Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Effects of a School-Based Garden Program on Academic Performance: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
2022Jaimie N. Davis, Katie Nikah, Matthew J. Landry, Sarvenaz Vandyousefi, Reem Ghaddar, Matthew Jeans, Michele Hockett Cooper, Bonnie Martin, Lyndsey Waugh, Shreela V. Sharma, Alexandra E. van den Berg · Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics · United States (Austin)
A cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in Austin, TX, United States, from 2016 to 2019, with primarily low-income, Hispanic children, examined the effects of the school-based gardening, nutrition, and cooking program 'TX Sprouts' on academic performance. Sixteen elementary schools were randomly assigned to either the intervention (8 schools) or control (8 schools) group, with the intervention consisting of 18 one-hour lessons in an outdoor teaching garden throughout the academic year. Results showed that schools receiving the intervention had a 6.5-percentage-point increase in fourth-grade reading State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) scores compared with control schools (P = .047). However, there were no significant differences in reading scores for fifth-grade students or math scores for either fourth- or fifth-grade students between groups.
Food educationHealthCommunityHolistic approach to assess the association between the synergistic effect of physical activity, exposure to greenspace, and fruits and vegetable intake on health and wellbeing: Cross-sectional analysis of UK Biobank
2022Catalina Cruz-Piedrahita, Charlotte Roscoe, Caroline Howe, Daniela Fecht, Audrey de Nazelle · Frontiers in Public Health · United Kingdom
A cross-sectional analysis of 204,478 UK Biobank participants examined the association of fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, and greenspace exposure with health and wellbeing markers. Meeting recommended levels for fruit/vegetable intake and physical activity was linked to better health and wellbeing. However, participants in greener areas who were physically active were more likely to feel alone and report poor health, and evidence for three-way interactions was weak.
HealthCommunityProduction of 3 Varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) on Soilless Farming System Based on Intermittent Irrigation as Urban Farming Method
2022Tirto Wahyu Widodo, Damanhuri Damanhuri, Ilham Muhklisin, Indra Alief Titale · Jurnal Ilmiah Inovasi · Indonesia
A study in Indonesia investigated differences in the production of three rice varieties (Ciherang, IR 64, Mapan 05) in a soilless cultivation system with intermittent irrigation as an urban farming method. The experiment was arranged in a complete randomized factorial design with two factors and three replications. The Mapan 05 variety showed the best response for panicle length, number of grains per panicle, number of filled grains per panicle, and grain weight per clump, while topsoil+husk+non-intermittent media had the best effect on panicle length, root length, number of grains per panicle, number of filled grains per panicle, and 1000-grain weight.
DIYUrban–rural linkageEffect of Substrate Type and Fertilizing Management Programs on Yield and Nitrate Content of Both Molokhia and Spinach Grown on Rooftops in Egypt
2022· Middle East Journal of Agriculture Research · Egypt
Two experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021 on a rooftop garden in Giza, Egypt, to investigate the effect of substrate type and fertilizing programs on molokhia and spinach yield and nitrate content. Substrate S1 (50% perlite: 50% peat moss) was found more suitable for high yield. While chemical nutrient solution (CNS) alone resulted in the highest yield, the combination of S1 and CNS followed by compost tea for 5 days before harvest (CNS+5) was most suitable for high yield with lower nitrate accumulation.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleHealthInvestment priorities for research and innovation in urban agri-food systems: Toward more resilient cities in the Global South
2022Gordon Prain, Dávid Simon, Jess Halliday, Pay Drechsel · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Global South
Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in the Global South faces challenges such as limited recognition, land conversion, and water pollution, which threaten its potential for urban resilience. Innovations in urban governance are required to integrate food systems into urban planning through food mapping and multisectoral platforms.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceFarm lab
2022Phil Nichols, Sara Heitlinger · interactions · United Kingdom (London)
Spitalfields City Farm, an urban farm in Inner East London, has served as a site for participatory design collaborations with researcher Sara Heitlinger for over 10 years. This article presents an exchange of views between Heitlinger and farm manager Phil Nichols regarding the farm's work and their ongoing collaboration in the context of social and environmental sustainability.
CommunityPolicyClimate changeAn Analysis of Differences in Perceived Social Value of Community Gardens as Urban Green Spaces between Participating and Non-participating Residents
2022Yun Kyeong Hoh, Jin-Hae Chae, Hyun‐Jung Lee · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
This study investigated the differences in perceived social values of community gardens as urban green spaces between participating and non-participating residents, through a survey conducted from December to March 2021. Data were analyzed using frequency analysis, independent samples T-test, and regression analysis with SPSS 21.0. Results showed that both groups recognized the social values of community gardens as important and highly valued leisure and recreation, but differed in the prioritization of symbolic, commons, and ecological values. Participating residents prioritized institutional support, while non-participating residents emphasized program diversification and physical environment improvement.
CommunityPolicyHidroponik Sederhana Bagi Komunitas Anak Jalanan
2022Riris Lindiawati Puspitasari, Arief Pambudi, Yunus Effendi · Jurnal Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Universitas Al Azhar Indonesia · Indonesia (Depok)
This community service activity implemented simple hydroponics training to enhance the skills of the street children community in Depok. Training involved street children students at Sekolah Master Depok, practicing hydroponics with simple equipment, and group mentoring. Participants gained information on simple hydroponics techniques and successfully grew vegetables like water spinach, spinach, mustard greens, and pakcoy, which grew unimpeded until harvest at 8 weeks after planting.
Food educationWelfareCommunityDIYSustainability Communication through Bio-Based Experiential Learning
2022Neneng Nurlaela Arief, Melia Famiola, Andika Putra Pratama, Prameshwara Anggahegari, Aghnia Nadhira Aliya Putri · Sustainability · Indonesia (Bandung)
This study examined the effectiveness of bio-based experiential learning in raising environmental awareness among 74 students (ages 9-11) in Bandung, Indonesia, using participatory action research and storytelling. The program provided valuable education on urban farming, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. The outcome demonstrated that this communication approach is effective.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeContribuições sobre a agricultura urbana no município de Ituiutaba-MG, Brasil
2022Leonardo Alfaiate Ferreira Borges, Roberto Barboza Castanho, Joelma Cristina Santos · Geosul · Brazil
This study aimed to understand the dynamics of urban agricultural products in Ituiutaba-MG, Brazil, particularly in the western sector, through dialogues with producers. Using a methodology that included bibliographic review, data collection, field visits, and producer interviews, the research developed a profile of urban agricultural production in the city, detailing its models and functions. The study highlights urban agriculture's role in economic and social decentralization and its contribution to food with fewer agricultural chemicals.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceIntegrating sustainability indicators and governance structures via clustering analysis and multicriteria decision making for an urban agriculture network
2022Andrea Valencia, Jiangxiao Qiu, Ni‐Bin Chang · Ecological Indicators · United States (Miami)
This study focused on food security within an urban agriculture network in the greater Miami metropolitan area, United States. Considering existing governance structures, sustainability indices were quantified for clustering urban agricultural sites (UASs) and identifying cluster priorities based on vulnerability or risk levels using multicriteria decision-making. Eight clusters were selected for visualizing UASs ranked by multicriteria decision-making under governance scenarios prioritized for climate change, social equity, and economic development impacts, highlighting the role of governance structure in incentive programs for enhancing overall UAS sustainability performance.
PolicyEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justicePemanfaatan Komunikasi Inovasi Digital Pertanian Perkotaan di Masa Pandemi Covid-19
2022Leonard Dharmawan, Pudji Muljono, Dwi Retno Hapsari, Bagus Priyo Purwanto · Jurnal Penyuluhan · Indonesia (Bogor)
This study, conducted in Bogor City, Indonesia, used quantitative and qualitative methods to identify the readiness of extension workers and supporting facilities for digital urban agriculture extension during the Covid-19 pandemic, and factors influencing farmer empowerment. Results indicated that extension workers are ready for digital counseling and communication support facilities for digital innovation are good. Farmer empowerment directly affects farmer productivity and is indirectly positively influenced by environmental support, farmer innovation activities, and individual characteristics of farmers.
Digital agricultureCommunityEconomicsGouvernance Du Foncier Agricole Dans L’arrondissement De Zinvie : Enjeux Et Perspectives
2022Enagnon Arsène Euloge YAOVI, Martial WOROU, Bola A. MALOMON, Sylvain A. VISSOH · International Journal of Progressive Sciences and Technologies · Africa
This research in the Arrondissement of Zinvié, Africa, investigated agricultural land governance through surveys of 109 people and field observations. Findings indicate rapid urbanization is causing anarchic land occupation and uncontrolled consumption of agricultural space, with renting being the dominant land access mode (50%). From 2010 to 2020, cultivable land decreased by 517.69 hectares due to urbanization, highlighting significant governance challenges.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureHuertos urbanos y su viabilidad en el municipio de "El Torno"
2022Lorena Suárez Peña, Romina Alejandra Robles Calderón, José María Jiménez Carillo, Luis René Justiniano Lujan, Leevan Salvatierra Burgos, Aharon Jazielt Andrade Sandy · Revista 3i Ingeniería Innovación Investigación · Bolivia
This quantitative study diagnosed the viability of implementing urban gardens in El Torno Municipality, Bolivia, by identifying residents' knowledge and perceived barriers. Findings indicate that despite a lack of knowledge, the population is willing to implement urban gardens, considering school gardens an optimal option. The study concludes that implementing urban gardens in El Torno Municipality is viable, with a genuine interest in promoting urban agriculture as a sustainable and beneficial solution for the community.
CommunityFood educationPolicyEmpreendedorismo e riscos da criminalidade na agricultura urbana: o caso do bairro Curuçambá, Região Metropolitana de Belém
2022Paulo Silvano Magno Fróes-Júnior, Fabrício Khoury Rebello, Marcos Antônio Souza dos Santos, Cyntia Meireles Martins, Maria Lúcia Bahia Lopes, João Paulo Borges de Loureiro · Conjecturas · Brazil (Belém)
This study interviewed 63 urban farmers in Curuçambá, Belém Metropolitan Region, Brazil, analyzing business management and entrepreneurial skills amidst urbanization and crime risks. It found that 98.41% of businesses are family-managed, but 52.38% have little management experience, with 76.19% never keeping financial records and 81.71% never seeking technical assistance. A significant 33.33% of farmers rated criminality as "very high" severity, indicating that a lack of public safety severely limits commercial performance and investment in urban agriculture.
Governance failureEconomicsCommunityWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceHoney Bee Diversity in Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture and Urban Forest- Outlook Study from Bengaluru-Silicon Valley of India: A Review
2022Prem José Vazhacharickal, K. S. Jagadish, G. Eswarappa · Agricultural Reviews · India (Bengaluru)
This outlook study reviewed honey bee diversity and the potential for integrating honey bees into urban agriculture and forests in Bengaluru, India. An urban forestry study in Bengaluru identified 374 plant species, with the highest diversity in parks (291 species). Most plant species provided good foraging sources for honey bees, including Apis indica, Apis dorsata, Apis florea, and Trigona iridipennis. The urban agro-ecosystem in Bengaluru was found to be suitable for beekeeping, particularly for stingless bees.
BiodiversityPollinatorsUrban–rural linkageDIYWorking With Nature to Solve Societal Problems
2022Barbara Schröter, Mario Brillinger, Sarah Gottwald, Paulina Guerrero, Jennifer Henze, Edward Ott, Stefan Schmidt, Christian Albert · Frontiers for Young Minds · Global
This article introduces the concept of nature-based solutions as a way to address societal problems such as climate and biodiversity crises. It explains how reconnecting floodplains can reduce flood risks, protecting wetlands or mangroves can store carbon, and planting trees or installing rooftop gardens can cool cities. The article emphasizes understanding how to work with nature and the practical steps for implementing these solutions.
Climate changeBiodiversityPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in commercial composts, garden soils, and potting mixes of Australia
2022Anithadevi Kenday Sivaram, Logeshwaran Panneerselvan, Aravind Surapaneni, Elliot Lee, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Mallavarapu Megharaj · Environmental Advances · Australia
This study assessed 19 commercially available composts, garden soils, and potting mixes in Australia for 38 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Total PFAS concentrations ranged from 1.26 to 11.84 µg kg−1 (dry weight), with total perfluorinated carboxylic acids (ƩPFCAs) being higher than perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs). The total oxidizable precursor assay (TOPA) showed an increase in short-chain ƩPFCAs (0.48 to 7.63 µg kg−1) in composts and potting mixes, indicating transformation of PFCAs precursors. The measured concentrations of short-chain PFCAs in soil substrates have the potential to contribute to plant uptake and food chain transfer of PFAS to humans.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCompostTrend Analysis of Balcony Vegetable Gardens in Korea, Before and After COVID-19 Pandemic Using Big Data
2022Yumin Park, Yong-Wook Shin · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea
This study analyzed trends of balcony vegetable gardens in Korea from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021, using 5,011 posts from Naver blogs and cafes. Before COVID-19, balcony vegetable gardening gained attention as urban agriculture participation, but after the outbreak, it became an activity for healing, emotional support, environmental campaigns, and healthy hobbies. The findings suggest that balcony gardening activities provide a healing effect.
DIYPolicyCommunityDigital agricultureThe $16 Taco: Contested Geographies of Food, Ethnicity, and Gentrification
2022Denise Misleh · The AAG Review of Books · Global
Organic stores, trendy coffee shops, and food initiatives generally associated with the alternative food movement, such as farmer's markets and community gardens, have become a clear symbol.
Equity & displacementCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePerceived functions of allotment gardens and their importance during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland
2022Edyta Janus, Bożena Szewczyk-Taranek, Agnieszka Smrokowska-Reichmann · Folia Horticulturae · Poland
A questionnaire survey of 203 allotment garden owners in three Silesian cities, Poland, explored perceived functions and importance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents over 61 years observed a generational shift from food cultivation to recreation, while no age group noted technological progress or new crops. Allotment gardens were crucial during the pandemic as a private, restriction-free space and a coping strategy for lockdown stress.
CommunityHealthFood educationEconomicsEffects of Agrivoltaic Systems on the Surrounding Rooftop Microclimate
2022Jerome Wei Chiang Teng, Chew Beng Soh, Shiddalingeshwar Channabasappa Devihosur, Ryan Hong Soon Tay, Steve Kardinal Jusuf · Sustainability · Global
This study investigated the effects of agrivoltaic systems on rooftop microclimates and PV efficiency. ENVI-met simulations showed that PV temperatures in plots with crops below the PV system were 2.83 °C lower on sunny days and 0.71 °C lower on cloudy days, leading to a 1.13–1.42% and 0.28–0.35% improvement in PV efficiency, respectively. Data from a physical prototype indicated that evaporative cooling reduced ambient temperatures, with the agrivoltaic system generating 3.05–3.2% more energy daily compared to a control without crops.
Climate changeDIYOrganic cycleDigital agriculturecooperativismo como elemento de fortalecimento da agricultura urbana e periurbana
2022Rafael Lima Oliveira, Gabrielly Dos Santos Lima Oliveira, José Raimundo Oliveira Lima · P2P E INOVAÇÃO · Brazil
This study investigated the role of cooperativism as an element for strengthening urban and peri-urban agriculture (AUP) in Brazil. Findings revealed that the absence of public policies and credit availability are limiting factors for AUP. Increased production and product outflow are also difficulties faced by these farmers, which could potentially be resolved through cooperation.
Governance failureCommunityEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureApplicational study on the edible university landscape under COVID-19 epidemic circumstance
2022Junce Zhou, Taoze Sun, Xiaohua Guo, Wei Wang, Hongna Mu · Horticulture International Journal · Global
This study introduced the concept of Edible Landscape into university campus planning and design under COVID-19 pandemic circumstances. Construction principles of healing, practicality, ecology, economy, and adaptation to local conditions were illustrated, and a construction strategy was proposed to assist teaching and research activities, alleviate negative emotions, and produce fresh fruits and vegetables. This strategy aims to offset the shortcoming of traditional ornamental-value-centered landscapes.
Food educationCommunityHealthEconomicsCost-Benefit Analysis of Green Space Investment in Residential Areas of Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania
2022Nicholaus Mwageni, Gabriel Kassenga · Journal of Sustainable Development · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam City)
This study in Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania, assessed the costs and benefits associated with green space investment in residential plots. It employed in-depth interviews using structured questionnaires and document review. Results indicated that households incurred an average cost of TZS 136,579 (USD 59) for establishing home greenery. The total net monetary benefit per household was TZS 3,148,827 (USD 1,369) annually. Based on a cost-benefit analysis, the benefit was found to be 2.6 times the investment cost, suggesting that maintaining home greeneries is a cost-effective investment.
EconomicsClimate changeHealth