Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
8656 results(170 / 347)
Is Urban Agriculture a Game Changer or Window Dressing? A Critical Analysis of Its Potential to Disrupt Conventional Agri-food Systems
2020Debra J. Davidson · International Journal of Sociology of Agriculture and Food · Global
This study assessed the multiple emergent effects of urban agriculture activities through an extensive, interdisciplinary literature review to discuss its disruptive potential. It suggests that producing food in cities is not inherently transformative in itself, but the potential and observed new forms of social engagement emerging in many contexts can create institutional conditions that may disrupt conventional agri-food systems by building social capital as much as physical capital.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyEconomicsEffects of High-Tech Urban Agriculture on Cooking and Eating in Dutch Nursing Homes
2020Paulien C. H. van de Vlasakker, E.J. Veen · Sustainability · Netherlands (Velp)
This study investigated high-tech indoor gardening practices in four nursing homes in Velp, Netherlands, using qualitative and quantitative methods including site visits, employee surveys, and interviews with residents and decision-makers. It found that indoor gardens integrated gardening and harvest into cooking, transforming residents' eating practices and increasing their appreciation for fresh vegetables. Successful integration was linked to employees' gardening/cooking competences, enjoyment, and easy garden accessibility.
ElderlyHealthFood educationCommunityImpacto del marabú (dichrostachys cinerea (l.) wigth et arm sobre la calidad de los suelos
2020Noiry Pérez Pompa, Santa Laura Leyva Rodríguez · Sinergia Académica · Cuba
A diagnosis of farms infested by Dichrostachys cinerea (marabú) in urban and suburban agriculture was conducted at Los Téllez farm in Becerra, Las Tunas municipality, Cuba. Soil quality indicators for reddish-brown Fersialitic soils over granitoids were evaluated across four land-use systems: two infested by D. cinerea and two agricultural systems cultivated for 10 years after marabú deforestation. Results showed that D. cinerea systems exhibited the highest soil quality index, based on organic matter, bulk density, and earthworm biomass. Conversely, cultivated systems achieved the lowest accumulation of organic carbon, oligochaete density and biomass, and total porosity.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleBiodiversityThe Aspects of Nature Education and Species Diversity in the Teaching Methodology of Hungarian Biology Teachers
2020É. Nagy · Journal of Applied Technical and Educational Sciences · Hungary
A test was administered to 800 Hungarian science teachers to gather their opinions on their habits of going out into nature while teaching. This study aims to summarize the results of this test, which also extends to species diversity matters such as examining school gardens or nearby trees.
Food educationBiodiversity(Community) garden in the city: Conspicuous labor and gentrification
2020Fatmir Haskaj · Environment and Planning A Economy and Space · United States (New York City)
This article explores the historical context of community gardens in New York and Oakland, California, to understand and contest hegemonic forces in the urban environment. It posits that the work of gardeners is co-opted into a value regime through a process called "conspicuous labor." This process reconfigures the urban poor as productive, passive, and pastoral, contributing to gentrification.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceSpatial differentiation of agricultural regional function in Beijing and its influencing factors
2020Liu Yu, Zhi JIANG, Hao-sen WANG · 自然资源学报 · China (Beijing)
This study analyzed the spatial differentiation of agricultural regional functions in Beijing, China, using data from 184 streets and towns. It found that agricultural regional function generally increases from the urban core to the far suburbs, but significantly declines in the urban-rural fringe extended area, leading to a loss of spatial development constraints. Land factors, particularly location and house prices, were identified as key inhibitors of agricultural regional function, especially in low-scoring areas.
PolicyUrban–rural linkageEconomicsBiodiversityПотенциални рискове от замърсяване на производството при земеделие в градска среда
2020Милена Йорданова, Вера Петрова, Цветелина Николова, Елена Цветкова, Milena Yordanova, Vera Petrova, Tsvetelina Nikolova, Elena Tsvetkova · Bulgarian Portal for Open Science · Global
This article considered the potential risks of contamination in urban agricultural products. Urban agriculture, particularly in large cities, areas with heavy traffic, or near industrial zones, can lead to the accumulation of heavy metals in vegetable crops due to air pollution, traffic pollution, and other sources. Consuming these contaminated fresh vegetables is noted to potentially deteriorate human health.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkagePotential of Agroforestry and Environmental Greening for Climate Change Minimization
2020Angela Oyilieze Akanwa, H. C. Mba, E. B. Ogbuene, M. U. Nwachukwu, Charles C. Anukwonke · Apple Academic Press eBooks · Global
This chapter explores the potential of intensive agroforestry and environmental greening as measures to minimize climate change. It details agroforestry components such as urban agriculture, all-season farming, and forest conservation, alongside legislative actions against tree felling. Environmental greening measures include land surface greening, landscaping, gardening, and horticulture, with legislative efforts to minimize land exposure. These practices are presented as efficient ways to reduce greenhouse gas effects on the ozone layer and balance the earth's heat budget.
Climate changePolicyUrban–rural linkageBiodiversityA systematic, mixed studies review of the outcomes of community garden participation related to food justice
2020Kate Gardner Burt, Gail Mayer, Rachel Paul · Local Environment · Global
A systematic review analyzed 277 community gardening articles to assess outcomes of community garden participation related to food justice, synthesizing 31 studies. Many positive impacts were indicated across seven social and dietary outcomes. Community garden participation was positively correlated with community connectedness, but evidence demonstrating diet improvement was neutral. Methodological rigor in study design and lack of participant racial/ethnic and socioeconomic diversity were common issues, leaving the effectiveness of community gardening as a strategy for a more equitable food system unclear.
Methodological critiqueCommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsMarketing Strategy Analysis of Green Agricultural products -- Taking Daqing of Heilongjiang Province as an Example
2020Xueli Yang · Agricultural & Forestry Economics and Management · China (Daqing)
This study analyzed marketing strategies for green agricultural products, using Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, China, as an example. It examined urban residents' consumption intentions and purchase behaviors for green agricultural products, alongside typical foreign development models. Identified problems in urban agricultural product marketing included limited target customers, lack of brand building, weak marketing strength, and low market recognition. The study proposed strategies to strengthen brand construction, optimize logistics distribution and circulation systems, and promote a big data traceability platform for green agricultural products.
EconomicsElevage Urbain : Pratiques Quotidiennes dans les Villes Moyennes de L’ouest-Cameroun
2020Djeugap Guedia Amélie Mermoze, Aristide Yemmafouo · European Scientific Journal ESJ · Cameroon
From April to August 2019, surveys (100 questionnaires per city) and interviews (25 per city) were conducted in Dschang, Mbouda, and Foumbot, three medium-sized cities in West Cameroon, to examine the daily practices of urban livestock farming. Findings showed that an average of 60% of city dwellers in these cities engage in livestock farming for commercial reasons, primarily encouraged by their urban conditions. While livestock farming is mostly a secondary activity (87%), professionals make significant investments, and space availability remains a major limiting factor for market growth.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceConnections in the garden: opportunities for wellbeing
2020Aisling Bailey, Jonathan Kingsley · Local Environment · Australia (Melbourne)
This qualitative study investigated how community and allotment gardening may enhance wellbeing for people and place in urban Melbourne, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 participants representing six community/allotment gardens. The findings suggested that community and allotment gardening enhance people's wellbeing on a personal mental and physical level, through social connectedness and community, and by connecting with the natural environment through the gardens themselves.
CommunityHealthPolicySurvey on people’s attitudes and constraints of rooftop gardening in Dhulikhel
2020Sandesh Thapa, Rakshya Bhandari, Anjal Nainabasti · Ecofeminism and Climate Change · Nepal
A random sampling survey in Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchok district, Nepal, found that while all respondents perceived rooftop farming as beneficial, many could not practice it due to constraints like fear of roof damage. Practicing farmers also faced difficulties managing rooftop gardens due to a lack of proper knowledge and reliance on non-recyclable planting materials.
Economic viabilityDIYCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceOutdoor taste education: Danish perspectives on potentials and challenges for taste education in school gardens and outdoor education
2020Morten Kromann Nielsen, Pernille Malberg Dyg, Karen Wistoft · Food Culture & Society · Denmark
This article explores taste education within the outdoor educational context of Danish school gardens, specifically the "Gardens for Bellies" program. It found that despite lacking an explicit pedagogy of taste, tasting is central to student involvement, encouraging reflection and autonomous taste judgments. The study suggests a critical, reflective, and systematic approach to taste education can link school garden experiences to broader educational goals.
Food educationCommunityFarm diversification options for ensuring livelihood security of peri-urban farmers in eastern plateau and hill region: Learnings from Farmer FIRST Project
2020Priya Ranjan Kumar, Sudarshan Maurya, Asit Chakrabarti, V K Yadav, Soumen Naskar, Sanju Gupta, Sonal Kumari, Arun Kumar Singh, B. P. Bhatt, Bikash Das · The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences · India (Jharkhand)
This two-year experimental study in four villages near Ranchi, Jharkhand, India, tested technological options to improve the profitability of peri-urban agriculture systems. Farm households were classified into five typologies based on agri-economic conditions. The experiments indicated that options such as rainy season cultivation of solanaceous vegetables, cultivation of wheat and chickpea in rice fallow, parasite management in animals, and oyster mushroom cultivation increased income from agricultural production systems for all farmer typologies. Notably, income from non-farm sources decreased across all five typologies.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsWelfareClosed-Loop Crop Cascade to Optimize Nutrient Flows and Grow Low-Impact Vegetables in Cities
2020Martí Rufí-Salís, Felipe Parada, Verónica Arcas‐Pilz, Anna Petit‐Boix, Gara Villalba, Xavier Gabarrell · Frontiers in Plant Science · Spain (Barcelona)
This study investigated a closed-loop crop cascade system in a Barcelona rooftop greenhouse, using tomato leachates to irrigate five successive lettuce cycles. The results showed that low yields (below 130 g per lettuce plant) were obtained when the cascade system was used during the early stage of the donor crop, as the nutrient amount, especially nitrogen, was insufficient for the receiving lettuce crop. Additionally, electrical conductivity values became too high (near 3 dS/m) at the end of the donor crop cycle, indicating limitations in maintaining optimal conditions throughout.
Limited or null effectOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeUrban agriculture in the making or gardening as epistemology
2020Michael Granzow, Kevin Jones · Local Environment · Canada (Edmonton)
This paper explores the production of Prairie Urban Farm, an urban agricultural initiative in Edmonton, Canada. Drawing on interviews with regular volunteers and personal reflections, the analysis emphasizes everyday urban agriculture practices, understandings, and motivations, rather than limiting the understanding to official representations. The study pursues tensions between Prairie Urban Farm as a sustainability and food security initiative and more ambivalent understandings.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationPolicySmall Change is Beautiful: Exploring Possibilities of Eco-san on School Garden for Transformative Pedagogy
2020Kamal Prasad Acharya, Govinda Prasad Devkota, Krishna P. Dhakal · Higher Education Studies · Nepal
This article explores the possibilities of using eco-san in school gardens in Nepalese community schools, focusing on transformative pedagogical impacts on the social learning environment. The use of urine as fertilizer through eco-san positively impacted students' meaningful engagement, social connections, and confidence development, as shown by qualitative data from students, parents, and teachers. Parents and teachers highly valued increased student engagement, opportunities for experiential learning through dialogue conferences, and the building of social skills like cooperation and argumentation.
Food educationOrganic cycleCommunityCampus community gardens and student health: A case study of a campus garden and student well-being
2020Joshua W. R. Baur · Journal of American College Health · United States (San Francisco Bay area)
A web-based survey of 76 undergraduate student volunteers at an urban university in the San Francisco Bay area explored the relationship between working at a campus community garden and student well-being. Bootstrap regression indicated that connectedness to nature and general health significantly predicted general well-being. The study suggests that campus natural spaces may contribute to student success and offer urban college students opportunities to engage with nature.
CommunityHealthFood educationNature connection, experience and policy encourage and maintain adaptation to drought in urban agriculture
2020Monika Egerer, Brenda B. Lin, Lucy Diekmann · Environmental Research Communications · United States (California)
In urban community gardens on the central coast of California, USA, gardeners' adaptation of management behaviors to drought was investigated across three periods: before, during, and after the longest drought. Structural equation modeling and multivariate analyses were used to assess the impact of water policies and gardener characteristics. Findings showed that nature relatedness and gardening experience influenced drought concern, which then impacted behavioral change. Water policies were found to promote and maintain behavioral change and conservation practices even when concern was absent.
CommunityClimate changePolicyDIY10. “You Can’t Evict Community Power”: Food Justice and Eviction Defense in Oakland
2020Alison Hope Alkon, Yahya Josh Cadji, Frances C. Moore · New York University Press eBooks · United States (California)
In North Oakland, California, USA, collaborations between food justice organizations and residents, spurred by gentrification, were explored. The partnership and merger of Phat Beets Produce and the Self-Help Hunger Program were analyzed, initiated after a community garden was used in a gentrification advertisement in 2014. While this collaboration created a strong alliance, it was found to be insufficient to resist the structural forces driving gentrification.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsElaboración de compostaje con los residuos orgánicos del comedor para el huerto escolar ecológico
2020Ornela María Muñoz Millet, Antonio Yepes Jiménez · · Spain
A school in Spain implemented composting of organic waste from its canteen for use in an ecological school garden, with support from the AGROA school composting program and the Aguilas City Council. The entire educational community participates, from canteen staff separating waste, to the janitor transporting it, and teachers and students organizing it for compost and using it as fertilizer. This practice serves as a didactic resource for developing environmental attitudes and sustainable habits.
CompostFood educationCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeA agricultura urbana como forma de uso e ocupação no espaço urbano
2020Ana Carla Alves Gomes, Maria Lúcia Brito da Cruz · Revista Campo-Território · Brazil
This study investigated the spatial distribution of Urban Agriculture (UA) in Fortaleza, Brazil, particularly in the Lagoa Redonda neighborhood, and the permanence of these gardens amidst territorial disputes over urban space. Using bibliographic and secondary data surveys, site visits, and geoprocessing techniques, it analyzed the feasibility of UA reproduction and the implementation of specific policies for the activity. The study points to governance challenges, specifically territorial disputes concerning the permanence of urban agriculture in urban spaces.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityEconomicsEffect of Nitrogen On Growth and Yield of Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) in Roof Top Garden
2020Khalid Mahmud, Tawhid Hossain, Tamanna Haque Mou, Asraf Ali, Monirul Islam · Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology · Global
This study evaluated the effect of four nitrogen levels (0, 90, 110, 130 kg N ha-1) on chili growth and yield in a rooftop garden using a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The 110 kg N ha-1 dose resulted in the highest plant height, while the 130 kg N ha-1 dose significantly increased fruit length, fruit yield per plant, average fruit yield per plot, individual fruit weight, and average fruit yield. The findings suggest that applying 130 kg N ha-1 enhances chili plant growth and fruit yield in rooftop gardens.
DIYOrganic cycleEvaluation of the irrigation water quality and cropped area of shrinking peri‐urban agriculture in the Gadap Basin, Karachi: An application of Wilcox's classification and geospatial techniques*
2020Razzaq Ahmed, Shaukat Khan, Khalida Mahmood, Ahsanullah · Irrigation and Drainage · Pakistan (Karachi)
Agricultural activities in the Gadap Basin, Karachi, Pakistan, showed a declining trend over two decades from 1997 to 2016. Analysis of 13 irrigation water samples revealed that water quality had severely degraded, with sodium concentration substantially increasing, especially near sand and gravel excavation sites. While 100% of samples were suitable for irrigation in 1997, this dropped to almost 50% by 2016, and SAR also decreased, indicating irrigation water quality degradation. Satellite imagery further showed a 60% decline and degradation of agricultural land in the basin during the same period.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureClimate change