Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
1500 results(19 / 60)
Ecological Civilization in Practice: An Exploratory Study of Urban Agriculture in Four Chinese Cities
2022Alesandros Glaros, Geoff Luehr, Zhenzhong Si, Steffanie Scott · Land · China
An exploratory study investigated the manifestation of urban agriculture within the context of Ecological Civilization (EC) in four Chinese cities, through four months of on-site interviews and surveys with urban agriculture practitioners. The study found that capital-intensive and peri-urban approaches to urban agriculture are favored under EC, while small-scale intra-urban initiatives are actively discouraged in policy and risk overlooking grassroots efforts and local residents' needs.
Governance failureUrban–rural linkagePolicyFood sovereignty & justice‘I lost my job suddenly, but I was prepared’: the significance of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Benin City, Nigeria
2022Emaediong Uko, Tony Binns, Etienne Nel · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Nigeria (Benin City)
This study investigated the significance of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in Benin City, Southern Nigeria. Field-based data, collected using qualitative research methods (observation, in-depth interviews, and questionnaire surveys), revealed that in the context of unpredictable and frequent economic shocks, households across all socio-economic levels significantly depend on food production activities. This dependence serves not only for immediate survival but also as a means of reducing household vulnerability and building resilience against future shocks.
EconomicsWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageAS RELAÇÕES DICOTÔMICAS ENTRE CAMPO-CIDADE E AS POLÍTICAS HABITACIONAIS NO BRASIL
2022Felipe Facci Facci Inguaggiato, Tatiane Ferreira Olivatto · PIXO - Revista de Arquitetura Cidade e Contemporaneidade · Brazil
This reflective bibliographic review examines Brazil's historical and urban housing policies, which have contributed to the disconnect between urban and rural populations. It also identifies initiatives, such as agricultural modernization, farmers' markets, and urban agriculture, that aim to reconnect rural and urban spheres and promote socio-spatial transformation.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceTOURISM-BASED URBAN AGRICULTURAL INTEGRATED FOOD MARKET (CASE STUDY: SINDU MARKET, SANUR, BALI)
2022I Gede Indra Mahendra, I Dewa Gede Agung Diasana Putra · ASTONJADRO · Indonesia (Bali)
Denpasar's high food demand, driven by tourism and community needs, is heavily dependent on external areas due to decreasing agricultural land. This qualitative descriptive study explored the potential of integrating urban farming with traditional markets, specifically Sindu Market in Sanur, Bali. The results showed that Denpasar City is not self-sufficient in food, leading to the innovative idea of implementing an urban farming system at Sindu Market as a solution to food needs and to shorten the carbon chain of food distribution.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageUrban Resiliency towards Climate Change
2022Udit Debangshi, Pritam Ghosh, Himanshu Tiwari, Durgesh Kumar Maurya, M. Kumar · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · India
India's urban population is projected to double by 2050, facing significant threats from climate change impacts such as increased rainfall intensity and temperature fluctuations. This paper discusses mitigation and adaptation strategies like climate-resilient agriculture and rooftop farming, emphasizing urban planning's potential role in developing and implementing adaptive responses.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkagePolicyImpacts of urban sprawl in the Administrative Region of Ribeirão Preto (Brazil) and measures to restore improved landscapes
2022Laís Caroline Marianno de Olivera, Gislaine Costa de Mendonça, Renata Cristina Araújo Costa, Regina Aparecida Leite de Camargo, Luís Filipe Sanches Fernandes, Fernando António Leal Pacheco, Teresa Cristina Tarlé Pissarra · Land Use Policy · Brazil
This study investigated the impacts of 35 years of urban expansion in Brazil's Administrative Region of Ribeirão Preto, linking it to agricultural land loss and environmental consequences. Using Landsat images and GIS, the research found rural area losses exceeding 350 km2, with equivalent production and economic losses of approximately 1.1 Mton/year and 230 MR$/year. Significant environmental impacts included the destruction of over 9100 km of natural watercourses, nearly 630 km2 of Permanent Preservation Areas, and the occupation of Guarani Aquifer recharge areas with impermeable surfaces, affecting approximately 7000 headwaters.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkageEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceProduction of 3 Varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) on Soilless Farming System Based on Intermittent Irrigation as Urban Farming Method
2022Tirto Wahyu Widodo, Damanhuri Damanhuri, Ilham Muhklisin, Indra Alief Titale · Jurnal Ilmiah Inovasi · Indonesia
A study in Indonesia investigated differences in the production of three rice varieties (Ciherang, IR 64, Mapan 05) in a soilless cultivation system with intermittent irrigation as an urban farming method. The experiment was arranged in a complete randomized factorial design with two factors and three replications. The Mapan 05 variety showed the best response for panicle length, number of grains per panicle, number of filled grains per panicle, and grain weight per clump, while topsoil+husk+non-intermittent media had the best effect on panicle length, root length, number of grains per panicle, number of filled grains per panicle, and 1000-grain weight.
DIYUrban–rural linkageGouvernance Du Foncier Agricole Dans L’arrondissement De Zinvie : Enjeux Et Perspectives
2022Enagnon Arsène Euloge YAOVI, Martial WOROU, Bola A. MALOMON, Sylvain A. VISSOH · International Journal of Progressive Sciences and Technologies · Africa
This research in the Arrondissement of Zinvié, Africa, investigated agricultural land governance through surveys of 109 people and field observations. Findings indicate rapid urbanization is causing anarchic land occupation and uncontrolled consumption of agricultural space, with renting being the dominant land access mode (50%). From 2010 to 2020, cultivable land decreased by 517.69 hectares due to urbanization, highlighting significant governance challenges.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureHoney Bee Diversity in Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture and Urban Forest- Outlook Study from Bengaluru-Silicon Valley of India: A Review
2022Prem José Vazhacharickal, K. S. Jagadish, G. Eswarappa · Agricultural Reviews · India (Bengaluru)
This outlook study reviewed honey bee diversity and the potential for integrating honey bees into urban agriculture and forests in Bengaluru, India. An urban forestry study in Bengaluru identified 374 plant species, with the highest diversity in parks (291 species). Most plant species provided good foraging sources for honey bees, including Apis indica, Apis dorsata, Apis florea, and Trigona iridipennis. The urban agro-ecosystem in Bengaluru was found to be suitable for beekeeping, particularly for stingless bees.
BiodiversityPollinatorsUrban–rural linkageDIYLa agricultura urbana como defensa del territorio
2022Julieth Milena Jurado Chana, Irma Soto-Vallejo · Luna Azul · Colombia (Manizales)
A mixed-method approach was used to identify and understand the characteristics of urban agriculture practices in the San José commune, Manizales, Colombia, and their impact on sustainable urban development and territorial defense. Information collected through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and field observations was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively with ATLAS.ti software. Findings indicated that urban agriculture is recognized in the commune as a strategy for territorial appropriation and defense, and community actions have led to more sustainable urban development.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkagePEMANFAATAN SEDIMEN SELOKAN SALURAN AIR DI DINOYO SURABAYA SEBAGAI CAMPURAN MEDIA TANAM GUNA MENDUKUNG URBAN FARMING YANG RAMAH LINGKUNGAN
2022Fabian Pascalis Serenai, Firra Rosariawari · EnviroUS · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This study in Dinoyo, Surabaya, Indonesia, investigated the potential of using 595,040 m3/year of canal sediment as a growing medium for urban farming. Sediment was mixed with green compost and cocopeat in 1:1:1, 1:3:1, and 1:5:1 ratios, and Capsicum frutescens seedlings were grown for two weeks. After pretreatment (drying, grinding, sieving), the 1:1:1 mixture showed optimal parameters: 3.58% C, 0.31% N, 0.02% P, 1.63% K, CEC 43.92 emol/kg, C/N 21, pH 8.55, non-toxic with 4% seed growth inhibition, optimal seedling growth, and lower nutrient loss. The research suggests that sediment can be used as a more environmentally friendly mixed growing substrate in the long term.
CompostOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkageAnalysis of the Description of the Multifunctionality of Farmland in the Administrative Plans of Local Municipalities
2022Yosuke Masuda, Takashi Oka, Erika Yoshinari, Takaaki Nishida, Tadashi Ikeda · Ecological research monographs · Japan
This research collected eight types of administrative plans from local governments across Japan related to the multifunctionality of farmland and reviewed the extent to which they describe these functions. Findings revealed that farmland's multifunctionality was incorporated into many municipal plans, with municipalities of a certain population size and high financial strength index tending to mention these roles more frequently. However, descriptions of functions like "disaster mitigation and response" and "water and food supply" in times of disaster were less common.
PolicyBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageEcological Prototypes for Green Construction
2022Defne Sunguroğlu Hensel · · Global
This work, "Ecological Prototypes for Green Construction - 1", focuses on linking architecture and ecological engineering. Its purpose is to achieve integrated urban, agricultural, and ecological land use.
Urban–rural linkageBiodiversityAGRICULTURA URBANA E PERIURBANA EM PRESIDENTE PRUDENTE/SP: CARACTERIZAÇÃO DOS PRODUTORES
2022Audrey Ferreira Rosa · Formação (Online) · Brazil (Presidente Prudente)
A survey was conducted among 13 urban and peri-urban farmers in Presidente Prudente/SP, Brazil, to analyze their profiles. This survey was part of a master's research conducted between 2018 and 2019. The findings indicated that there is no single or homogeneous profile characterizing urban and peri-urban farmers, and the information obtained differed from farmers in other Brazilian municipalities and states, highlighting the heterogeneity of individuals involved in urban and peri-urban agriculture.
Urban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsCommunityCity and Agriculture
2022Vito D'Onghia · IGI Global eBooks · Global
This paper analyzes the cultural debate and policies in urban and rural fields, comparing various actions to outline new opportunities for developing more sustainable cities with inclusive projects. It considers how urban agriculture in policy contexts raises questions about integrating sustainable practices and spatial planning tools to guide local communities. Innovative experiments at national and international levels demonstrate how research and practical experiences can support urban agriculture.
PolicyUrban–rural linkageCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEffect of Planting Media and Dose of Goat Manure on the Growth and Yield of Lettuce in the Urban Faming System
2022Tassha Junaidi, Setyono Yudo Tyasmoro · PLANTROPICA Journal of Agricultural Science · Indonesia
This research, conducted from October to December 2020 at Greenhouse CV. Kurnia Kitri Ayu in Indonesia, investigated the effect of 10 combinations of planting media (soil, roasted husk) and goat manure doses on lettuce growth and yield using a Randomized Block Design. The study found that combinations of planting media and goat manure supported lettuce growth more effectively than media without these additions. Specifically, treatment P7 (Soil and Roasted Husk 2:1 + 75g goat manure) yielded the highest average weight of 44.67g and economic weight of 40.67g.
DIYOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkageMicrogreens - An Emerging Trend in Urban Agriculture
2022Gopika Somanath Prathiksha I. · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This paper discusses microgreens as an innovation in vegetable growing, which have gained popularity since their introduction to Californian restaurants in the 1980s. Microgreens are presented as a potential solution for malnutrition and food security, providing nutrient-rich and high-quality phytochemicals. Interest is rising due to their nutraceutical, fresh, and functional food properties, and their abundance of phyto-constituents and minerals.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthUrban–rural linkageAgricultura urbana em Curitiba: um fenômeno heterogêneo e desigual
2022Elizandra Flávia Araujo, Marcos Paulo Fuck · Cadernos de Ciência & Tecnologia · Brazil (Curitiba)
This study aimed to identify and characterize different categories of urban agriculture practitioners in Curitiba. A descriptive study using bibliographic and documentary analysis found that urban agriculture activities are concentrated in peripheral areas of the city, with most participants having a monthly family income of up to two minimum wages. Despite a wide range of actors engaging in these practices, their visibility and inclusion in the political agenda occur asymmetrically.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageA review of diversity of bees, the attractiveness of host plants and the effects of landscape variables on bees in urban gardens
2022Ehsan Rahimi, Shahindokht Barghjelveh, Pinliang Dong · Agriculture & Food Security · Global
This study reviewed 87 articles on the presence of bees in urban gardens and urban farms, summarizing bee diversity, host plant attractiveness, and the effects of landscape variables. Urban environments, especially urban gardens, contained a high diversity of bees, with honeybees and bumblebees being the most dominant species. Native plants were more attractive to bees than non-native plants, and while urbanization negatively impacted bee presence, the presence of green spaces or other farms and gardens positively affected pollinators.
BiodiversityPollinatorsUrban–rural linkageGardens’ contribution to people and urban green space
2021Helena I. Hanson, Emma Eckberg, Malin Widenberg, Johanna Alkan Olsson · Urban forestry & urban greening · Sweden (Lund)
This study explored private gardens' contribution to urban biodiversity and garden owners' wellbeing (in terms of cultural ecosystem services) in Lund, Sweden, through a garden land-use inventory and interviews with 35 garden owners. Results showed that urban development influences gardens' biodiversity potential by limiting available space or garden vegetation, with new properties having small gardens containing few biodiversity features and large trees. Important cultural ecosystem services included social bonds, recreation, nature experiences, and relaxation, which were influenced by age and gender.
BiodiversityHealthUrban–rural linkagePolicySignificance of Allotment Gardens in Urban Green Space Systems and Their Classification for Spatial Planning Purposes: A Case Study of Poznań, Poland
2021Dominika Dymek, Agnieszka Wilkaniec, Leszek Bednorz, Magdalena Szczepańska · Sustainability · Poland
This study in Poznań, Poland, examined the significance of allotment gardens in the urban green space system and developed a classification method for urban planning. While over 30% of allotment gardens were found to be of high significance, urban planning documentation indicates plans to reduce their area. Even highly significant gardens are slated for liquidation, highlighting a conflict between their ecological value and current urban development plans.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageEffectiveness of plants and green infrastructure utilization in ambient particulate matter removal
2021K. Wróblewska, Byoung Ryong Jeong · Environmental Sciences Europe · Global
This review presents the effectiveness of plants and green infrastructure in ambient particulate matter (PM) removal. It describes the mechanisms of PM capture by plants and factors influencing PM reduction in the atmosphere. The review refers to the effectiveness of plant utilization in various forms of green infrastructure, including trees, grasslands, green roofs, living walls, water reservoirs, and urban farming. Additionally, methods to increase PM removal by plants, such as species selection, biodiversity increase, PAH-degrading phyllospheric endophytes, transgenic plants, and microorganisms, are presented.
Climate changeBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageContinuity under change: Towards a spatiotemporal understanding of market-oriented urban and peri-urban agriculture – Insights from Kenya
2021Alexander Follmann, Maximilian Willkomm, Gilbert M. Nduru, George Owuor, Peter Dannenberg · Applied Geography · Kenya
This study analyzes the spatiotemporal dynamics of market-oriented urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) and farmers' responses to changing socio-spatial circumstances in Nyeri and Nakuru, Kenya. Findings indicate that the continued existence of market-oriented agriculture in these cities is linked to dynamic processes of commercialization, specialization, and intensification. The research concludes that market-oriented farmers are not inevitably displaced but can actively adapt to pressures and opportunities arising from rapid urban growth.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsUrban–rural linkageUrban Farming with Enhanced Rock Weathering As a Prospective Climate Stabilization Wedge
2021Fatima Haque, Rafael M. Santos, Yi Wai Chiang · Environmental Science & Technology · Global
This viewpoint article proposes incorporating enhanced rock weathering (ERW) into urban farming as an additional climate stabilization measure. Urban farming utilizes extensive urban surface areas for food production and atmospheric CO2 sequestration through air-to-soil contact. Combining this with ERW offers a further opportunity for this negative emissions technology to gain greater utilization.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageOrganic cycleServiços e Desserviços Ambientais Associados à Agricultura Urbana e Periurbana no Município de São Paulo
2021Bruno do Nascimento Macedo, Fernanda Nogueira Comas, Amarílis Lucia Casteli Figueiredo Gallardo · Journal of Urban Technology and Sustainability · Brazil (São Paulo)
This study discussed the main environmental services and disservices associated with urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in São Paulo, Brazil, using a systematic literature review and spatial analysis. It identified 12 environmental services and 5 disservices, mapping 197 UPA initiatives. The research concluded that UPA has the potential to offer environmental benefits, but can also exert negative pressures on the environment, including in areas that should be protected.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkageClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicy