Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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7626 results(125 / 306)
PELATIHAN INSTALASI HIDROPONIK DAN RUMAH HIJAU UNTUK PERTANIAN PEKARANGAN
2021Laksmi Irianti, Ika Kustiani, Ratna Widyawati, Amril Ma’ruf Siregar · · Indonesia
In Kampung Sinar Harapan, an urban agricultural area on the outskirts of Bandar Lampung City, Indonesia, a Community Service (PKM) activity was conducted to address challenges of land conversion and water resource availability. This activity, carried out from August to October 2019, provided training to the Harapan Jaya Women Farmers Group (KWT) on the design and development of hydroponic installations and greenhouses, and on hydroponic farming methods. Evaluation results indicated that KWT Harapan Jaya members well understood urban farming methods, hydroponic installation, and cultivation techniques.
DIYFood educationCommunityUrban–rural linkageUrbanidade e agricultura no contemporâneo: pensando a alimentação pelo viés da agroecologia e as relações com uma dinâmica socioambiental
2021Ivanio Folmer, Gabriella Eldereti Machado · Diversitas Journal · Global
This theoretical study proposes a discussion on contemporary urbanity and agriculture, focusing on food through the lens of agroecology and its relationship with socio-environmental dynamics. It discusses conceptual issues involving territory, urbanity, agroecology, and food production, as well as public policies for healthy food and a balanced socio-environmental environment. The research aims to characterize contemporary urbanity and its potential for creating new spaces for agriculture, such as urban agriculture.
Urban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityClimate changeSustainable Social Entrepreneurship Models for Urban Agribusiness Initiatives in Johannesburg
2021Michael Rudolph, Madimetja Antony Mello, Evans Muchesa · Journal of food security · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This study aimed to develop a sustainable social entrepreneurship model for urban farming initiatives in Johannesburg. Through a literature review and qualitative interviews with experts, findings highlighted several important challenges that limited urban smallholder farmers' ability to ensure the financial viability and sustainability of their farming initiatives. These challenges included limited accessibility to farming land, markets, funding, and knowledge regarding setting up and managing small agri-businesses.
Economic viabilityEconomicsCommunityPolicyFood educationWillingness to pay for urban agriculture in Oslo
2021Geir Wæhler Gustavsen, Helge Berglann, Elisabeth Jenssen, Signe Kårstad, Divina Gracia P. Rodriguez · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Norway (Oslo)
This study used a contingent valuation survey to assess Oslo citizens' attitudes and willingness to pay for four types of urban agriculture: urban community gardens, urban gardens for work training, education, and kindergartens, aquaponics, and vertical production. While urban agriculture provides services like enhanced food security and biodiversity, its value is often hard to quantify for policymakers. The survey results indicated that Oslo citizens are willing to increase their tax payments to contribute to the further development of urban farming in Oslo.
EconomicsCommunityPolicyFood educationDifferences in the Content of Zn Fractions in the Profiles of Soils from Allotment and Domestic Gardens in South-Eastern Poland
2021Iwona Makuch-Pietraś, A. Wójcikowska-Kapusta · Land · Poland
This research investigated the distribution, bioavailability, and total forms of zinc (Zn) in soils from domestic and family allotment gardens across six cities in south-eastern Poland. It found that horticultural treatments had a greater impact on sandy soils, and higher Zn contents were present in humus horizons. High values of concentration and Igeo indices indicated significant Zn pollution in these soils, with bioavailable zinc forms being notably high.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityGardening for Food Well-Being in the COVID-19 Era
2021Esteve Gaelle Giraud, Sara El-Sayed, Adenike Opejin · Sustainability · United States (Arizona)
This paper examines the potential of sustainable gardening to enhance Food Well-Being (FWB). It uses three studies of sustainable food gardeners in Arizona, USA, including children and teachers in school gardens, sustainable gardeners and farmers, and gardeners during the pandemic. Results indicate a connection between sustainable gardening and eudemonic well-being, impacting five FWB dimensions (physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social). However, the paper notes that without appropriate policies, funding, and infrastructure, the impact might remain minimal, volatile, and subject to tokenism.
HealthWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityFacilitating Multifunctional Green Infrastructure Planning in Washington, DC through a Tableau Interface
2021John Taylor, Mamatha Hanumappa, Lara Miller, Brendan Shane, Matthew L. Richardson · Sustainability · United States (Washington, DC)
A public-access geographic information system (GIS) and Tableau dashboards were developed for comprehensive multifunctional urban green infrastructure (UGI) planning in Washington, DC. The dashboards enable stakeholders to identify existing UGI (150 ha) and potential areas for new UGI, including urban agriculture (UA). A total of 2734 ha is potentially suitable for UGI development, with 2575 ha potentially suitable for UA. Of this UA potential, 56% is located in Wards 5, 7, and 8, which are largely food deserts with primarily Black residents experiencing the greatest inequities. The tool allows users to prioritize equitable UGI development using population vulnerability indices.
PolicyCommunityClimate changeHealthA Study on the Cooperation of Food Business Operators and Farmers in Urban Areas: Participation in the “Farm Mileage<sup>2</sup> Movement” of Narutoya Co. Ltd.
2021Kana Nakatsuka · Journal of Rural Problems · Japan (Higashi-Osaka City)
Higashi-Osaka City implemented the "Farm Mileage2 Campaign" to promote urban agriculture, collaborating with food business operators to jointly develop agricultural products. As a result, residential areas of consumers preferring ethical foods expanded based on the shipping destinations of food business operators. The movement also fostered events for food and agriculture education, promoting understanding of urban agriculture rather than just leisure. Many urban residents were found to desire agriculture near their homes.
Food educationCommunityPolicyFood miles & supply chainTwo Experiences of Urban Agriculture in Medieval Piedmont
2021Roberto Leggero, Mirella Montanari · University of Vienna · Italy
This investigation compared urban agriculture in the proto-city of Chieri and Novara in medieval Piedmont, Italy, finding that urban agriculture was influenced by the city's network and environmental relationship. Chieri's arid clay soils and water scarcity led to specialized wine production and in-city processing areas. Novara's Roman urban model and surrounding countryside facilitated vegetable gardens and peri-urban crops, demonstrating how different urban structures and territories generated diverse forms of urban agriculture.
CommunityPolicyMedia frames on urban greening in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
2021Mi Sun Park, Seongmin Shin, Haeun Lee · Forest Policy and Economics · Democratic People's Republic of Korea
This research examined urban greening policies in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) by applying media content analysis to articles on urban green spaces published in the Rodong Shinmun newspaper from 1959 to 2018. The analysis, using an ecosystem service approach, identified three media frames: diagnostic, prognostic, and motivational. Findings revealed edible trees highlighted as provisioning services, disaster control and environmental protection as regulating/supporting services, and recreation/landscape as cultural services, with frames also proposing strategic planning and encouraging public participation.
PolicyCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceSpecial Issue: “Urban Agriculture, Forestry and Green-Blue Infrastructure as “Re-Discovered Commons”: Bridging Urban-Rural Interface”
2021Ryo Kohsaka, Yuta Uchiyama · Sustainability · Global
This Special Issue re-explores research topics related to the relationships between urban and rural areas during the COVID-19 pandemic period in 2020 and beyond.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyCommunityCultivating a Jewish Eco- Education Framework: The Toronto Heschel School’s Teaching and Learning Garden
2021Nadine Ijaz, Paige Mawson · Canadian Jewish Studies / Études juives canadiennes · Canada (Toronto)
This study highlights the Toronto Heschel School's Teaching and Learning Garden, a Canadian Jewish day school program that fosters student learning on ecology and Jewish identity. Qualitative interviews with two educators and five alumni revealed that the Heschel program, like secular school gardens, implements experiential, interdisciplinary learning activities within a scientific ecological knowledge (SEK) framework. However, the Heschel program supplements these SEK activities with traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) rooted in Judaic teachings, resulting in educational outcomes relevant to both universal applicability and Jewish identities.
Food educationCommunityEvaluating the preferences and level of participation of the academic community in urban agriculture: the case of University of Sistan and Baluchestan
2021Mohammad Reza Khalilnezhad, Peiman Golchin · فصلنامه علوم محیطی · Iran
This study is a cross-sectional survey aimed at measuring the participation and support of the academic community for the edible landscape (university green space with edible and medicinal plants) at the University of Sistan and Baluchestan in Iran. A survey of 530 faculty members, staff, and students revealed that "mental health" and "nutrition from food produced in the edible landscape" were the most important motivators for participation. Students, women, and the 20-30 age group showed the highest motivation to participate, and the most popular combination of elements included agricultural space, an orchard with a fountain and stream, a dining area, and a mulberry grove.
CommunityFood educationHealthOccurrence and Determination of Antimicrobial Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates in Fish and Vegetables as Indicator Organism of Faecal Contamination in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
2021Francis Mwanza, Erick Komba, Dominic Kambarage · International Journal of Microbiology · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
This study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, investigated the occurrence, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic relatedness of E. coli isolates from 156 samples of manure, vegetables, and fish. Of these, 36 samples (23.1%) were positive for E. coli, yielding 48 isolates. A significant finding was that 25 (52.1%) of these isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, and 12 (48.0%) showed multidrug resistance, indicating a potential microbial health risk to humans through contamination.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleCommunityPublic food forest opportunities and challenges in small municipalities
2021Sarah E. Coffey, John F. Munsell, Rico Hübner, Curtis R. Friedel · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · United States (Virginia)
A survey of 68 mayors (39% response rate) in Virginia, US, from communities under 25,000 population, investigated public food forest initiatives. Mayors identified long-term maintenance as the greatest barrier and noted that 78% of municipalities lack land use codes for food-producing trees and shrubs. While nearly 70% reported some public land food production, only one-fifth included food-producing trees. Mayors emphasized sociocultural programs and education over food access as the most compelling aspect.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood educationClimate changeINNOVATIVE URBAN FARMING TECHNIQUES FOR SUSTAINABILITY OF CITIES: FROM FARM TO FORK – CASE OF THE CITY LANUVIO, ROME, ITALY
2021Sangodoyin Olakunle. M, Shehata Mariam, D’Aprile Andrea, Calore Giuseppe, Lorianne Ginot, Correrella Maia, Elian Mariam, Aly Nada, Aboughanema Salma, Ali Sohaila, Aboulnaga Mohsen · International Journal of Engineering Applied Sciences and Technology · Italy (Rome)
The "Green Symphony" project in Lanuvio, a municipality near Rome, Italy, transformed a vacant ARES site into a smart and sustainable urban farm. The project integrated aquaponic systems, permaculture, vertical farming, and energy harvesting technologies. The developed farm is projected to generate 7 tons of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and fish annually, create 3 stable jobs, and recoup investment costs within a maximum of 5 years.
DIYCommunityClimate changeFood educationASPECTOS DAS PRÁTICAS DE AGRICULTURA URBANA EM CATALÃO-GO
2021Cláudio José Bertazzo, Guilherme Papini da Silva, Gabriela Ferreira de Souza · Para Onde!? · Brazil (Catalão)
A theoretical and practical study, including field visits and surveys, was conducted to understand urban agriculture (AU) practices in Catalão, Goiás, Brazil. The study aimed to identify AU's particularities and quantify what, how, and for what purpose produce was grown. Findings indicated that AU is a reality, widespread in the territory, and has the potential to provide access to safe and nutritious food for citizens with yards or small cultivation spaces.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHow are allotment gardens managed? A comparative study of usage and development in contemporary urban space in Germany and Poland
2021Magdalena Szczepańska, Ewa Kacprzak, Barbara Maćkiewicz, Lidia Poniży · Moravian Geographical Reports · Germany; Poland
A comparative study analyzed the use and development of allotment gardens (AGs) in Westphalia and Lippe (Germany) and Wielkopolska (Poland). AGs in Westphalia and Lippe are accessible and harmoniously integrated into the landscape, while AGs in Wielkopolska are less accessible, prioritize internal users, and do not always blend with their surroundings. The considerable freedom enjoyed by Polish plot-holders leads to a gradual marginalization of edible-plant growing.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageOpportunities and Challenges of Peri-Urban Agriculture on the Fringes of the Metropolis of Rabat, Morocco
2021Fatiha Hakimi, Mohamed Brech · International journal of food science and agriculture · Morocco
This study assessed peri-urban agriculture practices, roles, and challenges in Rabat Metropolis, Morocco, by surveying 50 respondents using purposive and stratified random sampling. Major practices included horticulture, crop farming, and livestock rearing. Peri-urban agriculture contributes to economic development by generating income, creating employment, supplying food, and enhancing land use and environmental beautification. However, it faces legal constraints, such as a lack of regulating laws and housing taxes, and technical constraints, including insufficient workforce, high labor costs, difficult access to irrigation water, and lack of training and support.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityResearch on the Application of Productive Agricultural Landscape in Urban Residential Area
2021Hongqiang Chen · OALib · Global
This paper summarizes the concept of productive agricultural landscape and analyzes the feasibility and advantages of its design in urban residential areas. Productive agricultural landscape integrates agricultural products and activities as design elements, addressing urban residents' needs to participate in planting, enjoy organic food, and build harmonious neighborhood relationships. This promotes the localization of urban food production and plays an important role in the sustainable development of cities.
CommunityDIYFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageMotor City Green: A Century of Landscapes and Environmentalism in Detroit by Joseph Stanhope Cialdella
2021T. G. McCarthy · Michigan Historical Review · United States
Joseph Stanhope Cialdella's book, "Motor City Green," describes how Detroit residents maintained various relationships with nature, including growing plants and food in their backyards and vacant lots, throughout the city's 130-year history. The book presents a series of episodes, from 1890s vacant lot programs to the Detroit Urban League's 1920s efforts to encourage gardening among African American residents and 1930s summer camps, which defined ideas about urbanism, nature, and relationships among residents.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsHeirloom & landracePendampingan Studi Lapang Agribisnis Urban Farming bagi Masyarkat Kota dengan Pelaku Bisnis Hydroponic di Kota Banda Aceh
2021Teuku Fadhla, Mutia Ismail · · Indonesia
This program aimed to assist the Tunggai Hamlet community in Banda Aceh City, Indonesia, to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and innovation in hydroponic urban farming and marketing. The program sought to increase the entrepreneurial mindset of Tunggai Hamlet youth, enhance innovation capabilities in hydroponic and marketing businesses, and produce agribusiness products via healthy hydroponic systems for commercial use.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceLocal food loop in the capital city / by Jennifer Jevons, Kate Walmsley and Rory Lenihan-Ikin
2021Jennifer Jevons · · New Zealand (Wellington)
The work of Kaicycle, an urban farming initiative located on Wellington City Council land in New Zealand, was spotlighted. This initiative aims to help the community by improving awareness of soil health, advocating for food waste minimization, growing produce, and practicing regenerative composting. Kaicycle recycles food scraps from the community, composts using anaerobic microbes, and produces vegetable boxes for sale.
CommunityCompostFood lossOrganic cycleLa Educación Virtual STEM en la nueva normalidad
2021Paulo Germán García Murillo, Laura Belkis Parada Romero, Julio Ernesto Rojas Mesa, Bernardo Garibello Suan · · Colombia (Bogotá)
A research project on urban agriculture was implemented for fifth-grade primary students and their families at El Carmelo school in Teusaquillo locality, Bogotá D.C., Colombia. The project aimed to raise awareness about STEAM competencies (environmental, technological, pedagogical, and artistic), designing two experimental practices for home development using bean seeds. The project led to important reflections on educational work regarding STEAM competencies for strengthening the relationship between sustainability, technology, learning, and arts, addressing specific issues such as food security, nutritional culture, prototyping culture, and strengthening scientific citizenship.
Food educationFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityThe Changing character of the city-food nexus
2021Salvatore Engel‐Di Mauro, George Martin · · Global
This chapter examines the global relationship between food growing and capitalism over 500 years, identifying three profit-seeking formats: mercantilism, industrialism, and global financialization. It argues that capitalism has led to a de-industrialization of cities and a commodification of agricultural products by corporate megafarms, contributing to green gentrification in urban redevelopment. This has incited a food resistance trend, leading to the emergence of community gardens and farms.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageCommunity