Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
1177 results(22 / 48)
Business models of commercial and productive organizations of urban agriculture
2021Véronique Saint-Gès · Innovations Technology Governance Globalization · Global
This study aimed to identify, understand, and analyze the business models (BM) that ensure viability for market and productive organizations of urban agriculture (MPOUA). A survey of twenty-five MPOUA revealed their originality and diversity in terms of activities, and identified keys to success. These include partnerships with communities, funders, or education, the integration of appropriate technical skills, and activities offering sustainability values.
EconomicsCommunityThe potential of bio-intensive market gardening models for a transformative urban agriculture
2021Noémie Maughan, Nathalie Pipart, Barbara Van Dyck, Marjolein Visser · · Belgium (Brussels)
This chapter shares insights from the establishment of the Brussels-based Cycle Farm, a reflexive research process involving various stakeholders. It highlights the need for small, local food producers to develop competitive advantages in the context of organic food sector industrialization, as emphasized by Eliot Coleman. The research involved workshops and focused on enhancing the resilience of the Brussels Region, with SPIN Farming concentrating on high-value crops.
EconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureAs exigências cognitivas e a complexidade do trabalho para o agricultor urbano: um estudo de caso
2021Larissa Maas, Leila Amaral Gontijo · Saúde e Sociedade · Global
This case study investigated the cognitive demands and work complexity for urban organic farmers whose main economic activity is selling their products. The findings indicate that the cognitive load for these farmers is high, contributing to complex work. The study notes a lack of existing research on the cognitive load of organic urban agriculture workers, as it is still a nascent movement.
Limited or null effectEconomicsHealthPolicyStructured Literature Reviews (SLR) of Urban Farming for Improving Economic Status of Urban Residents
2021Siti Aisyah Salim, Siti Hajar Salim, Fadhlina Mohd Razali · International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering Technology · Malaysia
This research explored potential urban farming activities for improving the economic status of urban residents through structured literature reviews (SLR). A search of ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus databases yielded 851 papers, with 90 articles used for final classification after a three-iteration filtering process. The study indicated that while urban farming's potential is promoted in Malaysia, research investigating its ability to improve urban residents' economic status remains very lacking.
EconomicsCommunityOrganic cyclePenerokaan aset manusia dalam kalangan peserta projek kebun komuniti
2021Sekolah Menengah Islam As-Syddiq, Simpang Renggam, Milah Zainal, M. Z. Rosmiza, Program Geografi, Pusat Kajian Pembangunan, Sosial dan Persekitaran, Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia · Malaysian Journal of Society and Space · Malaysia
This qualitative study explored human assets among 8 participants in community garden projects in Malaysia. While the government introduced community garden projects to improve urban residents' well-being, their success rate is reportedly low, with many projects expected to be unsuccessful. The study found that participants possessed human assets such as good health, physical strength, ability to seek agricultural inputs and information, strong religious practices, and resilience.
Limited or null effectCommunityEconomicsWelfareFood for Thought: Addressing Urban Food Security Risks through Urban Agriculture
2021Jorinda Steenkamp, Elizelle Juaneé Cilliers, Sarel S. Cilliers, Louis Lategan · Sustainability · Global
This paper proposes urban agriculture as an intervention for planners to support sustainable food production and supply chains, addressing the neglect of food security in planning. A multiple-case study analyzed four urban agriculture examples in the Global South. The findings indicate urban agriculture's potential to improve food security for at-risk populations and mitigate urban risks like unemployment, community decline, and food deserts through its multifunctionality.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityWelfareEconomicsUrban Agriculture in Arusha City, Tanzania: Misconceptions and Realities
2021Pastory Salvatory Thomas, Wilbard Kombe, Aldo Lupala · Urban and Regional Planning · Tanzania
This qualitative study examined perceptions of urban agriculture among 60 urban farmers and officials in Arusha City, Tanzania, through interviews, observation, and literature review. Findings revealed that negative effects of urban agricultural activities influenced negative perceptions, which city officials seldom managed. While urban agriculture is acknowledged in policy, the critical effects of negative perceptions among stakeholders are considered less crucial in policy implications and formal governmental proclamations, despite their real-world impact.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityEconomicsClimate changePrácticas agroecológicas en la implementación de huertos urbanos y periurbanos
2021Sandra Patricia Montenegro Gómez, Yetfersson Arley Serrato Velosa, Yolvi Prada Millán · 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. While urban and peri-urban agriculture yields positive results in food security, sustainability, and resilience, Colombia currently lacks government policies to support these processes. The paper aims to transfer knowledge on crops to various communities to strengthen their food security through vegetable production.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyEconomicsPráticas de economia solidária em iniciativas de agricultura urbana do concelho de Lisboa. Os casos do Vale de Chelas, da Alta de Lisboa e da Horta do Baldio
2021Paizinho, C., Maria de Fátima Ferreiro · Repositório do ISCTE-IUL · Portugal (Lisbon)
This study identified solidarity economy practices in three urban gardens in Lisbon: Vale de Chelas, Alta de Lisboa, and Horta do Baldio. Quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys of 42 users, semi-directive interviews with 3 stakeholders, and participant observation, were employed. Out of 35 evaluated practices, 31 were identified, with seven deemed "very relevant" and four "relevant." Organic production, contributions to social cohesion and health, knowledge sharing among users, promotion of reciprocal relationships, and democratic decision-making were highlighted. The remaining 20 practices were considered "less relevant."
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicyON THE USAGE OF OLD AND MODERN TECHNOLOGIES FOR ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
2021Mariam Jibuti · Globalization and Business · Global
This research investigated the use of old and modern technologies for sustainable building, plant/tree medicines, non-timber forest products, water purity and rainwater harvesting, urban farming, and energy-efficient lifestyles. It argues that implementing these techniques can lead to economic awakening and improve current waste and unproductivity. The study states that stone building, the use of trees and herbs, rainwater collection, and urban farming contribute to people's daily lives, national self-reliance and health, and sustainable economic growth.
EconomicsDIYClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceRooftop garden in Amman residential buildings–sustainability and utilization
2021Naser Mughrabi, Mayyadah Fahmi Hussein, Naila Hussien Alhyari · · Jordan (Amman)
This study aims to propose design indicators for rooftop gardens in Amman, Jordan, to illustrate their economic, social, and environmental benefits. It presents a conceptual framework for interior designers to adopt green roofs, developed by studying existing literature and demonstrating its applicability in Amman. The research used descriptive analytical methodology, qualitative surveys, and questionnaires for residential building inhabitants, with expected outcomes including indicators for rooftop garden utilization in Amman.
PolicyEconomicsClimate changeEdible Green Infrastructure for Urban Regeneration and Food Security: Case Studies from the Campania Region
2020Alessio Russo, Giuseppe T. Cirella · Agriculture, 10(8), 358 · Global
An empirical study analyzing ten edible green infrastructure (EGI) urban-regeneration case studies in Italy's Campania region through the lens of community development, involvement and education. It documents how citizen-engaged urban gardens contribute to public health (stress reduction, physical activity) and the regeneration of derelict land, with sustainability strengthened by far-sighted urban planning across all five provinces.
CommunityHealthFood educationWelfareEconomicsFeeding cities: Singapore's approach to land use planning for urban agriculture
2020Diehl J. A., Sweeney E., Wong B., Sia C. S., Yao H., Prabhudesai M. · Global Food Security · Singapore
Analyzes how Singapore's land-use planning supports high-tech intensified production, an AgriFood Innovation Park, and commercial/industrial urban farms, framing the policy and private-sector roles enabling value-added corporate agriculture in a land-scarce city.
PolicyEconomicsDesign, Construction and Testing of IoT Based Automated Indoor Vertical Hydroponics Farming Test-Bed in Qatar
2020Chowdhury M.E.H., Khandakar A., Ahmed S., Al-Khuzaei F., Al-Emadi N. · Sensors · Qatar
Design, construction and testing of an automated indoor vertical hydroponic system able to grow common food crops inside homes in limited space independent of outdoor climate, with an open IoT platform for remote monitoring and display of system parameters.
DIYEconomicsUrban agriculture could provide 15% of food supply to Sydney, Australia, under expanded land use scenarios
2020· Land Use Policy · Sydney, Australia
Synthesizing measured yields with spatial analysis, the study finds urban agriculture could supply only about 15% of Sydney's total food (its entire vegetable demand) under the lower land-use scenario, rising to 34% at maximum, a reality check on the ceiling of feeding a city locally.
PolicyEconomicsQuantifying Nutrient Recovery in Urban Farming Systems: Circular Economy Applications
2020Chen, L., Robinson, P., Silva, A., Kumar, M. · PLOS ONE · Global
Study across 25 urban gardens in Asia, Africa, and Latin America tracking nutrient cycling. Urban farms recover 60-80% of nutrient inputs through composting versus 10% in conventional agriculture.
Organic cycleEconomicsCollaborative Community-supported Agriculture: Balancing Community Capitals for Producers and Consumers
2020Cornelia Butler Flora, Corry Bregendahl · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Global
This study examines expectations and benefits in collaborative Community-Supported Agriculture (cCSAs) using the community capitals framework, surveying past and present producers and consumers from three of four cCSAs in Iowa. It found that participants who received multiple 'goods' beyond economic benefits, such as social, cultural, human, and political capital, were more likely to continue their associations and were more satisfied. cCSA structures that evolved to maximize multiple capitals for individual producers and consumers proved most sustainable, demonstrating the interactive nature of successful farmer-consumer relationships.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsAgriculture urbaine et péri-urbaine, pauvreté, sécurité alimentaire et environnement dans les pays en développement : une revue exploratoire des méthodologies et des impacts
2020Paule Olivia Akotto, Dorothée Boccanfuso, Marie-Ève Yergeau · Cahiers de recherche · Global
This exploratory review synthesizes 35 reports and articles published between 1980 and 2019 to assess the potential of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) to build resilience against poverty, food insecurity, and environmental challenges in developing countries. The review found that UPA creates one job for every 50 to 100 individuals, but these jobs are generally seasonal, and market access remains a significant constraint for farmers.
Limited or null effectPeri-urban agricultureWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsClimate changePolicyFood Security
2020Meredith T. Niles, Molly E. Brown · Oxford University Press eBooks · Global
This chapter defines the expanding concept of food security, which now includes social and cultural issues beyond simply providing enough food, and introduces its four pillars: availability, access, utilization, and stability. It also explores urban agriculture and the use of satellite information and Internet-connected devices for farm management.
Food sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageDigital agricultureEconomicsA Short Survey of Integrating Urban Agriculture and Environmental Planning
2020Rayeheh Khatami, Toktam Hanaei, Mohammad Reza Mansouri Daneshvar · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This study surveyed 35 articles on urban agriculture to identify its benefits in environmental planning strategies, particularly in non-western countries like Iran. Using a qualitative approach and documentary studies, the analysis revealed a wide range of positive benefits of urban agriculture on food security, nutrition, health, environmental outcomes, and social capital. However, the review found no definitive conclusions regarding the negative effects of urban agriculture.
PolicyClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban Agriculture: Key Research Areas
2020Елена Глотова, И.А. Мохирева, В.В. Глотова · Экономика и предпринимательство · Russia
This article presents an analysis of urban agriculture research publications from 1999 to 2018, identified using keywords "urban agriculture" and "urban farming" in EBSCO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, focusing on management, economics, and business categories. It also includes an assessment of urban agriculture development possibilities and prospects in the Primorsky Territory of the Far Eastern Federal District, Russia, based on an expert survey. The study identified and ranked factors influencing the formation and development of urban agriculture in the region.
PolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageLocal foods systems and community economic development
2020Steven C. Deller, David Lamie, Maureen Stickel · · Global
This review provides a critical analysis of current research on local and regional food networks, including urban farming projects. It reveals that many presumptions of the local food movement remain largely untested, and much of the current research lacks strong theoretical grounding and quantitative rigor. The review emphasizes the importance for practitioners to distinguish between objective, research-based information and speculative, advocacy-oriented analysis.
Methodological critiqueEconomicsPolicyCSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceThe Role of Social Assets on Community Well-Being in Urban Farming Project
2020Milah Zainal, Siti Raba’ah Hamzah, M. Z. Rosmiza · Journal of Asian Scientific Research · Malaysia
This article reviewed the role of social assets in community well-being within urban farming projects, noting a gap in previous Malaysian studies on this topic. Social assets were identified as motivational forces that foster cooperation and benefit agricultural development. Analysis of past research indicated that social assets contribute to knowledge sharing, access to resources, community garden development, motivation, technology transfer, and good agricultural practices. The study recommends incorporating social assets into policies aimed at improving urban farmer well-being.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsA longitudinal literature review of life cycle costing applied to urban agriculture
2020Alexandra Peña, M. Rosa Rovira‐Val · The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment · Global
This study conducted a literature review on the use of life cycle costing (LCC) in the urban agriculture (UA) sector, analyzing its evolution over a 22-year period from 1996 to July 2018. From 442 references collected from Scopus and Web of Science, 20 (4.5%) containing LCC and UA keywords were selected for analysis. Major findings indicated that urban horticulture was the most studied UA practice, LCC played a secondary role in its integration with life cycle assessment (LCA), very few papers appropriately applied the four main LCC stages, and essential costs like infrastructure, labor, maintenance, and end-of-life were frequently not included.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkageArticuler un « penser global » et un « agir local » : la territorialisation des « Community Supported Agriculture »
2020Michaël Pouzenc · Développement durable et territoires · Global
This study demonstrated that the "local to global relationship" in the territorialization of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) interacts with, rather than replaces, multiscalar territorialization. Through local observations in France and Mexico, combined with a literature review, a cartographic analysis of CSAs in Europe, and an analysis of their websites, the role of geographical scales implied by the convergence between the ecologization of practices and the territorialization of activities was clarified.
CSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunity