Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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3241 results(16 / 130)
Community-based urban farming efficiency: A process engineering approach using mini greenhouses at RPTRA Rasamala, South Jakarta
2025Megah Stefani, Bunga Cahya Putri, Wardina Humayrah · Community Empowerment · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This community service program at RPTRA Rasamala, South Jakarta, aimed to improve planting literacy and food production efficiency using mini-greenhouse optimization. Employing a participatory approach with Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Just-In-Time (JIT) techniques, the program reduced seedling growth time from 14 to 10 days, increased the production cycle by 38%, and cut water and fertilizer usage by 30%. Participants also gained technical understanding of organic planting media and harvest utilization for family nutrition.
CommunityFood educationHealthEconomicsWelfareDesigning and Building a Tomato Storage Shed for SLO City Farm
2025Thielmann, Mark D, Walther, Ryan T · DigitalCommons - CalPoly (California State Polytechnic University) · United States (California)
This paper details the design, budgeting, and construction of a practical, affordable, and long-lasting tomato storage shed built by a student team for City Farm SLO during Spring 2025. The project involved multiple design iterations, material sourcing, and modifications to balance functionality and simplicity within a tight budget. The completed shed provided hands-on experience in project-based construction and community engagement.
DIYCommunityEconomicsSocio-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 & justiceDIYDeterminant of Productivity in the Indonesian Agricultural Sector
2025I Made Tamba · International Journal of Agricultural Economics · Indonesia
This study analyzed the determinants of productivity in Indonesia's agricultural sector. Using 2023 secondary data from 34 provinces in Indonesia and ridge regression, it found that agricultural technology adoption, plantation sector categorization, and urban farming use significantly associate with agricultural sector productivity. In labor modeling, the number of land-owning farmers and the Human Development Index showed significant associations, and cluster analysis revealed three distinct regional groups.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkageCommoning 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 & justiceEconomicsPromoting Urban Community Gardens as “Third Places”: Lessons from Toronto and São Paulo
2025Ashley Brito Valentim, Guiomar Freitas Guimarães, Carla Soraya Costa Maia, Fatih Şekercioğlu · Regional science and environmental economics · Canada (Toronto); Brazil (São Paulo)
This study analyzed and compared the impact of Urban Community Gardens (UCGs) as "third places" in Toronto and São Paulo. It is a review-based study utilizing publicly available data from policy documents, academic literature, and official websites. UCGs were shown to contribute not only to food production but also to social cohesion, financial resilience, environmental sustainability, cultural transmission, and mental well-being.
CommunityHealthEconomicsPolicyWelfareUrban agriculture supports China’s vegetable supply without raising greenhouse gas emissions
2025Yuanchao Hu, Prajal Pradhan, Haoran Zhang, Zhen Wang, Qianyuan Huang, Qiqi Jia, Xihong Lian, Chao Xu, Rui Yang, Yuxi Tian, Zhibang Xu, Limin Jiao, Jürgen P. Kropp · Resources Environment and Sustainability · China
This study constructed a new dataset of urban productive spaces for 124 large Chinese cities to assess the potential of urban agriculture. It found that approximately 30% of urban vegetable demand could be met by utilizing spaces such as rooftops and open areas. However, urban agriculture showed little potential for greenhouse gas emission mitigation, with an average intensity (0.30 kgCO2e/kg) similar to traditional agriculture (0.31 kgCO2e/kg).
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeUrban–rural linkageEconomicsDigital agricultureDeterminants of Performance of a Micro and Small Enterprises and their Role in Enhancing Local Economic Development: The Case Study Alibo Town, Oromia, Ethiopia
2025F. Shibeshi, Fred M. Barasa · Journal of applied science and environmental management · Ethiopia
This study investigated the determinants of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) performance and their role in local economic development in Alibo Town, Oromia, Ethiopia, using primary data from 281 respondents. The majority of MSE respondents across various sub-sectors, including urban agriculture, reported an increase in their saving amount, while a minority disagreed or did not respond. The results suggest that working in MSEs contributes to increased savings and improved saving conditions over time.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkageMOTIVATIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING URBAN GARDENING INTENTIONS: INSIGHTS FROM VOJVODINA (SERBIA)
2025Ivana Blešić, Tamara Gajić, Татjana Pivac, Milka Bubalo Živković · Ekonomika poljoprivrede · Serbia
This study collected data from 473 residents in three cities in Vojvodina, Serbia, using a structured survey to examine factors influencing urban gardening intentions. It found that all motivational factors significantly predicted intention, with psychological well-being being the strongest predictor, followed by healthy food, physical well-being, community engagement, and economic benefits. Women showed higher intentions than men, while younger adults (18–24) were less motivated to engage in urban gardening.
CommunityHealthEconomicsFood educationUnraveling 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 & justicePolicyUpaya Pusat Kegiatan Belajar Masyarakat Satria Tama Purwokerto Dalam Menanamkan Jiwa Kewirausahaan Bagi Siswa
2025Dziky Fauzy, Nur Isnaeni Widiastuti, Annaafi Putra Ramadhan, Iqvan Maulana, Kholifah Nur Romadoni, Galih Safangaturohman, Layla Mardliyah · Jurnal Kependidikan · Indonesia (Purwokerto)
This study investigated the efforts of PKBM Satria Tama Purwokerto, an equivalency education institution established in 2006, which serves 92 students and 8 tutors. The institution provides academic programs and skills training, including fish farming and urban agriculture. Field research, using interviews, observation, and documentation with administrators, tutors, and students, showed that PKBM Satria Tama plays a significant role in expanding educational access for communities unable to attend formal education. The implemented training programs were proven to increase students' economic independence and environmental awareness.
Food educationCommunityEconomicsThe Shared Story: How Narratives Affect Consumers’ Sense of Community and Support for CSAs
2025Elizabeth C. Ray, Patrick Merle · Journal of Applied Communications · Global
This study, an online between-subjects experiment, examined how consumers (n=182) respond to narrative versus non-narrative email messages from CSAs. Results indicated that consumers who read a short narrative were more likely to feel positive emotion, a communal connection to the farm, and support the farm than those who did not read a narrative. Additionally, a first-person perspective was viewed as less credible than a third-person perspective.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsVermicomposting: A Way Toward Sustainable Economy and Environment
2025Diksha Pathania, Indu Kumari, Neha Salaria, Suresh Kumar, Rajesh Kumar · Waste Management · Global
This chapter provides an overview of vermicomposting, a sustainable and eco-friendly waste management practice that uses earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Vermicomposting has been gaining popularity as a way to reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal and promote sustainable agriculture. This method is suitable for various applications, including urban agriculture, landscaping, and horticulture, and can offer both environmental and economic benefits.
CompostOrganic cycleEconomicsImplementation of Solar-Powered Water Pump and Monitoring System for Hydroponic Urban Farming
2025Adi Mahmud Jaya Marindra, Dwi Surya Santaki, Deny Kurniawan, Ferdian Ilham Maulana, Raihan Adji Widjaksana, Muhammad Irham Amzari, Pandu Jati Bayu Saputra, Chenny Azalia Eka Putri Minggus, Rafi Fauzan · Jurdimas (Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat) Royal · Indonesia (Balikpapan)
This project addressed power outages affecting hydroponic gardens of the Women Farmers Group (KWT) Sepinggan Raya in Balikpapan, Indonesia, by implementing a solar-powered water pump and a water quality monitoring system. The program included a survey, system installation, and training. Results indicate that the system improves hydroponic productivity and reduces operational costs previously dependent on the national electricity grid, also empowering the local women's group with renewable energy knowledge.
Digital agricultureCommunityEconomicsClimate changeAssessment of performance and challenges of small and micro enterprises: Fireweyni town, Ethiopia
2025Tuem Gebre Abraha, Haftom Teshale Gebre · PLoS ONE · Ethiopia
This study assessed the performance and challenges of 373 micro and small enterprises, including 1073 urban agriculture operators, in Fireweyni town, Ethiopia, using a mixed-methods approach and survey data from 5483 operators. The results revealed that financial control, marketing strategy, managerial expertise, government regulations, and business information services significantly affect the performance of these businesses. Many micro and small enterprises in the country face significant challenges and exhibit deteriorating performance, with limited progression.
Economic viabilityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageCommunity 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 educationUnderstanding community supported agriculture through the intersection of practices and socio-technical Regimes
2025Mattia Andreola · Discover Sustainability · Italy (Trento)
This study conducted three years of ethnographic research, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, and quantitative data analysis, on "NaturalMente in Trentino," a CSA initiative in Trento, Italy. The research revealed multiple lock-in points, indicating that CSA constraints stem from organizational inefficiencies, deeply rooted cultural and behavioral habits such as the use of private gardens or a preference for supermarket convenience, and rigid institutional frameworks like cooperative dominance in the local agri-food regime.
Governance failureCSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsPublic 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 & justiceCommunityEconomicsSocial Capital as a Catalyst for Community Empowerment: Evidence from KWT Srikandi Mrican, Indonesia
2025Aulia Nishful Laila, Sugito Sugito · Jurnal Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Media Pemikiran dan Dakwah Pembangunan · Indonesia
A qualitative research methodology investigated the role of social capital in the empowerment of urban agriculture within the Srikandi Women’s Farmers Group (KWT) in Mrican, Sleman, Indonesia. The study revealed that the effective utilization of social capital significantly contributes to the success of empowerment initiatives within KWT Srikandi. Social networks are robustly established both internally among KWT Mrican members and externally through collaborations with academic institutions, government entities, and the private sector, though challenges persist, including limited expansion of partnership outreach and the necessity for improvements in facilities and infrastructure.
CommunityEconomicsPolicyThis 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 & justiceEconomicsHealthPolicyStrategic 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 & justiceEconomicsPolicyUse 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 & justiceEconomics