Research & reports

José 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.

Sam Vanbergen, Pablo Deschepper, Jan Van Autreve, Vera Huyshauwer, Massimiliano Virgilio, Jochem Bonte, Wannes Dermauw · Insects · Belgium

In 2023 and 2024, adult male Bactrocera dorsalis, a major fruit pest, were captured in community gardens and produce markets in Belgium. Genomic tracing via nuclear SNP analysis revealed that three adults originated from Africa and eight from Asia, indicating multiple independent occurrences. Intercepted larvae predominantly had an African origin, and a diagnostic set of nuclear SNPs was developed for origin tracing.

Letícia Malherbi Byczkovski, João Lucas Mota Nogueira da Costa, Daiana Novello · Caderno Pedagógico · Global

This study evaluated the effect of educational interventions on knowledge, consumption, acceptance, frequency of intake, planting of vegetables (focusing on endive), and help with culinary preparations among 260 schoolchildren aged 6 to 10 in public schools. The intervention based on setting up a school garden (G4) was the most effective, promoting a significant increase in knowledge about endive, acceptance, frequency of consumption, and involvement in planting a garden. Theoretical-practical activities (G2) and cooking workshops (G3) were effective in increasing children's knowledge of vegetables, but workshops also resulted in less willingness to try new vegetables.

Rui Fu, N.Sureshkumar PP Narayanan, Umahdevi Jayamani, Li Lian Chew, Fadhlur Rahim Azmi, Veera Pandiyan Kaliani Sundram · Malaysian journal of consumer and family economics/Malaysian Journal of Consumer and Family Economics · Malaysia

This qualitative study used grounded theory methodology, collecting data from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 25 Malaysian consumers, to explore perceptions of urban farming's role in supply chain resilience. Consumers generally view urban farming as a vital strategy for resilience, influenced by environmental and social impacts, trust in local food, and community empowerment. However, significant barriers to widespread adoption include concerns about scalability and cost-effectiveness.

Anand 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.

Leonardo Zaffi, Michele D’Ostuni · TECHNE - Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment · Global

This paper reconsiders the relationship between urbanized areas and food production, noting that cities are sustained by food from remote locations with unsustainable environmental impacts. Advances in soil-free cultivation technologies offer opportunities to integrate productive vegetation into urban and residential spaces. This approach calls for innovative design paradigms that integrate the built environment with cultivated spaces to promote sustainable regeneration.

Fatiha Hakimi, Sara Sehli, Abeer Hashem, Graciela Dolores Ávila-Quezada, Elsayed Fathi Abd Allah · Cogent Food & Agriculture · Morocco

In peri-urban Rabat, Morocco, a study compared the sustainability of 30 farms (15 organic, 15 conventional) using the IDEA method, assessing agro-environmental, socio-territorial, and economic dimensions with 18 indicators. Organic farms excelled in agro-environmental sustainability and demonstrated long-term economic resilience. Conversely, conventional farms, while more productive, faced socio-territorial limitations and economic dependence on external inputs.

Sadiq 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.

Clare Adams, Alexandra Tsatsou, Niki Frantzeskaki · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · Global

This chapter aims to understand how knowledge can facilitate processes of reflexive urban governance of nature-based solutions in diverse governance contexts. It examines two case studies: urban forestry governance in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, and Trikala's Urban Agriculture Initiative, Greece.

SORO Sibirina, TRAORE Aboulaye, KOFFI N’guessan Mathurin, TRAORE-OUATTARA Karidia · World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews · Côte d'Ivoire (Daloa)

In Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire, tomato and eggplant production is limited by biotic diseases. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of six plant extracts against soil-borne fungal pathogens affecting tomato and eggplant. Eggplant plants treated with Securidaca sp exhibited the greatest tolerance to disease, with a severity index of 2.1%. Aqueous extracts of Securidaca sp and Solanum sp reduced mortality rates more effectively than synthetic fungicide, suggesting they can be recommended as an alternative for controlling soil-borne fungal diseases in tomato and eggplant.

Sebastian Theis · PLOS Sustainability and Transformation · Global

This synthesis explores how localized environmental actions, such as community gardens, address specific sustainability challenges and contribute to environmental conservation. Analyzing 17 different programs across 40 countries, the paper highlights key challenges and pathways for adapting localized environmental actions, emphasizing the need for clear outcomes, robust tracking mechanisms, and scalable approaches. The study presents 10 core points to serve as the foundation for a generalizable framework to advance small-scale environmental actions.

Anna Paltseva · iScience · Global

This article presents a participatory science framework for urban soil research, engaging communities in soil monitoring and management through co-designed projects and educational outreach. The framework integrates digital tools and real-time mapping to enhance data accuracy and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration to improve urban soil health. Demonstrated through case studies, this approach aims to build capacity for sustained community involvement and equitable environmental decision-making.

Popov, Velian · reposiTUm (TU Wien) · Bulgaria (Plovdiv)

This study examines the disappearing phenomenon of informal urban gardening, known as Rancho, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, focusing on its socio-historical factors. Despite its authentic, decades-long existence, Rancho is neglected and considered outdated, with a lack of legal regulation and its informal character endangering its future. The study proposes a gradual transformation of these areas into community urban gardens with new infrastructures to raise awareness and encourage authorities to reintegrate Rancho into the urban context.

Wafaa 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.

Elias Nuwagaba, Murindwa Rutanga · East African Scholars Journal of Education Humanities and Literature · Uganda (Mbarara City)

This study explored how state-initiated, unplanned urbanization in Mbarara City, Western Uganda, affects the sustainability of urban farming and urban livelihoods. The research found that rapid, haphazard urban expansion, lacking strategic planning, has led to significant challenges. These include the emergence of slums, illegal land occupations, destruction of wetlands and riverbanks causing water pollution, and inadequate waste management, all negatively impacting public health and urban farming sustainability.

Meredith L. Mull, Mario Torralba · Frontiers in Nutrition · Global

This exploratory Q-methodology study investigated how university students in sustainability programs conceptualize sustainable food systems. Analysis revealed five distinct narratives, with consensus on food security and transparent governance. However, elements like urban agriculture, GMOs, and food traditions were consistently deprioritized by the participants. The findings emphasize incorporating plural perspectives and context-sensitive approaches in food system research and policy.

Thaís Falcão Cardoso, Ester Vitória Basilio Anchieta · Even3 Publicações eBooks · Global

This paper discusses the importance of Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS) in science education, articulated with urban agriculture practices in non-formal spaces. The qualitative and bibliographic research proposes a methodology based on accessible school gardens, utilizing visual resources, bilingual materials, and inclusive technologies. Results indicate that the use of LIBRAS in these practices expands scientific learning, respect for diversity, and collective engagement.

zahra nobar, Akbar Rahimi, Alessio Russo · Land · Global

This study assessed the efficacy of nature-based solutions in revegetating abandoned urban agricultural lands to enhance outdoor thermal comfort, using ENVI-met 4.4.6 and Ray-Man 3.1 simulation models. Simulation results showed that species like Quercus spp. (broadleaf) and Cupressus arizonica (evergreen) substantially reduced the Mean Radiant Temperature (Tmrt) index by up to 26.76 °C, primarily due to their shading effects and large canopies. Combining these vegetation types with crops emerged as the most effective strategy to mitigate heat stress and optimize land-use.

Marni Putri Gea, Restu Jaya Zendrato, Septian Oktani Telaumbanua, Ayler Beniah Ndraha · Flora Jurnal Kajian Ilmu Pertanian dan Perkebunan · Global

This literature review indicates that urban agriculture, utilizing modern techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics, vertical farming, and rooftop gardens, is an innovative solution for food security in urban areas. Urban agriculture reduces distribution costs, minimizes environmental impact, and offers social and economic benefits. The review concludes that urban agriculture contributes significantly to improving food security and provides a sustainable alternative for the global food system.

Valentina Manente, Silvio Caputo, Flavio Lupia, Giuseppe Pulighe, Jaime Hernández García · Land · Colombia (Bogotá)

This study developed and applied a GIS-based spatial analytical framework to assess the potential of urban agriculture in Bogotá, Colombia, considering varying productivity levels for four urban food garden types: Home, Community, Educational, and Commercial. Data on produce yield, resource use, and social benefits were collected from a sample of urban food gardens. Results indicated that 25% of Bogotá’s surface area possesses suitable physical and social conditions for food growing, with Home Gardens occupying the largest share of suitable land, suggesting that land availability is not a key limiting factor for urban agriculture expansion.

Zakhro 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.

Paul Β. Thompson · · Global

This chapter outlines four archetypal characterizations for future food systems over the next half-century, influenced by climate change and resource scarcity. These archetypes include technological modernization, sustainable intensification, regional agrarianism, and urban agriculture, each driven by distinct ethical orientations and approaches to food production, processing, distribution, and consumption.

Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Walthall, Beatrice, Parisi, Anton, Schröter, Barbara, Gallagher-Squires, Charlotte, Cuevas Garcia Dorado, Soledad, López García, Daniel · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global

This catalogue, part of the FOODCITYBOOST project, provides a guide for integrating urban agriculture (UA) into city and spatial planning, focusing on governance and policy. It evaluates UA governance practices based on policy integration and multi-stakeholder approaches. The catalogue highlights "good practices" informed by research and empirical evidence, addressing challenges identified by FOODCITYBOOST living labs, and emphasizes that UA policies, instruments, and interventions vary widely by location, making common models challenging to identify due to context-specific factors.

Godswill Ntsomboh Ntsefong · IntechOpen eBooks · Global

This chapter examines the global growth and implications of urban agriculture. While urban agriculture enhances food security, it also introduces food safety risks from contaminated soils and infrastructure gaps. Challenges related to heavy metals, waste, and inadequate land planning are evaluated, and barriers such as land access and limited training for producers persist.

Jairo Guzman-Molina, Gustavo Carrazana-Rosales, Daniel Karthe, W. C. Tabares Rodríguez, Serena Caucci · Environmental and Sustainability Indicators · Colombia (Bogotá)

To assess the sustainability of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture (UPA) in Bogotá, Colombia, a Composite Indicator (CI) integrating 43 variables from an in-depth survey of over 3,500 households was developed. The study revealed that UPA significantly contributes to Bogotá's environmental resilience, particularly in soil conservation and integrated water management. However, while UPA promises food security, its unstructured value chain limits its impact on economic sustainability.