Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2530 results(16 / 102)
3 Food banks, food diversion, and other responses
2025Dennis Raphael · Policy Press eBooks · Global
This chapter documents the growth of charitable non-governmental responses to food insecurity in Canada and the UK, including food banks and community gardens. It argues that these responses are problematic because they fail to address the economic and political causes of food insecurity. Further failures include the stigma experienced by food bank users and the false belief that food insecurity is being resolved.
Governance failureCommunityWelfareFood sovereignty & justicePolicyTransformar a partir dos interstícios: hortas urbanas comunitárias face à crise ecossocial
2025Sara Sama Acedo, David Berná Serna, Patricia Homs Ramírez de la Piscina · Scientific Repository of Open Access of Portugal (RCAAP) · Spain (Madrid)
A study analyzed the challenge faced by community urban gardens in Madrid, Spain, in remaining transformative spaces amidst an ecossocial crisis. These gardens are initiatives situated between community and public institutional management, with their expansion and institutionalization involving practices and relationships among diverse agents. The study points out the difficulty for these gardens to maintain their transformative role—updating community ties, reciprocity, and mutual care, and reformulating relationships with "nature" in the city and food supply—without being absorbed by market logics or marginalized into welfare or community volunteering spaces.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceInside and over urban buildings: will urban agriculture spark the next urban design revolution?
2025RENÉ DAVIDS · Cogent Arts and Humanities · Global
This paper argues for creating a connected network of farms within and on top of existing urban buildings to address increasing food demand and limited land resources. It highlights urban farming's benefits, including enhanced food security, public health, reduced transportation pollution, urban heat island mitigation, improved water retention, and biodiversity fostering. The paper notes that current research on urban agriculture's impact on city design is insufficient, and proposes this approach based on an examination of historical and contemporary urban projects.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthClimate changeBiodiversityPolicyThe New Orleans Food System and COVID-19: A Case Study in Strengthening Food System Resiliency to Facilitate Healthy Eating
2025Brandi Stein, Megan Knapp, Elisa Muñoz, Donald Rose · Nutrients · United States (New Orleans)
This case study examines the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the New Orleans food system and the community's and local government's responses to strengthen its resiliency. Using a participant-observer approach, including a 2020 online survey of 56 local food organizations, the study identified key themes and efforts. These efforts included the "Greaux the Good" campaign for increased food assistance, policy changes for food vendor permitting, and the establishment of City Food Specialist and Urban Agriculture Liaison positions within local government. Additionally, innovative grassroots citizens' programs positively impacted food access.
CommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEnhancing food resilience in the age of geoeconomics by applying biomimetic principles in urban agriculture
2025Alex Toth · Social Sciences & Humanities Open · Global
This paper argues that adopting urban agroecological strategies rooted in biomimicry can significantly enhance resilience to geoeconomic pressures, supply chain disruptions, and environmental shocks. Urban agroecology is presented as a scalable and context-sensitive pillar for building more resilient and self-sustaining food systems. The paper explores how a biomimetic approach to urban agriculture can serve as a strategic mechanism for food security, particularly in urbanized and geopolitically sensitive regions.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeBiodiversityOrganic cycleBiodiversity-based Land Management Strategies for Food Security in Suburban Areas
2025Farida Arinie Soelistianto · West Science Nature and Technology · Indonesia
This study investigated biodiversity-based land management strategies as a sustainable solution for urban food security challenges in Indonesia, using a qualitative approach and the Penta Helix model. Data from five informants representing academia, government, private sector, community, and media were analyzed. Findings highlighted the significant contributions of each stakeholder in promoting biodiversity, but also noted persistent challenges such as resource constraints, policy fragmentation, and cultural resistance. The study concluded that biodiversity-based strategies, supported by collaborative governance, are essential for achieving sustainable and food-secure urban environments in Indonesia.
BiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyAddressing The Uncertain Future of Agriculture in Nepal: Agents of Food System Changes and Immediate Need for Intervention
2025Sudan Prasad Uprety, Tobin Hindle · Himalayan Biodiversity · Nepal
A study of 245 respondents from Chitwan, Dhading, and Rasuwa districts in Nepal identified major drivers of food system changes. These drivers included a lack of agricultural labor, insufficient government support, crop damage by wildlife, land abandonment, and shifts in occupation. Additionally, increased outmigration from rural to urban areas, climate change, and improved access to markets and processed foods were noted as significant factors influencing food systems in these districts.
CommunityEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceIntegrated Urban Farming System (IUFS): POTENSI DAN PELUANG MAKASSAR MENUJU KOTA EKOLOGIS
2025La Ode Muhammad Noval Alfrizi La Ode, Djusdil Akrim, Luisa Ángela, Jilan Tsamara, Ronatio Napitupulu, Chatarina T.P, Muhammad Aufa · JEBE Journal of Environment Behavior and Engineering · Indonesia (Makassar)
The Integrated Urban Farming System (IUFS) in Makassar City, Indonesia, utilizes mosque ablution water and community land for vertical farming and aquaponics. This system is estimated to produce up to 1 quintal of vegetables and 50 kg of catfish per cycle while saving approximately 15% of water. The project aims to strengthen local food security and promote Makassar's image as an ecological city through academic-community partnerships and micro-financing.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cyclePolicyOnline Vegetable Market
2025Prof. Dr. Rohit Gawade · INTERANTIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT · India
To address the lack of transparency and financial losses for farmers in Indian agricultural markets, a web-based E-Mandi system was proposed to directly connect farmers with retailers and customers. This system enables real-time vegetable listings, fair pricing, and secure transactions, ensuring improved income for farmers. E-Mandi also offers role-based access for farmers, admins, and buyers, making it suitable for both rural and urban agricultural ecosystems.
