Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
1436 results(2 / 58)
Growing Greens in Cities for Healthy Lives and Spaces: The Case of Community Gardens in Chicago, Illinois Imparted to Philippine Situation
2026R P Mula, Molly Doane, Gabrielle Powell, Myer G. Mula · Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension Economics & Sociology · United States (Chicago)
This study visited, documented, and described 15 community gardens in Chicago, Illinois, and interviewed their leaders. It found the utmost importance of saving traditional crop seeds (heirlooms) for diversity, climate change mitigation, and health, as these are grown organically. Insights include reorienting mindsets, crafting garden requirement manuals, consolidating the value chain, and educating health workers on promoting community gardening.
CommunityHealthEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceHeirloom & landraceClimate changeUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureEvaluación del índice de multifuncionalidad en la agricultura urbana y periurbana en San Miguel Tocuila, Texcoco
2026Alfredo Pérez Guerrero, María Josefina Jiménez-Moreno, Florentino López-Sánchez · Revista Chapingo Serie Agricultura Tropical · Mexico
This research analyzed the multifunctionality of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in Tocuila, Texcoco, Mexico, by applying the Multifunctionality Index of Agricultural Production Systems (IMSPA) to 50 agricultural systems through surveys. Indicators were weighted using the Delphi technique with experts and ejidatarios. Results showed that 50% of systems had medium-high multifunctionality (level IV), 48% had medium multifunctionality (level III), and only 2% had high multifunctionality (level V). The majority of agricultural systems exhibited an intermediate level of multifunctionality, with relevant but limited capacities to generate simultaneous benefits across productive, environmental, and social dimensions.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsCommunityBiodiversityOpen Space and Mental Well-Being: Reimagining Urban Environments for Psychological Health
2026Vidhyashree H, Harshita D · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This paper investigates the relationship between open spaces and mental well-being, focusing on the psychological, social, environmental, and physiological impacts of access in urban settings. Through analysis of existing literature, case studies, and interdisciplinary perspectives, findings suggest that open spaces significantly improve mental well-being by reducing anxiety, depression, mental fatigue, and social alienation while promoting community engagement, physical activity, and emotional resilience.
HealthCommunityUrban–rural linkageDACHA AS A SOCIO-SPATIAL PHENOMENON
2026Olha Liubitseva, Іryna Kоchetkova · GEOGRAPHY AND TOURISM · Europe
This article aims to elaborate the concept of "dacha" as a scientific category with a socio-spatial essence and to demonstrate the role of dacha practices as micro-scale nature use and a specific form of urban population spatial behavior. Based on the study of the genesis and axiology of dachas as a social phenomenon, various forms of active recreational activity of the urban population, combining leisure in a natural environment with agricultural activities (including urban allotments, community gardens, dachas, and "second homes"), were identified. Essential differences between these forms were established through the application of theories such as everyday life, spatial identity, and the appropriation of space.
CommunityUrban–rural linkageEveryday Urbanism in Lithuanian towns: the case of old community gardens in Grigiškės and Plungė
2026Adomas Gedvilas, Dovilė Krupickaitė · Journal of Architecture and Urbanism · Lithuania
This paper examines old community gardens in Grigiškės and Plungė, Lithuania, as examples of Everyday Urbanism, using literature, data, maps, and interviews. The study found that these gardens, established informally on vacant land during the socialist period, are not officially recognized and their future development may differ due to varying local government attitudes. This highlights the need for a more flexible approach to their preservation and integration into urban planning.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageRANCANG BANGUN SISTEM MONITORING DAN KONTROL PADA AKUAPONIK BERBASIS INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT)
2026Alrifky Alif Fadla, Muhammad Muhammad, Dedi Fariadi, Ezwarsyah Ezwarsyah, Misbahul Jannah · Transmisi: Jurnal Ilmiah Teknik Elektro · Indonesia
This research designed and built an Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring and control system for aquaponics to automatically monitor environmental parameters like water temperature, pH, and turbidity using sensors. Testing showed the system could monitor water turbidity (0.86-12.93 NTU), pH (7.38-6.68), and temperature (26.31-27.69 °C) via LCD and Blynk software. It also automated fish feeding at specific times with an average of 21.5 grams per second.
Digital agricultureDIYUrban–rural linkageThe Origins, Definition, and Operational Framework of Community-Supported Agriculture
2026Magdalena Raftowicz, Mirosław Struś · · Global
This chapter presents the origins, definition, and operational framework of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) in selected countries of the "old" European Union and Central and Eastern European states. It demonstrates that, due to differing historical experiences, the classical CSA model has not gained sufficient recognition in post-communist countries, unlike its success in Western Europe, the United States, and Japan.
CSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageKonsep Integrated Urban Farming System (IUFS) sebagai model pertanian perkotaan berkelanjutan
2026Luqman Darmawan, Edeng Hidayat, Asep Najmudin, Intan Meylan · Composite Jurnal Ilmu Pertanian · Indonesia (Bandung)
This study implemented and analyzed an Integrated Urban Farming System (IUFS) model on a limited 100 m² land area in Sukapura Village, Bandung City, Indonesia. Using descriptive-analytical and limited experimental methods over one production cycle, the IUFS model integrated hydroponics, Nile tilapia aquaculture, and local chicken farming. Results indicated that the hydroponic system achieved high and stable vegetable productivity, with tilapia pond water substituting liquid organic fertilizer without reducing crop yield. The tilapia and chicken subsystems demonstrated good growth performance and improved feed efficiency, forming an effective nutrient cycle overall.
Urban–rural linkageOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeA systematic review of the barriers to urban agriculture at a global scale
2026Chris Blythe · OSF Preprints (OSF Preprints) · Global
This systematic review aims to explore the barriers to urban agriculture at a global scale. Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in systematic reviews concerning urban agriculture's health benefits, motivations for participation, and sustainability elements. This study will focus on the challenges and obstacles in implementing urban agriculture.
Governance failureUrban–rural linkagePolicyEconomicsCommunityUrban agriculture as regenerative infrastructure on a university campus in Brazil: challenges, opportunities and design requirements
2026Anelise Anapolski, Ana Passuello, Miguel Aloysio Sattler · International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education · Brazil
This study investigated urban agriculture (UA) as regenerative infrastructure on a university campus in Brazil, assessing challenges and opportunities before project implementation and proposing design requirements for future projects. Data collected from 120 questionnaires and 9 interviews revealed key challenges including maintenance, stakeholder engagement, risk of discontinuity, and lack of institutional support. The academic setting offers opportunities through integration with teaching, research, and outreach, and the campus community positively associates UA with innovation.
Governance failurePolicyFood educationCommunityUrban–rural linkageAssessment of Carbon Dioxide Reduction and Air Quality Improvement through Rooftop Farming in Urban Areas
2026K. C. Sahu · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · Global
This study assessed carbon dioxide reduction and air quality improvement through rooftop farming in urban areas over five years (2021-2025). It observed lower CO2 concentrations in rooftop farming areas compared to non-vegetated urban areas, where CO2 levels were recorded at 449 ppm in the township. Dense plant growth on rooftops reduced CO2 by absorption during photosynthesis, contributing to fresher air and improved environmental quality.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageUrbanisation and sustainable farming in smallholder farming communities of the Northern region of Ghana: A policy narrative
2026Adan Iddrisu · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Ghana
This policy brief explored the causes of farmland loss and its effects on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana due to rapid urbanization. Using data from focus group discussions, findings revealed that loss of farmland reduces productivity, increases household food security vulnerability, and threatens the livelihoods of farmers.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsEcosystem architecture of social enterprises in the agricultural sector in West Java
2026Yusuf Iskandar, Andri Ardhiyansyah, Farhan Fadil Ghifari · Discover Sustainability · Indonesia
This study examined the ecosystem architecture of agricultural social enterprises in West Java, Indonesia, using the five-stage ecosystem architecture model. A qualitative case study design with semi-structured interviews with 12 informants from smallholder farmers, social enterprises, academia, and provincial government was used. Results showed two coexisting distribution pathways: a traditional market channel and three social enterprise pathways (Daun Desa, Seni Tani, and Kebun Belakang) that shorten distribution through urban retail, CSA, and eco-farming community markets.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityUrban–rural linkageSupply chains, marketing channels, and distribution networks
2026Sylvie Ayimpam · · Congo (Kinshasa)
This chapter maps the multi-scalar supply chains feeding Kinshasa's markets, detailing how small retail functions as a nodal point. It traces historical and contemporary provisioning of local foodstuffs via road and river routes into urban wholesale hubs, examining peddlers, brokers, and 'ghost markets' that circumvent taxation. Distribution in Kinshasa is characterized by hybrid, shifting chains of intermediation combining logistical improvisation, social brokerage, and regulatory avoidance.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceMultifunctional zoning optimization of agricultural land use by coupling Bayesian belief network with density peaks clustering – a case study in Guangdong, China
2026Hao Yang, Zijin Wang, Yueming Hu, Zhengxi Tan, Runyan Zou, L. Wang, Xiaoyun Mao · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · China (Guangdong)
A study in Guangdong Province, China, coupled a Bayesian belief network with density peaks clustering to analyze agricultural land resources. The research identified significant synergies between food production function and other functions, but also a trade-off with food cleanliness. Consequently, Guangdong agricultural land was zoned into five functional zones.
Environmental trade-offsPolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkagePotentially Toxic Elements in Foods Consumed in Uganda: Occurrence, Dietary Exposure, and Public Health Risks
2026Gabson Baguma, Gadson Bamanya, Allan Gonzaga, Hannington Twinomuhwezi, Barnabas Mubangizi, Eric Niringiyimana · Pollutants · Uganda
This review synthesized literature on the occurrence of cadmium, chromium, nickel, lead, and arsenic in foods consumed in Uganda. Contamination was concentrated in mining-influenced agricultural areas, wastewater-irrigated farms, municipal dumpsites, industrial corridors, and urban food markets, with vegetables, cereals, livestock products, fish, and street-vended foods exhibiting the greatest contamination burdens. Lead and cadmium most frequently exceeded WHO/FAO, Codex Alimentarius, and Ugandan food safety limits, and children consistently showed higher dietary exposure than adults.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageAssessing the links between climate change resiliency and food security in northwestern region of Bangladesh
2026Abhi Sarker, Salman Ibn Yasin, Bikash Chandra Ghosh, Gershom Endelani Mwalupaso, Asma Akter, Emmanuel Kiprop, Liu Z, Farjana Eyasmin, Geng Xianhui · Agricultural Economics (Zemědělská ekonomika) · Bangladesh
This study examined the impact of climate resilience on food security among 498 farming households across 16 villages in extreme climate zones of northwestern Bangladesh. Using a climate resilience index and a binary logistic model, the findings indicate a positive association between climate resilience and food security. Urban households showed greater resilience (38.7% food secure) than rural ones (32.8% food secure).
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageRural–Urban Differences in Odonata Diversity and Population Dynamics across Agricultural Landscapes of the Eastern Gangetic Plains
2026Sneha Kumari Bharati, A. Pattanayak, Sidh Nath Prasad Yadav ‘Deen’ · Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology · Global
This study compared odonate diversity and population dynamics in rural (Manpur) and urban (Gaya city) agricultural landscapes of the Eastern Gangetic Plains from March 2022 to February 2024. The rural landscape supported 24 odonate species, while the urban landscape supported 17, showing only moderate similarity (SSI = 0.571) between the two assemblages. This indicates a lower diversity of odonates in urban agricultural areas compared to rural ones.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageEdible architecture: seasonal green intervention through atmospheric design of tropical growing spaces
2026F. X. Teddy Badai Samodra, Rizky Nathania, Triono Bagus Saputro, Ike Phiri, Seonghwan Yoon · Frontiers in Built Environment · Global
This study proposed the concept of edible architecture, using plants as architectural elements for spatial flexibility, to address reduced green spaces and increased carbon footprints from urbanization. Through literature reviews, secondary data, location analysis, and design exploration with study models, it suggests that a refitable approach to edible landscapes allows modification based on needs and seasons, creating dynamic spaces. Integrating atmospheric design could lead to potential annual energy savings of 67,500 kWh/year in roof-based structures.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageBiodiversityLand-market drivers of peri-urban land transformation in Mpingu and Malingunde extension planning areas, Lilongwe District, Malawi
2026Jabulani Nyengere, Frank Tchuwa, Harineck Mayamiko Tholo, Allena Laura Njala, Chawanangwa Mwakisalu, Lucius Malalu, Chikondi Chisenga, Patson Nalivata, Weston Mwase, Msaiwale Kathewera, Brenda Matewere, Lackson Jamu, Jones Kanjira, Macdonald Chabwera, D. J. Kachamba, Andrew Jamali, Takudzwa Musekiwa, Clement Nyirenda, Henry Kadzuwa, Precious Masuku, Agnes Mwangwela · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · Malawi (Lilongwe)
In Mpingu and Malingunde Extension Planning Areas of Lilongwe District, Malawi, the drivers of peri-urban land transformation were investigated using land use and land cover maps for 2004, 2014, and 2024, alongside household survey data from 279 farming households. Spatial analysis revealed substantial landscape transformation over two decades, with natural woodland declining by approximately 66%, cropland expanding by approximately 459%, and built-up settlement areas increasing by approximately 127%. A multinomial logit model analysis found that land markets, spatial accessibility, and institutional conditions were the primary drivers of land transformation.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageThe Productive Carrier / 生产性载体 / Le Squelette Productif
2026Pierre Camugli · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · China
This trilingual working document proposes a valuation model for revitalizing dormant real estate assets in Chinese Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The model is based on converting unfinished or underutilized buildings into urban industrial agriculture units. It explores three strategic trajectories (5–7 years, 20–30 years, 30+ years) for transforming these structures into "Productive Carriers."
EconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageAdaptive livelihood strategies of evicted peri-urban farmers in the newly metropolitan city of Ethiopia
2026Abie Assres Fenta, Habtie Anmaw · Discover Sustainability · Ethiopia (Debre Markos)
This qualitative study explored the adaptive livelihood strategies of evicted peri-urban farmers around the metropolis of Debre Markos, Ethiopia. Findings confirmed that farmers tend to hand over their land with insufficient compensation and are compelled to adapt to new livelihoods after losing farmlands. Many displaced young farmers experienced bankruptcy in new businesses due to a lack of business skills, and aged displaced farmers faced challenges adapting to new ways of life. The government did not provide adequate attention to training evicted farmers in technical, financial, and business planning.
Equity & displacementPeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkageEconomicsPolicyPemanfaatan Lahan Sempit Melalui Urban Farming Sebagai Upaya Mewujudkan Kemandirian Pangan Keluarga
2026Ivan Sanjiva Redy, Sri Subekti, Lenny Luthfiyah · AGRIFITIA Journal of Agribusiness Plantation · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This qualitative descriptive study examined the multi-sector integrated urban farming model implemented by the Mekarsari Farmers Group in Surabaya City, Indonesia. The group developed a model combining crop cultivation, fisheries, and household-scale livestock farming on limited urban land. Findings indicate that this multi-sector integration can increase household food availability, income, and strengthen family food security.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageEconomicsUrban and Peri-Urban Carbon-Negative Farming
2026Farooq Ahmad Khan, Zaffar Mahdi Dar, Saddam Hussain, Sumati Narayan · · Global
The global food system contributes approximately 31% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, while rapid urbanization is projected to have nearly 70% of the global population in urban areas by 2050. This demographic shift intensifies the carbon footprint of food supply chains due to long-distance transportation and energy use. Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is presented as a strategic opportunity to localize food production, reduce carbon footprints, and contribute to carbon-negative farming systems that both decrease and sequester atmospheric carbon.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceIntroducing Agroforestry into Urban Planning: A Procedural Approach for Italian Cities
2026Marco Focacci, Isabella De Meo, Alessandro Paletto, Francesca Ugolini, Fabio Salbitano · Land · Italy
A study developed a procedural approach to introduce agroforestry into urban planning and tested it in Sesto Fiorentino, Central Italy, involving 170 stakeholders in a questionnaire survey. Respondents preferred gradually introducing agroforestry into green infrastructure, with educational food forests and alley cropping being favored. While decision-makers incorporated agroforestry into city technical standards, urban planners were reluctant to include it at the strategic level in the city development plan.
PolicyCommunityUrban–rural linkageFood education