Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
892 results(17 / 36)
Producción y diversificación sostenible del cultivo de ñame (Dioscorea spp.) en condiciones de sequía agrícola en el municipio de Jiguaní
2021Diana Maria Reyes Avalo, Misterbino Borgès Garcìa · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Cuba (Jiguaní)
This study in Jiguaní municipality, Granma province, Cuba, aimed to enhance the sustainable production and diversification of yam cultivation under agricultural drought conditions using biotechnological seeds. The accelerated yam seed production technology, combining biotechnological and conventional methods, was implemented in urban, suburban, and family agriculture. This led to the successful implementation of certified yam seed technology, increasing plant numbers from 2000 to 6000 in 2018 for a total area of 0.6 ha, and contributing to local development.
Peri-urban agricultureClimate changeDIYAkuaponik sebagai sarana pemberdayaan masyarakat Labuhbaru Barat dalam konsep urban farming
2021Naila Fauza, Ade Alwi Wardana, Anna Pratiwi, Bela Winalda, Diya Meiliza Putri, Diara Tihanum, Dhika Ayu Dwinda, Hera Julia Anika, Julian Bramuli, Muhammad Fikri Hafiz, Muhammad Refri Fernando · TRANSFORMASI Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Pekanbaru)
In West Labuhbaru village, Pekanbaru City, Indonesia, an aquaponics system was implemented from March to August 2021 to address challenges in managing narrow urban land. This community service program aimed to increase community knowledge of aquaponics technology. The findings showed an increase in urban community knowledge regarding fish and plant cultivation using aquaponics technology, specifically with catfish and water spinach.
CommunityFood educationDIYReasons and Remedies to the Dying Plant Walls
2021Hayley Q McGough · DigitalCommons - CalPoly (California State Polytechnic University) · Global
This paper investigates why plant façades on buildings frequently die, preventing them from fully realizing benefits like urban heat island reduction and improved air quality. Through interviews with landscape architects, it examines factors for maintaining plant façades and assesses if new approaches, such as earlier integration of landscape architects or biocurtains, can address the high mortality rates. The study highlights that these plant façades often fail, leading to waste and unfulfilled potential.
Limited or null effectClimate changeBiodiversityEconomicsDIYPenerapan Urban Agriculture melalui Teknik Budidaya Tanaman Microgreen untuk Mendukung Ketahanan Pangan Keluarga
2021Zakiyah Amini, R. Eviyati, Dina Dwirayani · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Fakultas Pertanian UNS · Indonesia (Cirebon)
A community service team from the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati (UGJ) Cirebon, Indonesia, provided guidance to women in the Bumi Arum Sari housing complex on microgreen cultivation techniques. This activity aimed to educate residents during the COVID-19 pandemic to engage in positive gardening activities at home and enhance family food security. Microgreens are easy to cultivate, require minimal space, and provide healthy vegetables for families.
DIYFood educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceNullius no more? Valorising vacancy through urban agriculture in the settler-colonial ‘green city’
2021Nathan McClintock · Policy Press eBooks · Canada (Montreal)
In Montreal's Mile-Ex neighborhood, Canada, urban agriculture initiatives are transforming vacant lots into green spaces. Participants planted basil and threw "seed bombs" in a vacant lot as part of an effort to "reclaim the city." The practice of greening vacant lots is common in North American cities, and the relationship between vacancy and urban agriculture is historical, with city dwellers traditionally gardening in "wastelands."
CommunityDIYFood sovereignty & justiceProduction of Edibles and Use of Garden Waste in Domestic Gardens of a Middle-Class Suburb in Cape Town, South Africa
2021Anjali Mistry, Manfred Spocter · · South Africa (Cape Town)
A study in a middle-class suburb of Cape Town, South Africa, investigated edible cultivation and garden waste management in domestic gardens. While potential gardening space averaged two-thirds of residential plots, 129 respondents primarily cultivated lawns, not food, with minimal vegetable production. Residents often used private gardening services for waste disposal, and on-site garden waste disposal techniques need promotion.
Limited or null effectDIYCompostCommunityUrban–rural linkagePENERAPAN KONSEP URBAN FARMING-BASED RESILIENT CITY DALAM PENGEMBANGAN KOTA YANG BERKETAHANANAN PANGAN DI KOTA SURAKARTA
2021Ammar Abdurrohman, Fikri Fadly Arkasala, Noviamas Nurhidayah · Desa-Kota · Indonesia
This study explores the application of a resilient city concept, specifically urban farming, for food security in Surakarta City, Indonesia, especially during a pandemic. It proposes that urban agriculture, including home and community farming using methods like soilless cultivation and vertical culture, can achieve food self-sufficiency despite limited land. Based on a literature review and an ecological urban development approach, the research identifies potential food crops like porang, sweet potatoes, cassava, taro, and various vegetables that are easy for residents to cultivate.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityClimate changeDIYAssessing the Direct Resource Requirements of Urban Horticulture in the United Kingdom: A Citizen Science Approach
2021Miriam C. Dobson, Philip H. Warren, Jill L. Edmondson · Sustainability · United Kingdom
This nationwide citizen science project investigated resource demands of urban horticultural production in the United Kingdom using year-long diaries from 163 allotment gardeners. Findings showed an average allotment required 87 annual visits and 139 km of travel. Each kilogram of food produced used 0.4 hours of labor, 16.9 L of water, 0.2 L of topsoil, 2.2 L of manure, and 1.9 L of compost.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleEconomicsPolicyClimate changeSTUDI KERAGAMAN JENIS TANAMAN DI KEBUN PERCOBAAN FAKULTAS PERTANIAN UNIVERSITAS BOROBUDUR
2021Fetty Dwi Rahmayanti, Tungga Buana Diana · AGRO TATANEN | Jurnal Ilmiah Pertanian · Indonesia
This descriptive qualitative study describes the existing state of the experimental garden at the Faculty of Agriculture, Borobudur University, Indonesia. The garden is used for learning, research, and reforestation, with efforts to expand plant collections and preserve rare species. In line with government programs for utilizing narrow land, the faculty applies urban farming methods such as tabulampot, polybag, and hydroponic planting techniques. Data was collected from primary field observations and secondary literature.
DIYFood educationBiodiversityThe Effect of Mixed Cultivation Using Companion Plants on the Growth and Quality of Cherry Tomatoes
2021Byoung-Kwon Lee, Hyung Kwon Yun, In-Kyoung Hong, Young-Bin Jung, Sang Mi Lee · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
This study investigated the effect of companion planting using marigold, zinnia, spearmint, and basil on the growth and quality of cherry tomatoes. Plant growth in companion planting plots significantly increased compared to monoculture, but there was no interaction effect among companion plants, planting ratio, and type. While sugar content and vitamin C content were higher than the control, no statistically significant difference was found.
DIYFood educationHealthContainer gardens: Possibilities and challenges for environmental and social benefits in cities
2021Ayako Nagase, Jeremy Lundholm · Journal of Living Architecture · Global
This review elucidates potential ecosystem services provided by container gardening, which are used in cities globally where access to soil is limited. The services include food production, stormwater management, air quality improvement, energy savings, thermal comfort, plant biodiversity, creation of animal habitats, aesthetic value, communication, and environmental education. The review aims to recognize the value of container gardens to promote them as part of green infrastructure in urban areas.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityClimate changeFood educationOrganic Medical Plants Urban Farming Based on Family Empowerment on Bekasi, West Java
2021A. Firmansyah Sumardjo · Journal of Hunan University · Indonesia (Bekasi)
This study analyzed the impact of family empowerment on farmer adaptation to the market for urban farming products in Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. Using participatory action research, data from observations, interviews, and focus group discussions revealed that market demand for organic products drove communities to engage in innovative organic urban farming. Males were involved in land preparation and marketing, while females focused on plant maintenance and harvest processing. The study found that family empowerment, combined with urban farming innovation, leads to business sustainability.
DIYCommunityEconomicsHealthCaracterização da Agricultura Urbana (AU) em Ibatiba (Espírito Santo)
2021Bárbara de Oliveira Falce, Breno Dalcolmo de Almeida Leão, Arnaldo Henrique de Oliveira Carvalho · Meio Ambiente (Brasil) · Brazil (Ibatiba)
This study characterized urban agriculture in Ibatiba, Brazil, by analyzing 22 production units across 10 neighborhoods through spatial distribution mapping and farmer interviews. Positive aspects included a wide variety of foods, considerable independence from external inputs for seeds, fertilizers, and animal feed, and efforts towards environmental education. However, concerns were noted regarding the continued use of pesticides and issues with water origin and utilization, such as spring water capture and limited irrigation.
DIYOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justicePENDAMPINGAN INTRODUKSI BAYAM BRAZIL SEBAGAI SAYUR PEKARANGAN DI KOTA BANJARBARU
2021Hikma Ellya, Nurlaila Nurlaila, Nukhak Nufita Sari, Rila Rahma Apriani, Ronny Mulyawan, Febriani Purba, Saida Fithria · LOGISTA - Jurnal Ilmiah Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Banjarbaru)
A community service activity was conducted in Banjarbaru City, Indonesia, to assist in introducing Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) as a yard plant. The activity involved one-day counseling for 59 participants, including chairpersons of farmer women groups, and planting assistance for several farmer women groups. Residents of Banjarbaru showed great enthusiasm for cultivating Brazilian spinach due to its edibility, ease of propagation and cultivation, and aesthetic form.
DIYFood educationCommunityHealthGerminando redes
2021Laura Vanesa Martínez Gordillo · South Florida Journal of Development · Colombia (Bogotá)
This document reflects on a social and ecological project in Barrio La Concordia, Bogotá, Colombia, which uses vertical urban agriculture and graffiti on facades. The project, "Germinating Networks," encourages residents to adopt sustainable practices and reconnect with nature using reusable materials for hanging pots. It aims to foster cooperative relationships and cultural changes around organic food, influencing neighborhood identity.
CommunityDIYOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceAlliances and Exchanges
2021Caroline Goodson · Cambridge University Press eBooks · Global
This chapter examines the economic context of urban food production in the Middle Ages, focusing on household-scale cultivation. It explores the emergence of urban food markets and the absence of evidence for them before the eleventh century. In the absence of commercial farming, household-level cultivation was the primary food source for most city-dwellers, with food gardens and their exchange through family networks highlighting the role of family links in urban food production.
EconomicsCommunityDIYFood sovereignty & justiceAQUAPONIK SOLUSI URBAN FARMING
2021Livia Windiana, Desiana Nuriza Putri, Dina Amalia, Annisa' Melliana Rahmah · VIABEL Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu-Ilmu Pertanian · Global
This community service study aimed to analyze household vegetable consumption frequency and income (savings) from aquaponics application. Using a qualitative approach, survey methods, and income analysis, the study found a 9.5% increase in household vegetable consumption frequency among respondents, reaching 100% daily consumption after the activity. Additionally, household food income or savings from aquaponics application amounted to Rp. 126,000/month from harvested vegetables and catfish.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthINFLUÊNCIA DA BORRA DE CAFÉ FRESCA NA GERMINAÇÃO DE SEMENTES DE RÚCULA COMO ALTERNATIVA DE FERTILIZANTE NA AGRICULTURA URBANA
2021Luciano Majolo, Deibson Teixeira da Costa, Camila Firmino de Azevêdo · Editora Científica Digital eBooks · Global
This study analyzed the application of fresh coffee grounds as a substrate for arugula seed germination, using concentrations of 0% to 25%. All evaluated characteristics, including emergence percentage, seedling length, and mass, showed a decreasing variation with increasing coffee grounds. Fresh coffee grounds applied directly as fertilizer proved inefficient for arugula in the tested quantities.
Limited or null effectDIYOrganic cycleEvaluation of green roof structures and substrates for Lactuca sativa L. in tropical conditions
2021A. Varela, Alexandra Sandoval-Albán, Marcela Muñoz, Alfonso Goméz Gómez, Manuel Bogoya, Germán Combariza · Urban forestry & urban greening · Global
This study evaluated the optimal combination of three different modular extensive green roof structures and two types of local substrates (compost and soil + biochar) for Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa (lettuce) growth under tropical climate conditions, measuring physicochemical and biological properties of substrates and plant growth variables over seven weeks under rainy and dry conditions. A monolithic multilayer structure, high Mg concentrations, elevated amounts of 600 μm aggregates, and lower substrate bulk density were linked with higher L. sativa yield, but the specific substrate used was not associated with this result. Some physicochemical and microbiological properties of substrates changed by the experiment's end, with these changes dependent on climatic conditions.
DIYCompostClimate changeEvaluating Subsurface Clay Pot Irrigation: Water Use Efficiency and Crop Yield in School-Managed Vegetable Gardens, Dodoma Region
2021Grace Mwajuma, Juma Kisimba, Neema Mwamakula · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Tanzania
This intervention study assessed subsurface clay pot irrigation versus traditional hand-watering basins in 12 primary school vegetable gardens in Tanzania's Dodoma Region. Clay pot irrigation significantly increased mean water use efficiency by 65% and marketable amaranth yield by 42%. Tomato yield showed a positive but non-significant trend, and qualitative feedback indicated reduced labor burden for students.
Food educationHealthDIYSocio-Cultural Appropriateness of the Use of Historic Persian Gardens for Modern Urban Edible Gardens
2021Majid Amani-Beni, Gaodi Xie, Qingjuan Yang, Alessio Russo, Mohammad Reza Khalilnezhad · Land · Iran
This qualitative field study investigated whether the spatial and structural layout of six historic Persian gardens in four Iranian provinces is suitable for modern urban food gardening. The research suggested that combining elements of formal landscape design, non-edible decorative plants, and traditional artwork would increase the Persian gardens' attractiveness. It was found that separating productive units containing edible plants from public units using a central meeting spot populated by aesthetic plants and items may attract ordinary visitors interested in gardening without disturbing anyone's activities. The Persian gardens' multifunctionality, aesthetic value, and health-promoting qualities constitute a considerable historic achievement in garden design, making them a suitable model for edible urban gardening.
CommunityDIYFood educationUsing Different Substrate Materials (Local and Imported) For Producing Eggplant on Rooftops
2021· Current Science International · Egypt (Giza)
An experiment conducted in a rooftop garden in Giza, Egypt, during the summer seasons of 2019 and 2020 investigated the effect of nine different substrate mixtures on eggplant growth and yield. Sand:rice husks (1:1) v/v (SR1) resulted in the highest plant growth and yield, followed by sand:rice husks (2:1) v/v (SR2). When considering cost-effectiveness, SR2 was the cheapest growing medium, followed by SR1, with initial costs of 10.75 E.P and 13.5 E.P respectively, and average yields of 10.96 kg/m² and 12.68 kg/m².
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPutting the Garden Back: Cultivating Life through Urban Gardening in India
2021Camille Frazier · Hong Kong University Press eBooks · India (Bengaluru)
This paper examines motivations for organic terrace gardening among middle-class individuals in Bengaluru, India, who grow food for home consumption. Gardeners respond to worsening health and environmental conditions, but class and caste inequalities limit their engagement with a broader community of urban food producers. These inequalities restrict the transformative potential of organic terrace gardening as an intervention, indicating a critical finding regarding equity.
Equity & displacementDIYCommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justicePenerapan Hidroponik Rakit Apung Memakai Dobel Pompa Venturi di Kalurahan Karangasem, Kecamatan Laweyan, Kota Surakarta
2021Bambang Pujiasmanto, Eddy Triharyanto, Sulandjari Sulandjari, Pardono Pardono, Puji Harsono, Hery Widijanto, Desy Setyaningrum · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Fakultas Pertanian UNS · Indonesia (Surakarta)
In Karangasem Village, Laweyan District, Surakarta City, Indonesia, a community service activity aimed to provide productive activities for urban communities through vegetable cultivation using a hydroponic system. The method involved training and implementing a floating raft hydroponic cultivation system. This activity benefited the community by increasing the competitiveness of vegetable products, especially pak choy.
CommunityDIYFood educationRooftop Gardening: An Explorative Study in Urban Area of Cochin City
2021Tomcy Thomas, Susan Cherian · Journal of scientific research · India (Cochin City)
This exploratory study investigated rooftop gardening trends in Ernakulam city, India, with a sample of 102 respondents. It found that urban homemakers cultivate various vegetable and ornamental plants, partly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic for self-sufficiency. The study concluded that irrigation techniques and pest management among the sample should be improved.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityHealth