Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
886 results(18 / 36)
School gardens
2020Julian Gonsalves, Danny Hunter, Nina Lauridsen · · Global
School garden programs have been a popular development intervention over past decades, with objectives varying from teaching improved farming skills and supporting community food production to demonstrating agricultural practices in developing countries. This chapter provides a history of school gardens and an overview of their multiple benefits. These benefits include enhanced understanding of agriculture and nutrition, improved farming and livelihood skills, positive behavioral changes towards food, agrobiodiversity conservation, understanding climate change impacts, enhanced academic performance, empowerment of girls and women, cultural reconnection for indigenous children, and addressing schoolchildren's mental health.
Food educationCommunityHealthBiodiversityClimate changeAssessment of Foliar Uptake and Accumulation of Airborne Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons Under Laboratory Conditions
2020Gábor Teke, Katalin Hubai, Dorina Diósi, Nóra Kováts · Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology · Global
This laboratory study assessed the foliar uptake and accumulation of airborne polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) using an aqueous extract of urban aerosol, following OECD Guideline 227. The study found significant accumulation of PAHs in lettuce, with naphthalene showing the highest bioconcentration factors (BCFs) and anthracene, pyrene, and fluoranthene showing the lowest bioaccumulation potential. The BCF of each PAH strongly correlated with its molecular weight.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban Resident Views About Open Green Spaces: A Study in Güzelyurt (Morphou), Cyprus
2020Sinem Yıldırım, Buket Asilsoy, Özge Özden · European Journal of Sustainable Development · Cyprus (Güzelyurt)
This study was the first to examine user satisfaction and views on open and green spaces in Güzelyurt (Morphou), Cyprus. A questionnaire was conducted with 60 participants to understand their suggestions about existing open and green spaces. According to the findings, respondents were mostly dissatisfied with urban and open spaces in the city. The study indicates that local authorities or municipal organizations should legalize the planning of urban parks, open spaces, and green areas with a long-term perspective.
CommunityHealthNudging children toward healthier food choices: An experiment combining school and home gardens
2020Pepijn Schreinemachers, Ghassan Baliki, Rachana Manandhar Shrestha, Dhruba Raj Bhattarai, Ishwori Prasad Gautam, Puspa Lal Ghimire, Bhishma P. Subedi, Tilman Brück · Global Food Security · Nepal
A one-year cluster randomized controlled trial in Nepal (2018-2019) with 779 schoolchildren (8-12) and their caregivers across 30 schools tested the impact of combining school and home gardens on food choices. The intervention increased caregivers' food and nutrition knowledge by 26%, agricultural knowledge by 5%, liking for vegetables by 10%, and home garden productivity by 15%. For children, it had no effect on food and nutrition knowledge but increased their liking for vegetables by 6%, healthy food practices, and vegetable consumption by 15-26% across different periods.
Food educationDIYHealthCommunityPsychological restoration in urban gardens related to garden type, biodiversity and garden-related stress
2020Christopher Young, M Hofmann, David Frey, Marco Moretti, Nicole Bauer · Landscape and Urban Planning · Switzerland (Zurich)
A study of approximately 300 leisure gardeners in Zurich, Switzerland, investigated how self-reported psychological restoration related to garden type, the number of plant species, and garden-related stress. Allotment gardeners reported higher restoration levels compared to domestic gardeners. Restoration was positively related to the number of plant species via the perceived restorativeness of the garden, but garden-related stress or negative affect was negatively related to the restoration outcome.
HealthBiodiversityCommunityWithstanding pandemic through education, economic and health policies
2020Jose Benito C Ronolo, Margarita Cuadra, J. Q. Cabada, Amaya Caballero, Omar A. Tantoy · European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine · Philippines
This paper examines the impacts of COVID-19 in the Philippines by reviewing five research articles and formulating twelve policy statements across education, health and safety, and economic dimensions. For the economic dimension, recommended policies include encouraging home or urban gardening, initiating hydroponics, aquaponics, and horticulture gardening, and institutionalizing the "Farm Food Box." These policies aim to mitigate the pandemic's impacts in the Philippines.
PolicyHealthEconomicsDIYPsychosocial outcomes as motivations for urban gardening: A cross-cultural comparison of Swiss and Chilean gardeners
2020Robert Home, Lorena Vieli · Urban forestry & urban greening · Switzerland, Chile
This study evaluated gardening motivations using a 14-item scale and questionnaires in three Swiss cities (N=409) and one Chilean city (N=167). While individual scale items showed significant differences between Swiss and Chilean responses, a principal component analysis revealed nearly identical component structures for both samples. Restoration was the strongest motivational component, followed by socialization and food production, suggesting motivations are not context-dependent.
CommunityHealthDIYAgriculture urbaine, pratiques agricoles et impacts environnementaux et de santé publique
2020Maëlle Tripon, Dorothée Boccanfuso, Marie-Ève Yergeau · Cahiers de recherche · Global
This literature review examines urban agriculture (UA) models, their implementation contexts, production needs, and impacts. It highlights that UA faces limitations, particularly restricted access to good quality (unpolluted) soil, water, and air, which can negatively impact productivity. UA can also have negative impacts on ecosystems and human health, such as pollution and diseases, depending on management methods.
Contamination & food safetyHealthBiodiversityClimate changeOrganic cycleFogyasztói jóllét a hazai alternatív élelmiszerellátási hálózatokban
2020Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem, Ágnes Neulinger, Fanni Bársony, Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem, Natasha Gjorevska, Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem, Orsolya Lazányi, Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem, György Pataki, Sándor Takács, Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem, Anna Török, Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem · Marketing & Menedzsment · Hungary (Budapest)
This study investigated subjective well-being (SWB) among 23 consumers of alternative food networks (AFNs) in Budapest through in-depth qualitative interviews. Participation in AFNs was found to contribute to consumer well-being, yet some AFN characteristics negatively influenced consumer SWB. Differences were detected between new and experienced users, users with different motivations, and across different types of AFNs.
CommunityCSA & TeikeiHealthApplying the food-energy-water nexus approach to urban agriculture: From FEW to FEWP (Food-Energy-Water-People)
2020Silvio Caputo, Victoria Schoen, Kathrin Specht, Baptiste Grard, Chris Blythe, Nevin Cohen, Runrid Fox-Kämper, Jason K. Hawes, Joshua Newell, Lidia Poniży · Urban forestry & urban greening · Global
This paper proposed a new conceptual basis and assessment methodology for an Urban Agriculture Nexus, explicitly including "People" as a fundamental factor alongside Food, Energy, and Water, customized for urban agriculture's characteristics. The methodology measures resource efficiency, food production, motivations, and health benefits, combining methods like diaries of everyday practices, a database of activities, life cycle assessment, and material flow analysis to connect garden-scale investigations to the city scale.
CommunityHealthClimate changePolicyMicrogreen Farming: A Nutrient Dense Crop for Income Generation in Urban Agriculture.
2020Pooja Bhatt, Sonika Sharma · · Global
Microgreen farming is presented as a popular method for income generation in urban agriculture. It is characterized by high nutrient density, a fast turnaround time (10-14 days after germination), year-round cultivation, minimal resource requirements (seeds, soil, water, trays), and a high yield-to-space ratio. Prices for microgreens range from INR 150-250 per 50 grams, indicating good market value for urban farmers.
DIYEconomicsHealthFood sovereignty & justiceHow Healthcare Organizations Are Facilitating Access to Fruits and Vegetables in Their Patient Populations: A Systematic Scoping Review
2020Susan Veldheer, Christina Scartozzi, Amy Knehans, Tamara K. Oser, Natasha Sood, Francis Puleo, Joie Cooper, Daniel R. George, Alicia J. Cohen, Renate M. Winkels · Current Developments in Nutrition · Global
This systematic scoping review analyzed 46 manuscripts from 30 studies published between 1990 and 2019 to understand clinical strategies used by healthcare organizations to increase patient access to fruits and vegetables (F&V). Six program models were identified, including garden-based programs and CSA. The overall quality of the included studies was weak due to selection bias and incomplete reporting, with only 6 out of 30 studies including a control group. While some studies showed improvements in dietary intake, objective health markers such as blood pressure and BMI had mixed results.
HealthWelfareFood educationCommunityCharacteristics of successful primary school-based experiential nutrition programmes: a systematic literature review
2020Karen Charlton, Teagan Comerford, Natika Deavin, Karen Walton · Public Health Nutrition · Global
This systematic literature review identified key characteristics of successful experiential nutrition interventions aimed at changing nutrition-related cognitive and behavioral outcomes in primary schoolchildren. From 3800 articles identified across five databases (CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, Academic Search Complete), 67 were eligible, and 42 were defined as successful. Nutrition education (when combined with taste testing), cooking-related activities, and gardening interventions increased children's willingness to taste unfamiliar foods, improved their cooking and food preparation skills, and increased nutritional knowledge.
Food educationHealthUnderstanding the effects of the Hobart Apartments student accommodation community garden project
2020Suzanne Mallick, Philip Marsh, Dave Kendal · Figshare · Australia
This research aims to understand how a community garden project at the University of Tasmania's Melville St student accommodation in Hobart CBD can benefit the health and wellbeing of students and the broader community. The first phase involved collecting and analyzing qualitative, quantitative, and observational data before the garden's installation, using interviews, focus groups, observational studies, and an online survey. The second phase will collect and analyze data after the community garden has been established.
CommunityHealthGrowing Resilient Cities
2020Andreas Wesener · transcript Verlag eBooks · New Zealand (Christchurch)
This study explores the role and value of urban community gardens following a major crisis: the 2010/11 earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand. Urban community gardens are broadly defined as shared open green spaces for mainly horticultural uses that are managed by local communities.
CommunityClimate changeHealthLos techos verdes como innovación para la sustentabilidad en vivienda, ciudad y territorio
2020Beatriz Giobellina · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Global
This chapter explores the concept of green roofs as an innovation for sustainability in housing, cities, and territories, particularly in the context of global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. It suggests revisiting ideas linking environment, development, urban agriculture, and self-sufficiency gardens to address climate change, food security, and health. This chapter is part of the book "Green Infrastructures: from territory to habitable roof."
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityHealthLinking school gardens, school feeding, and nutrition education in the Philippines
2020Emilita Monville‐Oro, Imelda Angeles‐Agdeppa, Irish P. Baguilat, Julian Gonsalves, Mario V. Capanzana · · Philippines
The Nutrition Center of the Philippines (NCP) collaborated with the Department of Education to develop nutrition education modules for elementary schoolchildren, integrating classroom, garden, and home activities. A survey in two towns found that pre-school children in households with home gardens ate vegetables more frequently and had higher dietary diversity scores than those without. NCP also promoted nutritional values through TV ads featuring student-written poems, which received an award in 1985.
Food educationHealthDIYAnalysis on the Types of Benefits of Gardens in Urban Areas: Comparison of Korea and Overseas Cases
2020Jiwon Park, Mi‐Ae Jeong · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
An analysis of 63 Korean and 90 overseas articles on urban gardens compared the types of physical and social benefits provided by gardens in urban areas. Community gardens were the most significant type in both Korea and overseas. Due to narrow urban structures, Korea focused on using rooftop, wall, and alley spaces, while overseas focused on promoting health and reducing food inequality through larger allotment and kitchen gardens. Urban gardens were found to have a positive effect on urban biodiversity, providing comprehensive environmental (37.73%) and social (62.27%) benefits.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceDerivation of Indicators for Value Assessment of School Gardens
2020In-Kyoung Hong, Hyung-Kwon Yun, Young-Bin Jung, Sang-Mi Lee · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
To derive indicators for assessing the service value of educational farming experiences using school gardens, literature review, the Delphi method, exploratory factor analysis, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) were employed. The study classified indicators into four criteria: educational value, health value, economic value, and ecological and environmental value, comprising 13 items and 33 sub-factors. Experts rated educational value as the most important, followed by health, ecological and environmental, and economic values.
Food educationHealthEconomicsBiodiversitySoil-Transmitted Protozoans and Helminths from Market Gardening Sites of Yaounde, Cameroon
2020Herman Parfait Awono-Ambene, Laurelle Djieukap Njieyap, Patrick Akono Ntonga, Josiane Etang, Christophe Antonio‐Nkondjio, Cyrille Ndo, Jacques Étamé, Flobert Njiokou, Serge Hubert Zébazé Togouet · Journal of Environmental Science and Public Health · Cameroon (Yaounde)
This study analyzed water and soil samples from three market garden sites in Yaounde, Cameroon, from October to December 2016, for physicochemical characteristics and parasite identification. The analysis of 82 samples revealed the presence of 3 protozoans (Entamoeba histolytica, Sarcocystis sp., and Giardia intestinalis) and 11 helminths in the soil. The presence of viable helminths suggests that harmful soil pathogens such as protozoans and helminths can spread through market gardening.
Contamination & food safetyHealthRethinking Urban and Food Policies to Improve Citizens Safety After COVID-19 Pandemic
2020Andrea Galimberti, Hellas Cena, Luca Campone, Emanuele Ferri, Mario Dell’Agli, Enrico Sangiovanni, Michael Belingheri, M Riva, Maurizio Casiraghi, Massimo Labra · Frontiers in Nutrition · Global
This paper provides an integrative overview of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for a systemic approach that considers the connection between infection, environment, and human behaviors, including diet and urban management. A faculty group of experts identified two main aspects: human health depends on sustainable natural resource exploitation in populated areas, and cities have a strategic role in developing sustainable food systems. Priority issues include enhancing urban and peri-urban agriculture, supporting smallholder producers, and maintaining ecosystem services and local biodiversity to improve food safety and security.
PolicyHealthClimate changeFood Supply and Urban Gardening in the Time of Covid-19
2020Silvana Nicola, A. Ferrante, Giacomo Cocetta, Roberta Bulgari, Carlo Nicoletto, Paolo Sambo, Andrea Ertani · Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca Horticulture · Global
The Covid-19 pandemic revealed the vulnerability of the agrifood system, with lockdowns disrupting long-distance fresh vegetable supply chains and causing dramatic declines in local market sales. While purchases concentrated in supermarkets, increasing crowding risks, gardening can increase opportunities for local and fresh food availability. Scaling up local food production is important to enhance community resilience.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityHealthClimate changeCSA Partnerships for Health: outcome evaluation results from a subsidized community-supported agriculture program to connect safety-net clinic patients with farms to improve dietary behaviors, food security, and overall health.
2020Betty T Izumi, Allea Martin, Teresa Garvin, Cesar Higgins Tejera, Sylvia Ness, Katy Pranian, Lauren Lubowicki · PubMed · Global
This study evaluated the preliminary effectiveness of "CSA Partnerships for Health," a 23-week grant-subsidized Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, in improving dietary behaviors, self-efficacy to eat vegetables, food security, and overall health among 48 safety-net clinic patients. This single-group pretest-posttest study utilized interviewer-administered surveys. Statistically significant differences between post-intervention and pre-intervention values were observed for several outcomes, including vegetable intake, orange vegetable intake, eating habits, food security, ability to afford healthy meals, and general health status.
CSA & TeikeiHealthWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceПотенциални 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 linkageA 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 & justiceEconomics