Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
1089 results(13 / 44)
Urban agricultural activities, a food system resilience strategy during COVID-19 in Haiti
2023Bénédique Paul · Food systems · Haiti
This exploratory research in Haiti investigated whether urban agriculture served as an appropriate and innovative food system resilience strategy for the urban population during the COVID-19 crisis. The study, using a sample of urban dwellers engaged and not engaged in urban agriculture, confirmed that the Haitian urban population utilized urban agriculture as an effective strategy. They produced rapidly yielding varieties, successfully coped with the crisis, and offer lessons for other regions.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityHealthEconomicsConstraint and autonomy in the Swiss “local contract farming” movement
2023Jérémie Forney, Julien Vuilleumier, Marion Fresia · · Switzerland
This study on the local contract farming (LCF) movement in Switzerland is based on an ethnography of three LCF networks. The research focuses on the contract that formalizes the "promise of difference" and the redefinition of food quality and value. It acknowledges both the potential for transformation of LCF ventures and their clear limitations, aiming to foster discussions beyond simple statements of success or failure.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceThe Work that Work does: How intrinsic and instrumental values are transformed into relational values through active work participation in Swiss community supported agriculture
2023Stefan Geissberger, Mollie Chapman · People and Nature · Switzerland
This paper explored how active labor participation in Swiss solidarity agriculture cooperatives influences members' values and behavior. Qualitative interviews with 21 members of three cooperatives revealed that participation and work practices fostered new relational connections to food, farmers, and nature, transforming intrinsic and instrumental values into relational values. The study concludes that values, particularly relational values, can form and change through lived experiences.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthStimulating and developing sustainable urban local economies: The role of urban agriculture
2023James Kwame Mensah · Development Southern Africa · Ghana
This research examined the role of urban agriculture in the urban local economy in Ghana, addressing a lack of empirical evidence from a Local Economic Development (LED) perspective. Data was gathered through focus group discussions and key informant interviews with urban agriculturalists and local authorities in two assemblies in the Greater Accra region. The findings suggest that with proper support, urban agriculture can improve the local economy by providing employment, income, and enhanced livelihood and food security.
EconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityAnalysis of Urban Maize Yield Response to Urban Sprawl in a Changing Climate: Case of Harare Metropolitan City
2023Herbert Mandigo, Teddious Mhizha, Terence Darlington Mushore · Applied Sciences · Zimbabwe (Harare)
This study investigated the implications of urban growth on maize yield in Harare metropolitan city, Zimbabwe, from 1984 to 2018 using Landsat data. Cropland area was reduced from 11,120 ha in 1984 to 2631 ha in 2018. Consequently, the estimated average maize yield decreased significantly from 52,264 tons in 1984 to 12,366 tons in 2018, demonstrating that urban growth has the potential to compromise food security.
Limited or null effectUrban–rural linkageClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsStrategi Desain Integrasi Rumah Susun dan Fasilitas Pertanian Perkotaan berbasis Self-sufficiency
2023Abhinaya Ramadhikka, Ofita Purwani, Sri Yuliani · Arsitektura · Global
This paper focuses on implementing energy and food self-sufficiency in residential buildings by integrating urban agricultural facilities. It aims to fill a literature gap by discussing self-sufficiency specifically in residential buildings with urban agriculture on a microscale. The study formulates how to apply the self-sufficiency concept by calculating residents' food and energy needs and outlining how to achieve them.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityAGRICULTURE URBAINE : POURVOYEUSE DE DENRÉES ALIMENTAIRES ET SOURCES DE NUISANCES SANITAIRES AU QUARTIER SODEPRA À KORHOGO (NORD DE LA CÔTE D’IVOIRE)
2023Moussa Coulibaly · International Journal for Advanced Studies and Research in Africa · Côte d'Ivoire (Korhogo)
This study in Logokaha, Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire, aimed to show the impact of urban agriculture on food production and the health of farmers. Despite contributing to the empowerment of farmers, urban agriculture exposes them to health hazards. The methodology involved documentary research and field surveys.
Contamination & food safetyHealthFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityInformation and analytical support for the formation of the city farm business plan
2023Yu. N. Katkov, N. A. Starostina, A. A. Romanova, М. К. Dzhikуa, I. O. Aidlin · Buhuchet v sel skom hozjajstve (Accounting in Agriculture) · Global
This article theoretically substantiates information and analytical support for city farm business plans, aiming to enhance food security by providing organic and eco-friendly agricultural products. It presents author's models for accounting and analytical systems and information support for city farm business plans. These models are intended to aid import substitution in agricultural products and contribute economically.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleHarmonizing Urbanization and Food Security: A Novel AI-Driven Approach for Sustainable Urban Agriculture
2023Divyam Jindal · International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) · Global
This research introduces an AI-based model that uses satellite imaging, machine learning, and demographic projections to optimize urban agriculture. The model integrates soil analysis, water availability prediction, crop recommendations, and population growth projections for informed decision-making. It aims to optimize land use and balance urbanization, food security, and environmental sustainability.
Digital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeUrban–rural linkageIntegrating Urban Agriculture into Neighborhood Planning for Sustainable Development: People’s Perceptions of the Potentials of the Al-Bastanah in Al-Za'faraniya, Iraq
2023· International Society for the Study of Vernacular Settlements · Iraq (Baghdad)
This case study explored the potential of urban agriculture in the Al-Bastanah neighborhood of Al-Za'faraniya, Baghdad. It investigated how urban agriculture can be integrated into neighborhood planning processes.
PolicyCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceA campus-based community clinic and food-shelf join efforts to reduce food insecurity using a One Health approach toward building a vibrant living system
2023Clara Godoy-Henderson, Ellen Hiestand, Emma Schluter, Erica Olsen, Jennifer Tacheny, Ambria Crusan, Mary O. Hearst · Journal of American College Health ·
This report describes a One Health approach addressing food insecurity among college students and Latine adult patients at a campus-based community health clinic. Organic community gardens on and near campus, pollinated by campus beehives, contribute local produce to a campus food shelf. This system aims to increase food security and nutritional health for both populations through multidisciplinary collaboration.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityAGRICULTURE URBAINE: POURVOYEUSE DE DENREES ALIMENTAIRES ET SOURCES DE NUISANCES SANITAIRES AU QUARTIER SODEPRA A KORHOGO (NORD DE LA COTE DIVOIRE)
2023COULIBALY Moussa · International Journal of Advanced Research · Côte d'Ivoire (Korhogo)
This study in Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire, surveyed 81 farmers to assess the impact of urban agriculture on food production and farmer health. It found that urban agriculture, predominantly practiced by women (85.19%) with no formal education (71.61%), involves the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides with non-adherence to application intervals. A significant portion of farmers (59.26%) discard chemical packaging in the environment. Despite contributing to empowerment, this practice exposes farmers to health problems including fatigue (53.09%), injuries (25.92%), skin burns (11.11%), dry coughs/colds (32.10%), and diarrheal diseases (19.75%).
Contamination & food safetyHealthFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityURBAN FARMING SEBAGAI USAHA MENJAGA KETAHANAN PANGAN BERKONSEP SAYURAN HIJAU
2023Eva Rosdiana, Nurul Sjamsijah, Sri Rahayu, Dian Hartati · J-ABDI Jurnal Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat · Global
This community engagement activity aimed to promote urban farming as a solution for urban food security and environmental issues. The method involved socializing the benefits and implementation of urban farming to community groups, followed by assisting them in creating a model urban farm. The activity targeted outcomes such as scientific publication and increased community adoption of technology.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityClimate changeHealthURBANISED AGRO-INDUSTRIAL NETWORK OF FARMING AS A PROMISING DIRECTION TO IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
2023Т.В. СТАРИКОВА, R. A. Skachkov, А.И. БЕНКЕЧ, С.П. ПРОКОПОВИЧ · Экономика и предпринимательство · Russia
This article discusses the concept of urban farming as a promising direction for improving food security in the Russian Federation. The authors analyze the current agricultural situation, identify existing food security problems, and propose urban farming as a potential solution.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyConceptualization of alternative food networks in Latin America: a case study of a local food system in Southwestern Colombia
2023Rachael Maysels, Apolinar Figueroa Casas, Juan Diego Otero Sarmiento, Shiomara Mileydi Zuñiga Meneses · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Colombia
This study analyzed the dynamics of the local food system in the Andean region of Cauca, Colombia, and explored how it can be conceptualized as an Alternative Food Network (AFN) within the Global South context. Transdisciplinary research, utilizing SWOT analysis during stakeholder workshops and reflexive thematic analysis, was conducted. Results showed the coexistence of both traditional and conventional food system dynamics; participants valued traditional food systems and agroecological production more, but economic insecurity and socio-political unrest hindered a robust transition from the conventional food system.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageO papel da agricultura urbana e periurbana na segurança alimentar global do pós-guerra à crise da covid-19: novas perspectivas em justiça alimentar, saúde global e sustentabilidade,
2023Ana María Bertolini, Patrícia Constante Jaime, Gabriela Marques Di Giulio · Saúde e Sociedade · Global
This article discusses the evolution of the concept of food and nutritional security (FNS) internationally, from post-World War II to the COVID-19 crisis, and the contributions of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) to this agenda. Based on a critical literature review, the study notes that institutional responses to FNS often focus on crises and prioritize unsustainable globalized food systems. UPA practices have seen periods of rise and decline, evolving alongside the FNS agenda, and the article concludes by discussing the need to incorporate concepts of justice, global health, and a multidimensional view of sustainability into FNS and UPA discussions.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthClimate changePeri-urban agricultureProducción urbana de alimentos: una contribución al cumplimiento de los ODS. Una experiencia desde la proyección social universitaria
2023Luis Carlos Estupiñán Aponte · Repositorio Institucional UPTC · Global
This project explores urban and peri-urban agriculture as a viable, though not comprehensive, solution to food vulnerability in urban areas, where access to food is often limited by purchasing power. It applies circular economy and agroecological principles, utilizing available resources for garden assembly, processing plant waste into fertilizers, and employing botanical and microbiological controls for phytosanitary management. The initiative emphasizes broad community participation, knowledge exchange, and the creation of social spaces to enhance food and nutrition security.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsClimate changeOrganic cycleCash for assets during acute food insecurity: an observational study in South Sudan
2023Shannon Doocy, Emily Lyles, Robert Kenyi Morjan, Kayla Pfieffer-Mundt, Courtland Robinson, Kevin Savage · Agriculture & Food Security · South Sudan
A prospective cohort study in South Sudan (2019–2021) examined the impact of cash assistance for work in community gardens on food security among 1213 cash-receiving, 582 non-intervention, and 300 later cash-receiving households. The study found no significant differences in changes over time in household hunger, coping strategies, or meal frequency between participants and the comparison group. Cash transfers did not appear to have lasting benefits on food security and livelihoods coping strategy use.
Limited or null effectWelfareCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceThe role of Design Thinking to promote a sustainability transition within participatory urban governance: Insights from urban agriculture initiatives in Lisbon
2023Sandrine Simon · Urban Governance · Portugal (Lisbon)
This study examined urban agricultural initiatives in Lisbon, Portugal, and their integration into urban planning strategies for sustainability, using Design Thinking methodology for a literature review. The integration of urban agriculture into urban planning is identified as a complex problem due to conflicting goals among actors. The research suggests that Design Thinking could assist urban planners in addressing this challenge by providing flexible, iterative, and participatory approaches.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceSustainability and sustainable communities
2023David Barkin · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · Global
This study contributes to the significance of a growing global movement where millions of people are taking control of their environments, creating "Territories of Life" to strengthen autonomy and produce food using traditional techniques enhanced by agroecology. Indigenous and peasant communities, who inhabit over one-quarter of the world's land and produce about 70% of global food, are restructuring their organizations and governance to control their ancestral territories. This movement has the potential to influence other communities and expand local and regional networks and markets worldwide.
Food sovereignty & justiceCSA & TeikeiPeri-urban agricultureCommunityEconomicsRacism in paradise: Being migrants in urban agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand
2023Marcela Palomino‐Schalscha, Maria Teresa Braga Bizarria, Isabella Sánchez‐Bolívar · New Zealand Geographer · New Zealand
This collective autoethnography project explored the experiences of Latin American migrant women of color joining urban agriculture (UA) in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. The research revealed that while UA spaces offer community-building opportunities, they can also reproduce exclusionary practices, particularly towards minority groups. The study highlights experiences of racial oppression within UA settings.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceANÁLISE DE PROJETOS DE ARQUITETURA E URBANISMO, COM VIÉS NA PRODUÇÃO SUSTENTÁVEL DE ALIMENTOS
2023Luíza Malvessi Lagemann, Luciana Turatti, Rodrigo Spinelli · Revista Destaques Acadêmicos · Global
This paper conducted a literature review of architecture and urban planning projects to find alternatives to mitigate problems of the current food system, such as processed foods, reduced access for small producers, and high environmental pollution. Ten projects focusing on urban agriculture and healthier food production were analyzed. Ultimately, it was observed that it is possible to construct architectural and urban planning projects that contribute to more sustainable food production, especially in urban areas and with the use of urban agriculture.
Urban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justicePolicyClimate changeThe role of urban and peri-urban agriculture in global food security from post-war to the COVID-19 crisis: new perspectives on food justice, global health, and sustainability,
2023Ana María Bertolini, Patrícia Constante Jaime, Gabriela Marques Di Giulio · Saúde e Sociedade · Global
A critical literature review discussed the evolution of food and nutrition security (FNS) and the contributions of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA). The review found that institutional responses to FNS are concentrated in times of crisis, which favors the maintenance of globalized and unsustainable food systems. UPA practices show peaks of rise and decline, evolving with the FNS agenda.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceHealthClimate changeUrban–rural linkageCommunity agroecology. Basis for food resilience in the face of extreme events
2023Luis L. Vázquez · Journal of Applied Biotechnology & Bioengineering · Cuba
This study analyzed Cuba's transition towards decentralized and diversified agriculture, driven by peasant family farming and urban agriculture movements in response to the economic crisis since the 1990s. It found that agroecology has become popular in human settlements, facilitating population participation in small-area production systems such as intensive and organoponic gardens. These systems enable communities to obtain over 40 fresh products for local consumption.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeSocio-environmental diagnosis of community urban gardens in the General Pueyrredon district
2023Jaime Del Río, Victoria Noelia Cabral, María Victoria Sordini · Salud Ciencia y Tecnología - Serie de Conferencias · Argentina
This undergraduate thesis conducted a socio-environmental diagnosis of community urban horticulture spaces in the General Pueyrredon district, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The diagnosis identified their current situation, main limits, and potentialities, and characterized and geographically located different projects. This facilitated understanding how these experiences relate to urban social dynamics.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycle