Research & reports

Ahmed Alhuseen, H. M. A. M. Omer, Eva Pauditšová, Hussein M. Sulieman, Mária Kozová, Pavel Cudlín · · Sudan (Khartoum)

A study assessed spatial accessibility disparities and users' opinions regarding public green spaces (UGSs) in Khartoum State, Sudan. Using GIS and questionnaires, it evaluated potential accessibility to 44 urban parks, community gardens, and city forests within 5, 10, and 15-minute travel intervals. Results showed inequitable access opportunities to UGSs, primarily favoring first-class residential areas. Within a 5-minute walking interval, the UGSs service zone covered less than 1% of the population. User opinion assessment revealed that 80% of parks required entrance fees, and the study concluded that UGS accessibility does not correspond to international quality of life indices.

Kushal Sachan, Anshul Saxena, Suneel Kumar, Abhishekh Mishra, Archana Verma, Divyanshi Tiwari, Anil Kumar · Journal of Diversity Studies · Global

This article provides an overview of the importance of urban soil health monitoring and its improvement strategies. It highlights that urban soils may harbor diverse contaminants from industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and improper waste disposal, posing risks to human health and ecosystem functioning. Implementing effective monitoring protocols using soil testing kits, remote sensing, and citizen science is crucial, while phytoremediation, composting, biochar application, green infrastructure, urban forestry, and community gardens are suggested as improvement strategies.

Dragana Šunjka, Sanja Lazić, Slavica Vuković, Siniša Berjan, Hamid El Bilali · · Serbia

This chapter examines the food safety of urban agriculture systems in the Republic of Serbia through selected case studies. It highlights that agricultural products from urban production may be contaminated by polluted soil, water, and air, as well as by pesticides, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, nitrate and nitrite, and mycotoxins. The study emphasizes the need for strict control and reduction of synthetic pesticides and other agrochemicals in urban agriculture.

Pénélope Duval, Edwige Martin, Laurent Vallon, Pierre Antonelli, Maxime Girard, Aymeric Signoret, Patricia Luis, Danis Abrouk, Laure Wiest, Aurélie Fildier, Christelle Bonnefoy, Patrick Jame, Erik Bonjour, Amélie Cantarel, Jonathan Gervaix, Emmanuelle Vulliet, Rémy Cazabet, Guillaume Minard, Claire Valiente Moro · FEMS Microbiology Ecology · France

A study conducted in French community gardens investigated whether pollution gradients influence the water microbial composition of Aedes albopictus larval habitats. The physicochemical and microbial compositions of noncolonized and colonized waters did not significantly differ, with the exception of N2O and CH4 concentrations, which were higher in noncolonized water samples. The microbial composition of larval habitats covaried differentially along the pollution gradients according to colonization status.

Mohammed Bouguelaa · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global

This literature review analyzes the role of social innovation in confronting challenges posed by COVID-19 quarantine measures. Through a systematic review of articles, reports, and case studies, the paper explores the conceptual framework and theoretical perspectives of social innovation. It identifies and analyzes initiatives such as alternative food networks and urban agriculture, highlighting their effectiveness in mitigating adverse effects of quarantine and promoting community resilience.

Mohammad Reza Khalilnezhad, Mohammad Taheri, Alessio Russo, Negin Nasseh, Ahmad Taheri · Cities & Health · Iran

This study investigated factors affecting lead and cadmium levels in urban fruits in Tehran's Tarasht neighborhood, Iran, due to heavy traffic and urban gardens. It found that sites taller than 10 meters had the highest cadmium, while sites without barriers or with 4-meter barriers showed the highest lead content. Barrier width, urban fruit tree height (for lead), distance to the street, and fruit type also influenced heavy metal absorption, indicating significant contamination risks.

Meghan B. Skiba, Dylan V. Miller, Delaney Stratton, Caitlyn Hall, Sharon McKenna, Cindy K. Blair, Wendy Demark‐Wahnefried · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications · United States (Arizona)

This study adapted "Harvest for Health," a home-based mentored gardening intervention for cancer survivors, into a community-based intervention for Arizona's arid desert environment. The adapted intervention, "Harvest for Health Together Arizona (H4H2-AZ)," will enroll participants for two growing seasons (6 months) in 30 ft2 community garden plots, with Master Gardeners providing one-to-one mentorship and gardening supplies. This pilot six-month single-arm intervention aims to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the adapted program for skin cancer survivors, with secondary outcomes exploring effects on cancer preventive health behaviors and health-related quality of life.

Mitchell McLarnon · · Global

This chapter describes the practice, processes, and ethical tensions of using cell phones for visual data collection, representation, and analysis in school/community garden research projects. The findings suggest that while gardens and cell phones have the potential for enhancing experiential learning, increased well-being, and ecological awareness, their use needs to be highly contextualized within critical discussions related to settler colonialism, consumerism, neoliberalism, and (green) gentrification.

