Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
3622 results(122 / 145)
Growing Community: The Impact of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program on the Social and Learning Environment in Primary Schools
2012Block K., Gibbs L., Staiger P., Gold L., Johnson B., Macfarlane S., Long C., Townsend M. · Health Education & Behavior, 39(4):419-432 · Australia
A mixed-methods evaluation of Australia's Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program. It reported social and learning benefits including increased student engagement, confidence and willingness to try new foods, plus experiential, integrated learning and stronger school-community connections.
Food educationCommunityHealthPast results and future directions in urban community gardens research
2012Guitart D., Pickering C., Byrne J. · Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 11(4):364-373 · Global
Review of English-language community gardens research, summarizing who studies them, locations, methods, plants grown, participants, and the motivations, benefits and limitations, while outlining future research directions.
CommunityWelfareBiodiversityUrban food production schemes in Ireland 1917–1923
2012Forrest M. · Studies in the History of Gardens & Designed Landscapes · Ireland
This historical study documents the government-sponsored urban food production schemes introduced in Ireland between 1917 and 1923 in response to World War I food shortages, tracing how allotment promotion policies were administered by the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction and the Local Government Board.
CommunityPolicyFood educationConsumption of arsenic and other elements from vegetables and drinking water from an arsenic-contaminated area of Bangladesh
2012· Journal of Hazardous Materials · Bangladesh
In an arsenic-contaminated area of Bangladesh, residents ingest carcinogenic arsenic daily through home-grown vegetables and drinking water, posing a documented health concern.
HealthEvaluating the Benefits of Peri-Urban Agriculture
2012Catherine Brinkley · Journal of Planning Literature · Global
This article reviewed literature from various fields to evaluate services provided by farms to urban areas. It analyzed mission statements of 130 land trusts, finding a preference for parcels offering ecosystem services, wildlife habitat, and agricultural productivity. A literature review revealed that the market value of farmland services varies from -$37,541 to $124,000 per acre, depending on analysis method and farm location.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsBiodiversityPolicyA Deweyan Defense of Guerrilla Gardening
2012Shane J. Ralston · The Pluralist · Global
This research article, published in The Pluralist in 2012, presents a Deweyan defense of guerrilla gardening. The full text of the article is available only as a PDF.
CommunityDIYFood sovereignty & justiceSchool gardens: teaching and learning outside the front door
2012Rowena Passy · Education 3-13 · Global
This article reports on two projects investigating school gardens, finding that while they can effectively engage primary children in learning, a divide exists among teachers regarding garden use. The article argues that mixed messages in policy concerning outdoor learning act as a barrier to teachers utilizing school gardens.
Governance failureFood educationPolicyPhytodiversity for Metals in Plants Grown in Urban Agricultural Lands Irrigated with Untreated City Effluent
2012Ghulam Murtaza, Abdul Ghafoor, Muhammad Zia‐ur‐Rehman, Muḥammad Ṣābir, Asif Naeem · Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis · Global
This study investigated metal accumulation in plants grown in urban agricultural lands irrigated with untreated city effluent in developing countries. Sewage samples showed hazardous electrical conductivities, sodium adsorption ratios, and residual sodium carbonate for irrigation, although metal levels were near permissible limits. Critically, plants acquired metal contents that were greater than those found in the raw sewage or soils, indicating significant metal uptake.
Contamination & food safetyHealthDeveloping a Space for Children: An Internship with the Mullumbimby Community Garden
2012Eden K Olsen · School for International Training Digital Collections (School for International Training) · Australia
This paper details an internship at the Mullumbimby Community Garden (MCG) in Byron Shire, Australia, focusing on the development of its Children's Garden. The intern spent 152.5 hours over four weeks in late 2012 on tasks including planting, project planning, and designing new structures. The study also examines the broader importance of community gardens and children's spaces, drawing conclusions on environmental education and communication practices based on participant observations and three interviews.
CommunityFood educationDIYFood sovereignty & justiceThe desire to learn as a kind of love: gardening, cooking, and passion in outdoor education
2012Karen Wistoft · Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning · Denmark
This article presents an evaluation of 'Gardens for Bellies' (Haver til Maver), an organic school garden project at Krogerup farm in Northern Sealand, Denmark. Based on qualitative and quantitative studies, the evaluation found very positive learning benefits, including the development of a desire to learn among participating pupils. The program, which provides first-hand experiences in nature, farming, and food preparation, is seen as a unique supplement to the Danish national curriculum.
Food educationCommunityInsecticide susceptibility status of the malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis in Khartoum city, Sudan: differences between urban and periurban areas
2012Osama M. E. Seidahmed, M.A. Abdelmajed, Mashair Sir El Khatim Mustafa, Abraham Mnzava · Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal · Sudan (Khartoum)
A baseline survey in Khartoum city, Sudan, from September to November 2007, assessed the insecticide susceptibility of 9820 Anopheles arabiensis specimens across 6 urban and periurban sites. The mosquito was susceptible to bendiocarb, propoxur, fenitrothion, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin. However, susceptibility rates for malathion, DDT, and permethrin differed significantly between urban and periurban sites, and 50% knockdown times were significantly higher in periurban populations for deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and malathion.
HealthBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageMechanism of Raising Urban Agricultural Effective Investment by Industrial Value Chain
2012Yun Xiao-lan · Anhui nongye kexue · Global
This paper introduced the concept and application status of value chain management, and the implications of using an industrial value chain to increase effective urban agricultural investment. Based on value chain management principles, the study explored the mechanism for increasing effective urban agricultural investment through the value chain of urban agriculture and other industries.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkagePlace Values of Urban Agriculture through applying the Concept of Creative Industry Convergence
2012Seokhwan Lee · Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society · Global
This research aims to provide a theoretical basis for sustainable urban regeneration by studying the place value improvement through urban agriculture, applying the concept of creative industry convergence. It identifies problems with existing urban development methods and highlights the strengths of urban agriculture with creative industry convergence in enhancing place value. The study proposes a new paradigm for urban regeneration.
CommunityEconomicsPolicyNo. 13: The State of Food Insecurity in Harare, Zimbabwe
2012Godfrey Tawodzera, Lazarus Zanamwe, Jonathan Crush · Scholars Commons (Wilfrid Laurier University) · Zimbabwe (Harare)
This study conducted an AFSUN baseline food security survey in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 2008 to investigate the city's food insecurity situation. The survey revealed results sharply at odds with official surveys from 2003-2009, which had indicated food insecurity was not a serious problem. Findings showed that by 2008, Harare had become the most food-insecure city in the SADC region, with extraordinarily high levels of food insecurity as poor households struggled to find income for food. Participation in the informal food economy and urban agriculture for home consumption were major crisis responses.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWelfareGender analysis of land use for urban agriculture and sustainability of livelihoods in Freetown, Sierra Leone
2012Oladele Oladimeji Idowu · African Journal of Agricultural Research · Sierra Leone (Freetown)
This study conducted a gender analysis of urban agriculture (UA) land use and livelihood sustainability in Freetown, Sierra Leone, interviewing 91 producers (30 male, 61 female). The majority of producers were female, and female-managed farms showed higher gross margins (23,895 Leones) and returns than male-managed farms (15,130 Leones). Key determinants of UA income contribution included household size, access to credit, farmer association membership, gender, age, and farm size, with UA income decreasing as household size and the number of male producers increased.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityThe Application of Urban Climate Research in the Design of Cities
2012Chen Yu, Wong Nyuk Hien · Advances in Building Energy Research · Global
This chapter reviews worldwide research on urban greenery, discussing three main types: public green areas, rooftop gardens, and vertical landscaping. It examines these from both a systematic and thermal benefit perspective. The chapter provides general guidelines for strategic landscaping in cities to mitigate environmental issues.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeImplementing a Rainwater Sustainable Control in Sahel-Feedback from "Niayes" Zone of Dakar
2012Sylvestre Dasylva · Journal of environmental science & engineering · Senegal (Dakar)
This paper discusses rainwater management in the "niayes" zone of Dakar, Senegal. This area is characterized by agricultural depressions with typically high groundwater levels, but a recent drop has turned some into runoff-gathering sites, used for urban agriculture among other services. However, two acute problems are observed: hydrological drying due to insufficient rainwater refill and urbanization of these bottom-lands. Furthermore, decreasing pluviometry exacerbates nuisances like floods and malaria.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeUrban–rural linkagePolicyPeri-urban agricultureResidual residential space as commons
2012Dan Rabinowitz · International Journal of the Commons · Israel
This article extends Common Pool Resources (CPR) theory to residential complexes, defining Residual Residential Space (RRS) such as courtyards and lobbies as a new sub-set of CPR. Based on findings from three types of RRS in Israel, the study suggests that legal instruments alone are insufficient for regulating such spaces. Effective regulation requires alignment with popular framings of RRS, local sensibilities, and stakeholders' community expectations.
CommunityPolicyThe Exploration and Construction of Urban Modern Agricultural Information Technology Specialty
2012Lan Bin · Computer Knowledge and Technology · Global
This paper adhered to the principle that information technology serves agriculture, refining the capacities that computer majors in urban agricultural information technology should possess. Consequently, a curriculum system and an urban agriculture information technology training base, focused on capacity cultivation, were constructed. This achieved the task of cultivating compound and applied talents in agricultural information, satisfying the needs of urban agriculture construction.
Food educationDigital agricultureTowards Integration of Rural Heritage in Rurban Landscapess. Case of Lithuanian Manor Residencies
2012Indrė Gražulevičiūtė–Vileniškė, Jurga Vitkuvienė · American Journal of Tourism Management · Lithuania
This research addresses the threat of rapid urban expansion to valuable rural heritage, specifically Lithuanian manor residencies, which are historically agricultural but increasingly affected by urban growth. The study aimed to develop interdisciplinary guidelines for managing these manor residential ensembles within urbanized areas. Methods included literature analysis and photographic surveys of manor residencies in Kaunas, Lithuania, also considering their connection to tourism.
Peri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkagePolicyUrban agriculture and sustainable urban development
2012· · Global
This paper discusses the unsustainable uni-directional flow of food and nutrients from rural areas to cities, which are then discharged as waste, causing pollution and nutrient depletion. Citing historical examples from Rome and London, and contemporary observations of sewage plumes in coastal cities worldwide, it highlights how valuable nutrients are lost to the sea. The paper argues that creating sustainable cities requires re-evaluating nutrient flows between urban and rural areas and understanding urban metabolism.
Organic cycleClimate changeUrban–rural linkageHEAVY METAL POLLUTION AND URBAN AGRICULTURE IN MSIMBAZI RIVERVALLEY: HEALTH RISK AND PUBLIC AWARENESS
2012Lori Leonard, W. J. S. Mwegoha, Charles Kihampa · International Journal of Plant Animal and Environmental Sciences · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
This study investigated public awareness and health risks from heavy metal pollution in vegetables irrigated with Msimbazi River water in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Over 71% of 35 respondents used the river for irrigation, and high levels of chromium, lead, and copper were detected in popular vegetables. 69% of respondents were unaware of industrial pollution, and 63% were unaware of potential health effects. The study found that 95.6% of adults, 30.7% of children aged 6-12, and 12.5% of children aged 2-6 were at risk of lead carcinogenic effects, while 5% of children aged 2-6, 2.8% of children aged 6-12, and 1.2% of adults were at risk from carcinogenic cadmium effects.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityEvaluation of Different Soil Media and Soil Ameliorants in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Miller), Green Onion (Allium sativum) and Pechay (Brassica rapa L.)
2012Jenny Calabio, Ma. Luisa Albacete · WVSU Research Journal · Philippines (Iloilo City)
This study, conducted from July 2007 to July 2008 at the Urban Agriculture Demonstration Site in La Paz, Iloilo City, evaluated soil media and ameliorants for container-grown green onion, pechay, and tomato. Pure compost was found to be the best medium for increasing yields. However, the use of IMO and rice hull as soil ameliorants did not increase yields for the three tested vegetables, and rice hull generally reduced pechay yields.
Limited or null effectCompostDIYWelfareHealthEconomicsUteservering för Hotell & Restaurang Villa Anna
2012Adam Roigart · · Sweden (Uppsala)
A new patio concept was designed for Hotel and Restaurant Villa Anna in Odinslund, Uppsala, Sweden, exploring how urban farming can thrive in a restaurant context. The design, informed by a literature study on urban farming and storytelling and discussions with the restaurateur, aimed to convey the cuisine's core values and strengthen the sense of place through storytelling. The author found storytelling useful in landscape architecture and highlighted urban farming's potential to offer a new perspective on food procurement and eating trends within restaurants.
DIYFood educationEconomicsUrban Agriculture in DMDP Area: A Case Study of Gazipur, Kaliganj, Rupganj and Narayanganj Upazilas
2012Tazrina Ananya, Yousuf Mahid, Afia Sultana Shanta, Roxana Hafiz · Journal of Bangladesh Institute of Planners · Bangladesh (Dhaka)
This study aimed to determine the suitability of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in the DMDP area of Bangladesh, focusing on Gazipur, Kaliganj, Rupganj, and Narayanganj Upazilas. UPA is considered a key component of survival strategies for poorer populations, contributing significantly to urban fresh food supply, and offering positive impacts such as improved nutrition, enhanced living environments, increased entrepreneurship, and poverty alleviation.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsPeri-urban agriculture