Research & reports

Emilia C. Zamora-Moncayo, Bernarda Herrera, June Larrieta, Aimée DuBois, Georgina Miguel Esponda · Qualitative Health Research · Ecuador

A participatory case study of Huertomanías, an urban garden initiative founded in Ecuador in 2015 that provides work, income and social inclusion to people with severe mental health problems. Twelve participants took part in cognitive mapping, a photovoice project and interviews. Thematic analysis identified four domains of impact within the garden — autonomy (financial and personal), interpersonal and environmental relations, mental health, and family dynamics — plus external factors (family support, public policy and healthcare services) that shape recovery. The context is that employment access for this group is largely disregarded in Ecuadorian policy planning because of labour-market discrimination. As a qualitative study with 12 participants, it does not measure symptom change or job retention.

E. A. Ajah, EB Etowa, EB Effa, UI Ofem, HE Iso, OI Ettah, IA Asuquo · African Journal of Food Agriculture Nutrition and Development · Nigeria (Calabar)

This study analyzed the effect of credit on the poverty status of 110 randomly sampled roasted plantain vendors in Calabar, Nigeria. Findings showed that 60% of vendors were female, with an average age of 35 and an average household size of four. Poverty incidence was lower among credit recipients (64.5% of vendors) at 0.268, compared to non-recipients at 0.487. Credit access and household size were found to have statistically significant associations with the poverty index.

Deborah Carter · · Global

This chapter explores community-led gardens as transformative, innovative literacy learning environments for refugee learners and their families. It reviews literature on refugees' utilization of community-led gardening, highlighting concepts of cultural reflection and inspiration, cultural cohesion and sense of belonging, and adaptation and resilience. The author shares experiences creating a community-led garden for refugees and describes language literacy pedagogical activities that utilize a community garden for learner-centered, experiential learning and communicative language teaching.

Adrian J Hayes, Tulane Chiarletti, Stephanie Hares, Sarah Devereux, Stephanie Upton, Daniel McNamara, Sally Brookes · Therapeutic Communities The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities · United Kingdom (South West of England)

This paper reports on the development and running of Foundations Group, a pilot 2-hour nano-therapeutic community (TC) intervention. Conducted within the NHS on City Farm premises in the South West of England for 18 months (2021–2022), the group comprised 11 members, one peer, and three staff. The authors reflected on the TC approach of democratic work, non-expert stance, and using support and challenge to enhance self-agency and belongingness, detailing the group's structure.

Ery Suhartanto, Mohammad Bisri, Ussy Andawayanti, Suwanto Marsudi, Evi Nur Cahya · TEKAD Teknik Mengabdi · Indonesia (Malang)

A 6-month "River Flow Conservation" activity was implemented in RW-01, Kasin Village, Klojen District, Malang City, Indonesia, to mitigate flood impact. Activities included river dredging, greening (urban farming), and establishing fish cages. This initiative resulted in RW-01 becoming a green, comfortable, and sustainable area, positively impacting flood reduction, environmental quality improvement, and water resource utilization.

Pierric Calenge, Maie Gérardot · Métropolitiques · United States (Cleveland)

The work by Max Rousseau and Vincent Béal illuminates the ambiguities of a policy that organizes urban decline and racial segregation in Cleveland. This policy promotes urban degrowth and racial segregation, balancing algorithmic management and urban greening. The study focuses on the Rust Belt region, which experiences de-urbanization marked by the subprime crisis, racism, and segregation.

Ahmad Sofwani, Didik Suprayitno, Diena Widyastuti, Nunuk Hariyani · JURNAL GREEN HOUSE · Indonesia

This study aimed to explore the potential of utilizing home gardens as a Sustainable Food Home Area (KRPL) in Turen Village, Turen District, Malang Regency, East Java, as part of a Community Service Program. The research findings indicated that the utilization of home gardens as KRPL could be a potential solution to enhance food security and community welfare in the region. The article also discussed challenges and opportunities in implementing the KRPL model.

Nurul Raihana Ramzi, Che Bon Ahmad, Helmi Hamzah, Noriah Othman · Built Environment Journal · Global

This systematic review, analyzing SCOPUS articles from 2010 to 2022, explored the relationship between urban farming and horticultural therapy in reducing urban stress. It found that horticultural therapy incorporating urban farming elements was linked to multiple therapeutic interactions, with nature-based elements serving as a potential source of significant positive outcomes. The review emphasizes the value of connecting horticultural therapy with urban farming and proposes a conceptual framework illustrating their constructive interaction for improving mental and physical health.

Ebenezer Osei Jones, G. Henneh, Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum, Fred Ankuyi, Pascal Benson Atiglah, P.A. Abowen · SVU-International Journal of Agricultural Sciences · Ghana (Mampong)

This study investigated the adoption of carrot cultivation practices in urban areas and their impact on sustainable livelihoods, surveying 384 carrot farmers in the Mampong municipality, Ghana. Farmer training showed a significant positive influence on farmers' ability to obtain seeds from reliable sources and measure planting depth. Regression analysis revealed that post-harvest practices and distance to market significantly predict the sustainable livelihoods of the farmers.

Dwi Kustriyanti, Boediarsih Boediarsih, Witri Hastuti, Hermeksi Rahayu, Indah Wulaningsih, Mardiyani Mardiyani, Andrew Sitepu · Swadaya Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Semarang)

A community-based early childhood development program in PAUD Kenanga Mekar Asri Semarang aimed to promote growth and development through counseling, mentoring, and training, including a catfish/tilapia program and urban farming. The study found that 70% of the children developed according to age, 30% had suspect development, and only 1 child (5%) was underweight, with no children found to be stunted.

Abdias Rodias Paul Ngalekoua · Advanced Research in Economics and Business Strategy Journal · Africa

This study investigated the impact of urban agriculture on the empowerment of female vegetable growers in Talangaï's 6th district, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. A qualitative and quantitative survey was conducted with 105 selected households through semi-structured interviews. The findings confirmed that vegetable growing acts as a vector for empowerment and improves producers' living conditions, contributing to poverty and unemployment reduction, and positively impacting their social and economic spheres.

Shawn A. Trivette, Shannon McCarragher · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · United States (New England)

This paper examined three types of locally oriented Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) in southern New England and their spatial alignment with demographic factors. The findings indicate that pay-as-you-go operations are more prevalent in predominantly White areas and, to some extent, higher-income areas. Box share arrangements (community-supported agricultures) showed stronger associations with educational attainment. The study concludes that local food availability is a systematically uneven phenomenon, varying with both outlet type and social characteristics.

Mohammed Bouguelaa · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global

This literature review analyzes the role of social innovation in confronting challenges posed by COVID-19 quarantine measures. Through a systematic review of articles, reports, and case studies, the paper explores the conceptual framework and theoretical perspectives of social innovation. It identifies and analyzes initiatives such as alternative food networks and urban agriculture, highlighting their effectiveness in mitigating adverse effects of quarantine and promoting community resilience.

Meghan B. Skiba, Dylan V. Miller, Delaney Stratton, Caitlyn Hall, Sharon McKenna, Cindy K. Blair, Wendy Demark‐Wahnefried · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications · United States (Arizona)

This study adapted "Harvest for Health," a home-based mentored gardening intervention for cancer survivors, into a community-based intervention for Arizona's arid desert environment. The adapted intervention, "Harvest for Health Together Arizona (H4H2-AZ)," will enroll participants for two growing seasons (6 months) in 30 ft2 community garden plots, with Master Gardeners providing one-to-one mentorship and gardening supplies. This pilot six-month single-arm intervention aims to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the adapted program for skin cancer survivors, with secondary outcomes exploring effects on cancer preventive health behaviors and health-related quality of life.

Akuto Akpedze Konou, Kossiwa Zinsou-Klassou, Victoria M. Mwakalinga, Jean-Claude Baraka Munyaka, Armel Firmin Kemajou Mbianda, Jérôme Chenal · Sustainability · Africa

This perceptual study surveyed 733 urban farmers in Dar es Salaam and Greater Lomé to explore the psychosocial effects of urban agriculture on their well-being. Using the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form and bespoke questionnaires, the research found significant variations in urban agriculture-related happiness across city zones, with peripheral farmers reporting greater satisfaction than urban counterparts. Female farmers also reported higher levels of happiness.

Reina Bazán Alarcón, Edgar Leonidas Cottallat Villao, Segress García-Hevia · Código Científico Revista de Investigación · Ecuador

This mixed-methods study in Ecuador aimed to develop a methodology for implementing school gardens at Unidad Educativa Misael Olaya, focusing on short-cycle vegetable cultivation for consumption and potential commercialization by high school students. Questionnaires and interviews with students and teachers revealed that while students had basic knowledge of vegetable cultivation, there was a need to strengthen practical activities and experimental learning.

Michael Rudolph, Evans Muchesa · Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir landbouvoorligting/South African journal of agricultural extension · South Africa (Johannesburg)

This article explores the potential of agroecology to address health disparities in urban communities in South Africa, where approximately 34% of Johannesburg households face food insecurity. A transdisciplinary literature review, using secondary data from the University of Johannesburg and Siyakhana Growth and Development, posits that an agroecological approach can effectively address food and nutrition insecurity. The study emphasizes the importance of localized food production, personalized training, and a supportive policy framework for urban farming and agroecology.

Kevin Richardson · Advances in logistics, operations, and management science book series · United States

Community gardens in Black neighborhoods across the United States serve as resilient oases of change, particularly in areas characterized by limited access to fresh, nutritious foods and health disparities. These communal spaces address not only physical health but also the interconnected facets of mental well-being and community resilience, fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and strength beyond cultivating crops.

Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (Ecuador), Fredi Portilla Farfán, María José Quizhpi Pintado, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (Ecuador), Tania Alexandra Sarango Guamán, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (Ecuador) · · Global

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an economic crisis, endangering global food and nutritional security, particularly in the authors' country due to isolation-induced deterioration of essential goods and services. This crisis incentivized people to promote urban agriculture activities, adapting home spaces for growing fruits and vegetables as a form of self-sufficiency during the pandemic.

Queen-Mary Akudo Ebugosi, Janet Aderonke Olaboye · International Journal of Applied Research in Social Sciences · United States

This concept paper proposes initiatives to promote healthy food access in urban areas of the USA, aiming to address food insecurity and improve nutritional health. It discusses the current state of food insecurity and its health impacts in urban areas, then examines successful strategies such as community gardens, farmers' markets, and mobile food markets. Key components like community engagement, policy advocacy, and partnerships are highlighted, along with the role of technology like online grocery delivery. The paper provides insights into effective strategies for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to improve food access and health outcomes.

Talita Gonçalves Posser, Damiana Machado de Almeida, Vânia Medianeira Flores Costa, Sabrina Nascimento Borba, Paula Balardin Ribeiro Aragão, A C Carvalho · Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental · Brazil (Santa Maria)

This study reports on actions developed by the extension project "Actions to combat social vulnerability: work and income for women in Vila Maringá/RS" by the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) in Brazil. In 2018, using a participatory methodology and public funds, the project conducted cooking workshops, a mini-course on integral food use, a lecture on medicinal plants and spices, and built a community garden. Participants generally evaluated the project positively and frequently requested new workshops and training.

Szilvia Nyers · Szociális Szemle · Hungary

The Budapest Bike Maffia, a grassroots initiative in Hungary's capital, uses social gardening as a tool to foster sustainable relationships between vulnerable groups and their environment. This initiative aims to rebuild social relations, promote economic well-being, and encourage adaptation to environmental challenges within an urban context. Through urban agriculture, they cultivate trust and a network of relationships among society members.

Yarrow Koning, Sofía Abreu · Occasional Paper Series · United States (Florida)

This abstract describes a nature journaling session held in a community garden as part of an LGBTQ+ youth summer day camp in Florida in summer 2022. The session took place shortly before new anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including the "Don't Say Gay" law, went into effect, which are intended to erase LGBTQ+ people and histories from schools and highlight the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ educators and youth.

SP24.C, CommuniTee’s · Bucknell Digital Commons (Bucknell University) · United States

CommuniTee’s partnered with the Lewisburg Community Garden (LCG) and the Donald Heiter Community Center (DHCC). At the LCG, they completed three service projects: painting a sign, stabilizing 93 fence posts, and starting a pollinator garden. CommuniTee’s sold 229 t-shirts, generating a net profit of $1,614.64 for the DHCC. Additionally, they raised $1,213.04 through five fundraising events and an advocacy campaign, with a total of $2,827.68 to be donated to the DHCC.

Mutiara Cininta, Hari Saptaning Tyas · ARTEKS Jurnal Teknik Arsitektur · Indonesia

This study aims to devise strategies for structuring culinary tourism in Kampung Surokarsan, Indonesia, a densely populated area where the "Code Hijau Asri" farmer group uses urban farming to enhance welfare. Despite a new embankment offering views of Kali Code's banks, residents have not yet utilized the area for tourism. Using field observations, interviews, literature review, and SWOT analysis, the study formulated a tourism strategy based on the 5A approaches (Attractions, Activities, Accessibility, Facilities, Accommodation), leveraging the urban farmer community and residents skilled in culinary businesses and Brazilian spinach cultivation. The strategy focuses on area entrance legibility, activity zoning, and showcasing attractions like sunset views and urban village ambience.