Research & reports

Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (Ecuador), Fredi Portilla Farfán, María José Quizhpi Pintado, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (Ecuador), Tania Alexandra Sarango Guamán, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (Ecuador) · · Global

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an economic crisis, endangering global food and nutritional security, particularly in the authors' country due to isolation-induced deterioration of essential goods and services. This crisis incentivized people to promote urban agriculture activities, adapting home spaces for growing fruits and vegetables as a form of self-sufficiency during the pandemic.

Siyu Chen, Ying Chang, Jack S. Benton, Bing Chen, Hongchen Hu, Jing Lu · Land · China

This natural experiment in a Chinese neighborhood examined the effects of a community garden on health-related behaviors during the COVID-19 epidemic. Camera-based systematic observations, totaling 180 hours of video recordings (120 hours non-epidemic, 60 hours epidemic), assessed user numbers, physical activities, social interactions, and environmental engagement. Results showed a significant increase in total users during the epidemic, particularly females, older adults, and children, with sedentary and moderate physical activities also significantly higher. The community garden contributed more to physical activity like walking, but less to interactions between people or people-place interactions.

Queen-Mary Akudo Ebugosi, Janet Aderonke Olaboye · International Journal of Applied Research in Social Sciences · United States

This concept paper proposes initiatives to promote healthy food access in urban areas of the USA, aiming to address food insecurity and improve nutritional health. It discusses the current state of food insecurity and its health impacts in urban areas, then examines successful strategies such as community gardens, farmers' markets, and mobile food markets. Key components like community engagement, policy advocacy, and partnerships are highlighted, along with the role of technology like online grocery delivery. The paper provides insights into effective strategies for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to improve food access and health outcomes.

Diana Elinos, M. Carolina Cruz, Andrea Loyo del Castillo, Mar Zamora, Grecia Karime Yebra Peralta, José Gabriel Reyes Fernández · Memorias del Concurso Lasallista de Investigación Desarrollo e innovación · Global

This study analyzed the impact of inorganic pesticides, highlighting their potential mutagenic and carcinogenic effects and negative impact on biodiversity, water, and soil contamination. It proposed a methodology for creating an organic pesticide and presented results on its efficacy in pest control. The study concluded that inorganic pesticides pose significant risks, while organic pesticides offer a safe and effective alternative, and emphasized the need to prioritize organic solutions in agriculture.

Arild Eriksen, Deni Ruggeri, Esben Slaatrem Titland · ˜The œGeojournal library · Norway (Oslo)

This essay discusses the motivations for co-creating urban agriculture in public spaces from the perspective of an architect and urban farmer/beekeeper practicing bottom-up, participatory design in Oslo. It critiques the current aesthetics of impermanence and temporality in urban agriculture and questions the idea that the joy and freedom it brings should be enhanced by future development and policy. The essay presents a rich collection of stories about regeneration, change, and collective action and cultivation, rather than a replicable model.

Divya Martolia, Ritu Gupta, Naresh Kumar Chhuneja · Journal of Community Mobilization and Sustainable Development · India (Ludhiana)

In Ludhiana city, India, a study investigated the prevalence of hand discomfort among 150 male gardeners from educational institutions, community gardens, and nurseries. Findings revealed that the comfort level for most respondents using gardening hand tools ranged from moderate to low, with increased pain and discomfort reported after using certain tools. The Cornell Hand Discomfort questionnaire showed that the majority experienced slight to moderate pain and discomfort in different hand regions, which interfered with their work performance.

Janie Bickersteth, J. F. S. Ferro, Marjorie Landels, Stephanie Robson · · United Kingdom

Incredible Edible Lambeth (IEL) is undertaking two mapping projects in Lambeth, UK, to identify and make available hidden food production niches. Six walking trails highlight existing food growing in community gardens and green spaces, distributed to pharmacies, GP surgeries, and schools. The 'Lambeth plots' project, in collaboration with Arup, combines GIS analysis with citizen-led mapping to reveal food growing potential across the entire borough.

Rob Roggema, Aleksandra Krstikj, B. J. Erazo Flores · Nutrients · Mexico (Monterrey)

This study in the Noreste of Mexico, focusing on Monterrey, investigated spatial and non-spatial barriers to adopting healthy diets and accessing plant-based foods. Findings revealed significant disparities in food access across the Monterrey metropolitan area, with central urban zones having superior access to fresh foods compared to suburban and peripheral regions. This inequality disproportionately affects marginalized areas with higher poverty rates, worsening food insecurity.

