Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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3274 results(12 / 131)
Urban Gardens as a Strategy to Confront the Food Emergency Crisis in Argentina
2025Francisco Tomatis, Ana María Bonet de Viola, Ulises Reno, Ouiam Fatiha Boukharta, Luis Manuel Navas-Gracia · · Argentina
In Argentina, public policies like the Argentine Plan Against Hunger and the ProHuerta Program have stimulated urban agriculture to address the food emergency crisis in early 2024. Despite urban gardening being recognized as a crisis-addressing strategy, the existence and future forms of public policies supporting urban gardens remain uncertain amid recent national political changes. Several barriers to integration and consolidation of these programs are highlighted.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsWelfareCommunityEl fenómeno de los huertos urbanos y sus posibilidades para el Trabajo Social Comunitario
2025Mercedes 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.
Governance failureCommunityFood educationPolicyWelfareTransforming food systems in Semarang City, Indonesia: A short food supply chain model
2025Budi Widianarko, Inneke Hantoro, Novita Ika Putri, Probo Y. Nugrahedi · Open Agriculture · Indonesia (Semarang)
This study explored the potential of short food supply chains (SFSCs) in Semarang City, Indonesia, to create a healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable food system. Desk studies and focus group discussions revealed Semarang City's readiness for SFSCs, evidenced by an increase in farmer groups (371 in 2017 to 406 in 2021) and urban farming initiatives (8 in 2015 to 113 in 2021). Key commodities include vegetables, fruits, cereals, and tubers, with success factors identified as quality, consistency, market access, technology, government support, institutional strength, and consumer education.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicyFrom concrete jungles to urban gardens: AI-powered solutions for sustainable food production in cities
2025Alexander Imanuel Widjanarko, Nathan Daud, Diva Kurnianingtyas · Journal of Biopesticides and Agriculture Technology. · Indonesia
This study developed Urfalogy, an AI-powered platform, to address urban farming challenges in Indonesia, including limited space, capital, and technology. Using Agile software development and the YOLOv8 deep learning algorithm, the platform achieved optimal performance metrics with a recall of 90.01% and mAP50 of 90.715% at epoch 100. Urfalogy successfully identified environmental components for spatial mapping and supports the complete urban farming workflow from planning to sales.
Digital agricultureEconomicsPolicyCommunityUrban expansion and compensation vis-a-vis livelihood coping strategies of displaced farmers surrounding medium size towns in north west Ethiopia
2025Meznanat Tame, Kassahun Gashu, Bantayehu Ayalew Workineh · City Territory and Architecture · Ethiopia
In north-west Ethiopia, a study analyzed urban expansion driving factors, compensation, and livelihood coping strategies of displaced farmers surrounding medium-sized towns. Primary data was collected through 350 survey questionnaires, two FGDs, and six key informant interviews. Findings revealed that compensation was mostly cash-based, and social relationships and community values decreased after displacement. The study suggests a need for proper urban land governance with a participatory approach that includes farmers, and for appropriate urban planning and land policy to improve urban land use efficiency.
Governance failurePeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsBuilding evidence regarding nature-based solutions indicators and their implications for policy – the case of air quality
2025Corina Başnou, Geovana Mercado, Åsa Ode Sang, Thomas B. Randrup, Verónica Fabio, Adrián Cabezas, Arnau Lluch, Marc Montlleó, Juan Miguel Kanai, Riccardo Saraco, Olívia Bina, Tom Wild · Nature-Based Solutions · Europe
An overview and guidance for air pollution indicators in nature-based solutions (NBS) for urban green planning and public health were provided, using three case studies in Europe and Latin America. The study noted that approaches including multidimensional indicators in research, planning, and policies are limited, and national standards for some air pollutants are missing with little evidence for health effect thresholds. Findings also indicated that knowledge of pollutant uptake in edible plants can suggest potential human exposure risks.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPolicyClimate changeSocio-Economic Drivers and Sustainability Challenges of Urban Green Space Distribution in Jinan, China
2025Haili Zhang, Wei Wang, Yichao Wang, Fanxin Meng, Rongguang Shi, Hui Xue, Mir Muhammad Nizamani, Zongshan Zhao · Sustainability · China (Jinan)
This study investigated urban green space (UGS) changes in Jinan, China, over two decades, focusing on urban functional units (UFUs) using remote sensing technology. Findings revealed UGS expansion driven by parks and leisure areas, with economic factors like housing prices increasingly influencing UGS distribution in affluent UFUs. Challenges remain in balancing green space with urban expansion, particularly in commercial and residential UFUs.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsUrban Greenery and Urban Agriculture
2025Ariva Sugandi Permana · · Global
This article describes urban greenery and urban agriculture as components of modern city planning, outlining their roles in environmental sustainability, food security, and public health. Urban greenery is presented as improving air quality and reducing the urban heat island effect, while urban agriculture is noted for enabling local food production and fostering community engagement. The text also discusses their benefits for mental health, carbon sequestration, and economic development, emphasizing the need for policies and regulations.
CommunityPolicyHealthClimate changeAgricultura urbana en México: evaluación sobre su factibilidad y viabilidad técnica, política, económica y eficiencia energética.
2025Ramírez Pérez, Norma Verónica, Padilla Medina, José Alfredo, Cárdenas Manríquez, Marcela, Araujo Rodríguez, Jessica Alejandra, Barranco Gutiérrez, Alejandro Israel, Prado Olivarez, Juan · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Mexico
This article analyzes the technical feasibility, energy efficiency, political, and economic viability of urban agriculture (UA) in Mexico, considering its advantages, disadvantages, and conditions favoring soilless cultivation. The study, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis using the PRISMA protocol, aims to provide scientific evidence on UA's technical, economic, and energy feasibility. It highlights that UA faces technical, political, and economic challenges that limit its development and expansion.
Economic viabilityEconomicsPolicyClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceGardening governance: CSO-government dynamics in Shanghai's urban renewal
2025Mengqi Shao, Linjun Xie · Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning · China (Shanghai)
This study explored the dynamics of civil society organization (CSO)-government relationships through community gardens as governance spaces in Shanghai. Through empirical case studies of three community garden projects, it revealed how political, practical, and personal spheres shape the evolving dynamics between CSOs and local governments. The research highlighted CSOs' pivotal role in mediating between the state and local communities, but noted that challenges such as power asymmetries persist.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyEconomicsHealthStrengthening Organizational Capacity of Women Farmers Group through POAC Training and Digital Documentation
2025Erni Suharini, Ervando Tommy Al Hanif, Supriyadi Supriyadi, Hariyanto Hariyanto, Mohammad Syifauddin · Journal of Community Empowerment · Indonesia (Semarang)
A community service program was implemented to strengthen the organizational capacity of the Women Farmers Group (KWT) Puspitasari in Sampangan, Semarang, Indonesia. The program provided training and mentoring based on the POAC management cycle (planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling), combined with guidance on basic digital archiving using tools like Google Drive and spreadsheets. Evaluating 23 participants with a pretest–posttest design, the program showed a significant improvement in mean scores from 64.35 to 83.04, indicating enhanced participant knowledge and readiness in organizational planning, role distribution, meeting documentation, and evidence-based evaluation.
CommunityWelfareDigital agriculturePolicyApproaching the study and understanding of urban agriculture from a systemic perspective
2025Juan Camilo Fontalvo-Buelvas, Oswaldo Rahmses Castro-Martínez · Horticulture International Journal · Global
This essay aimed to analyze the contributions of systems thinking to the understanding and management of urban agriculture. Three analytical domains—physical, biophysical, and human-biophysical—were examined, and teleomatic, teleonomic, and teleological processes were discussed as explanatory frameworks for the internal dynamics of urban gardens. The essay concludes that a holistic systems perspective enables a deeper understanding of the structure, emergent properties, and functional dynamics of urban agriculture.
PolicyCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeA Review of Roof Top Agro-Voltaic System Development: Integrating Renewable Energy and Urban Agriculture
2025M.Saeed Sheikh, A. G. Mohod, Prasad Chavan, R. T. Thokal, K. G. Dhande, PB Sanap · Advances in Research · Global
This global review examines the development of rooftop agro-voltaic systems (RAVs), which integrate photovoltaic panels with rooftop farming. While RAVs offer benefits like energy production, improved agricultural yields, and environmental conservation, challenges such as efficiency trade-offs, financial constraints, and regulatory gaps limit their widespread adoption. Pilot projects in India demonstrate dual benefits, but these limitations hinder broader implementation.
Governance failureClimate changeEconomicsPolicyDevelopment of urban organic farming
2025V. Movchan, N. Iliuk, O. Melezhyk, N. Zinchuk · Balanced nature using · Global
This article studies current trends, problems, and prospects for the development of urban agriculture, including organic farming, as a component of sustainable food systems and urban ecosystems. It analyzes the environmental, social, and economic benefits of urban organic farming, as well as key risks and barriers to implementing organic practices in urban areas. The study identified main factors affecting urban farming effectiveness and outlined opportunities for innovative technologies.
Organic cycleClimate changeEconomicsPolicyEfectos de los Huertos Urbanos Escolares en la Educación Ambiental y la Nutrición Infantil: Un Estudio en Instituciones Públicas De Lima Metropolitana
2025María 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.
Governance failureFood educationHealthPolicyCHAPTER 1 ORIGINS
2025Celia Plender · Berghahn Books · Global
During an eviction attempt at the Pullens Estate, squatters rained down rotten apples, vegetable peelings, and manure from a local city farm on police and bailiffs. To delay the eviction, stairwells and many flat doors were blocked with boards, steel, barbed wire, or concrete blocks, and door numbers were painted over. By noon, only sixteen of the thirty planned squat evictions had been completed.
CommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageՙՙUrban Agriculture and Sustainable Communities՚՚: An Analytical Study of Urban Agriculture as a Tool for Achieving Food Security and Sustainability in Modern Cities
2025dalia shalaby eldamaty, Ahmed Mahmoud Nagi · التصميم الدولية · Global
This analytical study discusses urban agriculture as a tool for food security and sustainable development in cities. It reviews the benefits of urban agriculture, including improved environmental quality, enhanced local economy, and increased social interaction. The research analyzes successful global experiences and provides recommendations to promote urban agriculture, such as developing supportive policies and strengthening community partnerships.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsPolicyCommunityGrowing together: unveiling the potential of school-based community gardens to foster well-being, empowerment, and sustainability
2025Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira · Urban Transformations · South Africa (Cape Town)
This qualitative study investigated 13 school-based community gardens in low-income townships on the Cape Flats of Cape Town, South Africa, using semi-structured interviews. It found that while these gardens can enhance food security, nutrition, and community development, most urban community gardens in South Africa face significant challenges related to land tenure rights, often requiring negotiation for school land use. The research highlights both the advantages and the challenges of utilizing school land for community gardens.
Governance failureCommunityFood educationHealthPolicySTRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN URBAN FARMING DI DINAS KETAHANAN PANGAN DAN PERTANIAN (DKPP) KOTA SURABAYA
2025Muhammad Rifal Ramadhan, Teguh Soedarto, Ika Sari Tondang · Jurnal Ilmiah Sosio Agribis · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This study aimed to formulate urban farming development strategies implemented by the Food Security and Agriculture Service (DKPP) of Surabaya City, Indonesia, by identifying internal and external factors using SWOT and QSPM analysis. A descriptive quantitative approach was used, collecting data through questionnaires, observations, documentation, and interviews with 12 respondents (urban farmer groups and DKPP staff). The analysis indicated that DKPP possesses internal strengths like competent human resources and effective training, and external opportunities such as government support and potential institutional partnerships. Expanding collaboration with educational institutions and communities was identified as the top-priority strategy.
PolicyEconomicsFood educationCommunity Gardens as a Source of Social Capital for Earthquake Preparedness
2025Naomi Shimpo · · Japan (Kobe City)
This chapter presents two case studies of community gardens in old neighborhoods of Kobe City, Japan, to demonstrate their establishment process and the social connections formed. Community gardens serve as open spaces for evacuation and food sources after earthquakes, and daily gardening activities can build social capital crucial for mutual aid in a crisis. The cases illustrate the potential for social capital building through community gardening, particularly for foreign and elderly residents, and highlight the need for city government support for such bottom-up disaster preparedness efforts.
CommunityWelfareElderlyPolicyAplikasi Metode Service-Learning pada Mata Kuliah Arsitektur Berkelanjutan
2025St. Aisyah Rahman, Irma Rahayu, Moh. Sutrisno · Prosiding Temu Ilmiah · Indonesia (Makassar)
This study describes the application of a service-learning method in a Sustainable Architecture course at UIN Alauddin Makassar during the 2024/2025 academic year. Students collaborated with professional institutions and community movements in Makassar to provide design input for urban farming programs initiated by the Makassar City Government. The first phase of the activity produced various designs from eight working groups, intended as guidelines for urban farming implementation at three locations.
CommunityPolicyThe Role of Urban Planning in Strengthening Urban Food Security in Africa: Insights from Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa
2025Leemisa Simon Matooane, Abraham R. Matamanda, Johannes Bhanye, Verna Nel · Urban Forum · Africa
This paper examines how urban planning affects food security in Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The analysis identifies common challenges in urban food systems, including urban agriculture integration, food distribution, spatial inequalities, and collaborative governance. Findings suggest that proactive, innovative urban planning tailored to socio-economic contexts can significantly enhance food security.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsExploring the significance of treated wastewater reuse in urban agriculture and resilient cities: a bibliometric analysis
2025S. Louis, Johanes A. Belle, Zachariah Haruna Mshelia, Tinashe Lindel Dirwai · Water Reuse · Global
This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 960 articles from the Scopus database published between 2008 and 2024 to explore trends in treated wastewater (TWW) reuse in urban agriculture. The analysis found that wastewater reclamation and treatment had the weakest strength and fewest occurrences, indicating a research gap in the use of TWW for urban agriculture.
Climate changeOrganic cyclePolicyComparative analysis of the agricultural sector in Kupang City Using the Location Quotient (LQ) and Dynamic Location Quotient (DLQ) Approaches
2025Banobe, Maryanto · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Indonesia (Kupang)
This study analyzed the economic position and dynamics of the agricultural sector in Kupang City compared to East Nusa Tenggara Province, using data from 2014–2019. Results showed that Kupang City's economic structure is dominated by tertiary sectors, and the agricultural sector has an LQ of 0.07 and a DLQ of 0.85, indicating it is a non-base and non-prospective sector. This confirms a structural economic transformation from the primary sector towards service-oriented sectors.
Economic viabilityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicyUrbant landbruk i det offentlige rom: erfaringer fra Oslo
2025Katinka H. Evensen, Vebjørn Egner Stafseng · · Norway (Oslo)
This chapter presents case studies from Oslo (2018–2020), exploring urban agriculture integration in public spaces through interviews with initiators and managers of eight projects. The projects are motivated by creating social meeting places and learning arenas for cultivation and ecological knowledge, and are used as a tool for local urban space development. Findings suggest that perceived publicness of spaces can be increased through deliberate design to ensure accessibility for diverse urban populations.
CommunityPolicyHealthFood education