Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2056 results(16 / 83)
Cidades e suas agriculturas: avaliação de benefícios da agricultura urbana e periurbana para as pessoas
2024Adriana de Paula Cavalcante Fraga, Ana Moraes Coelho, José Geraldo Barreto Monteiro de Andrade, Jéssica Castro Chryssafidis, Maíra Bombachini Silva, Maria Luiza Sevilha Seraphico de Assis Carvalho, Mariana Nicolletti, Nathan Debortoli, Samuel Santos de Souza Pinto · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil
This study identified and analyzed the perceived benefits of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) among participants in four Brazilian territories: Distrito Federal, Manaus/AM, Natal/RN, and Osasco/SP. Using a mixed methodological approach, the research revealed a wide diversity of benefits, including food production, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and health and well-being promotion. The findings highlight UPA's potential to address typical urban problems and suggest opportunities for integrating these benefits into public policies, requiring appropriate governance arrangements.
CommunityHealthClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceImpact of zinc on arbuscular mycorrhizal-mediated nutrient acquisition in urban horticulture
2024Miles P.A. Bate-Weldon, Jill L. Edmondson, Katie J. Field · iScience · Global
This study investigated the effect of urban environmentally relevant concentrations of zinc in soils on nutrient exchange between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and pea plants using radio-isotope tracing. It found that at higher zinc concentrations, the transfer of phosphorus from fungi to plants and carbon from plants to fungi dramatically decreased. The results suggest that while urban horticulture has potential for food production, the unchecked presence of contaminants like zinc in urban soils may critically hinder its realization.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleClimate changeMapping wild food foraging locations reveals urban green space preferences and avenues for edible city solutions
2024Anjoulie Brandner, Karolina Taczanowska, Brenda Maria Zoderer, Christoph Schunko · Urban forestry & urban greening · Austria (Vienna)
A survey of 458 respondents in Vienna, Austria, analyzed urban wild food foraging locations and preferences for urban green spaces (UGS). 1239 foraging locations were identified across 9 UGS types, with forest and meadow landscapes, parks, and UGS mosaics being most utilized. Foragers' major concerns were contamination from traffic and dogs.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityBiodiversityHealthPolicyCodification and Inclusivity of Landmark Urban Agriculture Initiatives in Madison and Dane County, Wisconsin
2024Micaela F. Lipman, Marcia Caton Campbell · Urban agriculture · United States (Wisconsin)
This chapter examines local government food systems policy and planning in Madison and Dane County, Wisconsin. Despite a history of regulatory innovation in urban agriculture, the city and county have been slow to address food injustices in local food systems planning and policy development. The study highlights local government collaboration with the nonprofit sector and how codification of goals supports or hinders urban agriculture.
Equity & displacementPolicyCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthCONNECTING NATURE AND CITY: STRATEGIES FOR RESILIENT URBAN LANDSCAPES
2024Ankur Jyoti Dutta · International Journal of Engineering Applied Sciences and Technology · Global
This paper analyzes urban resilience by examining urban landscapes and nature-based strategies. It aims to understand how designers and policymakers can identify and assess urban environmental risks to reduce vulnerability and exposure. The study emphasizes integrating smart policies and frameworks to make urban landscapes part of an adaptive resilience strategy for future resilient cities.
BiodiversityClimate changeHealthCommunityCommunity-Based Early Childhood Development Center as a Platform to Overcome Stunting in PAUD Kenanga Mekar Asri Semarang
2024Dwi Kustriyanti, Boediarsih Boediarsih, Witri Hastuti, Hermeksi Rahayu, Indah Wulaningsih, Mardiyani Mardiyani, Andrew Sitepu · Swadaya Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Semarang)
A community-based early childhood development program in PAUD Kenanga Mekar Asri Semarang aimed to promote growth and development through counseling, mentoring, and training, including a catfish/tilapia program and urban farming. The study found that 70% of the children developed according to age, 30% had suspect development, and only 1 child (5%) was underweight, with no children found to be stunted.
CommunityHealthFood educationWelfareSpatial Accessibility Disparities and Users’ Opinion Assessment of Khartoum State Public Green Spaces
2024Ahmed Alhuseen, H. M. A. M. Omer, Eva Pauditšová, Hussein M. Sulieman, Mária Kozová, Pavel Cudlín · · Sudan (Khartoum)
A study assessed spatial accessibility disparities and users' opinions regarding public green spaces (UGSs) in Khartoum State, Sudan. Using GIS and questionnaires, it evaluated potential accessibility to 44 urban parks, community gardens, and city forests within 5, 10, and 15-minute travel intervals. Results showed inequitable access opportunities to UGSs, primarily favoring first-class residential areas. Within a 5-minute walking interval, the UGSs service zone covered less than 1% of the population. User opinion assessment revealed that 80% of parks required entrance fees, and the study concluded that UGS accessibility does not correspond to international quality of life indices.
Equity & displacementCommunityUrban–rural linkageHealthPolicyUrban Soil Health Check and Strategies for Monitoring and Improvement
2024Kushal Sachan, Anshul Saxena, Suneel Kumar, Abhishekh Mishra, Archana Verma, Divyanshi Tiwari, Anil Kumar · Journal of Diversity Studies · Global
This article provides an overview of the importance of urban soil health monitoring and its improvement strategies. It highlights that urban soils may harbor diverse contaminants from industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and improper waste disposal, posing risks to human health and ecosystem functioning. Implementing effective monitoring protocols using soil testing kits, remote sensing, and citizen science is crucial, while phytoremediation, composting, biochar application, green infrastructure, urban forestry, and community gardens are suggested as improvement strategies.
Organic cycleCommunityHealthChallenges of Urban Agricultural Production from the Aspects of Plant Protection and Food Safety
2024Dragana Šunjka, Sanja Lazić, Slavica Vuković, Siniša Berjan, Hamid El Bilali · · Serbia
This chapter examines the food safety of urban agriculture systems in the Republic of Serbia through selected case studies. It highlights that agricultural products from urban production may be contaminated by polluted soil, water, and air, as well as by pesticides, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, nitrate and nitrite, and mycotoxins. The study emphasizes the need for strict control and reduction of synthetic pesticides and other agrochemicals in urban agriculture.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureDIYPollution gradients shape microbial communities associated with Ae. albopictus larval habitats in urban community gardens
2024Pénélope Duval, Edwige Martin, Laurent Vallon, Pierre Antonelli, Maxime Girard, Aymeric Signoret, Patricia Luis, Danis Abrouk, Laure Wiest, Aurélie Fildier, Christelle Bonnefoy, Patrick Jame, Erik Bonjour, Amélie Cantarel, Jonathan Gervaix, Emmanuelle Vulliet, Rémy Cazabet, Guillaume Minard, Claire Valiente Moro · FEMS Microbiology Ecology · France
A study conducted in French community gardens investigated whether pollution gradients influence the water microbial composition of Aedes albopictus larval habitats. The physicochemical and microbial compositions of noncolonized and colonized waters did not significantly differ, with the exception of N2O and CH4 concentrations, which were higher in noncolonized water samples. The microbial composition of larval habitats covaried differentially along the pollution gradients according to colonization status.
CommunityBiodiversityHealthThe Role of Social Innovation in Confronting the Challenges of Quarantine during the COVID-19 Period a literature review analysis
2024Mohammed Bouguelaa · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This literature review analyzes the role of social innovation in confronting challenges posed by COVID-19 quarantine measures. Through a systematic review of articles, reports, and case studies, the paper explores the conceptual framework and theoretical perspectives of social innovation. It identifies and analyzes initiatives such as alternative food networks and urban agriculture, highlighting their effectiveness in mitigating adverse effects of quarantine and promoting community resilience.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareClimate changeDesigning healthy edible cities: investigating the environmental and spatial factors affecting urban fruit safety
2024Mohammad Reza Khalilnezhad, Mohammad Taheri, Alessio Russo, Negin Nasseh, Ahmad Taheri · Cities & Health · Iran
This study investigated factors affecting lead and cadmium levels in urban fruits in Tehran's Tarasht neighborhood, Iran, due to heavy traffic and urban gardens. It found that sites taller than 10 meters had the highest cadmium, while sites without barriers or with 4-meter barriers showed the highest lead content. Barrier width, urban fruit tree height (for lead), distance to the street, and fruit type also influenced heavy metal absorption, indicating significant contamination risks.
Contamination & food safetyHealthAdaptation and study protocol for harvest for health together Arizona: A mentored community garden intervention for survivors of cancer
2024Meghan B. Skiba, Dylan V. Miller, Delaney Stratton, Caitlyn Hall, Sharon McKenna, Cindy K. Blair, Wendy Demark‐Wahnefried · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications · United States (Arizona)
This study adapted "Harvest for Health," a home-based mentored gardening intervention for cancer survivors, into a community-based intervention for Arizona's arid desert environment. The adapted intervention, "Harvest for Health Together Arizona (H4H2-AZ)," will enroll participants for two growing seasons (6 months) in 30 ft2 community garden plots, with Master Gardeners providing one-to-one mentorship and gardening supplies. This pilot six-month single-arm intervention aims to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the adapted program for skin cancer survivors, with secondary outcomes exploring effects on cancer preventive health behaviors and health-related quality of life.
CommunityHealthWelfareUsing Cellphones for Visualizing the Social and Environmental Relations of Community Gardens
2024Mitchell McLarnon · · Global
This chapter describes the practice, processes, and ethical tensions of using cell phones for visual data collection, representation, and analysis in school/community garden research projects. The findings suggest that while gardens and cell phones have the potential for enhancing experiential learning, increased well-being, and ecological awareness, their use needs to be highly contextualized within critical discussions related to settler colonialism, consumerism, neoliberalism, and (green) gentrification.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood educationBiodiversityClimate changeHealthPolicyDeterminants of urban household vulnerability to food insecurity in southern Ethiopia
2024Abraham Woru Borku, Abera Uncha Utallo, Thomas Toma Tora · Discover Food · Ethiopia
A mixed-methods study in selected towns in Southern Ethiopia surveyed 310 households to identify determinants of urban household vulnerability to food insecurity. The results indicated that 41.3% of households were highly vulnerable, 48.3% moderately vulnerable, and 10.6% not vulnerable. Significant determinants included household ownership of houses, health status, urban agriculture, socio-cultural practices, asset ownership, age, and average monthly income.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthExploring the Association of Urban Agricultural Practices with Farmers’ Psychosocial Well-Being in Dar es Salaam and Greater Lomé: A Perceptual Study
2024Akuto Akpedze Konou, Kossiwa Zinsou-Klassou, Victoria M. Mwakalinga, Jean-Claude Baraka Munyaka, Armel Firmin Kemajou Mbianda, Jérôme Chenal · Sustainability · Africa
This perceptual study surveyed 733 urban farmers in Dar es Salaam and Greater Lomé to explore the psychosocial effects of urban agriculture on their well-being. Using the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form and bespoke questionnaires, the research found significant variations in urban agriculture-related happiness across city zones, with peripheral farmers reporting greater satisfaction than urban counterparts. Female farmers also reported higher levels of happiness.
HealthWelfareCommunityPolicyCan Agroecology Close the Health Disparities Gap for Urban Vulnerable Communities in South Africa?
2024Michael Rudolph, Evans Muchesa · Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir landbouvoorligting/South African journal of agricultural extension · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This article explores the potential of agroecology to address health disparities in urban communities in South Africa, where approximately 34% of Johannesburg households face food insecurity. A transdisciplinary literature review, using secondary data from the University of Johannesburg and Siyakhana Growth and Development, posits that an agroecological approach can effectively address food and nutrition insecurity. The study emphasizes the importance of localized food production, personalized training, and a supportive policy framework for urban farming and agroecology.
HealthFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareCommunityGlobal health and environmental sustainability
2024CHIBUISI FRANCS OGBUKA, NGOZI O IZUCHUKWU, OGWO ELISHA UKO, OGECHI JULIANA OGBODO, OBI VICTORY IJEOMA · World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews · Global
This paper argues for a re-evaluation of current trends in assessing global health and environmental sustainability through the prevalence of diseases and natural resource availability. It suggests that achieving present needs without compromising future generations requires evolutionary and swift transformation in health for all programs, eco-friendly production and consumption, and urban farming. Global health and environmental sustainability should be summarized as the study and application of attaining welfare equity for all people in a sustainable environment.
HealthClimate changeUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceRecent Use of AB Mix Nutrients for Urban Farming in Malaysia: A Mini Review
2024Nur Dinie Syahirah Sanusi, Fadhlina Che Ros, Siti Zulaikha Ngah Demon, Ismayadi Ismail, Imad Hamadneh · Journal of Advanced Research Design · Malaysia
This mini-review discusses the extensive use of AB mix nutrients in Malaysian urban farming, noting their role in high yields but also their contribution to significant environmental pollution when overused. Although a survey of local entrepreneurs showed most complied with guidelines for chili plants, intensive use of fertilizers leads to nutrient leaching into the soil, causing environmental pollution and affecting humans, livestock, and microbial life. The review emphasizes the need for controlled nutrient application to prevent soil degradation and groundwater contamination.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleClimate changeHealthUrban agriculture for environmentally just cities: the case of urban community gardens in Cape Town, South Africa
2024Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira, Mohamed Deen Shade · Local Environment · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study examined how 34 urban community gardens in low-income neighborhoods of Cape Town, South Africa, contribute to environmental justice using a mixed-methods approach including remote sensing, interviews, and observations. Findings revealed an unequal distribution of green spaces between wealthier and less affluent neighborhoods. While current gardening benefits may not be widespread, the gardens offer advantages such as environmental education, promotion of agro-ecological practices, and land use for green purposes.
CommunityHealthClimate changePolicyAccumulation of phytotoxic metals and metalloids in vegetable continuum subjected to different irrigation streams: a threat towards nutritional security
2024Muhammad Waqas, Kamran Ashraf, Muhammad Mohiuddin, Asim Abbasi, Khawar Sultan, Muhammad Umar, Hayssam M. Ali, M. Abdel-Hamid, Qamar Zaman · Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca · Global
This study assessed heavy metal and metalloid concentrations in ridge gourd, soil, and irrigation water, finding that groundwater samples exceeded permissible limits for Ni, Fe, Cu, Pb, As, Cr, and Cd. Soil irrigated with groundwater showed Cd, Cr, and As above limits, and ridge gourd samples had higher Cd levels than safe limits. Consumption of ridge gourd from the studied area may pose health hazards due to elevated target hazard quotients for Zn, Fe, and Cr, and high cancer risks from Ni, Cr, Cd, As, and moderate risk from Pb in canal water.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPublic Engagement in Community Gardens: Communicating to Prepare for a Changing Climate
2024Olivia M. Erskine, Alexa J. Lamm, Kevan W. Lamm, Catherine E. Sanders · Journal of Applied Communications · United States
A study in the United States analyzed U.S. adults' motivations for engaging in community gardens and the perceived importance of climate-smart adaptations. Respondents primarily engaged in community gardens for health and social reasons and assigned some level of importance to climate-smart adaptations. Future research should explore the impact of rurality, food accessibility, and socioeconomic status on reasons for engagement and the associated importance of climate-smart adaptations.
CommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceHealthUrban Green Spaces and Healthy Living: A Landscape Architecture Perspective
2024Alessio Russo · Urban Science · Global
This paper synthesizes existing literature to examine the essential role of urban green spaces in fostering healthy living, emphasizing their strong positive associations with physical, mental, and social wellbeing. It discusses the importance of designing attractive and accessible green spaces that encourage physical activity and mental health, and the potential of local food production for diet improvement. The study also highlights disparities in access to quality green spaces, particularly between the Global North and South, advocating for equitable design strategies.
Equity & displacementHealthCommunityEconomicsPolicyRemediation of Soils Contaminated by Timbers in Community Gardens
2024Wendy J. Heiger-Bernays, Alicia Fraser, Valerie Burns, Kerry Diskin, Diedre Pierotti, Kian Merchant-Borna, Michael D. McClean, Daniel J. Brabander, H. Patricia Hynes · Scholarworks (University of Massachusetts Amherst) · United States (Boston)
This study identified the nature and extent of soil contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from railroad ties and arsenic from chromated copper arsenate (CCA) pressure-treated lumber in a representative community garden in Boston. Elevated levels of PAHs and arsenic were present in the gardens studied, with these timbers serving as a continuous source of contaminants. This is the first study to investigate contaminants other than lead and evaluate the effect of adding city compost on select soil contaminants in urban garden soil.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityCompostPendampingan Masyarakat dalam Eksplorasi Food Forest Lokal Sunda: Langkah Praktis Masyarakat Melawan Penyakit Jantung
2024Siti Rohimah, Undang Ruhimat, Wulan Sondarika, Andri Noviandi · Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Kesehatan Galuh · Indonesia (Ciamis)
This community service program in Ciamis Regency, Indonesia, focused on food forest research to combat heart disease by increasing public knowledge and awareness of healthy eating and developing food forests as a nutritional source. The program successfully raised community awareness and improved access to food sources, positively impacting heart health. It significantly contributed to improving the heart health of the local community in the Baregbeg Community Health Center working area.
CommunityHealthFood education