Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
1180 results(21 / 48)
Steering the Nexus: iZindaba Zokudla and Governing for Sustainability
2021Naudé Malan · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Global
This reflective essay describes iZindaba Zokudla, a public innovation lab that uses stakeholder engagement to create opportunities for urban agriculture within a sustainable food system. iZindaba Zokudla functions as an extra-institutional means to govern the water, land, energy, and waste nexus. The article generalizes how its activities can be used to govern this nexus for sustainability, demonstrating how it has achieved progressive governance by facilitating its Farmers' Lab and website, creating participation opportunities, and enabling critical reflection.
PolicyCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceFACTORS AFFECTING URBAN AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THAI NGUYEN PROVINCE, VIET NAM
2021Vu Bach Điep, Dinh Hong Linh, Bui Thi Minh Hang · International Journal of Legal Studies ( IJOLS ) · Viet Nam
Thai Nguyen province in Vietnam is experiencing agricultural land reduction due to rapid urbanization. This article analyzed five groups of factors affecting urban agricultural development in Thai Nguyen province during 2015-2018: Socio-economic; Natural conditions and infrastructure; Policy factors; Planning factors; and Links and integration. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze and synthesize secondary and primary data sources.
PolicyEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceThe morphological impact of municipal planning instruments on urban agriculture
2021Ana Mélice Dias, Teresa Marat-Mendes · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Portugal (Lisbon)
This paper investigated the impact of municipal planning instruments on urban agriculture in Lisbon and its surrounding territory, Portugal. It concluded that current planning regulations in Lisbon’s Greater Area are specifically focused on morphological solutions that give preference to urban agriculture uses related to leisure and aesthetic solutions, to the detriment of design solutions that tackle economic growth or ecological diversity.
Economic viabilityPolicyEconomicsUrban agriparks of algiers: a sustainable modality of urban agriculture?
2021Sara Bouzekri, Saïd Madani, Christine AUBRY · Bulletin de la Société Géographique de Liège · Algeria (Algiers)
This paper diagnosed the sustainability of urban agriculture in agriparks within the Chéraga commune of Algiers, Algeria. Applying a double sustainability method (internal and external) proposed by Ba and Aubry (2011), the study identified several major challenges to optimize urban agriculture sustainability, reduce deficiencies, and remedy observed imbalances.
Climate changePolicyUrban–rural linkageUrban and Peri-Urban Agriculture
2021Prem Nath · · Global
This paper discusses the challenges of urbanization and population growth and the potential of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) to address food demand, poverty, and unemployment. Various international conferences and initiatives have highlighted the importance of UPA and horticultural crops. However, it has been realized that very few countries have actually investigated the real opportunities and constraints linked to the urban agriculture sector.
Urban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justicePolicyPerspectivas de la agricultura urbana y periurbana para la seguridad alimentaria en Colombia
2021Sandra Patricia Montenegro Gómez, Yulian Adalberto Sepúlveda Casadiego · Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia eBooks · Colombia
This paper contextualizes relevant experiences and technical tools for implementing urban and peri-urban agroecological orchards in Colombia. It notes that urban and peri-urban agriculture can alleviate food insecurity and create jobs, but currently, Colombia lacks government policies to support these processes. The study aims to transfer knowledge on crops to communities to strengthen food security through vegetable production.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsCommunityUrban farmers land injustice: Assessing the impact of land development projects on agriculture in Dar es Salaam City
2021Mkwela Hawa · Journal of Geography and Regional Planning · Tanzania
This study used a qualitative approach to examine land injustices faced by urban farmers in Mbweni-Mpiji, a sub-urban area of Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania. Findings indicated that farmers experience constant pressure from land insecurity, inferior land rights, informal land access, stiff competition from other land users, degrading land quality, and a continuous decrease in agricultural land size. These factors negatively impact the daily livelihoods, including food security, social status, and income, of those entirely dependent on urban farming.
Equity & displacementPolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityAgricultura Urbana em Portugal: Constrangimentos e Oportunidades Para Uma Política Pública Alimentar
2021Cecília Delgado · RPER · Portugal
This article examines the potential for urban agriculture practices to foster food policy formulation and implementation in Portugal. An inquiry involving 16 local municipalities identified constraints and opportunities for local initiatives. The study argues that Portuguese civil society's relative fragility, compared to other countries, may explain the lack of local public food policies, despite confirming national and local opportunities.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityFood strategies and restitution of urban agriculture illustrated by the case of selected solutions of metropolitan areas
2021Aleksandra Płonka, Wojciech Sroka · Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology Organization and Management Series · Global
This paper aimed to present the importance of food strategies in creating sustainable development of metropolitan areas and the restitution of agriculture. By reviewing Canadian and French solutions, among others, it indicated the importance of urban agriculture in shaping sustainable development. A descriptive case study was adopted as the qualitative research methodology, using urban plans, literature, and legislative acts as empirical basis. Findings show that only planning and new generation strategic plans of a metropolis that account for urban food systems can balance long-term development objectives and protect natural resources.
PolicyClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceModelos de negocio de las organizaciones empresariales de mercado y producción en la agricultura urbana
2021Véronique Saint-Gès · Innovations Technology Governance Globalization · Global
A study of 25 market and production business organizations (OEMP) in urban agriculture identified and analyzed their business models, prioritizing the economic dimension. The study revealed the originality and diversity of OEMP activities and highlighted keys to success, such as partnerships, technical skills, and sustainability-focused activities. Marketing is characterized by short supply chains to diverse clients.
EconomicsCommunityPolicyResetting the Evaluation Indicators for School Garden Education Service
2021In-Kyoung Hong, Hyung-Kwon Yun, Young-Bin Jung, Kang‐Sook Lee, Choon-soo Lee · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
This study reset evaluation indicators for school garden education services by surveying 20 experts using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and direct question (DQ) methods from October 12 to 19, 2020. AHP results showed education values were most important (0.544), while environmental (0.062) and economic (0.049) values were relatively low. The lowest sub-indicators were mitigating climate change (0.009) and increasing income (0.036).
Food educationHealthWelfarePolicyInstitutional and regional features of organized second home development in Russia
2021Alexander V. Rusanov · Population and Economics · Russia
This article studies second home land development in Russia using data from All-Russian agricultural censuses. It identifies two processes: residential dachas in horticultural non-profit partnerships (HNP) with residential, recreational, and agricultural functions, and agricultural dachas (vegetable gardens) in gardening non-profit partnerships (GNP) with only agricultural functions. HNPs show a strengthening of recreational and residential functions, while GNPs are decreasing in scale but remain relevant, especially during crises, due to their unique localization and traditions.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsA green new deal for agriculture: for, within, or against capitalism?
2021Benjamin Selwyn · The Journal of Peasant Studies · Global
This article argues that a Green New Deal (GND) for agriculture must actively combat environmental degradation, social inequality, and labor exploitation, rather than merely aiming to restart capitalist economies. It identifies key areas for discussion and political action, including the reorientation of state subsidies, workers' rights, agrarian reform, the decommodification of food, agroecology, urban agriculture, new technologies, and rewilding.
Governance failurePolicyClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHousing Management and Its Relationship with Productive Initiatives Targeted at Low-Income Groups in Rosario (Argentina)
2021Marcelo Salgado, Sabrina Cáceres, Marta Basuino, Nora Gancedo, Claudio Vizia, Sebastián Rodríguez, Laura Gurría · · Argentina (Rosario)
This paper focuses on social housing projects linked with productive undertakings for low-income groups in Rosario, Argentina. It examines experiences such as the Urban Agriculture Program, Rosario Habitat Program, and Housing Cooperatives, which integrate habitat with productive initiatives. The research aims to formulate recommendations for the participatory management of social housing and its articulation with these undertakings, including the promotion of multidisciplinary teams through training workshops.
WelfareCommunityPolicyEconomicsRooftop Gardening a Modern Approach of Production in Urban Areas: A Review
2021Mukesh Choudhary, Abha Rawat · Bhartiya Krishi Anusandhan Patrika · Global
This review examines rooftop horticulture as an innovative solution for urban cultivation, addressing limited space in cities. It provides an interdisciplinary assessment of various development approaches and forms of rooftop horticulture, drawing on existing experiences and offering suggestions for planning sustainable cities. The review notes that some urban rooftop gardens utilize mineral fertilizers and pesticides.
DIYPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeMitigating the Impact of Human Activities
2021Gail Hansen, Joseli Macedo · University Press of Florida eBooks · Global
Many ecological, political, and economic programs are available to help cities become more sustainable and protect the urban environment. Resilient city planning practices include climate change adaptations, renewable energy technology, reducing urban sprawl, improving urban agriculture and native species use, and using self-sustaining, biophilic buildings. Goals and strategies for implementing these practices rely on citizens accepting responsibility with pro-environmental behaviors that mitigate destructive impacts from development and maintenance practices.
Climate changePolicyCommunityBiodiversityUrban Foodscapes and Greenspace Design: Integrating Grazing Landscapes Within Multi-Use Urban Parks
2021Shannon Davis · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · New Zealand (Auckland)
This article explores the potential contribution of grazing lands within cities of the Global North as a multi-beneficial layer in public greenspace design. While plant-based urban farms and community gardens have seen growth, the integration of grazing lands within urban zones has been largely overlooked. This research considers integrating grazing lands within multi-use greenspace design, undertaking a descriptive critique of Cornwall Park, Auckland, New Zealand, which has provided urban grazing for sheep and cattle since 1903 alongside other land uses.
Urban–rural linkageBiodiversityPolicyCommunitySur la distinction entre commun et collectif
2021Joëlle Zask · Éditions de la Sorbonne eBooks · Global
This paper presents the distinction between “collectif” (collective) and “commun” (common) based on the experience of shared gardens. The author argues that this distinction is essential for thinking about democratic culture and its corresponding laws.
CommunityPolicyAgricultura urbana y periurbana en el contexto global y en Colombia
2021Carlos Carranza, Martha Cecilia Vinasco Guzmán · Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia eBooks · Colombia
This paper contextualizes relevant experiences and technical tools for implementing urban and peri-urban agroecological orchards, noting that urban and peri-urban agriculture has positive results in alleviating food insecurity, improving sustainability, and creating jobs. It highlights that Colombia currently lacks government policies to support these processes. The paper aims to transfer knowledge on crops to urban and peri-urban communities to strengthen food security through vegetable production.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyFood educationPhenomenon of Urban Agriculture and Its Role in Shaping Sustainable Cities
2021Kateryna Dorofieieva, Kristīne Vugule · Landscape architecture and art · Global
This paper conducted complex research on the phenomenon of urban agriculture and its pioneering practices as a tool to combat problems related to ecology, economy, and human physical and mental well-being, arising from urban sprawl, land distribution, and modern city functioning. Selective case study and relevant literature analysis were applied as main research methods. The research results were compiled into a summarizing table highlighting core data and supporting conclusions and suggestions for planning and management of urban agriculture structures.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsHealthWillingness to pay for urban agriculture in Oslo
2021Geir Wæhler Gustavsen, Helge Berglann, Elisabeth Jenssen, Signe Kårstad, Divina Gracia P. Rodriguez · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Norway (Oslo)
This study used a contingent valuation survey to assess Oslo citizens' attitudes and willingness to pay for four types of urban agriculture: urban community gardens, urban gardens for work training, education, and kindergartens, aquaponics, and vertical production. While urban agriculture provides services like enhanced food security and biodiversity, its value is often hard to quantify for policymakers. The survey results indicated that Oslo citizens are willing to increase their tax payments to contribute to the further development of urban farming in Oslo.
EconomicsCommunityPolicyFood educationSpecial Issue: “Urban Agriculture, Forestry and Green-Blue Infrastructure as “Re-Discovered Commons”: Bridging Urban-Rural Interface”
2021Ryo Kohsaka, Yuta Uchiyama · Sustainability · Global
This Special Issue re-explores research topics related to the relationships between urban and rural areas during the COVID-19 pandemic period in 2020 and beyond.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyCommunityCultivating the city for ecosocialism
2021Salvatore Engel‐Di Mauro, George M. Martin · · Global
This chapter examines urban cultivation across diverse global contexts, finding that global South cities often experience declining food production due to displacement by financiers and landowners. It notes that urban cultivation is frequently associated with unacknowledged pollution problems, and its overall ecological impacts are not necessarily positive. Furthermore, urban food production, with the exception of Cuba, does little to reduce social inequality and can sometimes exacerbate it.
Environmental trade-offsFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyClimate changeFuture Shift for ‘Big Things’: From Starchitecture via Agritecture to Parkitecture
2021Philip Cooke · Journal of Open Innovation Technology Market and Complexity · Global
This article analyzes three shifts in the geography of "Big Things" in modern city center architecture: "Starchitecture" (1990s), "Agritecture" (2000s), and "Parkitecture" (2010s). Agritecture involved repurposing office blocks for high-rise urban farming, such as aquaponics and hydroponic horticulture. Parkitecture emerged as COVID-19 further undermined CBD property markets, leading to the replacement of malls with urban prairie landscapes.
PolicyUrban–rural linkageEconomicsDEDUCING ACTUAL CONVERSION OF URBAN AGRICULTURAL LAND USING PLOT SIZE, STREET WIDTH, AND NUMBER OF SIDES FACING STREETS AS INDEXES
2021Mei Komatsu, Takashi Ariga · Journal of Architecture and Planning (Transactions of AIJ) · Global
This study explored the characteristics of actual conversion of partially surviving agricultural lands using plot size, street width, and number of sides facing streets as indexes. It compared land uses in 2016 with agricultural lands in 1983 and investigated the actual conversion of all agricultural lands in 2016 using these indexes. The study also compared the actual condition of converted plots partially retained as agricultural lands with the actual conversion of all agricultural lands.
PolicyUrban–rural linkage