Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2056 results(18 / 83)
Agricultura urbana agroecológica: producción y aportes alimentarios de tres huertas comunitarias
2024Alan Bentancor Cabrera, Inés Gazzano, Beatriz Bellenda Carneiro · REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE AGROECOLOGIA · Uruguay (Montevideo)
This study investigated food production, nutritional contributions, necessary labor time, and satisfaction levels in three agroecological urban community gardens (HUAC) in Montevideo, Uruguay. It integrated secondary information, interviews with qualified informants, and analysis of field records. Results indicated that these HUACs produce significant volumes of quality food capable of covering individuals' nutritional requirements, potentially satisfying between 34% and 74% of recommended intake, and gardeners perceive HUACs as contributing around 42% of the food they consume.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationHealthPlant diversity and its use in Javanese urban home garden: An ethnobotanical study in Central Java, Indonesia
2024Salma Ardelia Darmastuti, IRFAN ABU NAZAR, AHMAD DWI SETYAWAN · Asian Journal of Ethnobiology · Indonesia (Surakarta)
An ethnobotanical study in ProKlim RW 16 Banjarsari Village, Surakarta City, Central Java, Indonesia, identified medicinal and food plants in urban home and community gardens. The study found 56 species commonly used by residents for medicinal and food purposes, with lemongrass being the most used medicinal plant and chili the most used food plant. Likert Scale calculations indicated that 90.25% of respondents agreed self-grown food plants are fresher and healthier, and 93.39% agreed more plants reduce air pollution and lower earth temperature.
DIYCommunityBiodiversityHealthMotivations, Supporting Factors and Challenges for Urban Agriculture in Public Space: Experiences from Oslo
2024Katinka H. Evensen, Vebjørn Egner Stafseng · The Geojournal library · Norway (Oslo)
This study explored ways of integrating urban agriculture in public spaces through case studies of eight urban agriculture projects in Oslo from 2018 to 2020. Interviews with project initiators and managers highlighted motivations emphasizing the creation of social meeting places and learning arenas for cultivation and ecological knowledge. Urban agriculture was also used as a tool in local urban space development to improve well-being by activating unused spaces and integrating cultivation into green space management, suggesting that deliberate design could increase the perceived publicness of spaces.
CommunityFood educationHealthPolicyRaising the Ambition of Urban Agriculture in Public Space: Nurturing Urban Agroecology and More-than-Human Health
2024Chiara Tornaghi · The Geojournal library · Global
This chapter, based on 15 years of research, discusses key issues hindering urban agriculture from reaching its full potential for human and non-human health. It highlights shortcomings in urban planning policy, specifically the failure to recognize urban agriculture as food production, the invisibility of soil and lack of understanding of living soils, and the disregard for the advisory role of soil care and food production specialists in public land design and soil management. The chapter suggests that agroecological considerations can deepen urban agriculture's ambition in public spaces.
Governance failurePolicyHealthClimate changeOrganic cycleGrowing green: A comprehensive study on the diverse benefits of urban nutri-gardens in sustainable urban development
2024SN Prem Kishor, K. P. Raghuprasad, YN Shivalingaiah, S. Ganesamoorthi, Siddayya Siddayya, ML Revanna, SS Patil · International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research · India (Bangalore)
This study, conducted in Bangalore Urban District, India, explored the transformative benefits perceived by 90 respondents practicing urban nutri-gardens. Notably, 96.67% of respondents identified the availability of fresh and healthy food as the primary benefit, followed by the assurance of chemical-free vegetables (93.33%) and improved emotional well-being (91.11%). Economic and environmental benefits were also acknowledged, demonstrating the holistic impact of urban nutri-gardens on health, economics, environment, and social well-being.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsCommunityDetermination of selected phenolic compounds from Malaysian urban farmingcommunity
2024M.N.H. Daud, Mohd Lip Jabit, Noorzalianee Ghazali, J.C.L. Ying · Food Research · Malaysia
This study aimed to evaluate scientific information on major phenolic compounds, including quercetin, protocatechuic acid, and gallic acid, from vegetables cultivated in Malaysian urban farming communities. Leafy and non-leafy vegetables were collected, and phenolic compounds were detected using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Based on the data, most collected vegetables contained the targeted major phenolic compounds, with leaf mustard showing the highest content of quercetin, protocatechuic acid, and gallic acid.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityHealthHow healthy are horticultural plants cultivated in urban gardens in polluted cities? The case of Mexico City
2024Ivonne Alonso Durán, Elizabeth Hernández-Álvarez, Ofelia Mortón-Bermea, Javier Castro-Larragoitia, Margarita Collazo-Ortega · Revista Internacional de Contaminación Ambiental · Mexico (Mexico City)
This study investigated the concentrations of 15 metal(loid)s in four vegetables (tomato, onion, chili, lettuce) cultivated in four urban garden locations in Mexico City. While soil analysis showed only vanadium exceeded Mexican limits in one location, various vegetables harvested in the study exceeded international recommended limits for cadmium, mercury, and lead. Lettuce exhibited the highest metal concentrations and transfer factors, with exceptionally high transfer factors for cadmium in lettuce and mercury in tomato.
Contamination & food safetyHealthFrom Prescription to Adaptation in the Future Productive City: Classroom-Inspired Principles for Design and Planning of Urban Agriculture
2024Deni Ruggeri · The Geojournal library · Global
This chapter reflects on educational experiences connected to the “Cultivating Public Space” project. Students conceptualized urban agriculture not merely as a collection of physical objects, but as holistic, multifunctional landscapes designed to cultivate biophilia, food justice, public health, and community identity. This approach aimed to celebrate the uniqueness of each locale and co-create new visions of adaptation and transformation.
Food educationCommunityPolicyHealthPlanetary health risks in urban agriculture
2024Nilanjana Ganguli, Anna Maria Subic, Janani Maheswaran, Byomkesh Talukder · Global Health Journal · Global
A systematic literature review of 55 papers identified five distinct planetary health risks associated with urban agriculture, despite its environmental benefits. The study highlighted particular concerns regarding trace metal bioaccumulation in soil and vegetables, posing health risks to populations. Additionally, risks related to wastewater irrigation, backyard livestock farming, and gaps in infectious disease research were identified.
Contamination & food safetyHealthClimate changeCommunityUrban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems Special Section: Improving Livability in Urban Areas: Examining Urban and Peri‐Urban Soil and Plant Management
2024Roberta Bulgari, Erdona Demiraj, Calogero Schillaci, Ahlem Tlili, Yushu Xia · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Global
This special issue examines urban and peri-urban soil and plant management, highlighting that soil-related factors in urban agricultural systems pose unique challenges. Issues such as soil fertility, soil biodiversity, and soil contamination require further investigation to enhance urban agriculture's contribution to livability. The issue collects studies supporting sustainable soil management and crop diversification, and explores remote sensing and deep learning for soil health monitoring and plant disease detection related to contamination.
Contamination & food safetyUrban–rural linkageBiodiversityPolicyHealthPerfil de alimentação promotora de saúde entre produtores de horta comunitária de Teresina, Piauí
2024Kaline Soares da Costa, Regina da Silva Santos, Carmen Viana Ramos, Ana Karolinne da Silva Brito, Luana Kelle Batista Moura, Liriane Andressa Alves da Silva, Joyce Lopes Macedo, Maria do Carmo de Carvalho e Martins · Somma Revista Cientifica do Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Piauí · Brazil
This cross-sectional study investigated the profile of healthy eating habits among 45 community garden producers in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, referencing the "10 Steps to Healthy Eating" from the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines. The dietary profile of the producers was considered inadequate; while 97.78% followed the water consumption guideline, only 4.44% followed the guideline for milk/meat/eggs consumption and 6.67% for fruits/vegetables consumption. No participant followed all 10 steps, and a better socioeconomic level was associated with healthier behaviors.
CommunityHealthFood educationIs it healthy urban agriculture? Human exposure to potentially toxic elements in urban gardens from Andalusia, Spain
2024Sabina Rossini Oliva, Rafael López Núñez · Environmental Science and Pollution Research · Spain (Andalusia)
This study evaluated potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in vegetables and topsoils from urban gardens in Seville, Cordoba, Huelva, and a mining area (Riotinto), Spain, comparing them with market and peri-urban samples. Soils in the mining area and cities generally showed higher contamination with As, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn compared to other locations. Despite this, all PTE concentrations in vegetables from the studied urban gardens, including those from As-contaminated soils, were below health-based guidance values and market levels (except lettuce), and human health risk assessments indicated safe consumption.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureCommunityOne Health Approach to Study the Occurrence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase- and Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. in Urban Agriculture in Burkina Faso
2024Fatimata Bintou Josiane Diarra, Isidore Juste O. Bonkoungou, Zakaria Garba, Namwin Siourimè Somda, Djifahamaï Soma, Marguerite Edith Malatala Nikiema, Évariste Bako, Souleymane Sore, Natéwindé Sawadogo, Nicolas Barro, Kaisa Haukka · Microorganisms · Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)
A study in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, assessed the occurrence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) and Klebsiella spp. (ESBL-K) in 356 samples from lettuce, the environment, and gardeners' stools in market gardens. The overall prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria was 65.2%. Specifically, ESBL-Ec was found in 25.0% of lettuce samples and ESBL-K in 43.4% of lettuce samples, indicating a high prevalence of these resistant bacteria in urban agriculture.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityDevelopment and Validation of a Functional Health Literacy Survey for School Gardening
2024Valerie A. Ubbes, Karly S. Geller, Sophia Whitesel · American Journal of Health Education · United States
This study developed and validated the Functional Health Literacy Survey for School Gardening (FHLS-SG) using 31 questions administered to 651 children in grades K-4 in the United States. The FHLS-SG demonstrated statistically significant reliability (Cronbach’s alpha 0.69-0.84, test-retest 0.59-0.81). Health literacy showed small to medium mediation effects on relationships between individual, environmental, and behavioral factors in school gardening, particularly between the garden environment and the individual (M = 0.36).
