Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
1626 results(13 / 66)
Can school gardens contribute to resilient communities from a scientific and eco-social perspective in early childhood education?
2025Lourdes Aragón Núñez, Beatriz Erdozain Manzano · Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education · Spain
Diagnostic research using a questionnaire with 45 closed-ended and 9 open-ended questions was conducted in 21 urban schools in Spain that use gardens in early childhood education. The study assessed the resilience level of school gardens across environmental, economic, social, and curriculum dimensions. Results indicate school gardens are valuable for transforming urban environments and creating resilient communities, generally showing a medium level of resilience, with weaknesses identified in environmental and social dimensions.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeBiodiversitySustainable Foods and Consumption
2025Songül Kesen, Eda Elgin Kılıç · Özgür Yayınları eBooks · Global
Sustainable food is a concept integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions to ensure food system sustainability. It aims to reduce environmental impacts, ensure food security, and promote healthy nutrition, often associated with plant-based diets. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) models have potential to strengthen local food systems and environmental sustainability by encouraging local community participation in agricultural production.
CSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsEstimating Urbanization’s Impact on Soil Erosion: A Global Comparative Analysis and Case Study of Phoenix, USA
2025Ara Jeong, Dylan S. Connor, Ronald I. Dorn, Yeong Bae Seong · Land · Global
This study modeled the impact of urbanization on soil erosion across global cities using modern erosion data and cosmogenic nuclide 10Be analysis. It found that urbanization accelerated soil erosion by approximately 7–19 times in environments with mean annual precipitation below 1500 mm, and by 23–72 times in wetter urban centers. A century-long expansion of Phoenix, USA, accelerated soil erosion by about 12 times, supporting the urban cycle of soil erosion theory.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeUrban–rural linkagePotential of Rooftop and Vertical Gardens in Promoting Urban Plant Diversity and Ecosystem Services
2025Drakhshanda Saeed, Areena Sohail, Mahnoor Munir, Khush Bakht · Physical Education Health and Social Sciences · Global
This study qualitatively reviewed 15 peer-reviewed studies published from 2015 to 2025 to evaluate the potential of rooftop and vertical gardens in providing ecosystem services and promoting urban plant diversity. Rooftop gardens primarily support pollinators, stormwater retention, thermal regulation, and spontaneous colonizers, fostering horizontal habitat connectivity. Vertical gardens, despite fewer species, provide essential vertical stratification, shade micro-niches, and air filtration, enhancing multi-dimensional habitat diversity. Design and management factors were found to strongly influence ecological outcomes.
BiodiversityPollinatorsClimate changeOrganic cycleLeveraging and combining resources for sustainable urban agriculture development in major Vietnamese cities
2025Thi Tuyet To, Thi Ngoc Anh Tran · Advances in Modern Agriculture · Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City)
This review paper discussed leveraging and combining resources for sustainable urban agriculture development in major Vietnamese cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City. It synthesized, analyzed, and evaluated the individual effects and collaborative interactions of diverse resources with urban development, presenting the main benefits and challenges in optimizing resource utilization. Strategies for establishing a sustainable, adaptable, and efficient urban agricultural system were also suggested.
PolicyEconomicsCommunityClimate changeThe Universal Solvent: Dissolving and Solving for the Conservation of Water
2025Christopher Dignam, Jay Ramadan · EDUTECH RESEARCH · Global
This study examines the fundamental properties of water, analyzes socio-cultural factors affecting freshwater demand, and highlights advancements in water conservation. It suggests that water-focused content, including aquaponics and urban agriculture, can form a basis for interdisciplinary STEM education. The study concludes with recommendations for sustainable water management and STEM program development.
Food educationClimate changeInside and over urban buildings: will urban agriculture spark the next urban design revolution?
2025RENÉ DAVIDS · Cogent Arts and Humanities · Global
This paper argues for creating a connected network of farms within and on top of existing urban buildings to address increasing food demand and limited land resources. It highlights urban farming's benefits, including enhanced food security, public health, reduced transportation pollution, urban heat island mitigation, improved water retention, and biodiversity fostering. The paper notes that current research on urban agriculture's impact on city design is insufficient, and proposes this approach based on an examination of historical and contemporary urban projects.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthClimate changeBiodiversityPolicyEvaluating the role of green infrastructure in mitigating Urban Environmental and Health Challenges
2025Anuradha S. Bodhe, Sandip N. Ajmire · International Journal Of Recent Advances in Engineering & Technology · Global
This paper investigates the impact of green infrastructure on community health, focusing on the benefits derived from urban nature. As urbanization intensifies, the integration of green spaces such as parks, greenways, and community gardens has become increasingly important for promoting public health. This study examines how these natural environments contribute to physical health by encouraging active lifestyles, improving air quality, and reducing heat-related illnesses. Additionally, the mental health benefits of green infrastructure are explored through its role in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
CommunityHealthClimate changePolicyEnhancing food resilience in the age of geoeconomics by applying biomimetic principles in urban agriculture
2025Alex Toth · Social Sciences & Humanities Open · Global
This paper argues that adopting urban agroecological strategies rooted in biomimicry can significantly enhance resilience to geoeconomic pressures, supply chain disruptions, and environmental shocks. Urban agroecology is presented as a scalable and context-sensitive pillar for building more resilient and self-sustaining food systems. The paper explores how a biomimetic approach to urban agriculture can serve as a strategic mechanism for food security, particularly in urbanized and geopolitically sensitive regions.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeBiodiversityOrganic cycleChallenges and solutions for achieving carbon neutrality through urban green infrastructure in China’s future cities
2025Sitong Liu, Meili Feng, Linjun Xie, Faith Ka Shun Chan · Nature-Based Solutions · China
This study systematically reviewed 464 global publications, including 85 focused on China, to address gaps in understanding urban green infrastructure (UGI) for carbon neutrality. It categorized UGI's carbon mitigation mechanisms and aligned them with quantification methods across carbon sequestration, thermal regulation, and urban agriculture, highlighting strengths and limitations. The research identified critical factors influencing mitigation outcomes, assessed methodological trade-offs, and explored UGI-related carbon initiatives in China, offering policy recommendations.
Climate changePolicyUrban–rural linkageCommunityFlujo de saberes y construcción de comunidades de aprendizaje en huertos urbanos: Un laboratorio de innovación socioecológica en Xalapa-Enríquez, Veracruz
2025Juan Camilo Fontalvo-Buelvas, María Teresa Pulido Silva, Miguel Ángel Escalona Aguilar · Ediciones Comunicación Científica eBooks · Mexico (Xalapa-Enríquez, Veracruz)
This ethnographic study in Xalapa-Enríquez, Veracruz, Mexico, examined the flow of knowledge and the formation of learning communities around 20 urban gardens using in-depth interviews. Findings indicate that knowledge originates from multiple sources, is hybridized through practice, and then mobilized among social actors who provide feedback and re-signify it within learning and practice communities. This process fosters citizen networks and collective action in a medium-sized city.
CommunityFood educationClimate changeGrowing sustainability: Analysis of socioecological drivers of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) under multiple framework assessments. A review
2025Jairo Guzman-Molina, Ramoudane Orou Sannou, Serena Caucci · Journal of Urban Management · Global
This review explores the socioecological drivers and challenges of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture (UPA) using multiple framework assessments: sustainability, resilience, cultural ecosystem services, and Nexus, following PRISMA guidelines. Global case studies demonstrated practical UPA applications, and a SWOT analysis categorized indicators from the four frameworks. Findings underscored the vital role of advanced technology, knowledge sharing, and resource management in UPA's performance, and that UPA enhances education, urban aesthetics, and health. Challenges included a lack of materials, disempowerment, inadequate institutional support, and resource mismanagement leading to food contamination in cases like Kampala.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityPlanung für Ernährung in unsicheren Zeiten
2025Julija Bakunowitsch, Jost Buscher · RaumPlanung · Global
Global crises increasingly threaten the seemingly secure food supply of cities. Urban agriculture is therefore gaining focus as a potential contribution to resilient food systems.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyThe FoodACT intervention TIDiR Checklist.
2025Anna Stage (17743305), Marie Caroline Vermund (11075551), Mads Bølling (6661577), Camilla Roed Otte (21175813), Alberte Laura Oest Müllertz (21175816), Peter Bentsen (3527732), Glen Nielsen (10468844), Peter Elsborg (8894495) · Figshare · Denmark
The FoodACT study aims to investigate how school gardens affect children's food literacy, climate change literacy, school motivation, and physical activity across six school garden locations in Region Zealand and Region of Southern Denmark, Denmark. This multimethod, quasi-experimental inquiry into an existing Danish school garden program, Gardens to Bellies (GtB), will collect data via surveys, accelerometry, and interviews from approximately 1600 fourth-grade pupils in an intervention group and 1600 in a control group. The intervention involves pupils growing, preparing, and cooking foods in the school garden during eight garden sessions.
Food educationHealthClimate changeHuertos urbanos, infraestructura verde y urbanismo: una relación histórica con capacidad renovadora
2025Carmen Blasco Sánchez, Francisco Juan Martínez Pérez · Ciudad y territorio: Estudios territoriales · Global
This paper explores the historical relationship between urban gardens, green infrastructure, and urban planning. Urban gardens, with a long tradition, are recognized as a valuable resource for sustainable urban development, addressing not only environmental needs but also social cohesion, food security, health, and economic incentives. The evolution of rural-urban relationships in urban planning culture presents a new challenge with urban gardens, necessitating a re-examination of the disciplinary path to clarify their potential in new forms of urban planning.
CommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceHealthA bibliometric analysis of food security and urbanization: insights and implications
2025Yujun Wei, Xiaokun Wei, Zhonghua Ye, Jie Fan · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · Global
This study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the intersection between Food Security and Urbanization (FSU) research. Using statistical, co-word, and social network analysis, it mapped the intellectual landscape and global collaboration networks. Findings revealed dominant contributions from the United States and China, and a key observation was the disconnect between urbanization and food security studies, underscoring the need for a more integrated approach. The study also showed that urbanization's impact on food security differs across developed and developing countries.
Food sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageEconomicsClimate changeA Comprehensive Review of Modern Technologies for Climate Resilient Agriculture
2025Y. Shukla, RC Jain, Saket Dubey, Sarat Sekhar Bora, Subrat Kumar Senapati, Neetu Saini · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · India
This review investigated how Indian agriculture is affected by climate change and adaptation strategies. Climate change causes extreme weather events and rising temperatures, leading to crop heat stress and reduced yields. Initiatives such as precision farming, urban food production, and soil conservation support resource recycling and food security, concluding that context-specific climate-smart agricultural technologies are essential for smallholder resilience and food security.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureUrban–rural linkageAssessment of Community Gardens’ role in mitigating air pollution and expanding social opportunities: Lessons from a neighborhood with limited green infrastructure in Tehran city
2025Mahsa Khanpoor Siahdarka, Mohammad Reza Masnavi · Energy Nexus · Asia
A mixed-method study in Tehran's District 10 investigated the potential of community gardens to address environmental and social challenges. Envi-Met® simulations showed CO₂ reductions of 77.74 mg/m³ around broadleaf trees and 84.37 mg/m³ with native grasses and phytoremediation plants, a 6.43°C reduction in mean radiant temperature, and a 7% increase in relative humidity. Social analyses revealed community preferences and gendered trends influencing garden design and plot arrangements.
CommunityClimate changeBiodiversityHealthPendampingan Pengelolaan Air Limbah Rumah Tangga untuk Pengembangan Pertanian Perkotaan Kelompok Tani Cokrodirjan
2025Stefani Natalia Sabatini, Paulus Bawole, Haryati Bawole Sutanto · Jurnal Atma Inovasia · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)
This study discusses assistance provided to the Migunani Farmer Group in Cokrodirjan, Yogyakarta City, regarding household wastewater management for urban agriculture development. The assistance included education on wastewater management, education and simulation of urine processing into liquid fertilizer, and a workshop on simple garden reactor creation. While education and simulation activities increased the farmer group's capacity, the construction of the garden wastewater treatment reactor was hindered by difficulties in adjusting the location of the wastewater source.
Limited or null effectCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeA comprehensive review on microgreens: Nutritional value, cultivation, health benefits, and future perspectives
2025Aditi Sagar, Deepak Lall, Unnati Singh · International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research · Global
This review explores the nutritional profile, cultivation techniques, health benefits, applications, challenges, and future directions of microgreens. It discusses their role in sustainable agriculture, urban farming, and the food industry, highlighting their potential in promoting human health due to compounds like antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phenolic substances. The paper also provides an overview of their nutritional properties, a comparison with sprouts, potential bioactive compounds, and aspects related to cultivation, harvesting, marketing, and prospects.
HealthUrban–rural linkageFood educationClimate changeSustainability through innovation and creativity in educational landscape: A systematic literature review analysis
2025Mohammad Sultan Ahmad Ansari · Sustainable Futures · Global
A systematic literature review investigated how innovation and creativity support sustainability in an educational landscape. The review found that sustainability through innovation and creativity can foster societal changes and enable learners to address social and ecological issues. It also identified challenges in integrating multicultural society for achieving sustainability.
CommunityFood educationClimate changePráticas agroecológicas em franjas urbanas do Sul Global
2025Victória Pansani Silveira Maia, Sílvia Aparecida Mikami Gonçalves Pina · Periódico Técnico e Científico Cidades Verdes · Global
This case study analyzed urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) experiences in India (Bangalore, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam) and an agroforestry system in Campinas, Brazil, using literature review, document analysis, and participant observation. The study identified common obstacles to agroecological practices, including land tenure insecurity, real estate pressures, lack of specific public policies, and uneven community engagement. It also highlighted potentialities such as care networks and food resilience, emphasizing the need for institutional support and public policies.
Governance failurePeri-urban agricultureCommunityPolicyClimate changeEconomicsNúcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Regionais e Agrários: Investigações e Proposições Geográficas
2025Édipo Alves Lacerda · Espiral revista de geografías y ciencias sociales · Brazil
This book, organized by Gustavo Henrique Cepolini Ferreira et al., compiles texts from Unimontes researchers focused on critical geography and popular struggles for land and traditional territories in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. It discusses conflicts from agribusiness expansion, disputes over resources, climate change effects on peasant farming, and challenges faced by quilombolas, indigenous, and traditional communities. The book addresses structural racism and other aspects of rural development, highlighting negative impacts on these communities.
Equity & displacementUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justicePolicyClimate changeCommunityUrban Rooftop Farming: Cultivating Change in India
2025Rupanagudi Unesha Fareq · AGRIBIO INNOVATIONS · India
This paper discusses urban rooftop farming in India as an effective solution to declining agricultural land and rising food demand due to rapid population growth and urbanization. Rooftop farming, a type of urban agriculture utilizing unused spaces, can improve environmental stress, increase urban resilience, and produce nutritious food. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted its importance for sustainable urban food systems and local food production.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeHealthThe Role of Urban Farming in Enhancing Food Security and Sustainability in Lagos Metropolis: A Stakeholder Analysis
2025S Aliyu, Okhimamhe A. A, I. M. Sule · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science · Nigeria (Lagos)
This study explored the role of urban farming in enhancing food security and sustainability in the Lagos Metropolis through focus group discussions and quantitative surveys with various stakeholders, including policymakers, urban farmers, and community members. Findings suggest urban farming's potential to reduce food transportation distances, enhance local food production, and mitigate climate change impacts. However, challenges such as land demands and gender disparities persist, necessitating integrated policy approaches and targeted educational programs.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityPolicy