a need for transformation towards controlled environment agriculture with policy support.
Economic viabilityCompostOrganic cycleEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureDigital agricultureCaracterización tecnológica de productores hortícolas peri-urbanos en tres parroquias del cantón Cuenca, Ecuador
2021Maria Elena Peralta-Culcay, Hugo Alberto Cedillo-Tapia, Alfonso Suárez-Tapia · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Ecuador (Cuenca)
This research characterized the technological use among small (500-1000 m2) and medium (1000-3000 m2) peri-urban horticultural producers in San Joaquín, Baños, and Sayausí, Cuenca, Ecuador, using a survey. The survey found that most production is sold in local markets, following an ancestral system with some additional technology. The identified technological efficiency was at a medium level (3 on a scale of 1 to 5), indicating a technological deficit.
Limited or null effectPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsCommunityDigital agricultureRancang Bangun Robot Smart Farming Berbasis Computer Numerical Control (Sensor dan Monitoring)
2021Ilham Eka Putra, Wiwin Styorini · ABEC Indonesia · Global
This research developed a Smart Farming Robot (SF-BOT) for urban agriculture, designed for automated watering, seed planting, and plant monitoring using IoT applications. SF-BOT utilizes soil moisture sensors with Arduino and Raspberry Pi, offering real-time monitoring and video streaming via a web server interface. The DHT sensor achieved 98.69% accuracy, and the magnetic sensor achieved 100% accuracy.
Digital agricultureDIYCommunitySustainability and education through social networks. Presence and visibility of the school garden on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
2021Juan-Francisco Álvarez-Herrero, María Encarnación Urrea Solano, Rosabel Martínez-Roig · IJERI International Journal of Educational Research and Innovation · Spain
This study examined the presence and visibility of school gardens on social media in Spain by analyzing the last 100 posts with #huertoescolar on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Educational centers primarily documented school garden activities on Twitter, followed by Facebook and Instagram. School gardens were mainly used for practical application of academic content and fostering environmental awareness, but greater integration with Sustainable Development Goals is still needed.
Food educationCommunityDigital agricultureThe Politics of Smart Farming Expectations in Urban Environments
2021Per-Anders Langendahl · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · Global
This paper investigates the politics of smart farming expectations in urban environments, conducting exploratory case study research on early smart farming initiatives in Sweden. It explores the politics of knowledge claims at the project level and their performativity in envisioning more sustainable urban futures. The findings suggest that smart farming at the level of individual projects gives the appearance of change, but at the same time, it produces more of the same.
Governance failureDigital agriculturePolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageAspek Sumber Daya Manusia yang Kompeten Sebagai Pendukung Utama Urban Farming
2021Institut Teknologi Bandung, Ernawati Ernawati, Indratmo Soekarno, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Joko Sıswanto, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Yadi Suryadi, Institut Teknologi Bandung · Jurnal Keteknikan Pertanian Tropis dan Biosistem · Indonesia
This study discusses the need for competent human resources to support urban farming in Indonesia, given limited land and busy urban populations. It notes that only 24% of the community intends to engage in urban farming, and only 2% actually do, resulting in suboptimal outcomes. The research emphasizes that strong cooperation between the government and community is essential for urban farming to contribute to food security.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agriculture