Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Scaling out agroecology from the school garden: the importance of culture, food, and place
2019Bruce G. Ferguson, Helda Morales, Kimberly Chung, Ronald Nigh · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Mexico
A case study of the LabVida school gardens program in Chiapas, Mexico, explored the potential and limitations of scaling agroecology through formal education. Educators gained an appreciation for agroecology and learned practices, though their understanding of agroecological principles and scientific processes remained limited. The program's greatest impact was on educators' eating habits and their perception of the value of local knowledge. The study demonstrates that garden and food-system work can leverage institutional resources to improve educational outcomes, including agroecological literacy.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceDeveloping undergraduate community psychology pedagogy and research practice
2019August John Hoffman, Jordan Seitz, Anthonie Collins, Rich Downs · Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community · United States
This study describes the experiences of two community psychology students participating in "green" volunteer sustainable programs. One student worked with young men in a youth detention facility maintaining a vegetable garden, while another organized a community apple harvest in Wyoming, MN. Participants were interviewed about their subjective experiences and how these programs improved understanding of diverse cultures and the value of outdoor "green" voluntary programs.
CommunityFood educationHealthHealthy eating promoting in a Brazilian sports-oriented school: a pilot study
2019Fábia Massarani, Marta Citelli, Daniela Silva Canella, Josely Correa Koury · PeerJ · Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
This pilot study evaluated the eating habits of 83 adolescent athletes in an experimental school in Rio de Janeiro from 2013 to 2016. Following the implementation of a school garden, experimental kitchen activities, and health promotion classes, the frequency of raw salad and fruit consumption increased, suggesting that integrated healthy eating promotion programs may improve eating habits.
Food educationHealthCommunityGrowing Local: The Role of Urban Gardening in Fostering Food Security, Sustainability, and Community
2019Franklin Wagner, Lindsey Payne · Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement · United States (Lafayette)
In summer 2016, Purdue University researchers collaborated with Lafayette's GrowLocal Urban Gardens Network in Lafayette, Indiana, to conduct a baseline analysis of current community gardening initiatives. Using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, they identified motivations and barriers to participation through stakeholder interviews and focus groups. The study indicated that urban gardens as community spaces may serve a greater purpose than providing fresh food, and its results informed a planning document for GrowLocal with strategic recommendations for governance, communication, event integration, and collaborative grants.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareKnowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Behaviors Regarding Fruits and Vegetables among Cost-Offset Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Applicants, Purchasers, and a Comparison Sample
2019Karla L. Hanson, Leah C. Volpe, Jane Kolodinsky, Grace Hwang, Weiwei Wang, Stephanie Jilcott Pitts, Marilyn Sitaker, Alice S. Ammerman, Rebecca A. Seguin‐Fowler · Nutrients · United States
A cross-sectional study in August 2017 surveyed cost-offset Community Supported Agriculture (CO-CSA) applicants (purchasers n=46, non-purchasers n=18) and a comparison sample (n=105) of low-income adults with children. CO-CSA applicants reported better knowledge, self-efficacy, home habits, and diet than the comparison sample. Among applicants, purchasers and non-purchasers had equivalent knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs, but children in purchaser households consumed significantly more fruits and vegetables (4.14 vs. 1.83 cups, p = 0.001).
CSA & TeikeiHealthWelfareFood educationSustainability as business strategy in community supported agriculture
2018Daniele Eckert Matzembacher, Fábio Bittencourt Meira · British Food Journal · Brazil
This exploratory case study investigated two Brazilian Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiatives over two years and six months using participant observation, ethnography, interviews, and secondary data. It found that the analyzed CSA activities integrate social, environmental, and economic sustainability dimensions, providing guaranteed sales and higher incomes for producers, and emphasizing sustainability education for consumers. The findings cannot be extrapolated to broader populations due to the exploratory nature of the study.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityFood educationBuilding capacity through urban agriculture: report on the askîy project
2018Wanda Martin, Lindsey Vold · Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada · Canada (Saskatoon)
This qualitative case study examined how participation in the "askîy" urban agriculture project in Saskatoon, Canada, empowered young adults and built food-growing capacity. Seven interns (aged 19-29) participated in 2015, and their experiences were analyzed using a sustainable livelihoods framework. Findings indicated that collaborative engagement fostered connections, influenced grocery shopping habits towards more vegetables, and motivated interns to continue gardening and apply their knowledge in their home communities.
CommunityHealthFood educationWelfareLet’s Get Growing: Exploring How Teachers Use Expository Texts in Gardening Lessons for K-1 Students
2018Lindsey Elaine Thomas · Journal of international women's studies · United States
This honors thesis explored how kindergarten and first-grade teachers in the United States use expository texts in science lessons related to a garden project. The project involved creating a book set of nonfiction texts on gardening topics and observing teachers' use of these books. The goals were to research teachers’ use of expository texts in science lessons for a garden project and to find effective ways to incorporate Massachusetts reading standards with science in the classroom.
Food educationCommunityHorta na Escola Estadual Lagoa Bonita no Município de Deodápolis-MS
2018Andreia Gerbaudo Gimenez, Cleidivaldo Siqueira Pereira, Gislania Nobres da Silva, Heloísa Alves Pereira, Hérica Ribeiro Fabro · · Brazil
This work proposal focuses on school gardens as a means to develop environmental education and food themes, connecting theoretical and practical concepts to aid interdisciplinary teaching and learning. It aims to foster students who value agricultural principles, noting advances in students' methodological conception of Field Education despite regional challenges from the agro-industrial sector.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeUrban–rural linkageCurso de agroecología en formación de un huerto comunitario en la unidad de salud de la familia Giserlando Biondi, Jequie-Bahia-Nrasil / Course of agroecology in the formation of a community garden in the health unit of the Giserlando Biondi family, Jequi
2018Leandro Nascimento Bertoldi, Pamela Johanna Menéndez Velásquez · Revista panorama/Panorama. Cuba y salud · Brazil
A course on Agroecology was conducted in Jequié, Bahia, Brazil, focusing on creating organic community gardens and training communities in health promotion, disease prevention, and food and environmental education. The project identified farmers who transitioned from using agrotoxins to biological control, resulting in increased local biodiversity and encouraging community gardening. The initiative also fostered social empowerment, increased self-esteem, and developed collective discussion and production practices within the SUS.
Food educationCommunityHealthBiodiversityModel Integrated Pest Management Program Delivery for Community Gardeners
2018E. C. Barrett, J.A. Kowalski · Journal of Extension · United States
In two urban counties in the United States, Extension educators developed an on-site program, including a demonstration kit and planning protocol, to address the integrated pest management (IPM) needs of community gardeners. This program provides practical, research-based information to community gardeners, allows Extension to maintain a presence in urban centers, and offers outreach to audiences who may not have historically used Extension resources.
CommunityFood educationA Agroecologia: pesquisa e extensão por meio do NEPEA
2018Cláudio José Bertazzo · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil (Goiania)
NEPEA (Interdisciplinary Center for Research and Extension in Agroecology) in Goias, Brazil, was established to foster sustainable rural development. The center focuses on ecologically based farms in Southeast Goiania, conducting research on sustainable agriculture and tree arrangements for the rehabilitation of degraded areas. It also carries out extension activities in schools, promoting and implementing school gardens and pedagogical nurseries.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleProjeto Horta – uma experiência agroecológica no IFMG - Santa Luzia
2018Ana Carolina F. G. Araújo, João Paulo de Souza Moreira, Lorena Martins Costa, Tales Bedeschi Faria, Louise Rochebois Quintão, Aline Silva Santos · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil
At IFMG – Santa Luzia campus, a community organic garden was established to develop agroecological awareness among teachers and students. This initiative, stemming from discussions during Environment Week, involved constructing flowerbeds and planting vegetables. It aimed to create spaces for knowledge construction and promote future extension projects for mapping small farmers and replicating the school garden.
CommunityFood educationOrganic cycleUM DIÁLOGO ENTRE A AGROECOLOGIA E A AGRICULTURA URBANA EM REGIÕES METROPOLITANAS
2018Daniela Adil Oliveira de Almeida, Gabriel Mattos Ornelas, Melissa Luciana de Araújo, Luisa Melgaço Ferreira Jorge Marques, Camila Marina Teixeira Ferreira, Victor Gabriel de Souza Lima, Patricia Cristina Coutinho Nardini, Rodrigo Pinto da Matta Machado, Heloísa Soares de Moura Costa · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Brazil
The process of systematizing the experience of AUÊ!, the Urban Agriculture Study Group at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, helped to record and critically reflect on the group's trajectory. This systematization made it possible to identify the qualities, potentialities, and gaps in the group's performance.
Methodological critiqueUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationPolicyColby‐Sawyer's Sustainable Learning Initiative at Franklin Falls
2018Jennifer White · Sustainability The Journal of Record · United States
The Sustainable Learning Initiative at Franklin Falls is a long-term partnership between Colby-Sawyer College and PermaCityLife in Franklin, New Hampshire. To date, 265 students have participated, engaging in experiential learning to develop sustainable solutions for community needs. Students have assisted with projects including permaculture/edible landscaping, contributing to a grassroots effort to revitalize the community.
CommunityFood educationClimate changeGender and Racial Disparities in a Youth Urban Agriculture Workshop
2018Kamran Zendehdel, Lorraine Clarke, Xiaochu Hu, Richard Hess · Journal of Extension · United States (Washington, DC)
A 2015 youth urban agriculture workshop for students from underserved areas in Washington, DC, revealed gender and racial differences in perceived knowledge gain and intended behavior change. Female students and Black students reported about half-grade higher (0.43–0.63 points) scores for knowledge change, while only female students showed an increase in intent to change behavior. These results suggest that female students may learn at a faster rate than males and that experiential learning aids Black students in gaining knowledge.
Equity & displacementFood educationCommunityPredictors of School Garden Integration: Factors Critical to Gardening Success in New York City
2018Kate Gardner Burt, Marissa Burgermaster, Raquel Jacquez · Health Education & Behavior · United States (New York City)
This study aimed to determine the level of integration of school gardens and identify factors predicting integration. 211 New York City schools in the United States completed a survey, and the average garden integration score was 34.1 out of 57 points. Operating budget had a significant influence on the integration score, and partner organizations, evaluation/feedback, planning the physical space, and characteristics of the physical space were positively and significantly related to budget.
Food educationCommunityEconomicsHORTA COMUNITÁRIA NA COMUNIDADE INDIGENA DO GUARIBA
2018Clétina Inês de Brito Rodrigues, Rafael Pereira Barros, Iraci Fideles, João Victor de Brito Rodrigues, Genilson Tabosa Wanderley, Glicia Luiza nunes · Fórum de Integração Ensino, Pesquisa, Extensão e Inovação Tecnológica do IFRR - e-ISSN 2447-1208 · Brazil
This project aimed to encourage the Guariba indigenous community in Brazil to produce vegetables through a community garden, promoting food access and security, work opportunities, and income generation. Activities included environmental and social education, entrepreneurship, and healthy eating practices. The project involved over 20 participants and resulted in the construction of a community garden and training for community members and student interns.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsFood educationCultivating People-Plant Relationships in Community and Cultural Heritage Gardens San Jose, California (1977–1992)
2018John Dotter · · United States (California)
This paper documents people-plant relationships in San Jose, California's ethnically diverse Community and Cultural Heritage Gardens from 1977 to 1992. Unpublished university research, magazine articles, and newspaper stories show how partnerships with grassroots community groups contributed to the gardens' sustainability. Preliminary findings suggest greater utilization of non-English speaking skilled horticulturalists, and case studies illustrate how cooperative development of San Jose gardens produced benefits like neighborhood beautification, stimulated social interaction, and nutritious food production.
CommunityFood educationHealthPor uma Geografia significativa: leituras sobre a Agricultura Urbana e a importância do trabalho de campo para a pesquisa e o Ensino de Geografia
2018Leandro Matias dos Santos, Michelle Emanuelle Silva, Cirlene Jeane Santos e Santos · Diversitas Journal · Brazil
This article is based on fieldwork conducted by NUAGRARIO researchers and Agrarian Geography students from the Federal University of Alagoas in Maceió-AL, Brazil, focusing on urban agriculture. The fieldwork aimed to verify if virtually selected areas contained urban agriculture practices. The article's main objective is to demonstrate the importance of fieldwork in social formation through understanding, observation, and recognition of reality, highlighting geographic contents that can be approached through this methodology.
Food educationCommunityReducing Rat Lungworm Disease in Hawai'i Through a Collaborative Partnership With K-12 School Garden and Agriculture Projects
2018Kathleen Howe, Jenny Bach, Myles DeCoito, Shari Frias, Rebecca Hatch, Susan I. Jarvi · Frontiers in Public Health · United States (Hawai'i)
A collaborative project with five Hawaiʻi Island schools developed an integrated pest management plan to control slugs and snails, intermediate hosts of rat lungworm disease (Angiostrongylus cantonensis). Curricula for grades 5-8 were created, and students trialed five shelter materials, removing over 4,000 invasive slugs and snails while collecting data. This initiative aimed to reduce human cases of the disease and restore public trust in local agriculture through education and pest control.
Food educationHealthCommunityCapacitações com base agroecológicas potencializando a agricultura urbana e periurbana em Capitão Poço - PA
2018Rayssa da Rocha Batista, Aparecida Hurtado Soares, Carolina Simões dos Santos, Henderson Gonçalves Nobre · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil
In Capitão Poço, PA, urban and peri-urban farmers cultivate vegetables for subsistence and surplus sale. The NEA/UFRA/Capitão Poço/PA has supported these farmers by providing information on agroecology principles and building participatory knowledge on sustainable vegetable production technologies. This initiative included three training workshops on agroecological production systems, covering biofertilizer production, composting, and vermicomposting, fostering learning and knowledge exchange.
Food educationCompostOrganic cyclePeri-urban agricultureCiência experiência: o papel da troca de saberes a partir do protagonismo dos agricultores e organizações na formação acadêmica no sertão do são francisco - PE/BA
2018Hélder Ribeiro Freitas, Suellen Bispo Coelho, Vashtir Ramalho dos Santos Braga, Diego Cesar Alves Lima Verde, Cristiane Moraes Marinho, Rita de Cássia Rodrigues Gonçalves Gervásio · · Brazil
This work analyzed knowledge exchange processes promoted by the Center for Research and Studies Sertao Agroecological, focusing on the experiences of farmers and organizations in the Sertao do Sao Francisco Baiano and Pernambucano Territories. Through extension projects and teaching activities, students and teachers interacted with agroecology, organic production, and urban and peri-urban agriculture experiences. These interactions fostered closer ties between farmers and the university community, enabling dialogical exchanges and strengthening perspectives in teaching, research, and university extension.
Food educationCommunityUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureHorta escolar agroecológica no colégio estadual sinésio costa (Riacho de Santana – BA)
2018Antônio Domingos Moreira, Aurélio José Antunes de Carvalho, Márcio Harrison dos Santos Ferreira · Revista Macambira · Brazil
This study describes a project implemented since September 2015 at Sinésio Costa State College in Riacho de Santana, Brazil, using theoretical-practical and participatory methodologies. The project is guided by agroecological and organic systems, recently integrated into the school's Pedagogical Political Project, enabling greater school community participation. Its aim is to propose sustainable alternatives for providing healthy food produced in small spaces.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureA AGRICULTURA URBANA E SUAS FUNCIONALIDADES EM MONTES CLAROS, MG: PROPOSTAS DE EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA MULTIDISCIPLINAR
2018Cristh Ellen Ferreira Pinheiro, Hélder dos Anjos Augusto, Cledinado Aparecido Dias, Fábio da Silva Gonçalves, Marcelo Oliveira · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil (São Paulo)
This study in Montes Claros, MG, Brazil, investigated the reality of urban farmers commercializing vegetable production to propose multidisciplinary extension and research actions. It identified agricultural production regions, the main functions of urban agriculture from the farmers' perspective, and the difficulties faced by these producers. The analysis highlighted the need for multidisciplinary approaches due to the identified demands, implying challenges in economic viability.
Economic viabilityEconomicsFood educationCommunity