Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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3622 results(21 / 145)
Urban Agriculture in Mogadishu: Opportunities and Constraints
2025Yasin Mohamed Ibrahim · Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology · Somalia (Mogadishu)
A study in Mogadishu, Somalia, used snowball sampling to assess constraints and opportunities for urban horticulture. It found that temperature, wind, pests, diseases, and limited irrigation water significantly restrict production, particularly for open-field farmers who face high irrigation demands, pest infestations, and low-quality yields unattractive to buyers. While greenhouses offer some protection, plastic greenhouses specifically suffer from inadequate gutter height and poor ventilation, requiring farmers to use primitive methods to combat extreme temperatures.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceMOTIVATIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING URBAN GARDENING INTENTIONS: INSIGHTS FROM VOJVODINA (SERBIA)
2025Ivana Blešić, Tamara Gajić, Татjana Pivac, Milka Bubalo Živković · Ekonomika poljoprivrede · Serbia
This study collected data from 473 residents in three cities in Vojvodina, Serbia, using a structured survey to examine factors influencing urban gardening intentions. It found that all motivational factors significantly predicted intention, with psychological well-being being the strongest predictor, followed by healthy food, physical well-being, community engagement, and economic benefits. Women showed higher intentions than men, while younger adults (18–24) were less motivated to engage in urban gardening.
CommunityHealthEconomicsFood educationUnraveling the Transformation of Urban Agriculture in Damavand: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Land Use Changes
2025Sara Ramezani, Mahin Nastaran, Homayoon Nooraie, Kei Otsuki · Journal of Landscape Ecology · Iran
A study investigating urban agriculture land use changes in Damavand, Iran, from 1995 to 2022 found a 109% increase in built-up land and declines of 14.34% in barren land and 22.44% in vegetation, including urban agriculture lands. Interviews with 15 participants identified land value changes, attraction to urban livelihoods, management and planning factors, physical-environmental factors, and urban infrastructure availability as primary reasons for these changes. The research highlights the urgent need for effective planning to mitigate threats from extensive urban agriculture transformations.
Governance failureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEnhancing Adolescent Food Literacy Through Mediterranean Diet Principles: From Evidence to Practice
2025Paula Silva · Nutrients · Portugal
This narrative review synthesized experiential strategies from literature to improve adolescent food literacy in Portuguese school settings, focusing on socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. It provided a conceptual foundation for FOODWISELab: The Mediterranean Diet Experience, a school-based intervention protocol. The review found that school gardens, cooking classes, digital tools, and curricular integration guided the development of this comprehensive intervention for public secondary schools in Portugal.
Food educationHealthCommunityThe Shared Story: How Narratives Affect Consumers’ Sense of Community and Support for CSAs
2025Elizabeth C. Ray, Patrick Merle · Journal of Applied Communications · Global
This study, an online between-subjects experiment, examined how consumers (n=182) respond to narrative versus non-narrative email messages from CSAs. Results indicated that consumers who read a short narrative were more likely to feel positive emotion, a communal connection to the farm, and support the farm than those who did not read a narrative. Additionally, a first-person perspective was viewed as less credible than a third-person perspective.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsGreen Landscapes of Care: The Potential of Gardens to Support the Well-Being of Asylum Seekers in Ireland
2025Felicity Daly, Sally Ann Lenehan, Jacqui O’Riordan · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · Ireland
This qualitative study, conducted in Ireland, utilized semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion, and participant observation to explore asylum seekers' opportunities for giving and receiving care for people and planet in green spaces outside of institutional international protection accommodation, particularly among those with access to community gardens. This research contributes to understanding the multigenerational benefits of green space and the potential of horticultural therapy to support the health and well-being of vulnerable forced migrants.
CommunityHealthWelfareAgricultural Extension in An Urban Informal Settlement During COVID-19: The Effectiveness of the “Tanimang Bayan” Initiative in Sitio San Roque, North Triangle, Quezon City
2025Yapjoco, Patrice Bianca R. · CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development · Philippines (Quezon City)
This qualitative study, conducted in Sitio San Roque, Quezon City, Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic, examined the effectiveness of the “Tanimang Bayan” urban agriculture project. Findings indicated that the initiative enhanced access to fresh produce, promoted community-led production, and supported collective action and self-organization among residents. These outcomes suggest a meaningful contribution to resilience-building and local food systems in marginalized urban contexts.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityWelfareSustainable Urban Farming: Effects of Organic Manure on Lettuce Growth and Soil Fertility
2025Salsabilla Dewi Satriani, Yulian Yulian, Nanik Setyowati, Supanjani Supanjani, Kartika Utami · Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research · Global
This experimental study evaluated the effects of chicken and goat manure (five application levels) on lettuce growth and yield under urban organic farming conditions. Goat manure significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced all growth and yield parameters compared with chicken manure, which had no significant effect due to its high C/N ratio and immature composition. Optimal performance was observed at 30–40 tons ha⁻¹ of goat manure, with 30 tons ha⁻¹ identified as the most efficient rate.
Organic cycleDIYVermicomposting: A Way Toward Sustainable Economy and Environment
2025Diksha Pathania, Indu Kumari, Neha Salaria, Suresh Kumar, Rajesh Kumar · Waste Management · Global
This chapter provides an overview of vermicomposting, a sustainable and eco-friendly waste management practice that uses earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Vermicomposting has been gaining popularity as a way to reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal and promote sustainable agriculture. This method is suitable for various applications, including urban agriculture, landscaping, and horticulture, and can offer both environmental and economic benefits.
CompostOrganic cycleEconomics85Chapter 5 Community Garden Politics
2025Iriana Sartor, Giovanna Paccillo, Rebecca Banham, Douglas Ezzy · · Global
This chapter explores the politics of nonreligion through the practices of gardens and gardening, using data from Brazil and Argentina. It frames the political, educational, and activist elements of gardening, highlighting how Latin American case studies provide examples of the 'everyday politics' of gardening. The chapter suggests that the political dimensions of gardening are more explicitly articulated by Brazilian and Argentinian gardeners due to their political histories, demonstrating how nonreligion in community gardening can contribute to positive political engagement and community building.
CommunityPolicyFood educationTrading urban green spaces for brown space development in African cities: evidence from the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana
2025Alex Barimah Owusu, Collins Adjei Mensah, Clement Kwang, Gerald Albert Baeribameng Yiran, Ronald Reagan Gyimah, Dominic Edem Hotor, Princella Ofori Darko · International Planning Studies · Ghana
This paper analyzed the replacement of green spaces with brown spaces in Accra, Ghana, from 1991 to 2021 using Landsat satellite images. Brown areas increased from 24.5% in 1991 to 81% in 2021, while green areas decreased from 75.5% to 19% during the same period. The study found a significant reduction in green spaces due to urbanization.
Environmental trade-offsPolicyUrban–rural linkageBiodiversityThe Significance of Hobby Gardens in Urban Agriculture: A Bibliometric Mapping of Thematic Structures and Future Potentials
2025Deniz Çağla Bal, Independent Reseacher, Osman Kaan Inan, Yusuf Çakmakçı · International Journal of Innovative Approaches in Agricultural Research · Global
This study aims to reveal the intellectual structure, main themes, and research trajectories of academic literature on hobby gardens using bibliometric analysis and scientific mapping methods. Analyses of articles from the Scopus database covering 1989–2025 show that the unifying element of hobby gardening is based on the concepts of “gardening” and “human.” The main driving force of the field was determined to be social and human dynamics such as “leisure time” and gender, indicating that hobby gardening research focuses on its role in human well-being, social life, and community interaction rather than a technical or agricultural focus.
DIYFood educationCommunityHidden Nutritional Deficiencies in Urban Diets across Pakistan
2025Muqadas Bhatti · International annals of health sciences · Pakistan
Urbanization in Pakistan has led to significant dietary shifts, causing hidden nutritional deficiencies, particularly among adolescents. Urban diets are characterized by increased consumption of fats, sugars, and processed foods, alongside reduced intake of fiber, carbohydrates, and essential micronutrients, exacerbating malnutrition. Vulnerable groups like female adolescents and pregnant women face heightened risks. Community-level interventions are urgently needed to combat these deficiencies.
HealthFood educationCommunityThis is God’s land: Moral economies, spirituality, and insurgent land seizures in Zimbabwe’s urban peripheries
2025Johannes Bhanye, Abraham R. Matamanda, Ruvimbo Shayamunda · Discover Global Society · Zimbabwe
In Lydiate informal settlement in peri-urban Zimbabwe, Malawian migrants mobilize insurgent practices, including informal land seizures, spiritual claims, and communal strategies, to access land for farming. Access to land for urban and peri-urban farming remains a significant hurdle, especially for marginalized migrants. Migrants invoke divine ownership narratives, Nyau cult practices, and witchcraft deterrence as tactical tools for defending seized land.
Equity & displacementPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyWelfareEconomicsHealthFood sharing in Dublin
2025Lyons, Jennifer, Davies, Anna, Gallagher, Daisy · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Ireland (Dublin)
This report provides sustainability impact scenarios for Food Sharing Initiatives (FSIs) in Dublin city. Combining CULTIVATE’s Food Sharing Map and Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) data submitted by FSIs, it offers low, average, and high estimations of the sustainability impacts created by FSIs. The impact indicators presented are only a subset of total impacts, and estimations will become more accurate as more FSIs submit SIA data.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunity-based groups for reducing occupational deprivation among asylum seekers, refugees, and other forcibly displaced populations: A scoping review
2025Méabh Bonham Corcoran, Salam Jabbour, Frédérique Vallières, Sarah Quinn · Journal of Occupational Science · Global
This scoping review analyzed 15 studies from 2000 to 2023 to identify community-based groups that reduce occupational deprivation for asylum seekers, refugees, and other forcibly displaced populations. These groups included community development projects (n=5), community gardens (n=4), sports-based groups (n=3), and community creative art groups (n=3). They demonstrated an ability to enhance a sense of belonging and well-being for these populations by engaging them in diverse occupations alongside local community members.
CommunityWelfareHealthUrban Agriculture and Food Systems: A Tool for Sustainable Development
2025Temitope Ruth Adeyemi, A. Patrick Henry, David Adetayo Olorunjuwon, Olajide Isaac Oyedele · International journal of research and scientific innovation · Global
This paper defines urban agriculture as food production, processing, distribution, and sale within urban, suburban, and peri-urban areas for various purposes, and the food system as encompassing all related value-adding activities. It highlights that urban agriculture and food systems provide social, economic, community, and health benefits, addressing food security challenges. The paper concludes that urban agriculture is a tool for sustainable city development, encouraging policymakers to map initiatives for planning purposes.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthPolicyStrategic Spatial Opportunities for Local Food Distribution: Urban Accessibility of Community Gardens in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
2025Andreas Wesener, Shannon Davis, Guanyu Chen · Urban Planning · New Zealand (Christchurch)
This study explored strategic spatial opportunities for improving access to and distribution of locally produced food, using urban community gardens in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand, as a case study. GIS analysis was used to examine spatial accessibility to urban community gardens and associated socio-demographic factors, in comparison to commercial food outlets. The results indicated that the method is useful for examining spatial accessibility, and that urban community gardens in Christchurch are mainly located in more deprived areas, with walkable access provided to about one-fifth of the city’s total population.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyUse of Lighting Technology in Controlled and Semi-Controlled Agriculture in Greenhouses and Protected Agriculture Systems—Part 1: Scientific and Bibliometric Analysis
2025Edwin Villagrán, John Javier Espitia, Jader Rodríguez, Linda Gomez, Gina Marcela Amado Saavedra, E.J. Baeza, Cruz Ernesto Aguilar-Rodríguez, Jorge Flores-Velázquez, Mohammad Akrami, Rodrigo Gil, Luis Alejandro Arias · Sustainability · Global
This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of artificial lighting technologies in greenhouses and protected agriculture, examining scientific publications from the Scopus database between 1974 and 2024. It found a significant increase in research over the last two decades, with the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and China leading in scientific output. Key trends include the use of specific light spectra (red and blue) and the integration of LED systems with digital sensors, though adoption in developing countries like Colombia remains in early stages.
Digital agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsURBAN AGRICULTURE AND VERTICAL FARMING: HYBRID MODELS FOR FOOD PRODUCTION, RESOURCE EFFICIENCY, AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
2025Faran Muhammad, Muneeba, Muhammad Bilal · Gomal Journal of Agriculture and Biology · Global
This paper explored hybrid approaches to urban agriculture combining vertical farming and rooftop gardening. Experimental pilot hybrid systems installed in certain metropolitan regions showed significant improvements in yield per unit area, water-use efficiency, and energy-use efficiency compared to normal rooftop gardens. Qualitative assessments highlighted positive community-level outcomes, including greater dietary diversity, better comprehension of sustainable food habits, and a rise in wellness and health perception.
DIYCommunityHealthClimate changeDigital agricultureDesign and evaluation of a solar powered smart irrigation system for sustainable urban agriculture
2025Mahmoud A. Abdelhamid, Tarek Kh. Abdelkader, Hassan A. A. Sayed, Zhao Zhang, Xiaohui Zhao, Mohamed F. Atia · Scientific Reports · Global
This study aimed to advance sustainable urban agriculture by designing and evaluating a solar-powered smart rooftop irrigation system for peppermint cultivation. The smart system reduced water and energy consumption by 28.1% compared to conventional irrigation, and also achieved a notable reduction in CO2 emissions from 0.252 kg CO₂/m²/year to 0.181 kg CO₂/m²/year. Economic analysis demonstrated a payback period of 5.6 years, highlighting its financial viability.
Digital agricultureClimate changeDIYReviving Traditional Food Cultures
2025Jeffery W Bentley, Paul Van Mele · CABI eBooks · Global
This work presents several global examples of community engagement aimed at reviving traditional food cultures. In Egypt, the NGO Nawaya empowers rural women as caterers by preserving culinary heritage, while a school in Peru integrates local knowledge and biodiversity through school gardens. France's La Tablée event connects organic farmers and consumers, and Bolivia's AGRECOL Andes supports smallholder farmers in selling organic produce to low-income communities. These cases highlight the potential of community involvement in revitalizing traditional food cultures.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageIntegrated Drain-Type Fish Culture and Urban/Peri-Urban Agriculture System
2025Mokhdum Azam Mashrafi, Mokhdum Azam Mashrafi · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This project aims to establish an integrated, eco-friendly system for fish culture, vegetable cultivation, fruit gardening, and animal farming within and around cities, towns, villages, highways, and agricultural zones. The system utilizes drain-type artificial lakes, fenced culture units, water recycling mechanisms, climate-control methods, and energy-efficient technologies to ensure high production even in challenging environments. The project emphasizes food security, urban sustainability, youth employment, environmental protection, and efficient land use.
Food sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureClimate changeEconomicsTrends in urban edible landscapes: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis
2025Huihua Yang, Mohammed Mahdi Hussein, Roziya Binti Ibrahim, RAN LYU · Environmental Research Communications · Global
This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 3,089 publications from 2000 to 2024 from the Web of Science database, focusing on urban edible landscapes. Using tools like CiteSpace and R, the research identified hotspots, knowledge structures, and emerging trends in the field. The analysis highlights the multifaceted impacts of edible landscapes on urban ecosystems and residents' well-being, emphasizing their role in urban sustainability.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsClimate changeREINO VEGETAL: RESILIÊNCIA E GENEROSIDADE ABSOLUTA À SAÚDE COLETIVA
2025Omar Ángel Arach, Iracélis de Fatima Moraes, José Oswaldo Soares de Oliveira, Amira RACHID, Sandra Maria Pereira da Silva, Ana Maria Girotti SPERANDIO · Editora Científica Digital eBooks · Global
This article aims to reflect on the generosity of the plant kingdom, which provides solutions to various socio-environmental problems through agriculture, health, and the environment. Plants ensure food supply through healthy agriculture (organic, agroecological, biodynamic, urban agriculture), the use of medicinal plants (phytotherapy in public health), and urban greening and reforestation (carbon sequestration, air depollution, and increased water quantity). These aspects converge on the common goal of ensuring quality of life and collective health for people amidst the turmoil of cities.
HealthClimate changeFood sovereignty & justice