Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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2530 results(14 / 102)
ARRANJOS SOCIOPRODUTIVOS E CAMPESINIDADE: UMA ANÁLISE DA SUSTENTABILIDADE ECONÔMICA NA HORTA COMUNITÁRIA POVO UNIDO EM JUAZEIRO/BA
2025Rita Regina Marques Costa, Denes Dantas Vieira, Vivianni Marques Leite dos Santos, Deise Cristiane do Nascimento · Derecho y cambio social. · Brazil (Juazeiro/BA)
This article analyzed the experience of the Povo Unido Community Garden in Juazeiro/BA, Brazil, as a community-based socio-productive arrangement, to understand its implications for the economic sustainability of family farmers. Using an exploratory and quantitative approach with the Lume Method, the study analyzed four representative family units. Results showed significant differences in management styles, with some families more dependent on external inputs and others demonstrating greater autonomy, especially when linking productive and reproductive work.
CommunityEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceGeotecnologias e Diagnóstico do Potencial da Agricultura Urbana e Periurbana no Âmbito Municipal de Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brasil
2025Letícia Rodrigues Faria, David Luciano Rosalen, Ana Cardoso, Laura de Oliveira · Confins · Brazil (São Paulo)
This study investigated urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) practices in Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil, a city with a predominantly agricultural economy. Using geotechnologies and QGIS software, the research mapped existing and potential UPA areas. Results indicated that vacant lots and public areas are promising spaces for urban agricultural development, which could improve quality of life and waste management.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicySocio-economic outcome of urban horticulture on urban &peri urban communities in South India
2025H R RAMYA, G.A. Atheequlla, R. Venkattakumar, R R THOMAS · Journal of Horticultural Sciences · India
This study examined urban horticulture practices, socio-economic benefits, and constraints among 51 respondents from 5 southern states in India. Respondents spent 1-5 hours daily on urban horticulture, primarily for chemical-free food (92%) and stress relief (69%). After adopting urban farming, 67% reduced market visits to 1-2 times, and 33% to 3-5 times, with monthly savings ranging from Rs.200/- to Rs.1000/- per individual. Major challenges identified were pest infestation (35.29%), space limitations (27.45%), and knowledge gaps (23.53%).
EconomicsHealthCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceDIYPemberdayaan Masyarakat Melalui Urban Farming Hidroponik dan Eco-Enzyme untuk Ketahanan Pangan dan Pengelolaan Limbah di Kelurahan Bendan Ngisor, Kota Semarang
2025Apri Kuntariningsih, Andhy Supriyadi · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat dan Riset Pendidikan · Indonesia (Semarang)
A community service program implemented in Bendan Ngisor Village, Semarang City, Indonesia, aimed to enhance food security, reduce organic waste, and create new economic opportunities through hydroponic urban farming and eco-enzyme utilization. The program demonstrated increased knowledge and skills among residents in waste management and food cultivation on limited land, supporting sustainable household economies. The integration of hydroponics and eco-enzymes proved to be an effective solution for urban food and environmental issues.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleCommoning and just sustainability across time, space and class: lessons from terminated urban gardening projects in Bucharest
2025Ioana Florea · Environmental Sociology · Romania
This paper investigated three collective gardening projects in Bucharest that closed between 2019 and 2021, analyzing what remains of their sustainability capacities and commoning efforts after termination. Findings indicate that while essential commoning aspects like collectivity building and autonomy can endure and transfer to other spaces, cross-class aspects fade away with these transpositions. This reveals that what persists from closed gardening projects is strongly tied to structural historical contexts.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban Agriculture in Mogadishu: Opportunities and Constraints
2025Yasin Mohamed Ibrahim · Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology · Somalia (Mogadishu)
A study in Mogadishu, Somalia, used snowball sampling to assess constraints and opportunities for urban horticulture. It found that temperature, wind, pests, diseases, and limited irrigation water significantly restrict production, particularly for open-field farmers who face high irrigation demands, pest infestations, and low-quality yields unattractive to buyers. While greenhouses offer some protection, plastic greenhouses specifically suffer from inadequate gutter height and poor ventilation, requiring farmers to use primitive methods to combat extreme temperatures.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUnraveling the Transformation of Urban Agriculture in Damavand: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Land Use Changes
2025Sara Ramezani, Mahin Nastaran, Homayoon Nooraie, Kei Otsuki · Journal of Landscape Ecology · Iran
A study investigating urban agriculture land use changes in Damavand, Iran, from 1995 to 2022 found a 109% increase in built-up land and declines of 14.34% in barren land and 22.44% in vegetation, including urban agriculture lands. Interviews with 15 participants identified land value changes, attraction to urban livelihoods, management and planning factors, physical-environmental factors, and urban infrastructure availability as primary reasons for these changes. The research highlights the urgent need for effective planning to mitigate threats from extensive urban agriculture transformations.
Governance failureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEVALUATION OF THE FEASIBILITY OF URBAN AGRICULTURE IN EDIRNE CITY CENTER
2025Beyza Aleyna Bayram, Selin ARABULAN · Pamukkale University Journal of Social Sciences Institute · Turkey (Edirne)
This study aimed to identify and evaluate the urban agriculture potential in Edirne, Turkey, based on the hypothesis of transforming passive areas into urban agricultural areas. It conducted a literature review, reported on climate, topography, vegetation cover, and land use conditions, and used SWOT analysis to evaluate potential in technological, economic, demographic, sociological, and ecological contexts. The study determined that urban agriculture practices in Edirne, where the existing structure is quite favorable, can be evaluated as a strategic development tool with proper planning and management.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeBiodiversityCommunitySistem Pengkabut dan Intermitten Lighting Colour Otomatis untuk Optimalisasi Budidaya Microgreen Organik
2025Hilmi A'ini Nurthoyibah, Ayu Fіtrіаnі, Rеzа Zulіаnsyаh Sobіrіn, Rаіhаn Putrа Dwіyаnа, Аіf Аl Zulfа, Hеrіk Sugеru · Jurnal Ilmiah Teknologi Pertanian Agrotechno · Indonesia
This paper introduces AMICRON, a modified growth environment designed to optimize organic microgreen cultivation using mist systems and intermittent colored lighting. Experiments comparing microgreens grown inside AMICRON with those grown outside or under standard grow lights found that AMICRON's intermittent lighting resulted in faster germination and harvesting times.
Digital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceDIYAgricultural Extension in An Urban Informal Settlement During COVID-19: The Effectiveness of the “Tanimang Bayan” Initiative in Sitio San Roque, North Triangle, Quezon City
2025Yapjoco, Patrice Bianca R. · CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development · Philippines (Quezon City)
This qualitative study, conducted in Sitio San Roque, Quezon City, Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic, examined the effectiveness of the “Tanimang Bayan” urban agriculture project. Findings indicated that the initiative enhanced access to fresh produce, promoted community-led production, and supported collective action and self-organization among residents. These outcomes suggest a meaningful contribution to resilience-building and local food systems in marginalized urban contexts.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityWelfarePENINGKATAN KAPASITAS KWT SERUNI MELALUI PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH DALAM URBAN FARMING DAN HIDROPONIK
2025Kusmayanti Solecha, Duwi Cahya Putri Buani, Furi Indriyani, Meutia Raissa Emiliana, Resti Dhea Putri Apriliani · Jurnal AbdiMas Nusa Mandiri · Indonesia
This community service program used Participatory Action Research to enhance the capacity of the Seruni Women Farmer Group (KWT Seruni) in urban farming and hydroponics. Evaluation showed a 12% improvement in participants' understanding, and technological implementation led to 1,500 high-quality seedlings and an 18.4 kg pakcoy harvest. The program strengthened technical competence, fostered independent skill application, and generated socio-economic benefits like increased household income and strengthened women's roles in agriculture.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareRELACIONES DE PODER Y GÉNERO EN PROYECTOS DE AGRICULTURA URBANA EN LIMA SUR: UN ANÁLISIS CRÍTICO DE LA PARTICIPACIÓN COMUNITARIA
2025Luis Enrique Serrano Ayasta, Josiane Stoessel-Ritz · Anales Científicos · Peru (Lima)
A doctoral research study in three low-income neighborhoods in South Lima, Peru, analyzed power relations within urban agriculture projects. The findings indicate that these projects, despite aiming for empowerment, often mask asymmetric power relations and reinforce preexisting inequalities, particularly for women gardeners. This perpetuates gender hierarchies and limits their participation and agency, reflecting paternalism from promoting organizations and community leaders.
Equity & displacementCommunityWelfareFood sovereignty & justicePolicyCommunity Economic Empowerment Using Urban Farming in Pontianak
2025Maswadi Maswadi, Novira Kusrini, Shenny Oktoriana, Anita Suharyani · PRIMA Journal of Community Empowering and Services · Indonesia (Pontianak)
This community service initiative in Southeast Pontianak District, West Kalimantan, empowered 48 local residents through participatory training in hydroponics and verticulture. Post-training evaluation showed 77.1% (n=37) of participants actively practiced urban farming within three months, with 37.8% sustaining practices for 4-6 months. The results demonstrate increased community awareness, technical capacity, and adoption of sustainable urban farming practices.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationPublic Policy Network Implementation: A Case Study in the Development Urban Farming for Sustainable Food Independence in Makassar City
2025Mahyudin Mahyudin, Muh. Akmal Ibrahim, Muhammad Yunus, Syahribulan Syahribulan · Journal of Management and Administration Provision · Indonesia (Makassar)
This research used a descriptive qualitative approach, including observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, to analyze the implementation of development network policies for urban farming for sustainable food independence in Makassar City. The findings indicate that the implementation of the urban farming development policy network requires improvement through joint actions among stakeholders. This is due to a lack of instructors assisting the Women Farmers Group (KWT), which is the target of the urban farming program, thus affecting the sustainability of activities utilizing yard land for productive use and food independence.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsUrban Agriculture Technical Advisory
2025Ivanjack, Katherine Rose, Preciado, Kylie J · DigitalCommons - CalPoly (California State Polytechnic University) · United States (California)
This senior capstone project aims to explore the potential of urban agriculture to address critical challenges in sustainability, food security, and community development within California cities. The project highlights practical and innovative approaches to urban farming that can be adopted or adapted to suit the unique needs of urban areas across the state.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityClimate changeThis is God’s land: Moral economies, spirituality, and insurgent land seizures in Zimbabwe’s urban peripheries
2025Johannes Bhanye, Abraham R. Matamanda, Ruvimbo Shayamunda · Discover Global Society · Zimbabwe
In Lydiate informal settlement in peri-urban Zimbabwe, Malawian migrants mobilize insurgent practices, including informal land seizures, spiritual claims, and communal strategies, to access land for farming. Access to land for urban and peri-urban farming remains a significant hurdle, especially for marginalized migrants. Migrants invoke divine ownership narratives, Nyau cult practices, and witchcraft deterrence as tactical tools for defending seized land.
Equity & displacementPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyWelfareEconomicsHealthFood sharing in Dublin
2025Lyons, Jennifer, Davies, Anna, Gallagher, Daisy · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Ireland (Dublin)
This report provides sustainability impact scenarios for Food Sharing Initiatives (FSIs) in Dublin city. Combining CULTIVATE’s Food Sharing Map and Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) data submitted by FSIs, it offers low, average, and high estimations of the sustainability impacts created by FSIs. The impact indicators presented are only a subset of total impacts, and estimations will become more accurate as more FSIs submit SIA data.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCultivating Eco-Urban Diplomacy through Urban Farming: Comparative Insights from Jakarta–Tokyo and Surabaya–Kitakyushu Sister Cities
2025Azka Madihah, Aliifah Ghassanii · Atlantis highlights in social sciences, education and humanities/Atlantis Highlights in Social Sciences, Education and Humanities · Asia
This study examined eco-urban diplomacy through urban farming and environmental horticulture in Jakarta-Tokyo and Surabaya-Kitakyushu sister-city partnerships. Jakarta-Tokyo collaboration promoted participatory urban farming and rooftop greening, raising Tokyo's vegetable self-sufficiency from 4.27% to a potential 11.73%. Surabaya-Kitakyushu cooperation achieved a threefold mangrove expansion and 20% waste reduction, but financial constraints, communication gaps, and land insecurity persist, risking exclusion of marginalized groups.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyHealthEconomicsBiodiversityUrban Agriculture and Food Systems: A Tool for Sustainable Development
2025Temitope Ruth Adeyemi, A. Patrick Henry, David Adetayo Olorunjuwon, Olajide Isaac Oyedele · International journal of research and scientific innovation · Global
This paper defines urban agriculture as food production, processing, distribution, and sale within urban, suburban, and peri-urban areas for various purposes, and the food system as encompassing all related value-adding activities. It highlights that urban agriculture and food systems provide social, economic, community, and health benefits, addressing food security challenges. The paper concludes that urban agriculture is a tool for sustainable city development, encouraging policymakers to map initiatives for planning purposes.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthPolicyThe islands and the city: peri-urban agriculture, food production, and sustainability in the chinampas of Xochimilco (Mexico City)
2025F. Xavier Medina, José Antonio Vázquez–Medina, Marco Covarrubias · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · Mexico (Mexico City)
This chapter discusses the factors linking food production, social and environmental problems, and future challenges in the chinampas of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage wetland area in Mexico City's peri-urban zone. It examines strategies implemented by stakeholders and their effects to envision future scenarios for sustainable food systems. The insularity of the chinampas imposes a particular character on agri-food production and the life of inhabitants, highlighting existing social and environmental problems.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityStrategic Spatial Opportunities for Local Food Distribution: Urban Accessibility of Community Gardens in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
2025Andreas Wesener, Shannon Davis, Guanyu Chen · Urban Planning · New Zealand (Christchurch)
This study explored strategic spatial opportunities for improving access to and distribution of locally produced food, using urban community gardens in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand, as a case study. GIS analysis was used to examine spatial accessibility to urban community gardens and associated socio-demographic factors, in comparison to commercial food outlets. The results indicated that the method is useful for examining spatial accessibility, and that urban community gardens in Christchurch are mainly located in more deprived areas, with walkable access provided to about one-fifth of the city’s total population.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyA produção de alimentos na agricultura urbana em tempos de insegurança alimentar: uma experiência com hortas no município de Palmas, Tocantins- Brasil
2025Francisco Pereira de Sousa, Clareana Maria Guimarães Franco, Cássio Bruno Sá de Souza, Débora de Paula Brito Fogaça, Marcos Paulo Parente Araújo, Maíra Santiago Pires Parente, Henrique D. Silva, Dirlley Douglas Alves de Oliveira · Caderno Pedagógico · Brazil
A qualitative and quantitative study in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil, aimed to understand the interfaces of the Palmas City Hall's community garden project. Based on ethnographic research, action research, and field study, the results showed that this local practice enhances community participation in urban garden planting in northern Palmas. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and is a viable tool for minimizing food insecurity and hunger reduction. However, the project requires structural adjustments, promotion of public and private partnerships, and support from universities and civil society for healthy sustainability.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfarePolicyUse of Lighting Technology in Controlled and Semi-Controlled Agriculture in Greenhouses and Protected Agriculture Systems—Part 1: Scientific and Bibliometric Analysis
2025Edwin Villagrán, John Javier Espitia, Jader Rodríguez, Linda Gomez, Gina Marcela Amado Saavedra, E.J. Baeza, Cruz Ernesto Aguilar-Rodríguez, Jorge Flores-Velázquez, Mohammad Akrami, Rodrigo Gil, Luis Alejandro Arias · Sustainability · Global
This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of artificial lighting technologies in greenhouses and protected agriculture, examining scientific publications from the Scopus database between 1974 and 2024. It found a significant increase in research over the last two decades, with the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and China leading in scientific output. Key trends include the use of specific light spectra (red and blue) and the integration of LED systems with digital sensors, though adoption in developing countries like Colombia remains in early stages.
Digital agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsIdentificação e georreferenciamento de espaços adequados à agricultura urbana e periurbana em Mossoró-RN
2025Johnny Jean, Nildo da Silva Dias, Nildo da Silva Dias, Alison Rocha de Aragão, A. JEAN, Patrícia Lígia Dantas de Morais, Rogério Taygra Vasconcelos Fernandes, Leonardo Angelo Mendonça, Vânia Christina Nascimento Porto, Khadidja Dantas Rocha de Lima · OBSERVATÓRIO DE LA ECONOMÍA LATINOAMERICANA · Brazil (Mossoró)
This study aimed to identify and georeference suitable spaces for urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in three neighborhoods of Mossoró, Brazil: Nova Betânia, Sussuarana, and Vingt Rosado. The research found that out of 1,300 hectares in these neighborhoods, 944.1 hectares are suitable for UPA. However, the study identified a lack of public policies to incentivize UPA in these areas.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageClimate changeUrbanization-Triggered Industrial Development in Kenya’s Peri-Urban Areas and Its Implications on Food Security: The Case of Kiambu County
2025James S. Kaba, Joseph Mutungi, Gladys Rotich · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science · Kenya
This study examined the implications of urbanization-triggered industrial development on food security in Kiambu County, Kenya, neighboring Nairobi. Through mixed qualitative and survey-based data collection and analysis from 400 respondents including farmers, agricultural workers, urban planners, and government officials, the study found an 85% increase in farmland conversion to industries over the last 20 years. This industrialization contributed to a decline in food production, as reported by 65% of respondents who left farming for industrial jobs. Land-use transformations have resulted in fewer farms involved in agriculture and the replacement of old food systems.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkage