Research & reports

Ming-Jie Tay, Tuan Hock Ng, Ying-San Lim · Environmental and Sustainability Indicators · Malaysia

To explore farmers' motivations for participating in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs in Malaysia, 15 farmers were interviewed one-on-one at their farms using snowball sampling, with each session lasting 1-2 hours. The findings indicated that CSA not only provides economic benefits for farmers but also promotes eco-friendly food production and distribution, while enhancing social equity within local communities. The three qualitative indicators inherent to CSA serve as essential pillars advocating for the expansion of CSA initiatives and a supportive policy environment for sustainable food production systems.

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.

Samina Raja, Marcia Caton Campbell, Alexandra Judelsohn · Urban agriculture · Global

This chapter highlights urban agriculture's role in promoting equity in cities, proposing "planning as public nurturance." This approach is a value-explicit process centered on an ethic of care, protecting marginalized groups' interests, and building their capacity for co-design and participation. It requires consistent evaluation of progress toward equitable outcomes and attention to structural inequities.

A López · Gaditana-Logía · Global

This article describes the school garden at Tierno Galván as an important part of the school, fostering collaborative work among pupils, parents, teachers, and staff. It highlights the garden as an educational experience that develops values, promotes love for nature, and serves as a neutral space for learning. The garden is presented as a community effort contributing to students' personal growth.

Sigrid Gjøtterud, Rasa Holen, Trine Hvoslef-Eide · International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education · Global

This action research study explored transdisciplinary teaching and learning in an urban agriculture master's program using qualitative methods. Students demonstrated high inter- and intrapersonal competencies and cross-disciplinary idea development. However, a critical finding was that the potential for collaboration with external partners (case owners) was not fully exploited and requires further development.

M. P. PADOVAN, A. FEIDEN, O. M. KOMORI, E. A. Guimarães Costa, R. da S. CAMPOS · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Global

At the Agroecol 2024 event, nine proposals were developed to strengthen agroecology and sustainable development in the face of the climate emergency. These proposals include strengthening agroecology in family farming, indigenous peoples, traditional communities, urban and peri-urban agriculture, promoting diversified production and short commercialization circuits, training processes in biodiverse agroecological systems, strengthening public research, and providing qualified technical assistance and credit tailored to farmers' needs.

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.

Nicola Perullo · · Global

This chapter proposes understanding cooking as participatory education from a relational philosophy perspective, cultivating an integral and ecological sensibility. It explores the socio-political implications of cooking, drawing on John Dewey's pioneering vision of cooking and taste as aesthetic activities, linking it to somaesthetics and Dōgen's Sōtō Buddhist school. Contemporary examples, including edible school gardens, support the notion that education with and through food develops a somaesthetic sensibility to oppose and redress fragmented social systems.

Ada Górna · · Rwanda (Kigali)

This chapter examines urban agriculture in Kigali, Rwanda, discussing its distribution, structural, production, and organizational features within the city. Crop fields are primarily found in marshy valleys and on hill slopes, with their area and structure varying by location. Terrain and residents' nutritional needs, including the use of wasteland for food production, are important factors influencing agricultural distribution.

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.

Nurzawani Azuwa · INTI JOURNAL. · Malaysia

This study aimed to explore the intention behind community garden participation at Taman Tasik Ilmu. Data was collected using an online questionnaire from 40 participants, gathering information on demographics, gardening knowledge, reasons for participation, and opinions on facilities and garden management. Descriptive analysis indicated that the primary motivation for participants to join the community garden program was to fill their free time.

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.

Margaretha Häggström, Mårten Häggström · The Trumpeter · Sweden

This four-year exploratory study in a clearcut in western Sweden investigated the feasibility of cultivating crops in a nutrient-poor, shadowless environment to support biodiversity. The study found that while it was possible to grow potatoes, peas, and some summer flowers without special efforts, it was difficult to grow other vegetables and root vegetables. The project suggests that planting activities in clearcuts may impact people's sense of human-nature identity and respect for the natural environment.

Caroline Hachem-Vermette · Discover Cities · Global

This study outlines a comprehensive set of resilience strategies aimed at enhancing urban resilience across four key domains: water, food, shelter, and energy. A three-pronged evaluation framework is introduced to assess these strategies, presenting a systematic method to rank them based on six criteria: cost, infrastructure impact, scalability, regulatory and zoning challenges, community acceptance, and maintenance needs. For instance, community gardens and rainwater harvesting systems are highly scalable and accepted, while green roofs require more investment and maintenance.

T Jeyasurya, C. Subesh Ranjith Kumar, P. Irene Vethamoni, K. Sivasubramanian, M. Djanaguiraman · Plant Science Today · Global

This review explores the concept, suitable plant choices, and benefits of green walls in urban settings, identifying them as a solution to environmental challenges from urbanization. Green walls offer environmental, social, and economic benefits such as improved air quality, noise reduction, energy conservation, and biodiversity enhancement, while also promoting urban agriculture and community engagement. Implementation requires careful consideration of structural integrity, irrigation, and maintenance.

Deni Ruggeri · ˜The œGeojournal library · Global

This chapter reflects on educational experiences connected to the “Cultivating Public Space” project. Students conceptualized urban agriculture not merely as a collection of physical objects, but as holistic, multifunctional landscapes designed to cultivate biophilia, food justice, public health, and community identity. This approach aimed to celebrate the uniqueness of each locale and co-create new visions of adaptation and transformation.

Dr.M.K. Ganesh · International Journal for Multidimensional Research Perspectives · Global

This mixed-methods study examined the farm-to-table movement in restaurant food production, identifying benefits like enhanced food freshness and local economic support. However, it also found significant challenges including higher costs, seasonal variability, and complex supply chain logistics. Consumer perceptions were generally positive, but the study emphasized the need for increased consumer education and policy support to overcome barriers.

Nilanjana Ganguli, Anna Maria Subic, Janani Maheswaran, Byomkesh Talukder · Global Health Journal · Global

A systematic literature review of 55 papers identified five distinct planetary health risks associated with urban agriculture, despite its environmental benefits. The study highlighted particular concerns regarding trace metal bioaccumulation in soil and vegetables, posing health risks to populations. Additionally, risks related to wastewater irrigation, backyard livestock farming, and gaps in infectious disease research were identified.

Inger‐Lise Saglie · ˜The œGeojournal library · Norway

This study investigated the motivations for urban agriculture policies in Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, Norway, identifying five categories of motivations. These include urban "green" development, food production and alternative food systems, provision of social meeting places and community building, municipal welfare services (work training, integration, health promotion, knowledge sharing), and active citizenship and co-creation of city development. While motivations were similar across cities, their emphasis varied.

Dawn H. Gouge · CABI eBooks · Global

Entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) products are effective but underutilized tools for pest control in homes, gardens, and landscapes, despite being safe for children and pets. They can be used on various plants and are often cost-effective, with lower efficacy levels being acceptable in these settings. There are significant opportunities to increase EPN use in urban environments, including for previously untested pests, driven by growing urban populations and increased appreciation for home-grown produce.

Yu Hang · International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences · Global

This study provides a systematic literature review using PRISMA to analyze the ecological, social, and educational benefits of edible landscapes in universities. Research has shown that introducing edible landscapes can improve campus sustainability, educational content, and community engagement. This helps to improve ecological diversity and environmental quality on campuses, enhances awareness and participation of teachers and students in sustainable development, and promotes community identity and social cohesion.

Nordregio, Luciane Aguiar Borges, Ana de Jesus · · Global

This report discusses the barriers and drivers of Urban Agriculture (UA) within the framework of the Horizon 2020 project 'SiEUGreen,' across environmental, technological, economic, social/cultural, and regulatory/institutional aspects. Based on insights from five showcases in Norway, Denmark, Turkey, and China, the results suggest that city food provision and UA systems can be designed considering circular economy regenerative cycles. However, key barriers limiting UA uptake include the need for more evidence-based research, further experimentation for innovative technological developments, high investments, difficulties accessing financial support, underdeveloped business cases, limited recognition of UA's benefits, and behavioral/cultural barriers.

Maria Fernanda Coghi, Duarcides Ferreira Mariosa, Orandi Mina Falsarella · · Portugal

This project aimed to develop and install an optimized aquaponics system at the School of Engineering, Polytechnic of Porto (ISEP). The three-floor vertical garden includes two tanks with approximately 2,000 liters of water for fish, three flower boxes, and over 120 positions for growing vegetables. Pedagogical activities involving students from various ISEP courses were also developed in conjunction with this project.

Tinesha Onika Carmichael, Wazim Rafeek Sharif, Lydia Narain · Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews · Guyana

This study investigated 30 Agricultural Science teachers across 17 secondary schools in East Berbice Corentyne, Guyana, regarding their perceptions of school gardens. Findings showed that students in school gardening activities were more inclined towards agricultural careers and had an enhanced understanding of practical agriculture. School gardens also facilitated interdisciplinary learning, connecting agricultural science with other subjects.

Harshdeep Chandrakant Sapkale, Madhulika A. Sonawane · International Journal of Advanced Research in Commerce Management & Social Science · Global

A 2024 study explored the multifaceted importance of urban agriculture in urban and peri-urban areas, highlighting its role in enhancing food security, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability. The research examined entrepreneurial opportunities and strategies to foster sustainable food systems through innovative practices such as backyard cultivation, participatory gardens, green roofs, vertical farms, and tech-enabled marketplaces. It advocated for urban agriculture as a scalable model for addressing urban challenges and encouraging entrepreneurship, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions like Asia and Africa.