Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
8656 results(187 / 347)
Vulnerability and urban farming: Coping with price volatility in Ejisu-Juaben municipality, Ghana
2019Michael Osei Asibey, Mohammed Abubakari, Charles Peprah · Cogent Food & Agriculture · Ghana
This paper investigated how urban farmers in Ejisu-Juaben Municipality, Ghana, cope with input and crop price fluctuations. Data from 380 respondents identified four major factors influencing input price volatility (oil prices, exchange rates, cocoa producer prices, and inflation), but farmers had no coping strategies for these. Crop price fluctuations were influenced by natural and demand/supply factors, and farmers coped by adding value to crops and diversifying income sources, among others. However, shifting to cocoa cultivation and farming in flood plains was shown to have adverse environmental and ecological implications.
Economic viabilityEconomicsClimate changeUrban–rural linkageProducing urban agroecology in the East Bay: from soil health to community empowerment
2019Alana Bowen Siegner, Charisma Acey, Jennifer Sowerwine · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · United States (California)
This paper analyzed survey responses from 35 East Bay urban farms through an agroecology lens. The analysis documented how these diverse farms form part of a fragile system that produces important spaces of food, community, health, and culture. It is noted that public investment for urban agriculture in U.S. cities remains both inequitable and inadequate, resulting in uneven and ad hoc outcomes for urban agriculture initiatives.
CommunityPolicyHealthEconomicsLa agricultura en los periurbanos de Buenos Aires (Argentina) y Santiago (Chile): Territorios en transición
2019María Carolina Feito, Sofía Boza, Santiago Peredo · Repositorio Digital Institucional de la Universidad de Buenos Aires (Universidad de Buenos Aires) · Argentina
This study focused on the reality of Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (AUPU) in Latin America, comparing cases in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area and the Santiago Metropolitan Region. Both cities form complex territories strongly related to their periphery, but the debate regarding AUPU's future development model remains open, reflected in contradictions even in public policies. The strong link between family farming and AUPU further complicates the situation due to the intrinsic limitations of family farming.
Governance failurePeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsA feminist political ecology of food justice in Iowa
2019Carrie Chennault · Iowa State University Digital Repository (Iowa State University) · United States
This three-year feminist ethnographic study examined the Growing Together Iowa community donation gardening and food rescue program, focusing on its institutional and community partners. The research aimed to understand how solutions to food insecurity emerge from social relations and socio-historical contexts. Findings demonstrated that uneven power relations permeate even well-intended efforts to address food insecurity within such initiatives.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfarePolicyEconomicsPersistance de <i>E. coli</i>, des oeufs d’helminthes et des kystes de protozoaires contenus dans les eaux usées urbaines d’arrosage sur les cultures maraîchères à Dschang, Ouest-Cameroun
2019Honorine Ntangmo Tsafack, Émile Temgoua, Thomas Njiné · International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences · Cameroon
This in situ study in Dschang, West Cameroon, monitored the survival time of E. coli, parasite eggs, and cysts on lettuce, carrot, and eggplant irrigated with polluted urban wastewater for one week. Despite significant E. coli reductions (73-99% over seven days depending on crop and season), E. coli levels on lettuce and carrot remained above health thresholds (10^3 E. coli/g). Positive samples for eggs and cysts ranged from 0-25% on lettuce and carrot, and 0-8% on eggplant, posing a danger to consumers of raw vegetables.
Contamination & food safetyHealthSTUDY ON THE STATUS OF ROOF TOP GARDENING IN SELECTED RESIDENTIAL AREAS OF DHAKA CITY, BANGLADESH
2019Mahmuda Islam, Abdullah Al Nayeem, Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Khandokar Tanjim Elahi · Malaysian Journal of Sustainable Agricultural · Bangladesh (Dhaka)
A study investigated the present status of rooftop gardening in four selected residential areas of Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Plot-to-plot interviews using questionnaires were conducted across 1376 buildings in Dhanmondi, 391 in Lalmatia, 272 in Mohakhali DOHS, and 697 in Uttara 13 no. Sector. The study found that 39.1%, 59.2%, 36.6%, and 22.2% of buildings in these locations, respectively, had rooftop gardening, with nearly one-third (36.4%) of buildings overall containing rooftop gardening.
DIYCommunityPolicyHubungan Kompetensi Petani terhadap Ketahanan Pangan Keluarga melalui Pertanian Perkotaan
2019Aldea Lyliana · Studi Pustaka · Global
This literature study aims to describe the relationship between farmer competence and family food security through urban agriculture. Urban agriculture is presented as a solution to food insecurity caused by population growth and land conversion in urban areas. Farmer competence is identified as a key factor in urban agriculture management, influenced by farmer characteristics, and crucial for planning and decision-making due to greater challenges than rural agriculture. Good farmer performance leads to food availability and increased income, contributing to family food security. The study utilizes relevant secondary data analysis.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityNature, Technology, & the Pursuit of Justice: Urban Agriculture Networks in San Diego County
2019Blaire O’Neal · · United States (San Diego County)
This research investigates the significance of soil in distinguishing urban agriculture forms in San Diego County and examines how soil-based and soilless growing methods relate to justice. The results illustrate that while the way food is grown is important for urban agriculture organizations' identity and practices, it is only one of many factors influencing justice, such as socio-spatial context. Justice is an ongoing process that evolves as urban agriculture commodities travel through their circuits and interact with placed networks filled with intentions, actions, discourses, objects, actors, and forces.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureHigh Unemployment Records of Graduated Students in the Development of Urban Agriculture in the Gaza Strip
2019Husam Al-Najar, Hadi Khalil, Yuni Sri Rahayu · Indonesian Journal of Science and Technology · Palestine (Gaza Strip)
In the Gaza Strip, approximately 2500 students graduate annually, with an unemployment rate of around 41%. A quantitative and qualitative study of 129 urban farmers found that graduated students perceived urban agriculture as contributing to job creation and improved household income. The educational background of urban farmers included 18% illiterate, 31% with primary education, 25% with secondary education, and 26% with university degrees.
EconomicsWelfareCommunity地域景観としての生活景の発見と評価方法に関する研究
2019ハジメ イシカワ, Hajime Ishikawa, 初 石川 · KeiO Associated Repository of Academic Resources (Keio University) · Japan (Tokamachi, Uji, Kamiyama)
This research aimed to establish a method for discovering, verbalizing, visualizing, and evaluating the "living scene" created by residents as a base for local identity and a local resource, and to clarify its sharing method. In 2020, in collaboration with local residents in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, and Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, the study practiced verbalizing and sharing regional landscape elements through the production of landscape field guides. In Tokamachi City, private house gardens were measured and field guides created, while in Uji City, open spaces, green areas, and waterways were mapped, and community garden designs were proposed. In Kamiyama Town, fieldwork was abandoned due to COVID-19 countermeasures, and interview surveys were conducted using media such as telephone and email.
CommunityPolicyBiodiversityAlternativas bioorgánicas de nutrición en el cultivo de la zanahoria (Daucus carota var. sativa) en un huerto intensivo
2019Pedro López Labarta, José Luis Montejo Viamontes, Yacelis Cárdenas García, Dimeri Piñeiro Esquivel, Diosmaris de la Caridad Vasallo Cristia, Amaury Rondón Aquilar · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Cuba
This research, conducted in the Ernesto Che Guevara intensive orchard in Esmeralda municipality, Cuba, from December 2016 to March 2017, compared different bioorganic nutrition alternatives and their influence on growth and yield indicators in carrot cultivation. Using a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and three repetitions, plant height, root length, and yield were evaluated. Fortified liquid humus and liquid humus enriched with boron, calcium, and zinc yielded the best agronomic indicators and the greatest economic benefits compared to natural liquid humus and the control.
Organic cycleDIYFood sovereignty & justiceUrban gardens as a source of self-grown food in Czech towns and cities
2019Jan Vávra, Petr Daněk, Petr Jehlička, Miloslav Lapka · · Czech Republic
An analysis of large-scale representative survey results in Czech towns and cities investigated urban gardens as a source of self-grown food. The study found that while food production in urban areas is less frequent than in rural areas, the level of self-sufficiency in urban households is similar to that in rural households. This paper presents data on the scale of urban food production and its contributions to ecosystem services and resilience.
DIYClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityMoroccan towns
2019Heide Studer · · Morocco
This text focuses on urban food production in Moroccan towns, discussing existing practices and their changes during urbanization. It notes that urban food questions, including food accessibility, food sovereignty, and environmental aspects, are gaining importance in international debates due to increasing urban spaces and populations. Urban food production contributes to health for the affluent and food security for poorer populations.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsClimate changeLocalizing SDG2 Zero Hunger through “Fair Food” in Australia
2019Kiah Smith · Queensland's institutional digital repository (The University of Queensland) · Australia (Brisbane)
This paper presents a sociological analysis of community "fair food" initiatives in Brisbane, Australia. These initiatives pursue more equitable food access through activities that connect values of food justice, sovereignty, and citizenship with solving practical problems in local ecological food production, food waste reduction, providing low-cost food to vulnerable groups, and restructuring finance. Scaling up to influence policy and financing remains a key challenge.
CommunityWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceDirectorio Distrital De Huertas Urbanas Y Periurbanas Asistidas Por El Jardín Botánico De Bogotá
2019Christopher Torralba Pita · · Colombia (Bogotá)
This directory provides information on urban and peri-urban agricultural processes assisted by the Bogotá Botanical Garden in Colombia. The document records the names, addresses, phone numbers, and products and services (classified into 8 categories) of the gardens. The directory is organized by urban localities and includes 20 cartographic maps showing the georeferenced gardens.
CommunityPeri-urban agricultureGrowth and Sustaining Strategies of Urban Agriculture Based on Interaction with Urban Residents: The Case of Kodaira City, Tokyo Metropolis
2019Ryo Iizuka, Kei Ota, Toshio Kikuchi · Journal of Geography (Chigaku Zasshi) · Japan (Kodaira City)
This study explored the growth and sustaining strategies of urban agriculture based on diversified agricultural management and interactions with urban residents, using Kodaira City, Tokyo Metropolis, as a case study. Analysis of previous literature, public survey data on the spatial distribution and classification of agricultural management patterns, and interviews with farmers revealed interactions between farmers and urban residents. In Kodaira City, interactions exist between farms and urban residents based on agricultural management, with distinct patterns influenced by local characteristics. These interaction styles prevent excessive competition, attract stable customers, and enable sustainable management.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageSTANARSKE BAŠTE U PROCESU REVITALIZACIJE SLOBODNIH PROSTORA STAMBENIH SUSEDSTAVA
2019Ivana Bogdanović Protić, Milica Ljubenović, Milica Igić, Miomir Vasov, Mihailo Mitković · Zbornik radova Građevinskog fakulteta · Serbia (Nis)
This paper aims to explore the potential implementation of community gardens in the revitalization process of open spaces in residential neighborhoods in the city of Nis, Serbia. It examines the concept of community gardens and analyzes an example of best practice, stating that the research results can serve as a basis for promoting the application of community gardens in urban theory and practice.
CommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageTowards integrated urban agriculture systems: economic and valuation aspects
2019Saverio Miccoli, Fabrizio Finucci, Rocco Murro · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Global
This paper defines an integrated urban agriculture system (A-URBIS), outlining the complications associated with its launching and implementation. It proposes methodological guidelines for the valuation of an A-URBIS, taking into account the inclusive and qualitative impacts on the community. Finally, the paper suggests a Direct Deliberative Monetary Valuation procedure, which combines a participatory deliberative process necessary for developing direct democracy instruments with Stated Preference Techniques essential for capturing inclusive use value.
EconomicsCommunityPolicyPolish Urban Allotment Gardens as ‘Slow City’ Enclaves
2019Robert Bartłomiejski, Maciej Kowalewski · Sustainability · Poland
This article discusses Polish urban allotment gardens (UAGs) as an alternative urban development framework, "Slow City." It notes that increasing problems of soil pollution, abandoned gardens, informal housing, and limitation of access to UAG green areas for other inhabitants reinforce the pressure to reduce the number of UAGs.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyClimate changePenerapan Urban Farming “Vertikultur” untuk Menambah Pendapatan Rumah Tangga di Kelurahan Kalijaga Kecamatan Harjamukti Kota Cirebon
2019Wachdijono Wachdijono, Siti Wahyuni, Umi Trisnaningsih · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Unimus · Indonesia
This community service program aimed to provide knowledge and implement "verticulture" urban farming to increase household income in Kalijaga Village, Cirebon City, Indonesia. The method involved training, including counseling on the meaning and benefits of verticulture and practical vegetable cultivation on multi-tiered growing media. The target audience was PKK women cadres and activists. The program resulted in increased knowledge of verticulture and its practice, leading to implicit household income by saving on vegetable purchases, thus allowing funds for other beneficial needs.
DIYEconomicsFood educationCommunitySustainable agriculture in organic wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) growing in ARID region
2019N.S. Al-Ghumaiz · International Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics · Saudi Arabia
This study assessed agronomic characteristics of eight bread wheat genotypes grown organically on low fertility soil in Saudi Arabia's arid Qassim region during the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons. Experiments compared conventional and organic farming systems at two locations, measuring chlorophyll content, flag leaf area, and harvest index. Findings showed differences between farming systems, with specific genotypes like YR and E-line identified as potentially suitable for sustainable organic wheat production in arid regions.
Organic cycleClimate changeGrowing Citizens: Students’ Social Emotional Learning via School Gardens
2019Kathryn Markham-Petro · Scholarship@Western (Western University) · Canada
This qualitative study explored the social and emotional practices of primary grade students (kindergarten through grade five) in urban elementary schools in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, through gardening experiences. Data was collected from 14 educators across six schools. Findings indicated that gardening experiences benefited most students, especially those with diverse needs, and increased social and emotional skills related to collaboration and conflict resolution.
Food educationHealthCommunityFood Deserts, Libraries, and Urban Communities: What Is the Connection?
2019Tracey Overbey · Public Library Quarterly · United States (Cleveland, Ohio)
The Cleveland Public Library addressed food security issues in Cleveland, Ohio, by collaborating with local organizations like The Ohio State University Extension and the Cuyahoga County Land Bank. This paper describes how public libraries are changing their services in disadvantaged communities and provides a step-by-step approach to starting a community garden at a local public library or community property.
CommunityFood educationWelfareO Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar como promotor de ações de Educação Alimentar e Nutricional nas escolas do Brasil: DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.20194302374389
2019Isabela Cicaroni Ottoni, Bruno Miguel Paz Mendes de Oliveira, Daniel Henrique Bandoni · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil
This cross-sectional observational study, using 2010 data from 749 Brazilian municipalities, evaluated Food and Nutrition Education (FNE) actions within the National School Feeding Program (NSFP). Binary logistic regression showed that the presence of FNE in school curricula was the most significant predictor of running school gardens (OR=2.406), followed by using food from family farms (OR=2.049) and culinary workshops (OR=2.032). The study concluded that FNE in the school curriculum is positively associated with growing vegetable gardens.
Food educationPolicyCommunityFarm-to-school education grants reach low-income children and encourage them to learn about fruits and vegetables
2019Caroline Rains, Kristen Giombi, Anupama Joshi · Translational Behavioral Medicine · United States (Oregon)
Oregon's Farm to School Education Grant Program aimed to increase knowledge of and preference for fruits and vegetables among children in low-income school districts. The study analyzed Oregon Department of Education Farm to School Baseline and Progress Reports from school year 2015-2016 and conducted interviews with education grantees. Education grants reached over 20,000 students in 30 districts, including 25 low-income districts. Reported activities included nutrition and food-based lessons, school gardens, and farm field trips, leading to students eating fruits and vegetables, trying new foods because of gardens, and learning about growing produce.
Food educationWelfareHealth