Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
724 results(23 / 29)
Community and School Gardens as Spaces for Learning Social Resilience.
2015Kimberley Reis, Jo-Anne S. Ferreira · ePublications@SCU (Southern Cross University) · Australia
This study examines how community and school gardens can teach individual and community resilience to potential food shortages, emergencies, food insecurity, and climate change challenges. It focuses on the role of gardens in providing food access and building resilience among school-aged children and young adults. Insights from a larger Australian PhD thesis are analyzed to assist educators, particularly in policy, who engage with young learners in these gardens, with findings argued to have international relevance.
CommunityFood educationClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceTransforming Food Systems Through Food Sovereignty: An Australian Urban Context
2015Federico Davila, Robert Dyball · Australian Journal of Environmental Education · Australia
This article examines the potential of food sovereignty, as defined by La Via Campesina, to reframe food as a human right within the Australian food discourse. It argues that urban food production in Australia offers educative value by transforming individuals' social and environmental concerns about food systems. Community participation in urban food production can foster political understanding and support for alternative food systems, developing elements of food sovereignty in an Australian urban context.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityFood educationPolicyThetford Elementary School Garden Community Work Day – May 7, 2015
2015Cat Buxton · · Global
This record documents a community work day held on May 7, 2015, at Thetford Elementary School Garden. The event involved after-school work by community members.
CommunityFood educationPesticide Misuse in Rural-Urban Agriculture: A Case Study of Vegetable Production in Tano South of Ghana
2015Emmanuel Yennumi Wandaat, Joseph Xorse Kugbe · Asian Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences · Ghana
A study on vegetable production in Ghana's Tano South District surveyed 132 urban farmers and 5 stakeholders. Farmers relied solely on chemical pesticides for pest control and lacked in-depth knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Inappropriate handling and non-use of protective clothing led farmers to report health issues like dizziness, skin irritation, and nausea, while indiscriminate spraying resulted in pesticide residues posing serious health risks to consumers and the environment.
Contamination & food safetyHealthFood educationPeri-urban agricultureArt Education in My Backyard: Creative Placemaking on an Urban Farm
2015Jodi Kushins · OpenSIUC (Southern Illinois University Carbondale) · Global
This paper describes an art educator's experience transforming her backyard into an urban farm with the help of friends and neighbors, combining an autoethnographic account with research. She leveraged her knowledge of artistic and educational initiatives prioritizing collective activity to position her work as participatory environmental art education. The paper is structured around the main steps of planting a garden—siting, amending, seeding, tending, and harvesting—to draw parallels between garden maintenance and designing holistic art education.
DIYCommunityFood educationCommunity supported agriculture as public education: networked communities of practice building alternative agrifood systems
2015R. Alan Wight · Environmental Education Research · Global
This abstract cites a study titled "Community supported agriculture as public education: networked communities of practice building alternative agrifood systems." The study was published in Environmental Education Research, volume 22, issue 3, pages 456–457.
CSA & TeikeiFood educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceMeasuring Elementary-aged Children’s Self-efficacy and Proxy Efficacy for Gardening and Related Health Behaviors
2015Karly S. Geller, Margaret J. Melbye, Richard R. Rosenkranz, Candice A. Shoemaker, David A. Dzewaltowski · HortTechnology · Global
This study evaluated the psychometric properties of a scale measuring self-efficacy and proxy efficacy for gardening and related health behaviors in elementary-aged children. Data were drawn from Project PLANTS, an after-school randomized controlled trial focused on obesity prevention through garden clubs. Participants included 969 fourth and fifth-grade students from eight elementary schools. The measurement model, comprising five constructs, demonstrated good factorial validity and unbiased generalizability across gender, grade level, and BMI subgroups.
Food educationHealthPolicies Fostering Multifunctional Urban Agriculture in the City of Zurich
2015Ingrid Jahrl, Otto Schmid · Organic Eprints (International Centre for Research in Organic Food Systems, and Research Institute of Organic Agriculture) · Switzerland
In Zurich, Switzerland, urban agriculture policies have evolved towards fulfilling multiple functions. This multifunctional approach aims to provide diverse services for city dwellers, fostering biodiversity, offering attractive recreational landscapes, and creating educational opportunities, with food production being a part but not the main goal. The city administration has implemented various support mechanisms to ensure the concept's implementation and maintenance.
PolicyBiodiversityFood educationCommunityEstablishing and researching school gardens in Oman as a resource for improving education and health outcomes
2015Abdullah Ambusaidi, Rashid Al‐Yahyai, Neil Taylor · Econstor (Econstor) · Oman
A school gardening project in Oman, funded by the Oman Research Council, aims to improve educational outcomes in the short term and dietary outcomes in the longer term, addressing the country's rising lifestyle diseases. The article reports on the project's rationale, conceptualization, and design, noting its potential for expansion to more schools and long-term economic benefits through local food production.
Food educationHealthEconomicsCommunityDiversifying for success
2015Christine Brown-Paul, Sam Ross · Practical Hydroponics and Greenhouses · Australia
A Sydney-based company supplies hydroponics products and services to a diverse range of clients in Australia, including home growers, market gardeners, commercial growers, schools, and community gardens. This broad client base provides a competitive advantage in the current market.
DIYCommunityFood educationDigital agricultureEpitomizing the Socioeconomic Impacts of Urban Agriculture in Bamenda
2015Bongajum Simplice Ngoran, Suinyuy Derrick Ngoran · Journals & Books Hosting (International Knowledge Sharing Platform) · Cameroon (Bamenda)
This article examines the socioeconomic implications of urban agriculture in Bamenda, Cameroon. It found that urban agriculture has improved living conditions, providing employment to about 11% of the working population and reducing food expenses for civil servants. However, urban agriculture in Bamenda lags behind other cities due to rudimentary tools, suggesting a need for advanced technology and improved seedlings.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceHealthFood educationCommunityDig It!: The Versatility of the Community Garden
2015Melinda VanDevelder, Kierstyn Johnson, Alicia R. Thompson · · Global
This chapter explores the versatility of school and community gardens, which have historical roots in social justice. It investigates multiple theories embracing critical and ecological pedagogies in urban communities, schools, and neighborhoods. The driving forces behind this work include democratic movements for food security, addressing food deserts, and socioeconomic sustainability through gardening programs.
CommunityFood educationHealthWelfareAcciones de Mejora para el Manejo Actual de los Residuos Solidos en los Barrios Manatial y Triangulo Alto Localidad de San Cristobal Sur en la Ciudad de Bogotá
2015Juan Sebastián Muñoz Castiblanco, José Francisco Landinez Cardona · · Colombia (Bogotá)
In the Manantial and Triangulo Alto neighborhoods of Bogotá, serious problems in solid waste management necessitate solutions involving the community and public sanitation companies. This project proposes diagnosing the current state of waste and, based on the findings, implementing an environmental education campaign with an emphasis on urban agriculture and vermiculture. It also aims to improve community collection centers and promote the use of various household materials.
CommunityOrganic cycleFood educationFood for thought: edible gardens in New Zealand primary and secondary schools
2015Clare E. Collins, Rosalina Richards, Anthony I. Reeder, Andrew Gray · Health Promotion Journal of Australia · New Zealand
To investigate the implementation of edible gardens in New Zealand primary and secondary schools, a questionnaire was mailed to principals from 764 schools, with 491 responding (64.3% response rate). Among responding schools, 52.9% currently had an edible garden, with most started in the previous two years. Gardens were integrated into curriculum subjects, cooking lessons, recipes, and messages promoting increased fruit and vegetable consumption, with vegetables, herbs, and tree fruit commonly grown.
Food educationHealthCommunityCommunity Food Literacies: An Introduction
2015Michael L. Pennell · Community Literacy Journal · Global
This abstract introduces a special issue of the Community Literacy Journal on community food literacies, highlighting the intertwined relationship between food and literacy. It notes that both are in "revolutionary" stages, with food systems re-localizing through farmers’ markets, CSAs, and community gardens. The issue presents various perspectives on community food literacies, responding to a call for service-learning practitioners and literacy workers to address these expanding relationships.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareIncreasing homogeneity in global food supplies and the implications for food security
2014Khoury C.K., Bjorkman A.D., Dempewolf H., Ramirez-Villegas J., Guarino L., Struik P.C. · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) · Global
Shows national diets grew about 36% more similar over five decades, increasingly reliant on a few major crops, with implications for food security, nutrition, and the value of conserving crop diversity.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversityHealthFood educationEl Programa de Agricultura Urbana de la Municipalidad de Rosario en Argentina
2014Lattuca A.L., Terrile R.H., Sadagorsky C. · Hábitat y Sociedad · Argentina (Rosario)
Documents Rosario's municipal Urban Agriculture Programme (PAU), launched in 2002, which grew to over 800 community farming projects on vacant land to address food insecurity and generate income for marginalized residents, with 65% of participants being women.
CommunityPolicyFood educationWelfareSustainable Food Systems for Future Cities: The Potential of Urban Agriculture*
2014Kubi Ackerman, Michael Conard, Patricia J. Culligan · RePEc: Research Papers in Economics · Global
This multi-year study by the Urban Design Laboratory at the Earth Institute assessed urban agriculture in New York City (NYC). It presented metrics on potential growing capacity, surveyed NYC urban farmers on production challenges, and monitored a commercial rooftop farm in Brooklyn. The study aimed to provide insight into urban agriculture's role in creating sustainable food systems for NYC and other cities.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityFood educationAllotment Gardens Contribute to Urban Ecosystem Service: Case Study Salzburg, Austria
2014Jürgen H. Breuste, Martina Artmann · Journal of Urban Planning and Development · Austria (Salzburg)
This study investigated how urban allotment gardens contribute to ecosystem services in Salzburg, Austria. A survey was conducted with 156 allotment gardeners across four allotment associations, focusing on the role of allotment gardens in recreation, food production, nature experience, ecological gardening, and environmental behavior. The results indicated the importance of allotment gardens for recreation and nature experience, alongside a declining importance of traditional food production. An increasing interest in ecological gardening and general environmental awareness among allotment gardeners was also observed.
CommunityBiodiversityPolicyFood educationCommunity Gardens to Fight Urban Youth Crime and Stabilize Neighborhoods
2014Art McCabe · International journal of child health and human development · Global
This paper discusses how reclaiming abandoned properties and vacant lots in inner-city areas and converting them into community gardens or pocket parks can address urban health challenges and youth crime. It suggests that these conversions can reduce health disparities, eliminate blight, stabilize neighborhoods, and foster community engagement. The paper highlights that community gardens can serve as a cost-effective, multi-purpose urban asset, meeting the demand for such spaces, especially among immigrant populations.
CommunityHealthWelfareFood educationDominó das hortaliças: desenvolvimento de jogo didático para horta escolar
2014Daniel Felipe de Oliveira Gentil, Haroldo Silva Rodrigues, Reina Auxiliadora Gonçalves de Souza · Extensão Rural · Global
This paper describes the development of a didactic domino game focused on vegetables for use in school gardens. The process involved creating the game, defining its rules, and preparing domino pieces featuring leafy and fruiting vegetables. The game successfully captured children's interest, and its rules functioned properly, resulting in a light, simple, practical, and aesthetically pleasing educational tool.
Food educationPredictors of Youth Voluntary Participation in Urban Agriculture Programme in Malaysia: A Review
2014Neda Tiraieyari, Azimi Hamzah · Modern Applied Science · Malaysia
University Putra Malaysia (UPM) introduces urban agriculture programs for urban residents and trains student volunteers to support program implementation. This paper reviews existing literature on factors predicting voluntary participation among young students and proposes a conceptual model for program developers to promote youth voluntary participation. Research is recommended to predict factors influencing UPM students' voluntary participation in the urban agriculture program, and further research is also recommended to explore how program planners can overcome potential barriers to student participation.
Food educationCommunityExploring the key factors to the success of the organic gardening for primary schools project and potential obstacles that may reduce the efficacy of such initiatives
2014Aoife McCormack · eSource (Dublin Business School) · Ireland (Dublin)
This qualitative study used in-depth interviews with professionals to identify key success factors and potential obstacles for organic gardening projects in primary schools. Findings highlighted the benefits of school gardens, including their observable impact on children's social, food, and environmental development, and their integration with the curriculum. The study also indicated that funding and resource limitations are areas requiring further research to improve the efficacy of such initiatives.
Food educationCommunityHealthBiodiversityThe Biodiversity Design for Urban Garden Landscape
2014Han Li-yin · · Global
This paper analyzes classic cases of biodiversity design in foreign urban gardens, including New York urban farming gardens and Paris flower and plant gardens. It summarizes four different types of biodiversity design methods for urban gardens. The paper proposes a biodiversity design framework for urban gardens, aiming to enhance biodiversity and improve the quality and spatial effects of urban garden landscapes.
BiodiversityFood educationCommunityA school garden in biotechnical education
2014M. Pogačnik, Dragan Žnidarčić, Jelka Strgar · Archives of Biological Sciences · Global
This study, which has been retracted, compared experiential instruction in a school garden with traditional classroom instruction for 360 biotechnical education students aged 15 to 18. The original findings indicated that experiential instruction resulted in significantly better achievement scores in both knowing and applying cognitive domains.
Food education