Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
78 results(2 / 4)
Potential Policy and Community Implications of Equitable Organic Waste, Compost, and Urban Agricultural Systems in the United States
2023Hall S.M., Tikku V., Heiger-Bernays W.J. · Environmental Health Perspectives, 131(11):115001 · Global
Examines equity and safety in urban organic-waste cycling through a case study of waste-to-compost activities and legislation in four US cities. It warns that contaminants such as pesticides, lead, and PFAS and inconsistent regulation can worsen racial inequities in access to urban farmland and safe compost, and recommends justice-oriented policy with multilingual education and proper waste disposal.
CompostOrganic cyclePolicyFood lossCommunityThe State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023: Urbanization, agrifood systems transformation and healthy diets across the rural-urban continuum
2023· FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO · Global
The 2023 flagship report jointly produced by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. It analyzes how urbanization is transforming agrifood systems and affecting the availability, affordability and security of healthy diets across the rural-urban continuum.
PolicyHealthCommunityFood lossPemanfaatan Pemasaran Digital sebagai Media Penjualan Produk Pertanian Perkotaan oleh Kelompok Tani Empelan Terbin
2023Kadek Dwi Pradnyani Novianti, Ni Kadek Sukerti · WIDYABHAKTI Jurnal Ilmiah Populer · Indonesia (Denpasar)
This community service activity focused on the Empelan Terbin Farmer Group in Denpasar City, which practices urban agriculture but faces challenges in distributing and selling its produce. The group's agricultural products were often only shared locally or discarded due to excess harvest, indicating a lack of effective sales channels. To address this, the activity provided training and assistance in digital marketing via Facebook to help the group introduce its products to a wider audience and generate profit for sustainable land management.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureEconomicsCommunityFood lossEco-enzyme and mushroom bag-logs waste stimulate production and nutrients content of celery microgreen (Apium graveolens L.)
2023Elisabet, Prima Wahyu Titisari · Jurnal Agronomi Indonesia (Indonesian Journal of Agronomy) · Indonesia
This study investigated the potential of eco-enzyme and oyster mushroom bag-log waste as growing media for celery microgreens, a model suitable for urban farming. Using a factorial design, researchers tested eco-enzyme dosages (0.5, 15, 25 mL L-1) and bag-log waste dosages (0.50, 100, 150 g/tray). Findings showed a significant interaction between the two factors, with the combination of 25 mL L-1 eco-enzyme and 150 g/tray bag-log waste yielding the best results across all measured parameters, including wet weight and nutrient levels.
Organic cycleDIYFood lossFood loss and waste in community-supported agriculture in the region of Leipzig, Germany
2023Janine Voge, Till Newiger-Dous, Emily Ehrlich, Ulrich Ermann, D. Ernst, Dagmar Haase, Isabel Lindemann, Rebecca Thoma, Emilia Wilhelm, Joerg A. Priess, Lukas Egli · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Germany (Leipzig)
This study assessed food loss and waste (FLW) and yields for one year in four Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiatives in the Leipzig area, Germany, comparing them to reference data. Results showed that FLW during production, distribution, and consumption was on average 22–70% lower compared to reference data. Due to lower FLW, CSA initiatives could compensate for yield gaps of 32% on average, reflecting typical yield gaps between organic and conventional agriculture. Co-evaluation with CSA gardeners indicated that FLW could be further reduced at all stages.
CSA & TeikeiFood lossOrganic cycleEconomicsUrbanisation threats to dairy cattle health: Insights from Greater Bengaluru, India
2023MS Alam, Silpa Mullakkalparambil Velayudhan, Debpriyo Kumar Dey, Chiamaka Adilieme, Pradeep Kumar Malik, Raghavendra Bhatta, Sven König, Eva Schlecht · Tropical Animal Health and Production · India (Bengaluru)
A study in Greater Bengaluru, India, interviewed 151 dairy farmers and analyzed 97 forage samples from 10 lakes and vegetable leftovers to assess urbanization's impact on cattle health. While lake fodder was nutritionally high-quality, 43% of samples contained toxic heavy metals above critical levels. Logit models showed that insufficient drinking water and lake fodder negatively impacted cattle health, despite 60% of farmers believing their cows were healthy.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageFood lossUrban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Sourcebook – From Production to Food Systems
2022FAO, Rikolto, RUAF · Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rikolto & RUAF · Global
A comprehensive guide co-published by FAO, Rikolto and RUAF for local decision-makers, urban planners and practitioners. It frames urban and peri-urban agriculture from production through to urban food systems and policy, promoting reduced food loss via short supply chains, biodiversity protection, social inclusion, and urban-rural linkages.
PolicyCommunityOrganic cycleFood lossEconomicsBiodiversityWhat Reduces Household Food Waste in Japan? Nation-Wide and Region-Specific Contributing Factors in Urban and Rural Areas
2022Nakamura K., Kojima D., Ando M. · Sustainability (MDPI), 14(6):3174 · Japan
Analyzes nationwide survey data to identify consumer attributes (gender, age, children in the household, safety awareness) and behaviors (checking labels, food management) associated with household food-waste generation and reduction in Japan. It shows that contributing factors differ between large cities, small cities, and rural areas, underscoring the need for region-specific measures.
Food lossPolicyFarmer attitudes and perceptions toward gleaning programs and the donation of excess produce to food rescue organizations
2022Harvey S., Mount P., Valentine H., Gibson C. · Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 11(4):233-247 · United States
Interviewing 12 farmers who participated in a gleaning program and 16 who did not in the Greater Kansas City metro area, this study analyses motivations for and barriers to donating surplus produce to food-rescue organisations such as food banks. Participants cited ease of donating and tax incentives; non-participants cited safety and liability concerns. It informs the design of food-rescue schemes that redirect urban and peri-urban farm surplus to community food aid.
Food lossCommunityWelfareEconomicsPotentials and perspectives of food self-sufficiency in urban areas—a case study from Leipzig
2022Rüschhoff J., Hubatsch C., Priess J., Scholten T., Egli L. · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · Germany (Leipzig)
A Leipzig case study assessing food self-sufficiency potential, finding that combining organic agriculture, reduced food loss, and a more plant-based diet could reach a mean self-sufficiency level of about 95%.
Food lossOrganic cycleEconomicsDesign of a Friendly Solar Food Dryer for Domestic Over-Production
2022Fernandes L., Fernandes J.R., Tavares P.B. · Solar · Portugal
Builds and tests two indirect solar dryer prototypes for fruits and vegetables using low-cost, reused materials (wood, styrofoam, recycled aluminum cans). Reports drying kinetics comparable to a commercial electric dryer, cutting waste from domestic over-production.
DIYFood lossEconomicsDesign, construction, and application of a low-cost solar dryer: A kinetic study of Araticum pulp drying
2022· Journal of Food Processing and Preservation · Brazil
Designs, constructs, and applies a low-cost solar dryer, studying the drying kinetics of araticum fruit pulp. Demonstrates a self-built, inexpensive dryer for preserving and adding value to produce.
DIYFood lossEconomicsEffect of Different Predrying Treatments on Physicochemical Quality and Drying Kinetics of Twin Layer Solar Tunnel Dried Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) Slices
2022Dufera L.T. · Journal of Food Quality · Jimma, Ethiopia
Dries tomato slices in a twin-layer solar tunnel dryer under Ethiopian conditions, testing how different pre-drying treatments affect physicochemical quality and drying kinetics. Addresses low-cost tunnel-type solar drying for vegetable preservation.
DIYFood lossGrocery Waste Compost as an Alternative Hydroponic Growing Medium
2022· Agronomy · Global
Investigates replacing conventional hydroponic media such as cocodust with compost from locally sourced grocery waste, testing four mixtures (20–80% waste compost) on hydroponic lettuce over 35 days.
DIYFood lossCompostScaling-up urban agriculture for a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system: the postharvest benefits, challenges and key research gaps
2022Sofia Kourmpetli, Natalia Falagán, Charlotte A. Hardman, Lingxuan Liu, Bethan R. Mead, Lael Walsh, Jessica Davies · International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation · Global
This perspective paper presents 'rurbanisation' as a strategy for a resilient food system, focusing on postharvest benefits of urban agriculture for sustainable supply chains, enhanced nutrition, and access to fresh food. It identifies challenges for upscaling urban agricultural systems, including the need for improved technologies, local infrastructure, and knowledge transfer to new farmers. The paper also highlights research gaps in postharvest quality and safety.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthClimate changeFood lossDesign of Affordable Cold Storage for Horticulture Products (Urban Farming “Mom's Farm” in Sampora Village)
2022Ferdian Suprata, Christine Natalia, Djoko Setyanto, Budi Kartadinata, Victoria Principall · Jurnal Ilmiah Teknik Industri · Indonesia (Sampora Village)
This study in Sampora Village, Indonesia, aimed to reduce food losses by designing an affordable 4.77 m3 Modified Atmosphere Storage (MAS) cold-storage unit for horticultural products. Using a Design Thinking method and qualitative interviews, the design focused on temperature/humidity control, air circulation, and ventilation to extend product quality. The study proposed an affordable cold-storage technology.
Food lossDIYCompost
2022Margaret Marcy Emerson · Digital Commons - LIU Promoting Scholarship and Creative Work of LIU Students, Faculty, and Staff (Long Island University) · United States
In 2019, an estimated 35% of all food was lost or wasted in the U.S., and organic waste in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting significantly cuts the amount of food going into landfills, reducing climate and environmental impacts. Compost enhances soil, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, improves soil water retention, provides carbon sequestration, and local composting conserves energy and reduces transport emissions.
CompostFood lossClimate changeCommunityPost-harvest losses in rural-urban value chains: Evidence from Ethiopia
2021Minten B., Tamru S., Reardon T. · Food Policy · Ethiopia
Analyses self-reported post-harvest losses across farmers, wholesalers, processors, and retailers along rural-urban value chains for teff and liquid milk in Ethiopia.
Food lossEconomicsA Conceptual Framework for Incorporation of Composting in Closed-Loop Urban Controlled Environment Agriculture
2021Dsouza A., Price G., Dixon M., Graham T. · Sustainability · Canada
Presents a conceptual framework for incorporating composting into closed-loop urban controlled environment agriculture to recycle nutrients from organic waste streams.
CompostFood lossOrganic cycleClosed-Loop Biodigesters on Small-Scale Farms in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Review
2021Kulkarni I., Zang J., Leandro W., Parikh P., Adler I., Da Fonseca-Zang W., Campos L. · Water · Low- and middle-income countries (review)
A review of closed-loop biodigesters on small-scale farms in low- and middle-income countries, converting organic waste into energy and nutrient-rich digestate fertilizer integrated with food production.
Organic cycleFood lossEconomicsManaging a Circular Food System in Sustainable Urban Farming. Experimental Research at the Turku University Campus (Finland)
2021Leena Erälinna, Barbara Szymoniuk · Sustainability · Finland
This article presents an experimental project in Turku, Finland, aimed at implementing a circular food system in sustainable urban farming. The project had two objectives: reducing food waste in Turku University Campus restaurants and supporting local nutrient recycling by composting food waste for urban farming. The resulting concept, based on two experimental studies, is globally replicable for managing local circular food systems.
Organic cycleCompostFood lossClimate changeSosialisasi dan Penyerahan Rancangan Cold Storage sebagai Tempat Penyimpanan Hasil Panen Urban Farming “MOM’S FARM” di Kampung Nagrek
2021Ferdian Suprata, Feliks Prasepta Sejahtera Surbakti, Victoria P.L.K Tampubolon · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Charitas · Indonesia
Challenges in urban farming include harvested vegetables being perishable before consumption, marketing, or distribution. This activity aimed to inform and share a cold storage design for storing produce from the "Mom's Farm" urban farming project in Nagrek Village. Monitoring and evaluation results indicated that factors such as electrical energy requirements and limited access to electricity should be added as design criteria for cold storage intended for remote areas.
Food lossEconomicsCommunityA Comprehensive Review of Biomethanation of Urban Food Waste in Nairobi City County, Kenya
2021Hope Baxter Chamdimba, Isaiah Omosa, Simon M. Wandera · Journal of Energy Environmental & Chemical Engineering · Kenya (Nairobi)
This review analyzed urban food waste in Nairobi City County, Kenya, which accounts for 64% of recoverable municipal solid waste, totaling 29.4 thousand tons annually. The study found that food waste has a biomethane potential of 508.45 ml CH4 /g VS, suggesting that the city's food waste could yield 10.5 million m3 of methane and 1.38 MW of electricity. While food waste is increasingly used for animal feed and composting, its application for energy recovery via anaerobic digestion is limited by a lack of source separation. Biogas is shown to be more economical than liquefied petroleum gas, but long-term methane generation requires supportive policies.
Food lossOrganic cycleEconomicsUrban Organic Waste for Urban Farming: Growing Lettuce Using Vermicompost and Thermophilic Compost
2021Corinna Schröder, Franziska Häfner, Oliver Christopher Larsen, Ariane Krause · Agronomy · Global
This pot trial with lettuce plants assessed the fertilizer value of composts derived from urban organic waste. Seven treatments, including food waste vermicompost and thermophilic compost from green waste and human feces, were investigated. Lettuce yield and total uptake of P, K, Ca, and Mg were highest with coir-based vermicompost, while fecal compost resulted in high shoot P and K but lower Ca and Mg uptake. All composts required additional nitrogen for lettuce growth, indicating a need for further research on macronutrient availability and alternative N sources.
CompostOrganic cycleFood lossA new hope for India to eradicate the problem of hunger and unemployment with its advancement in both urban and rural India
2021Dr.Sumanta Bhattacharya, H. B. Lal, Bhavneet Kaur Sachdev · Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research · India
India's horticulture industry has grown, contributing to GDP and employing 42% of the population. However, 60% of products rot due to a lack of cold storage, hindering the elimination of food shortages and export amplification. Floriculture has also improved, with women playing a role in rural economy and empowerment.
Economic viabilityUrban–rural linkageFood lossClimate changeEconomics