Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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5821 results(199 / 233)
[Father Luis Verplanken visits with children, Gonogochi.]
2012Luis. Verplancken · · Global
This record is an image of Father Luis Verplancken visiting children working in a school garden. The photograph was taken in the village of Gonogochi.
Food educationCommunityVictory Is a Question of Stamina Send-The Wheat Meat-Fats-Sugar the Fuel for Fighters: United States Food Administration
2012Harry L. Watson · Southern cultures · United States
This text discusses the evolution of food culture in the American South, from World War I-era calls for local food conservation to modern locavore movements. It highlights the current popularity of local food traditions and farmer's markets, while also raising concerns about the health impacts of large-scale industries like North Carolina's hog farming. Historically, the South was known for nutritional diseases alongside its traditional recipes.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban Agriculture: Using Community Systems of Agriculture as a Solution to Homelessness and Unhealthy Food Sources
2012Ian Michael Mearns · University of Washington Tacoma Digital Commons (University of Washington Tacoma) · Global
This paper proposes urban agriculture as a community system, similar to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), to provide homeless citizens with access to food, housing, vocational opportunities, and social resources. It suggests that urban agriculture can address the lack of employment, nutritional food sources, and housing resources that have contributed to increased homelessness over the past decade.
CommunityWelfareHealthFood sovereignty & justiceAn Assessment of Soil Health and Productivity in Urban Gardens
2012Jennifer E. Reeves · OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) · United States (Cleveland, Ohio)
This two-year study in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, investigated urban soil health via nematode food web analysis and crop productivity via tomato fruit yield in urban gardens. Market gardens showed significantly more soil organic matter, nitrogen pools, and nematode presence than community gardens in both 2011 and 2012. However, despite these differences, there was no significant difference in the total yield of tomatoes per square meter between market and community garden types in either year. Gardens with raised beds had significantly more soil moisture content and soil organic matter than those with flat beds.
Limited or null effectCommunityEconomicsOrganic cycleHealthLet’s Plan the School Garden: A Participatory Project on Sustainability in a Nursery School in Padua
2012Lorena Rocca, Giovanni Donadelli, Sonia Ziliotto · DergiPark (Istanbul University) · Italy (Padua)
The "Small steps of Agenda 21" project in the "J. Mirò" nursery school in Padua, Italy, engaged children in participatory planning for their school garden. Children actively improved the garden, fostering awareness of community discussion and participation. The project demonstrated that children improved their sense of inclusiveness and responsibility.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeEnvironmental science in middle school curricula: A Pilot project in the Dominican Republic
2012L. Gómez Tejeda · RIT Scholar Works (Rochester Institute of Technology) · Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic's public investment in education was 2% of GNP in 2010, falling below UNESCO's 6% minimum. This pilot project, conducted at The Community for Learning School (TCFL) in the Dominican Republic during the 2011-2012 school year, enhanced 5th-8th grade science curricula with four activities: composting, a school garden, a garbage project, and an energy audit. While the school garden and composting project improved student motivation for group work and left a positive perception of environmentally friendly practices, knowledge gain about their environmental benefits was not as expected.
Food educationCompostCommunityChapter 39 Designing multifunctional spatial systems through urban agriculture: the Casablanca case study
2012Christoph Kasper, Undine Giseke, Silvia Martin Han · · Morocco
As part of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research's "Future Megacities" research program, the Urban Agriculture Casablanca (UAC) project investigates the extent to which urban agriculture can contribute to sustainable city design. This project aims to integrate the provision of open space within integrated and sustainable urban growth in Casablanca, Morocco. Based on an action research approach, integrated case studies in peri-urban spaces and four pilot projects were implemented, identifying synergy potentials between the city and agriculture in connection with other relevant sectors of the social and economic system.
PolicyCommunityUrban–rural linkageClimate changeCommunity of Gardeners
2012Jessica Isler · Educational Media Reviews Online · Global
The 2011 film "A Community of Gardeners" explores the impact of community garden projects in various urban settings. It highlights that community gardens fulfill important needs for individuals and communities by providing access to fresh food, increasing self-sufficiency, improving urban aesthetics, and strengthening communities through connections across diverse socio-economic groups. The film also presents the historical origins and different incarnations of community gardens.
CommunityHealthFood educationWelfareChapter 35 Food, homes and gardens: public community gardens potential for contributing to a more sustainable city
2012Carolin Mees, Edie Stone · · United States (New York City)
In New York City, community gardens were established by resident groups in the 1970s, contributing to recreation, food security, and sustainable urban development. Their number has fluctuated over the past 30 years, with approximately 600 gardens existing today, over 300 of which are on public land. Recently, in response to climate change and economic crisis, elements like beehives and rainwater harvesting have been legalized and used to maximize food production and conserve water. This chapter will use qualitative data analysis, secondary literature discussion, and participant observation to evaluate the employment and function of these garden components and how the city's community gardens contribute to a sustainable city.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsClimate changeEvaluation on Actual Condition and Image Analysis of Roof Garden in Seoul, Korea
2012Minjae Kong, Kwang-Lai Park, Jin-Kwan Son, Ji-Hoon Shin · Journal of the Korea Society of Environmental Restoration Technology · South Korea (Seoul)
This study investigated the characteristics of rooftop gardens (farms) in 40 areas in Seoul, Korea. Cabbage, lettuce, pepper, and mini-tomatoes were the most preferred vegetables and fruits. Problems observed in rooftop gardens during cultivation included drainage systems, soil management, the cost or quality of planting mats, and diseases and insects.
Environmental trade-offsDIYCommunityHealthEconomicsCommunity Gardening and Mental Health Resilience in Zimbabwean Slums, Tanzania
2012Kasanga Makawa, Ndaye Nshuti, Mashiwama Nyamwe, Chilufya Mwakumbwa · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Tanzania
A qualitative study in Zimbabwean slums in Tanzania, involving semi-structured interviews with 20 participants from four communities over six months, explored the impact of community gardening. Participants reported significant improvements in mental health scores, noting an enhanced sense of purpose and social connection. Community garden programs appear to be a promising low-cost intervention for improving mental health resilience among urban slum dwellers.
CommunityHealthWelfareJardin Pédagogique, Jardin partagé : un lieu de rencontre (OS1_13)
2012Franck Halatre, spip · · Global
The MJC created a shared space for cultivating vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs, establishing a place and time for interaction.
CommunityFood educationCaracas 2020:the growing city : project about agro-housing & urban farming
2012Fernando Menendez Cobelo · · Venezuela (Caracas)
This project focuses on Caracas, Venezuela, against the backdrop of global economic transformations and population growth redefining urban boundaries and forms. Caracas faces housing issues and urban spatial imbalances due to rapid urbanization and population influx from past oil industries. The presence of large underutilized spaces, such as the 103-hectare former military airport site "La Cariota" in the city center, is noted as hindering urban improvement.
CommunityUrban–rural linkagePolicyMicro-agricoltura e sistemi lineari
2012Alessandra Giannini, Andrea Oldani · TERRITORIO · Global
Micro-agriculture refers to small-scale agriculture, in contrast to intensive agriculture and monoculture. It is a collection of 'small scale' agricultural practices, including horticulture (such as urban vegetable gardens), fruit-growing, or flower-growing. Micro-agriculture is a landscape defined by garden plots and materials, forming a unified yet diversified whole that differs from traditional agricultural landscapes in its reduced scale, biological richness, material variety, and heterogeneous landscape.
DIYCommunityUrban–rural linkageTHE OCCURRENCE OF LEAD IN SOIL AND VEGETABLES AT A COMMUNITY GARDEN IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA
2012Jodi L. Sangster, Andrew Nelson, Shannon L. Bartelt‐Hunt · International Journal for Service Learning in Engineering Humanitarian Engineering and Social Entrepreneurship · United States (Omaha)
Soil and vegetable samples were collected from a community garden in Omaha, Nebraska, which had known soil lead contamination. Total lead content was evaluated using atomic absorption spectroscopy, revealing lead concentrations in soil ranging from 4 to 574 ppm, with an average of 128.4 ppm in growing beds and 31.5 ppm in OmaGro compost. Lead was also present in vegetable samples at or below 16.25 ppm.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthProducing for the Future: A Collaboration between Low-Income Youth, Congregations, and Researchers - Youth Impact Evaluation
2012Lacy Weinblatt, Sarah Najdek · · United States (Oregon)
The Oregon State University research project "Producing for the Future" involved low-income youth, adult partners, and researchers collaborating to design and plant a community garden and develop a microenterprise to market produce. The project aimed to compare participants' knowledge and attitudes regarding local food resources, gardening, organic eating, and healthy lifestyles before and after their involvement. This study used data to analyze changes among participants pre and post-experience, but specific findings are not reported.
CommunityFood educationHealthWelfareFeasibility Study and Best Practices for a Campus Community Garden on the University of Arkansas Campus
2012Samantha Jones · Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science · United States (Arkansas)
To assess the feasibility of a campus community garden at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville (UAF), an online survey of 88 campus community gardens in the United States and Canada, visits to six gardens, and interviews with UAF students, faculty, staff, and administration members were conducted. The study determined that a campus community garden at UAF was feasible if identified challenges and obstacles were properly addressed. This research identified seven best practices for campus community gardens.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyTrace Element Soil Contamination at Urban Community Gardens in Washington, DC
2012Adam J Long · Scholarship @ Claremont (The Claremont Colleges) · United States (Washington, DC)
This study investigated heavy metal soil contaminants in 13 urban community gardens in Washington, DC, analyzing 45 soil samples using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). While most samples fell below US EPA action levels for common contaminants, high concentrations of lead (above the US EPA action level of 400 ppm) were found in the native soil of three garden sites, meriting concern due to potential health problems in children.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceCould Toronto Provide 10% of its Fresh Vegetable Requirements from Within its Own Boundaries? Part II, Policy Supports and Program Design
2012Rod MacRae, Joe Nar, James Kuhns, Lauren Baker, Russ Christianson, Martin Danyluk, Abra Snider, Eric V. Gallant, Penny Kaill-Vinish, Marc Michalak, Janet Oswald, Sima Patel, Gerda R. Wekerle · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Canada (Toronto)
This paper, focusing on Toronto, identifies subtle impediments to scaling up urban agriculture beyond self-provisioning, despite land not being an insurmountable barrier. These include taxation systems assuming agriculture is a strictly rural activity, inadequate knowledge sharing among urban producers, limited access to soil, water, and seeds, and a lack of incentives for landowners. Achieving 10% of the city's commercial fresh vegetable demand requires significant policy and program initiatives in five key areas, including governance, coordination, and financing.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityCommunity Gardens and Urban Food Security in Dakar Housing Projects: An Action Research Study
2012Djola Diop, Wally Ndiaye, Cheick Mbaye · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Senegal (Dakar)
Urban food security is a critical issue in Dakar's housing projects, where limited access to fresh produce exacerbates poverty and malnutrition. This action research study conducted qualitative interviews with 50 participants from four housing projects in Dakar to understand their gardening practices and perceptions of food security. Residents reported a significant 34% increase in fresh produce consumption due to community gardens, leading to improved health outcomes. Community gardens have successfully contributed to urban food security by fostering local nutrition and improving residents' well-being.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthPolicySchool Gardens: Ripe with STEM and Experiential Learning; Fertile Soil for Agricultural Program Growth
2012Shannon Lawrence, John Rayfield · The Agricultural education magazine · United States
This article discusses the merits and potential of incorporating school gardens into agricultural education programs in the United States. It notes that school gardens, a national movement since 1891, offer opportunities for agricultural literacy, community outreach, and STEM integration. The ideas presented are based on conversations with agriculture teachers, observations, experiences, and reflections.
Food educationCommunityCSA & TeikeiPromoción de una alimentación saludable: experiencia en Tunja, colombia Promoção duma alimentação saudável: experiência em Tunja, Colombia Healthy food promotion: experience in Tunja, Colombia
2012Sandra Lorena Herrera Giraldo, Adriana Panader Torres, Luz Mery Cárdenas Cárdenas, Nancy Aurora Agudelo Cely · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Colombia (Bogotá)
In Tunja, Colombia, an intervention strategy to increase vegetable availability in a community was implemented through a qualitative study applying five principles of community-based research. The strategy included educational and urban agriculture components, involving seven participatory educational sessions and the implementation of eight home gardens and one community garden. The intervention increased vegetable availability, empowered the community, created social networks, and highlighted the role of nursing professionals in leading community actions for healthy lifestyles. The consumption of five portions of fruit/vegetables daily was insufficient in Tunja's 15-44 age group.
HealthFood educationCommunityThe Learning Gardens Laboratory: Teaching Sustainability and Developing Sustainable Food Systems Through Unique Partnerships
2012Heather Burns, Weston Miller · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States (Portland)
The Learning Gardens Laboratory (LGL) in Portland, Oregon, a partnership between Portland State University and Oregon State University, develops garden-based education programs to advance sustainable food systems and sustainability education. LGL's pedagogical principles, drawn from permaculture and ecological design, include interdisciplinary and place-based learning. The paper discusses these principles in relation to LGL's educational programs, highlighting the Beginning Urban Farming Apprenticeship and Lane Middle School Garden-Based Education programs.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeThe Consideration of Progressive Urban Park and The Possibility of Urban Agricultural Park
2012Hee-Jeong Yun, Mi-Kyoung Cho · Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning · South Korea
This study critically considers the new paradigm of urban parks, noting that despite progress, urban parks face increased criticism. Criticisms include long development periods for tree growth, limitations in general and cultural ecology, and a lack of economic validity. The study proposes urban agricultural parks as an alternative, connecting them to sustainable regional development and low-carbon society.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageLes défis et les perspectives de l’agriculture urbaine. Liminaire
2012Stefan Reyburn · · Global
This special issue compiles eight texts on urban agriculture initiatives, highlighting their diverse forms and contexts. It notes that urban agriculture research intersects multiple disciplines and that social science research on this topic is still in its early, exploratory, and descriptive stages.
CommunityPolicyEconomics