Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
172 results(2 / 7)
Urban Gardening in Latin America and Panama: A New Strategy for Conservation
2025Belma Soto-Fernández, Lurys Bourdett-Stanziola · Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research · Latin America
A documentary review on the importance of urban gardening in Latin America revealed that urban gardening, when approached through the lens of agrobiodiversity, has become a key strategy for safe food production and environmental sustainability. However, it was found that several Latin American countries lack clear and established laws to regulate this activity. Preliminary evidence of rotavirus was detected in fresh vegetables from an urban garden in Panama, indicating that urban gardens can become infection foci capable of causing diseases of public health and veterinary importance.
Governance failureCommunityBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsPolicyShifts in host–parasitoid networks across community garden management and urban landscape gradients
2024Azucena Lucatero, Noah R. Smith, Peter Bichier, Heidi Liere, Stacy M. Philpott · Ecosphere · United States (California)
Using ecological networks, this study quantified interactions between herbivorous insects and their parasitoids across 22 urban community gardens on the Central Coast of California, relating host abundance, parasitism rates, and network structure to local garden management and surrounding landscape composition. It found that both local management and landscape composition influenced parasitism, while only local factors affected host abundance and network structure, suggesting local garden management decisions may shift host–parasitoid network structure with variable outcomes for biological pest control.
BiodiversityCommunityCidades e suas agriculturas: avaliação de benefícios da agricultura urbana e periurbana para as pessoas: sumário executivo de Manaus (AM)
2024Adriana de Paula Cavalcante Fraga, Ana Moraes Coelho, Jéssica Castro Chryssafidis, José Geraldo Barreto Monteiro de Andrade, Maíra Bombachini Silva, Maria Luiza Sevilha Seraphico de Assis Carvalho, Mariana Nicolletti, Nathan Debortoli, Samuel Santos de Souza Pinto · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil (Manaus)
A case study of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Manaus, Brazil, aimed to identify and characterize the benefits these agricultural initiatives provide to the territory. Using a hybrid methodology that combined biophysical modeling with listening to the voices of experienced protagonists, the study identified the significant potential of urban and peri-urban agriculture to contribute to city development. This research revealed the potential for urban agriculture to mitigate or solve typical urban problems.
Peri-urban agricultureCommunityClimate changeBiodiversityRénover Cleveland : démolition, racisme et agriculture urbaine dans l’Amérique abandonnée
2024Pierric Calenge, Maie Gérardot · Métropolitiques · United States (Cleveland)
The work by Max Rousseau and Vincent Béal illuminates the ambiguities of a policy that organizes urban decline and racial segregation in Cleveland. This policy promotes urban degrowth and racial segregation, balancing algorithmic management and urban greening. The study focuses on the Rust Belt region, which experiences de-urbanization marked by the subprime crisis, racism, and segregation.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareClimate changeBiodiversityFood educationElderlyFood lossOrganic cyclePollinatorsHeirloom & landraceFood miles & supply chainCSA & TeikeiPeri-urban agricultureDigital agricultureDIYCompostFood educationWelfareElderlyFood lossOrganic cycleCommunityBiodiversityPollinatorsPolicyHealthEconomicsHeirloom & landraceUrban–rural linkageFood miles & supply chainCSA & TeikeiPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureTransdisciplinary and arts-centred approaches to stewardship and sustainability of urban nature
2024Lindsay K. Campbell, Chris Fremantle, David Maddox, Erika S. Svendsen, Sarah Hines, Mary Mattingly, Matthew López-Jensen, Nikki Lindt, Liza Paqueo, Michelle Johnson · Landscape Research · United States (New York City)
This paper explores four case studies from the Urban Field Station Collaborative Arts Program (UFS Arts) in New York City, United States, from 2016 to the present. It examines how artists collaborating with scientists and land managers foster new relationships with urban nature and inform landscape decisions. The examples include projects using image, sound, a floating food forest, and an exhibition mapping civic environmental practices, demonstrating how transdisciplinary approaches can transform management practices and landscape decisions.
CommunityBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationABORDAGEM BIODINÂMICA PARA O CULTIVO SUSTENTÁVEL: UM ESTUDO DE CASOS DE HORTAS URBANAS
2024Letícia Pereira Cardoso, Luyane Castro de Sousa, Millena de Oliveira Martins, Sarah Luíza Ribeiro Avelino, Wédila Souza Aires Jácome, Otávio Cabral Neto · Revista Multidisciplinar do Nordeste Mineiro · Brazil (Palmas-Tocantins)
This study focused on biodynamic strategies applied in urban gardens in Palmas-Tocantins, Brazil. In addition to a literature review, practical methods included technical visits and an exclusive interview with a producer-researcher, investigating cultivation methods, organic composting, water efficiency, natural pest control, the use of beneficial fungi, and organic fertilizers. The study aims to contribute to sustainable development and innovation in organic food production in small urban spaces.
DIYOrganic cycleHealthBiodiversityKit joaninha:
2024Andréa Nunes Moreira, Camila Torres Valgueiro Ferraz, Doyglas Rafael Sales Marques, Jarbas Florentino de Carvalho, Jane Oliveira Perez · Revista Semiárido De Visu · Brazil (Petrolina)
This study aimed to present efficient and low-cost methods for preserving ladybugs, excellent predators of agricultural pests, to horticulturists in Petrolina, Brazil. "Ladybug Preservation Kits" containing seed mixes and explanatory materials were distributed to 10 community gardens, and "Knowing Ladybugs Kits" with ladybug specimens were also distributed to 2 gardens. The survey identified 17 community gardens in Petrolina, and the activities received excellent receptivity, contributing to knowledge building about natural enemies.
BiodiversityFood educationCommunityIndicators of Cultural Ecosystem Services for Peri-Urban Agricultural and Natural Areas at an Intermediate Scale: A Case Study of Arequipa, Peru
2024Marina Torreblanca, Flavio Choquehuanca, Javier Martínez, Martinez Alfaro · Land · Peru (Arequipa)
This research developed indicators for Cultural Ecosystem Services (CESs) in peri-urban agricultural and natural areas (PANAs), using Arequipa, Peru, as a case study. A systematic review combined with a participatory workshop identified 230 indicators across 19 subclassifications, with 115 indicators across 13 subclassifications assessed for impact level. This study enables the selection of practical indicators to facilitate PANA landscape management and support decision-making for interventions.
Peri-urban agricultureBiodiversityCommunityPolicyConservation Value to Bats: Assessing Multiple Functional Habitats in a Nature Preserve at the Urban-Agricultural Interface via Temporal Ecology
2024Han Li, Jeremy A. White · Sustainability · United States
This study assessed bat activity patterns at Glacier Creek Preserve in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, from 2018 to 2020 using acoustic monitoring to determine its conservation value for bats. Nine species, including the endangered Myotis septentrionalis, were recorded, with edge habitats showing higher overall and foraging activities for several species compared to open habitats. The preserve provides roosts, commuting corridors, and foraging grounds for different bat species.
BiodiversityUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureIdentificação de armadilhas cromotrópicas para manejo de insetos pragas com seletividade aos inimigos naturais
2024Gustavo Aceti de Avila, Giovanni Vonsowski Guarido, Luis Vitor Fornacciari, Arthur Almenara Rosendo, Fernando Teruhiko Hata, Carlos Alexandre Zanutto, Ednaldo Michellon, William Mário de Carvalho Nunes · Contribuciones a las Ciencias Sociales · Brazil
A participatory experiment using different colored Moericke-type flight interceptor traps was conducted in the Vila Esperança community garden in Maringá, Brazil, to identify the most effective colors for managing pests while being selective towards natural enemies. Dark blue, light blue, and yellow traps showed the best pest/natural enemy ratios (3.19, 3.01, and 1.01, respectively) and captured the most pest insects. These colors are recommended for use as they reduce pest insect populations while avoiding the capture of beneficial insects.
CommunityBiodiversityHortas urbanas: desafios e potencialidades para o desenvolvimento sustentável de Cachoeiro de Itapemirim - ES
2024Adriana Rezende Bighi, Regiane Carla Bolzan Carvalho, Camille Rezende Sartorio, Maurício Novaes Souza · Mérida Publishers eBooks · Brazil
This study examines the role of urban gardens in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil, exploring their economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Urban gardens mitigate environmental degradation, promote biodiversity, and have the potential to generate employment and income opportunities for local residents, while reducing food costs. Through the efficient use of local resources like idle land and organic waste, these gardens yield significant environmental benefits, including reduced pollution and improved air quality, and foster sustainable agricultural practices.
CommunityEconomicsBiodiversityClimate changeMapping and Assessing Urban Agriculture in São Paulo: Tackling Socio-Economic and Environmental Issues through Nature-Based Solutions
2024Luiza Vigne Bennedetti, Silvia Ronchi, Maurício Lamano Ferreira, Fabiano Lemes de Oliveira · Sustainability · Brazil (São Paulo)
This study assessed São Paulo's urban agriculture (UA) potential using an Ecosystem Services (ES)-based approach, combining ES spatial mapping and a producer survey at 49 UA sites. Results showed natural habitats and anthropic areas within urbanized land, especially in the south, with high habitat quality scores. Nine ES were identified: food supply, commercialization, income generation, waste mediation, lifecycle maintenance, soil formation, leisure/social, well-being, and education.
PolicyEconomicsBiodiversityFood educationAgricultura Urbana e Periurbana na zona oeste do Rio de Janeiro: seu papel na conservação da comunidade de abelhas nativas.
2024L. Garcia Ferreira, M. E. F. CORREIA, M. C. UZEDA · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
This study evaluated the role of agroecological urban and peri-urban agriculture in preserving native bee communities in the western region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ten different bee species, nesting in soil and cavities, were identified. Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) indicated that the percentage of agricultural, natural, and built-up land cover was insufficient to explain the species composition regarding their nesting habits. The findings suggest the importance of assessing the quality of agricultural environments, as their association with urban landscapes could support a greater richness of species with diverse nesting habits.
BiodiversityPollinatorsPeri-urban agricultureOrganic amendments alter urban soil microbiomes and improve crop quality
2024Joshua Garcia, Mariel Mondragon-Becerra, I. Rojas Martínez, Mallika Nocco, Cristina Lazcano · Applied Soil Ecology · United States (California)
A greenhouse trial was conducted in urban agricultural soil from the San Francisco Bay Area, USA, to investigate the effects of organic amendments derived from local municipal waste products on the soil microbiome, tomato productivity, and quality. Liquid food waste hydrolysate and mixed herbivore waste compost increased microbial abundance in the soil compared to mineral fertilizer. While mineral-fertilized tomato plants generally had higher productivity and yields, plants treated with the hydrolysate and mixed herbivore waste compost showed enhanced fruit soluble sugar content (°Brix).
Organic cycleCompostBiodiversityDIYBioactive and nutritional compounds in fruits of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) landraces conserved among indigenous communities from Mexico
2023García-Vásquez R., Vera-Guzmán A.M., Carrillo-Rodríguez J.C., Pérez-Ochoa M.L., Aquino-Bolaños E.N., Alba-Jiménez J.E., Chávez-Servia J.L. · AIMS Agriculture and Food 8(3):832-850 · Mexico
Compared phenolics, vitamin C, carotenoids, capsaicinoids, and antioxidant activity in Oaxacan Huacle and De Agua pepper landraces versus commercial Jalapeño. Landraces showed higher flavonoid and carotenoid contents, underscoring indigenous germplasm value.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversityHealthCommunityBee diversity on urban rooftop food gardens
2023Riehn J.K., Fogel N.S., Hathaway J.N., Camilo G.R. · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, 5:1100470 · United States (St. Louis, MO)
Surveyed bees on three urban rooftop food farms and two nearby ground-level community gardens in St. Louis during 2017–2018. Rooftops hosted 38 species—a nested subset of ground-level communities, with fewer bumblebees and more non-native Megachile—with implications for pollination services on rooftop food production.
PollinatorsBiodiversityCommunityMultiple ecosystem service synergies and landscape mediation of biodiversity within urban agroecosystems
2023Jha S., Egerer M., Bichier P., Cohen H., Liere H., Lin B., Lucatero A., Philpott S.M. · Ecology Letters, 26(3):369-383 · United States (California)
Using >5,000 observations over five years across a network of urban community gardens in California, this study quantifies trade-offs and synergies between biodiversity and multiple ecosystem services (e.g., pest control and pollination) in urban agroecosystems. Contrary to assumptions that food production conflicts with biodiversity, it finds many synergies and few trade-offs, and shows that surrounding natural landscape cover interacts with local management to mediate services from mobile animals — underscoring the role of garden management and urban planning in optimizing biodiversity and human benefit.
BiodiversityPollinatorsCommunityLand tenure security and luxury support plant species and trait diversity in urban community gardens
2023Stacy M. Philpott, Peter Bichier, Genesis Perez, Shalene Jha, Heidi Liere, Brenda B. Lin · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · United States (California)
This study examined how garden physical features, garden "luxury," and land-tenure security influence plant species richness, functional diversity, and composition in community gardens on the California central coast. It found that land-tenure-secure gardens had higher plant and crop richness, while luxury-associated variables raised ornamental richness and flower abundance but lowered crop richness.
CommunityBiodiversityPolicyUrban agroecology enhances agrobiodiversity and resilient, biocultural food systems. The case of the semi-dryland and medium-sized Queretaro City, Mexico
2023· Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Mexico (Queretaro)
Shows how urban agroecology enhances agrobiodiversity and resilient, biocultural food systems in the semi-dryland, medium-sized city of Queretaro, Mexico.
BiodiversityCommunityOrganic cycleDecline in wild bee species richness associated with honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) abundance in an urban ecosystem
2023Gail MacInnis, Etienne Normandin, Carly D. Ziter · PeerJ · Canada (Montreal)
A study of wild bee communities across Montreal, Canada, greenspaces with differing honey bee densities, surveyed in 2020 and compared with 2013 baseline data. Sites with more honey bees had fewer wild bee species, and the negative association was strongest for small-bodied bees (inter-tegular span under 2.25 mm), whose shorter foraging ranges limit their access to floral resources under competition. Urban beekeeping is commonly promoted as environmentally beneficial, but this observational evidence indicates that high-density operations may pressure native pollinators through resource competition and pathogen transmission; the design is correlational rather than an experimental test of causation.
PollinatorsBiodiversityCommunity Gardens: A Solution to Combat Food Insecurity and Promote Native Bee Conservation
2023Sarah E. Orr · American Entomologist · United States
Community gardens are presented as a solution to food insecurity and a means to promote native bee conservation. They provide local fresh produce, affordable nutritious options, and foster education in gardening and nutrition. Additionally, community gardens support biodiversity, as roughly 35% of human food crops depend on animal pollination, with bees being primary pollinators for many crops.
CommunityFood educationWelfareBiodiversityPollinatorsPlantas Alimenticias No Convencionales (PANC): alternativa para los huertos urbanos y metas de la Agenda 2030
2023Raphaela Dias da Rocha Silva, Amanda dos Santos Paulino, Marilua de Carvalho Feitoza, Angélica Oliveira de Souza, Ana Paula Branco do Nascimento · Revista Latino-americana de Ambiente Construído & Sustentabilidade · Brazil (São Paulo)
This study analyzed the cultivation of non-conventional food plants (PANC) in the Colectivo Horta das Flores urban garden in São Paulo, Brazil, and their contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Researchers monitored the development of 18 plant species across five beds for six months, finding that six non-spontaneous PANC species and nine spontaneous PANC species performed best. The cultivation of PANC in this urban garden supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityBiodiversityAGROFLORESTA URBANA COMUNITÁRIA
2023Marina Carboni, Vitoria Maria Domingues Moço · Revista Fatecnológica da Fatec-Jahu · Brazil
This paper presents a project proposal for an urban agroforestry system combined with a community garden in Brazil. The project aims to revitalize a 2,500m² urban green area currently lacking leisure attractions and adequate tree cover. The plan includes planting 35 trees of 8 fruit species and 9 vegetable species, and fencing the area to prevent theft and vandalism. The project is expected to offer vegetables and fruits to the local population, promote environmental education, and enhance ecosystem services such as temperature reduction and increased rainwater infiltration.
CommunityFood educationBiodiversityClimate changeStingless bee keeping: Biocultural conservation and agroecological education
2023Elda Míriam Aldasoro Maya, Ulises Rodríguez‐Robles, María Luisa Martínez Gutiérrez, Guelmy Anilú Chan Mutul, Teresita Avilez López, Helda Morales, Bruce G. Ferguson, Jorge Mérida‐Rivas · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Mexico (Tabasco)
Meliponiculture, or stingless bee breeding, in Mesoamerica serves as an effective tool for agroecological education, scaling, and pollinator conservation. In Tabasco, Mexico, activities included documenting contemporary knowledges, community agroecological workshops, guided visits to an institutional meliponary, and promoting school gardens, utilizing "knowledge dialogues" as a methodological approach. The study identified characteristics of stingless bees and their cultivation, such as their ecological and cultural importance, role as pollinators, association with community values, and productive potential, making them excellent mediators for biocultural conservation and agroecological education.
Food educationBiodiversityPollinatorsCommunityJardim de Sequeiro: a rainfed garden technique, innovative in aesthetics and environmental quality, inspired by the Cerrado
2023Júlio Barêa Pastore, Paulo Henrique Honorato · Ornamental Horticulture · Brazil (Brasília)
The "Jardim de Sequeiro" is a naturalistic, seasonal rainfed gardening technique developed at the University of Brasilia, Brazil. The first experimental garden, over 5,000 square meters of rooftop gardens, was planted at the Instituto Central de Ciências. It relies entirely on rainfall and withers during winter drought, functioning as a temporary installation redesigned annually. Its first cycle ran from December 2020 to May 2021, yielding promising results despite pandemic difficulties.
DIYClimate changeBiodiversity