Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
1074 results(14 / 43)
“Connecting With Good People and Good Plants”: Community Gardener Experiences in New York State During the COVID-19 Pandemic
2022Tomasz B. Falkowski, Bethany Jorgensen, Donald A. Rakow, Ashmita Das, Stewart A.W. Diemont, Theresa Selfa, Austin B. Arrington · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · United States
A study in four New York cities analyzed the benefits and challenges of community gardens during the COVID-19 pandemic through surveys and semi-structured interviews with community gardeners. Gardeners experienced benefits such as connection, mental and physical well-being, and a safe refuge, but the biggest challenge was limited socializing due to personal behavioral changes and garden rules. This research suggests that while community gardens can be resilient sites of reprieve during crises, the pandemic also exposed their vulnerabilities.
Governance failureCommunityHealthWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceAn Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of a Year’s Allotment Gardening for People Living in Low-Income Areas of Nottingham, UK
2022Rhys Furlong, Caroline Harvey, Fiona Holland, Jenny Hallam · NECTAR - Northampton Electronic Collection of Thesis and Research (University of Northampton) · United Kingdom (Nottingham)
Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with allotment gardeners from low-income areas of Nottingham, UK, 12 months after they began their tenancy at St Ann's allotments. This interview data was used for an interpretative phenomenological analysis published in "Cities and Health." Due to ethical and commercial issues, the data underpinning this publication is not openly available.
CommunityWelfareHealthThe Impact of an After-School Garden Enhanced Education (GENE) on Skin Carotenoids as a Measure of Vegetable Consumption on Diverse, Low-Income Children
2022Mona Khalil, Carolyn Bolton‐Moore · Current Developments in Nutrition · United States
This study investigated whether a ten-week Garden Enhanced Nutrition Education (GENE) program increased skin carotenoid scores, a measure of vegetable consumption, in 30 diverse, low-income children aged 6–13 at two Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston in fall 2021. While individual skin carotenoid scores increased in 43% of participants and group averages showed an upward trend, these changes were not statistically significant. Height and weight increased significantly, and 49.7 pounds of produce were harvested.
Food educationHealthWelfareCommunity gardens as feminist spaces: A more‐than‐gendered approach to their transformative potential
2022Maria Teresa Braga Bizarria, Marcela Palomino‐Schalscha, Polly Stupples · Geography Compass · Global
This paper reviews the multi-scalar transformative potential of community gardens for volunteers, informed by a feminist approach. It examines literature on gendered benefits and empowerment women experience in community gardens, individually and collectively. The paper also discusses how community gardens offer opportunities to raise awareness of oppression and envision social change, suggesting they can be conceptualized as feminist spaces.
CommunityWelfarePolicyHealthGrowing Opportunities for Equitable, Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Food Systems Education: A Review of Food Systems Education at Land-Grant Institutions and Development of Open-Access Materials
2022Emily H. Belarmino, Jane Kolodinsky, Alice S. Ammerman, Leah C. Volpe, Covington Brown, Stephanie Jilcott Pitts, Karla L. Hanson, Marilyn Sitaker, Weiwei Wang, Jared T. McGuirt, Michelle Carfagno, Emily Hunsinger, Rebecca A. Seguin‐Fowler · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · United States
In response to critiques regarding the narrowness of food systems education at US land-grant institutions, this study developed four evidence-informed, interdisciplinary, equity-oriented, open-access teaching modules. These modules were created based on a multi-site, multi-year investigation of subsidized community supported agriculture and a survey of 66 instructors at land-grant institutions about instructional material needs. Instructors reported case studies, lesson plans with active learning, and reference lists of peer-reviewed publications as most helpful.
Food educationCSA & TeikeiWelfareCommunityWhy Home Gardens Fail in Enhancing Food Security and Dietary Diversity
2022Marié J. du Toit, Olivia Rendón, Viktoria Cologna, Sarel S. Cilliers, Martin Dallimer · Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution · South Africa
A case study in a low-income former township area in South Africa, involving 140 home garden owners, found that gardens did not substantially contribute to household food security. Only 10% of households were completely food secure, and dietary diversity was very low. Key constraints included cultural practices, a focus on ornamental plants, and reliance on purchased food.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityWelfareRedefining the role of young farmers: participatory action youth-led urban agriculture
2022Nicholas DeMarsh · International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy · Global
This research, conducted from a youth educator's perspective, used participatory action research (PAR) in youth urban agriculture education to illustrate the impact of young people shaping community-based programs. Findings showed that youth-led programming creates new processes and educational opportunities, strengthening program outcomes by engaging students in interesting ways. Practical implications include opportunities for social network bonding via farm stands and challenges in social network bridging through Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs).
Food educationCommunityCSA & TeikeiWelfareGrowth of Bittersweet Over the Years
2022Jeanne Dennler, Carol S. Quick, Ruth Wilson · · United States
Bittersweet Farms, established in 1983, has expanded its programs and services over the years while maintaining its core values. Housing and activity options have grown to include community volunteer work, involvement with community supported agriculture, and therapeutic exercises. The organization also developed outreach programs for young adults with autism, focusing on social activity, friendship, and transition to adulthood. The Bittersweet model has received international recognition.
WelfareCSA & TeikeiCommunityCommunity Gardens
2022Stephanie Ross · · Global
This paper explores various needs that community gardens seem poised to meet, such as education, community activism, individual growth, and enhancement, offering a balanced assessment of their likely success. It considers large-scale indoor hydroponic farming as a potential remedy for many of the social ills that community gardens address.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood educationWelfareFood aid and neoliberalism: an alliance built on shared interests?
2022Maddy Power · Policy Press eBooks · United Kingdom
In the UK, food banks and other food aid providers expanded significantly in parallel with welfare reforms and benefit cuts initiated after 2010. This contemporary phenomenon occurred within a historical context of long-standing community-based responses to poverty and hunger in the UK.
Equity & displacementWelfareCommunityPolicyThe Implementation of the Project "Camp School-Garden" for Indigenous Peoples' Children of the North (Results of Monitoring in 2022)
2022Artur Amirovich Galyamov · Социодинамика · Russia
This article presents preliminary sociological monitoring results from 2022 for the "Camp School-garden" pilot project, aimed at primary education for indigenous children in remote areas of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra. While positive indicators like satisfaction with educational services were noted, the study also identified less positive and negative indicators, including inconsistent internet quality and differing opinions on distance learning organization, which require consideration for future project implementation.
Limited or null effectFood educationCommunityWelfareFeeding the City and Making the Revolution: Women and Urban Agriculture in Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939)
2022Marta Camps‐Calvet, Santiago Gorostiza, David Saurı́ · Antipode · Spain (Barcelona)
This study examined social reproduction practices surrounding food in Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 1939. Core findings informed the role of women in food provision and production through individual subsistence agriculture, involvement in Barcelona’s anarcho-syndicalist agricultural collective, and participation in agriculture education and training programs. The research was based on original archival data, historical press, and interviews with witnesses of the war.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityFood educationWelfareEFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON URBAN HOUSEHOLDS’ FOOD SECURITY STATUS IN Ghana: PRE AND POST LOCKDOWN ANALYSIS
2022Richard Kofi Asravor, Paul Adjei Kwakwa · African Geographical Review · Ghana
This study compared the food security status of urban dwellers in Accra, Ghana, before and after the COVID-19 lockdown, using a sample of 340 respondents. The research found a significant difference, with 36.4% of households being 'High food secure' prior to COVID-19, but 12.35% becoming 'Very low food secure' post-lockdown. The findings indicate a decline in urban household food security following the lockdown.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsWhat the welfare‐agriculture cooperation can inherit from the farmer‐consumer partnership movement for exchanges of organic produce: on‐site implementation and international sharing of its outcome
2022Hiroyuki Tsunashima · Impact · Japan
Dr. Hiroyuki Tsunashima of Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan, leads a project linking agriculture and social welfare to provide job opportunities for socially disadvantaged individuals. The project involves clients working on farms under the supervision of social welfare staff, emphasizing autonomous skill acquisition and holistic practices. This initiative draws from the Teikei movement, a community-supported agriculture system in Japan, to facilitate the process through food and farmer-consumer partnership experiences.
WelfareCommunityFood educationThe spatial distribution of urban community gardens and their associated socio-economic status in Tehran, Iran
2022Sina Razzaghi Asl, Anahita Azadgar · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Iran (Tehran)
A study in Tehran, Iran, mapped the spatial distribution and socio-economic attributes of 26 urban community gardens using semi-structured interviews, qualitative analysis, and secondary data from the 2020 Tehran statistical yearbook. The findings revealed a geographical distribution imbalance, with most gardens located in the southern part of the city. Community gardens were mainly placed in areas with lower average land prices, lower median household income, and higher education graduates, indicating an uneven distribution that favors socio-economically disadvantaged areas.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsAnalisis Pendekatan A.C.T.O.R.S dalam Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Lansia di Kampung Wonosari 3G (Glintung Go Green) Kota Malang
2022Angelus Vecky Kopong, Siti Kholifah, Sanggar Kanto · Brawijaya Journal of Social Science · Indonesia (Malang City)
This descriptive qualitative study analyzed empowerment strategies for 10 elderly informants in Kampung Wonosari 3G, Malang City, Indonesia, using the A.C.T.O.R.S theory. The research confirmed that strategies focusing on authority, confidence, competence, responsibility, and support led to increased self-respect, self-confidence, and self-reliance among the elderly community. The study suggests urban farming as a change movement to improve the environment in this slum area.
ElderlyCommunityWelfareHealthStrategi Ketahanan Pangan dalam Program Urban Farming dalam Menunjang Keberlanjutan Usaha Keluarga di Masa Pandemi Covid-19
2022Haslynda Syah, Muhammad Hasan, Citra Ayni Kamaruddin, Nurdiana Nurdiana, Nurjannah Nurjannah · Ideas Jurnal Pendidikan Sosial dan Budaya · Indonesia
This qualitative descriptive study investigated food security strategies within an urban farming program in Bara-baraya Village, Indonesia, focusing on the Orchid Women Farmers Group (KWT). Data from interviews and observations revealed that one realized strategy by the government and community members is the development of a Sustainable Food House Yard Area Model.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityWelfareBarriers of Local Organizations for Providing Free Food Support in the Priority Neighborhood, Toronto: What We Need Further
2022Qazi Shafayetul Islam, Nasima Akter · European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety · Canada (Toronto)
This qualitative study, involving nine community organization representatives and 15 volunteers in Toronto's priority neighborhoods, identified significant barriers to providing and receiving free food support during COVID-19. Community members faced a lack of information, language barriers, social stigma, and fear of COVID-19. Organizations struggled with insufficient information on needs, limited transportation, storage space, committed volunteers, and funding, highlighting systemic and financial challenges in effective food support programs.
Governance failureWelfareCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceFood Insecurity, Food Sourcing and Food Coping Strategies in the OOO Urban Corridor, Namibia
2022Ndeyapo Nickanor, Lawrence N. Kazembe, Jonathan Crush · · Namibia
A household survey of 853 households in Namibia's Oshakati-Ongwediva-Ondangwa (OOO) urban corridor found 77% household food insecurity and a mean dietary diversity of less than 5. The most common coping strategies were relying on less preferred and less expensive foods (67%) and rural-urban food transfers (55%). Urban agriculture was found to be very limited in this region.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsUrban–rural linkageCan a shift in the purchase of local foods by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients impact the local economy?
2022R.A. Seguin, J. Garner, Stephanie Jilcott Pitts, M. Sitaker, E.H. Morgan, J.M. Kolodinsky, W. Wang, A. Ammerman, F.A. Becot · Carolina Digital Repository (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) · United States
This research used a customized input-output model to simulate the economic impacts of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients shifting food purchases from traditional retailers to direct-to-consumer venues in four US states. Both scenarios, increased outreach and financial support for SNAP use at direct-to-consumer channels, showed a positive, albeit modest, economic impact at the state level. Most increased economic activity was in the produce farming sector.
EconomicsWelfareCSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justicePembangunan Kampung Tangguh Berbasis ke-RT-an di Desa Sukasari Kabupaten Cianjur
2022Rizki Hegia Sampurna · PengabdianMu Jurnal Ilmiah Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia
This three-year program aims to develop a resilient village in RT 03 RW 13 Desa Sukasari, Cianjur, Indonesia, based on the concept of human and community security. Using methods like lectures and FGDs, the initial phase (2020-2021) established five priority programs: education, religion, security and health, economic productivity, and environment, with various stakeholders involved. By the second half of the first year, most targeted programs, including urban farming and public facility development, were well-implemented. The primary challenge is maintaining stakeholder consistency for program sustainability.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareSocial value of a Canadian urban food bank garden
2022Wanda Martin, Anh Pham, Lindsey Wagner, Adrian D. Werner · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Canada
A social return on investment (SROI) evaluation was conducted for the 2018 growing season of the Garden Patch, an urban agriculture program of the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre in Canada. Investments in the program were valued at CA$96,474, while outcomes such as vegetables, gardening skills, health, and work/educational experiences were valued at CA$155,419. The study conservatively estimates that CA$1.61 of social value was created for every dollar invested in the Garden Patch.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsEffects of Urban Agriculture Practices on Households’ Livelihoods in Ondo State, Nigeria
2022Oluwole Matthew Akinnagbe, Obadamilola Enitan Ipinmoye · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Nigeria (Ondo State)
This study examined the effects of urban agriculture on households' livelihoods in Ondo State, Nigeria, using a multistage sampling procedure with 150 respondents. Major crops and livestock were leafy vegetables (100.0%) and broiler chickens (57.0%), respectively. The majority (82.0%) of urban agriculture practitioners had no contact with extension agents. Urban agriculture significantly improved respondents' standard of living (from 85.0% to 98.0%) and saving patterns (from 66.7% to 100.0%), and also led to improved knowledge.
EconomicsWelfareCommunityStrengthening Vegetable Production and Consumption in a Kenyan Informal Settlement: A Feasibility and Preliminary Impact Assessment of a Sack Garden Intervention
2022Alexandra Zivkovic, Emily V. Merchant, Thomas Nyawir, Daniël J. Hoffman, James E. Simon, Shauna Downs · Current Developments in Nutrition · Kenya (Nairobi)
A feasibility and preliminary impact assessment of sack gardens for women in Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya, involving 21 participants in 2018-2019, found reduced household food insecurity. However, key barriers included insufficient inputs and difficulties in group work, particularly communication. The study suggests sack gardens may partially improve diet quality, but further research is needed on household income impact.
Governance failureWelfareCommunityFood sovereignty & justice- Bioentrepreunership for orphanages by making kokedama and capillary system plant cultivation
2022Yaya Hasanah · Journal of Saintech Transfer · Indonesia (Medan)
This community service program aimed to empower the Bumi Nusantara Medan Orphanage in Medan City, Indonesia, through urban farming-based bioentrepreneurship. The program involved introduction, training, and practical sessions on making kokedama and capillary system plant cultivation, along with business management training. The achieved results include training and assistance in kokedama and capillary system cultivation.
WelfareCommunityDIYFood education