Research & reports

Letícia Malherbi Byczkovski, João Lucas Mota Nogueira da Costa, Daiana Novello · Caderno Pedagógico · Global

This study evaluated the effect of educational interventions on knowledge, consumption, acceptance, frequency of intake, planting of vegetables (focusing on endive), and help with culinary preparations among 260 schoolchildren aged 6 to 10 in public schools. The intervention based on setting up a school garden (G4) was the most effective, promoting a significant increase in knowledge about endive, acceptance, frequency of consumption, and involvement in planting a garden. Theoretical-practical activities (G2) and cooking workshops (G3) were effective in increasing children's knowledge of vegetables, but workshops also resulted in less willingness to try new vegetables.

Silvia Barbero, Federica Larcher · · Italy (Turin)

This chapter explores the role of the Turin Living Lab in testing nature-based solutions (NBS) in the Mirafiori Sud district of Italy. Local schools play a significant role in testing these solutions. Seven NBS types have been implemented, including new soil, urban horticulture, aquaponics, green roofs and walls, and green corridors.

Ana Irhandayaningsih, Gani Nur Pramudyo, Puteri Inandin Nabiha, Beta Estri Adiana · Anuva Jurnal Kajian Budaya Perpustakaan dan Informasi · Indonesia (Semarang)

This research explains the process of information repackaging in urban farming practices in Bergas Kidul Village, Semarang Regency, Indonesia. It integrated Participatory Action Research (PAR) and community-based agroecology principles. Repackaging involved six iterative stages, including identifying technical knowledge sources, simplifying content, demplot trials, and producing contextual learning media such as posters, pocketbooks, and visual training.

Coosje Dijkstra, Jutka Halberstadt, Jaap Seidell, Arnoud Verhoefff · VU Research Portal · Netherlands (Amsterdam)

In a school garden in Amsterdam-Zuidoost, children were amazed when their teacher pulled a radish from the ground and ate it. Most children followed suit and discovered that their self-harvested salad was tasty without dressing.

Anna Paltseva · iScience · Global

This article presents a participatory science framework for urban soil research, engaging communities in soil monitoring and management through co-designed projects and educational outreach. The framework integrates digital tools and real-time mapping to enhance data accuracy and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration to improve urban soil health. Demonstrated through case studies, this approach aims to build capacity for sustained community involvement and equitable environmental decision-making.

Nur Aini Alfiah, Dewi Fatmawaty Sabiku, Devina Cinantya Anindita, Dewi Puspa Arisandi, Anggita Rizky Fadilah, Ni Nengah Putri Adnyani, Ferril Muhammad Nur · Jurnal Abdi Insani · Indonesia

A community service program in Jember Regency, Indonesia, from November 2024 to January 2025, aimed to enhance food independence among housewives in subsidized housing through training and practice in simple wick hydroponics for bok choy. Most participants understood the material, successfully grew bok choy at home, and showed interest in other vegetables. The program increased awareness of self-sufficient vegetable cultivation for family food security, improving their ability to provide bok choy for household needs, though not achieving full food independence.

Meredith L. Mull, Mario Torralba · Frontiers in Nutrition · Global

This exploratory Q-methodology study investigated how university students in sustainability programs conceptualize sustainable food systems. Analysis revealed five distinct narratives, with consensus on food security and transparent governance. However, elements like urban agriculture, GMOs, and food traditions were consistently deprioritized by the participants. The findings emphasize incorporating plural perspectives and context-sensitive approaches in food system research and policy.

Thaís Falcão Cardoso, Ester Vitória Basilio Anchieta · Even3 Publicações eBooks · Global

This paper discusses the importance of Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS) in science education, articulated with urban agriculture practices in non-formal spaces. The qualitative and bibliographic research proposes a methodology based on accessible school gardens, utilizing visual resources, bilingual materials, and inclusive technologies. Results indicate that the use of LIBRAS in these practices expands scientific learning, respect for diversity, and collective engagement.

Fadilla Siska Tiara, Eva Maria Sulastri · BUDIMAS JURNAL PENGABDIAN MASYARAKAT · Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)

Training on planting mustard greens using the hydroponic wick system was conducted for students of Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang and University Teknologi Mara at the AU2 Keramat Community Garden in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The training aimed to improve understanding and skills in hydroponics, raise awareness of vegetable consumption, and foster an entrepreneurial spirit. Pre- and post-tests showed significant improvement in participants' knowledge regarding hydroponics benefits, planting media, and wick system manufacturing techniques.

Muhammad Ziaul Hoque, Md. Enamul Haque, Md. Roknuzzaman, Md. Safiul Islam Afrad, Md. Shamim Hossain, Md Farhad Hossain, Foyez Ahmed Prodhan · Annals of Bangladesh Agriculture · Bangladesh (Dhaka)

This study surveyed 63 rooftop gardeners in Uttara and Mirpur of Dhaka Metropolitan Area to assess their perceptions of urban rooftop gardening. Respondents were mostly old-aged retired professionals with postgraduate education and moderate experience. Key perceived benefits included safe and nutritional food, improved air quality, and enhanced family mental health. Major challenges identified were concerns about losing open spaces for children, difficulties in sourcing quality seeds, and a lack of training and technical guidance.

Jelka Strgar, Gregor Torkar, Simona Strgulc Krajšek · Journal of Biological Education · Slovenia

A study surveyed Slovenian lower and upper secondary school teachers regarding their interest in plants and attitudes towards ecosystem services provided by school gardens. Teachers showed high interest in plants and held positive attitudes towards school garden ecosystem services, including education, habitat and regulatory services, relaxation, and plant cultivation. A positive correlation was found between teachers' interest in plants and their attitudes towards these services, indicating Slovenian teachers recognize the importance of school gardens in education.

Aditya Romadloni, Febriyanti Angelia Ginting, Trisno Fallo, Putri Ratna Setyowati · Applied Environmental Sustainability and Technology · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)

A descriptive qualitative analysis was conducted on PT Sarihusada Generasi Mahardika's (SGM) COMDEV and CSR program in Padukuhan Kaliurang Timur, Kalurahan Hargobinangun, Upper Sleman Watershed, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The program implements CSR activities including water conservation through catchment infrastructure development, community-based integrated waste management, and urban farming for food security. Additionally, it supports women's economic empowerment through women farmers groups and enhances environmental education in elementary schools, demonstrating a holistic approach combining ecological, economic, and educational aspects.

Marie Davidová, María Claudia Valverde Rojas, Hanane Behnam · Land · Global

This study explored the integration of gamification into social and environmental systems to enhance urban biodiversity and foster the co-creation of ecosystems. It focused on developing tangible ecosystemic interventions, such as habitat extensions and edible landscapes, and gamifying these interventions to engage communities. The interventions were codesigned using systems-oriented design methods, including gigamapping and prototyping, to produce scalable DIY solutions that empower communities to replicate these practices.

Marté Antione Gifford · Scholars Crossing (Liberty University) · United States (Augusta)

A project at the Augusta Dream Center (ADC) in Augusta, United States, aims to design and implement a community garden, supplemented by local farmer partnerships. This initiative seeks to address food insecurity in the Central Savannah River Area by providing fresh produce, fostering nutrition education, and promoting long-term health equity, particularly in low-income and minority communities facing food deserts and food swamps. The project will develop a community garden for seasonal crops and education, supported by local farmer partnerships and workshops.

Mercedes Muriel Sáiz · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Spain (Madrid)

This article examines the phenomenon of urban gardens from a socio-community perspective, based on a methodology combining a literature review and participant observation in the community garden Ensancha el huerto (Alcorcón, Madrid). The analysis shows that urban gardens operate as micro-ecosystems of mutual support and learning, but the study also highlights risks associated with institutionalization, commodification, and legal insecurity surrounding such initiatives.

Lee Jolliffe, Moe Nakashima · · Japan

This chapter explores the use of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) as a model of collaborative consumption by a tea farm in Japan. The case study, Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms, LLC, is a social enterprise that implements CSA principles, allowing subscribers to receive the coming year's tea harvest and symbolic ownership of a tea field section. This model is driven by socio-economic objectives and aims to build a community of tea drinkers who support the farm.

Neta Dian Lestari, Reva Maria Valianti, Nur Ahyani, Anisah Anisah, Aan Nugraha, Violita Fadhilah · DIKDIMAS Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia

This Community Service project aimed to enhance entrepreneurial skills among students at SMAN 1 Payaraman, Indonesia, addressing the underutilization of the school garden and limited knowledge in product processing and marketing. The program, implemented through five stages including training and equipment provision, significantly improved students' practical skills and achieved high participant satisfaction. It also resulted in the successful acquisition of Intellectual Property Rights for developed products, transforming the school community's ability to produce high-economic-value goods.

Fadila Suryandika, F. Deru Dewanti, Puji Lestari Tarigan · Jurnal Aplikasi Sains dan Teknologi Agrisevika · Indonesia (Surabaya)

In Pandugo RT 07, a densely populated area in eastern Surabaya, some residents have small plots suitable for urban farming. This activity introduced hydroponics to improve family nutrition and ensure safe food supply. Residents participated in lectures and practical planting sessions on hydroponics, showing high enthusiasm.

Murillo, Ivannia · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Global

This article highlights the importance of school gardens as experiential teaching resources for learning processes and their social impact through the participation of the educational community and families. It also reflects on the need for quality education and appropriate professional training to meet educational needs, emphasizing the role of life skills as promoted by the National Qualifications Framework and the Ministry of Public Education.

María Fernanda Ríos Acuña, Rocío Elena Matos Chávez, Nicolás Manuel Herrera Robles, Carlos Enrique Quispe Vargas, Juliana Beatriz Torres Luján · Ibero Ciencias - Revista Científica y Académica - ISSN 3072-7197 · Peru (Lima)

This review article analyzed the effects of school urban gardens on environmental education and child nutrition in public institutions of Metropolitan Lima. Examining 25 national and international scientific studies using the PRISMA methodological approach, findings showed that school gardens strengthen ecological awareness and promote fruit and vegetable consumption. However, structural barriers such as lack of resources, teacher training, and sustained institutional support were also identified.

Luyanne Catarina Lourenço de Azevedo · Revista Brasileira de Educação em Geografia · Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)

The "Sidney Bueno School Garden Project," carried out at Municipal School São Paulo in Rio de Janeiro between 2022 and 2023, aimed to create a garden based on agroecology and permaculture principles. Integrating school geography concepts and curriculum content related to environment and sustainability, the project sought to develop an understanding of interactions between space, society, and nature. Student involvement promoted cartographic literacy and stimulated autonomy.

Ana Wahyuni, Stephanus Widjaja, Deny Nitalia M · Jurnal Pengabdian dan Pengembangan Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia (Semarang)

A community service activity was conducted for members of UP2K TP PKK in Maltiharjo Village, Semarang, to introduce and implement urban farming concepts. The activity included technical training in vertical vegetable cultivation and regular mentoring, showing an increase in participants' knowledge and skills. Harvested produce was used for family consumption, as healthy menu additions, and as an income source through sales, demonstrating urban farming's potential to support food security and create productive green environments.

Yunita Asman, Anida Anida, T. M. Haikal, Farhan Zikri · Abdimas Indonesian Journal · Indonesia

Urban farming was implemented at an Islamic boarding school in Bireuen Regency, Indonesia, utilizing unproductive land to grow crops like vegetables and melons. This program aimed to increase food self-sufficiency and shape student character through practical learning and Islamic ecotheological values. The school was able to meet up to 20% of its internal food needs, and the activity fostered ecological awareness, discipline, and responsibility among students.

Yusrina Nafilah, Idah Hamidah, Eva Yuliana · ENGAGEMENT Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Indramayu)

The "Eco School Project" is a program aimed at creating an environmentally friendly school garden at UPTD SDN Cinini Sumbermulya Village in Indramayu, Indonesia. This program functions as an educational tool, inviting students to be directly involved in environmental conservation efforts to understand the importance of preserving nature and implementing environmentally friendly behavior in daily life. Collaboration among the school, students, parents, and the surrounding community is essential for the sustainability and success of this initiative.

Nico Meißner, Salvador Cantellano · Continuum · Australia (Queensland)

This article reflects on the application of Narrative Futuring and Cinema del Pueblo, two co-creation methods, with Ediblescapes, an urban farming initiative in Nerang, Queensland, between late 2022 and 2023. The study used dialogic reflection to examine individual and collaborative processes in community-engaged storytelling. Challenges identified include navigating diverse stakeholder perspectives, managing hybrid workshop formats, and ensuring a seamless transition between co-creation methods.