Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
892 results(19 / 36)
Urban agriculture in times of crisis: the role of home food growing in perceived food insecurity and well-being during the early COVID-19 lockdown
2021Bethan R. Mead, Jessica Davies, Natalia Falagán, Sofia Kourmpetli, Lingxuan Liu, Charlotte A. Hardman · Emerald Open Research · United Kingdom
A cross-sectional online survey of 477 UK adults (March-April 2020) investigated the role of home food growing during the early COVID-19 lockdown. Participants engaged in home food growing reported lower perceived food insecurity and higher well-being than non-growers. There were no differences in opinions of urban agriculture compared to pre-pandemic data from a separate sample (N=583).
DIYHealthWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceOutdoor living wall systems in a developing economy: A prospect for supplementary urban food production?
2021Karen Botes, Christina Breed · Acta Structilia · South Africa
This article reviewed three edible living wall case studies in Gauteng, South Africa, focusing on system resilience, economic feasibility, and edible plant possibilities. Interviews were conducted with clients, contractors, and designers. Findings suggested indirect commercial value through customer experience and educational value, but indicated that economic feasibility and resilience need enhancement for improved urban food production.
Economic viabilityDIYEconomicsClimate changeFood educationROBOTIC MINI-GREENHOUSES AND INSTALLATIONS FOR GROWING AGRICULTURAL CROPS AT HOME
2021L.A. Zhuravleva, A. Aldiab · SCIENTIFIC LIFE · Global
This article discusses innovative directions in urban farming and presents the development of an installation for growing agricultural crops at home with an automatic control system based on the Arduino platform. The control system measures illumination, temperature, air humidity, soil moisture, and water level using sensors, automatically maintaining optimal microclimate parameters. The conducted studies demonstrated the efficiency and effectiveness of this experimental installation.
DIYDigital agricultureUrban–rural linkageSilty Loam
2021Sara Nicholls, Special Collections, Fleet Library · Digital Commons - RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) · United States
"Silty Loam" is an informational pamphlet exploring various methods of food cultivation in urban environments and the motivations behind them. The pamphlet examines how city residents have challenged the separation of agriculture and urban life through initiatives like community gardens, community land trusts, and rooftop gardens. It is part of the "Brain Washing From Phone Towers" series, produced by hand using letterpress and relief printing to combine text and images.
CommunityDIYUrban–rural linkageIntraspecific variability of floral and ornamental plants of Onagraceae family and mechanisms of their variety formation
2021E. V. Koroleva, A. F. Petrov, Yu. V. Chudinova · Bulletin of NSAU (Novosibirsk State Agrarian University) · Russia (Novosibirsk)
This review focuses on the intraspecific variability of ornamental plants of the genus Clarkia (Onagraceae) and the clarification of the systematic status of Godetia species introduced into Novosibirsk. Experimental data from genetic and cytological analyses over the last 100 years are presented, showing morphological, karyological characteristics, and genetic variability in various species of the Godetia section. The article concludes that a comprehensive study of environmental conditions' influence on genetic features, ornamental qualities, and flowering biology is necessary for selecting suitable forms and introducing them into urban gardening for Western Siberia's climatic conditions.
DIYBiodiversityUrban–rural linkagePKM BUDIDAYA MANDIRI URBAN FARMING SISTEM HIDROPONIK UNTUK MEMAKSIMALKAN PEMANFAATAN LAHAN PEKARANGAN DI PERKOTAAN
2021Novisrayani Kesmayanti, Abdul Aziz · Journal of Community Service · Indonesia (Palembang)
This community service activity (PKM) in Palembang, Indonesia, addressed challenges faced by PKK RT 19 RW 05 community members, including limited yard space and farming knowledge. The program provided education, technology transfer, demonstrations, and assistance for independent hydroponic urban farming. The activity successfully helped community members maximize the use of narrow yard spaces, transforming them into productive environments for family food supply through hydroponic cultivation.
DIYCommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceIncorporating user preferences in rooftop food-energy-water production through integrated sustainability assessment *
2021Susana Toboso‐Chavero, Cristina Madrid‐López, Xavier Gabarrell, Gara Villalba · Environmental Research Communications · Spain (Barcelona)
Implementation strategies for food-energy-water production systems on urban rooftops were evaluated in a typical housing estate in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, comprising 201 buildings and 13,466 inhabitants. Residents tended to choose strategies providing energy and water over the food production potential of rooftops. However, environmental assessment indicated that vegetable production alternatives were the least impactful, meeting 42-56% of residents' fresh produce demand and reducing environmental impacts by 24-37 kg CO2 eq m-2 per rooftop per year. This suggests residents were primarily concerned with energy expenses rather than food insecurity or social cohesion.
Limited or null effectDIYCommunityClimate changeEconomicsON THE USAGE OF OLD AND MODERN TECHNOLOGIES FOR ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
2021Mariam Jibuti · Globalization and Business · Global
This research investigated the use of old and modern technologies for sustainable building, plant/tree medicines, non-timber forest products, water purity and rainwater harvesting, urban farming, and energy-efficient lifestyles. It argues that implementing these techniques can lead to economic awakening and improve current waste and unproductivity. The study states that stone building, the use of trees and herbs, rainwater collection, and urban farming contribute to people's daily lives, national self-reliance and health, and sustainable economic growth.
EconomicsDIYClimate changeFood sovereignty & justicePELATIHAN PEMBUATAN KOMPOS BLOK DENGAN MEMANFAATKAN SAMPAH ORGANIK RUMAH TANGGA UNTUK DIGUNAKAN SEBAGAI BAHAN MEDIA TANAM
2021Dhian Rosalina, Yenni Marnita, Nasrul Kahfi Lubis, Fiddini Alham · SELAPARANG Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Berkemajuan · Indonesia (Langsa)
This community service activity provided training in Gampong Baroh Langsa Lama, Langsa Aceh city, to 30 day laborers on utilizing household organic waste to create compost blocks for planting media. The training involved socialization, practice, and evaluation, aiming to transform waste into useful products for urban farming. As a result, 50 percent of partners expressed willingness to practice making compost blocks and be periodically evaluated.
CompostDIYFood educationOrganic cycleCompost Based on Pulp and Paper Mill Sludge, Fruit-Vegetable Waste, Mushroom Spent Substrate and Rye Straw Improves Yield and Nutritional Value of Tomato
2021Agnieszka Zawadzińska, Piotr Salachna, J. Nowak, Waldemar Kowalczyk, Rafał Piechocki, Łukasz Łopusiewicz, Anna Pietrak · Agronomy · Global
This study investigated the use of compost made from pulp and paper mill sludge, fruit-vegetable waste, mushroom spent substrate, and rye straw as a growing medium for container-cultivated tomatoes. Tomato plants grown in compost-enriched media showed higher leaf greening, more ripe fruit, and increased levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and copper compared to controls. Specifically, a medium with 25% compost, 30% high peat, 15% low peat, 20% pine bark, and 10% wood fiber yielded the highest fresh fruit weight, total polyphenol content, and L-ascorbic acid levels.
CompostOrganic cycleDIYHealthTrend Analysis of Grow-Your-Own Using Social Network Analysis: Focusing on Hashtags on Instagram
2021Yumin Park, Yong-Wook Shin · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
A study analyzed the trends and network structure of 'grow-your-own (GYO)' activities by collecting 6,388 Instagram posts containing '#gyo' and '#growyourown' hashtags from June 13, 2020, to April 13, 2021, using social network analysis. The results showed that users expressed preference and interest in GYO through various word combinations, positive emotions and pride through gardening-related hashtags, and participated in urban gardening, indicating trends towards self-sufficiency and sustainable living.
DIYHealthCommunityFood educationTowards sustainable urban food systems: Analyzing contextual and intrapsychic drivers of growing food in small-scale urban agriculture
2020Mohammed Hussen Alemu, Carola Grebitus · PLOS ONE · United States
This study used choice experiments and latent class analysis in North America to quantitatively examine what drives consumer preferences for growing food in community gardens. It found that providing tools and guidance were the most important contextual factors for participation, that proponents were characterized by high subjective knowledge and perceived benefits, and that opponents had low knowledge. The authors suggest the findings can inform policies promoting sustainable urban food systems.
CommunityPolicyDIYDecentralized Community Composting: Past, Present and Future Aspects of Italy
2020Bruni C., Akyol Ç., Cipolletta G., Eusebi A.L., Caniani D., Masi S., Colón J., Fatone F. · Sustainability · Italy
Reviews Italian legislation and implemented projects on decentralized community composting, arguing Italy can serve as a model for Mediterranean countries building decentralized composting programs.
DIYCompostCommunityCommunity-scale composting for food waste: A life-cycle assessment-supported case study
2020· Journal of Cleaner Production · Malaysia
Uses a university case study and life-cycle assessment to demonstrate community-scale food waste composting; with leaves as bulking agent it took 7 months, yielding 30% compost meeting organic fertiliser standards.
DIYCommunityFood lossLow Tunnels Reduce Insect Populations, Insecticide Application, and Chewing Insect Damage on Brussels Sprouts
2020· Journal of Economic Entomology · USA
Tests low-cost, spun-bonded-fabric low tunnels as a physical barrier against airborne insects on Brussels sprouts. Finds they reduce insect populations, insecticide applications, and chewing damage.
DIYHealthDesign, Construction and Testing of IoT Based Automated Indoor Vertical Hydroponics Farming Test-Bed in Qatar
2020Chowdhury M.E.H., Khandakar A., Ahmed S., Al-Khuzaei F., Al-Emadi N. · Sensors · Qatar
Design, construction and testing of an automated indoor vertical hydroponic system able to grow common food crops inside homes in limited space independent of outdoor climate, with an open IoT platform for remote monitoring and display of system parameters.
DIYEconomicsEconomic Sustainability of Small-Scale Aquaponic Systems for Food Self-Production
2020Lobillo-Eguíbar J., Fernández-Cabanás V.M., Bermejo L.A., Pérez-Urrestarazu L. · Agronomy · Spain
Two small-scale aquaponic systems, self-built from cheap and easy-to-obtain materials based on FAO models, were monitored for a year to assess their economic sustainability for self-production.
DIYEconomicsExploring growth, physiological status, yield and water use efficiency of vegetables grown under wick method of irrigation
2020· Plant Physiology Reports · India
Evaluates chilli, okra and tomato under a low-cost wick irrigation method versus conventional irrigation, reporting improved growth, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content.
DIYImpact of small scale irrigation technology on women empowerment in Amhara national regional state of Ethiopia
2020· Cogent Economics & Finance · Ethiopia
Analyses how small-scale irrigation technology affects women's empowerment, including control over household resources, income and decision-making.
DIYWelfareEvaluation of Recycled Materials as Hydroponic Growing Media
2020· Agronomy · United Kingdom
Assesses waste almond shells and a recycled plastic drainage plank as sustainable hydroponic media alternatives to perlite, evaluating physicochemical properties and lettuce germination and greenhouse growth.
DIYOrganic cycleDecentralized Urban Farming Through Keyhole Garden: a Case Study with Circular Economy and Regenerative Perspective
2020Mohan S. V. · Materials Circular Economy · India
A case study treating urban organic waste as a resource in urban biocycles, presenting the keyhole garden as a practical decentralized urban-farming method integrating circular-economy and regenerative principles.
DIYCompostEvaluating the Thermal Behavior of a Sustainable Room and Roof Prototype Using Recycled Waste Materials
2020· Recycling · Global
Monitors a prototype room over a year with walls of soil-filled PET bottles and a roof of multiple reused-material layers, including a green roof of waste materials, soil and endemic plants, demonstrating good thermal performance.
DIYOrganic cycleUrban Horticulture for Food Secure Cities through and beyond COVID-19
2020Muhammad Mumtaz Khan, Muhammad Tahir Akram, Rhonda Janke, Rashad Qadri, Abdullah M. Al‐Sadi, Aitazaz A. Farooque · Sustainability · Global
This study reviews contemporary urban horticulture, illustrating traditional and innovative developments, as a response to global concerns about food supply and environmental protection in urban settings, exacerbated by factors like population growth and the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights how current urban cropping systems can be enhanced with modern techniques like vertical gardening and hydroponics. These methods are presented as eco-friendly, energy-saving, and capable of ensuring consistent fresh food supplies and more sustainable agriculture.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityDIYClimate changeGREEN ROOF CONCEPT ANALYSIS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF URBAN FARMING PRACTICE IN CITIES
2020Nur Huzeima Mohd Hussain, Nur Hayati Hashim, Asmat Ismail · Malaysian Journal of Sustainable Environment · Global
This paper conceptually reviews the ideas, issues, and imperatives of implementing urban farming on rooftops, investigating an alternative for urban dwellers to achieve resilience. It uses comparative analysis of established texts and secondary data from cases in Singapore, Japan, USA, and Thailand. The study aims to localize the concept of rooftop urban farming and establish a conceptual discourse for its implementation in Malaysia.
DIYCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeUsing constructed soils for green infrastructure – challenges and limitations
2020Maha Deeb, Peter M. Groffman, Manuel Blouin, Sara Perl Egendorf, Alan Vergnes, Viacheslav Vasenev, Donna L. Cao, Daniel C. I. Walsh, Tatiana Morin, Geoffroy Séré · SOIL · Global
This review examines the use of Constructed Technosols (CTs), mixtures of organic and mineral waste, for green infrastructure (GI) in urban spaces. While CTs have high potential to provide multiple soil functions and contribute to urban greening, urban soils are often physically, chemically, or biologically unsuitable for GI features. The analysis suggests that the composition and structure of CTs should be adapted to available wastes and by-products, as well as future land use and environmental conditions, highlighting the need for careful design to overcome existing limitations.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleClimate changeBiodiversityDIY