Abraham Woru Borku, Abera Uncha Utallo, Thomas Toma Tora · Discover Food · Ethiopia

A mixed-methods study in selected towns in Southern Ethiopia surveyed 310 households to identify determinants of urban household vulnerability to food insecurity. The results indicated that 41.3% of households were highly vulnerable, 48.3% moderately vulnerable, and 10.6% not vulnerable. Significant determinants included household ownership of houses, health status, urban agriculture, socio-cultural practices, asset ownership, age, and average monthly income.

Akuto Akpedze Konou, Kossiwa Zinsou-Klassou, Victoria M. Mwakalinga, Jean-Claude Baraka Munyaka, Armel Firmin Kemajou Mbianda, Jérôme Chenal · Sustainability · Africa

This perceptual study surveyed 733 urban farmers in Dar es Salaam and Greater Lomé to explore the psychosocial effects of urban agriculture on their well-being. Using the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form and bespoke questionnaires, the research found significant variations in urban agriculture-related happiness across city zones, with peripheral farmers reporting greater satisfaction than urban counterparts. Female farmers also reported higher levels of happiness.

Michael Rudolph, Evans Muchesa · Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir landbouvoorligting/South African journal of agricultural extension · South Africa (Johannesburg)

This article explores the potential of agroecology to address health disparities in urban communities in South Africa, where approximately 34% of Johannesburg households face food insecurity. A transdisciplinary literature review, using secondary data from the University of Johannesburg and Siyakhana Growth and Development, posits that an agroecological approach can effectively address food and nutrition insecurity. The study emphasizes the importance of localized food production, personalized training, and a supportive policy framework for urban farming and agroecology.

CHIBUISI FRANCS OGBUKA, NGOZI O IZUCHUKWU, OGWO ELISHA UKO, OGECHI JULIANA OGBODO, OBI VICTORY IJEOMA · World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews · Global

This paper argues for a re-evaluation of current trends in assessing global health and environmental sustainability through the prevalence of diseases and natural resource availability. It suggests that achieving present needs without compromising future generations requires evolutionary and swift transformation in health for all programs, eco-friendly production and consumption, and urban farming. Global health and environmental sustainability should be summarized as the study and application of attaining welfare equity for all people in a sustainable environment.

Nur Dinie Syahirah Sanusi, Fadhlina Che Ros, Siti Zulaikha Ngah Demon, Ismayadi Ismail, Imad Hamadneh · Journal of Advanced Research Design · Malaysia

This mini-review discusses the extensive use of AB mix nutrients in Malaysian urban farming, noting their role in high yields but also their contribution to significant environmental pollution when overused. Although a survey of local entrepreneurs showed most complied with guidelines for chili plants, intensive use of fertilizers leads to nutrient leaching into the soil, causing environmental pollution and affecting humans, livestock, and microbial life. The review emphasizes the need for controlled nutrient application to prevent soil degradation and groundwater contamination.

Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira, Mohamed Deen Shade · Local Environment · South Africa (Cape Town)

This study examined how 34 urban community gardens in low-income neighborhoods of Cape Town, South Africa, contribute to environmental justice using a mixed-methods approach including remote sensing, interviews, and observations. Findings revealed an unequal distribution of green spaces between wealthier and less affluent neighborhoods. While current gardening benefits may not be widespread, the gardens offer advantages such as environmental education, promotion of agro-ecological practices, and land use for green purposes.

Muhammad Waqas, Kamran Ashraf, Muhammad Mohiuddin, Asim Abbasi, Khawar Sultan, Muhammad Umar, Hayssam M. Ali, M. Abdel-Hamid, Qamar Zaman · Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca · Global

This study assessed heavy metal and metalloid concentrations in ridge gourd, soil, and irrigation water, finding that groundwater samples exceeded permissible limits for Ni, Fe, Cu, Pb, As, Cr, and Cd. Soil irrigated with groundwater showed Cd, Cr, and As above limits, and ridge gourd samples had higher Cd levels than safe limits. Consumption of ridge gourd from the studied area may pose health hazards due to elevated target hazard quotients for Zn, Fe, and Cr, and high cancer risks from Ni, Cr, Cd, As, and moderate risk from Pb in canal water.

Olivia M. Erskine, Alexa J. Lamm, Kevan W. Lamm, Catherine E. Sanders · Journal of Applied Communications · United States

A study in the United States analyzed U.S. adults' motivations for engaging in community gardens and the perceived importance of climate-smart adaptations. Respondents primarily engaged in community gardens for health and social reasons and assigned some level of importance to climate-smart adaptations. Future research should explore the impact of rurality, food accessibility, and socioeconomic status on reasons for engagement and the associated importance of climate-smart adaptations.

Alessio Russo · Urban Science · Global

This paper synthesizes existing literature to examine the essential role of urban green spaces in fostering healthy living, emphasizing their strong positive associations with physical, mental, and social wellbeing. It discusses the importance of designing attractive and accessible green spaces that encourage physical activity and mental health, and the potential of local food production for diet improvement. The study also highlights disparities in access to quality green spaces, particularly between the Global North and South, advocating for equitable design strategies.

Wendy J. Heiger-Bernays, Alicia Fraser, Valerie Burns, Kerry Diskin, Diedre Pierotti, Kian Merchant-Borna, Michael D. McClean, Daniel J. Brabander, H. Patricia Hynes · Scholarworks (University of Massachusetts Amherst) · United States (Boston)

This study identified the nature and extent of soil contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from railroad ties and arsenic from chromated copper arsenate (CCA) pressure-treated lumber in a representative community garden in Boston. Elevated levels of PAHs and arsenic were present in the gardens studied, with these timbers serving as a continuous source of contaminants. This is the first study to investigate contaminants other than lead and evaluate the effect of adding city compost on select soil contaminants in urban garden soil.

Siti Rohimah, Undang Ruhimat, Wulan Sondarika, Andri Noviandi · Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Kesehatan Galuh · Indonesia (Ciamis)

This community service program in Ciamis Regency, Indonesia, focused on food forest research to combat heart disease by increasing public knowledge and awareness of healthy eating and developing food forests as a nutritional source. The program successfully raised community awareness and improved access to food sources, positively impacting heart health. It significantly contributed to improving the heart health of the local community in the Baregbeg Community Health Center working area.

Puteri Sidrotul Nabihah Saarani, Asniza Hamimi Abdul Tharim, Asmalia Che Ahmad, Norhafizah Abdul Rahman, Mohamad Haizam Mohamed Saraf · PLANNING MALAYSIA · Global

This study aimed to identify the significant Life Cycle Cost (LCC) components concerning Urban Farming (UF) practices. Thirteen journal and conference papers from local and international contexts were reviewed, using thematic techniques to establish the attributes of UF practice throughout the Life Cycle (LC) phase. The findings indicate that LCC components occur during Planning, Installation, Management, Maintenance, and Harvesting/Disposal.

Kevin Richardson · Advances in logistics, operations, and management science book series · United States

Community gardens in Black neighborhoods across the United States serve as resilient oases of change, particularly in areas characterized by limited access to fresh, nutritious foods and health disparities. These communal spaces address not only physical health but also the interconnected facets of mental well-being and community resilience, fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and strength beyond cultivating crops.

Peter Gelius, Sven Messing, Antonina Tcymbal, Leonie Birkholz, Karim Abu‐Omar · Journal of Physical Activity and Health · Global

This commentary examines the role of physical activity (PA) research in the context of climate change from three perspectives. PA is conceptualized as a victim, threatened by heat waves and extreme weather; as a perpetrator, due to the carbon footprint of some sports; and as a solution, through active transport and urban gardening which offer both individual and planetary health benefits. These perspectives can guide future research in the field of PA and health.

Ivica Petríková, Melvine Anyango Otieno, Gertrude Were, Mahmoud Eltholth, Ana Rodriguez‐Mateos, Seeromanie Harding, Victoria Hall Morán, Odipo Osano, Jennifer Cole · Food Security · Kenya

This study investigated the links between peri-urban households' engagement in agriculture, their dietary behavior, and their children's nutrition outcomes around Eldoret, Kenya. Survey data collected from 518 households indicated that peri-urban households involved in agriculture, particularly crop growing and sales, had more diverse and nutritious diets than non-engaged households. However, a significant improvement in children’s health outcomes in these households was observed only when coupled with improved water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions.

Marjan Barani · Медицинский журнал Западного Казахстана · Global

This literature review investigated the multifaceted role of environmental education (EE) in enhancing human health by improving physical activity, promoting sustainable behaviors, and fostering psychological well-being. It indicated that integrating EE into school curricula, such as through outdoor classrooms and school gardens, increases physical activity levels and improves physical health outcomes. EE programs focusing on organic farming and local food systems influence participants’ dietary choices, and initiatives reducing plastic use contribute to lower environmental pollution.

J. Perry, Bridget Horsey, J. Raneri, Danny Hunter, Scott O'Connor, M. Hyland-Wood, Elodie Casey, Sarah Burkhart · Proceedings of The Nutrition Society · Oceania

A scoping study was conducted in Pacific Island countries to understand school food activities and their links to local agriculture, covering 22 countries through a literature review (2007-2022) and interviews with 30 key stakeholders from 15 countries. Diverse activities were identified, including school feeding programs (16) and school garden programs (12), with varying links to local agriculture. Challenges in linking local agriculture to school food provision were reported for 17 activities, with common issues including limited funding, inflation, Covid-19, and inadequate produce supply for program scale.