Research & reports

Giovanbattista Califano, Anders Crichton-Fock, Charles Spence · Future Foods · United Kingdom

Consumer attitudes toward novel fresh herb cultivation methods, including urban farming, hydroponics, and robotic cultivation, were explored among 148 participants in the UK. Urban farming was the preferred method, followed by hydroponics, with robotic cultivation being the least favored. High consumer environmental concern positively influenced acceptance of parsley from urban farming, while food technology neophobia negatively impacted consumer acceptance of hydroponic and robotic cultivation methods. The exploratory nature of this study may limit the generalizability of its results.

Godwin K. Naazie, Isaac Agyemang, Anthony Mwinilanaa Tampah-Naah · Cogent Food & Agriculture · Ghana

This mixed-methods study in urban Ghana investigated the spatial pattern and distribution of urban farms using geospatial data and 12 key informant interviews. It found that animal rearing (cattle, goats, sheep, poultry) is clustered across urban neighborhoods, and urban farm sizes also show a clustered pattern. The distribution of animals in open spaces is dispersed, while those in walled or wooden structures are clustered.

Shujun He, Shumei Xiao, Qiaoying Lin, Hong Wu, Shufen Xiao, Tingwei Deng · Journal of life sciences and agriculture. · Global

This study focused on the commercial potential of medicinal and edible plants, analyzing the growth traits, nutritional worth, market demand, and potential applications in landscape architecture of Gynura bicolor. Through an assessment of its cultivation techniques and ecological value, the plant's adaptability to diverse environments and its potential contribution to enhancing urban green spaces were highlighted. A dual strategy integrating ecological aesthetics with a commercial model was proposed, demonstrating that the plant's utilization contributes to both ecological balance and economic feasibility.

Mekonen Getachew Abebe · Journal of Agriculture and Food Research · Ethiopia

This review examined empirical evidence on the impacts of urbanization on food security in Ethiopia. The review showed that urbanization compromises all dimensions of food security through reductions in arable land and its productivity, waste dumping, biodiversity depletion, and water and soil pollution. Rapid urbanization leads to reduced production and higher food prices, resulting in a very high prevalence of food insecurity in Ethiopian urban areas. The review noted that Ethiopia has not implemented solutions like urban agriculture to its full potential.

Ehsan Rahimi, Chuleui Jung · Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment · South Korea

This study developed a methodology to identify optimal urban locations for pollinator-dependent crops in South Korea. Researchers generated habitat suitability maps for 243 pollinating insects across 10 major cities using species distribution models and Graphab 2.8 software. The analysis found a strong positive correlation between green space cluster modularity and pollinator distribution, indicating that areas with higher modularity have richer pollinator populations and are suitable for urban agriculture.

Hao Yang, Runyan Zou, Yueming Hu, Lu Wang, Yingkai Xie, Zhengxi Tan, Zhiqiang Zhu, A‐Xing Zhu, Jianzhou Gong, Xiaoyun Mao · Land Use Policy · China

This study introduced an "element coupling-function synergy" analytical framework and constructed a causal Bayesian belief network to identify trade-offs and synergies among multiple functions of cultivated land resources in Guangdong, China. The findings revealed trade-offs between food cleanliness and food production/social security. Synergistic relationships were found among food production, social security, and ecological regulation, as well as among ecological regulation, habitat maintenance, and landscape culture. The study divided the area into eight functional zones and formulated multi-objective management plans.

Sudha Panda, Chandana Parida, Anisa Azharunnisa, Rakesh Ranjan Thakur · Discover Sustainability · India (Bhubaneswar)

This paper uses remote sensing data from 2011 to 2023 to examine agricultural land loss in Bhubaneswar, India, a smaller city experiencing significant agricultural decline. It compares the decrease in agricultural land with the increase in built-up areas. The study highlights that agricultural land conversion negatively impacts food security and proposes a nature-based solution to achieve urban food self-sufficiency.

Raden Deasy Mandasari, Andi Rosano, Djadjat Sudaradjat · Barometer · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This research monitored CO2 concentrations in rooftop areas of DKI Jakarta, Indonesia, using IoT technology and CO2 sensors. Data was collected over four parts of the day at two locations: Garden Roof and Ordinary Roof areas. Results showed that roof areas with gardens had lower average CO2 levels (295 PPM) compared to regular roofs (360 PPM), indicating the potential of garden roof designs to reduce CO2 concentrations.

Ada Górna · · Rwanda (Kigali)

This chapter examines urban agriculture in Kigali, Rwanda, discussing its distribution, structural, production, and organizational features within the city. Crop fields are primarily found in marshy valleys and on hill slopes, with their area and structure varying by location. Terrain and residents' nutritional needs, including the use of wasteland for food production, are important factors influencing agricultural distribution.

Lorenzo Stefano Iannizzotto, Alexandra Paio, Camilla Perrone · Contesti Città territori progetti · Europe

This paper defines "Vague Farms" as projects in urban vacant spaces that combine urban gardening and local food production with the preservation of informal and spontaneous characteristics of "Terrain Vague." It analyzes five case studies from different European cities to illustrate the emergence of these practices. The study provides a theoretical introduction to Terrain Vague, examines community urban garden projects through the lens of Urban Commons, and proposes a definition of Vague Farms and their characteristics.

T Jeyasurya, C. Subesh Ranjith Kumar, P. Irene Vethamoni, K. Sivasubramanian, M. Djanaguiraman · Plant Science Today · Global

This review explores the concept, suitable plant choices, and benefits of green walls in urban settings, identifying them as a solution to environmental challenges from urbanization. Green walls offer environmental, social, and economic benefits such as improved air quality, noise reduction, energy conservation, and biodiversity enhancement, while also promoting urban agriculture and community engagement. Implementation requires careful consideration of structural integrity, irrigation, and maintenance.

Alexander Follmann, Dorothea Hohengarten · transcript Verlag eBooks · Germany (Cologne)

This publication, titled "Ernährungsrat, Essbare Stadt, Gemeinschaftsgärten: Innere und äußere Logiken und Widersprüche der sozialökologischen Transformation durch Urban Gardening am Beispiel Köln," discusses the internal and external logics and contradictions of socio-ecological transformation through urban gardening, using Cologne as an example. The abstract states that this work was published in "Unterwegs in die Stadt der Zukunft" on page 241.

Christine Aubry, Nicolas Rouget, Giulia Giacchè, Joëlle Salomon Cavin · Territoire en mouvement · Global

This abstract introduces two parallel sessions on urban agriculture held at the IGU colloquium in Paris in July 2022. The sessions explored themes such as the convergence of functions and representations of urban agricultures in the Global South and North, and the integration of agricultural practices into neighborhood development.

Gundula Proksch, George Lee · · United States

Based on data from the Chicago Urban Agriculture Mapping Project, this study used GIS mapping to investigate urban agriculture typologies and their distribution in the Chicago metropolitan area. It showed that small-scale non-profit gardens are integrated closely with communities, while commercial controlled environment agriculture (CEA) operations utilize existing infrastructure and buildings in commercial and industrial corridors. Both types of urban agriculture serve different needs, providing various benefits to the urban population, from social services to fresh food production and economic development.

Nicolás Carrasco-Astudillo, Kàtia Gaspar, Marta Gangolells, Miquel Casals · Journal of Building Engineering · Global

This paper develops a method to evaluate the integration of the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus into buildings when designing resilient cooling strategies. Applying the method to a case study, the highest WEF nexus index (77.54%) was achieved by combining urban agriculture, photovoltaic panels, and rainwater harvesting. The proposed framework helps decision-makers prioritize strategies that integrate all three resources to address building overheating and enhance resource efficiency.

Bin Fang · Art and Design · Singapore

This paper explores the spatial design of urban vertical farms, using a case study of an interwoven residential complex in Singapore. It analyzes the design points of urban vertical farms to expand new functions and design inspiration for urban agricultural architecture. The study aims to address the conflict between urban and agricultural land by integrating agricultural planting buildings into residential complexes.

Exzolvildres Queiroz Neto, Gilson Brandão de Oliveira Junior, Marcelha Silva de Andrade, Suncar Dabo, Geisiane Michelle Zanquetta de Pintor · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil

This article presents reflections on the practice of Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (AUP) and its impact on land use and occupation in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. The research raised several questions concerning rural-urban dynamics, the specificities of urban family farmers, and the complexity of land use in the municipality. Diagnostic results from a semi-structured research guide will be used as an empirical basis for further reflection, and the abstract does not state specific research findings or critical findings regarding governance.

Roberta Bulgari, Erdona Demiraj, Calogero Schillaci, Ahlem Tlili, Yushu Xia · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Global

This special issue examines urban and peri-urban soil and plant management, highlighting that soil-related factors in urban agricultural systems pose unique challenges. Issues such as soil fertility, soil biodiversity, and soil contamination require further investigation to enhance urban agriculture's contribution to livability. The issue collects studies supporting sustainable soil management and crop diversification, and explores remote sensing and deep learning for soil health monitoring and plant disease detection related to contamination.

Bai Qu, Zhenlei Xiao, Abhinav Upadhyay, Yangchao Luo · Journal of Agriculture and Food Research · Global

This review provides an overview of key characteristics differentiating sustainable food production from conventional agriculture, addressing challenges like environmental degradation and resource competition. It summarizes technologies promoting sustainable food production, detailing urban agriculture, next-generation plant-based foods, and food nanotechnology. The review concludes by proposing futuristic solutions and research for designing sustainable agri-food systems.

Veena G Sonole, Soumya CB, A Meghana, Mahesh G Shetty · International Journal of Research in Agronomy · Global

This review examines vermicomposting, a process using earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Vermicompost benefits horticultural crops, improves soil fertility, and reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Vermitechnology offers solutions for waste management, soil fertility, and sustainable agricultural practices in urban agriculture.

Ada Górna · · Global

This chapter presents the specific nature of urban agriculture in cities of the Global North and Global South, based on an analysis of published research and the author's field observations. It identifies main problems and common denominators in urban agriculture across different environmental, socioeconomic, and political conditions. The chapter discusses issues in the Global South (Latin America, South, East and Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa) and the Global North.

Han Li, Jeremy A. White · Sustainability · United States

This study assessed bat activity patterns at Glacier Creek Preserve in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, from 2018 to 2020 using acoustic monitoring to determine its conservation value for bats. Nine species, including the endangered Myotis septentrionalis, were recorded, with edge habitats showing higher overall and foraging activities for several species compared to open habitats. The preserve provides roosts, commuting corridors, and foraging grounds for different bat species.

Maria H. Schoeman · Archeological Papers of the American Anthropological Association · South Africa

In Bokoni, northeastern South Africa, stone-walled towns flourished from the late 15th to early 19th centuries, and lidar data confirmed the presence of terraced fields in Khutwaneng from the 17th to early 19th centuries. All homesteads in this town had adjacent terraced gardens or fields, suggesting that urban farming was an entrenched component of Bokoni's urban life. Historically, women performed daily farming duties in southern Africa, and this was likely also the case in Bokoni.

Ivonne Weichold · · Global

This paper re-conceptualizes infrastructure as hybrid systems where human and ecological elements intersect, merging infrastructure and landscape to create new productive urban spaces. It proposes redesigning infrastructure as complex socio-ecological systems, or "infrastructural ecologies," which can support urban agriculture and food system infrastructure in interstitial urban spaces like vacant lots. The research uses observations of everyday food system activities and interviews in New York and Brazil to inform design scenarios.

Olabimpe Banke Akintuyi · Open Access Research Journal of Biology and Pharmacy · Global

This paper reviews the architectural integration of vertical farming systems in urban environments and their impact on food security. It explores design strategies like green walls and modular systems, emphasizing the role of technology such as AI and robotics in enhancing efficiency and scalability. Vertical farming is presented as a method to reduce reliance on long-distance transportation and mitigate climate variability, contributing to stable food production in urban centers.