Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
370 results(13 / 15)
Realizing a Holistic Approach to Food through School Gardens and Growing Activities
2012Mat Jones, Emma Weitkamp, Richard Kimberlee, Debra Salmon, Judy Orme · Children Youth and Environments · Global
This mixed-methods study analyzed the development of school garden initiatives by tracking the progress of 55 primary schools participating in the "Food for Life Partnership" program. Findings showed considerable expansion of food growing facilities, outputs, and supporting infrastructure. Participating students, parents, and community volunteers created new links to food-related activities in the dining hall, classroom, and home environment. The effectiveness of these changes was connected to the strategic redevelopment of growing spaces and conceptually integrated messages on food sustainability.
Food educationCommunityHealthWelfareImpact Evaluation of Community Gardening Initiatives on Food Security in Ghanaian Towns from an African Perspective
2012Yves ZONGO, Isidore Mbock, Ngaïmi Fongòmba, Siméon Ndayizeye · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Ghana
To evaluate the impact of community gardening initiatives on food security in Ghanaian towns, a structured survey was administered online and through face-to-face interviews. Findings indicated that community garden programs resulted in an average of 20% increase in vegetable production per household, with significant improvements noted among women and youth participants who traditionally had limited access to fresh produce.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfarePolicyBeyond a Construction Site, Beyond National Citizenship: The Infrapolitics of Translocal Citizenship
2012Žiga Vodovnik · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Global
This article examines the concept of "translocal citizenship," which moves away from the nation-state as its territorial reference point and rejects its continuation within new supranational entities. The second part focuses on the "Beyond a Construction Site" project, initiated by the Obrat Culture and Art Association (KUD Obrat), where an unused construction site has been repurposed as a community garden. This project practically illustrates translocal citizenship by fostering new forms of collective action and political membership better suited for intercultural dialogue and the inclusion of migrant communities.
CommunityPolicyWelfareUrban agriculture and poverty reduction: Evaluating how food production in cities contributes to food security, employment and income in Malawi
2011Mkwambisi D. D., Fraser E. D. G., Dougill A. J. · Journal of International Development 23(2):181-203 · Malawi
Evaluates how urban food production in Malawi contributes to food security, employment and income, showing its role as a livelihood strategy for the poor while identifying constraints in land, inputs and institutional support.
EconomicsWelfareAllotment Gardens: A Reflection of History, Heritage, Community and Self
2011Lesley Acton · Papers from the Institute of Archaeology · Global
This article examines the changing demand for allotment gardens and the motivations of plot holders, refuting the assumption that economic reasons are primary. It finds that while allotments have historically alleviated hunger, the social aspect primarily motivates most plot holders. Allotments are valued by individuals and collectives as part of history and cultural heritage.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsUrban Agriculture: Advances, Opportunities and Application
2011Marielle Dubbeling, H. de Zeeuw · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · Global
This handbook highlights that most urban growth occurs in less developed regions, often leading to over-urbanization where migrants struggle to find employment, adequate shelter, and sufficient food. Despite these challenges, urban poverty is frequently considered less severe than rural poverty.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareUrban–rural linkageEconomicsViabilité des sociétés et agriculture urbaine
2011Éric Duchemin · · Global
This paper discusses how urban agriculture improves the economic situation and health of poor and vulnerable families in both industrialized and developing countries. It suggests that policies reconciling urbanity and rurality can reduce food insecurity and better integrate the most vulnerable populations, contributing to sustainable development.
Climate changeEconomicsHealthWelfareUrban–rural linkageSustainability of livelihoods through Urban Agriculture: Gender dimensions in Accra, Ghana
2011Olufunke Cofie · · Ghana (Accra)
This study examined the gender dimensions of livelihood sustainability through urban agriculture among vegetable producers in and around Accra, Ghana. Responses from 92 male producers and 8 female producers were analyzed, revealing a mean age of 39.4 years for males and 49.8 years for females, indicating females were older. The mean years of schooling were 6.4 for males and 7.1 for females. Urban agriculture significantly contributed to livelihoods, with farm size and access to credit identified as important determinants of income from urban agriculture.
EconomicsCommunityWelfareThe Impact of Government/NGO Support Services on Performance of Crop Production and In Urban Farmers’ Livelihood: A Case of Accra, Ghana
2011Abigail A. Aryeh-Adjei, P. Atengdem · Annals of Humanities & Development studies · Ghana
This study in Ashaiman Municipality, Greater-Accra region, Ghana, investigated the impact of Government/NGO support services on urban farmers' crop production and livelihoods. Surveying 104 urban vegetable farmers, it found that 88 farmers with access to support services from entities like the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Pro Credit Bank observed improved crop production, whereas 16 without access did not. A significant difference was also identified between access to these services and various livelihood outcomes for urban farmers.
PolicyEconomicsWelfareA Study on the Introduction of Urban Agriculture to Permanently Rental Apartment Complexes
2011Eun-Joo Yoon, Young-Ho Yoon · LHI Journal of Land Housing and Urban Affairs · Global
This study aimed to suggest the application of urban agriculture in permanently rental apartment complexes to build social welfare. It explained the roles and necessities of urban agriculture in response to environmental changes, estimated the land area usable for urban agriculture in existing complexes, and proposed strategies for its introduction.
WelfareCommunityPolicyAgriculture urbaine comme réponse au chômage à Kinshasa, République Démocratique du Congo
2011Dieudonné E. Musibono, E.M. Biey, M. Kisangala, Camille Ipey Nsimanda, B.A. Munzundu, V. Kekolemba, J.J Palus · VertigO · Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
Urban agriculture in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, serves as a palliative solution for social survival constraints such as a lack of remunerative salaries and sustainable jobs. However, poorly supervised urban farmers cultivate along busy roads, exposing vegetables to various contaminations, including lead. This practice highlights issues with site selection and supervision.
Contamination & food safetyWelfareEconomicsPolicyUSING SCHOOL GARDENS AS A VEHICLE FOR HEALTH PROMOTION FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL YOUTH: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
2011Hillary Anne Doerfler · D-Scholarship@Pitt (University of Pittsburgh) · Global
A literature review examined the use of school garden programs for health promotion among elementary school youth. The review found that school gardens successfully improved academic achievement, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and enhanced social skills. However, significant barriers to implementation were identified, particularly in low socioeconomic status schools, including a lack of funding, insufficient gardening knowledge among teachers, and limited community and parent involvement.
Governance failureFood educationHealthCommunityWelfareUrban agriculture, poverty, and food security: Empirical evidence from a sample of developing countries
2010Zezza A., Tasciotti L. · Food Policy 35(4):265-273 · Global
Using household survey data from 15 developing countries, this seminal study analyzes urban agriculture's contribution to poverty reduction and food security among the urban poor, finding it is mostly own-consumption oriented and offers modest but real welfare benefits.
WelfareEconomicsPolicyPost-Colonial Migration: Virtual Culture, Urban Farming and New Peri-Urban Growth in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 1975–2000
2010Geoffrey Ross Owens · Africa · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
This article, using ethnographic and historical approaches, examines unplanned peri-urban settlements on Dar es Salaam's northern and western fringe, Tanzania, between 1975 and 2000. These districts were established by educated urban professionals who used urban farming as an economic diversification strategy. The study found that these settlements contributed to the reproduction of socio-economic inequality, attracting additional economically influential urban in-migrants after 1991.
Equity & displacementPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsCommunityWelfareAgronomic considerations for urban agriculture in southern cities
2010Nikita S. Eriksen‐Hamel, George Danso · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Global
Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UA) significantly contributes to the total food requirements of cities, especially in southern cities of the developing world. This review describes agronomic issues unique to UA and identifies possible interventions to address them. Growth-limiting and growth-reducing factors in UA include water availability, nutrient supply, soil degradation, pests, and soil pollution. Addressing these constraints requires action at both field and municipal or regional levels.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareClimate changePolicyOrganic cycleUsing value chain analysis to increase the impact of urban farming.
2010J. Mittchel, Henri Leturque, Marielle Dubbeling, Femke Hoekstra, R. van Veenhuizen · Urban Agriculture Magazine · Global
A scoping study for the International Development Research Centre aimed to re-appraise the role of urban agriculture in poverty reduction in developing countries. The research, conducted by a team at the Overseas Development Institute, was based on an extensive literature review, key informant discussions, and field visits to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
EconomicsWelfareUrban–rural linkageViolence and humanitarian action in urban areas: new challenges, new approaches
2010Marion Harroff-Tavel · International Review of the Red Cross · Global
This article describes the vulnerability of the poorest and migrants in rapidly expanding urban areas, and the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations. Cities confront violence, such as hunger riots and gang clashes, making public service provision difficult. Innovative responses discussed include income-generating micro-projects, cash or voucher aid, urban agriculture, and violence-prevention or health-promotion programs.
WelfareCommunityHealthUrban–rural linkageImpact of Armed Conflicts on Urban Livestock Production in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
2010É. Thys, André Mfoukou-Ntsakala, G. Nkouika-Dinghani-Nkita, Guido Van Huylenbroeck, Niko Speybroeck · Outlook on Agriculture · Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)
This paper analyzed the impact of armed conflicts on urban livestock keeping, particularly small ruminant keeping, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. Two surveys, one before 1993 and one after 2002, indicated that the 1997 conflict had a negative impact on livestock keeping, as most livestock keepers lost their animals. Financial resources were an important factor in rebuilding the flock after 1997.
Economic viabilityEconomicsWelfareUrban–rural linkageCultivating Kaunda's plan for self-sufficiency: Is urban agriculture finally beginning to receive support in Zambia?
2010Alec Thornton, Etienne Nel, Godfrey Hampwaye · Development Southern Africa · Zambia
A review of urban agriculture in Zambia's four largest cities revealed that despite attempts by the Kaunda government in the 1960s–1970s to create supportive policies, there is currently a near absence of institutional support, constraining farmers' activities. A survey of 400 farmers confirmed the value of urban agriculture as a survival strategy but also highlighted the lack of necessary support measures.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsWelfarePeri-urban agricultureOn the past and the future of the urban agriculture movement: Reflections in tribute to Jac Smit
2010Diana Lee-Smith, L. J. A. Mougeot, Michael Levenston, Peter Mann, Katherine Brown, Jerry Kaufman · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Global
This reflection on the urban agriculture movement notes that 19th and early 20th-century urban reforms, including urban gardens, aimed to improve living conditions in industrial cities. However, these initiatives also shifted the burden of sustenance from industrialists and fair-wage policies onto urbanizing families, particularly women. Despite this, garden spaces provided nourishment and retreats in densely populated areas.
Equity & displacementPolicyCommunityWelfareUrban Agriculture as a Resilience Strategy in Kampala's Slums: A Development Framework
2010Ephraim Kigozi Nabakwa, Patrick Kizza Kagyi, David Sserunkuuma Masereka, Grace Nakimbugwe Otim · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Uganda (Kampala)
This qualitative research, conducted through interviews and focus groups with residents and leaders in Kampala's slums, examines urban agriculture as a resilience strategy. Urban agriculture projects demonstrated an average 30% increase in household food security and a 50% reduction in reliance on informal income sources. The study's development framework enhances the resilience capacity of these initiatives, offering policy recommendations for integration into formal programs and infrastructure support.
WelfareFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsCuban Home Gardens and Their Role in Social–Ecological Resilience
2009Buchmann C. · Human Ecology · Cuba (Trinidad de Cuba)
Using ethnobotanical fieldwork in Trinidad de Cuba, this study shows how home gardens serve as the most adaptable local land resource, with garden composition and management adapting in response to major events such as the Soviet collapse, bolstering household food security and social-ecological resilience.
BiodiversityCommunityHeirloom & landraceWelfarePotentials of urban horticulture for poverty reduction in Dar es Salaam: a case of Kinondoni municipal
2009Heaven E Masashua, Frank George Haule Hawassi, Provident Dimoso · · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
A study in Kinondoni Municipal, Dar es Salaam, examined the contribution of urban vegetable production to poverty reduction using 59 respondents. The study found that urban vegetable production increased income for smallholder farmers, improved food security, and enhanced access to health and education services. It concluded that urban horticulture has significant potential for poverty reduction.
WelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceMicro-Finance Support and Urban Agriculture Expansion in Kampala Slums: Farmer Productivity Gains and Economic Empowerment Successes
2009Sserunkuma Muhumuza, Kajenye Amadi · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Uganda (Kampala)
A study in Kampala slums, Uganda, investigated the impact of micro-finance support on urban agriculture expansion. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative analysis of financial records with qualitative interviews of farmers was used. Micro-finance support significantly increased average farm yields by 15% compared to baseline, and farmer confidence in economic strategies improved by 20 percentage points.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareMulticultural School Gardens: Creating Engaging Garden Spaces in Learning about Language, Culture, and Environment.
2009Amy Cutter‐Mackenzie · ePublications@SCU (Southern Cross University) · Australia
An Australian environmental education non-profit implemented the "Multicultural Schools Gardens" program in disadvantaged schools, using food gardening to teach culture, English as a Second Language, and environment. A combined methods research approach, including student self-research, interviews, and observations, was used to assess learning experiences. At one culturally diverse school with many migrant and refugee families, the program fostered a strong sense of belonging among students and provided opportunities for English language learning and environmental connection.
Food educationCommunityHealthWelfare