Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
455 results(13 / 19)
Social Change for Sustainable Localised Food Sovereignty: Convergence between Prosumers and Ethical Entrepreneurs
2018Rachel Reckinger · SOCIOLOGIA DEL LAVORO · Luxembourg
This study examines four community-driven alternative food network initiatives in Luxembourg, where low organic agricultural rates contrast with high consumer demands. Using qualitative interviews and participant observation, the research describes these initiatives, which combine agroecology and circular economy practices. These initiatives, ranging from an established one with 200 employees to more recent, smaller cooperatives, focus on regenerative land use and foster consumer integration, representing a cultural shift towards a more resilient food system.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsOrganic cycleSocio-economic and ecological transition in community supported agriculture: from the 'transitional' to the 'ideal' CSA
2018Erin Whittingham, Nhu Tuyên Lê, Claudio Vitari, Roxana Bobulescu · International Journal of Agricultural Resources Governance and Ecology · Global
This paper focuses on the transitional features of community supported agriculture (CSA) and its transformational potential for agricultural system change. The research developed a framework that highlights the 'transitional' CSA model and compares it with conventional and 'ideal' CSA models. This framework helps understand how CSAs adapt to their context and demonstrates their transformational potential for agricultural system change, drawing on numerous narratives from the broad literature on CSAs.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceEdible green infrastructure: An approach and review of provisioning ecosystem services and disservices in urban environments
2017Alessio Russo, Francisco J. Escobedo, Giuseppe T. Cirella, Stefan Zerbe · Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 242, 53-66 · Global
A foundational paper proposing and reviewing the concept of Edible Green Infrastructure (EGI), addressing the neglect of provisioning (food) ecosystem services in green infrastructure planning that has emphasized regulating and cultural services. It frames allotment gardens, rooftop gardens, edible landscapes and urban forests as a multifunctional green network that, with best management practices to minimize disservices, can enhance food security and urban resilience.
BiodiversityEconomicsCommunityOrganic cycleUrban and peri-urban family-based pig-keeping in Cambodia: Characteristics, management and perceived benefits and constraints
2017Gunilla Ström, Agnes Andersson Djurfeldt, Sofia Boqvist, Ann Albihn, Sorn Sokerya, Sokun San, Holl Davun, Ulf Magnusson · PLOS ONE · Cambodia (Phnom Penh)
A cross-sectional survey of 204 pig-keeping households (from 267 initially identified) in urban and peri-urban Phnom Penh, Cambodia, using structured questionnaires in November–December 2014 and February 2015. Typical holdings were 5–15 pigs, all households kept pigs for sale, and more than 60% reported pig income as one of the household's main sources of revenue. The constraints named most often were low prices for slaughter pigs (54%), expensive feed (53%) and disease outbreaks (50%), with lower-socioeconomic-status households significantly more affected by disease (P=0.025). Notably, no household raised food-safety or zoonotic-transmission concerns, despite these being the standard international worry about urban livestock keeping.
EconomicsOrganic cycleAchieving Resilience through Water Recycling in Peri-Urban Agriculture
2017Roger Attwater, Chris Derry · Water · Australia
This paper presents a case study in Western Sydney, Australia, examining the role of water recycling for agricultural use within the peri-urban water cycle. It identifies and discusses aspects that enhance resilience, such as water resource security, avoidance of wastewater discharges, enhanced landscape ecology, and provision of ecosystem services. The study also considers environmental risk management, local agricultural products, social values, livelihood opportunities, and the industrial ecology of recycled organics.
Peri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleClimate changeEconomicsDevelopment of organic fertilizers from food market waste and urban gardening by composting in Ecuador
2017Janneth Jara-Samaniego, M.D. Pérez-Murcia, M.A. Bustamante, C. Paredes, A. Pérez‐Espinosa, Irene Gavilanes-Terán, Marga López, Frutos C. Marhuenda‐Egea, H. Brito, R. Moral · PLoS ONE · Ecuador (Chimborazo Region)
This study developed a field-scale demonstration project in Ecuador's Chimborazo Region to evaluate composting technology for managing organic waste from food markets and urban gardening. Three co-composting mixtures were prepared using market waste and pruning materials. All piles showed suitable composting development with significant organic matter decomposition, and the resulting composts lacked phytotoxicity and possessed suitable agronomic properties for use as organic fertilizers.
CompostOrganic cycleDIYPropuesta de un sistema de aprovechamiento del agua lluvia para agricultura urbana en la terraza de los laboratorios de la ciudadela El Porvenir de la Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas
2017Quintana Piñeros, Jacqueline Lisette · · Colombia (Bogota)
This proposal is based on studying the climatological behavior of the main Bogota River basin and its vegetation characteristics to identify suitable native species for urban agriculture. It also proposes a rainwater harvesting system design for hard surfaces, specifically the laboratory building terrace at El Porvenir citadel of Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas. The system would comprise storage, transport, and filtration systems, culminating in a drip irrigation system.
DIYClimate changeOrganic cycleAssessing How the Ratio of Barley Mash to Wood Chips in Compost Affects Rates of Microbial Processing and Subsequent Vegetable Yield
2017Gaston E. Small, Brendan Sisombath, Lauren Reuss, Russ Henry, Adam D. Kay · Compost Science & Utilization · Global
The study measured the effects of different barley mash to wood chip ratios on nutrient retention in compost and subsequent vegetable yield. Nine compost piles (1 m3) were constructed with varying ratios, and the 50:50 mixture maintained internal temperatures above 55°C for 30 days. When the finished compost was used in raised-bed garden plots, arugula and tomato yields increased with compost barley mash content, but less than 5% of N and 2% of P were recycled into new vegetable production.
CompostOrganic cycleDIYAgricultura urbana: um olhar a partir da agroecologia e da agricultura orgânica
2017Mariana Barbosa de Souza, Ana Claudia Guske · COLÓQUIO - Revista do Desenvolvimento Regional · Global
This study aimed to discuss the concept of urban agriculture from the perspectives of agroecology and organic agriculture. A theoretical review of key concepts such as urban and peri-urban agriculture, agroecology, and organic agriculture, along with an exploratory study, were conducted. Through a bibliographic and documentary survey, the research explored the possibility of urban agriculture, when associated with agroecology and organic agriculture, contributing to regional development.
Organic cycleClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkagePrevalence of pathogenic and antibiotics resistant Escherichia coli from effluents of a slaughterhouse and a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Dakar
2017Amadou Diallo Alpha, Bibbal Delphine, Tall Lô Fatou, Mbengue Mbaye, Moustapha Sarr Mohamed, Diouf Moussa, Sambe Yacine, Kérourédan Monique, Alambédji Rianatou, Yaya Thiongane, Éric Oswald, Brugère Hubert · African Journal of Microbiology Research · Senegal (Dakar)
This study in Dakar, Senegal, detected and characterized pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli from slaughterhouse wastewater and municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents. Researchers screened 268 E. coli isolates from the slaughterhouse and 272 from the WWTP for genetic markers, and 40 isolates from each site for antimicrobial resistance. While pathogenic and resistant E. coli were found in raw slaughterhouse wastewater, the final treated water from the WWTP, used for urban gardening, did not contain E. coli, indicating low sanitation risks after treatment.
HealthOrganic cyclePerformance study of sprinkler irrigation system in Sudan
2017Hosham S. Yousif, El-Syed I. Gaber, Goma A. Bakeer, Abbas E. Rahma, Fathi G. EL-Ebabi · مجلة الدراسات الأفريقية · Sudan (Khartoum)
Sprinkler irrigation has been gaining popularity in Sudan since the mid-1990s, primarily adopted in urban and peri-urban farming in Khartoum state for fodder and vegetable production. The method is mainly used due to its high efficiency and flexibility in applying small depths of water. Water conservation, particularly for farmers using groundwater for irrigation, is another motive for its spread.
Peri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleHydrochars from Biosolids and Urban Wastes as Substitute Materials for Peat
2017María Luisa Álvarez, Gabriel Gascó, César Plaza, Jorge Paz‐Ferreiro, Ana Méndez · Land Degradation and Development · Global
This study compared peat, hydrochars from biosolids (HSL) and urban wastes (HUW), and their 50% volume mixtures with peat, as potential substrates. Ryegrass was grown in these mixtures, and hydrophysical and biochemical properties were analyzed. Treatments with biosolids hydrochar (HSL) and its mixture with peat (PT + HSL) increased ryegrass dry weight production by 184% and 216% respectively, compared to peat.
Organic cycleCompost도시농업용 바이오차 시용이 상추 생육에 미치는 효과
2017이윤숙 · · Global
Urban agriculture has gained emphasis due to its importance for leisure and recreation in modern society. However, public health may not be guaranteed due to continuous odors from animal compost. Biochar is an amendment that can reduce odors and enhance crop productivity, but this abstract is truncated and does not present specific research findings.
Contamination & food safetyCompostHealthOrganic cycleEFFECT OF DIFFERENT VERMICOMPOST RATES AND POT VOLUME ON PRODUCING CELERY AND RED CABBAGE UNDER URBAN HORTICULTURE CONDITIONS
2017S. H. Ahmed, M. Emam, M. Abul-Soud · Zagazig Journal of Agricultural Research · Egypt (Cairo)
This study investigated the effect of different vermicompost rates (10%, 20%, 30%) and pot volumes (4, 6, 8 L) on celery and red cabbage grown under green roof conditions in Cairo, Egypt, during 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. Increasing pot volume from 4 to 8 L increased vegetative growth and yield but decreased economic efficiency. A 20% vermicompost rate increased vegetative and yield characteristics, while 30% had a negative impact. Increasing vermicompost from 10% to 30% increased N, P, and K contents, but increasing pot volume from 4 to 8 L/plant decreased N, P, and K contents.
CompostOrganic cycleClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban agriculture is a step towards organic production and sustainable development
2017Shirin Yajam, Mohammad Taghi Alebrahim, Roghaye Majd, Mehrdad Sabouhi · · Global
A study examining the role and benefits of urban agriculture was conducted based on library resources, documents, and evidence of successful examples in other countries. It was shown that urban agriculture can play an important role in increasing food security, improving nutrition, reducing poverty, developing local economies, creating jobs, and recycling municipal waste. The study concluded that urban agriculture can be considered an appropriate solution for sustainable urban development in environmental issues and for improving food security and safety.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWelfareOrganic cycleOpen Garden: a local organic producer–consumer network in Hungary, going through various levels of system innovation
2017Edina Vadovics, Matthew Hayes · · Hungary
A case study of the Open Garden Foundation, a local organic producer-consumer network in Hungary, was conducted. The foundation developed within a Central Eastern European socioeconomic context not supportive of radical solutions for the agricultural sector and rural communities. The study focused on the development of organic agriculture in Hungary, food consumption trends, opportunities for purchasing local organic products, and people's awareness of organic products. The Open Garden's management transitioned from the not-for-profit to the for-profit sector, while the main actors remained consistent.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleFeeding Megacities by Urban Agriculture
2017Rattan Lal · · Global
This chapter describes the nature, properties, restoration, and sustainable management of urban soils to enhance food security and environmental quality. It notes that urban ecosystems are rapidly expanding and changing, with urban soils often classified as Anthropic soils. Drastic human-induced disturbances to urban soils hinder ecosystem functions, but restoration strategies aim to create novel soil types that improve vegetative production, denature pollutants, reduce salinization, and strengthen biogeochemical and biogeophysical cycling.
Urban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleClimate changeAssessing the sustainability of vegetable production practices in northern Ghana
2017Eileen Bogweh Nchanji, Imogen Bellwood‐Howard, Nikolaus Schareika, Takemore Chagomoka, Johannes Schlesinger, D. Rodríguez Torres Axel, Glaser Rüdiger · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Ghana (Tamale)
An ethnographic study in Tamale, Northern Ghana, assessed the sustainability of urban vegetable production between 2008 and 2014. While urbanization increased cultivation of profitable vegetables like cabbage, the practice involved irrigation with grey and wastewater and high pesticide use, posing health and environmental hazards. Industrial growth reduced open space urban agriculture by 8.7%, leading farmers to use interstitial spaces and peri-urban fringes, indicating a dynamic but not yet sustainable production system.
Contamination & food safetyHealthEconomicsClimate changePolicyOrganic cycleKözösség által támogatott mezőgazdaság a világban és Magyarországon = Community Supported Agriculture in the World and in Hungary
2016Piroska Nagy · Repository of the Academy's Library (Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences) · Global
This study provides an overview of the development, geographical emergence, and key values of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) globally and in Hungary, using secondary research methods. The roots of CSA trace back to Rudolf Steiner's ideas in the 1920s, forming the basis for CSA movements in Germany, Switzerland, and the Americas. In contrast, the French AMAP and Hungarian CSA are based on the teikei communities that emerged in the 1970s. Both models were found to be motivated by consumers' desire for access to healthy food, with consumers initiating their establishment.
CSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityOrganic cycleStudy of the Nutrient Composition of Organic Fertilizers in the Zone of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)
2016GOMGNIMBOU Alain P. K., COULIBALY Kalifa, SANON Abdramane, BACYE Bernard, Hassan NM, Sedogo P. Michel · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Burkina Faso
This study aimed to chemically characterize organic fertilizers used in urban agriculture in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. For this purpose, seven animal-based fertilizers were analyzed.
Organic cycleCompostConcluding remarks
2016Runrid Fox-Kämper · · Global
This book provides insights and examples of how urban space is negotiated, describing urban gardens as "lived places" where social relations, meanings, and a sense of place are developed. To trigger social benefits, it is essential that these sites fulfill more functions than just food growing and leisure. Horticultural practices, such as using pesticides or fertilizers, have a strong influence on the ecological impact of urban gardening; although awareness among gardeners has increased due to training programs in recent decades, this impact persists.
Environmental trade-offsCommunityOrganic cyclePolicyNutrients: Growing Systems and Zero Waste Future
2016Gundula Proksch · · Global
This chapter discusses urban agriculture as a holistic approach to nutrient resource management in cities, aiming to reestablish closed-loop systems for nutrient recycling. It provides knowledge on aligning plant nutrient needs with efficient growing systems and recycling strategies like composting and anaerobic digestion. The chapter also illustrates the potential integration of these systems into building designs and their impact on building performance.
Organic cycleCompostUrban–rural linkageAgricultura urbana a "pequeña" escala
2016Lorena Meneses Medina · Universitas Científica · Colombia
An urban children's garden was created between July and December 2015 at the Fundación Hogar el Divino Niño (FHDN) in Colombia, which feeds approximately 100 vulnerable children daily. Led by Nelson Enrique Casas Leal, the project aimed to build an organic farm with the support of children and youth interested in urban agriculture production practices. The garden cultivated tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, cilantro, squash, oregano, thyme, and medicinal plants, and became a life and survival option for the participating children and their families.
Food educationCommunityWelfareOrganic cycleHeavy Metal Status in Urban and Peri-Urban Wetland Soils under Vegetable Cultivation in the Bamenda Municipality Cameroon
2016Godswill Azinwie Asongwe, Bernard Palmer Kfuban Yerima · Greener Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition · Cameroon (Bamenda)
This study analyzed heavy metal levels (chromium, manganese, lead, cadmium) in 21 urban and peri-urban agricultural wetland soil samples in Bamenda municipality, Cameroon. Average concentrations were 35.73 mg/kg for chromium, 0.08 mg/kg for manganese, 30.64 mg/kg for lead, and 0.45 mg/kg for cadmium. These concentrations were generally lower than the maximum WHO permissible levels.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleReuse water and urban horticulture: alliance towards more sustainable cities
2016Douglas Roberto Bizari, Jean Carlos Cardoso · Horticultura Brasileira · Global
This article discusses the potential of using recycled water from treated domestic sewage in urban horticulture as a solution to escalating clean water shortages. While cultural and sanitary impediments exist for large-scale use, and knowledge of treatments is limited, a safe alternative is irrigation for non-edible species like those in floriculture and landscaping. This approach can combine environmental protection with agricultural productivity, support local development, create jobs, and aid environmental protection.
Organic cycleClimate changePolicy