Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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2056 results(17 / 83)
URBAN FARMING PRACTICE CONCERNING LIFE CYCLE COST COMPONENTS
2024Puteri Sidrotul Nabihah Saarani, Asniza Hamimi Abdul Tharim, Asmalia Che Ahmad, Norhafizah Abdul Rahman, Mohamad Haizam Mohamed Saraf · PLANNING MALAYSIA · Global
This study aimed to identify the significant Life Cycle Cost (LCC) components concerning Urban Farming (UF) practices. Thirteen journal and conference papers from local and international contexts were reviewed, using thematic techniques to establish the attributes of UF practice throughout the Life Cycle (LC) phase. The findings indicate that LCC components occur during Planning, Installation, Management, Maintenance, and Harvesting/Disposal.
EconomicsHealthCommunityClimate changeSoil, Soul, and Society
2024Kevin Richardson · Advances in logistics, operations, and management science book series · United States
Community gardens in Black neighborhoods across the United States serve as resilient oases of change, particularly in areas characterized by limited access to fresh, nutritious foods and health disparities. These communal spaces address not only physical health but also the interconnected facets of mental well-being and community resilience, fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and strength beyond cultivating crops.
CommunityHealthWelfarePhysical Activity as a Victim, a Perpetrator, or Part of the Solution to the Climate Crisis?
2024Peter Gelius, Sven Messing, Antonina Tcymbal, Leonie Birkholz, Karim Abu‐Omar · Journal of Physical Activity and Health · Global
This commentary examines the role of physical activity (PA) research in the context of climate change from three perspectives. PA is conceptualized as a victim, threatened by heat waves and extreme weather; as a perpetrator, due to the carbon footprint of some sports; and as a solution, through active transport and urban gardening which offer both individual and planetary health benefits. These perspectives can guide future research in the field of PA and health.
HealthClimate changeCommunityPeri-urban agriculture and household food and nutrition security around Eldoret, Kenya
2024Ivica Petríková, Melvine Anyango Otieno, Gertrude Were, Mahmoud Eltholth, Ana Rodriguez‐Mateos, Seeromanie Harding, Victoria Hall Morán, Odipo Osano, Jennifer Cole · Food Security · Kenya
This study investigated the links between peri-urban households' engagement in agriculture, their dietary behavior, and their children's nutrition outcomes around Eldoret, Kenya. Survey data collected from 518 households indicated that peri-urban households involved in agriculture, particularly crop growing and sales, had more diverse and nutritious diets than non-engaged households. However, a significant improvement in children’s health outcomes in these households was observed only when coupled with improved water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions.
Limited or null effectPeri-urban agricultureHealthFood sovereignty & justiceThe Role of Environmental Education in Improving Human Health: Literature Review
2024Marjan Barani · Медицинский журнал Западного Казахстана · Global
This literature review investigated the multifaceted role of environmental education (EE) in enhancing human health by improving physical activity, promoting sustainable behaviors, and fostering psychological well-being. It indicated that integrating EE into school curricula, such as through outdoor classrooms and school gardens, increases physical activity levels and improves physical health outcomes. EE programs focusing on organic farming and local food systems influence participants’ dietary choices, and initiatives reducing plastic use contribute to lower environmental pollution.
Food educationHealthOrganic cycleExploring school food provision programs and links to local foods in Pacific Island countries
2024J. Perry, Bridget Horsey, J. Raneri, Danny Hunter, Scott O'Connor, M. Hyland-Wood, Elodie Casey, Sarah Burkhart · Proceedings of The Nutrition Society · Oceania
A scoping study was conducted in Pacific Island countries to understand school food activities and their links to local agriculture, covering 22 countries through a literature review (2007-2022) and interviews with 30 key stakeholders from 15 countries. Diverse activities were identified, including school feeding programs (16) and school garden programs (12), with varying links to local agriculture. Challenges in linking local agriculture to school food provision were reported for 17 activities, with common issues including limited funding, inflation, Covid-19, and inadequate produce supply for program scale.
Food educationCommunityHealthEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceAgricultura urbana bajo los principios IAR- FAO para contrarrestar el COVID-19
2024Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (Ecuador), Fredi Portilla Farfán, María José Quizhpi Pintado, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (Ecuador), Tania Alexandra Sarango Guamán, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (Ecuador) · · Global
The COVID-19 pandemic caused an economic crisis, endangering global food and nutritional security, particularly in the authors' country due to isolation-induced deterioration of essential goods and services. This crisis incentivized people to promote urban agriculture activities, adapting home spaces for growing fruits and vegetables as a form of self-sufficiency during the pandemic.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareImpacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health-Related Behaviours in Community Gardens in China: An Evaluation of a Natural Experiment
2024Siyu Chen, Ying Chang, Jack S. Benton, Bing Chen, Hongchen Hu, Jing Lu · Land · China
This natural experiment in a Chinese neighborhood examined the effects of a community garden on health-related behaviors during the COVID-19 epidemic. Camera-based systematic observations, totaling 180 hours of video recordings (120 hours non-epidemic, 60 hours epidemic), assessed user numbers, physical activities, social interactions, and environmental engagement. Results showed a significant increase in total users during the epidemic, particularly females, older adults, and children, with sedentary and moderate physical activities also significantly higher. The community garden contributed more to physical activity like walking, but less to interactions between people or people-place interactions.
CommunityHealthPromoting healthy food access initiatives in urban areas of the USA: Strategies to address food insecurity and improve nutritional health
2024Queen-Mary Akudo Ebugosi, Janet Aderonke Olaboye · International Journal of Applied Research in Social Sciences · United States
This concept paper proposes initiatives to promote healthy food access in urban areas of the USA, aiming to address food insecurity and improve nutritional health. It discusses the current state of food insecurity and its health impacts in urban areas, then examines successful strategies such as community gardens, farmers' markets, and mobile food markets. Key components like community engagement, policy advocacy, and partnerships are highlighted, along with the role of technology like online grocery delivery. The paper provides insights into effective strategies for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to improve food access and health outcomes.
HealthWelfareCommunityPolicyUso de biopesticida como alternativa segura para control de plagas en huertos urbanos y plantas domésticas
2024Diana Elinos, M. Carolina Cruz, Andrea Loyo del Castillo, Mar Zamora, Grecia Karime Yebra Peralta, José Gabriel Reyes Fernández · Memorias del Concurso Lasallista de Investigación Desarrollo e innovación · Global
This study analyzed the impact of inorganic pesticides, highlighting their potential mutagenic and carcinogenic effects and negative impact on biodiversity, water, and soil contamination. It proposed a methodology for creating an organic pesticide and presented results on its efficacy in pest control. The study concluded that inorganic pesticides pose significant risks, while organic pesticides offer a safe and effective alternative, and emphasized the need to prioritize organic solutions in agriculture.
Environmental trade-offsDIYOrganic cycleHealthBiodiversityUrban Agriculture and the Right to the City: A Practitioner’s Roadmap
2024Arild Eriksen, Deni Ruggeri, Esben Slaatrem Titland · The Geojournal library · Norway (Oslo)
This essay discusses the motivations for co-creating urban agriculture in public spaces from the perspective of an architect and urban farmer/beekeeper practicing bottom-up, participatory design in Oslo. It critiques the current aesthetics of impermanence and temporality in urban agriculture and questions the idea that the joy and freedom it brings should be enhanced by future development and policy. The essay presents a rich collection of stories about regeneration, change, and collective action and cultivation, rather than a replicable model.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyHealthFood sovereignty & justiceA study on prevalence of hand discomfort among the gardeners
2024Divya Martolia, Ritu Gupta, Naresh Kumar Chhuneja · Journal of Community Mobilization and Sustainable Development · India (Ludhiana)
In Ludhiana city, India, a study investigated the prevalence of hand discomfort among 150 male gardeners from educational institutions, community gardens, and nurseries. Findings revealed that the comfort level for most respondents using gardening hand tools ranged from moderate to low, with increased pain and discomfort reported after using certain tools. The Cornell Hand Discomfort questionnaire showed that the majority experienced slight to moderate pain and discomfort in different hand regions, which interfered with their work performance.
Limited or null effectHealthCommunityLambeth plots: Two mapping projects highlighting existing and potential city spaces for food growing
2024Janie Bickersteth, J. F. S. Ferro, Marjorie Landels, Stephanie Robson · · United Kingdom
Incredible Edible Lambeth (IEL) is undertaking two mapping projects in Lambeth, UK, to identify and make available hidden food production niches. Six walking trails highlight existing food growing in community gardens and green spaces, distributed to pharmacies, GP surgeries, and schools. The 'Lambeth plots' project, in collaboration with Arup, combines GIS analysis with citizen-led mapping to reveal food growing potential across the entire borough.
CommunityPolicyHealthDigital agricultureSpatial Barriers to Transforming toward a Healthy Food System in the Noreste of Mexico
2024Rob Roggema, Aleksandra Krstikj, B. J. Erazo Flores · Nutrients · Mexico (Monterrey)
This study in the Noreste of Mexico, focusing on Monterrey, investigated spatial and non-spatial barriers to adopting healthy diets and accessing plant-based foods. Findings revealed significant disparities in food access across the Monterrey metropolitan area, with central urban zones having superior access to fresh foods compared to suburban and peripheral regions. This inequality disproportionately affects marginalized areas with higher poverty rates, worsening food insecurity.
Equity & displacementHealthEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageMotivations for women’s participation in urban agriculture: a multivariate probit model analysis
2024Tayech Lemma, Mala Sharma · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Ethiopia
A survey of 272 women in Hossana town, Ethiopia, using a multivariate probit model, identified food security and economic reasons as primary motivations for participating in urban agriculture. Factors such as age, education, marital status, family size, employment, non-urban farm income, farm experience, garden size, credit access, market access, and improved input use significantly influenced participation likelihood.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceHealthCalidad de agua de huertos urbanos en Valdivia
2024Fernanda Olivares, John Clunes, Susana Valle, Dorota Dec · Agro Sur · Chile (Valdivia)
This study evaluated the quality of irrigation water in urban gardens in Valdivia, Chile, against Chilean standards NCh 1333 and NCh 409. Measured parameters included pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and iron concentration. All urban gardens met the established standards, with the exception of the Collico garden, which showed an elevated iron concentration.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityWellness Landscape Strategies
2024Phillip James Tabb, Lahra Tatriele · · Global
Chapter 6 presents specific physical design strategies at the landscape design scale for wellness planning, based on Halbert Dunn’s concept of high-level wellness. These strategies provide principles for human health, benefits to the natural environment, and implementation opportunities within the urban built environment. The chapter covers diverse applications from parks and greenspaces to healing gardens and edible landscapes, offering concrete approaches and design principles illustrated through precedents.
HealthBiodiversityCommunityEffects of Organic Soil Amendments on Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria in Urban Agriculture Environments
2024Qingyue Zeng, Kevin Lam, Autumn Salcedo, Rohan V. Tikekar, Shirley A. Micallef, Ryan A. Blaustein · Journal of Food Protection · United States (Washington D.C.)
This study explored the impacts of biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAOs) on antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in leafy vegetable production environments across seven urban farms and community gardens in the Washington D.C. area. Amended plots showed significantly higher concentrations of total heterotrophic bacteria than bulk soil, which was associated with reduced fractions of tetracycline-resistant bacteria and case-specific trends for reduced ampicillin-resistant bacteria and coliforms. Soil pH positively correlated with tetracycline-resistant bacteria in amended soils, suggesting pH-targeting management strategies could control related risks.
CommunityHealthOrganic cyclePEMANFAATAN LAHAN TIDUR SEBAGAI LOKASI PERTANIAN PERKOTAAN DI JAKARTA SELATAN
2024Eurika Putri Andita, Renny Nurhasana, Chotib Chotib, Riska Rahma Arriani, Rizqita Oktorini, Safira Salsabila, Teungku Darwis, Dhaneswara N. Indrajoga, Dyah Nawang Ratnasari · MEDIA BINA ILMIAH · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This community engagement program in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, aimed to assess and improve public knowledge of urban agriculture among mothers at TPA Ikhlasul Makhfudz Women's School. Activities included planting assistance, training, and educational seminars on urban farming benefits, plant types, and composting. The program demonstrated benefits for daily life, such as improved nutrition, community cohesion, relaxation, and enhanced use of idle land.
CommunityFood educationCompostHealthTesting an Urban Green Space Impression Evaluation Scale for Urban Rooftop Gardens
2024Hayato IIDA, Yasushi Kyutoku, Wakana KUDO, Yoshiki HARADA · Transactions of Japan Society of Kansei Engineering · Japan (Tokyo)
This study investigated whether the UGS (Urban Green Space Scale), an impression evaluation scale for Tokyo's urban green spaces, could assess impressions of two urban rooftop gardens with flat versus stepped spatial configurations. Based on an online questionnaire (N=670), confirmatory factor analyses indicated a poor or unacceptable fit of urban rooftop gardens to the UGS. Exploratory factor analyses yielded different factor structures, suggesting that new scales are required for evaluating impressions of urban rooftop gardens.
Methodological critiqueHealthCommunityAssessing the Impact of Community Green Spaces on Social Cohesion and Public Health In Jos Metropolis During Covid-19.
2024James Demenongu Demshakwa, Y.C. Professor Sati, Professor Erekpitan E. Ola-Adisa · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science · Nigeria
This study investigated the impact of community green spaces on social cohesion and public health in Tudun Wada and Vanderpuye areas of Jos metropolis, Nigeria, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey of 400 participants using structured questionnaires and quantitative analysis found that community green spaces significantly enhance social cohesion and positively influence public health by reducing stress and promoting physical activity. The null hypotheses of no significant impact were rejected.
CommunityHealthBenefits of Non-Commercial Urban Agricultural Practices—A Systematic Literature Review
2024Ouiam Fatiha Boukharta, Iona Yuelu Huang, Laura H. Vickers, Luis Manuel Navas-Gracia, Leticia Chico-Santamarta · Agronomy · Global
This systematic literature review investigated the benefits of non-commercial urban agriculture (NCUA) forms and their contribution to food production. It collected 1355 articles from qualified search engines, ultimately analyzing 40 articles. The findings indicate that implementing NCUA practices yields multifaceted social, economic, and environmental benefits, including improving people's health, reducing food expenditure, and creating sustainable cities. The review also noted that awareness of urban agriculture and the recognition of its benefits differ between developed and developing countries.
HealthEconomicsCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEnhancing public health through modern agronomy: Sustainable and nutrient-rich practices
2024Amanullah, Urooj Khan · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Global
This commentary explores modern agronomy concepts such as precision agriculture, urban agriculture, and agroecology. It aims to demonstrate their potential to enhance public health by improving food quality, enhancing nutrition, and safeguarding the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. The commentary discusses the implications of these practices for public health.
HealthClimate changeDigital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceSustainable urban horticulture—Providing more than just food
2024Jill L. Edmondson · Cell Reports Sustainability · Global
Growing fruits and vegetables in cities is recognized as a potential contributor to local food security and can provide additional benefits for urban dwellers. However, it is crucial to ensure equity in access to land for all urban communities and to support the development of necessary skills and knowledge for successful cultivation.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityFood educationPersepsi Masyarakat terhadap Program Urban Farming
2024Dika Supyandi, Pipit Pitriani, Mahra Arari Heryanto · MIMBAR AGRIBISNIS Jurnal Pemikiran Masyarakat Ilmiah Berwawasan Agribisnis · Indonesia (Bandung)
This quantitative research, using Rasch Modeling and a census of urban farming group members in RW 04 Pajajaran District, Cicendo, Bandung City, aimed to analyze community perceptions of urban farming benefits. The study found that the community sufficiently benefited from the program, perceiving it as making the environment green, beautiful, and productive. However, respondents believed urban farming could not minimize household food consumption costs, indicating environmental benefits were more dominant than household resilience.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthBiodiversity