Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
6072 results(157 / 243)
"L’agriculture urbaine", entre concept scientifique et modèle d’action
2017Maud Chalmandrier, Marine Canavèse, Yves Petit‐Berghem, Élisabeth Rémy · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Global
This study, using case studies of public action and gardeners' relationships with urban soil, argues that the concept of "urban agriculture" smooths over inherent tensions to promote its development as an action category. This approach tends to minimize differences in meaning among actors regarding their cultivation practices and, critically, relegates the crucial question of urban soil quality and its suitability for food crops to a secondary concern.
Contamination & food safetyPolicyCommunityHealthMount Carmel Community Garden: Inspiring Community Growth through Sustainable Food Production
2017C. E. Deardorff, Julia Friedman, Charlotte Walton · Bucknell Digital Commons (Bucknell University) · United States
This entry comprises a project report and a Community Garden Guide for Mount Carmel, United States. The report outlines community garden benefits, analyzes potential advantages for Mount Carmel, and reviews stakeholders, goals, and a community interest survey. The guide compiles essential information and tools for establishing new community garden projects, covering social and economic benefits alongside technical skills.
CommunityFood educationEconomicsPolicyBack to Solidarity-Based Living? The Economic Crisis and the Development of Alternative Projects in Portugal
2017Britta Baumgarten · Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (RCAAP Project by FCT) · Portugal
In Portugal, the impact of the 2011 socio-economic crisis on alternative projects, including urban gardening groups, in both urban and rural areas was analyzed. The study used data from an analysis of internet pages and a questionnaire on the impact of the socio-economic crisis on Rede Convergir projects in 2015. The findings strengthen the argument that the crisis had an adverse effect on resilience projects, supported by case studies from other crisis-affected countries and empirical observations in Portugal.
CommunityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageStatus and possibilities of the development of Community Supported Agriculture in Poland as an example of short food supply chain
2017Marta Sylla, Julia Olszewska, Małgorzata Świąder · Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development · Poland
This article analyzes the current state of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Poland, focusing on farm characteristics, spatial distribution of producers and consumers, and operational principles of CSA groups. Based on survey data from telephone interviews, the analysis indicates a rapid increase in CSA groups, which primarily operate in large cities. A common operational principle is that consumers prepay for organic, high-quality produce at the beginning of the growing season.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceOrtiAlti as urban regeneration devices: An action-research study on rooftop farming in Turin
2017Emanuela Saporito · Kobra (Universitätsbibliothek Kassel) · Italy (Turin)
This action-research study in Turin, Italy, examines the OrtiAlti project, which revitalizes abandoned urban buildings through rooftop community gardens. The research aims to understand how rooftop farming, framed as a social innovation practice, contributes to urban regeneration, place-making, and urban resilience. It discusses rooftop food gardens as urban regeneration devices that combine environmental and social benefits through food production.
CommunityPolicyBiodiversityPatrimonio y agricultura urbana en Recife: Análisis y directrices para el barrio de Várzea.
2017Igor Villares de Carvalho, Paola Branduini · Revista Urbano · Brazil (Recife)
Addressing the issue of abandoned and unclear urban agricultural heritage in many South American cities, this study focused on the Várzea neighborhood in Recife, Brazil, applying principles from the European Landscape Convention and findings from COST Action Urban - Agriculture Europe (2011-16). It noted that the tangible and intangible rural heritage of Várzea, a region settled by Europeans in the 16th century for sugarcane cultivation and remaining rural until the 20th century, is disconnected from the current population and conservation practices. To mitigate this problem, the article proposes guidelines for the regeneration of this heritage and the improvement of cases related to the area's rural background.
CommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageWhy forest gardening for children? Swedish forest garden educators' ideas, purposes, and experiences
2017Ellen Almers, Per Askerlund, Sofia Kjellström · The Journal of Environmental Education · Sweden
This qualitative study in Sweden explored forest garden educators' ideas and experiences in a three-year project with primary school children, using interviews and observations. It found that educators aimed to provide children with opportunities to feel belonging, experience self-regulation and systemic dependence, co-create with non-human organisms, and imagine place transformation. The study discusses four pedagogical features of forest gardens.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityFarm to School Intensity Levels: A Systematic Review and Proposed Measurement Tool
2017Erin Vernoni, Jessica Price, Shoko Kumagai · · Global
A systematic review of quantitative peer-reviewed Farm to School (FTS) research found ambiguity and variability in FTS inputs. This makes it difficult to generalize outcomes for policymakers. The study proposes a pre-tested intensity measurement tool to standardize research in this area.
Methodological critiqueFood educationCommunityPolicyHealthProposition 12: Increase access to a variety of locally relevant recreational facilities and green spaces
2017Ann Forsyth, Emily Salomon, Laura Smead · · Global
Green spaces and recreational facilities offer various health benefits, including urban cooling, opportunities for physical fitness and ecological education, improved water and air quality, refuge from traffic and noise, and enhanced mental health. An analysis of 10 British studies on green exercise found that as little as five minutes of outdoor activity was sufficient for mental health improvements. While increased recreational activity is less consistently linked to the built environment, with other factors like cost and personal preferences being more significant, access to recreational facilities can still provide opportunities for recreation.
HealthFood educationCommunityRUMAH SUSUN HEJO TEUNEUNG KOTA BANDUNG DENGAN PENDEKATAN TEMA URBAN FARMING
2017Arfan Fauzi Sujana, Udjianto Pawitro · Repository Tugas Akhir Prodi Arsitektur Itenas · Indonesia (Bandung)
Rumah Susun Hejo Teuneung Bandung is a residential building designed for low-to-middle income communities, utilizing natural potential as part of its concept. This apartment building attempts to combine two functions, residential and farming, aiming to provide new knowledge, recreation, interaction, and additional income for residents, promoting self-sufficiency in food needs.
CommunityDIYFood education[Relationship between fruit and vegetable gardening and health-related factors: male community gardeners aged 50-74 years living in a suburban area of Japan].
2017Daisuke Machida, Tohru Yoshida · PubMed · Japan
A cross-sectional study in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, investigated the relationship between fruit and vegetable (FV) gardening and health-related factors among men aged 50-74. Community gardeners showed significant positive correlations between gardening frequency/time and perceived changes in FV intake and physical activity. Logistic regression models indicated that community gardeners had significantly greater physical activity, and other types of gardeners had greater FV intake, perceived neighborhood social cohesion, and less sitting time compared to non-gardeners.
CommunityHealthElderlyKETAHANAN PANGAN DAN COPING STRATEGY RUMAH TANGGA URBAN FARMING PERTANIAN DAN PERIKANAN KOTA SURABAYA
2017Fika Mayrlina Anggrayni, Dini Ririn Andrias, Merryana Adriani · Media Gizi Indonesia · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This observational study, conducted in Surabaya, Indonesia, analyzed differences in food security and coping strategies between agriculture and fisheries urban farming households. Among 62 households, 64.7% of the agriculture group were food secured, while 75% of the fishery group were food insecure with severe hunger. There was no statistical difference in household food security between the agriculture and fisheries urban farming groups (p=0.255). However, a difference in coping strategy was found (p=0.021), with agriculture urban farming households being more food secure and rarely employing coping strategies compared to fishery urban farming households.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityACS celebrates Earth Day
2017Linda Wang · C&EN Global Enterprise · United States
In April 2017, the American Chemical Society (ACS) organized "Chemists Celebrate Earth Day" (CCED) across the U.S., with the theme "Chemistry Helps Feed the World." The program involved hands-on science activities and community garden planting, with a majority of ACS's 185 local sections participating. Over 62,000 copies of "Celebrating Chemistry" were distributed, and events like Chem Demo were held for over 350 students in Arizona.
CommunityFood educationFactores y relaciones sociales en el huerto urbano “Esta es una plaza”, Madrid, España
2017Melina Dávila Garrido, Carlos Leal Iga · DECUMANUS · Spain (Madrid)
This qualitative-ethnographic study investigated factors and social relationships in the urban garden "Esta es una plaza" in Madrid, Spain, using semi-structured interviews with participants. Initially, there were no social relations, trust, or belonging among neighbors, but confidence and a sense of belonging improved over time. Despite participant rotation, the urban garden has prevailed, with a variety of activities and increased social relations being key factors for its development and maintenance.
CommunityCittà contemporanea e spazi del cibo. Il Basso Isonzo a Padova: campagne urbaine o urban farming?
2017Viviana Ferrario · TERRITORIO · Italy (Padova)
This paper examines the renewed general interest in agriculture as a food producer, possibly due to conditions posed by the crisis of the late 2000s. It uses the recent case of a large agricultural area in the southwest quadrant of Padova, known as 'Basso Isonzo', to update territorial interpretations and design strategies in light of the increasing importance of food production, transformation, and consumption.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsCommunityHanford FFA Ornamental Horticulture Unit Master Plan
2017Savanah Diane Rhine, Russell Alan Zimmerman · DigitalCommons - CalPoly (California State Polytechnic University) · United States (California)
This project aims to develop a more functional plan for the Ornamental Horticulture (OH) Unit at the Hanford Agriculture Program, which serves over 1,000 students from three high schools in Hanford, California. A majority of these students are not in the OH Career Pathway due to a lack of a constant, fully functional unit. The plan focuses on four broad areas: vegetable boxes, greenhouses, a shade house, and beautification, to provide a functional school garden and OH Unit at the Hanford High Campus. This initiative seeks to equip students with skills in horticulture, crop, and soil sciences, greenhouse production, and irrigation technology, offering practical experience for future careers in agriculture.
Food educationCommunityDIYPengembangan Urban Farming Berdasarkan Preferensi Masyarakat Kecamatan Semampir Kota Surabaya
2017Nadia Belinda, Dian Rahmawati · Jurnal Teknik ITS · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This study in Semampir District, Surabaya City, Indonesia, aimed to develop urban farming based on community preferences. It identified potentials and problems using theoretical descriptive techniques, identified community preferences using confirmatory factor analysis, and formulated development directions using qualitative descriptive analysis. The study found that urban farming activities in Semampir District had not developed optimally due to the suboptimal role of the community and local institutions.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWelfareAlternative and Virtual Rurality: Agriculture and The Countryside as Embodied in American Imagination
2017Lisa M. Butler Harrington · Geographical Review · United States
This study in the United States identified connections to ideals of rurality in popular culture, despite the shrinking rural population. Based on literature, field observation, computer searches, and U.S. Census of Agriculture data, manifestations include rural tourism, small-scale farming, urban agriculture, farmers’ markets, and housing developments centered on farm activities. These idealized relationships with rurality are linked to health, well-being, nature connection, aesthetics, privacy, and nostalgia.
Urban–rural linkageCSA & TeikeiCommunityHealthActors’ motivations
2017Judith Schicklinski · · Global
This study examines individual motivations for commitment to sustainability issues, including urban food production, across different cities globally. It notes that legal frameworks can be a motivating factor, such as land development plans designating agricultural use. While quantitative data suggests food self-sufficiency is not a major motive in any region, qualitative data indicates its increasing importance in the Global South.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicySustainability of ecology and economic of urban farming development: case study in Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province
2017Abdullah, Abdullah, Gufran Darma Dirawan, Nurlita Pertiwi · Eprints (Universitas Negeri Makassar) · Indonesia (Makassar)
A study analyzing the sustainability level of urban farming in Makassar City, Indonesia, found that the overall urban farming sustainability index was 48.52%, indicating a "less sustainable" status. The ecological dimension was rated 42.66% as "less sustainable," while the economic dimension was 50.69% as "fairly sustainable."
Economic viabilityEconomicsClimate changeCommunityA methodological approach for urban green areas: a case study in Madrid
2017Teresa Briz, Isabel de Felipe-Boente · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Spain
This study tested a method for identifying urban green areas and assessing residents' attitudes towards ground and roof greening in Madrid, Spain. Researchers quantified available roofs and interviewed residents about their willingness to install and maintain green roofs, using a techno-socioeconomic evaluation and the Willingness-To-Green Index (WTG). A new Green Evaluation Weighted Index (GEWI) was proposed, showing that districts like Salamanca (Madrid), San Martí (Barcelona), and Nervión (Seville) had a greater presence of urban agriculture.
PolicyCommunityKnitting green spaces with the threads of social innovation in Groningen and London
2017Stephanie Nuria Spijker, Constanza Parra · Journal of Environmental Planning and Management · Europe
This paper discusses the potential of social innovations to transform urban green spaces in Groningen and London, applying the concept of socio-ecological practices to urban and guerrilla gardening. Based on document analysis, interviews, and garden observations, the study examines links between behavioral drivers, social innovation, and green space governance. It finds that underlying motivations like values and self-efficacy contribute to place-keeping transformations, suggesting socio-ecological practices can generate socially innovative physical, social, and policy changes in urban green space governance.
CommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageCan Urban Agriculture Transform Two Northern Capitals? – The Case of Identity in Stockholm and Helsinki
2017Ida Åberg, Sophia E. Hagolani‐Albov · · Europe
This study states that urban agriculture is a phenomenon occurring in built environments that does not necessarily disrupt the city's form and function. It mentions the close proximity to nature in urban areas but does not elaborate on its details in the abstract.
CommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageEffects of a School-Based Intervention on BMI z-Scores and Fitness Parameters in Mississippi Delta Children
2017Kathy B. Knight, Janie W. Cole, Lacy M. Dodd, Charlotte B. Oakley · International Journal of School Health · United States
The "Eating good and moving like we should (EGMLWS)" school-based intervention aimed to prevent and reduce childhood obesity among primarily African American third-grade students in 7 Mississippi Delta schools. The program included curricula, school gardens, and school menu consultation. Pre- and post-intervention BMI z-scores and Fitnessgram parameters (PACER and back-saver sit-and-reach) were compared. Mean BMI z-scores significantly lowered in 2 schools, did not change in 4 schools, and increased in 2 schools. PACER scores increased in 5 of 7 schools, and sit-and-reach scores increased in 5 and 6 schools respectively.
Limited or null effectFood educationHealthCommunityAn Inventory and Assessment of Street Amenities and Vacant Lots in Downtown Lewiston, Maine: Defining Potential to Create a Healthier Neighborhood
2017Dacota Griffin, Joe Tulip, Noah Morasch · · United States (Lewiston)
This project created an ArcGIS inventory of street amenities in downtown Lewiston, Maine, supporting the Healthy Neighborhoods (HN) organization. A scoring index was developed to compare streets, and a brief assessment of vacant lots was conducted to evaluate future development potential. Findings showed trees greatly outnumbered other amenities, significant variation in sidewalk smoothness with vacant lots more common in flawed areas, and limited, non-uniform distribution of community gardens and open access green spaces.
CommunityHealthEconomics