Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Sustainability Recommendations and Practices in School Feeding: A Systematic Review
2022Emanuele Batistela dos Santos, Dayanne da Costa Maynard, Renata Puppin Zandonadi, António Raposo, Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho · Foods · Global
This systematic review, including 50 studies, examined sustainability recommendations in school feeding policies and practices adopted in schools globally. Frequently cited practices included school gardens and sustainability education activities. Recommendations often focused on purchasing sustainable food, nutrition education, and reducing food waste, highlighting the need for managers to prioritize sustainability education in curricula.
Food educationCommunityPolicyClimate changeContradictions in the collective practice of urban agriculture: a Bourdieusian analysis
2022Ana Clara Aparecida Alves de Souza, Fernando Dias Lopes · Cadernos EBAPE BR · Brazil (Porto Alegre)
This article analyzes an urban collective garden, Horta da Formiga, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, through a two-year participatory investigation using Pierre Bourdieu’s framework. The study found that the more protagonists of Horta da Formiga align with capitals considered legitimate by the state, the more they can reconcile contradictions in this field. However, despite individual agency, participants face structured conditions that do not allow for more organic and diverse forms of contradiction reconciliation.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomicsChallenges and Sustainability Dynamics of Urban Agriculture in the Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana: A Study of Bolgatanga Municipality
2022Elias Danyi Kuusaana, Isaac Ayurienga, Joyce A. Eledi Kuusaana, Joseph Kwaku Kidido, Ibrahim Abu Abdulai · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Ghana (Bolgatanga)
A study in Bolgatanga Township, Ghana, used field surveys, key informant interviews, and GIS mapping to examine urban agricultural practices. It found that agricultural lands significantly decreased in size and contiguity since 1996 due to urban sprawl, forcing farmers to use segregated plots and undeveloped residential areas which are easily lost to development. The study concluded that urbanization exacerbates food production challenges without policies to protect agricultural lands.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageSoilless Culture for Agribusiness throughout Urban Farming in Indonesia
2022Ristina Siti Sundari, Lies Sulistyowati, Trisna Insan Noor, Iwan Setiawan · IntechOpen eBooks · Indonesia
Urban farming is expanding globally due to large urban areas, population density, and the demand for local, healthier food. Limited urban space drives the adoption of soilless culture, such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics, for cultivating agricultural commodities, often in vertical farming. Urban farmers, typically with limited skills but high curiosity, primarily engage in urban farming for household self-demand rather than commercial agribusiness.
DIYDigital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsConnecting to nature through community engaged scholarship: Community gardens as sites for collaborative relationships, psychological, and physiological wellbeing
2022Kumara Ward, Son Truong, Tonia Gray · Frontiers in Psychiatry · Australia
In Australia, a study investigated the impact of the New South Wales Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) Community Greening (CG) program. Mixed-method research was conducted on a community garden development program implemented by the CG team in six sites over a seven-month period. Findings showed that community gardening participants experienced positive changes in physical activity, psychological wellbeing, and motivation for social engagement, with these outcomes facilitated by their relationships with CG team members.
CommunityHealth'Cultivating and fighting at the same time': an immigrants innovative entrepreneurial journey in the agricultural scene in Norway
2022Norma Wong, Marte C. W. Solheim · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · Norway
This case study details Tugushan Alp's entrepreneurial journey in Norway, where he pioneered hydroponic lettuce production in a bomb shelter. Alp faced multiple hurdles, including battling regulatory bodies for a legal premise. Despite these challenges, he achieved success and recognition for his innovative urban farming method.
Governance failureDigital agricultureEconomicsPolicyDesign of Affordable Cold Storage for Horticulture Products (Urban Farming “Mom's Farm” in Sampora Village)
2022Ferdian Suprata, Christine Natalia, Djoko Setyanto, Budi Kartadinata, Victoria Principall · Jurnal Ilmiah Teknik Industri · Indonesia (Sampora Village)
This study in Sampora Village, Indonesia, aimed to reduce food losses by designing an affordable 4.77 m3 Modified Atmosphere Storage (MAS) cold-storage unit for horticultural products. Using a Design Thinking method and qualitative interviews, the design focused on temperature/humidity control, air circulation, and ventilation to extend product quality. The study proposed an affordable cold-storage technology.
Food lossDIYPENATAAN PEKARANGAN SEKOLAH MENJADI TEMPAT PENGOLAHAN LIMBAH UNTUK MENUNJANG KESEHATAN LINGKUNGAN (GO GREEN SCHOOL) DALAM MENINGKATKAN PROGRAM ADIWIYATA
2022Wahidyanti Rahayu Hastutiningtyas, Yanti Rosdiana, Fathul Qorib, Murtiyah Murtiyah · Jurnal LENTERA · Indonesia
A project at SDN Tulusrejo 3 in Malang city, Indonesia, aimed to organize the school environment and provide understanding of the Adiwiyata program by arranging the school yard into a waste treatment area to support environmental health. Methods included mapping productive land, counseling, and school garden planning. The project achieved nearly 80% of its goal, resulting in a more organized and comfortable school environment compared to its state before the arrangement.
Food educationOrganic cycleCommunityPromoting an Urban Utopia: The Role of Community Gardens on Community Vitality
2022Kayla Danielle Staley · Digital Archive @ GSU · United States
This quantitative study explored the relationship between community gardens and community vitality indicators (median household income, educational attainment, business establishment, occupied housing units) using U.S. Census Bureau data at the census tract level. While all community garden census tracts showed an increase in median household income by 2013, no direct association was found between community gardens and educational attainment. The research suggests a loose association between community gardens and increased median household income, but the garden's presence cannot be solidified as the sole reason.
CommunityHealthEconomicsUrban–rural linkageLa huerta escolar bajo un enfoque agroecológico de sostenibilidad ambiental y el conocimiento nutricional estudiantil
2022Jilmar Gustavo Comas Piñere · GACETA DE PEDAGOGÍA · Global
This article, based on a qualitative documentary design, explores the agroecological school garden as a pedagogical scenario to strengthen learning and address environmental sustainability issues. The study aimed to highlight the importance of the educational process in improving student nutrition and quality of life. It concludes that establishing school gardens as an integral "learning by doing" strategy is crucial across all knowledge areas and educational levels.
Food educationHealthCommunityOrganic cycleInvestigating Farmer Perspectives and Compost Application for Soil Management in Urban Agriculture in Mwanza, Tanzania
2022Shefaza Esmail, Maren Oelbermann · Frontiers in Soil Science · Tanzania (Mwanza)
This study investigated farmer perspectives and compost application for soil management in urban agriculture in Mwanza, Tanzania. Semi-structured interviews with 34 urban farmers revealed concerns about climate change and unpredictable rain, with 82% desiring soil improvements. A field trial showed that organic amendments (poultry manure and food waste compost) improved soil water holding capacity by 14-19% and enhanced microbial biomass 1.7-4 times compared to inorganic nitrogen fertilizer, with comparable crop productivity.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityClimate changeThe effect of poorly controlled physical development on urban food production in Ibadan, Nigeria
2022Umar Usman Jimoh, Kolade Victor Otokiti · South African Journal of Geomatics · Nigeria
This study in Ibadan, Nigeria, examined the effect of poorly controlled physical development on urban food production using a longitudinal survey and geographical/remote sensing methods. It revealed that Ibadan's urban area expanded significantly from 70.3584 ha in 1986 to 411.8877 ha in 2019, leading to the loss of agricultural land, depletion of water bodies, and agricultural land conversion. This expansion negatively impacted urban food production.
Governance failureUrban–rural linkagePolicyFor the love of insects: gardening grows positive emotions (biophilia) towards invertebrates
2022Amelie M. Vanderstock, Cecilia Grandi-Nagashiro, Gaku Kudo, Tanya Latty, Shoko Nakamura, Thomas E. White, Masashi Soga · Journal of Insect Conservation · Japan
An online survey was conducted with 443 adults in Japan to investigate the association between nature and gardening experiences, demographics, species identification knowledge, and biophilia (liking) and biophobia (dislike, fear, and disgust) towards invertebrates. Frequent gardeners were found to be more likely to express biophilia and perceive invertebrates as beneficial, and generally less likely to express biophobia. The results suggest that gardening can serve as a pathway to foster appreciation for invertebrate biodiversity in urban settings.
BiodiversityPollinatorsCommunityHortas urbanas na promoção da Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional e desenvolvimento sustentável em Salvador, Brasil
2022Manuela Alves da Cunha, Ryzia de Cássia Vieira Cardoso · Ambiente & sociedade · Brazil (Salvador)
A descriptive study collected data from urban garden farmers in Salvador, Brazil, to assess the contribution of urban gardens to food and nutritional security and sustainable development. Urban gardens were shown to provide work and income for families, contributing to food supply and security. Beyond producing fresh vegetables for the local population, the activity also contributes to ecosystem balance and sustainability.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyCommunityClimate changeLand Management Controls on Hydraulic Conductivity of an Urban Farm in Atlanta, GA
2022Hayden Hinton · Digital Archive @ GSU · United States (Atlanta)
A study in the Proctor Creek watershed in Atlanta, Georgia, measured field saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) in soils under compaction, urban agricultural use, and lawn maintenance. Urban farming significantly increased soil Kfs (mean 2.2E-4 cm/s) compared to compaction (9.1E-7 cm/s) and lawn maintenance (9.0E-6 cm/s), limiting overland flow. Grain-size distributions showed no significant difference, indicating Kfs was controlled by land-management practices, not soil texture.
Organic cycleClimate changeKONSEP PERANCANGAN PUSAT PELATIHAN URBAN FARMING DI KABUPATEN BADUNG
2022Ni Putu Kinsa Destias Wirawan, Frysa Wiriantari, Anak Agung Ayu Sri Ratih Yulianasari · Jurnal Teknik Gradien · Indonesia (Badung)
This qualitative descriptive study explored the design concept for an urban farming training center in Badung Regency, Indonesia. The center adopts an education and tourism concept with a Green Architecture theme, incorporating eco-friendly materials, renewable energy, and water conservation. It aims to promote urban farming methods like hydroponics, biofloc catfish farming, maggot cultivation, and organic waste processing into eco-enzymes.
Food educationDIYCommunityOrganic cycleStudy of residents’ willingness to construct community gardens in the post-epidemic era
2022Hua Zheng, Noriko Akita, Fen Zhang · International Review for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development · China (Wuhan)
This study investigated residents' willingness to construct community gardens in three urbanized residential communities in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Based on 382 valid questionnaires, 82.5% of respondents supported community garden construction, while 17.5% did not. Female, elderly, and households with minors showed higher support, but not all supporters were willing to spend money or time.
CommunityHealthElderlyEFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON URBAN HOUSEHOLDS’ FOOD SECURITY STATUS IN Ghana: PRE AND POST LOCKDOWN ANALYSIS
2022Richard Kofi Asravor, Paul Adjei Kwakwa · African Geographical Review · Ghana
This study compared the food security status of urban dwellers in Accra, Ghana, before and after the COVID-19 lockdown, using a sample of 340 respondents. The research found a significant difference, with 36.4% of households being 'High food secure' prior to COVID-19, but 12.35% becoming 'Very low food secure' post-lockdown. The findings indicate a decline in urban household food security following the lockdown.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsWhat the welfare‐agriculture cooperation can inherit from the farmer‐consumer partnership movement for exchanges of organic produce: on‐site implementation and international sharing of its outcome
2022Hiroyuki Tsunashima · Impact · Japan
Dr. Hiroyuki Tsunashima of Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan, leads a project linking agriculture and social welfare to provide job opportunities for socially disadvantaged individuals. The project involves clients working on farms under the supervision of social welfare staff, emphasizing autonomous skill acquisition and holistic practices. This initiative draws from the Teikei movement, a community-supported agriculture system in Japan, to facilitate the process through food and farmer-consumer partnership experiences.
WelfareCommunityFood educationThe spatial distribution of urban community gardens and their associated socio-economic status in Tehran, Iran
2022Sina Razzaghi Asl, Anahita Azadgar · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Iran (Tehran)
A study in Tehran, Iran, mapped the spatial distribution and socio-economic attributes of 26 urban community gardens using semi-structured interviews, qualitative analysis, and secondary data from the 2020 Tehran statistical yearbook. The findings revealed a geographical distribution imbalance, with most gardens located in the southern part of the city. Community gardens were mainly placed in areas with lower average land prices, lower median household income, and higher education graduates, indicating an uneven distribution that favors socio-economically disadvantaged areas.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsRUMAH SUSUN SEDERHANA SEWA DAN PERKEBUNAN KOTA DI KELURAHAN PONDOK BAMBU
2022Giorgio Jivanka, Petrus Rudi Kasimun · Jurnal Sains Teknologi Urban Perancangan Arsitektur (Stupa) · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This study analyzes the application of a hybrid concept in a residential project in Jakarta, Indonesia, focusing on simple rental flats (Rusunawa) and urban farming. It aims to address land degradation and poverty by integrating urban plantations to support residents' economic aspects, alongside considering social adaptation needs. The hybrid concept, guided by criteria like project scale and function diversity, serves as a design criterion for work-based residential buildings.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeBUDIKDAMBER: Realisasi Konsep Urban Farming di Kelurahan Simpang Tiga
2022Lulu Fara, Muhammad Yafi Fadhillah, W. Dea Fadhilah, Kalonika Izzati, Nita Wahyuni, Nabila Triyuliani Hasdania, Alda Agustina, Dwi Librina Suhardi, Annisa Nur Yasin, Amos Adrian Sembiring Pelawi, Fadel Saleh Basobih · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Nusantara · Indonesia
This paper discusses the realization of the Budikdamber urban farming concept in Simpang Tiga Village, Pekanbaru City, Indonesia. Service students implemented Budikdamber activities as a solution to limited cultivation land and decreasing water quality, aiming to address challenges posed by increasing population growth and land function shifts. The initiative also serves as a platform for entrepreneurship.
DIYEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceResilience at the Edge: Strategies of Small-Scale Societies for Long-Term Sustainable Living in Dryland Environments
2022Arlene M. Rosen · Risk, systems and decisions · Global
This paper suggests that modern Western communities can learn from small-scale societies' long-term sustainable living strategies in dryland environments. These societies developed resilience over thousands of years, rooted in Traditional Ecological Knowledge, enabling them to thrive through shifting environmental conditions. While not directly applicable to large cities, their solutions can inform ground-up approaches for smaller urban segments like neighborhood collectives, urban gardening, and water conservation methods.
CommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justicePotential of Fruit Plants in the Yard to Support Urban Farming and Agroindustry in Madiun-City, East Java, Indonesia
2022Ratna Wardhani, Wuryantoro Wuryantoro · International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science · Indonesia (Madiun-City)
A descriptive study conducted in three districts of Madiun-City, Indonesia, aimed to identify the potential of yard fruit plants as agro-industry raw materials and analyze the added value of processed products. The study found eight types of fruit plants in yards, but only four—Mango, Banana, Papaya, and Guava—were utilized as raw materials for processed products. These were processed into Mango Syrup, Banana Chips, Papaya Sauce, and Guava Juice, yielding specific added values per kilogram.
DIYEconomicsHealthDigital Marketing Tanaman Hias dan Sayuran Hasil Urban Farming pada Masa Pandemi Covid-19
2022Doni Sahat Tua Manalu, Ade Astri Muliasari, Hidayati Fatchur R, Faranita Ratih L · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Pemberdayaan Inovasi dan Perubahan · Indonesia
This community service activity aimed to socialize digital marketing for ornamental plants and vegetables from urban farming during the Covid-19 pandemic in Cihideung Ilir Village, Indonesia. It was found that many digital marketing platforms are easily usable by participants, supported by the increasing number of internet users in Indonesia. Participants primarily grew plants to increase household income and consumption, and 100% stated the activities increased their knowledge and were important.
EconomicsDigital agricultureDIY