Research & reports

Isna Rahmawati, Yuwanda Nila Ariyani, Aliyah Fitriani · Desa-Kota · Indonesia (Jakarta)

A study in Kampung Samtama, Central Jakarta, Indonesia, surveyed 58 residents to assess their participation level in an urban farming program. Participation was measured across planning, implementation, utilization of results, and evaluation stages. The findings indicated a high overall community participation level (78.25), with the utilization of results stage scoring highest and the evaluation stage scoring lowest among all stages.

Gustavo [UNESP] Nagib · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · France (Paris)

Research conducted in Greater Paris between 2018 and 2021 examined ephemeral urban agriculture (UA) initiatives in eco-districts during construction phases. This qualitative study, using fieldwork and observation, found that temporary UA occupations serve as incubators for new initiatives, fostering the emergence of associations and companies. UA is integrating into a new urbanism that anticipates long-term agricultural practices, bringing together various stakeholders.

Erin VanLaningham · · Global

This concluding chapter emphasizes an ecology of the common good, highlighting the interconnectedness required for flourishing campuses, communities, and thought systems. It discusses four key aspects: deep ecology, ecology and economy, the home place, and community gardens and gardening. The chapter suggests that stewarding resources and educating for vocation can help prioritize diversity, justice, and care for all.

Dwi Kustriyanti, Boediarsih Boediarsih, Witri Hastuti, Hermeksi Rahayu, Indah Wulaningsih, Mardiyani Mardiyani, Andrew Sitepu · Swadaya Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Semarang)

A community-based early childhood development program in PAUD Kenanga Mekar Asri Semarang aimed to promote growth and development through counseling, mentoring, and training, including a catfish/tilapia program and urban farming. The study found that 70% of the children developed according to age, 30% had suspect development, and only 1 child (5%) was underweight, with no children found to be stunted.

Diana Krabbendam, Emiel Wolf, Bernie Deekens, Rosalie Bak, Hans Krikke · SpringerBriefs in applied sciences and technology · Netherlands (Amsterdam)

This chapter outlined activities for citizen-led projects in the Wildeman neighborhood in Amsterdam. The main challenges identified were a lack of trust and community feeling among inhabitants, a lack of involvement and ownership in neighborhood developments, and fragmented existing community activities and services.

Rodrigo Rossi Morelato · MEDIACIONES · Brazil

This article addresses the communication practices of agroecological-based social movements in Rio de Janeiro, correlating them with theories of communication for social change. Based on extensive participatory research with the Rio de Janeiro Urban Agriculture Network (Rede CAU), it concludes that agroecology is capable of promoting processes of citizenship and social change through popular communication.

Qatrunnada Widhia Nugraha, Rahmawati Rahmawati, Riska Riska, Asep Kadarohman, Wiwin Sriwulan · Jurnal Pengabdian Isola. · Indonesia (Jawa Barat)

This study implemented school garden creation and environmental awareness activities for 27 students at a school in West Java. Environmental awareness was measured using questionnaires before and after the activities. Results showed that students recognized the benefits of the school garden, leading to an increase in the average environmental awareness score across all evaluated aspects.

Cosmin Koszor-Codrea · New Europe College Yearbook · Romania

This research investigated the nature study movement in secondary schools of Transylvania and the Romanian Kingdom between 1870 and 1914. It analyzed how methodological changes in natural history teaching, including nature excursions and botanical school gardens, influenced the development of a nationalist, utilitarian, anthropocentric, and racial approach toward the natural environment. The study connected these educational developments to the roots of the Romanian nature preservation movement and nation-building projects.

Mitchell McLarnon · · Global

This chapter describes the practice, processes, and ethical tensions of using cell phones for visual data collection, representation, and analysis in school/community garden research projects. The findings suggest that while gardens and cell phones have the potential for enhancing experiential learning, increased well-being, and ecological awareness, their use needs to be highly contextualized within critical discussions related to settler colonialism, consumerism, neoliberalism, and (green) gentrification.

Reina Bazán Alarcón, Edgar Leonidas Cottallat Villao, Segress García-Hevia · Código Científico Revista de Investigación · Ecuador

This mixed-methods study in Ecuador aimed to develop a methodology for implementing school gardens at Unidad Educativa Misael Olaya, focusing on short-cycle vegetable cultivation for consumption and potential commercialization by high school students. Questionnaires and interviews with students and teachers revealed that while students had basic knowledge of vegetable cultivation, there was a need to strengthen practical activities and experimental learning.

Juliette Colinas, Francesca Ugolini, Mohammad Reza Khalilnezhad · Sustainability · Iran (Birjand)

In Birjand, Iran, a qualitative approach explored the usage and perception of public fruit trees and attitudes towards public usage and participation in two urban green spaces (Tohid Park and Akbarieh Garden). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve visitors, four administrators, and eight workers. Almost all visitors had a high interest in picking fruit, but usage in these green spaces was low, partly due to social norms.

Rafi Pratama, Wawan Dhewanto · International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies · Indonesia (Bandung)

This mixed-methods study assessed the effectiveness of the Micro Urban Food Forest Campaign at Masagi Koffee, Bandung, Indonesia, in enhancing environmental sustainability and community involvement. While the initiative moderately succeeded in raising environmental awareness among participants, it faced problems in achieving consistent community participation. Logistic regression analysis identified awareness and knowledge as significant predictors of sustainability practice, indicating a need for targeted strategies to foster behavioral change.

B. Hari Saptanin Tyas, Fadjarini Sulistyowati, Widati Widati · JMM (Jurnal Masyarakat Mandiri) · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)

The Code Hijau Asri Farmer Group in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, consisting of 36 members, faced limitations in processing their urban farming products, Brazilian spinach and catfish, for income generation. A training program was conducted to enhance their skills in processing, packaging, and branding these products. The training resulted in 100% participant satisfaction with the content and practice, and 75% expressed interest in developing culinary businesses from the processed products, indicating an increase in the group's capacity.

Melikenur Kalfaoğlu, Hasan Hüseyin Aksu · Shanlax International Journal of Education · Global

This qualitative case study explored the opinions of 27 mathematics teachers in MoNE secondary schools regarding the use of school gardens in lessons during the 2023-2024 academic year. Teachers generally supported using school gardens but reported facing problems with maintaining discipline, attracting student attention, and scheduling conflicts.

Tanya Denckla Cobb, Shantell Bingham · Urban agriculture · United States (Charlottesville)

Using the University of Virginia's experience with Charlottesville, USA, this study demonstrated how university classroom engagement with the community can perpetuate inequities and legacies of harm. The research noted the potential for communities to view universities as "extractive industries" and proposed a new framework called "equitable pedagogy" to avoid perpetuating privilege and systemic inequities.

Siti Rohimah, Undang Ruhimat, Wulan Sondarika, Andri Noviandi · Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Kesehatan Galuh · Indonesia (Ciamis)

This community service program in Ciamis Regency, Indonesia, focused on food forest research to combat heart disease by increasing public knowledge and awareness of healthy eating and developing food forests as a nutritional source. The program successfully raised community awareness and improved access to food sources, positively impacting heart health. It significantly contributed to improving the heart health of the local community in the Baregbeg Community Health Center working area.

Anggi Indah Yuliana, Achmad Agus Athok Miftachuddin, Rohmat Hidayat, Rindhi Dwi Fibrianti, Erfan Nur Huda, Ziyyana Fitra, Yoga Firmansya · Jumat Informatika Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia

An urban farming support program in the Murukan village community in Indonesia used the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) method to design, manufacture, and implement an automatic watering tool. The program resulted in a 50% improvement in participants' basic knowledge, a 60% improvement in practical abilities, and a 70% improvement in technical skills. Additionally, participant confidence improved by 40%, productivity by 55%, and tool usage efficiency by 65%.

Sukanya Sereenonchai, Noppol Arunrat · Sustainability · Thailand

This study explored the framing of urban agricultural knowledge disseminated via social media and factors influencing satisfaction among experienced viewers in Thailand. It analyzed eleven clips from the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (Thailand) on Facebook and YouTube using a coding framework and content analysis. A survey of 200 viewers was conducted and analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0. Key results showed that leading farmers framed messages by explaining actions, reasoning, outcomes, and associated health benefits. Source credibility and information quality significantly influenced satisfaction, as did self-efficacy, source credibility, and interactivity as moderating factors for knowledge satisfaction.

Fuzi Maulana Ash’ari, Gt. Khairun Ni’mah, Yarna Hasiani, Ilhamiyah · Jurnal Abdimas Mahakam · Indonesia (Banjarmasin)

This community service activity was conducted for 11th-grade high school students at SMAS PGRI 1 in Banjarmasin City, Indonesia. The activity consisted of delivering material, discussions, introducing tools and materials for the hydroponic wick system, and practical demonstrations. The activity aimed to increase the knowledge of young people in Banjarmasin City regarding urban farming, especially cultivation using the hydroponic wick system.

Marjan Barani · Медицинский журнал Западного Казахстана · Global

This literature review investigated the multifaceted role of environmental education (EE) in enhancing human health by improving physical activity, promoting sustainable behaviors, and fostering psychological well-being. It indicated that integrating EE into school curricula, such as through outdoor classrooms and school gardens, increases physical activity levels and improves physical health outcomes. EE programs focusing on organic farming and local food systems influence participants’ dietary choices, and initiatives reducing plastic use contribute to lower environmental pollution.

J. Perry, Bridget Horsey, J. Raneri, Danny Hunter, Scott O'Connor, M. Hyland-Wood, Elodie Casey, Sarah Burkhart · Proceedings of The Nutrition Society · Oceania

A scoping study was conducted in Pacific Island countries to understand school food activities and their links to local agriculture, covering 22 countries through a literature review (2007-2022) and interviews with 30 key stakeholders from 15 countries. Diverse activities were identified, including school feeding programs (16) and school garden programs (12), with varying links to local agriculture. Challenges in linking local agriculture to school food provision were reported for 17 activities, with common issues including limited funding, inflation, Covid-19, and inadequate produce supply for program scale.

Mohamed Syazwan Osman · UiTM Institutional Repositories (Universiti Teknologi MARA) · Malaysia (Georgetown)

This study examines the implementation and strategic impact of the "MURO GARDEN" green initiative program, conducted by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang Branch at SMA Tarbiah Islamiah in Georgetown, Malaysia. The program is grounded in frameworks of environmental sustainability, urban agriculture, and academic institutions' corporate social responsibility.

Waseem Ahmed Khattak · International Assulta of Research and Engagement (IARE) · Pakistan

"Go Green communities" in Pakistan were studied as grassroots movements promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, activities included waste management, urban gardening, and policy advocacy. The initiative demonstrated increased community involvement in eco-friendly efforts, leading to tangible outcomes such as waste segregation systems and enhanced green spaces. However, challenges including financial limitations, resistance from industries, and restricted access to green technologies highlighted the need for stronger institutional support.

Charleen Kepner · Anthós · Global

This essay analyzes case studies and academic research to explore urban agriculture and community gardens as sources of education and food production. It examines previous research showing that small-scale efforts can make lasting impacts in communities and contributes to discussions on alternatives to current farming practices. The essay suggests that policymakers and urban planners should support and expand community gardens as a feasible food production strategy.

Talita Gonçalves Posser, Damiana Machado de Almeida, Vânia Medianeira Flores Costa, Sabrina Nascimento Borba, Paula Balardin Ribeiro Aragão, A C Carvalho · Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental · Brazil (Santa Maria)

This study reports on actions developed by the extension project "Actions to combat social vulnerability: work and income for women in Vila Maringá/RS" by the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) in Brazil. In 2018, using a participatory methodology and public funds, the project conducted cooking workshops, a mini-course on integral food use, a lecture on medicinal plants and spices, and built a community garden. Participants generally evaluated the project positively and frequently requested new workshops and training.