Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
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147 results(2 / 6)
Community Readiness for Agro Living Lab (ALL) Projects: Factors Influencing Engagement of Young Urban Residents
2025Wojciech Sroka, Karol Król, Jakub Kulesza, Marcin Stanuch, Sławomir Lisek · Agriculture · Poland (Kraków)
This study analyzed factors influencing young urban residents' readiness to participate in agro living lab (ALL) projects in Kraków, Poland. Based on a literature review and a survey among university students, it found that readiness to engage in ALL projects is strongly associated with respondents’ field of study, interests, individual experiences, positive attitudes toward urban agriculture, and personal relationships with farmers.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceInitiating, innovating and accelerating edible cities. A case study based on two transition experiments in the city of Dresden (Germany)
2024· Urban Ecosystems · Germany (Dresden)
A case study based on two transition experiments in Dresden, analyzing how edible cities are initiated, innovated, and accelerated.
CommunityPolicyFood educationFood from urban agriculture has carbon footprint six times larger than conventional produce
2024· PhysOrg (Research Report) · Multi-regional (France, Germany, Poland, UK, USA)
International citizen science study recruiting farmers and gardeners at urban agriculture sites in France, Germany, Poland, UK, and USA. Participants recorded daily diary entries of inputs and harvests. Found that urban farms may have higher carbon footprints due to intensive inputs, suggesting need for optimization of composting and organic waste utilization to reduce environmental impact.
Organic cycleFood educationSchool principals’ practices and their facing barriers to sustainable development in Turkish K12 schools
2024Neşe Börü · International Journal of Leadership in Education · Turkey
This case study investigated school principals' practices and barriers to sustainable development in Turkish K-12 schools under centralized management, using semi-structured interviews. The findings highlighted the need for leadership skills, collaboration with external bodies, public education, reward systems, and school budgets under a centralized management approach. The research identified that the centralized management system itself presents a barrier to sustainable development efforts in these schools.
Governance failureFood educationCommunityPolicyThe Role of Participatory Approaches in Developing Future Perspectives
2024Bart Neuts, Steven Valcke, Clio Lambrechts, Vincent R. Nijs, Jan Van Praet · · Europe
This study describes a participatory inquiry conducted in the summer of 2021 at St Godelina’s Abbey in Bruges, Belgium, where visitors co-created 4,784 scenarios for the heritage site's future development. A panel of 40 experts further explored these scenarios, leading to an architectural design that integrates a community garden, orchard, and other elements. The process is presented as a best practice for citizen participation in redeveloping cultural sites, though limitations include significant data collection and analysis efforts, making it impractical for smaller initiatives.
CommunityFood educationOrganic cycleGrowing gardens into neighborhoods through transdisciplinary research
2024Monika Egerer, Susan Karlebowski, David Schoo, Ulrike Sturm · Urban forestry & urban greening · Germany
This communication article presents a transdisciplinary research concept focused on developing, implementing, and testing biodiversity conservation interventions in urban community gardens in Berlin and Munich, Germany. The research aims to promote insect diversity with gardeners and neighborhood residents, engaging civil society and city actors to support biodiversity-based urban greening. It outlines participatory methods and experiences in translating research into practice, highlighting the role of city residents in implementing biodiversity interventions.
CommunityBiodiversityPollinatorsFood educationHow to Monitor a School Garden With Micro Bit
2024Alejandro Carlos Campina López, Antonio Alejandro Lorca Marín, María Ángeles de las Heras Pérez, Emilio José Delgado Algarra · Advances in linguistics and communication studies · Spain
This chapter provides a comprehensive guide for setting up and programming sensors to monitor a school garden using Micro Bit boards. The project aims to meet the digital competence and computational thinking requirements specified in the Spanish curriculum (LOMLOE). By systematically monitoring parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, light intensity, and soil pH, students can make informed decisions about garden management.
Food educationDigital agricultureAn informal and transformative learning environment: The case of ODTÜ Bostan community garden in Turkey
2024Ayşe Kaplan Sarısaltık, Ufuk Sarısaltık · Cleaner and Responsible Consumption · Turkey
This qualitative study explored the role of ODTÜ Bostan, a community garden at the Middle East Technical University in Turkey, in promoting sustainability education, ecology, and food consumption practices. Operating for ten years, the garden not only enhances participants' sustainability competencies but also serves as an educational laboratory, demonstrating the potential of community gardens to address global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. The research employed autoethnography, thematic analysis of eight semi-structured interviews, and content analysis of archival data.
CommunityFood educationBiodiversityClimate changeOrganic cycleSes ve Özellikleri Konusunda Okul Dışı Ortamlarda Yapılan Etkinliklerin Ortaokul Öğrencilerinin Fen Konularına Olan İlgilerine ve Fen Öğrenme Motivasyonlarına Etkisi
2024Melis Temel Mumcu, Aykut Emre Bozdoğan · Gazi Journal of Education Sciences · Turkey
This quasi-experimental study investigated the effect of out-of-school learning activities, including a field trip and school garden activities, on 50 6th-grade students' science interest and motivation in Çorum during the 2022-2023 academic year. Findings showed a significant increase in science interest and motivation for the experimental group, while the control group showed no significant difference. Experimental group students also expressed positive views, stating the activities were enjoyable and boosted their interest.
