Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
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Évaluation et risque sanitaire de la bioaccumulation de métaux lourds (cadmium, cuivre, plomb et le zinc) chez le chou (Brassica Oleracea L.) produit en agriculture urbaine : Cas du périmètre maraicher de Dogona (Bobo-Dioulasso)
2023Issaka Senou · Journal of Applied Biosciences · Burkina Faso
This study assessed heavy metal bioaccumulation in cabbage grown on the Dogona market garden perimeter in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, using a randomized block design with urban solid waste treatments. The results showed high levels of cadmium, copper, and lead in cabbage leaves, with concentrations significantly exceeding WHO standards across all treatments. A critical finding was that consuming this cabbage poses a high health risk to consumers due to significant ingestion of cadmium and lead.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleClimate changePELATIHAN PEMBUATAN “VERTIPOT” SEBAGAI UPAYA URBAN FARMING PADA LAHAN TERBATAS DI KALIJUDAN SURABAYA
2023Dewi Kurniasih, Indri Santiasih, Wiwik Dwi Pratiwi · Kumawula Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Surabaya)
In Kalijudan, Surabaya, a community service program provided training to local women on creating "vertipots" for urban farming in limited spaces. The training covered making planting containers from used plastic paint cans, preparing growing media, and plant care. These vertipots utilize PVC pipes inside to hold organic kitchen waste, with leachate providing nutrients like Nitrogen and Phosphorus to the plants.
DIYCommunityFood educationOrganic cycleThe Effect of Eco Enzyme Concentration and NPK Fertilizer Dosage on the Growth and Yield of Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.) at the Urban Farming Planting System
2023Ferziana Nurmeilinda Dzikrika, Sitawati Sitawati, Nurul Aini, Dewi Ratih Rizki Damaiyanti · International Journal of Environment Agriculture and Biotechnology · Indonesia (Malang)
A study conducted in Malang, Indonesia, from February to June 2023, investigated the effect of eco enzyme concentration and NPK fertilizer dosage on the growth and yield of sweet potatoes in urban farming systems. Using a factorial randomized block design repeated three times, combinations of eco enzyme concentrations and NPK fertilizer doses were tested. Results showed that eco enzyme concentration affected the NPK fertilizer dose on sweet potato plants, with the highest fresh tuber weight at an NPK fertilizer dose of 3.75 g per plant produced at an eco enzyme concentration of 30 ml per liter. Eco enzyme concentrations and NPK doses were found to increase the growth and yield of sweet potato plants across variables such as leaf area, plant dry weight, tuber fresh weight, and harvest index.
DIYOrganic cyclePelatihan Pemanfaatan Limbah Sagu Sebagai Bahan Pembuatan Pupuk Organik dengan Bioreaktor Bsfl pada Kelompok Tani “Dwitrap” Kampung Tambat Kabupaten Merauke
2023Yosefina Mangera, Jamaludin Jamaludin · ABDIKAN Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Bidang Sains dan Teknologi · Indonesia
A community service program in Tambat Village, Merauke Regency, Indonesia, provided socialization and training to the Dwitrap farmer group on utilizing sago processing waste for organic fertilizer using black soldier fly larvae bioreactors. The program successfully transferred knowledge and skills, with participants demonstrating increased understanding of sago waste processing.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityStudy on soil quality in different functional zones of Sofia region
2023Elena Todorova, Miglena Zhiyanski · One Ecosystem · Bulgaria (Sofia)
This study examined urban soil conditions and their potential for regulating ecosystem services in different functional zones of Sofia, Bulgaria. Data from 30 experimental plots (0-10 cm soil layer) were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Zn, Pb, Fe) and soil quality indicators (pH, CEC, total carbon, total nitrogen). The results showed differences in the capacity of green, industrial, residential, and urban agriculture zones to regulate and maintain soil quality, informing mitigation measures for soil protection and restoration.
Organic cycleBiodiversityPeri-urban agricultureHuerta escolar agroecológica: Una mirada didáctica al desarrollo sostenible
2023Fabio Aislant Moreno · GACETA DE PEDAGOGÍA · Global
This documentary review analyzed 18 articles published between 2018 and 2022 to examine agroecological school gardens as a didactic strategy for sustainability. The analysis found that such gardens, when oriented towards education for sustainable development, should involve cooperative learning processes from a transversal perspective. It concluded that agroecological school gardens are key to developing socio-critical skills in students through theoretical and practical work, enhancing their sensitivity to environmental problems.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeOrganic cycleSustainability indicators for evaluation of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus in urban agriculture
2023Leila Babaei, Mohammad Hossein Niksokhan, Ali Torabian, Masoud Negahban‐Azar · International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology · Iran
This study proposed sustainability measurement indicators to evaluate the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus sustainability in urban agriculture. Focusing on Varamin, a semi-arid city in Tehran, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to identify crucial indicators across social, environmental, and economic dimensions. Results indicated that water-related components are critical in arid and semi-arid regions, and pollution prevention holds a 52.8% priority as an environmental sustainability indicator.
Climate changePolicyEconomicsOrganic cycleInfluence of the Type and Use of Soil on the Distribution of Organic Carbon and Other Soil Properties in a Sustainable and Resilient Agropolitan System
2023Purificación Marín Sanleandro, Ana María Gómez-García, M. Arantzazu Blanco Bernardeau, Juana María Gil-Vázquez, María Asunción Alías-Linares · Forests · Spain
This study in the mid-plain of the Segura River (SE Spain) assessed soil properties and agricultural potential by collecting 68 arable soil samples. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in organic carbon distribution between calcaric Fluvisols and calcaric Regosols, and among industrial, cultivated, and abandoned soil uses. Cultivated Fluvisols showed a higher average organic carbon content (11.35 g kg−1) compared to abandoned (9.33 g kg−1) and industrial (5.13 g kg−1) uses.
Organic cycleBiodiversityPeri-urban agricultureSufficiency in social practices: An underestimated potential for the transformation to a circular economy
2023Paul Suski, Alexandra Palzkill, Melanie Speck · Frontiers in Sustainability · Global
This article argues that sufficiency, often underestimated, is a suitable strategy for achieving a sustainable circular economy. It proposes shifting research and policy focus from product-centric approaches to consumption patterns guided by sufficiency. The case of urban gardening illustrates how small interventions can transform consumption by challenging the logic of availability. The authors advocate for using social practice theories to develop effective circular economy strategies.
CommunityClimate changeOrganic cycleEfek Pemberian Pupuk Organik Cair Berbasis Kulit Buah (Eco Enzyme) terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman Pakcoy (Brassica chinensis L.)
2023Wulan Sari Sinaga, Desyana Millenia Limeranto, Eugenia Larissa Bakti Pangala, Kukuh Madyaningrana · Pro-Life · Global
This research investigated the macro nutrient content of fruit peel-based liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) and its effect on Pakcoy (Brassica chinensis L.) growth over 56 days, using a completely randomized design with five treatments and five replications. The study found that the macro nutrients in the fruit peel-based LOF did not meet the Ministry of Agriculture's quality standards. However, a 0.4 mL dose of the fruit peel-based LOF showed the best effect in supporting Pakcoy plant growth across all measured parameters.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleANALISIS INTEGRASI NILAI KARAKTER DALAM KEGIATAN URBAN FARMING DI KELAS V SDN NGEMPLAK SIMONGAN 01 TAHUN PELAJARAN 2023/2024
2023Andra Jihan Prasetyo, Mira Azizah · Indonesian Journal of Elementary School · Indonesia (Semarang)
This study described character values integrated into urban farming activities at SDN Ngemplak Simongan 01 Semarang, Indonesia, during the 2023/2024 academic year. The research found positive attitudes towards character values such as responsibility, independence, discipline, hard work, curiosity, cooperation, and environmental care among students participating in urban farming. The findings highlight the importance of integrating character values into the school curriculum through practical learning approaches like urban farming.
Food educationCommunityDIYOrganic cycleDampak Ekonomi dan Lingkungan Pertanian Perkotaan
2023Ane Novianty, Muhamad Nurdin Yusuf, Muhamad Arif Rizki Mauladi · MAHATANI Jurnal Agribisnis (Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics Journal) · Indonesia (Tasikmalaya)
This qualitative study explored the economic and environmental aspects of urban farming activities among 12 farmers in Kelompok Tani Taruna Tani Muara Hurip, Tasikmalaya City, Indonesia. The findings indicate that urban farming activities have not significantly contributed to the income of farmers or landowners, based on the investment ratio. However, environmentally, most farmers practice eco-friendly farming using organic fertilizers.
Economic viabilityEconomicsOrganic cycleCommunityHortas nas escolas e agroecologia: plantando conhecimento e colhendo solidariedade
2023Loyane Ferreira da Matta, Monique Cleia de Pontes Bandeira CARVALHO, Josué Rodrigues Gomes, Juliana do Nascimento Chagas Pessanha, Érika Eberlline Pacheco dos Santos · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil (Campos dos Goytacazes)
A pedagogical garden project was implemented at Escola Municipal Santa Terezinha in Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil, to teach the importance of agroecology, the environment, and healthy eating. The project involved weekly activities where students participated in workshops, courses, meetings, study groups, and garden construction, based on a bibliographic survey of pedagogical gardens, agroecology, and urban agriculture.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleSite History’s Role in Urban Agriculture: A Case Study in Kisumu, Kenya, and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
2023Nicolette Tamara Jonkman, Karsten Kalbitz, Huig Bergsma, Boris Jansen · Land · Africa
This case study investigates the relationship between prior land use, current management, and soil quality at six urban agriculture (UA) sites in Kisumu, Kenya, and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A soil survey determined the soil macronutrient and mineral composition. Results indicate that three UA sites predate surrounding urban development, and soil nutrient data suggest these sites were likely chosen for their soil.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsCommunityOrganic cyclePendampingan Santri Berkebun Pada Kegiatan Urban Farming
2023Inanpi Hidayati Sumiasih · Jurdimas (Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat) Royal · Indonesia (Jakarta)
In Jatinegara Baru Housing, East Jakarta, Indonesia, an urban farming program was conducted from March to December 2022 for residents and santri of the Al Jabar community. The program included cultivating vegetables in narrow yards, utilizing green spaces, and training in compost and POC production. Evaluation showed that participant understanding increased from an initial 10% to 100%, the activity was rated "very beneficial," and the combined theory and practice method was considered highly suitable for participants.
CommunityFood educationDIYOrganic cycleApplication of Human Urine in Vegetable Production in a School Garden: A Participatory Action Research
2023Govinda Prasad Devkota · Pragyaratna प्रज्ञारत्न · Nepal
This participatory action research in a public high school in Nepal explored the applicability of urine diversion toilets for organic vegetable production and sanitation improvement. It found that urine diversion toilets prevent surface water pollution and improve students' hygiene. Additionally, using human urine as fertilizer increased vegetable production by 40% compared to animal fertilizer in plots of the same area.
Organic cycleFood educationCommunityBiochar for Wastewater Treatment and Soil Improvement in Irrigated Urban Agriculture: Single and Combined Effects on Crop Yields and Soil Fertility
2023Isaac Asirifi, Korbinian Kaetzl, Steffen Werner, Stefanie Heinze, Felix K. Abagale, Marc Wichern, Manfred Lübken, Bernd Marschner · Journal of soil science and plant nutrition · Ghana
This study evaluated the agronomic and soil fertility effects of using municipal wastewater or anaerobically treated wastewater for irrigation and applying biochar to a soil from the Guinea savanna agroecological zone of Ghana. In a pot trial, lettuce and carrot were grown on soil mixed with raw biochar, water-washed biochar, or biochar used as wastewater filter material at 20 t ha−1, and irrigated with untreated municipal wastewater, anaerobically treated wastewater, or clean water. Results indicated higher crop growth and yields (up to 90% increase) with untreated and anaerobically treated wastewater than clean water, with anaerobically treated wastewater being more beneficial than untreated wastewater (up to 10% increase). Combining raw biochar with anaerobically treated wastewater increased pH, CEC, and P availability in the highly weathered acidic soil.
Organic cycleCompostFungal-bacterial associations in urban allotment garden soils
2023Maraike Probst, María Gómez‐Brandón, Cecilia Herbón, María Teresa Barral, Remigio Paradelo · Applied Soil Ecology · Spain
This study evaluated fungal and bacterial communities in 40 soil samples from 10 urban allotment gardens in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, using DNA sequencing. While microbial richness was comparable to less anthropogenically influenced urban soils, the deterministic effect of soil properties and geographical distances was negligible. Fungal and bacterial communities followed a random distribution and formed very small, often unconnected, microbial association modules, suggesting potential implications of anthropogenic activity for soil health and ecosystem functionality.
CommunityBiodiversityOrganic cycleIntroducing Food Sustainability in Formal Education: A Teaching-Learning Sequence Contextualized in the Garden for Secondary School Students
2022Eugenio-Gozalbo M., Ramos-Truchero G., Suárez-López R., Romanillos M.S.A., Rees S. · Education Sciences (MDPI), 12(3):168 · Europe
A study assessing a garden-based teaching unit on 'Food and Nutrition' against a traditional textbook-based unit. The garden-based sequence produced more comprehensive student understanding and better preparation for real-life dietary decisions, representing an educational improvement over traditional teaching.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleUrban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Sourcebook – From Production to Food Systems
2022FAO, Rikolto, RUAF · Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rikolto & RUAF · Global
A comprehensive guide co-published by FAO, Rikolto and RUAF for local decision-makers, urban planners and practitioners. It frames urban and peri-urban agriculture from production through to urban food systems and policy, promoting reduced food loss via short supply chains, biodiversity protection, social inclusion, and urban-rural linkages.
PolicyCommunityOrganic cycleFood lossEconomicsBiodiversityまちを変える都市型農園 コミュニティを育む空き地活用
2022Shimpo N. · 学芸出版社 (Gakugei Shuppan), ISBN 978-4-7615-2821-8, 208pp · Global
Shimpo's single-authored book on 'urban-type gardens' that activate underused spaces scattered through cities—suburban abandoned farmland, corners of urban parks, commercial-building rooftops, housing-estate grounds. Drawing on advanced cases and practitioner interviews from Germany, Austria, New Zealand, Canada, Australia and Japan, it shows how such gardens address vacant-land use, community revitalisation, greening and food/environmental education.
CommunityFood educationOrganic cyclePolicyAn integrated genomic and biochemical approach to investigate the potentiality of heirloom tomatoes: Breeding resources for food quality and sustainable agriculture
2022Tripodi P., D'Alessandro A., Francese G. · Frontiers in Plant Science 13:1031776 · Italy
Integrated genomic and biochemical analysis of heirloom tomatoes linking fruit shape and size to sugars, organic acids, and aroma compounds. Demonstrates heirlooms as germplasm resources for high food quality and sustainable agriculture.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversityHealthOrganic cycleUnlock the hidden potential of urban rooftop agrivoltaics energy-food-nexus
2022Jing R., Liu J., Zhang H., Zhong F., Liu Y., Lin J. · Energy (Elsevier), 256:124626 · China (Shenzhen)
Integrating GIS, biogeochemical and solar simulation to quantify how much food and energy urban rooftop agrivoltaics (lettuce grown under PV panels) can produce. For Shenzhen's 854,000 rooftops (~105 km²) it estimates ~0.98 Mt/year of lettuce (meeting the whole city's demand) and ~2,106 MW of PV generating ~1,899 GWh/year, while flagging ~4.11 Mt/year of extra irrigation water as a key water trade-off.
EconomicsOrganic cyclePolicyNiveles de metales pesados. Huertos urbanos en Bogotá Colombia
2022Vega Castro D.A., Vega Clavijo L.T. · Revista Luna Azul · Colombia (Bogotá)
This study sampled soil, irrigation water, and lettuce from 49 urban gardens across 13 Bogotá localities to quantify heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, As, Hg), finding that all detected concentrations remained below national and international health-based guidance values.
HealthOrganic cycleProduction and Application of Organic Waste Compost for Urban Agriculture in Emerging Cities
2022Asian research network · ResearchGate · Asia
Research on organic waste composting and its application in urban agriculture across emerging Asian cities, integrating circular agriculture with waste reduction.
CompostOrganic cycle