Food educationHealthKitchen Gardening: A Dual Solution for Urban Heat Islands and Nutritional Security in India
2024Ankush Mohapatra, Deven Verma, Sakshi Sharma, Aparnna Rani Swain, Abhishek Singh · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · India
This paper discusses the potential of kitchen gardening as a solution to urban heat island effects and nutritional insecurity caused by urbanization in India. Kitchen gardening contributes to managing the urban heat island effect by moderating temperature extremes through urban vegetation, which reduces energy consumption for air conditioning. It also ensures food security by providing a direct source of fresh produce, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals.
HealthClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceDIYThe Integrating Cultural Aspects Into Diabetes Education (INCLUDE) Study to Prevent Diabetes in Chinese Immigrants: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
2024Lu Hu, Nelson Lin, Yun Shi, Jiepin Cao, Mary Ann Sevick, Huilin Li, Jeannette M. Beasley, Natalie Levy, Kosuke Tamura, Xinyi Xu, Yulin Jiang, IRIS H. ONG, Ximin Yang, Yujie Bai, Liwen Su, Sze Wan Chan, Stella S. Yi · JMIR Research Protocols · United States
The INCLUDE study protocol describes a 3-year randomized controlled trial (n=150) to test a social media-based intervention adapting the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for Chinese immigrants in the US, combined with a culturally adapted, community-supported agriculture program. Participants with prediabetes or at risk for T2D are randomized, with the intervention group (n=75) receiving 12 weeks of DPP videos, biweekly phone support, and 10 weeks of produce. Weight is the primary outcome, measured at baseline, 3-month, and 6-month intervals.
HealthCSA & TeikeiCommunityUpscaling Green Social Prescribing and Urban Agriculture in Cities: Reflections on Social and Horticultural Therapy in the United Kingdom
2024Michael Hardman, Lydia Hubbard, Hayley Watson · The Professional Geographer · United Kingdom
This article reflects on urban agriculture (UA) in the United Kingdom, focusing on its relationship with green social prescribing (GSP). It highlights the increased impact of UA schemes that adopt GSP practices. The article aims to raise awareness among key actors about opportunities and challenges, and encourage geographers to engage with GSP.
HealthCommunityPolicyThe Health Burden of E-Waste: The Impact of E-Waste Dumping Sites on Child Mortality
2024Stefania Lovo, Samantha Rawlings · The World Bank Economic Review · Ghana, Nigeria
This study investigated the impact of e-waste dumping sites on neonatal and infant mortality, focusing on two major dumpsites in Ghana and Nigeria. Using a difference-in-differences approach, outcomes were compared for children born near and far from dumpsites before and after their creation. E-waste sites increased neonatal and and infant mortality for those living closer to the sites, with event studies suggesting effects emerge two to three years after site openings. There is suggestive evidence that contamination of water and of urban farming produce are among the drivers of the observed effects.
Contamination & food safetyHealthEconomicsAssessment of concentrations of heavy metals in three leafy vegetables irrigated with wastewater in Hadnet district, Mekelle, Ethiopia
2024Hailekiros Tadesse Tekle, Desta Berhe Sbhatu, Gebreselema Gebreyohannes · H2Open Journal · Ethiopia (Mekelle)
A study in Hadnet district, Mekelle, Ethiopia, assessed heavy metal concentrations in wastewater, spring water, and three leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach, cauliflower). Wastewater samples from four experimental sites exceeded permissible limits for 4 out of 10 heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn), and spring water from a comparison site also exceeded limits for 4 metals (Al, As, Cd, Cu). Leafy vegetables grown in the least contaminated experimental site showed high concentrations for 6-7 out of 10 heavy metals, with lettuce and spinach having elevated levels of As and Al, respectively. The study concluded that the wastewater used for irrigation is not safe, the farm soils may have accumulated significant heavy metals, and the cultivated vegetables are highly contaminated, necessitating regulation of wastewater use for irrigation.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agriculture‘I learned this in the gardening group’: the impact of a community garden on children and their families’ eating habits
2024V. Nigel Kelly, Emma Brännlund · Irish Educational Studies · Ireland
This small-scale pilot study investigated the impact of children's involvement in a rural community garden in Ireland on their and their families' eating habits. Using a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews gathered parents' perspectives on their children's eating habits before and after participation. The study indicated that children's involvement in a community garden positively impacted their social development, confidence, and food awareness, alongside a noticeable influence on the family's general healthy food consumption. Further research with more participants is needed for more accurate data.
CommunityFood educationHealthCommunity-Based Resilience Analysis (CoBRA) to Hazard Disruption: Case Study of a Peri-Urban Agricultural Community in Thailand
2024Alisa Sahavacharin, Fa Likitswat, Kim Irvine, Lihoun Teang · Land · Thailand (Pathum Thani)
This study assessed the potential of peri-urban areas for sustainable development, focusing on a pandan farming community in Pathum Thani, Thailand, using the Community-Based Resilience Analysis (CoBRA) approach. The community identified COVID-19, water quality, and solid waste as their primary disruptive challenges. The study concluded that the community was moderately resilient to hazards, and COVID-19 was the primary disrupting event over the past 10 years.
Governance failurePeri-urban agricultureClimate changeCommunityEconomicsHealthHealth Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Lettuce and Spring Onion on Human Health in Kumasi, Ghana
2024Prince Owusu Adoma, Afia Sakyiwaa Amponsah, Kwarteng Twumasi Ankrah, Francis Acquah, Hubert Amu, Richard Osei Agjei, Ruby Hanson · Environmental Health Insights · Ghana
This study in Kumasi, Ghana, assessed heavy metal concentrations in lettuce and spring onion cultivated at anthropogenic urban sites. It found that mean concentrations of nickel in lettuce (137.15 ± 0.0231 mg/kg) and spring onion (173.55 ± 0.02 mg/kg) at BSGS, and zinc in both vegetables across most sites, exceeded WHO/FAO permissible levels. Furthermore, the cancer risk factor for nickel in both lettuce and spring onion exceeded the benchmark of 1 × 10−6, indicating a potential increased cancer risk for consumers from long-term consumption.
Contamination & food safetyHealthThe Effect of Urban Gardening Activities on Physical Activity and Sleep Quality in Middle-Aged Women
2024Young-Bin Jung, Hyung-Kwon Yun, In-Chang Son, Se-Na Choi, Kwan Jeong Song · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
A 12-week study involving 20 middle-aged women in an urban gardening program and 20 in a control group examined the effects on physical activity and sleep quality. While the experimental group showed an increase in physical activity and improvements in stress and sleep quality scores, the study found no statistically significant difference in physical activity, stress index, or sleep quality between the experimental and control groups.
Limited or null effectHealthDIYUrban Agriculture in the Kathmandu Valley: Assessing Practices, Impacts, and Challenges for Sustainable Food Production and Well-being
2024Kalpana Waiba, Alina Maharjan, R Shakya · Journal of Environment Sciences · Nepal
This study investigated the status and impact of urban agriculture on the population in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. A structured questionnaire survey of 230 families showed that 51% of respondents had access to growing areas and 76% chose kitchen gardening. The main motivations were economic considerations (50%) and personal satisfaction (20%). Participants reported cultivating 55% of their diet, contributing to good health, though challenges such as plant diseases (40%) were present.
Limited or null effectHealthEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agriculturePelatihan Urban Farming Sebagai Solusi Pemanfaatan Lahan Kosong di Kelurahan Bendan Duwur Kecamatan Gajahmungkur Kota Semarang
2024Eko Suharyono, Ryantoko Setyo Prayitno · JMM - Jurnal Masyarakat Merdeka · Indonesia (Semarang)
In Bendan Duwur Village, Gajahmungkur District, Semarang City, Indonesia, an urban farming training program was implemented to utilize vacant land and promote food security. The program involved socialization, discussions, and distribution of horticultural seeds to participants. The training received positive responses, with participants reporting aesthetic, health, and economic benefits, and non-participants showing interest in adopting urban farming. Residents who implemented the program reduced their vegetable purchases from markets.
CommunityFood educationHealthEconomicsFood sovereignty & justice