Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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5821 results(12 / 233)
Biodiversity Monitoring in Food Forests
2026Jana Marion Böhme · PubData · Europe
This study investigated the current state and professionality of biodiversity monitoring in food forest projects and influencing social-ecological factors through an online survey and interviews with German and Dutch experts. It found heterogeneous characteristics and professionality levels in monitoring activities, primarily due to context factors like actors, governance systems, and socio-economic settings. The professionality of monitoring depended on volunteer and expert availability and funding, indicating a lack of integrated, standardized, and systematic monitoring concepts and institutionalization.
Governance failureBiodiversityCommunityPolicyEconomicsIntegrating Urban Agriculture into City Planning for Enhancing Urban Community Food Provision: A Case Study of Bhubaneshwar
2026Gitanjali Nanda · International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology · India (Bhubaneswar)
This study examined the spatial, institutional, and planning feasibility of integrating urban agriculture into the urban planning structure of Bhubaneswar, India. Using a mixed-method planning framework, it evaluated urban land availability, rooftop feasibility, food accessibility, supply-chain dependency, institutional readiness, and decentralized food-production potential. Findings indicated that urban agriculture integration within statutory planning systems remains limited in rapidly urbanizing Indian cities, and vendor assessments showed strong dependence on peri-urban and external food inflows contributing to seasonal price instability and food wastage.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agriculture“We are all Human Beings That Deserve the Same Opportunities as Everyone Else”: Immigrant Perspectives on Health in Southeast Minnesota: A Photovoice Study
2026Abby M. Lohr, Jazlyn Vargas-Robles, Gladys B. Asiedu, Yahye Ahmed, Hana Dirie, Luz Molina, Graciela Porraz Capetillo, Josh Schachter, Mark L. Wieland, Irene G. Sia · Health Promotion Practice · United States (Minnesota)
This Photovoice study in Southeast Minnesota, US, conducted in fall 2023, collaborated with 14 Hispanic/Latino and Somali immigrant health promoters to document their health-related assets and needs. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: healthy choices, inclusion of people and cultural celebrations, and access to opportunity. Participants desired expanded community garden programming, environmental protection, accessible healthy options, access to culturally appropriate foods, and increased access to jobs, affordable housing, and healthcare.
CommunityHealthWelfareTransforming Household Food Waste into a Community-Based Composting and Urban Food Production System: Basis for a Sustainable Food-to-Soil-to-Food Innovation Framework
2026Edmond P. Freo · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Philippines (Quezon City)
This study in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, Philippines, assessed the feasibility of an integrated Food-to-Soil-to-Food innovation model using a quantitative approach with 85 household residents. Respondents showed very high awareness of food waste segregation, composting, and urban gardening, and a general willingness to participate, though with some hesitation regarding consistent daily segregation. While a significant positive relationship between awareness and innovation acceptability was found, critical structural barriers included lack of tools, limited community support, and urban space constraints. The study concludes that transforming urban food waste into a circular production system is highly feasible with institutional and logistical support.
CompostCommunityOrganic cycleFood lossBraiding Food Systems Co-constructing Indigenous Seed Systems in Northern Ontario for Food Sovereignty, Security, and Climate Adaptation
2026Charlotte Potter, Silvia Sarapura, Camilo Jimenez Gonzalez, Justina Walker-Mohamed, Paul Benalcazer, Biinjitiwaabik Zaagging Anishinaabek, Netmizaaggamig Nishnabeg, Red Rock Indian Band · Rural Review Ontario Rural Planning Development and Policy · Canada (Northern Ontario)
The 'Braiding Food Systems' project, a community-led partnership with three Northern Ontario First Nations, used mixed-methods Participatory Action Research to examine conditions influencing food security and sovereignty. Community members identified structural constraints rooted in colonial governance, contemporary ecological pressures, and local transformation opportunities. This research demonstrates that sustained, community-led collaboration can counterbalance colonial food systems by reorganizing decisions, strengthening access, and enhancing resilience within Indigenous food networks.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyEmpowering Communities Through Hydroponic Urban Farming: Skill Development, Business Opportunities, and Green Village Implementation
2026Riana Magdalena Silitonga, Stefani Prima Dias Kristiana, Nova Eka Budiyanta · Jurnal Pengabdian UNDIKMA · Indonesia (Tangerang)
This community service program aimed to enhance the capacity of the Sampora Village community in Tangerang, Indonesia, in developing sustainable urban farming through hydroponic systems. Educational counseling, hands-on training in hydroponic techniques, and technical guidance were employed, with data analyzed using a descriptive approach combining quantitative analysis of pre-test and post-test results. Participants showed significant improvements in competencies, including increased understanding of hydroponic systems from 20% to 85%, installation skills from 15% to 80%, nutrient management knowledge from 10% to 78%, and maintenance skills from 12% to 82%.
CommunityFood educationEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureA IMPORTÂNCIA DAS HORTAS AGROURBANAS COMO INSTRUMENTO DE SAÚDE BÁSICA: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
2026Giovane Sampaio dos Santos, Yuri César Miranda Soares, Guilherme Alves Barroso Araújo, Lorena Oliveira Pereira, Daniel Viana Ferreira, Mariana Aragão Machado Santos Neves, Vanilson Furtado Pereira, Sandra Regina Cardoso Vitorino · Revista Tópicos. · Global
This integrative literature review analyzed recent scientific evidence on community gardens as a tool for promoting basic health, focusing on articles published in Portuguese over the last five years. The review found that community gardens offer benefits related to physical and mental health, food security, strengthened social relations, environmental preservation, income generation, and urban space revitalization.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceIntegrating Biophilic Design and Productive Green Infrastructure as Urban Renewal Strategy for Mixed Use Development in Lagos Island
2026F. I. Alagbe, B. J. Adewumi, Mathew Dayomi, O. A. Ibitoye · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Lagos)
This study investigated the integration of biophilic design and productive green infrastructure (PGI) in mixed-use developments on Lagos Island, Nigeria, as an urban renewal strategy. Data from 303 architects, urban planners, and real estate developers revealed that while ecological regeneration opportunities exist, the area faces limitations from high density and inadequate infrastructure. Respondents showed moderate to high awareness of biophilic principles, and PGI incorporation was linked to perceived gains in social interaction, biodiversity, and economic value.
CommunityBiodiversityPolicyPeri-urban agricultureIntroducing Agroforestry into Urban Planning: A Procedural Approach for Italian Cities
2026Marco Focacci, Isabella De Meo, Alessandro Paletto, Francesca Ugolini, Fabio Salbitano · Land · Italy
A study developed a procedural approach to introduce agroforestry into urban planning and tested it in Sesto Fiorentino, Central Italy, involving 170 stakeholders in a questionnaire survey. Respondents preferred gradually introducing agroforestry into green infrastructure, with educational food forests and alley cropping being favored. While decision-makers incorporated agroforestry into city technical standards, urban planners were reluctant to include it at the strategic level in the city development plan.
PolicyCommunityUrban–rural linkageFood educationThe various face(t)s of urban agriculture: evidence from secondary towns in Ethiopia
2026Amare Molla Dinku, Goedele Van den Broeck · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Ethiopia
This qualitative study explored the technical, institutional, and commercial aspects of urban agriculture (UA) in two Ethiopian secondary towns, Dessie and Kombolcha, through 68 key informant interviews and 11 focus group discussions. It found that nearly 90% of local leafy vegetables are sourced via UA, but insecure land rights, limited policy support, and informal trading systems hinder its impact. Informal markets also cause post-harvest losses, disproportionately affecting women.
Governance failureCommunityPeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsProgram Pembangunan TEBA (Tempat Sampah Organik) sebagai Upaya Pengurangan Sampah Rumah Tangga di Kelurahan Untia
2026Sri Khaerani Rahman, Restu Januarty Hamid, Idris Syahril, Marini Ambo Wellang · Abdimas Langkanae · Indonesia
This article discusses the TEBA (Organic Waste Bin) development program in Untia Village, Indonesia, aimed at reducing household organic waste. The program involved building 6 TEBA units, training residents in organic waste management, and assisting them in composting for productive activities like urban farming. Results showed increased community awareness in sorting organic waste, reduced waste volume sent to landfills, and the formation of a sustainable community-based waste management system.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityDIYInsights from Japanese Urban Policies for Sustainable City Planning in Nepal
2026Sunil Babu Shrestha · NCWA Annual Journal · Nepal
This article discusses critical urban issues in Nepal, including climate change impacts, informal settlements, and infrastructure deficiency, based on a review of secondary data. With over 66% of its population in urban municipalities, Nepal faces challenges in creating sustainable cities and requires integrated urban planning. The article suggests that Nepal can address these issues by learning from Japan's city policies and practices, such as comprehensive land-use planning, community participation, disaster resilience, and the promotion of green spaces and urban agriculture.
PolicyClimate changeCommunityContribuição das experiências comunitárias de agricultura urbana para o Bem Viver na cidade do Rio de Janeiro
2026Mayara Grazielle Consentino Ferreira da Silva, Carlos José Saldanha Machado · Revista da ANPEGE · Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
This study describes and analyzes three community urban agriculture experiences in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from the theoretical perspective of "Bem Viver" (Good Living). Using bibliographic review, participant observation, and semi-structured interviews, the study concludes that collective political action, supported by urban agriculture, enables the creation of a new world based on mutual aid and harmony between humans and nature.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyThe Scientific Approach to Cultivating Scientific Attitudes in Early Childhood
2026Theresia Alviani Sum · ThufuLA Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan Guru Raudhatul Athfal · Global
This qualitative case study, gathering data from educators at ten institutions over three months (January–March 2024), examined the implementation of the scientific approach in early childhood education under resource constraints. Findings indicate that while teachers have a conceptual grasp of the scientific approach, enactment is inconsistent, and institutions lack dedicated laboratories, leveraging natural settings like school gardens instead. Curricular goals are not consistently realized in practice, and budget and time limitations restrict experimentation and professional development.
Food educationCommunityUrban farming, poor households, and family food security: A study in metropolitan cities in Indonesia
2026Sugeng Harianto, Refti Handini Listyani, Dewien Nabielah Agustin, Rizky Trisna Putri, Ahmad Farhan Ridwan · Multidisciplinary Reviews · Indonesia (Surabaya)
A six-month mixed-methods study in Surabaya, Indonesia, involving 150 low-income households (75 urban farming, 75 non-farming), found that urban farming enhances dietary quality, stabilizes food availability, and reduces vulnerability during economic stress, while also strengthening neighborhood ties and improving mental well-being. However, its adoption is constrained by spatial limitations, financial barriers, inadequate technical knowledge, and sociocultural stigma, limiting participation among vulnerable groups.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareCommunityHealthDecolonizing the Narrative of Indigenous Food Sovereignty: A Scoping Review
2026Ines Sebai, G. Berron Cadenas, C. Furgal, A. Argumedo, T. Delormier · Current Developments in Nutrition · Global
This scoping review explores Indigenous food sovereignty (IFS) as a decolonizing framework grounded in Indigenous cultural, spiritual, and ecological values. By synthesizing existing literature, the review identifies core IFS principles such as community governance, revitalization of traditional practices, and respectful environmental relationships. Examples like community gardens and traditional hunting illustrate how Indigenous communities adapt these principles to foster cultural renewal and sustainability. The findings emphasize the need for policy advocacy and support for Indigenous rights, including land restoration and protection of traditional knowledge.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityBiodiversityHeirloom & landraceDeterminants of Urban Farmers’ Acceptance of Faecal Sludge Compost in Urban Agriculture: Evidence from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
2026Isabela Thomas Mkude · TANZANIA JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the utilization of faecal sludge derived compost (FSDC) by urban farmers remains limited due to farmers' prejudice and hesitance. This study investigated factors influencing FSDC acceptance through a cross-sectional survey of 76 urban farmers. Results indicated that garden location in communal areas, income generation as the primary farming purpose, and accessibility of soil inputs were significantly associated with FSDC acceptance. Farmers' awareness and experience also played important roles.
Limited or null effectCompostOrganic cycleCommunityEconomicsAdvancing Resilient Biodiversity through Outreach, Repair, Education, Teamwork, Unity and Mentorship
2026Isaiah Sawyer, Reginald Andre, Yotam Shanun, Brendan Casal · Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research · United States
This project, in partnership with the UCF Arboretum in the United States, involved activities such as clearing invasive vines, weeding and remulching beds in a community garden, and documenting local biodiversity across campus areas. Participants documented their service work through a culture audit to analyze the project's impact and leadership strategies. These activities contributed to building leadership skills, analytical tools, and a deeper sense of ownership over the campus's natural beauty.
CommunityBiodiversityFood educationAdvancing Sustainable Food Systems Through Urban Agriculture: Enhancing Food Security in Indonesia’s METR OPOLITAN Areas
2026Eri Yusnita Arvianti · Journal of Intelligent Decision Making and Information Science · Indonesia
This study in Indonesia's metropolitan areas examines key determinants influencing the success of urban farming in enhancing local food availability. Using direct surveys, interviews, and statistical analyses, the research reveals that urban agriculture significantly improves access to nutritious, affordable food and promotes socio-economic benefits. Key variables for sustainable implementation include age, education, innovation in human resources, agricultural technology, and community empowerment.
Food sovereignty & justicePolicyCommunityDigital agricultureCultivar saberes na EJA: uma revisão sistemática sobre educação, trabalho e sustentabilidade
2026Manoel Hélio Sousa Santos, Bruno Matos de Farias · RCMOS - Revista Científica Multidisciplinar O Saber · Global
This systematic qualitative literature review, following the PRISMA 2020 protocol, analyzed 20 documents to understand how recent academic production articulates education, work, and sustainability within Youth and Adult Education (EJA), focusing on school gardens. The literature recognizes gardens as a social technology that integrates ecological knowledge, cooperative practices, autonomy-building, and income generation, especially in socioeconomically vulnerable contexts. Gardens are concluded to be a powerful pedagogical device for EJA, contributing to critical environmental education, popular economy, and emancipatory practices.
Food educationWelfareCommunityEconomicsThe role of urban farming in enhancing food security in Malaysia: A systematic review
2026Hamed Faghiri, Zulkornain Yusop, Zainal Abidin Mohamed · IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science · Malaysia
This systematic review analyzed 46 studies published between 2010 and 2025 to assess the role of urban farming in enhancing food security in Malaysia. Findings indicate that urban farming positively impacts food accessibility, availability, and affordability, while also promoting environmental sustainability and socio-economic inclusion. However, challenges such as limited space, regulatory hurdles, and public awareness gaps hinder its widespread adoption.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyCommunityURBANE:One Health approaches to support agroecological transformation of peri-urban farming; Deliverable D8.3, Report on the co-creation of sustainable business models and initial results of their implementation
2026M.; id_orcid 0000-0002-0118-4484 Simataa, R.I.; id_orcid 0009-0004-4345-5467 Primus, H.; id_orcid 0000-0002-0447-5914 Romijn, Rianne Valkenburg, J.C.C.M.; id_orcid 0000-0003-1190-6417 Huijben · TU/e Research Portal · Benin
Deliverable D8.3 of the URBANE project designed a co-creation workshop methodology for agroecological business models with the University of Abomey Calavi (UAC) and Eindhoven University of Technology. This methodology was applied in a multi-actor workshop in Benin to co-design sustainable innovation System Business Models (SysBMs) for local agrifood contexts. The main outcome is a workshop design template, including instructive videos, documented in a facilitator's handbook.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityGardens as Immigrant Homelands
2026Pierrette Hondagneu‐Sotelo · Revue d’ethnoécologie · United States (Los Angeles)
This article examines urban community gardens and urban farms in Los Angeles as sites for the recreation and re-creation of homelands for Mexican and Central American immigrants. Based on ethnographic research conducted between 2010 and 2023 across several sites, the author demonstrates that these gardens function as hybrid spaces where everyday home-making practices unfold. Gardeners cultivate Mesoamerican plants, materially and symbolically reshaping urban space while forging bonds of attachment to place and community.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareSensing nature in the city: The role of sight and sound in restorative tropical urban green spaces
2026Juliana Ju Yun Hoo, Shumetha Kaur Sidhu, Tan Kok Wei · PLoS ONE · Malaysia
A study in Malaysia assessed the perceived restorativeness of tropical urban green spaces (UGSs) using 120 environmental stimuli and 87 participants. Nature and mixed urban-nature scenes were generally rated as more restorative than urban scenes. In the visual-only modality, mixed urban-nature scenes were perceived as more restorative than nature scenes, but no significant differences were found in audio-only and bimodal modalities.
HealthCommunityDigging in to urban soil health through a soil testing project with community gardeners
2026Eric Vukicevich · Urban Ecosystems · Global
This paper describes a class-based soil testing project where undergraduate students partner with local community gardeners to investigate urban soil health. The project involves students examining soil properties such as pH, organic matter, nutrients, and toxic elements, and ensuring crop safety. Students develop project plans, interpret data, and make recommendations for soil management.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceHealth