Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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9077 results(146 / 364)
Variation in Temperature, Precipitation, and Vegetation Greenness Drive Changes in Seasonal Variation of Avian Diversity in an Urban Desert Landscape
2021Fábio Suzart de Albuquerque, Heather L. Bateman, Cameron Scott Boehme, Daniel C. Allen, Luis Cayuela · Land · Global
This study investigated the effects of land-use and land-cover (LULC) types, vegetation greenness, and climate on avian seasonal variation abundance and richness in urban desert ecosystems, using avian community data collected seasonally (winter and spring) from 2001 to 2016. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) indicated that LULC was the most important predictor of avian abundance and richness. Avian abundance was highest in urban riparian and urban LULC types, followed by agriculture. Avian richness was highest in riparian environments (urban and desert), followed by agriculture, urban, and desert.
BiodiversityClimate changePeningkatan Pengetahuan Konsep Urban Farming Pada Siswa SMA Negeri 1 Labuhan Deli Kabupaten Deli Serdang
2021Rika Fitri Ilvira, Litna Nurjannah Ginting, Syahbudin Hasibuan · JURNAL PRODIKMAS Hasil Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia
This community service activity aimed to determine the increase in students' knowledge about urban farming at SMA Negeri 1 Labuhan Deli, Deli Serdang Regency. A presentation on the concept of urban farming was delivered, covering two aspects: cultivation techniques and socioeconomic benefits. Analysis of questionnaires filled out by students showed an increase in their knowledge about urban farming.
Food educationCommunityEconomicsAssessment of the Effect of Urban Agriculture on Achieving a Localized Food System Centered on Chicago, IL Using Robust Optimization
2021Christine Costello, Zeynab Oveysi, Bayram Dündar, Ronald G. McGarvey · Environmental Science & Technology · United States (Chicago)
This study used optimization techniques to assess the land area and radius needed around Chicago, Illinois, to meet nutritional needs. It found that no mix of food items could satisfy vitamin D, B12, and calcium needs within a 650 km radius. While urban agriculture reduced the required radius by 10-15 km, significant nutrient fortification or supplementation was still necessary to localize the food system.
Limited or null effectHealthUrban–rural linkageEconomicsNovel Materials for Urban Farming
2021Lifei Xi, Mengyuan Zhang, L. Zhang, Tedrick Thomas Salim Lew, Yeng Ming Lam · Advanced Materials · Singapore
This review discusses how novel materials are crucial for advancing urban farming, offering benefits like controlled release of nutrients, improved seed health, and better water retention in substrates. Singapore is presented as an example where urban farming, supported by materials science, can address food production challenges in land-scarce cities. The paper highlights potential research directions and challenges in the field.
Digital agricultureUrban–rural linkageClimate changeUrban agriculture may change food consumption towards low carbon diets
2021Ivanka Puigdueta, Eduardo Aguilera, José Luis Cruz, Ana Iglesias, Alberto Sanz-Cobeña · Global Food Security · Spain (Madrid)
A study in Madrid, Spain, used a five-year online survey to assess how urban gardening activities impact food consumption and carbon footprint. Findings indicated a potential reduction of up to 205.1 kg CO2e/year per person, or 12.1%, primarily through decreased consumption of animal source foods. This suggests urban gardens may foster pro-environmental behavior and greenhouse gas mitigation.
Climate changeFood educationCommunityMengenalkan Urban Farming pada Mahasiswa Untuk Ketahanan Pangan di Masa Pandemi Covid-19 dan Menambah Nilai Ekonomi
2021Deni Nasir Ahmad, Luluk Setyowati · Jurnal Pengabdian Magister Pendidikan IPA · Indonesia
This community service activity in Indonesia introduced urban farming to students via Zoom meetings as a solution for food security and economic value during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program involved assessing partner needs, presenting urban farming concepts, and evaluating participant feedback. Participants responded positively, asking many questions and finding the information relevant to their needs, with some even developing new ideas for agricultural technology products.
Food educationFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthPathogen and heavy metal contamination in urban agroecosystems of northern Ghana: Influence of biochar application and wastewater irrigation
2021Isaac Asirifi, Korbinian Kaetzl, Steffen Werner, Courage Kosi Setsoafia Saba, Felix K. Abagale, Philip Amoah, Bernd Marschner · Journal of Environmental Quality · Ghana
A field experiment in northern Ghana assessed health risks from pathogen and heavy metal contamination in urban agriculture, evaluating rice husk biochar, N-P-K fertilizer, and their combinations with untreated wastewater or tap water irrigation. While heavy metals in irrigation water and soil were below FAO/WHO standards, wastewater irrigation caused significant E. coli, fecal coliform, and helminth egg contamination on red amaranth vegetables and in soil. Biochar application did not affect bacterial contamination.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleWhich elements of socially prescribed activities most improve wellbeing
2021Karen McKenzie, Ryan Diston, Kara Murray · Northumbria Research Link (Northumbria University) · United Kingdom
A study evaluated a multifaceted activity, a visit to an inner-city farm, to measure which elements were the best predictors of psychological wellbeing. It found that, regardless of the specific activities engaged in, visiting the farm, on average, increased positive mood and reduced negative mood. The main contributing factor to this improvement was social interaction.
HealthCommunityEvaluation of the effect of a school garden as an educational didactic tool in vegetable and fruit consumption in teenagers
2021Diana Gabriela Figueroa-Piña, Jorge Luis Chávez‐Servín, Karina de la Torre‐Carbot, María del Carmen Caamaño, Gabriela Lucas-Deecke, Patricia Roitman Genoud, Laura Regina Ojeda-Navarro · Nutrition Research and Practice · Mexico (Queretaro)
A 3-arm controlled comparative impact study was conducted with 126 teenagers aged 12-18 at a private middle/high school in Queretaro, Mexico, to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention with a school garden (FE+SG) versus food education only (FE) and a control group (CG) on vegetable and fruit consumption. Both the FE+SG and FE groups significantly increased the frequency and daily intake of vegetables and fruits compared to the CG. The FE+SG group showed greater understanding, reflection, analysis of information, and willingness to include these in their daily diet. It was concluded that FE accompanied by a school garden is more effective than education alone or control in promoting vegetable and fruit consumption in middle-upper income teenagers.
Food educationHealthO papel da moderna agricultura urbana de Singapura na política de segurança alimentar e na contribuição da redução de emissão de CO2 na atmosfera
2021Leandro Pessoa Lucena, Fernanda Mariano Massuia · urbe Revista Brasileira de Gestão Urbana · Singapore
This post-doctoral research investigated the evolution and impacts of urban agriculture models in Singapore as public policy for sustainability, food security, and ecological economy. The study used bibliographic investigations and field research at high-tech soilless urban farms to estimate CO₂ emission reductions from modern urban agriculture. Results showed Singapore intensively uses urban agriculture, including vertical, indoor, and rooftop farms, all demonstrating technological innovations, high productivity, organic certification, and contributions to CO₂ emission reduction.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsImpact of Urbanization on Agricultural Land in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria
2021Shabu Terwase · International Journal of African and Asian Studies · Nigeria
This study assessed the impact of urbanization on agricultural land in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria, using population figures and land use data from 1997, 2007, and 2017. GIS analysis revealed an increase in settlement and a decrease in agricultural land, with 99.51 hectares of agricultural land converted to settlement between 1997 and 2017. Urbanization significantly decreased agricultural land, activities, and farm size in the study area.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkagePolicyThe Exploration of Social Assets Condition among Urban Farmers of the Community Garden in Klang Valley, Malaysia
2021Milah Zainal, Rosmiza M.Z. · International Journal of Asian Social Science · Malaysia
This study explored the condition of social assets among eight urban farmers in community gardens in Klang Valley, Malaysia, through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis. The interviews revealed that urban farmers possessed strong social assets, including family support, relationships with extension agents, group member participation, and broad networking. These social assets motivated agricultural activities, facilitating knowledge sharing, access to inputs and materials, community garden development, technology transfer, and cooperation.
CommunityEconomicsEducation From a Gardener’s Perspective
2021Stephanie C. Boddie · Social Work & Christianity · United States
In Fall 2018, a social work professor in the United States designed a course for graduate students across social work, education, and seminary schools, based on permaculture design principles. Students addressed community challenges like food insecurity and K-12 student disengagement by supporting a local school garden. This pedagogy aimed to foster holistic and relevant learning experiences.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceModernist Projects of Community-Based Urban Farms in Residential Areas—A Review of Agrarian Cooperatives in the Context of Contemporary Urban Development
2021Aleksandra Nowysz · Buildings · Global
This paper addresses the issue of food systems in urban development, describing residential area ideas that integrate cities with food production, particularly agrarian cooperatives. Historical projects aimed for self-sufficiency and sustainability, while contemporary projects demonstrate that urban agriculture performs key functions in residential architecture. Production in urban agriculture extends beyond private goods for market or own use.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyUrban–rural linkagePenerapan Urban Agriculture melalui Teknik Budidaya Tanaman Microgreen untuk Mendukung Ketahanan Pangan Keluarga
2021Zakiyah Amini, R. Eviyati, Dina Dwirayani · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Fakultas Pertanian UNS · Indonesia (Cirebon)
A community service team from the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati (UGJ) Cirebon, Indonesia, provided guidance to women in the Bumi Arum Sari housing complex on microgreen cultivation techniques. This activity aimed to educate residents during the COVID-19 pandemic to engage in positive gardening activities at home and enhance family food security. Microgreens are easy to cultivate, require minimal space, and provide healthy vegetables for families.
DIYFood educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceStrategi Peningkatan Adopsi Masyarakat terhadap Urban Farming Toga di Hunian Padat Kota Solo
2021Arisnia Devie Hapsari, Retno Setyowati, Hanifah Ihsaniyati · AGRITEXTS Journal of Agricultural Extension · Indonesia (Solo)
A descriptive qualitative study in Serengan Urban Village, Solo, aimed to identify internal and external factors influencing the adoption of urban farming TOGA (medicinal plants) in crowded residential areas. Data from observation, interviews, FGS, and document study revealed six strengths, nine weaknesses, seven opportunities, and six threats. Based on these findings, five strategies were proposed to improve community adoption, including enhancing experience, knowledge, awareness, and ability through assistance and cooperation.
CommunityFood educationHealthPowering transformative practices against food poverty with urban planning
2021Marian Simón Rojo · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Spain (Madrid)
This study investigated how urban planning can support agroecological and right-to-food movements to create resilient urban food systems, addressing food insecurity. A case study in Madrid, Spain, found that over 14% of the population was food insecure, despite the presence of more than 400 free food distribution nodes. The analysis covered various programs and urban food initiatives, suggesting that urban planning provides tools to apply community-supported agroecological food system qualities to define context-adapted strategies, thereby reducing reliance on the industrial food sector.
PolicyCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareMicro and Small Enterprises in Dire Dawa Administration: Marketing Mix Challenges and Opportunities and Their Implication on Sales Turnover
2021Yalew Mamo · European Journal of Business and Management · Ethiopia (Dire Dawa)
This cross-sectional descriptive study examined marketing challenges and opportunities for 226 micro and small enterprises, including urban agriculture, in Dire Dawa City, Ethiopia. Regression analysis found that product, price, and place significantly affected sales turnover, but promotion had an insignificant effect. Major challenges included a lack of coordination among government offices and insufficient commitment from enterprise owners.
Governance failureEconomicsKEMANDIRIAN PANGAN BERBASIS URBAN FARMING
2021Fenny Puspitaningrum, Desy Safitri, Nurul Istiqomah · Edukasi IPS · Indonesia
This qualitative study in Indonesia investigated why ROSAI members in Alam Indah studio housing, Depok, chose urban farming for food independence. Findings indicated ecological factors (suitable soil/water), economic factors (reducing expenditure while maintaining nutrition), and social factors (healthy living, neighborly harmony) as reasons. Their urban farming activities included organic farming, an organic market for excess crops, and farming training.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsOrganic cycleRURALIZATION FOR WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN URBAN AREA REVISITED
2021Masato Kobiyama, Karla Campagnolo, Marina Refatti Fagundes · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Global
This study briefly evaluated the history of institutional and scientific aspects of hydrology, noting its increasing proximity to society and focus on urban areas. It revisited the concept of "ruralization of urban areas," proposed in 2000, from hydrological, philosophical, and applied practice perspectives. Ruralization actions like urban storage, rainwater harvesting, and urban agriculture were detailed, emphasizing their implementation with data from school-basins.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageNullius no more? Valorising vacancy through urban agriculture in the settler-colonial ‘green city’
2021Nathan McClintock · Policy Press eBooks · Canada (Montreal)
In Montreal's Mile-Ex neighborhood, Canada, urban agriculture initiatives are transforming vacant lots into green spaces. Participants planted basil and threw "seed bombs" in a vacant lot as part of an effort to "reclaim the city." The practice of greening vacant lots is common in North American cities, and the relationship between vacancy and urban agriculture is historical, with city dwellers traditionally gardening in "wastelands."
CommunityDIYFood sovereignty & justiceAgricultura urbana no município de São Paulo: considerações sobre produção e comercialização
2021André Ruoppolo Biazoti, Vitória Oliveira Pereira de Souza Leão, Rafael Junqueira Buralli, Thaís Mauad · Estudos Avançados · Brazil (São Paulo)
Agricultural production and distribution in São Paulo, Brazil, were evaluated using official databases and seven semi-structured interviews with farmers conducted between 2018 and 2020. The findings indicate growth in agricultural practices and access to a wide variety of commercialization channels within the municipality. The opening of new markets, the development of public policies, and public recognition were essential for this growth.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyThe School Farms Network in the UK
2021Chris Blythe, Ian Egginton-Metters, Michael Hardman, Victoria Schoen · · United Kingdom
The School Farms Network in the UK has a large membership base, coinciding with renewed interest in urban agriculture and school farming. Based on contributions from grassroots practitioners and network coordinators, case studies illustrate the breadth of the school farms concept and the value practitioners find in being part of such a network. This study examines the future role of school farming networks and how the practice can be sustained or expanded.
Food educationCommunityPolicyEvaluation of ecosystem services from peri-urban organic farms: a case study of Beijing
2021黄甘霖 HUA Yeyu 华野毓 · Acta Ecologica Sinica · China (Beijing)
Ecosystem services from peri-urban organic farms in Beijing, China, were evaluated as of 2019. It was found that there were 271 organic farms in the suburbs of Beijing, covering a planting area of 10,900 hectares, accounting for 5.1% of the arable land in Beijing. Provision services were valued at 1.612 billion Yuan, regulation services (soil carbon sequestration) at 21.4 million Yuan, and cultural services (picking, farmers' markets, education activities) at 118.9 million Yuan. Organic farms also reduced energy use and emissions compared to conventional farms of the same area.
Peri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleBiodiversityClimate changeEconomicsFood educationCommunityMODEL KOMUNIKASI KEPEMIMPINAN TRANSFORMASIONAL KETUA KELOMPOK TANI TERKAIT PRAKTIK PERTANIAN PERKOTAAN
2021Sopian Sopian · Jurnal PIKOM (Penelitian Komunikasi dan Pembangunan) · Indonesia (Bogor)
Amidst a decline in the number of Women Farmers Groups (KWT) in Bogor City, a qualitative case study was conducted to uncover the communication and leadership styles of the KWT Puspasari leader. Results from interviews, observations, and group discussions showed that the KWT Puspasari leader employed action-oriented, process-oriented, people-oriented, and ideas-oriented communication styles, along with ten distinct leadership communication styles that inspired and motivated members.
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