Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
1500 results(13 / 60)
Utopías concretas entre lo rural y lo urbano. Iniciativas comunitarias de agricultura urbana
2024Ion Martínez Lorea · Revista Española de Sociología · Spain (Pamplona)
This article uses Henri Lefebvre's concept of concrete utopia to analyze the practices of community urban gardens in Pamplona-Iruña, Spain. It interrogates their potential and limitations in responding to various situations of social vulnerability and rethinking the relationship between the rural and the urban.
Limited or null effectCommunityUrban–rural linkageWelfarePollination deficits increase with urbanization in Chicago
2024Alexandra Zink, Paul J. CaraDonna, Kelly Larsen, Amy M. Iler · Ecosphere · United States (Chicago)
This study investigated how urbanization relates to pollination by growing 240 plants (squash and tomato) across six sites with varying urbanization levels in Chicago, Illinois. For tomatoes, the magnitude of pollen limitation increased with greater impervious surface, indicating more pronounced pollination deficits at highly urbanized sites. For squash, evidence of pollen limitation was found only at the most urban site, with a weak trend of pollen limitation of fruit set (but not seed set) increasing with impervious surface.
Limited or null effectBiodiversityPollinatorsUrban–rural linkageReview of peri-urban agriculture as a regional ecosystem service
2023Setyardi Pratika Mulya, Heru Purboyo Hidayat Putro, Delik Hudalah · Geography and sustainability · Global
This 2023 global systematic literature review examined peri-urban agriculture (PUA) as an ecosystem service, focusing on urbanization pressures and governance. The review found that PUA is crucial for urban areas in terms of food supply, ecology, biodiversity preservation, disaster mitigation, and recreation. However, massive urban expansion is a primary cause of PUA loss, and sociocultural biases have led to institutional constraints on peri-urban management within existing political and regulatory frameworks.
Governance failurePeri-urban agricultureBiodiversityPolicyUrban–rural linkageUrban Agriculture and the Sustainability Nexus in South Africa: Past, Current, and Future Trends
2023Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira · Urban Forum · South Africa
This narrative literature review analyzed 62 peer-reviewed articles on urban agriculture in South Africa from 1993 to 2022. The findings indicate several knowledge gaps, including an under-representation of secondary cities and a general productivist focus in most studies, which limit understanding of urban agriculture for sustainable cities.
Methodological critiqueUrban–rural linkagePolicyBiodiversityA general overview of organic food trade in the Federal District
2023Jéssica Lorhanne Durães Martins, Domingo Sávio Coelho Negrão, Ana Maria Resende Junqueira, João Paulo Guimarães Soares · Concilium · Brazil
An exploratory and descriptive study characterized the trade of organic products from family farming in Brazil's Federal District, using data from August to December 2021. It found that fairs were the main acquisition points for organic products, but their number decreased by 35% due to Covid-19. Concurrently, new trade forms like CSAs and Delivery grew by about 40% due to the pandemic's impact.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkagePrototipe Digital Farming System Untuk Kelompok Tani
2023Novianti Indah Putri, Zen Munawar, Rita Komalasari, Iswanto Iswanto, Hernawati Hernawati, Dandun Widhiantoro · Darma Abdi Karya · Indonesia
A prototype digital farming system was developed for farmer groups in Indonesia, based on participatory action research. This system integrates IoT technologies such as Arduino UNO, solar panels, soil moisture sensors, temperature sensors, and automated irrigation. The prototype helps monitor and automate routine processes, enabling farmers to maintain the quality of planting media, which was deemed crucial for easier and more efficient plant growth and development.
Digital agricultureDIYUrban–rural linkageCommunityRole of Creative Classes in Community Restructuring through Urban Agriculture:Case Study from Shanghai, China
2023Yingjie Ge, Lily Kiminam, Shinichi Furuzawa · Studies in Regional Science · China (Shanghai)
Rapid urbanization in China has weakened urban communities, making community restructuring an important issue. In Shanghai, urban agriculture initiatives like community gardens and rooftop farms are increasing, emphasizing social functions such as resident exchanges. While these new types of urban agriculture are promoted by social entrepreneurs, few studies have focused on the relationships between the creative class and communities in urban agriculture.
CommunityUrban–rural linkageEconomicsVAZIOS URBANOS EM MONTES CLAROS: POTENCIAL URBANÍSTICO E POSSIBILIDADES DE APROPRIAÇÃO DAS PRÁTICAS AGRÍCOLAS
2023Tainá Ferreira da ROCHA, Hélder dos Anjos Augusto · Editora Científica Digital eBooks · Brazil (Montes Claros)
This study explored urban agriculture in Montes Claros, Brazil, identifying its contributions, challenges, and potentials through document analysis, geographic information, farmer testimonies, and field visits. Urban agriculture is widely practiced in the municipality, both collectively and individually, with collective practices showing grassroots organization through neighborhood associations, while spontaneous practices lack external influence. Most urban gardens are developed on public land and vacant private lots, serving multiple uses such as green spaces, food production, economic activity, and occupational therapy.
CommunityEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageWhat is urban agriculture?
2023Alicia Papanek, Catherine Campbell, Hannah Wooten · EDIS · Global
This April 2023 publication by Alicia Papanek, Catherine G. Campbell, and Hannah Wooten, from the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, discusses the definition of urban agriculture. It covers common characteristics, types of food produced, frequently used production methods, and the purposes of various urban agriculture operations.
Food educationUrban–rural linkageSupporting food security through urban home gardening, Rancasari Sub-district, Bandung City, West Java, Indonesia
2023Indri Wulandari, Teguh Husodo, Dede Mulyanto, Oekan S. Abdoellah, CIKA ASTI AMALIA, SHOFI SITI FARHANIAH · Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity · Indonesia (Bandung City)
This quantitative study investigated urban home gardening's role in food security in Rancasari Sub-district, Bandung City, Indonesia, sampling housing over 20 years old in Manjahlega and Mekarjaya Villages. The findings revealed that ornamental plants dominate home gardens in the area, with residents prioritizing aesthetic value over food, medicine, or spice production. Consequently, home gardening has not been fully effective in supporting urban farming and food security in Rancasari Sub-district due to the prevalence of ornamental plant selection.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageAGRICULTURA URBANA E ESTÉTICA AMBIENTAL: UM MAPEAMENTO DE AUTORES INSPIRADO POR J. DOUGLAS PORTEOUS.
2023Claudia Rochael Oliveira, Eneida Maria Souza Mendonça · Geografia (Rio Claro) · Global
This article aimed to map authors discussing environmental aesthetics in urban agriculture research, inspired by Porteous's work. Using a bibliographic survey and visual representations, the study found no publications intersecting urban agriculture and environmental aesthetics. Research on urban agriculture and landscape was notably greater than on urban agriculture and aesthetics, and studies applying aesthetic theory to urban agriculture were very limited, especially in high-tech contexts like vertical farms.
Methodological critiqueUrban–rural linkageCommunityBiodiversityAssessment of Land Use Efficiencies of Ghanaian Cities: Case Study of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis
2023M. S. Aduah, Saviour Mantey · South African Journal of Geomatics · Ghana
This study used geospatial techniques, multi-temporal land use maps, and population data to estimate urban land use efficiency (LUE), changes in built-up area per capita, and urban sprawl speed (SS) in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan area of Ghana. While LUE generally improved from 2002 to 2016, it deteriorated slightly between 2016 and 2021. Critically, agricultural land or grassland in the city has been converted to built-up land, posing a challenge for urban agriculture.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageAnalysis 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 & justiceEconomicsAnalisis Penggunaan Lahan Budidaya Ikan di Kawasan Minapolitan Kabupaten Bogor, Jawa Barat
2023Ugeng Wijanarko, Baba Barus, Fredinan Yulianda · Jurnal Tataloka · Indonesia (Bogor)
The Minapolitan region of Bogor Regency, Indonesia (Ciseeng, Parung, Gunung Sindur, and Kemang districts), contributes to national fish production and the local economy but faces land use pressure from Jakarta's development and increasing demand for residential areas. This study analyzed efficient fish farming land use in line with the 2016-2036 Bogor Regency Spatial Plan (RTRW). The optimal land use scenario for 2028 involves moderate implementation of RTRW regulations, prioritizing residential use in urban areas while still permitting fish farming land, which allows fish farmers adjustment time for technology transfer if they continue aquaculture activities in residential areas.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceAGRI|gen: Analysis and Design of a Parametric Modular System for Vertical Urban Agriculture
2023Iyad Ghazal, Reema Mansour, Marie Davidová · Sustainability · Palestine (Nablus)
This research investigated the potential of farming on facades and roofs across an entire neighborhood. A case study of 22 multi-floor residential buildings in Nablus, Palestine, was conducted using developed parametric tools. Findings indicated that existing facades could provide 28,500 m2 of farming area, with half of facades and all roofs suitable for daylight-based farming. The study found that facades could fulfill 350% of tomato and 237% of cucumber consumption, while roofs could produce over 315 times the local sweet pepper consumption. A modular facade system was designed with an average system cost of $55.2/m2 and a total cost of $1.7M.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsDIYPlant What You Eat: Politik Keseharian Komunitas Urban Farming Makassar dalam Merespon Permasalahan Global Terkait Krisis Pangan
2023Aswin Baharuddin, Rahmatia Rahmatia, Julia Hardianti Rusmin, Femi Nur Islami · Hasanuddin Journal of International Affairs · Indonesia (Makassar)
This study analyzes the "Plant What You Eat" concept implemented by the Makassar Gardening Community in Makassar, Indonesia, in response to the global food crisis and decreasing agricultural land. Using a Daily Politics approach, the study found that the community's daily politics involved forming collective action, encouraging public political participation, and building local, national, and international networks to promote urban farming.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityUrban–rural linkagePolicyIMPACTS ENVIRONNEMENTAUX ET CHANGEMENTS URBAINS DANS LA COMMUNE DE HAMMA BOUZIANE (CONSTANTINE, ALGÉRIE)
2023Institut de Gestion des Techniques Urbaines, Université Larbi Ben M’hidi, MERIEM BENLAHRECHE, Saïd Mazouz, Département d’architecture, Université Larbi Ben M’hidi · Revue Roumaine de Géographie / Romanian Journal of Geography · Algeria
This article aims to explain urban phenomena in Hamma Bouziane, Algeria, a city known for its fertile land. The study indicates that the peri-urban agriculture of Hamma Bouziane is suffering negative repercussions due to unbridled urban expansion and socio-economic changes.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkageClimate changeEconomicsHarmonizing 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 linkageEffects of sand mining on peri-urban agriculture in Ife East and Ife Central Local Government Areas, Osun State, Nigeria.
2023F.E. Awoyelu, R.A. Mebo · Agro-Science · Nigeria (Osun State)
This study assessed the effects of artisanal sand mining on peri-urban agriculture in Ife East and Ife Central Local Government Areas, Osun State, Nigeria, from 2015 to 2019. Data from 120 respondents (landowners, cultivators, residents) showed that cultivated land area decreased by 24.8% (from 48% to 23.2%), while sand-mined area substantially increased by 20.4% (from 14.6% to 35%). Landowners' decision to part with land for sand mining increased with age, household size, and farming as primary occupation, but decreased with higher education levels.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsUrban–rural linkageClimate changeCITIZENS' ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION TOWARD ROOFTOP GARDENING IN CITY AREA
2023Sadika Parvin, Md. Shahidul Islam · Khulna University Studies · Bangladesh
This descriptive quantitative study assessed the social acceptance of rooftop gardens among city dwellers in Bangladesh, surveying 475 participants online. While approximately three-quarters of respondents showed positive attitudes towards rooftop gardening, about one-third had negative attitudes, indicating unwillingness, with similar trends observed for behavioral perceptions. The study revealed that one-third of respondents still held negative attitudes and just over one-third had negative behavioral perceptions towards rooftop gardening.
Limited or null effectCommunityClimate changeUrban–rural linkageProducing Hot Pepper in Pots Using Different Substrate Mixtures
2023· Middle East Journal of Applied Sciences · Egypt (Giza)
An experiment was conducted in a rooftop garden in Giza, Egypt, during the summer seasons of 2021 and 2022 to determine the most suitable substrate mixture for producing hot pepper in pots. Four mixtures—perlite:coco peat, sand:rice husk, sand:coco peat, and sand:coco peat:rice husk—were evaluated for growth and yield. The perlite:coco peat mixture recorded the highest values for plant height, leaf number, fresh and dry weights of aerial parts, root fresh and dry weights, and yield per m². The sand:rice husk mixture showed close results, leading to both being considered suitable for pot-system hot pepper production.
DIYUrban–rural linkageConceptualization 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 linkagePanorama das Leis de Agricultura Urbana no Brasil: Relações com o Planejamento Urbano
2023M. Kühn, Geisa Zanini Rorato, Bruno César Euphrasio de Mello, Carolina Cristófoli Falcão · Ambiente & sociedade · Brazil
This research surveyed federal and state urban agriculture (UA) laws in Brazil to analyze their implications for urban planning (UP). Findings indicate that despite an increase in approved laws, there is no articulated national policy, laws vaguely address UA's interfaces with UP, and they do not objectively tackle territorial challenges faced by UA.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceScales and Narratives of Urban Agriculture in South Korea
2023Kwang Jin Kim, Inhea Kim, Keùn Huh · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea
This study aimed to assess and rescale the scales and narratives of urban agriculture in South Korea to implement its multidimensional functions and values. Narratives from 1980 to 2022 were collected from related laws, plans, and research papers to analyze the definition of urban agriculture, the distinction between farmers and urban farmers, spatial scales, and functions and values. As a result, urban agriculture was redefined as agricultural production activities carried out by the public in urban agricultural spaces, spaces linked to urban agriculture, or spaces with urban agriculture contexts.
PolicyCommunityUrban–rural linkageURBAN FARMING: CONCEPT AND PROSPECTS IN RELATION TO INDIAN AGRICULTURE AND ARCHITECTURE
2023Susmita Das, Teesha Majumder · · India
This article discusses the concept of "Agritecture" as a potential solution to address food security challenges in urban areas amidst increasing urbanization and declining agricultural land in India. It explores the interactions between agriculture and architecture to support urban necessities and ecosystems. The study suggests exploiting the opportunity in developing physical structures for agricultural output to accelerate urban and rural growth.
Food sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageEconomics