Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
193 results(2 / 8)
Environmental performance and methodological challenges of Rooftop Greenhouses: An introductory paper
2026Yizhi Zhang · · Global
This report systematically reviews the environmental performance of rooftop greenhouses, focusing on life cycle assessment (LCA) approaches. The review found that existing studies are limited, often case-specific, and use diverse methodologies, hindering comparisons. Environmental performance is highly context-dependent and influenced by methodological assumptions, with conventional LCA often failing to capture dynamic interactions between greenhouse operations, crop growth, and host buildings, leading to an incomplete representation of environmental performance.
Methodological critiqueClimate changeEconomicsDigital agricultureCultivate: A Configurable AI Agent for Scaling Agricultural Extension Services in Ghana
2026Kelvin Kekeli Kobla Ahiakpor, David Ebo Adjepon‐Yamoah · DMPedia Lecture Notes in Computer Science & Engineering · Ghana
This paper presents Cultivate, an AgroAgent-as-a-Service (AaaS) platform designed to scale agricultural extension services in Ghana by allowing agronomists to deploy configurable AI agents. A pilot study with one agronomist and one farmer from Farmitecture, a Ghana-based urban farming startup, validated the system. The agronomist configured an agent in under ten minutes and estimated it could handle 50-60% of queries, while the farmer found responses specific and grounded. The pilot demonstrated the technical feasibility and positive reception of decentralized, agronomist-trained AI agents, noting limitations such as a small pilot sample and lack of WhatsApp integration.
Digital agricultureEconomicsPolicyMachine learning-based detection and classification of leaf diseases in rooftop gardens
2026Vidyashree K P, Udayabalan B, Shilpa M S, Madhusudhana R, Nandini S, Bhagyalakshmi R, Shivani T J · Journal of Integrated Science and Technology · Global
This research proposed a plant species recognition system based on deep learning technology to guide plant selection and management in rooftop gardening and urban agriculture. The system comprises four steps: image acquisition, preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification. The model was trained on a dataset of 80,000 images of 14 plant species, utilizing transfer learning on a ResNet9 architecture. The model achieved a score of approximately 92 out of 100.
Digital agricultureDIYShifting to urban agriculture? Exploration of Malaysian adoption of hydroponic
2026Lovina Yogarajan, Mohammad Masukujjaman, Abdullah Al Mamun, Mohd Helmi Ali · Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies · Malaysia
An online survey of 250 urban residents across various regions of Malaysia investigated factors influencing the adoption of hydroponic farming. Findings indicate that attitude, hydroponic compatibility, and perceived trust significantly influence adoption intentions, and intention strongly influences actual adoption. However, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence did not significantly impact adoption intentions.
Digital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban Agriculture: The Food Movement Moves On
2025Paul Β. Thompson · · Global
This article discusses urban agriculture, noting that the decline of grocery stores in inner cities and projected vulnerabilities in megacities outside the global West suggest distinct moral imperatives. It contrasts urban agriculture with rural resilience and sustainable intensification, highlighting its focus on consumption and present needs. The article describes two urban agriculture archetypes: one embracing high-tech solutions and another emphasizing local solidarities and urban-based control over the food system.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justicePolicyDigital agricultureVertical Farming: Innovations, Challenges, and the Future of Sustainable Urban Agriculture
2025Gokulakrishnan G, Navaneetha Krishnan T, Tamilselvan D, S Sanjeevkumar, Devaganesh A, Janani N, K. Arunadevi, Balaji Kannan · Madras Agricultural Journal · Global
This review explores vertical farming, a method that uses stacked layers in controlled environments for year-round crop production with reduced resource use. It assesses the environmental and economic advantages of vertical farming, while critically examining its limitations, including high energy demands and limited crop diversity. The study highlights that despite its potential, vertical farming faces challenges regarding economic viability due to high energy consumption.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsPolicySistema de irrigação e monitoramento de solo
2025André Luiz dos Santos, Bruno Teixeira Lima, Leonardo Cabral Ramos, Lucas Bellio Buldrini, Lucas Ferreira de Queiroz, Henrique Silva, Paulo César da Silva Emanuel, Gustavo Caravita de Andrade · DELOS Desarrollo Local Sostenible · Global
This work presents AquaGarden, an automated irrigation system with soil temperature and humidity monitoring, developed using an ESP32 microcontroller and physical sensors. Collected data is sent to a FlutterFlow mobile application connected to Firebase for cloud storage and remote management. The system aims to facilitate garden cultivation through automation, optimizing water usage and reducing manual intervention, allowing real-time monitoring and remote irrigation control.
DIYDigital agricultureClimate changeSoilless Agricultural Systems: Opportunities, Challenges, and Applications for Enhancing Horticultural Resilience to Climate Change and Urbanization
2025Imran Ali Lakhiar, Haofang Yan, Tabinda Naz Syed, Chuan Zhang, Sher Ali Shaikh, Md Rakibuzzaman, Rahim Bux Vistro · Horticulturae · Global
A systematic review of soilless farming (SLF) systems globally identified their role in enhancing horticultural resilience in urban and peri-urban settings. SLF offers advantages like water conservation and increased yield, but faces significant challenges. High setup costs, substantial energy demands, and the requirement for specialized technical expertise continue to limit its widespread adoption.
Economic viabilityClimate changeUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureUrban-AI 2024 Workshop Report: The 2nd ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on Advances in Urban-AI (Urban-AI 2024)
2025Olufemi A. Omitaomu, Ali Mostafavi, Sukanya Randhawa, Haoran Niu · SIGSPATIAL Special · Global
Urban AI is an interdisciplinary field integrating artificial intelligence, spatial computing, and urban science to address urbanization challenges. The growth of urban data and digitization of city infrastructures create opportunities for data-driven machine learning in urban science. Urban AI focuses on innovative AI applications for urban problems, developing AI-ready urban data infrastructures, and practical urban applications across areas like urban planning, traffic forecasting, energy optimization, public safety, urban agriculture, and land use management.
Digital agriculturePolicyAnalisis Insight Instagram sebagai Media Pemberdayaan Digital pada Komunitas Pertanian Perkotaan
2025Fadhil Ahla Firdaus, Siti Nurlaela, Mastur Mastur · Journal of Agribusiness Science and Rural Development · Global
This qualitative descriptive study analyzed Instagram insights for the @great.andgreen account from November 20, 2023, to April 28, 2025, to understand its role in digital empowerment for urban farming communities. The account showed positive growth with 1,335 followers, 130,413 impressions, and 18,991 reach, primarily among 18-24 year olds. Content interaction reached 2,215, indicating potential for expanding influence beyond main followers.
Digital agricultureCommunityMathematical Optimization of Vertical Farm Locations Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in Saudi Arabia
2025Amjad Aljuhani, Rahaf Baghdadi, Wafaa Alzahrani, Deemah Aljuhani · · Saudi Arabia
This study examined the feasibility of vertical farming in Saudi Arabia, using mathematical optimization to identify optimal locations. A mixed-integer linear programming model, developed with AIMMS software, incorporated infrastructure compatibility, water availability, and energy consumption. Results identified seven optimal locations across five cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Tabuk, and Khamis Mushait—ensuring efficient lettuce production at minimized costs. However, challenges such as high energy requirements and initial investment costs persist.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceInternet of Things (IOT) for rooftop urban farming III
2025Kit Hoe Chan · DR-NTU (Nanyang Technological University) · Singapore
This thesis explores the architecture, applications, and challenges of Internet of Things (IoT)-based urban farming systems, focusing on their role in enhancing agricultural productivity in densely populated environments. IoT integrates smart sensors, data analytics, and automation for real-time monitoring and precise control of crop environments, optimizing resource use and increasing yield consistency. The study highlights how IoT supports resilient, resource-efficient, and scalable smart-city agriculture, with future potential for AI-based predictive analytics and blockchain-enabled traceability.
Digital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceNature-Based Solutions: Green and Smart Façade with an Innovative Cultivation System for Sustainable Buildings and More Climate-Resilient Cities
2025Paola Lassandro, Salvatore Capotorto, Valeria Mammone · Sustainability · Global
This study explored smart, low-cost cultivation systems for building facades as nature-based solutions to improve energy efficiency and urban food production. An eco-smart irrigation system, achieving up to 57.14% water savings, was implemented in a vertical green module. This system reduced internal temperatures by 3–4 °C in an office room during hot days in a Mediterranean city.
Climate changeDigital agricultureUrban–rural linkageChallenges and Opportunities for New Frontiers and Technologies to Guarantee Food Production
2025José Cleydson F. Silva, Kleiton Lima de Godoy Machado, Anna Flavia de Souza Silva, Raquel Dias, Victor Ricardo Bodnar, Wallison Oliveira Vieira, María Alejandra Moreno-Pizani, Jenifer Dias Ramos, Ivani Pauli, Lucas Cavalcante da Costa · Sustainability · Global
This global review explores innovative advancements in agriculture and food technology, including urban farming, regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and food production in extreme environments. It examines advances in biotechnology, synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and the role of AI in precision farming to improve crop yields and nutrition. The review also discusses the importance of policy, regulation, and community-driven approaches for a resilient global food system.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justicePolicyDigital agricultureCommunityPrecision Farming in Urban Environments to Ensure Zero Hunger
2025Anand A. Jose, S. Mahalakshmi, S Arjun · · Global
This paper explores the integration of precision farming methods in urban landscapes to address food insecurity and achieve zero hunger goals. Precision farming utilizes advanced technologies to optimize crop production, resource allocation, and environmental sustainability. The paper scrutinizes the concept of precision farming, its applicability in urban contexts, diverse techniques suitable for urban agriculture, and showcases successful case studies.
Digital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkagePolicySolución de agricultura vertical inteligente y sostenible basada en IoT para los desafíos agrícolas en Pakistán
2025Sadiq Ur Rehman, Muhammad Adeel Mannan, Muhammad Ahsan Shaikh, Muhammad Uzair · Memoria Investigaciones en Ingeniería · Pakistan
In Pakistan, an IoT-based solar-powered smart vertical farming system was proposed to address agricultural challenges like water scarcity. A six-week trial cultivating cherry tomatoes showed the system achieved a 60-65% yield increase, 40% energy saving, and 28.57% water consumption reduction compared to traditional methods. However, limitations included the small trial size and lack of long-term environmental impact data, and scalability challenges such as cost, maintenance, and local restrictions need to be addressed for wider adoption.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureHydro-smart: User-Configurable IoT Platform for Hydroponic Agriculture
2025Wafaa Radi · Journal of Communication Sciences and Information Technology · Global
Many existing IoT-based hydroponic control systems limit user customization due to tightly coupled hardware and software. This paper proposes Hydro-smart, a modular and user-friendly IoT platform designed for small-scale DIY enthusiasts and medium-scale urban agriculture practitioners. Hydro-smart aims to automate and optimize gardening processes, facilitate agricultural experimentation, and enable users to act as citizen scientists by simplifying experimental design and automating data collection.
Digital agricultureDIYCommunityMachine Learning–Based Climate-Adaptive Smart Gardening System for Sustainable Urban Agriculture
2025Zakhro Sodikova · International Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science Engineering and Information Technology · Global
This research proposed and aimed to design and implement a Machine Learning-Based Climate-Adaptive Smart Gardening System for sustainable urban agriculture. The system uses environmental sensors to record soil moisture, air temperature, humidity, solar exposure, and light intensity in real-time. It employs machine learning models like Gradient Boosting, Random Trees, and LSTM to predict irrigation needs, plant stress, and environmental changes, adjusting gardening conditions to mitigate climate impacts.
Digital agricultureClimate changeDIYPENERAPAN PENANAMAN DENGAN METODE HIDROPONIK SISTEM WICK (SUMBU) KEPADA MAHASISWA UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PEMAHAMAN CARA MENANAM
2025Fadilla Siska Tiara, Eva Maria Sulastri · BUDIMAS JURNAL PENGABDIAN MASYARAKAT · Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
Training on planting mustard greens using the hydroponic wick system was conducted for students of Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang and University Teknologi Mara at the AU2 Keramat Community Garden in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The training aimed to improve understanding and skills in hydroponics, raise awareness of vegetable consumption, and foster an entrepreneurial spirit. Pre- and post-tests showed significant improvement in participants' knowledge regarding hydroponics benefits, planting media, and wick system manufacturing techniques.
Food educationDIYCommunityDigital agricultureResearch on Ways to Revitalize Urban Agriculture using Agricultural-ICT Technology Convergence
2025Young-Tak Kim, Ke Han, Woo-Hyun Yoo · Industrial Study of Innovation Management · Global
This study aimed to analyze the concepts and characteristics of agricultural-ICT convergence technology and urban agriculture, and to propose development directions and policy implications by reviewing successful cases and related policies in developed countries. The research results indicate that agricultural-ICT technology convergence creates significant synergy effects, and the combination of urban agriculture and IT technology is expected to promote the development of the next-generation 6th industry. Furthermore, this technology supports the scientific advancement of agriculture and livestock farming, and is widely utilized in activating new distribution channels centered on local food and direct transactions.
Digital agriculturePolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceSmart Irrigation Systems Using AI to Optimize Water Usage
2025Belghachi Mohammed · Advances in environmental engineering and green technologies book series · Global
Smart irrigation systems, integrating AI, machine learning, sensors, and IoT, aim to revolutionize agricultural water management by optimizing water usage tailored to crop needs and environmental conditions. While these systems offer benefits such as water conservation and improved yields, their implementation faces significant challenges including high costs, the need for technical expertise, data management complexities, and connectivity issues. Future prospects focus on advanced AI models, better sensors, renewable energy, and policy support to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of these systems.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceThe Influence of Female Farmers in Digital Urban Agriculture in Khartoum State: Examining Gender Challenges and Opportunities
2025Nagwa Babiker Abdalla Yousif, Shadia Abdel Rahim Mohammed, Enaam Youssef, S. Behari · Sustainability · Sudan (Khartoum State)
An interview study was conducted with 100 female farmers in Omdurman’s Algamwai area, Khartoum State, Sudan, from 2022 to 2023. This research examined the intersection of gender, technology, and socioeconomic equity in digital urban agriculture. It showed that despite structural inequalities, including 45% restricted land ownership, 5% limited credit access, and inadequate extension services, female farmers are driving innovation and sustainability. Digital urban agriculture provides income opportunities (76% rely on it) and serves as a platform for equitable participation, though systemic disparities need to be addressed.
Equity & displacementDigital agricultureEconomicsPolicyWelfareA comprehensive review of urban agriculture in a changing climate: Technological innovations and policy frameworks
2025Peng Gao, Shuochen Xiao, Fara Diva Mustapa · Climate Risk Management · Global
This comprehensive review synthesized research on urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) globally, specifically within the context of its advantages, challenges, and climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, including technological innovations and policy frameworks. The review demonstrated UPA’s ability to advance social interactions, improve urban microclimates, mitigate the urban heat island phenomenon, and provide essential ecosystem services. However, UPA is limited by scarce land resources and soil contamination, along with water management challenges and regulatory frameworks.
Contamination & food safetyClimate changePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureUse of climate smart agriculture technologies in West Africa peri-urban Sahel in Niger
2025Tinawaen Tambol, Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, Moussa Soulé · Scientific Reports · Niger
This study investigated peri-urban farming systems in West African Sahel cities. A mixed-method research design, including field and household surveys of 142 peri-urban smallholder farmers, was employed. Results showed that biopesticides/crop and pest management were the most used Climate-Smart Agriculture Technologies (CSAT) in dry-season farming (p = .002). Other technologies included fertilizer micro-dose, organic manure and compost application, flood-tolerant improved varieties, and green energy-based irrigation.
Peri-urban agricultureClimate changeDigital agricultureCompostUrbanAgri: a transfer learning-based plant stress identification framework for sustainable smart urban growth
2025Upinder Kaur, M. Kaur, Aparna Kumari, Deepika Shukla, Rajan Datt, Mehar Chand · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · Global
This paper proposes a deep learning model, UrbanAgri, integrating ResNet101 and the Sparrow Search Optimization (SSO) algorithm, to identify plant stress in urban agriculture environments. Trained on a heterogeneous dataset of urban crop images, the model achieved an F1-score of 98.9 and ROC-AUC of 0.989, outperforming traditional approaches. This framework aims to reduce crop waste and promote sustainable urban agriculture by accurately detecting biotic and abiotic stress factors.
Digital agricultureClimate change