Food educationCommunityThe new insertion of urban agriculture in the production of the city
2024Gustavo [UNESP] Nagib · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · France (Paris)
Research conducted in Greater Paris between 2018 and 2021 examined ephemeral urban agriculture (UA) initiatives in eco-districts during construction phases. This qualitative study, using fieldwork and observation, found that temporary UA occupations serve as incubators for new initiatives, fostering the emergence of associations and companies. UA is integrating into a new urbanism that anticipates long-term agricultural practices, bringing together various stakeholders.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsFood educationFostering Citizen-Led Projects Through Multi-level Engagement in Wildemanbuurt, Amsterdam
2024Diana Krabbendam, Emiel Wolf, Bernie Deekens, Rosalie Bak, Hans Krikke · SpringerBriefs in applied sciences and technology · Netherlands (Amsterdam)
This chapter outlined activities for citizen-led projects in the Wildeman neighborhood in Amsterdam. The main challenges identified were a lack of trust and community feeling among inhabitants, a lack of involvement and ownership in neighborhood developments, and fragmented existing community activities and services.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood educationOrganic cyclePrendre en charge les inégalités environnementales
2024Nathalie Blanc, Caroline Gallez, Éléonore Genest, Diégo Antolinos-Basso, Jean Chiche, Hugo Rochard · Développement durable et territoires · France
This article studies the evolution of relationships between local authorities and associations/collectives in the context of socio-environmental transition, using qualitative and quantitative methodologies across four urban territories in France (Paris 18th, Ivry-sur-Seine, Aubervilliers, Clamart). These associative collectives jointly address environmental and social issues through actions ranging from neighborhood recycling centers to solidarity grocery stores and shared gardens involved in popular education. A comparative analysis between the four territories examines the specificities of these mobilizations in relation to socio-environmental inequalities in each municipality.
CommunityPolicyFood educationʺEthnobotanical spaceʺ: plants as a link between nature and culture.
2024Buonanno Rosa · IRIS UNIMORE (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia) · Italy (Reggio Emilia)
This study in Reggio Emilia, Italy, explored primary school children's knowledge of plants and their uses, and aimed to rebuild a plant-focused learning environment with school stakeholders. Qualitative analysis of children's conversations and documentation revealed their innate connection with plants through food or health applications, supporting their "naturalistic intelligence." Teachers reported that the plant project fostered group work, collaboration, and a changing didactic approach, connecting children to the earth's environment.
Food educationHealthCommunityImpact of food based intergeneration community intervention
2024Fotini Tsofliou, R. Vijayakumaran, Ashley Wilson, Anthony Mills · Proceedings of The Nutrition Society · United Kingdom (Dorset)
This pilot research, conducted with fourteen adults in disadvantaged areas of Dorset, UK, explored perceptions on the importance and roles of community food garden and kitchen initiatives. Four main themes emerged from the participants' perspectives: tackling food insecurity and sustainability, utilization of climate-friendly and organic food, bridging the intergenerational gap, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
CommunityHealthFood educationWelfareElderlyMonitoring System Enhancing the Potential of Urban Beekeeping
2023Szczurek A., Maciejewska M., Batog P. · Applied Sciences, 13(1):597 · Poland (Wrocław)
Develops and evaluates an automated monitoring system for urban beekeeping's educational, greening and awareness benefits. Sensors, cameras and scales were deployed on hives on the roof of a four-storey university building in Wrocław; three months of operation confirmed the system works and that rooftop placement is a viable urban apiary model.
PollinatorsCommunityFood educationHow does community food growing build community bonds? Insights from grassroots visual storytelling
2023· Local Environment · United Kingdom
Uses grassroots visual storytelling to explore how community food-growing activities build community bonds through emotional attachment and placemaking.
CommunityWelfareFood educationJardiner et cuisiner collectivement pour favoriser l'accès à une alimentation choisie et durable
2023Lucile Vigouroux, Fanny Provent, Giulia Giacchè · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · France
This report details the ‘Potager à la Marmite’ (PAM) experiment, conducted by LAB3S and the Urban Agriculture Chair with local partners in Bondy Nord, France. The two-year experiment (2022-2023) aimed to combine a community garden with a collective kitchen. Its goals were to provide access to healthy, sustainable food, enable inhabitants to reclaim public spaces, and observe knowledge-sharing dynamics. The abstract does not state any specific findings from the experiment.
CommunityFood educationHealthFood sovereignty & justiceViews of Teachers and Headteachers about Outdoor Learning in Pre-School Education Institutions in Turkey and England
2023Ayşe Öztürk Samur, Paulette Luff · İnsan ve Toplum Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi · Turkey; United Kingdom
This phenomenological study investigated the views and experiences of 9 headteachers and 9 teachers from 6 preschool institutions in Turkey and England regarding outdoor learning. It found that in Turkey, school gardens, equipment, and time spent outside are insufficient compared to England. While family participation in outdoor learning is more common in Turkey, teachers and headteachers there experience greater family pressure concerning child safety, illness, and dirty clothes, and feel anxious due to a lack of classroom assistance. Both countries showed insufficient inclusion of outdoor learning in vocational and in-service training.
Limited or null effectFood educationCommunityCollective urban gardens: growing, learning and fostering social engagement
2023Geneviève Cloutier, Émilie Houde-Tremblay, Stéphanie Gaudet · Local Environment · Canada (Québec City), Spain (Madrid)
Case studies of collective gardens in Québec City, Canada, and Madrid, Spain, operating for approximately ten years, showed that urban gardening practices offer learning opportunities extending beyond gardening itself into collective decision-making and social engagement. These gardens are sites of social processes where gardeners develop a strong identity related to alternative lifestyles and a sense of belonging that connects them to nature beyond the garden's boundaries. Gardeners learn that neighborhood-oriented actions have political implications that can help change the city.
CommunityFood educationPolicyA Research On Outdoor Classrooms Design In School Gardens
2023Elif ŞATIROĞLU, Selda Al Şensoy, Abdullah Yasin Dündar · Mimarlık Bilimleri ve Uygulamaları Dergisi (MBUD) · Turkey
This study analyzed examples of outdoor classrooms, which are rare in Turkey, using inductive content analysis and semi-structured interviews with architects and landscape architects. It determined that the effects of outdoor classes on students could be grouped into four categories: cognitive, psychomotor, developmental, affective, and social development. Exemplary outdoor classroom models were also developed and interpreted.
Food educationINVESTIGATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL INTEREST OF STUDENTS WHO SPEND THEIR LEISURE IN THE SCHOOL GARDENS
2023Dilek SELÇUK, Mustafa Can KOÇ, Nurullah Emir Ekinci, Ersan Tolukan · DergiPark (Istanbul University) · Turkey (Istanbul)
This study investigated the environmental interest of students who spend their leisure time in school gardens at Şehit Onbaşı Murat Şengöz Imam Hatip Secondary School in Arnavutköy district, Istanbul, Turkey. Data was collected online from 51 male and 229 female students. Findings showed no significant difference in environmental interest based on age or grade level, but a significant difference was observed in the biodiversity sub-dimension based on gender, with girls demonstrating more interest.
Food educationBiodiversity(Re)creating a Living Memorial: Urban Gardening as a Multispecies Co-creating Practice
2023JC Niala · Ecozon European Journal of Literature Culture and Environment · United Kingdom (Oxford)
This essay explores a case study where an allotment in the style of 1918 was recreated at a charity allotment site in Oxford, United Kingdom, during the 2020-2021 growing season. The researcher planted open-pollinated non-hybrid heritage seeds from that era, reflecting on the soil as a repository of memory through academic and creative responses. The plot became a living memorial visited by diverse members of the public, engaging with themes such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, the 1918-1919 flu pandemic, and the First World War.
CommunityHeirloom & landraceBiodiversityFood educationAn Action Research on Improving Environmental Sensitivity of Fourth Grade Primary School Students: What Happens in the School Garden?
2023Fatıma Betül Demir, Meryem Kayış, Dilan Aksoy, Ramazan Rüçhan KAYA, Emirhan Kaya · International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies · Turkey
This action research, conducted with 20 fourth-grade students (10 female, 10 male) in a public primary school in Bartin, Turkey, during the 2021-2022 academic year, aimed to reveal the applicability of workshops prepared in the school garden for improving students' environmental sensitivity. Data were obtained through a scale developed by Peker (2020) and a semi-structured interview form prepared by the researchers. As a result of the research, it was determined that environmental education workshops were effective in increasing students’ environmental awareness. Students stated that environmental education activities were fun, useful, and instructive, indicating a positive effect on them.
Food educationCommunitySchool Gardens in Poland – Rediscovered Places
2023Joanna Ziemkowska · Studia Ecologiae et Bioethicae · Poland
A historical outline of school gardens in Poland and their past and current possibilities of use were presented. In recent decades, school gardens had lost their educational appreciation, remaining in few schools primarily for aesthetic functions. This article discusses how school gardens may contribute to preventing "nature deficit" and provide a sense of closeness to nature even in urban realities, noting their re-emerging therapeutic potential (hortitherapy).
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityIntroducing Food Sustainability in Formal Education: A Teaching-Learning Sequence Contextualized in the Garden for Secondary School Students
2022Eugenio-Gozalbo M., Ramos-Truchero G., Suárez-López R., Romanillos M.S.A., Rees S. · Education Sciences (MDPI), 12(3):168 · Europe
A study assessing a garden-based teaching unit on 'Food and Nutrition' against a traditional textbook-based unit. The garden-based sequence produced more comprehensive student understanding and better preparation for real-life dietary decisions, representing an educational improvement over traditional teaching.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycle