Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
1626 results(12 / 66)
Implementation 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 changeCultivating Eco-Urban Diplomacy through Urban Farming: Comparative Insights from Jakarta–Tokyo and Surabaya–Kitakyushu Sister Cities
2025Azka Madihah, Aliifah Ghassanii · Atlantis highlights in social sciences, education and humanities/Atlantis Highlights in Social Sciences, Education and Humanities · Asia
This study examined eco-urban diplomacy through urban farming and environmental horticulture in Jakarta-Tokyo and Surabaya-Kitakyushu sister-city partnerships. Jakarta-Tokyo collaboration promoted participatory urban farming and rooftop greening, raising Tokyo's vegetable self-sufficiency from 4.27% to a potential 11.73%. Surabaya-Kitakyushu cooperation achieved a threefold mangrove expansion and 20% waste reduction, but financial constraints, communication gaps, and land insecurity persist, risking exclusion of marginalized groups.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyHealthEconomicsBiodiversityPenerapan Prinsip Permakultur Desain Melalui Elemen Arsitektural pada Bangunan Vertical Harvest Farms, USA
2025Aprilia Shyntia Dewi, Muchlisiniyati Safeyah · Sinektika Jurnal Arsitektur · United States
This qualitative descriptive study analyzed the application of permaculture design principles through architectural elements at Vertical Harvest Farms, USA, using secondary data. The research found that Vertical Harvest Farms largely incorporates permaculture design principles through architectural elements, such as greenhouse-based materials adapted to local climate and optimal spatial arrangement. However, regarding mass typology, the farm was found to be less compliant with the permaculture design principle of "Design from Pattern to Detail."
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeDIYDigital agricultureUrban–rural linkageThe islands and the city: peri-urban agriculture, food production, and sustainability in the chinampas of Xochimilco (Mexico City)
2025F. Xavier Medina, José Antonio Vázquez–Medina, Marco Covarrubias · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · Mexico (Mexico City)
This chapter discusses the factors linking food production, social and environmental problems, and future challenges in the chinampas of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage wetland area in Mexico City's peri-urban zone. It examines strategies implemented by stakeholders and their effects to envision future scenarios for sustainable food systems. The insularity of the chinampas imposes a particular character on agri-food production and the life of inhabitants, highlighting existing social and environmental problems.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityUse of Lighting Technology in Controlled and Semi-Controlled Agriculture in Greenhouses and Protected Agriculture Systems—Part 1: Scientific and Bibliometric Analysis
2025Edwin Villagrán, John Javier Espitia, Jader Rodríguez, Linda Gomez, Gina Marcela Amado Saavedra, E.J. Baeza, Cruz Ernesto Aguilar-Rodríguez, Jorge Flores-Velázquez, Mohammad Akrami, Rodrigo Gil, Luis Alejandro Arias · Sustainability · Global
This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of artificial lighting technologies in greenhouses and protected agriculture, examining scientific publications from the Scopus database between 1974 and 2024. It found a significant increase in research over the last two decades, with the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and China leading in scientific output. Key trends include the use of specific light spectra (red and blue) and the integration of LED systems with digital sensors, though adoption in developing countries like Colombia remains in early stages.
Digital agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsURBAN AGRICULTURE AND VERTICAL FARMING: HYBRID MODELS FOR FOOD PRODUCTION, RESOURCE EFFICIENCY, AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
2025Faran Muhammad, Muneeba, Muhammad Bilal · Gomal Journal of Agriculture and Biology · Global
This paper explored hybrid approaches to urban agriculture combining vertical farming and rooftop gardening. Experimental pilot hybrid systems installed in certain metropolitan regions showed significant improvements in yield per unit area, water-use efficiency, and energy-use efficiency compared to normal rooftop gardens. Qualitative assessments highlighted positive community-level outcomes, including greater dietary diversity, better comprehension of sustainable food habits, and a rise in wellness and health perception.
DIYCommunityHealthClimate changeDigital agricultureIdentificação e georreferenciamento de espaços adequados à agricultura urbana e periurbana em Mossoró-RN
2025Johnny Jean, Nildo da Silva Dias, Nildo da Silva Dias, Alison Rocha de Aragão, A. JEAN, Patrícia Lígia Dantas de Morais, Rogério Taygra Vasconcelos Fernandes, Leonardo Angelo Mendonça, Vânia Christina Nascimento Porto, Khadidja Dantas Rocha de Lima · OBSERVATÓRIO DE LA ECONOMÍA LATINOAMERICANA · Brazil (Mossoró)
This study aimed to identify and georeference suitable spaces for urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in three neighborhoods of Mossoró, Brazil: Nova Betânia, Sussuarana, and Vingt Rosado. The research found that out of 1,300 hectares in these neighborhoods, 944.1 hectares are suitable for UPA. However, the study identified a lack of public policies to incentivize UPA in these areas.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageClimate changePlant facilitation in rooftop agriculture: disentangling plant interactions for sustainable crop production on extensive green roofs
2025Adriano N. Roberto, Andrés G. Rolhauser, J. Scott MacIvor, Marney E. Isaac · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · Canada (Toronto)
This study investigated plant facilitation in rooftop agriculture in Toronto, Canada, testing whether live Sedum could improve bush bean performance on 48 extensive green roof (EGR) modules under high and low watering regimes. Water availability had a greater influence on bean performance than planting design, with beans grown with artificial Sedum under high watering showing the highest yield, while performance declined significantly under low water, particularly with live Sedum. Contrary to hypotheses, live Sedum did not consistently facilitate bean performance, suggesting potential competitive interactions may have outweighed any stress-ameliorating effects. These findings indicate water management is the main management variable for crops on EGRs.
DIYCommunityBiodiversityClimate changeDesign and evaluation of a solar powered smart irrigation system for sustainable urban agriculture
2025Mahmoud A. Abdelhamid, Tarek Kh. Abdelkader, Hassan A. A. Sayed, Zhao Zhang, Xiaohui Zhao, Mohamed F. Atia · Scientific Reports · Global
This study aimed to advance sustainable urban agriculture by designing and evaluating a solar-powered smart rooftop irrigation system for peppermint cultivation. The smart system reduced water and energy consumption by 28.1% compared to conventional irrigation, and also achieved a notable reduction in CO2 emissions from 0.252 kg CO₂/m²/year to 0.181 kg CO₂/m²/year. Economic analysis demonstrated a payback period of 5.6 years, highlighting its financial viability.
Digital agricultureClimate changeDIYIntegrated Drain-Type Fish Culture and Urban/Peri-Urban Agriculture System
2025Mokhdum Azam Mashrafi, Mokhdum Azam Mashrafi · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This project aims to establish an integrated, eco-friendly system for fish culture, vegetable cultivation, fruit gardening, and animal farming within and around cities, towns, villages, highways, and agricultural zones. The system utilizes drain-type artificial lakes, fenced culture units, water recycling mechanisms, climate-control methods, and energy-efficient technologies to ensure high production even in challenging environments. The project emphasizes food security, urban sustainability, youth employment, environmental protection, and efficient land use.
Food sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureClimate changeEconomicsInnovative and Traditional Urban Farming Systems: Pathways to Sustainable Vegetable Production and Food Security
2025Khati Malo, Dharmendra Singh Lagoriya, Rakesh Kumar, Anil Bhushan, Sandeep Chopra, R. K. Samnotra, Sumiya Afreen · Ecology Environment and Conservation · India
This review explores various urban farming models as sustainable solutions to address food insecurity, malnutrition, and environmental degradation, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions like India. It examines the role of urban agriculture, through both traditional systems (e.g., kitchen gardens, rooftop and community gardens) and modern approaches (e.g., hydroponics, aeroponics, vertical farming), in building resilient food systems, and the importance of combining traditional practices with technological innovations and supportive governance. Challenges such as infrastructure limitations, policy gaps, and lack of technical expertise are also faced.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageClimate changeTrends in urban edible landscapes: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis
2025Huihua Yang, Mohammed Mahdi Hussein, Roziya Binti Ibrahim, RAN LYU · Environmental Research Communications · Global
This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 3,089 publications from 2000 to 2024 from the Web of Science database, focusing on urban edible landscapes. Using tools like CiteSpace and R, the research identified hotspots, knowledge structures, and emerging trends in the field. The analysis highlights the multifaceted impacts of edible landscapes on urban ecosystems and residents' well-being, emphasizing their role in urban sustainability.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsClimate changeUrbanFarm 2025
2025Orsini, Francesco, D'Aprile, Andrea, Pennisi, Giuseppina, Prandi, Riccardo, Morelli, Agata, d'Ostuni, Michele, Martin, Michael, de Brun Skantz, Natalie · AMS Acta (University of Bologna) · Europe
The UrbanFarm Student Challenge, established in 2019, promotes innovation and sustainability in urban agriculture by engaging European university students in co-designing urban agricultural systems. The 2025 edition focused on transforming an underutilized lot at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, which presented challenges like isolation and low ecological value. Student teams developed design proposals integrating productive landscapes with multifunctional public uses, aiming to activate the space for food production, education, and community interaction.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsClimate changeREINO VEGETAL: RESILIÊNCIA E GENEROSIDADE ABSOLUTA À SAÚDE COLETIVA
2025Omar Ángel Arach, Iracélis de Fatima Moraes, José Oswaldo Soares de Oliveira, Amira RACHID, Sandra Maria Pereira da Silva, Ana Maria Girotti SPERANDIO · Editora Científica Digital eBooks · Global
This article aims to reflect on the generosity of the plant kingdom, which provides solutions to various socio-environmental problems through agriculture, health, and the environment. Plants ensure food supply through healthy agriculture (organic, agroecological, biodynamic, urban agriculture), the use of medicinal plants (phytotherapy in public health), and urban greening and reforestation (carbon sequestration, air depollution, and increased water quantity). These aspects converge on the common goal of ensuring quality of life and collective health for people amidst the turmoil of cities.
HealthClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceBiophilic Architecture of the 21st Century as an Immersive Art: New Urban Atmospheres
2025Renata Jóźwik · Arts · Poland
This article analyzes how biophilic architecture employs immersive strategies to transform buildings into environments that support sensory, behavioral, and social practices. It analyzes projects such as the Rooftop Garden—Warsaw University Library, Musée du quai Branly, and apartment buildings Bosco Verticale, and proposes a Multi-criteria Method for Assessing Architectural Immersiveness (MMAAI). Findings indicate that the integration of nature, technology, and spatial narrative enables architecture to act as a mediator between humans and the environment, generating new qualities of spatial experience in the Anthropocene epoch.
BiodiversityHealthClimate changeEvaluation Methodologies for Circular Economy in Municipal Composting and Urban Agriculture: a Literature Review with Focus on Latin America
2025Sofía Aguado, Helena Cotler, Marta Astier, Alejandro Padilla‐Rivera · Circular Economy and Sustainability · Latin America
This literature review examined methodologies applicable to municipal composting systems linked to urban agricultural production, with a specific focus on the Latin American context. It revealed a lack of structured methodologies to assess the circularity of municipal organic waste management systems and their connection with urban agriculture, particularly in heterogeneous contexts like Latin American cities, despite numerous existing evaluation methods. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is commonly used but often prioritizes environmental impacts, neglecting social, economic, and circularity dimensions.
Methodological critiqueCompostOrganic cycleEconomicsClimate changeChapter 7 Urban agriculture and water management circular solutions for urban landscapes
2025Robert C. Brears · · Global
This chapter examines urban agriculture's role in circular urban ecosystems, highlighting its contributions to food security, urban heat island reduction, and improved water management. It discusses various types of urban agriculture and their benefits, such as enhancing green spaces and fostering community building, and explores its integration into the circular economy. The chapter also covers closed-loop water systems and waste-to-resource initiatives, positioning urban agriculture as a nature-based solution that enhances urban resilience and sustainability.
Climate changeCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleAgricultura urbana e os objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável em municípios da região metropolitana de Belém
2025Maria de Nazareth Oliveira Maciel, Herdjânia Veras de Lima, Daniel Pereira Pinheiro, Luann Yago Oliveira Maciel · Contribuciones a las Ciencias Sociales · Brazil (Belém)
This field research analyzed urban agriculture's contributions to 12 of 17 SDGs in Ananindeua, Belém, and Marituba, Pará, Brazil. A Likert scale questionnaire and participant observation were used with 120 agricultural producers. Multivariate Factor Analysis and Tukey's test (5%) showed Ananindeua had a higher factorial score, statistically differing from Belém but not Marituba. Producers in Ananindeua demonstrated a greater perception of sustainable cities, indicating urban agriculture's contributions to SDGs in all three municipalities, with Ananindeua showing greater effectiveness.
CommunityClimate changePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceHorta Escolar Sustentável: um espaço não formal para consolidação e aprofundamento de saberes relativos ao letramento e alfabetização científica
2025Luciene Lima · Revista Brasileira de Educação Ambiental (RevBEA) · Global
This article describes the implementation of a prototype sustainable school garden as a non-formal learning space. The garden enriched students' comprehensive education and contributed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly concerning responsible consumption. This approach integrated theoretical and practical knowledge, fostering meaningful learning and the development of cognitive and social skills.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeLiving labs of agriculture in innovation districts
2025Laura Martins de Carvalho, Zilma Borges, Janaina Mitsue Kimpara · PARC Pesquisa em Arquitetura e Construção · Global
This case study analyzed two agricultural living labs, VivAgriLab in France and AgroLab Uniandes in Colombia, to understand their adaptation possibilities for Brazilian university campuses. VivAgriLab effectively integrates civil society with academic research for ecological and food transitions. AgroLab Uniandes facilitates knowledge integration and high-tech solutions, but raises concerns about accessibility and scalability for small-scale farmers, potentially widening the gap between advanced and traditional practices.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyClimate change"Buruan SAE" (Urban Farming) in Bandung as a Local Indigenous Initiative Rooted in Sundanese Culture to Support Urban Food Systems and Business Sectors
2025Pius Sugeng Prasetyo, Theresia Gunawan · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Indonesia (Bandung)
The Buruan SAE initiative in Bandung, Indonesia, integrates indigenous Sundanese practices with modern urban farming to strengthen urban food systems. This community-driven program uses organic methods and waste recycling, showing contributions to food security, improved nutrition, economic opportunities, and environmental benefits like reduced carbon footprints and enhanced biodiversity. The initiative also supports local businesses by supplying fresh produce.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleClimate change