Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
9077 results(209 / 364)
Raíces Del Sur: Cultivating Ecofeminist Visions in Urban New Jersey
2018Renata Blumberg, Rosa Huitzitzilin, Claudia Urdanivia, Brian C. Lorio · Capitalism Nature Socialism · United States (New Jersey)
This article examines the challenges and possibilities of community gardening in small, peripheral cities with large immigrant populations, using concepts from feminist geography and food justice research. Focusing on the "Raíces Del Sur" community garden in Passaic, New Jersey, as a case study, it argues that these concepts provide a useful framework for enacting ecofeminist visions through community gardens. The study emphasizes the need for greater ecofeminist engagement with community gardening initiatives in cities throughout New Jersey.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareUrban–rural linkageFrom Cascade to Bottom-Up Ecosystem Services Model: How Does Social Cohesion Emerge from Urban Agriculture?
2018Anna Petit‐Boix, Defne Apul · Sustainability · Global
This study addresses the lack of a framework for the emergence of social cohesion in urban agriculture (UA) by modifying the cascade ecosystem services model. It transforms this into a bottom-up causal framework for UA, where biophysical and social structures lead to human activities fostering attitudes and feelings like trust. These aggregated attitudes generate social cohesion, supporting the development of causality pathways in social life cycle assessment and understanding UA's social impacts.
CommunityHealthPolicyESTRATÉGIAS DE CONTROLE FÍSICO-MECÂNICO SOBRE Rumex obtusifolius
2018Germano Güttler, Valmir Milani, Camila Peligrinotti Tarouco, Marcos André Nohatto, Eliete De Fatima de Ferreira da Rosa · Revista Ciência Agrícola · Brazil
A study conducted in Brazil evaluated the effects of physical-mechanical control strategies on Rumex obtusifolius (broad-leaved dock), a difficult weed in urban production. Using a randomized block experimental design, treatments including black mulching, intermittent black mulching, transparent mulching, mowing, weeding, and a control were compared. Results showed that mulching, in particular, had a greater capacity to reduce the population density and aerial dry mass of broad-leaved dock, but the effectiveness of control depends on the continuous maintenance of these strategies.
DIYOrganic cycleCity-making through Urban Gardening: Public Space and Civic Engagement in Zagreb
2018Valentina Gulin Zrnić, Tihana Rubić · Narodna umjetnost : hrvatski časopis za etnologiju i folkloristiku · Croatia (Zagreb)
This paper examines four urban gardening communities in Zagreb, Croatia, focusing on their actors, structures, and garden aims. It discusses the practice of illegal "wild" gardens and the changing contexts of urban gardening, using ethnographic examples to illustrate diverse organizational methods, communality, and governance issues. The analysis highlights the heterogeneity and dynamics of these gardening communities and considers their potential in urban governance strategies.
CommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageThe impact of different land uses in urban area on humus quality
2018Lidia Oktaba, Diana Odrobińska, Łukasz Uzarowicz · Journal of Soils and Sediments · Poland
This study assessed the impact of different land use types on soil organic matter (SOM) properties across 35 sites, including lawns, allotment gardens, fallows, and arable lands, in Pruszków Town, Poland. Humus horizons (0–20 cm) were analyzed for soluble SOM (PY), humins (HM), low molecular weight humus, and humic acids (HA) using extraction and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Results showed that humins were the dominant humus component, with central town soils containing twice as much HM and PY as peripheral zones.
Organic cycleCommunityLos huertos escolares en los centros educativos
2018María José Flores Tena · Creatividad y sociedad: revista de la Asociación para la Creatividad · Spain
This article presents survey data from 600 natural science students across six academic courses at "Ciudad de Jaen" school in the Community of Madrid in 2017. The study aimed to assess student satisfaction with the school garden. Results indicate that students were satisfied with learning a new way to obtain food and that the garden stimulated their environmental sensitivity towards ecology.
Food educationCommunityCollaborative Consumption as a Tool for Agricultural Expansion in Developing Countries
2018Abubakar U. Benna · Advances in e-business research series · Global
This chapter reviews literature and case studies on collaborative consumption in agriculture to support small- and medium-scale farmers in developing countries. It notes limited research on collaborative consumption as a catalyst for agricultural development. The study provides observations to assist with strategies for increasing producer and customer satisfaction, value addition, and engagement.
EconomicsCommunityUrban–rural linkageDirect Marketing Strategies and Farmers’ Technical Efficiency in U.S. Agriculture
2018Gregory Astill, Darlington Sabasi, Johnson Gwatipedza, Astill, G., Sabasi, D., Gwatipedza, J. · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · United States
This study examined the relationship between direct marketing strategies and technical efficiency among U.S. farmers using stochastic frontier analysis. On average, farmers employing direct marketing strategies were found to be less technically efficient than those who do not. However, for the largest quantile of growers, direct marketing users were more technically efficient.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood miles & supply chainHunger in the Land of Plenty:Local Responses to Food Insecurity in Iowa
2018Gabrielle Roesch‐McNally, Jacqueline Ann Nester, Andrea Basche, Eric Christianson, Emily Zimmerman · Lincoln (University of Nebraska) · United States (Iowa)
Story County, Iowa, despite being in a highly agriculturally productive state, faces significant food insecurity. In 2014, 15.2% of its residents (nearly 14,000 individuals) were food insecure, with 45% of them not qualifying for government assistance. The county dedicates only 2.4 acres of cropland per thousand residents to fruit, vegetable, and nut production, significantly lower than the US average of 32 acres, highlighting a paradox of hunger amidst agricultural abundance.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageEconomicsA Agroecologia: pesquisa e extensão por meio do NEPEA
2018Cláudio José Bertazzo · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil (Goiania)
NEPEA (Interdisciplinary Center for Research and Extension in Agroecology) in Goias, Brazil, was established to foster sustainable rural development. The center focuses on ecologically based farms in Southeast Goiania, conducting research on sustainable agriculture and tree arrangements for the rehabilitation of degraded areas. It also carries out extension activities in schools, promoting and implementing school gardens and pedagogical nurseries.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleThe organisation of urban agriculture in Cape Town, South Africa: A social capital perspective
2018Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira · Development Southern Africa · South Africa (Cape Town)
Based on a literature review, urban agriculture and its organizational forms in Cape Town, South Africa, were explored. A lack of effective coordination of initiatives among supporting actors was suggested to be a significant pitfall in the development of urban agriculture. Furthermore, the failure of farmers to self-organize was identified as equally detrimental. Therefore, improved synergies between state and non-state actors are called for to enhance the gains of urban agriculture.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyTypically Diverse: The Nature of Urban Agriculture in South Australia
2018Georgia Pollard, James Ward, Philip Roetman · Sustainability · Australia (South Australia)
This paper explores the economic sustainability of home food gardens in South Australia using new data from the Edible Gardens project online survey. While saving money is a top motivation for many respondents, the study notes that it remains to be seen whether current gardening practices actually support this aspiration. The paper concludes that more work is needed to measure the full costs of different gardens to better predict their financial accessibility and economic sustainability.
Economic viabilityDIYEconomicsUrban–rural linkageAnalysis of Urban Agricultural Effects by Factors According to the Urban Citizens Income Level: Socially Sustainable Effect, Negative Effect, and Economically Sustainable Effect
2018In-Kyoung Hong, Young Chae, Yoonah Jang, Sangmi Lee, Jung Nam Su · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea
A study in South Korea surveyed 115 urban citizens to analyze urban agriculture's effects based on income level, identifying socially sustainable, negative, and economically sustainable factors. Findings showed psychological stability, connection with nature, and local agricultural vitalization correlated significantly with income level. However, the negative effect of urban agriculture showed no significant correlation with income level.
Limited or null effectEconomicsCommunityPolicy지속가능한 공동주택단지 커뮤니티 가든 조성 및 운영방안 연구
2018Jooseok 오주석Oh, Byunghak 민병학Min, Jungmin 최정민Choi, Seiyong 김세용Kim · 대한건축학회논문집 계획계 · South Korea
This study compared community gardener participation in general and public lease apartment complexes in South Korea, using interviews and statistical research with 319 participants. Results showed statistically significant differences in satisfaction and continuous participation between the two apartment types. Overall, female participation, public assistance, plot area, and exchange effectiveness were found to enhance continuous participation in community gardens.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsCaregivers’ Perspectives on the Determinants of Dietary Decisions in Six First Nation Communities
2018Lorrilee McGregor, Pamela Toulouse, Marion Maar, Nancy L. Young · International Journal of Indigenous Health · Canada
A narrative analysis of eight focus groups with 33 caregivers in six First Nation communities in Canada explored determinants of dietary decisions. Caregivers identified changes in food systems due to factors like wage economy participation, low income, hunting/fishing regulations, and processed food availability. These factors have altered food systems and influenced dietary choices, leading communities to pursue initiatives such as community gardens, freezers, and hunting camps to regain food sovereignty.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityHealthWelfareSustainable development: greening and urban agriculture in Lithuania
2018Evaldas Klimas, Mantas Lideika · Journal of Property Planning and Environmental Law · Lithuania
This paper discusses measures implemented under Lithuania's spatial planning law and various initiatives to determine if the country is following the international trend of greening cities. The study aims to identify Lithuania's adherence to this trend.
PolicyCommunityStrengthening Food Security through Peri-Urban Agriculture in Ibadan, Nigeria
2018Bolanle, Oluwafisayo Wahab, Abiodun Abiodun · Ghana Journal of Geography · Nigeria
This study examined peri-urban agriculture (PUA) in Ibadan, Nigeria, by surveying 230 randomly selected farmers across six local government areas. Findings showed farmers benefited from opportunities like abundant land (47.4%) and good soil (32.2%), but faced major challenges including inadequate finance (43%), farm encroachment (15.7%), and erosion/flooding (13.5%). The study concluded that PUA opportunities in Ibadan can strengthen food security, recommending government support for finance and development control.
Peri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsClimate changeUrban food production in Harare, Zimbabwe
2018Percy Toriro · · Zimbabwe (Harare)
This chapter explores the governance of urban food production in Harare, Zimbabwe, from 1890 to the present. Evidence indicates that while the practice has gained general acceptance through shifting positions over the years, the status of producers remains uncertain. This uncertainty stems from the lack of full incorporation of urban food production into city plans by planning officials, whose values are out of sync with Harare's lived reality.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityWayn-Gurr Derrk
2018Sharnie Bilston · · Australia
Federation University Australia announced the launch of the Wayn-Gurr Derrk (Wadawurrung language 'Good Ground') Bush Tucker Community Gardens.
CommunityFood educationPlanning the cultural and social reactivation of urban open spaces in Greek metropoles of crisis
2018Eleni Oureilidou · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · Greece (Thessaloniki)
This research examines the role of "social policy" and "social capital" in urban regenerations, and the forms of "bottom-up initiatives," as they express a democratic perception of urban cultural landscapes and can inspire collective, sustainable, and productive aspects of urban open spaces. A methodology for socially and culturally reactivating urban landscapes is described, along with two case studies from Thessaloniki, Greece: one concerning the application of the proposed methodology in the city's West Wall, and another referring to a realized community garden in the city center.
CommunityPolicyGrowing Gardens Sustainability: Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Strategic Expansion of Anchorage, Alaska’s Community Garden System
2018Shannon Donovan · Case Studies in the Environment · United States (Anchorage)
A multi-faceted needs assessment, including a community survey, stakeholder workshop, and key informant interviews, was conducted in Anchorage, Alaska, to explore the strategic expansion of its community garden system. The study found that demand for community gardens far outweighs supply. To sustainably meet diverse needs, expansion efforts should focus on accessible locations, gardener capacity building, and strengthening partnerships.
Limited or null effectCommunityWelfareFood sovereignty & justicePolicyProjeto Horta – uma experiência agroecológica no IFMG - Santa Luzia
2018Ana Carolina F. G. Araújo, João Paulo de Souza Moreira, Lorena Martins Costa, Tales Bedeschi Faria, Louise Rochebois Quintão, Aline Silva Santos · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil
At IFMG – Santa Luzia campus, a community organic garden was established to develop agroecological awareness among teachers and students. This initiative, stemming from discussions during Environment Week, involved constructing flowerbeds and planting vegetables. It aimed to create spaces for knowledge construction and promote future extension projects for mapping small farmers and replicating the school garden.
CommunityFood educationOrganic cycleUrban Food Crop Farming and Farm Households’ Food Security Status in Oyo State, Nigeria
2018David Tobi Olaleye, Abiodun Elijah Obayelu, Omotoso Oluseye Ogunmola · Applied Studies in Agribusiness and Commerce · Nigeria
This cross-sectional survey examined the influence of urban farming on household food security in Oyo State, Nigeria, using data from 159 farm households. The study found that 90.6% of the farm households were food secure. Probit Regression Model results indicated that age, household size, and economic efficiency reduced food security probability, while access to consumption credit and allocative efficiency increased it. The study concluded that urban farming significantly influences household food security.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWelfareUM DIÁLOGO ENTRE A AGROECOLOGIA E A AGRICULTURA URBANA EM REGIÕES METROPOLITANAS
2018Daniela Adil Oliveira de Almeida, Gabriel Mattos Ornelas, Melissa Luciana de Araújo, Luisa Melgaço Ferreira Jorge Marques, Camila Marina Teixeira Ferreira, Victor Gabriel de Souza Lima, Patricia Cristina Coutinho Nardini, Rodrigo Pinto da Matta Machado, Heloísa Soares de Moura Costa · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Brazil
The process of systematizing the experience of AUÊ!, the Urban Agriculture Study Group at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, helped to record and critically reflect on the group's trajectory. This systematization made it possible to identify the qualities, potentialities, and gaps in the group's performance.
Methodological critiqueUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationPolicyIDENTIFICATION OF STRATEGIES FOR URBAN AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT: A SWOT ANALYSIS
2018Pushpawani Ramaloo, Chamhuri Siwar, Choong-Yeun Liong, Anizan Isahak · PLANNING MALAYSIA · Malaysia (Penang)
This study investigated the prospects of urban agriculture (UA) development in Penang state, Malaysia, from experts' perspectives using a SWOT analysis. Fifty-seven stakeholders were interviewed to identify and prioritize strategies for UA development. Strategic plans were prioritized across aspects such as legal framework, financial, infrastructure, land, water, environment and health, social, marketing, and research and development.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkage