Research & reports

東京都環境局 · 東京都環境局 · Japan

This Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Environment page compiles and publishes rooftop, wall, and balcony greening results based on green space plan filings from FY2000 through FY2024. The page text itself does not state cumulative totals; detailed figures are provided separately in downloadable Excel and PDF result tables.

· Wikipedia (de) · Germany

Carl Rabitz (1823–1891) was a German master mason and builder. In 1867 he published a pamphlet titled 'Natural Roofs with Volcanic Cement,' promoting greened flat roofs as garden roofs, and exhibited a greened flat roof at the Paris World's Fair the same year. In 1864 he invented a fire-resistant plaster ceiling technique for use under wooden beams, and in 1878 he patented the Rabitz wall (a lath-and-plaster wall construction method).

TechCrunch · TechCrunch · United States

TechCrunch reported that vertical farming company Plenty filed for bankruptcy on March 24, 2025. Founded in 2014, it had raised about $1 billion and was valued at $1.9 billion in its January 2022 Series E round, with backers including SoftBank, Walmart, and Bezos Expeditions, before collapsing. It secured $20.7 million in debtor-in-possession financing and plans to continue operating its Virginia strawberry farm and Wyoming plant science R&D center.

· Wikipedia · United States

A Wikipedia article on Windowfarm, an open-source vertical hydroponic system originating when founder Britta Riley built the first Windowfarm in her Brooklyn apartment window in 2009. She launched a crowdsourced online community for building the systems from repurposed water bottles and plumbing supplies, which grew to nearly 40,000 registered users. Two Kickstarter campaigns raised over $285,000, but as of December 31, 2016, the company Windowfarms dissolved without sufficient assets to pay outstanding debts to creditors and investors.

Global Generation · Global Generation · United Kingdom

An article by Global Generation reflecting on a decade of the Skip Garden — a mobile garden built from reused waste skips — in King's Cross, London, describing how it grew from six or seven skips into a space with rooftop planters, a polytunnel, and areas for herbs, vegetables, fruit trees, and composting.

Municipalidad de Guayaquil · Alcaldía de Guayaquil · Ecuador

An official Guayaquil municipal article on its 'School-Community Gardens Program,' which has set up 57 gardens (50 in schools, 7 community/family gardens) providing free seeds and fertilizer. The program has benefited 67,020 people to date, with participating families reporting household savings of up to USD 80 per month.

Jaime Mulet Martínez, Daniel Melo Contreras, Félix González Gatica, Consuelo Veloso Ávila, Rubén Darío Oyarzo Figueroa, Jorge Saffirio Espinoza · Cámara de Diputadas y Diputados de Chile — Datos Abiertos (WSLegislativo) · Chile

A private member's bill (moción) admitted to Chile's Chamber of Deputies on March 24, 2025, establishing norms for the promotion, development, and registration of urban gardens (huertos urbanos). It was introduced by six deputies led by Jaime Mulet Martínez. The open-data record shows it as admissible, with no voting record yet.

Abdulhakeem Al-Qubati, Lulu Zhang, Matthias Forkel · Sustainable Cities and Society · Global

This 2024 global review examined 96 studies focusing on methods for estimating carbon sequestration (CS) and emissions in urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA). The review found significant research gaps: most studies were in the global north, research in the global south is lacking, and there are fewer studies on CS compared to GHG emissions. Additionally, few studies jointly assessed water and carbon cycles, and spatiotemporal analysis, modeling, and remote sensing for GHG emissions are underutilized.

Mr. Gedeno Gemeda Negash · Journal of Production Operations Management and Economics · Ethiopia

An explanatory study in Karat town, Konso, Ethiopia, examined factors affecting the performance of 185 micro and small-scale enterprises across various sectors, including urban agriculture. Using questionnaires and analyzing data with correlation and multiple regression, the study found a positive and significant relationship between most independent variables and enterprise performance. However, the effect of access to infrastructure on performance was positive but insignificant.

Debora Sihombing, Yayat Sukayat · MIMBAR AGRIBISNIS Jurnal Pemikiran Masyarakat Ilmiah Berwawasan Agribisnis · Indonesia

PT Tanikota Agribudaya Edulestari, an urban agriculture company, has not yet achieved profitability despite business diversification and technology application. This qualitative study analyzed elements of organizational dynamics to identify obstacles faced by the company in its business operations. Results showed that 22 out of 32 sub-variables did not align with organizational dynamics indicators, including organizational goals, member orientation, task-activity balance, conflict resolution, coordination, decision-making, and member participation, indicating that the company's organizational dynamics still face challenges in business operations.

Yizhou Peng, Grigorieva Iya Yu · Ecological Indicators · China (Chengdu)

This study assessed heavy metal pollution in rural, urban-rural interface, and urban agricultural lands in Chengdu, China. It found varying degrees of heavy metal pollution across all areas, with arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) being the most severe pollutants. Concentrations of As and Cd in soil samples exceeded risk thresholds, and these elements showed high spatial variability, indicating significant anthropogenic influence. Pollution sources included livestock manure, natural sources, agricultural activities, and industrial activities in urban areas.

Darwison Daud, Zaini Zaini, Mohammad Khoiru Rusydi, Aulia Aulia, Novizon, Syukri Yunus, Rico Novendra, Mumuh Muharam, Athalla Novandri, Fatih Mubarok, Roza Susanti · Jurnal Andalas Rekayasa dan Penerapan Teknologi · Asia

In Sungkai Green Park Ecotourism, Padang City, lecturers and students from Andalas University implemented a Solar Dryer Dome for cultivating vegetables, fish, broiler chickens, and drying tea. This system, equipped with an IoT-based control system, resulted in efficient harvest times: vegetables in 21-27 days, approximately 1000 gourami fish per year, broiler chickens in 30 days, and dried tea in 8 hours, contributing to increased production efficiency, reduced operational costs, and improved product quality.

Sreejith Aravindakshan, Hage Aku, Michi Tani · · India

This study investigated factors inducing the emergence, sustenance, and sustainability of urban agriculture using primary data from urban farming households in Kerala and Arunachal Pradesh, India. The research indicates that urban agriculture has provided questionable environmental gains and has not significantly improved urban food security, especially among the poorer sections.

Murali Krishna Pasupuleti · · Global

This chapter explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in achieving a carbon-neutral future by enhancing sustainability in urban and agricultural systems. AI optimizes energy use, resource management, and disaster resilience in urban settings, and powers precision farming and reduces emissions in agriculture. The chapter also addresses challenges such as data privacy, economic barriers, and technological limitations.

Weonjung Sohn, Ibrahim El Saliby, Andrea Merenda, Sherub Phuntsho, Stefano Freguia, Jing Guan, Li Gao, Sungyun Lee, Ho Kyong Shon · Desalination and Water Treatment · Global

This study investigated the efficiency of urine-derived fertilizer compared to commercial fertilizers using three growing systems: nutrient film technique, pot-drench, and deep-water culture. The research found comparable growth responses in parsley, rhipsalis, coriander, and basil across various parameters like biomass and nutritional composition. Urine-derived fertilizers showed potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers.

Yichen Jiang, He Fang, Shihui Li, Hang Lu, Rouran Zhang · Land · Global

This paper compares urban agriculture (UA) patterns in Europe and China using bibliometric analysis of Web of Science and 2230 CNKI publications, alongside field research on nine European practices and UA development in Hangzhou, China. The study recommends that China consider European approaches for realizing social and cultural benefits in future UA practices. It also suggests integrating UA projects into urban green space planning and rationalizing construction types.

Ashagrie Gibtan, Wondwosen Abera, Mekuria Delelegn, Molla Maru, Adamu Emiru · Ochrana prírody Slovenska/Ekológia · Ethiopia

Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) dynamics were analyzed in four Ethiopian cities—Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Bahir Dar, and Adama—over 17 years from 2006 to 2022. SPOT 5 and Sentinel satellite imagery, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations were used. Findings revealed a rapid expansion of urban built-up areas, primarily at the expense of peri-urban horticultural lands, which has an adverse impact on the sustainability of urban agriculture.

Silvia Iveth Moreno Gaytán, Héctor Ávila Sánchez · Regiones y Desarrollo Sustentable · Mexico

This research, part of the "Towards food sustainability: Urban and peri-urban agriculture networks in Central Mexico" project, examines rural-urban interrelationships for the sustainability of urban and peri-urban agriculture. The analysis used the MESMIS framework for two case studies of new agroecology-derived markets that emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic, along with cartographic tools. The results identify the basket of goods offered by peri-urban territories to guide regions and food systems towards sustainability, aiming to strengthen the preservation of social and natural resources in the Central Region of Mexico.

Ni Wayan Purnami Rusadi, I Gde Pitana, I Nyoman Sunarta, I Nyoman Sukma Arida · Jurnal Kajian Bali (Journal of Bali Studies) · Indonesia (Bali)

This qualitative study explored farmer perspectives on urban agriculture tourism within Bali's Subak Lestari program. Assessing 23 Subak Lestari management farmers on technical, socio-cultural, economic, and environmental aspects, the research found that farmers expressed confidence in Subak Lestari's potential to catalyze tourism-centric urban agriculture development and strongly supported its role in reshaping urban agriculture.

Anila Kausar, Viola Vambol, Sergij Vambol, Saima Sultana Sharfi · International Journal of Economic and Environmental Geology · Pakistan (Karachi)

This study conducted a Land Use Land Cover (LULC) analysis of Murad Memon Goth, a peri-urban area of Karachi, Pakistan, comparing data from 2013 and 2021. The results revealed a 9.6% increase in settlement sprawl, indicating significant encroachment on agricultural lands. Cropland area decreased from 38.86% in 2013 to 26.11% in 2021, highlighting a negative trend for peri-urban agriculture in the region.

Ery Suhartanto, Mohammad Bisri, Ussy Andawayanti, Suwanto Marsudi, Evi Nur Cahya · TEKAD Teknik Mengabdi · Indonesia (Malang)

A 6-month "River Flow Conservation" activity was implemented in RW-01, Kasin Village, Klojen District, Malang City, Indonesia, to mitigate flood impact. Activities included river dredging, greening (urban farming), and establishing fish cages. This initiative resulted in RW-01 becoming a green, comfortable, and sustainable area, positively impacting flood reduction, environmental quality improvement, and water resource utilization.

Pierric Calenge, Maie Gérardot · Métropolitiques · United States (Cleveland)

The work by Max Rousseau and Vincent Béal illuminates the ambiguities of a policy that organizes urban decline and racial segregation in Cleveland. This policy promotes urban degrowth and racial segregation, balancing algorithmic management and urban greening. The study focuses on the Rust Belt region, which experiences de-urbanization marked by the subprime crisis, racism, and segregation.

Harmi Andrianyta, Elisa Anggraeni, Sapta Raharja, Sukardi Sukardi · Research in Agricultural Engineering · Indonesia

This cross-case study in Indonesia aimed to synthesize a technology transfer model for agricultural technology parks (ATPs) by considering site-specific conditions. Using a system development life cycle and resource-based view approach, the research successfully developed three location-specific models: one for highland specificity, one unique to urban farming, and a tourism village-based model.

Supriya Jaiswal, Gopal Rawat, Chetan B. Khadse, Sohit Sharma · BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS eBooks · India

Hydroponic farming, adopted in urban India to meet food demands, faces shortcomings including higher initial costs, complex nutrient discharge, and energy requirements for microclimatic conditions and skilled labor. To address these issues, a smart hydroponic farming architecture is discussed, aiming to reduce human intervention and water wastage using wireless sensor networks and IoT.

Cecil C. Konijnendijk · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · Global

This chapter examines the diverse uses of urban green spaces, encompassing recreation, biodiversity conservation, public health, and regulatory ecosystem services, with food production also re-emerging. Changing urban populations, including cultural diversity and ageing, have altered demands and uses. The study identifies a critical need to manage potential conflicts and trade-offs among these varied demands, despite many uses being able to coexist.