Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
5823 results(184 / 233)
Creating green spots in the concrete jungle
2014Marike Brits · Farmlink Africa · South Africa (Cape Town)
Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) in Cape Town, South Africa, was established in response to rising crime in surrounding neighborhoods. According to Sheryl Ozinsky, one of the project's founders, the idea for the farm originated as a response to increasing crime in the vicinity.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareGrowing Together Separately: An Analysis of the Influence of Individualism in an Alternative Educational Setting
2014Jessica L. Warren · Scholarship @ Claremont (The Claremont Colleges) · United States (California)
This thesis examines the influences of individualism within a school garden program at a Southern California continuation high school during the spring semester of 2014. The program involved high school students, college interns, and co-directors. It found that alternative educational settings, even when challenging individualism, incorporate some aspects of it due to influences from the larger school system.
Food educationCommunityMetodologia desenvolvida pelo Centro de Referência em Agricultura Urbana e Periurbana (Ceraup) no ensino do cultivo de uma horta escolar agroecológica
2014Márcio Aleksandro Daniel, Ednaldo Michellon, Aline Midori Takemura, Jéssica Brasau da Silva, Willian Scanacapra · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil
The Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Reference Center (CERAUP) in Brazil implements a school garden project for students aged 6 to 12, funded by MEC/Proext. This project teaches vegetable cultivation and the importance of agroecological foods, fostering teamwork and learning in subjects like mathematics, chemistry, and geography. The project has been ongoing for over a year, with agronomy and pedagogy interns participating under the guidance of agronomists.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cyclePeri-urban agricultureCity pig farm
2014Ulf Hackauf · Repository hosted by TU Delft Library (TU Delft) · Global
This paper explores urban pig farming as a specific form of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA). It uses a design-based research strategy, drawing on the 'City Pig' study (2009) from Delft University of Technology, to identify the potential benefits of urban pig farming and assess how un-built design projects can inform future real projects. A significant limitation is that the study concerns virtual, un-built design proposals.
Urban–rural linkageFood miles & supply chainCommunityHealthLocal food networks as catalysts for food policy change to improve health and build the economy
2014Richard C. Sadler, Godwin Arku, Jason Gilliland · Local Environment · United States (Flint)
This study examined local food networks (LFNs) and a food policy council (FPC) in Flint, Michigan, a post-industrial city facing food access issues. Participant observation with stakeholders revealed support for community gardens, farmers' markets, and urban agriculture. Based on the synthesis of stakeholder opinions, policy recommendations were developed to aid in the continued planning of the LFN.
PolicyHealthEconomicsCommunityA quiet revolution? Beneath the surface of Ireland's alternative food initiatives
2014Aisling Murtagh · Irish Geography · Ireland
This exploratory paper considers the broad dynamics of alternative food activity in Ireland, examining the nature of resistance and whether a collective vision exists across initiatives, illustrated by two examples: a community garden and a consumer food co-op. Alternative food initiatives commonly found in Ireland include allotments, community gardens, farmers’ markets, farm shops, and on-farm food enterprises.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyThe Civic Life of Food Production
2014Jeanne Simonelli, Stephanie Paladino · Culture Agriculture Food and Environment · United States
This issue focuses on the movement to reintegrate food production into the civic, moral, and economic life of communities. Specifically, it highlights a qualitative study on the perceived benefits of community gardening in Baltimore, Maryland. The study explores the benefits to individuals, neighborhoods, and the city, suggesting these can be used as urban planning tools for developing healthy urban environments.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCSA & TeikeiUrban–rural linkageExploring Extension Involvement in Farm to School Program Activities
2014Matthew Benson · Journal of Extension · United States
An online survey of Extension professionals in eight US state Extension systems examined their involvement in farm-to-school program activities. On average, professionals were involved in one activity, primarily supporting school or community garden programs, but expressed interest in participating in an average of four activities. The study found that all Extension program areas are currently involved and interested in supporting farm-to-school initiatives through various activities.
Food educationCommunityBuilding a Modern Agricultural Planting Garden in an Urban Area, Restoration of Shenzhen Central Park, Guangdong, China
2014Yan Xu · ScholarWorks@UMassAmherst (University of Massachusetts Amherst) · China
This master project proposes a restoration plan for building a modern agricultural planting garden in an urban area for Shenzhen Central Park, China. The plan is based on field study, literature review, background data analysis, and case studies, addressing challenges such as weak accessibility, lack of social activity, and loss of cultural identity. The proposed multi-functional agricultural planting garden explores the possibility of improving community and urban health through urban agriculture.
CommunityFood educationPolicyClimate changeCommunity-supported agriculture from the perspective of health and leisure
2014Bernadett Kis · Annals of Leisure Research · Hungary
Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is a relatively new concept in Hungary, with only five or six "share CSAs" established. This paper presents how the French variation of CSA (AMAP) was adopted in Szeged, Hungary, and how this vegetable community functions, along with its leisure and health impacts on the author. The author's CSA membership is interpreted from a health and leisure perspective, connecting it to health promotion and Blackshaw's 'liquid leisure' concept.
CSA & TeikeiHealthCommunityUrban Food Corridors - Cultivating Sustainable Cities
2014Becky L. Jacobs · eYLS (Yale Law School) · United States (Detroit)
Detroit, Michigan, has become a leader in urban agriculture, with an estimated 1500 to 2000 gardens supported by individuals and businesses, including the Cadillac Urban Gardens. Various organizations and public-private coalitions promote sustainable local agriculture in the city. Knoxville, Tennessee, proposed creating an "urban food corridor" in 2012 to improve food access, health, and stimulate economic development by connecting land, farming, processing, distribution, sale, and composting.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyA green garden on red clay: creating a new urban common as a form of political gardening in Cologne, Germany
2014Alexander Follmann, Valérie Viehoff · Local Environment · Germany
This paper investigates NeuLand, a community garden created in March 2012 on a brownfield site in Cologne, Germany. It assesses NeuLand as typical of a new form of political engagement 2.0, focusing on local problems and direct actions, and its potential to offer a blueprint for alternative urban futures and new ways for citizens to claim their "right to the city." The study links the NeuLand experiment to broader discussions on alternative socio-ecological futures, extending beyond analyses of urban gardening solely for sustainable food production or community cohesion.
CommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceA Review of “Roots and Research in Urban School Gardens”
2014Kimberly Yates, Michael J. Brody · The Journal of Environmental Education · Global
This book states that the urban school garden represents a cultural, pedagogical, and practical shift in priorities towards the earth. Veronica Gaylie's latest book is just one example of the many ways she has addressed urban school gardens.
Food educationCommunityAchtergrondstudie: voorbeelden van ruimte in relatie tot gezond gedrag, redzaamheid en sociale verbanden
2014C. Bottenheft, Willeke van Staalduinen · TNO Repository · United States (New York City)
This study is a background research presenting examples of space in relation to healthy behavior, self-reliance, and social connections. It covers a scoping review process and addresses various topics including community gardens in New York, green buildings, neighborhood walkability, geographical access to tobacco and fast food, and social capital in walkable neighborhoods.
CommunityHealthImproving access to community‐based food systems: Comparing perspectives of low socioeconomic individuals and food system representatives
2014Kylie Markow, Sue Booth, Stephanie Savio, John Coveney · Nutrition & Dietetics · Global
This study compared perspectives of low socioeconomic individuals and food system representatives regarding access to community-based food systems. Focus groups with low socioeconomic individuals and interviews with food system representatives revealed that affordability, convenience, and knowledge were barriers. While representatives acknowledged these barriers, their understanding of importance differed, and views were divided on strategies, especially concerning affordability. A disconnect exists between the two groups' views on improving access for disadvantaged groups.
Equity & displacementCSA & TeikeiWelfareEconomicsCommunityDe sustainable à incredible edible, ou de l’intention à l’action : analyse linguistique de quelques termes du domaine environnemental
2014Jacqueline Percebois · ASp · Global
This paper linguistically analyzed various environmental terms, from the institutional discourse of "sustainable environment" to individualized local discourse like "guerrilla gardening" and "incredible edible." It investigated their emergence, development, linguistic characteristics, lexical environment, and French equivalents within economic and social contexts. The analysis highlighted a clear contrast between two discursive positions and the gap between intention and action.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceProduzione agricola e beni relazionali
2014Benedetto Rocchi · RIVISTA DI ECONOMIA AGRARIA · Global
This paper discusses the relevance of “relational goods” in studying the economics of agriculture and food supply chains. The concept of relational goods is used to discuss three specific topics: overcoming information asymmetries in the agro-food system, labor organization in agriculture, and social farming. The creation of relational assets can ease information problems in marketing and deepen the understanding of alternative food supply chains. Social farming clearly demonstrates the economic and social relevance of relational goods, where production activities become opportunities for personal care.
EconomicsCSA & TeikeiCommunityCompetition Versus Cooperation
2014John Ikerd · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Global
Cooperation is presented as a key concept in the sustainability movement, particularly in food systems, as a response to economic competition. Food-related cooperatives include various models like regional food hubs and CSAs. While cooperation is vital, the text also acknowledges the human tendency to compete, arguing that unrestrained competition is unsustainable.
CSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityCommunity or Market?: The Implications of Alternative Institutional Logics for IT Use in Community Supported Agriculture Programs (CSAs)
2014Brian S. Butler, Diane M. Travis, Catherine M. Ridings, Zach G. Zacharia · Journal of the Association for Information Systems · Global
This study uses data from a national survey of local food producers to show how different institutional logics can result in varied IT use profiles and complex outcomes in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. It highlights challenges for IT in supporting local food systems where multiple logics coexist.
CSA & TeikeiDigital agricultureEconomicsCommunityIs Growing Food Within the City Sustainable? Urban Agriculture in Montpellier (France)
2014Pascale Scheromm, Coline Perrin, Christophe‐Toussaint Soulard · Espaces et sociétés · France (Montpellier)
A study of urban agriculture in Montpellier, France, utilized policy analysis, spatial analysis, and an analysis of urban agricultural actors' practices and representations. The research revealed a great diversity in urban agriculture and a gap between its perception in urban policy and its spatial realities. Traditional agriculture is declining despite occupying more land, while new forms like gardens and agriparks are emerging, fostering interactions between public actors and citizens.
PolicyCommunityUrban–rural linkageClimate changeHarmony Park: A Decision Case on Gardening on a Brownfield Site
2014Ashley S. Harms, DeAnn Presley, Ganga M. Hettiarachchi, Chammi P. Attanayake, Sabine Martin, Steven J. Thien · Natural sciences education · United States (Kansas City)
This case study examines the decision faced by Mr. John Holloway in Harmony Park, Kansas City, MO, regarding establishing a community garden on a vacant brownfield site in 2009. Concerns arose about soil contaminants on the site, leading to a dilemma about the potential harm versus benefits of gardening in a food desert. The case requires students to evaluate environmental, agronomic, human health, social, and economic issues related to urban soil contamination.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthThe Content of Copper in Soils of Allotment Gardens in Zielona Góra, Poland
2014Barbara Walczak · Ochrona Środowiska i Zasobów Naturalnych · Poland (Zielona Góra)
This paper presents the total and phytoavailable copper content in allotment garden soils in Zielona Góra, Poland. Soil samples from eight garden plots and two neighboring areas showed total copper content ranging from 2.58 to 16.23 mg·kg⁻¹ and phytoavailable copper from 0.2 to 3.85 mg·kg⁻¹. The total copper content met the requirements of relevant Polish directives on heavy metals in soils and soil quality standards.
HealthCommunityThe Impact of Selected Socioeconomic Factors on Residents’ Perceptions of Benefits of Community Gardens
2014Nii O. Tackie, Nakia C. McCallum, Leonard Githinji, Desmond G. Mortley, Goppal P. Reddy, Jannette R. Bartlett, Prosper K. Doamekpor, Togo M. Traore · Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development · United States (Alabama)
This study assessed the impact of selected socioeconomic factors on residents' perceptions of community garden benefits in Macon County, Alabama. Data from a convenience sample of 217 participants, collected via questionnaire, showed that at least 73% agreed with nutritional, health, and community benefits. Age, education, and annual household income had statistically significant effects on these perceptions.
CommunityHealthEconomicsContentious Territorial Alliances: Coalition Politics and Struggles over Urban Development in Pikine, Senegal
2014Nicole C. List · EchoGéo · Senegal (Pikine)
Based on fieldwork in Pikine, a rapidly urbanized city in Senegal's Dakar region, two interconnected conflict cases concerning the development of urban agricultural land for middle-class and elite housing were analyzed. The analysis indicates that public and private actors, including producers, traditional authorities, real estate developers, and local/central government officials, are abandoning old forms of governance in favor of "territorial alliances" to promote their own urban development projects. These alliances lead to new relationships between local/central government members and civil society, impacting urban Senegal's land registry, property rights, and public infrastructure.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceMore Livable Urban Space for Children: Practices around the World
2014Okşan Tandoğan · MEGARON / Yıldız Technical University Faculty of Architecture E-Journal · Global
This study compiles a literature review on global efforts to create more livable physical environments for children, focusing on urban open spaces like home surroundings, school gardens, and playgrounds. It emphasizes the importance of these spaces for child development, socialization, and behavior formation. The review includes Child Friendly City initiatives and other practices related to streets, school gardens, playgrounds, and children's transportation.
Food educationCommunityHealth