Tayech Lemma, Mala Sharma · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Ethiopia

A survey of 272 women in Hossana town, Ethiopia, using a multivariate probit model, identified food security and economic reasons as primary motivations for participating in urban agriculture. Factors such as age, education, marital status, family size, employment, non-urban farm income, farm experience, garden size, credit access, market access, and improved input use significantly influenced participation likelihood.

Fernanda Olivares, John Clunes, Susana Valle, Dorota Dec · Agro Sur · Chile (Valdivia)

This study evaluated the quality of irrigation water in urban gardens in Valdivia, Chile, against Chilean standards NCh 1333 and NCh 409. Measured parameters included pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and iron concentration. All urban gardens met the established standards, with the exception of the Collico garden, which showed an elevated iron concentration.

Phillip James Tabb, Lahra Tatriele · · Global

Chapter 6 presents specific physical design strategies at the landscape design scale for wellness planning, based on Halbert Dunn’s concept of high-level wellness. These strategies provide principles for human health, benefits to the natural environment, and implementation opportunities within the urban built environment. The chapter covers diverse applications from parks and greenspaces to healing gardens and edible landscapes, offering concrete approaches and design principles illustrated through precedents.

Qingyue Zeng, Kevin Lam, Autumn Salcedo, Rohan V. Tikekar, Shirley A. Micallef, Ryan A. Blaustein · Journal of Food Protection · United States (Washington D.C.)

This study explored the impacts of biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAOs) on antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in leafy vegetable production environments across seven urban farms and community gardens in the Washington D.C. area. Amended plots showed significantly higher concentrations of total heterotrophic bacteria than bulk soil, which was associated with reduced fractions of tetracycline-resistant bacteria and case-specific trends for reduced ampicillin-resistant bacteria and coliforms. Soil pH positively correlated with tetracycline-resistant bacteria in amended soils, suggesting pH-targeting management strategies could control related risks.

Eurika Putri Andita, Renny Nurhasana, Chotib Chotib, Riska Rahma Arriani, Rizqita Oktorini, Safira Salsabila, Teungku Darwis, Dhaneswara N. Indrajoga, Dyah Nawang Ratnasari · MEDIA BINA ILMIAH · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This community engagement program in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, aimed to assess and improve public knowledge of urban agriculture among mothers at TPA Ikhlasul Makhfudz Women's School. Activities included planting assistance, training, and educational seminars on urban farming benefits, plant types, and composting. The program demonstrated benefits for daily life, such as improved nutrition, community cohesion, relaxation, and enhanced use of idle land.

Hayato IIDA, Yasushi Kyutoku, Wakana KUDO, Yoshiki HARADA · Transactions of Japan Society of Kansei Engineering · Japan (Tokyo)

This study investigated whether the UGS (Urban Green Space Scale), an impression evaluation scale for Tokyo's urban green spaces, could assess impressions of two urban rooftop gardens with flat versus stepped spatial configurations. Based on an online questionnaire (N=670), confirmatory factor analyses indicated a poor or unacceptable fit of urban rooftop gardens to the UGS. Exploratory factor analyses yielded different factor structures, suggesting that new scales are required for evaluating impressions of urban rooftop gardens.

James Demenongu Demshakwa, Y.C. Professor Sati, Professor Erekpitan E. Ola-Adisa · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science · Nigeria

This study investigated the impact of community green spaces on social cohesion and public health in Tudun Wada and Vanderpuye areas of Jos metropolis, Nigeria, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey of 400 participants using structured questionnaires and quantitative analysis found that community green spaces significantly enhance social cohesion and positively influence public health by reducing stress and promoting physical activity. The null hypotheses of no significant impact were rejected.

Ouiam Fatiha Boukharta, Iona Yuelu Huang, Laura H. Vickers, Luis Manuel Navas-Gracia, Leticia Chico-Santamarta · Agronomy · Global

This systematic literature review investigated the benefits of non-commercial urban agriculture (NCUA) forms and their contribution to food production. It collected 1355 articles from qualified search engines, ultimately analyzing 40 articles. The findings indicate that implementing NCUA practices yields multifaceted social, economic, and environmental benefits, including improving people's health, reducing food expenditure, and creating sustainable cities. The review also noted that awareness of urban agriculture and the recognition of its benefits differ between developed and developing countries.

Amanullah, Urooj Khan · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Global

This commentary explores modern agronomy concepts such as precision agriculture, urban agriculture, and agroecology. It aims to demonstrate their potential to enhance public health by improving food quality, enhancing nutrition, and safeguarding the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. The commentary discusses the implications of these practices for public health.

Jill L. Edmondson · Cell Reports Sustainability · Global

Growing fruits and vegetables in cities is recognized as a potential contributor to local food security and can provide additional benefits for urban dwellers. However, it is crucial to ensure equity in access to land for all urban communities and to support the development of necessary skills and knowledge for successful cultivation.

Dika Supyandi, Pipit Pitriani, Mahra Arari Heryanto · MIMBAR AGRIBISNIS Jurnal Pemikiran Masyarakat Ilmiah Berwawasan Agribisnis · Indonesia (Bandung)

This quantitative research, using Rasch Modeling and a census of urban farming group members in RW 04 Pajajaran District, Cicendo, Bandung City, aimed to analyze community perceptions of urban farming benefits. The study found that the community sufficiently benefited from the program, perceiving it as making the environment green, beautiful, and productive. However, respondents believed urban farming could not minimize household food consumption costs, indicating environmental benefits were more dominant than household resilience.

Alan Bentancor Cabrera, Inés Gazzano, Beatriz Bellenda Carneiro · REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE AGROECOLOGIA · Uruguay (Montevideo)

This study investigated food production, nutritional contributions, necessary labor time, and satisfaction levels in three agroecological urban community gardens (HUAC) in Montevideo, Uruguay. It integrated secondary information, interviews with qualified informants, and analysis of field records. Results indicated that these HUACs produce significant volumes of quality food capable of covering individuals' nutritional requirements, potentially satisfying between 34% and 74% of recommended intake, and gardeners perceive HUACs as contributing around 42% of the food they consume.

Salma Ardelia Darmastuti, IRFAN ABU NAZAR, AHMAD DWI SETYAWAN · Asian Journal of Ethnobiology · Indonesia (Surakarta)

An ethnobotanical study in ProKlim RW 16 Banjarsari Village, Surakarta City, Central Java, Indonesia, identified medicinal and food plants in urban home and community gardens. The study found 56 species commonly used by residents for medicinal and food purposes, with lemongrass being the most used medicinal plant and chili the most used food plant. Likert Scale calculations indicated that 90.25% of respondents agreed self-grown food plants are fresher and healthier, and 93.39% agreed more plants reduce air pollution and lower earth temperature.

Katinka H. Evensen, Vebjørn Egner Stafseng · ˜The œGeojournal library · Norway (Oslo)

This study explored ways of integrating urban agriculture in public spaces through case studies of eight urban agriculture projects in Oslo from 2018 to 2020. Interviews with project initiators and managers highlighted motivations emphasizing the creation of social meeting places and learning arenas for cultivation and ecological knowledge. Urban agriculture was also used as a tool in local urban space development to improve well-being by activating unused spaces and integrating cultivation into green space management, suggesting that deliberate design could increase the perceived publicness of spaces.

Chiara Tornaghi · ˜The œGeojournal library · Global

This chapter, based on 15 years of research, discusses key issues hindering urban agriculture from reaching its full potential for human and non-human health. It highlights shortcomings in urban planning policy, specifically the failure to recognize urban agriculture as food production, the invisibility of soil and lack of understanding of living soils, and the disregard for the advisory role of soil care and food production specialists in public land design and soil management. The chapter suggests that agroecological considerations can deepen urban agriculture's ambition in public spaces.

SN Prem Kishor, K. P. Raghuprasad, YN Shivalingaiah, S. Ganesamoorthi, Siddayya Siddayya, ML Revanna, SS Patil · International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research · India (Bangalore)

This study, conducted in Bangalore Urban District, India, explored the transformative benefits perceived by 90 respondents practicing urban nutri-gardens. Notably, 96.67% of respondents identified the availability of fresh and healthy food as the primary benefit, followed by the assurance of chemical-free vegetables (93.33%) and improved emotional well-being (91.11%). Economic and environmental benefits were also acknowledged, demonstrating the holistic impact of urban nutri-gardens on health, economics, environment, and social well-being.

M.N.H. Daud, Mohd Lip Jabit, Noorzalianee Ghazali, J.C.L. Ying · Food Research · Malaysia

This study aimed to evaluate scientific information on major phenolic compounds, including quercetin, protocatechuic acid, and gallic acid, from vegetables cultivated in Malaysian urban farming communities. Leafy and non-leafy vegetables were collected, and phenolic compounds were detected using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Based on the data, most collected vegetables contained the targeted major phenolic compounds, with leaf mustard showing the highest content of quercetin, protocatechuic acid, and gallic acid.