Digital agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageGrowing sustainability: Analysis of socioecological drivers of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) under multiple framework assessments. A review
2025Jairo Guzman-Molina, Ramoudane Orou Sannou, Serena Caucci · Journal of Urban Management · Global
This review explores the socioecological drivers and challenges of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture (UPA) using multiple framework assessments: sustainability, resilience, cultural ecosystem services, and Nexus, following PRISMA guidelines. Global case studies demonstrated practical UPA applications, and a SWOT analysis categorized indicators from the four frameworks. Findings underscored the vital role of advanced technology, knowledge sharing, and resource management in UPA's performance, and that UPA enhances education, urban aesthetics, and health. Challenges included a lack of materials, disempowerment, inadequate institutional support, and resource mismanagement leading to food contamination in cases like Kampala.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityPlanung für Ernährung in unsicheren Zeiten
2025Julija Bakunowitsch, Jost Buscher · RaumPlanung · Global
Global crises increasingly threaten the seemingly secure food supply of cities. Urban agriculture is therefore gaining focus as a potential contribution to resilient food systems.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyHuertos urbanos, infraestructura verde y urbanismo: una relación histórica con capacidad renovadora
2025Carmen Blasco Sánchez, Francisco Juan Martínez Pérez · Ciudad y territorio: Estudios territoriales · Global
This paper explores the historical relationship between urban gardens, green infrastructure, and urban planning. Urban gardens, with a long tradition, are recognized as a valuable resource for sustainable urban development, addressing not only environmental needs but also social cohesion, food security, health, and economic incentives. The evolution of rural-urban relationships in urban planning culture presents a new challenge with urban gardens, necessitating a re-examination of the disciplinary path to clarify their potential in new forms of urban planning.
CommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceHealthA bibliometric analysis of food security and urbanization: insights and implications
2025Yujun Wei, Xiaokun Wei, Zhonghua Ye, Jie Fan · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · Global
This study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the intersection between Food Security and Urbanization (FSU) research. Using statistical, co-word, and social network analysis, it mapped the intellectual landscape and global collaboration networks. Findings revealed dominant contributions from the United States and China, and a key observation was the disconnect between urbanization and food security studies, underscoring the need for a more integrated approach. The study also showed that urbanization's impact on food security differs across developed and developing countries.
Food sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageEconomicsClimate changeSustainable agricultural knowledge-based entrepreneurship literacy in agricultural SMEs: Triple bottom line investigation
2025Muhammad Hasan, Tuti Supatminingsih, Thamrin Tahir, Feliks Arfid Guampe, Andrian Dolfriandra Huruta, Carol Yirong Lu · Journal of Open Innovation Technology Market and Complexity · Global
This qualitative case study, using in-depth interviews with urban agricultural SMEs, explored entrepreneurial literacy based on sustainable agricultural knowledge. It investigated the application of this knowledge in entrepreneurial activities within the agricultural sector, using a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) investigation.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceGrass-roots Innovation for Justice in Urban Food Provisioning
2025Lídia Cabral, Ronald Ranta, Suleyman M. Demi, Ísis Domingues, Julian May, Claire Néel, Grace Nkomo, Luciana Marques Vieira, Marie Walser · · Global
An international research collaboration examined grass-roots food provisioning innovations in five urban locations across the UK, Canada, France, Brazil, and South Africa. These initiatives, which include social supermarkets and school gardens, faced challenges such as dependence on surplus food, logistical problems, funding limitations, and the need for ongoing volunteer support. The study found that these innovations struggle with economic viability due to funding and volunteer reliance.
Economic viabilityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareCommunityEconomicsA Comprehensive Review of Modern Technologies for Climate Resilient Agriculture
2025Y. Shukla, RC Jain, Saket Dubey, Sarat Sekhar Bora, Subrat Kumar Senapati, Neetu Saini · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · India
This review investigated how Indian agriculture is affected by climate change and adaptation strategies. Climate change causes extreme weather events and rising temperatures, leading to crop heat stress and reduced yields. Initiatives such as precision farming, urban food production, and soil conservation support resource recycling and food security, concluding that context-specific climate-smart agricultural technologies are essential for smallholder resilience and food security.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureUrban–rural linkageCapacity Building Model of Urban Farmer Groups through Participatory Mapping and Visual Dissemination
2025Endah Tisnawati, Ferida Yuamita, Anang Saptoto, Sagio Sagio, Yunita Firdha Kyswantoro, Desrina Ratriningsih · SPEKTA (Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Teknologi dan Aplikasi) · Indonesia
This community service program aimed to strengthen the institutional capacity of urban farmer groups in Kemantren Gondokusuman, Yogyakarta. A methodology combining participatory mapping, exhibitions, and focus group discussions (FGDs) was employed. Results showed that participatory mapping increased collective awareness of available resources, while structured FGDs supported the formulation of institutional strategies, improving group cohesion, managerial transparency, and access to external support. The program demonstrates the crucial role of integrating participatory methods and public interaction in strengthening urban farming groups' capacity.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyAssessing the Gap Between Intention and Implementation in Seed Lending Libraries
2025Hilary Jasmin · Evidence Based Library and Information Practice · United States and Canada
This study surveyed 58 academic and public libraries in the United States and Canada regarding their seed lending programs' goals and marketing, using an online survey. While some libraries stated intentions related to food justice and activism, their marketing and programming primarily focused on neutral gardening and how-to classes. The findings reveal a gap between the initial, less neutral intentions and the more neutral, less activist programming language used for seed libraries.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationPemberdayaan Masyarakat Melalui Penyuluhan dan Pelatihan Budidaya Tasapot dan Teknik Transplanting untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Ketahanan Pangan Petani di Kelompok Tani Kapasari Indah, Surabaya
2025Ceysha Berliana Kinanti, Lenny Luthfiyah, Beta Rianul Setiawati · Farmers Journal of Community Services · Indonesia (Surabaya)
Participatory extension training on potted vegetable cultivation and transplanting techniques was conducted at the Kapasari Indah Farmers Group in Surabaya, Indonesia, to improve farmers' food security skills. Pre- and post-tests showed a significant increase in understanding, with average scores rising from 22.73 to 88.18. However, the activity faced limitations due to its short duration and limited tools and materials.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceNúcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Regionais e Agrários: Investigações e Proposições Geográficas
2025Édipo Alves Lacerda · Espiral revista de geografías y ciencias sociales · Brazil
This book, organized by Gustavo Henrique Cepolini Ferreira et al., compiles texts from Unimontes researchers focused on critical geography and popular struggles for land and traditional territories in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. It discusses conflicts from agribusiness expansion, disputes over resources, climate change effects on peasant farming, and challenges faced by quilombolas, indigenous, and traditional communities. The book addresses structural racism and other aspects of rural development, highlighting negative impacts on these communities.
Equity & displacementUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justicePolicyClimate changeCommunityThe EArTh System: A Community Food Sovereignty Blueprint
2025F. A. Abd El Hamid · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · United Kingdom (Glasgow)
This paper presents the complete operational blueprint for the EArTh System, a community-led model designed to establish food sovereignty in post-industrial areas. The system integrates a decaying digital currency, democratic assemblies, and urban agriculture to create a parallel 'commons' for essential goods. Detailed as a pilot implementation for Glasgow East, UK, the document outlines its currency mechanics, legal structure, governance, and launch strategy.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyUrban Rooftop Farming: Cultivating Change in India
2025Rupanagudi Unesha Fareq · AGRIBIO INNOVATIONS · India
This paper discusses urban rooftop farming in India as an effective solution to declining agricultural land and rising food demand due to rapid population growth and urbanization. Rooftop farming, a type of urban agriculture utilizing unused spaces, can improve environmental stress, increase urban resilience, and produce nutritious food. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted its importance for sustainable urban food systems and local food production.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeHealthUrban Farming Practices and Constraints to Urban Agriculture in Bauchi Metropolis
2025Yusuf Kamaluddeen Ibrahim, Zabawi Abdul Ghani, Rasheed Osuolale Oladosu, O. D. Idris,, Tamwesigire Caleb · Journal of Innovative Research · Nigeria (Bauchi)
In Bauchi metropolis, Nigeria, urban farming practices and constraints were investigated among 285 urban farmers. Findings revealed that most farmers do not own land, instead borrowing or renting it. The major constraints to urban agriculture were reported as lack of tenure security, limited land area, and poor access to microcredit facilities.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityPolicyReassessing (en)gendered responsibilities for care through community gardening in Aotearoa New Zealand
2025Maria Teresa Braga Bizarria · Gender Place & Culture · New Zealand (Wellington)
This qualitative study explored the embodied experiences of six women in three community gardens in Wellington, New Zealand, focusing on gender roles and care responsibilities. The findings indicate that participants' experiences were permeated by complicity with oppressive structures, and their actions had limitations in fostering transformative justice.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceThe Role of Urban Farming in Enhancing Food Security and Sustainability in Lagos Metropolis: A Stakeholder Analysis
2025S Aliyu, Okhimamhe A. A, I. M. Sule · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science · Nigeria (Lagos)
This study explored the role of urban farming in enhancing food security and sustainability in the Lagos Metropolis through focus group discussions and quantitative surveys with various stakeholders, including policymakers, urban farmers, and community members. Findings suggest urban farming's potential to reduce food transportation distances, enhance local food production, and mitigate climate change impacts. However, challenges such as land demands and gender disparities persist, necessitating integrated policy approaches and targeted educational programs.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityPolicy