Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
8656 results(174 / 347)
Horticultura ecológica e educação socioambiental: Ações do NEPEA no Colégio Estadual da Policia Militar de Goiás “Dr Tharsis Campos” – CEPMG em Catalão (Go)
2020Leonoura Katarina Santos, Cláudio José Bertazzo · · Brazil (Catalão)
This paper describes the Ecological Horticulture Program implemented by NEPEA at the Goias State Military Police College in Catalão, Brazil, aiming to promote socio-environmental education among elementary school students. The program used theoretical-practical classes and workshops to raise awareness about environmental sustainability, waste management, and organic production. Outcomes included composting processes, a school garden with 12 beds for various crops (e.g., lettuce, carrots), a nursery, and the creation of selective collection containers and awareness posters.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeDirect producer‚Ä"consumer transactions: Community Supported Agriculture and its offshoots
2020Ted White · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · United States
Non-market sales, barter, trade, donations, and other creative transactions have been integral to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) since its inception, promoting creativity and new economic thinking due to its advance payment system for unknown harvests. Based on qualitative field research, primarily in the Northeastern United States, this chapter examines the innovative transactions that have enabled CSA and other Community Supported Enterprises (CSEs) to grow. While acknowledging that the 'Community Supported' model has not solved the challenge of providing adequate incomes for producers or attracting diverse participants, the chapter presents evidence of CSA as a vibrant system connecting producers and consumers through creative transactions.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityRelationships Between Food Security, Fruit and Vegetable Availability, and Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Elementary Children and Their Parents
2020Michaela Sossamon, Derek Miketinas · Current Developments in Nutrition · United States
This cross-sectional analysis investigated the relationships between food security, fruit and vegetable availability, and intake in 39 third-grade students and their parents from a Texas elementary school before a school-garden program. Parents and children reporting low food security showed significantly greater total fruit and vegetable intake compared to those with high food security. Home fruit availability positively correlated with fruit intake in parents but not children, and no significant associations were found between vegetable availability and vegetable intake for either group.
Food educationHealthWelfarePre- and Post-Harvest Practices of Urban Leafy Green Vegetable Farmers in Accra, Ghana and Their Association with Microbial Quality of Vegetables Produced
2020Joycelyn K. Quansah, Cesar L. Escalante, Angela Parry‐Hanson Kunadu, Firibu Kwesi Saalia, Jinru Chen · Agriculture · Ghana (Accra)
A survey was conducted among 102 urban leafy green vegetable farmers from 12 farming areas in Accra, Ghana, to determine agricultural practices and their association with microbial safety of vegetables produced. It was observed that 70% of farmers used water from waste drains for irrigation, 99% used incompletely composted manure, 96% harvested with bare hands, and over 60% disagreed that polluted irrigation water can contaminate vegetables or make consumers sick. Vegetables cultivated by farmers with no formal education, less food safety knowledge, and those who disagreed about contaminated water causing illness were associated with higher fecal coliform and Enterococcus sp. counts.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityOrganic cycleStudying Nature
2020Jana Walsh · · Global
In this chapter, Jana Walsh recounts her experience implementing nature journaling in her school garden with kindergarten students over a school year. Her research examined children's and her own sense of place and belonging, sense of story, and use of authentic literacy. The account indicates that children engaged in powerful learning with the assistance of the journals and the setting, and experienced a sense of peace and calmness as they built connections with the natural world.
Food educationCommunityCommunity Gardens: A Tool for Health Promotion
2020Sarah DeSantis · · United States
This paper explored the association between community gardens and health promotion by reviewing twenty studies selected from two databases. The research found positive associations between community gardens and various health promotion outcomes across different populations. It concluded that community gardens are an effective tool for improving health promotion outcomes.
CommunityHealthOn whose land is the city to be built? Farmers, donors and the urban land question in Beira city, Mozambique
2020Murtah Shannon, Kei Otsuki, Annelies Zoomers, Mayke Kaag · Urban Studies · Mozambique (Beira)
This article examines the implications of global interventionism in African cities for existing claims to urban space, particularly those of farmers, using Beira, Mozambique, as a case study. A historical-political analysis demonstrates that urban farming has been a distinct feature of Beira's urbanism amidst successive and contradictory state-land regimes. A new urban regime, formed by municipal leaders and international donors, aims to erase urban agriculture from the city through urban 'development', indicating a need for better understanding of manifold claims to urban space beyond slum urbanism.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityUrban farming a gyakorlatban
2020Karácsony Zoltán · · Global
This paper presents three examples of urban plant cultivation directions. One of these,
Food educationCommunityDIYAgricultura urbana no semiárido: produção de plantas medicinais no sertão baiano
2020Rosy Kátia Souza Gonçalves, Hélder Ribeiro Freitas, Braz José do Nascimento Júnior, Lucas Ricardo Souza Almeida, Isabela Oliveira Leite, Amanda Santos Moura · · Brazil (Juazeiro)
This study mapped plant species cultivated and commercialized in the Community Garden of the Urban Social Center in Bairro Alto do Alencar, Juazeiro/BA, focusing on agroecological urban agriculture's role in medicinal plant production. Results showed that 61% of the 122 garden beds were occupied with medicinal herbs, regularly supplying basil, mallow, mastruz, holy leaf, and tanchagem, among others, to meet local demand. The cultivation of herbs, alongside vegetables, reflects a growing interest in health promotion through agroecological products.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceShoots and leaves: exploring the impacts and fragile sustainability of sustainable place-making projects working with marginalised people
2020Sam Ramsden · Voluntary Sector Review · United Kingdom
This article explored an externally funded charity-led project in a deprived area of the UK, implementing urban agriculture, community gardening, and household energy activities. The project successfully engaged marginalized people, who strongly voiced outcomes including reduced isolation, improved mental health, and increased resilience and self-reliance. Environmental outcomes were less tangible but included improvements to the local environment and reduced energy usage. However, after the funding finished, marginalized participants were vulnerable to outcomes not being sustained in the long term.
Limited or null effectCommunityWelfareHealthEconomicsGreen School
2020S. Serra, P. Afonso, Tereza Cristina Lopes Duarte · Open Schools Journal for Open Science · Global
In a school in Portugal, an interdisciplinary "Green School" project, encompassing Natural Sciences, Mathematics, ICT, and other subjects, was implemented based on student interest. For this project, students were involved in planning, partnership building, execution, and maintenance of a school garden to improve school green spaces. As a result, throughout the school year, changes in behavior regarding the garden and care for green spaces were observed among participating students and the wider school community.
Food educationCommunityDIYGrowing Resistance to Systems of Oppression: An Exploration of the Transformative Power of Urban Agriculture
2020Samantha Noll · Open Philosophy · Global
This study explores how justice-oriented urban agriculture projects, guided by "food justice" and "food sovereignty" goals, transform city contexts by reducing regulatory barriers that could perpetuate systems of oppression. The study argues that by removing regulatory barriers, urban agriculture projects are transforming cityscapes in ways that cultivate justice at the system level.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyWelfareAGRICULTURA URBANA E SOBERANIA ALIMENTAR: UMA REFLEXÃO SOBRE A IMPORTÂNCIA DAS PRÁTICAS SOCIOAMBIENTAIS NA GRANDE GOIÂNIA (GO)
2020Lara Cristine Gomes Ferreira, Stéfanny da Cruz Nóbrega · Revista GeoNordeste · Brazil (Goiânia)
This study explores agroecological urban agriculture in the Greater Goiânia region of Brazil, aiming to qualify the debate on its current relevance, understand the role of socio-biodiversity and food sovereignty, and foster dialogue through socio-environmental education. The methodology included a theoretical-bibliographical review, secondary data collection, and action research at a public school in Goiânia. The findings suggest that agroecological urban agriculture is an alternative to reduce the negative effects of agribusiness and minimize socio-environmental problems, highlighting the importance of family farming and education for food sovereignty and social equality.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityFood Provision, Social Interaction or Relaxation: Which Drivers Are Vital to Being a Member of Community Gardens in Czech Cities?
2020Lenka Dubová, Jan Macháč, Alena Vacková · Sustainability · Czechia
To understand the drivers for inhabitants of Czech cities joining community gardens, data was obtained through an online survey from 28 community gardens across Czechia. The importance of different drivers was examined using statistical analysis and logit models. The research showed that the main motivation for members is not crop production itself, but rather the spending of leisure time, social contact, and relaxation.
CommunityHealthFood educationImpact of a Gardening and Physical Activity Intervention in Title 1 Schools: The TGEG Study
2020Alexandra van den Berg, Judith L. Warren, Alex McIntosh, Deanna M. Hoelscher, Marcia G. Ory, Christine Jovanovic, Michael López, Lisa Whittlesey, A. Kirk, Caren Walton, Lisako McKyer, Nalini Ranjit · Childhood Obesity · United States (Texas)
The Texas!Grow!Eat!Go! (TGEG) study assessed the individual and combined effects of school-based gardening and physical activity (PA) interventions on children's eating and PA behaviors and obesity status in 28 low-income schools in Texas. Participants included 1326 third-grade students and parents, with data collected at the beginning and end of the school year. Children in schools receiving the gardening intervention showed significant increases in nutrition knowledge, vegetable preference, and vegetable tasted, while children in gardening or PA intervention schools significantly decreased BMI percentile.
Food educationHealthCommunityPerempuan Produktif dalam Kegiatan Regrow di RW 15 Kelurahan Tanjung Mas Semarang
2020Rustina Untari, Angelika Riyandari, Bernadeta Resti Nurhayati, Ekawati Marhaenny Dukut, Emilia Ninik Aydawati, Alberta Rika Pratiwi, Retno Yustini, Hotmauli Sidabalok, VG Sri Rejeki · Unika Repositor (Unika) · Indonesia (Semarang)
To mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women and children, the Center for Women's Studies (PSW) Unika Soegijapranata provided guidance to productive women in Tanjung Mas Village, Semarang, Indonesia, on urban farming using a "regrow" method for vegetables and herbs. The guidance, mostly online via WhatsApp, involved creating modules and video tutorials. Success varied significantly among participants, with some producing many vegetables and herbs while others showed no progress.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareDIYPkM: Pelatihan Budidaya Damber Sebagai Solusi Pemenuhan Pangan Berbasis Keluarga
2020Akhmad Satori, Yogi Nirwanto, Sri Hardianti, Faisal Fadilla Noorikhsan · · Indonesia
The "Budikdamber" (fish cultivation in buckets) aquaponics method is presented as an urban farming solution for household food needs in Indonesia, especially for urban communities with limited yard space. This method allows fish and plants to grow in the same place, providing animal protein and vegetables. It aims to enhance food security, strengthen community cohesion, and support household economies through harvest sales.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityLegal regulations and the development of German and Polish allotment gardens in the context of the production function
2020Ewa Kacprzak, Barbara Maćkiewicz, Magdalena Szczepańska · Ruch Prawniczy Ekonomiczny i Socjologiczny · Germany, Poland
This study compared legal regulations for allotment gardening in Germany and Poland. Through analysis of legal acts, field research, and structured interviews, it was found that some provisions of legal acts in both countries are not strictly adhered to by users. In Poland, unclear provisions regarding crop cultivation have led to the replacement of the farming function by recreational and residential uses.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyHuertas Comunitarias como herramienta para alcanzar la Autonomía Alimentaria de los ex combatientes de las FARC de la comunidad Noble y de Paz Marco Aurelio Buendía, Charras, Guaviare
2020C. Jorge Félix Massani Enríquez, Luisa Fernanda · · Colombia
This qualitative ethnographic study in the Noble y de Paz Marco Aurelio Buendia community, Charras, Guaviare, Colombia, analyzed the contributions of collectively constructed community gardens to the food autonomy of FARC ex-combatants. Using semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and participatory observation, the research found that participants perceive community gardens as a tool for their food process, contributing to food autonomy, strengthening nutritional status, and fostering community and family ties through collective work.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthSchool gardens (māra)
2020Nick Roskruge · · New Zealand
In New Zealand, the resurgence of Māori school gardens (māra) reflects a broader trend of intergenerational activities introducing younger generations to food cultivation. Māori mara, historically used for food production (mara kai) to support families and communities, are seen as contributing to the well-being of participants beyond just growing food. Tahuri Whenua initiated its first project, "Spud-in-a-bucket," in 2008, promoting it to all schools, especially Māori immersion schools.
Food educationCommunityHealthApoyo al programa de educación ambiental del Jardín Botánico, orientado a grupos de interés de las localidades de Suba, Engativá y Usaquén
2020Iván Dario Gómez Raigozo, Jaime Andres Chico Prada · · Colombia (Bogotá)
This abstract describes support provided to the environmental education program of the Bogotá Botanical Garden "Jose Celestino Mutis". The program targets various interest groups in the Suba, Engativá, and Usaquén localities, addressing themes such as environmental interpretation, urban agriculture, and silviculture. The aim is to foster knowledge for sustainable development and a lifestyle aligned with environmental and climatic realities.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeAn inter- and transdisciplinary, multiscale and mixed methods pathway to study Smart Agriculture in Italy
2020Rosalia Filippini, Sylvie Lardon, Stefano Corsi · · Italy
This chapter designs an inter- and transdisciplinary, multiscale, and mixed-method framework for analyzing Smart Agriculture (SA) in urban-rural relationships across Italian case studies. It proposes SA as an experimental field for cooperation among decision-makers, civil society, and academia to improve urban-rural links in metropolitan regions. The promotion of peri-urban agriculture and rural-urban links is central to this approach.
Digital agricultureUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agriculturePolicyCollaborative research to support urban agriculture in the face of change: The case of the Sumida watercress farm on O‘ahu
2020Jennifer Engels, Sheree J. Watson, Henrietta Dulai, Kimberly Burnett, Christopher A. Wada, ‘Ano‘ilani Aga, Nathan DeMaagd, J. J. McHugh, Barbara Sumida, Leah L. Bremer · PLoS ONE · United States (O‘ahu)
A researcher-farmer collaboration on O‘ahu's Sumida watercress farm conducted a 25-year trend analysis and a year of intensive spring water sampling. Negative correlations were found between historical crop yields and increases in the Oceanic Niño Index, temperature thresholds, and pest outbreaks. Despite urbanization, on-farm water quality was very high, and microbial analyses suggested the farm provides nutrient retention services to downstream systems. The study demonstrates that challenges facing urban agricultural systems shift over time.
Environmental trade-offsCommunityClimate changeBiodiversityOrganic cycleReimagining small scale green spaces in Adelaide’s West End
2020Julie Collins · Australian Planner · Australia (Adelaide)
This article examines small-scale green spaces developed on underutilized land in inner-city Adelaide, South Australia. Through three case studies—a café, a bar, and a community garden—it investigates how familiar domestic outdoor design characteristics have been used for placemaking in commercial settings, bringing a sense of "home" to the city's commercial center. These green spaces contribute to revitalization by imaginatively treating leftover spaces and integrating stories and nostalgia into place creation.
CommunityHealthSimplified performance assessment methodology for addressing soil quality of nature-based solutions
2020Ryad Bouzouidja, Béatrice Bechet, Jitka Hanzlíková, Michal Sněhota, Cécile Le Guern, Hervé Capiaux, Liliane Jean‐Soro, Rémy Claverie, Sophie Joimel, Christophe Schwartz, René Guénon, Flóra Szkordilisz, Barnabas Körmöndi, Marjorie Musy, Patrice Cannavo, Thierry Lebeau · Journal of Soils and Sediments · Europe
A simplified methodology for assessing soil quality in nature-based solutions (NBS) was tested in Nantes, Nancy, and Bustehrad, focusing on former market gardening areas (FMG), green roofs (GR), and urban allotment gardens (UAG). While FMG and UAGs showed soil fertility equivalent to cultivated soils, FMG soil quality was significantly impacted by pesticide residues and trace metals from former agricultural practices. Data indicated that 12 of 14 FMG plots were classified as altered or very altered soils regarding molecular biomass.
Organic cycleCommunity