Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
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47 results(2 / 2)
An Interpretive Framework for Assessing and Monitoring the Sustainability of School Gardens
2016Francesco Sottile, Fiorito Daniela, Nadia Tecco, Vincenzo Girgenti, Cristiana Peano · Sustainability · Kenya
This study aimed to propose an interpretive framework, the "Sustainable Agri-Food Evaluation Methodology-Garden" (SAEMETH-G), to quantitatively guide the sustainability evaluation of school gardens. As a case study, the methodology was applied to 15 school gardens located in three regions of Kenya. The application of SAEMETH-G as an assessment tool demonstrated that sustainability evaluations of school gardens can be carried out through a participatory and interdisciplinary approach.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeGrowing Food and Community: An Exploration of Local Food Initiatives in Cape Town, South Africa
2015Megan Bradley · Syracuse University Libraries (Syracuse University) · South Africa (Cape Town)
A study on local food initiatives in Cape Town, South Africa, explored their role in sustainable community development, focusing on food sovereignty, community capacity, and social capital. Through in-depth interviews, conversations with participants, and observations of community gardens and markets, findings suggested that these initiatives empower community development, both economically and socially, through principles of food sovereignty, social capital, and education.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsFood educationInformation Needs of Youths involved in Urban Agriculture as Strategy for Checking Unemployment in Epe Lga of Lagos State, Nigeria
2015C.O. Edeoghon, DU Okoedo-Okojie · Journal of applied science and environmental management · Nigeria (Lagos State)
This study assessed the information needs of 140 youths involved in urban agriculture in Epe LGA, Lagos State, Nigeria, using structured questionnaires. Most respondents (71.4% unemployed) needed information on crop production (54.3%) and perceived urban agriculture as a solace for unemployment. Major agricultural tasks included vegetable, maize, cassava, and fish production. Unemployment was attributed to laziness, lack of knowledge, and god-fatherism, and perceived information needs were significantly associated with education level and primary occupation.
WelfareFood educationEconomicsCommunityThe impact of school nutritional campaigns on OFSP adoption and food security among smallholder farming households in Tigray region, Ethiopia
2015Norman Kwikiriza, Wellington Jogo, Julius Juma Okello, Haile Tesfay, Frezer Asfaw, Kennedy Otieno Pambo, Kwikiriza, Norman, Jogo, Wellington, Okello, Julius J., Tesfay, Haile, Asfaw, Frezer, Pambo, Kennedy · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Ethiopia (Tigray region)
In Ethiopia's Tigray region, a 2-year project by the International Potato Center and partners promoted vitamin A-rich Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) production and consumption. The project piloted school-based nutritional campaigns, including school gardens and feeding programs, in 11 schools. These schools served as centers for disseminating OFSP planting material and information to parents.
Food educationHealthFood sovereignty & justiceTeacher and Administrator Perceptions of School Gardens in Cape Town, South Africa
2014Hannah Rich, Nicole M. Ardoin · Children Youth and Environments · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study used narrative interviews to explore how teachers and school administrators in low-income schools in Cape Town, South Africa, perceive their school gardens. Interviewees emphasized that despite requiring substantial resource inputs like funding, labor, and training, school gardens offer significant benefits for students, including expanded environmental awareness, food growing skills, and understanding the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and food systems. The data ultimately converged on the primary theme of the garden's importance for greater self-sufficiency for both students and staff.
Food educationCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceAwareness Campaign Effectiveness in Promoting Water Conservation Behaviors Among Urban Female Gardeners in Lagos, Nigeria 2013
2013Femi Adesina, Ifunanya Oluwadamilola, Chinedu Akwu · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Lagos)
In 2013, the effectiveness of an awareness campaign promoting water conservation behaviors was investigated among 150 urban female gardeners in Lagos, Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach, including pre- and post-intervention surveys, found a significant increase from 25% to 48% in the adoption of water-saving irrigation techniques after the campaign. While the campaign was effective in enhancing knowledge and behavior, further tailored interventions are recommended for sustained impact.
CommunityClimate changeFood educationSustainable School Garden Projects and Nutritional Status Among Nigerian Adolescents: An Educational Perspective
2013Chinedu Okafor, Uchenna Alex Anyaegbunam · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria
This mixed-methods study assessed the impact of school garden projects on the nutritional status of adolescents in Nigeria. Surveys, interviews, and observational studies were used to evaluate changes in dietary habits and health indicators among participants. The study found a significant 30% increase in daily vegetable intake among participating students compared to baseline data, indicating improved nutritional practices.
Food educationHealthTheoretical Framework Underpinning School Gardens' Impact on Nutrition and Academic Outcomes in Mozambique
2013Nhamo Makhuwa · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Mozambique
A 2013 study presented a theoretical framework underpinning the impact of school gardens on nutrition and academic outcomes in developing countries like Mozambique, where school gardens are recognized as a potential intervention. This framework, built upon existing literature on environmental education, agriculture-based interventions, and their impact on nutritional status and cognitive development, emphasized the need for further empirical research to validate these insights and inform policy recommendations for integrating school gardens into educational curricula.
Food educationHealthPolicyThe role of urban agriculture in the development of middle-sized towns: Cases from East Africa
2013Dick Foeken · Journal of Geography and Regional Planning · East Africa
This paper, discussing the role of urban agriculture in the development of middle-sized towns using three East African cases (Nakuru, Morogoro, Mbeya), argues that urban agriculture can be transformed into a thriving sector contributing to employment, income, and food provision. It describes the current situation, focusing on resource allocation, benefits, and environmental challenges, and concludes that a favorable legal and policy setting, support and education, and improved market conditions, led by both government and the private sector, are necessary to achieve this.
EconomicsPolicyFood educationCommunityEco-Friendly Urban Gardening Practices in Johannesburg Slums: A Systematic Review
2012Kgosi Khumalo, Siyabonga Xaba, Mpho Motshekga, Thabo Tshabalala · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This systematic review examined eco-friendly urban gardening practices for youth in Johannesburg slums, analyzing 34 studies from multiple databases. The review found a trend towards community-led initiatives combining horticulture with sustainable living education. These practices positively impacted household food insecurity, reducing it by an average of 20%, and enhanced youth engagement in environmental stewardship.
CommunityWelfareFood educationClimate changeAgricultural learnerships : take off in leaps and bounds : people on the move
2012Douglas Chitepo · Agriprobe · South Africa
The Further Education and Training sub-programme in South Africa's Western Cape is mandated to deliver skills-based training programs and structured learnerships to a diverse target group. This group includes subsistence, smallholder, and commercial farmers, as well as rural and peri-urban agricultural communities and youth.
Food educationPeri-urban agricultureCommunitySchool farming for school feeding: experiences from Nakuru, Kenya
2010Dick Foeken, Samuel Owuor, Alice Mwangi · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Kenya (Nakuru)
This paper examined school farming in Nakuru town, Kenya, focusing on current practice, its contribution to school feeding programs, and the challenges it faces. Based on a survey conducted in almost all primary and secondary schools in Nakuru, it shows that school farming and school feeding are common practices in the town. In many cases, school farming contributes to school feeding programs.
Food educationWelfareCommunityUrban School Farming to Improve School Feeding: The Case of Nakuru Town, Kenya
2010Dick Foeken, Samuel Owuor, Alice Mwangi · Children Youth and Environments · Kenya
A survey was conducted in almost all primary and secondary schools in Nakuru Town, Kenya, to examine the extent to which school farming contributes to school feeding programs. The survey found that while school farming and feeding programs are common practice, school farming substantially contributes to school feeding programs in relatively few cases.
Limited or null effectFood educationWelfareEconomicsCommunity Gardens in Western Kenya: Engagement, Nutrition Education, and Sustainability Assessment
2007Kanini Muthoni · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Kenya
This study used mixed-methods, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews, to assess community gardens in rural Western Kenya. Engagement levels in the gardens ranged from 75% to 80%, with vegetable cultivation being a key theme in nutrition education. The study found that effective community engagement and targeted nutrition education significantly contribute to the sustainability of these projects, especially in promoting sustainable food production.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceSchool farming and school feeding in Nakuru town, Kenya: Practice and potential
2007Dick Foeken, Samuel Owuor · Leiden Repository (Leiden University) · Kenya (Nakuru)
A survey was conducted in June 2006 among primary and secondary schools in Nakuru town, Kenya, to examine school farming and school feeding practices. Data on school characteristics, school farming activities, and school feeding practices were collected using a structured questionnaire. The study showed that school farming is very common in Nakuru town, with almost all schools engaged in flower gardening and tree growing, over half practicing crop cultivation, and some keeping livestock.
Food educationWelfareCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceRe-Creating Awareness of Traditional Leafy Vegetables in Communities
2007Voster Ineke H.J, Jansen van Rensburg Willem, Van Zijl J.J.B, Venter Sonja L · African Journal of Food Agriculture Nutrition and Development · South Africa
In South Africa, traditional leafy vegetables have been labeled as weeds since the 1960s, leading to a negative perception and unwillingness to use them. Awareness activities in six communities, including training sessions in seven schools and eight community gardens, aimed to improve the status of these crops. These activities resulted in increased awareness of their poor conservation status, appointment of seed keepers, and a noticeable increase in demand for seeds and production training.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthUtilization of improved cassava production technologies by urban farmers in Imo State, Nigeria
2006FN Nnadi, CD Akwiwu · International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences · Nigeria
A study in Imo State, Nigeria, investigated the utilization of improved cassava production technologies by 240 randomly sampled urban cassava farmers. The results showed high utilization of herbicide/manual weeding (87%), improved cassava varieties (58.3%), and fertilizer (50%). Farmer age, education, farming experience, household size, information sources, and farmland ownership status determined the utilization of these technologies.
EconomicsPolicyFood educationUrban Youth Engagement with Community Gardening Initiatives in South African Cities: A Mixed Methods Impact Study on Empowerment Levels
2002Mpho Tshepiso Khumalo, Nomsie Makhubela · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · South Africa
This mixed-methods study investigated urban youth engagement in community gardening initiatives in six South African cities, using surveys, ethnographic observations, structured interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. Participants reported a significant 34% increase in self-reported empowerment levels after engaging in these initiatives. The findings suggest community gardens can be effective for youth empowerment, but further research on long-term effects and scalability is needed.
CommunityFood educationWelfarePolicyExperience of World Vision Ethiopia Micronutrient Program in Promoting the Production of Vitamin A–Rich Foods
2001Haile Meskel Balcha · Food and Nutrition Bulletin · Ethiopia
World Vision Ethiopia launched a Micronutrient Program in October 1998 to improve the micronutrient status of mothers and children, promoting vitamin A–rich food production. By 1999, 11,708 backyard gardens, 275 school gardens, and 77 community gardens were developed, contributing to household food security and income. The program found that vitamin A–rich vegetable production was well accepted, sustainable, and cost-effective, but faced challenges with the availability and cost of imported seeds.
Food educationWelfareCommunityHealthReport on a visit to South Africa to facilitate a participatory workshop for an urban agriculture project in Sobantu Village, KwaZulu-Natal, as part of the DfID funded project: "Support to the Institute of Natural Resources for institutional development in South Africa"
1998Adrienne Martin, B. Pound · · South Africa
This report describes a visit to South Africa to facilitate a participatory workshop for an urban agriculture project in Sobantu Village, KwaZulu-Natal. The visit's objectives were to identify organizational, social, technical, and financial issues and necessary activities to initiate an urban agriculture project with the Sobantu community, the Institute for Natural Resources (INR), and Department of Agriculture staff. Discussions also included a draft manual on FSR/FPR being prepared by NRI/INR.
CommunityFood educationWelfareRecognizing Ethiopia's urban farmers.
1993Lee M · PubMed · Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, urban agriculture faces significant challenges due to government disapproval of public land use for farming and difficulty in obtaining credit. A 1983 survey in Addis Ababa found that 17% of 1352 households produced their own food on less than 25 sq. meters, with 90% of non-farmers citing lack of land. Despite urban agricultural cooperatives demonstrating 70% higher member income, their lack of government legalization prevents access to loans for productivity improvement.
Governance failureCommunityEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareClimate changeUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureFood educationBiodiversityCompostDIYElderlyFood lossHeirloom & landraceOrganic cyclePollinatorsFood miles & supply chainCSA & TeikeiDigital agricultureProject to Increase Urban Food Production in South Africa
1982Pauline Raphaely · Birkhäuser Basel eBooks · South Africa
Food Gardens Unlimited is an educational project in South Africa that teaches disadvantaged urban populations to grow food in small areas using limited resources. The project provides five-day training courses, step-by-step directions, and subsidized seeds through existing institutions. It aims to deliver physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits to participants.
Food educationWelfareCommunityOrganic cycleHealth