Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
2056 results(24 / 83)
GREEN as model urban gardening in school
2023Hanif, Nayudin · UiTM Institutional Repositories (Universiti Teknologi MARA) · Malaysia
An experimental study at the Indonesian School of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, introduced the "GREEN" urban gardening model to 34 high school students. The model, implemented through Project Based Learning, significantly improved students' knowledge scores from 64.85 to 76.77 and was found to effectively promote biodiversity, food, and learning experiences. Students perceived the model as engaging and user-friendly, contributing to enhanced activities and nutritional intake through fruits and vegetables.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityHealthCommunity gardens and the social solidarity economy
2023Jade Morkel, Noxolo Dumani, Nick Malherbe, Shahnaaz Suffla · Community Development · South Africa
This case study, conducted in a low-income South African community, explored how a community gardener engages with the social solidarity economy (SSE) using thematic analysis of triangulated data from an interview, participant observation, and a participatory film. The study analyzed how the community garden fostered solidarity and established alternative micro-economic practices. It also considered challenges facing community gardens when connecting with the SSE.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsHealthFood sovereignty & justiceA Study of the Relationship between Willingness to Participate, Expected Behavior, and Participation Constraints in Urban Farming Utilizing Hydroponics† - Focusing on the Rooftop Hydroponic Farmming Project at the GSES, SNU -
2023Do-Eun Kim, Gwang-Ryul Son, Ga-Hyoun Yu, Yong-Hoon Son · Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture · South Korea (Seoul)
This study aimed to identify participation constraints perceived by school community members in urban farming activities using hydroponics and understand the structural relationships of variables influencing decision-making. Participation constraints were categorized into intrinsic, interpersonal, and structural factors. Hypothesis model verification results showed that interpersonal constraints significantly influenced participants' willingness to participate and their expected behavior.
Governance failureCommunityHealthPolicyA citizen science report—Tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) in allotment gardens in Graz, Styria, Austria
2023Julia Reichl, Christina Proßegger, Bernhard Eichholzer, Pamina Plauder, Maria Sophia Unterköfler, Karin Lebl, Alexander Indra, Hans‐Peter Fuehrer · Parasitology Research · Austria
In allotment gardens and a second location in Graz, Styria, Austria, citizen scientists collected adult Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and eggs, which underwent morphological examination and DNA barcoding. A total of 217 eggs and 14 adult specimens were found, indicating that Aedes albopictus is already breeding in Graz. However, continued monitoring efforts are needed to determine if stable populations can survive there.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityDeveloping and Implementing In-Person and Virtual SoilSHOPs in Atlanta, Georgia, as a Community-Engaged Approach to Screen and Prevent Soil Lead Exposure
2023Eri Saikawa, Erin Lebow-Skelley, Rosario Hernandez, Faith Flack-Walker, Leann Bing, Candis M. Hunter · Journal of Public Health Management and Practice · United States (Atlanta)
In Atlanta, Georgia, in-person and virtual Soil Screening, Health, Outreach and Partnerships (soilSHOPs) were implemented through a community-engaged partnership to screen soils for lead. These soilSHOPs informed best practices for increasing awareness about lead exposure and led the US Environmental Protection Agency to identify a Superfund site, confirming soil lead contamination.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityFood educationFlowers in the dark: The contribution of rooftop urban agriculture to human well-being in the Ein El-Hilweh Refugee Camp, Lebanon
2023Anisja Tarchahani, Jacqueline Loos · World Development Sustainability · Lebanon
This study analyzed the livelihood effects of rooftop urban agriculture for 10 Palestinian women in Ein El-Hilweh Camp, Lebanon, using a mixed-method approach combining document analysis and a survey. Findings suggest that rooftop urban agriculture contributes considerably to more sustainable livelihoods for Palestinian women and their families by enabling them to develop natural and human capital, increasing food security, and protecting natural resources. It is a low-threshold tool that enhances refugees' well-being over the medium term.
CommunityWelfareHealthEconomicsProximity to Green and Blue Spaces and Serious Psychological Distress in Urban-Dwelling Older Adults: Analysis of Washington State BRFSS data (P2-12.006)
2023Adithya Vegaraju, Solmaz Amiri · Neurology · United States (Washington)
This study assessed the associations between proximity to green and blue spaces and Serious Psychological Distress (SPD) among urban-dwelling older adults in Washington State. The 2011–2019 dataset from the Washington State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was utilized to assess SPD among residents aged 65 and over. Approximately 2% of urban-dwelling older adults had SPD. The odds of experiencing SPD were lower among urban-dwelling adults living within half a mile of green or blue spaces compared to those living further than half a mile from such spaces within Washington State.
HealthCommunityElderlyRaised Food Prices Exacerbate Food Insecurity in Canada: A Call to Action
2023Rudra Dahal, Kamala Adhikari, Karen Tang · Journal of Community Medicine & Public Health · Canada
This paper discusses how record-high inflation rates and skyrocketing food prices in Canada exacerbate food insecurity, defined as inadequate food access due to financial constraints. Food insecurity is identified as a strong predictor of poor physical and mental health, higher mortality rates for those with chronic conditions, and increased healthcare utilization and costs. The paper suggests a comprehensive approach combining short-term solutions like community gardens and long-term policy interventions to address the root cause of inadequate income.
CommunityHealthEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrbanisation threats to dairy cattle health: Insights from Greater Bengaluru, India
2023MS Alam, Silpa Mullakkalparambil Velayudhan, Debpriyo Kumar Dey, Chiamaka Adilieme, Pradeep Kumar Malik, Raghavendra Bhatta, Sven König, Eva Schlecht · Tropical Animal Health and Production · India (Bengaluru)
A study in Greater Bengaluru, India, interviewed 151 dairy farmers and analyzed 97 forage samples from 10 lakes and vegetable leftovers to assess urbanization's impact on cattle health. While lake fodder was nutritionally high-quality, 43% of samples contained toxic heavy metals above critical levels. Logit models showed that insufficient drinking water and lake fodder negatively impacted cattle health, despite 60% of farmers believing their cows were healthy.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageFood lossA Critical Reflection on the "Deficits to be Overcome" in Urban Agriculture in Bulgaria
2023Svetlana Hristova-Vladi · Postmodernism Problems · Bulgaria
The book "Urban Agriculture for Improving the Quality of Life. Examples from Bulgaria," edited by Donna Pickard, explores the real versus potential effects of urban agriculture on the welfare of urban and nearby communities. This multidisciplinary study analyzes the interplay between urban agriculture practices and quality of life through social, educational, economic, spatial, and ecological aspects. It also delves into the historical dimension of urban agriculture in Bulgaria, including examples from Sofia in the 1930s.
Governance failureWelfareHealthEconomicsPolicyPEMBERDAYAAN KELOMPOK PKK MELALUI PELATIHAN BUDIDAYA MICROGREENS SEBAGAI UPAYA PEMANFAATAN LAHAN SEMPIT DI KELURAHAN BLIMBING
2023Adhellya Novia Putri, Elfi Indriani Puspitasari, Eric Andika Rahman, Elok Vilantika · Prosiding Seminar Hasil Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat dan Kuliah Kerja Nyata · Indonesia
A microgreens cultivation training program was conducted for PKK women in Blimbing Village, Indonesia, to address challenges in utilizing limited land for agriculture. The program provided socialization and practical training on planting, caring for, and harvesting microgreens. Initial evaluation results indicated that participants increased their understanding of microgreens' potential in small spaces, fostered community collaboration, and improved family nutrition.
CommunityFood educationDIYHealthSoilless urban gardening as a post covid-19 food security salvage technology: A study on the physiognomic response of lettuce to hydroponics in Uganda
2023Margaret S. Gumisiriza, Patrick A. Ndakidemi, Zainah Nampijja, Ernest R. Mbega · Scientific African · Uganda
In Uganda, this study assessed vegetable performance using a non-greenhouse hydroponic system to investigate its potential as a sustainable urban farming technology for enhancing food security. Leafy lettuce (red and green) was grown using non-circulating hydroponics, with soil-based cultivation as a control, and six parameters—plant height, root length, number of leaves, lettuce weight, moisture content, and dry matter—were measured 20 and 40 days after transplanting. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between soil and hydroponic cultivation for dry matter content, fresh weight, and root length, but based on the number of leaves, hydroponics showed potential to perform as equally well as conventional farming.
Digital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceHealthAGRICULTURA URBANA NA PAISAGEM VERDE PÚBLICA DO BAIRRO JARDIM TROPICAL, SERRA-ES.
2023Cleberson Saraiva · Revista Contexto Geográfico · Brazil (Serra)
This study investigated the relationship between the multifunctionality of urban agriculture and cultivated plants in the public spaces of the popular urban neighborhood Jardim Tropical, Serra-ES, Brazil. Using bibliographic, documentary, and field research, it found that these cultivated plants form a public green landscape. This landscape facilitates social relations for environmental revitalization and comfort, small-scale production of food and natural medicines, leisure, and social interaction, promoting a sense of belonging and characterizing urban agriculture's multifunctionality.
CommunityBiodiversityHealthHORTA COMUNITÁRIA COMO ATIVIDADE DE EDUCAÇÃO EM SAÚDE NAS UBS DO MUNICÍPIO DE TERESÓPOLIS
2023Márcia Emília Moreira De Luca, Carlos Alfredo Franco Cardoso, Gabriel Schwambach Del Piero, Vinícius Feitoza Xavier · Revista da Jopic. · Brazil (Teresópolis)
This study implemented community medicinal gardens in two Basic Health Units and a nursing home in Teresópolis, Brazil, to promote health education and raise awareness about the risks of improper medicinal plant use. Five plants with therapeutic benefits were chosen, and seedlings were offered to patients alongside discussion groups. This initiative aimed to provide information on basic health, facilitate access to plants, reduce medication costs, and indirectly increase family income.
CommunityHealthFood educationElderlySchool Gardening and Health and Well-Being of School-Aged Children: A Realist Synthesis
2023Timothy P. Holloway, Lisa Dalton, Roger Hughes, Sisitha Jayasinghe, Kira Patterson, Sandra Murray, Robert Soward, Nuala M. Byrne, Andrew P. Hills, Kdk Ahuja · Nutrients · Global
This systematic realist synthesis investigated how school gardens improve health and well-being outcomes for school-aged children, examining 24 school gardening interventions. Most interventions, primarily in primary schools with children in Grades 2-6, aimed to increase fruit and vegetable intake and prevent childhood obesity. Positive outcomes included increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, dietary fiber, and vitamins A and C, improved body mass index, and enhanced well-being, achieved through mechanisms like curriculum integration, experiential learning, and family engagement.
Food educationHealthCommunityUrban Agriculture in Great Bandung Region in the Midst of Commercialization, Food Insecurity, and Nutrition Inadequacy
2023Oekan S. Abdoellah, Indri Wulandari, Kinanti Indah Safitri, Nafa Destri Fianti, Rahma Maulia Fadli Basagevan, Mega Nurul Aini, Rosalina Ilmi Amalia, Mahardhika Puspa Arum Suraloka, Gemilang Lara Utama · Sustainability · Indonesia (Bandung)
Commercialization of urban agriculture (UA) in the Great Bandung region has led to the displacement of small-scale farmers and reduced access to local food, exacerbating food insecurity among low-income residents. Subsistence farmers (48.91%) earned only 7.14% to 14.64% of the 2023 minimum wages, and food insecurity prevalence was predominantly observed after UA practices. The study also found a surplus of vitamin A among urban farmers, while inadequacies in other nutritional aspects were prevalent.
Equity & displacementEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityPrevalence and risk factors of childhood diarrhea among wastewater irrigating urban farming households in Addis Ababa
2023Adane Sirage Ali, Sirak Robele Gari, M.L. Goodson, Claire Walsh, Bitew K. Dessie, Argaw Ambelu · PLoS ONE · Ethiopia
This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of diarrhea among children under five in 402 wastewater irrigation farming households in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 2021 to February 2022. The overall prevalence of diarrheal cases in children under five was 22.3%. Diarrhea was strongly associated with wastewater-related occupational exposure factors, including body washing with irrigation water, contaminated cloth with irrigation water, use of protective clothing during farm work, use of farm work cloths at home, and bringing unwashed farm tools home.
Contamination & food safetyHealthThe Role of Value Orientations and Media Attention in Predicting the Personal Norm and Public Intention to Consume Produce of Urban Farms
2023Tong Jee Goh, Shirley S. Ho · Environmental Communication · Singapore
This study examined the relationships among technological optimism, biospheric values, attention to media content on urban farming risks and benefits, and norm-activation constructs in predicting the intention to consume urban farm produce. A cross-sectional survey in Singapore (N=1209) found that technological optimism and biospheric values influenced attention to media content. These variables, in turn, influenced personal norms and consumption intention through the norm-activation constructs.
EconomicsDigital agricultureHealthPromoting dietary changes for achieving health and sustainability targets
2023Angelina Sanderson Bellamy, Ella Furness, Susanna Mills, Adrian K. Clear, Samantha Mitchell Finnigan, Elliot Meador, Alice E. Milne, Ryan T. Sharp · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · United Kingdom
This study analyzed interview data and food diaries from Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members and the wider UK population, using the 2019 EAT Lancet Commission dietary guidelines. It found that CSA members consumed diets closer to the EAT Lancet recommendations than controls, with significant differences in daily intakes of meat, dairy, vegetables, legumes, and sugar. CSA members' diets emitted on average 28% less CO2 compared to controls.
CSA & TeikeiHealthClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceStunting Allevation in Kalibaru Subdistrict, North Jakarta trough the Implementation of Integrated Urban Farming and Rainwater Harvesting System
2023Risma Anisa, Nur Khafifah Rusni, Annisa Fitri Mustafa, Hayati Sari Hasibuan, Ahyahudin Sodri, Sri Setiawati Tumuyu, Analissa Huwaina, Muhammad Hasnan Habib · Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA · Indonesia (North Jakarta)
This social experiment in Kalibaru District, North Jakarta, analyzed the effectiveness of integrating rainwater harvesting (RWH) and urban farming to address stunting, clean water access, and food supply. Data was collected through field observations and surveys of 39 respondents across community education, RWH installation, and urban agriculture development. The results indicated an increase in public knowledge about RWH and urban farming benefits, with RWH effectively improving clean water availability and urban agriculture providing better access to nutrient-rich foods, potentially reducing stunting.
HealthFood educationCommunityWelfareUrban Raised Bed Vegetable Garden Designed to Promote Immunonutrition: A Pilot Study
2023Patricia Mehner-Karam, C. Gutiérrez, Juan M. Casillas Pintor, Miranda Ori-Orlansino, D A Perez-DeLaMora, Mariana Ruiz-Morales, E. G. Hernández-Martínez · Journal of Advanced Agricultural Technologies · Mexico (Mexico City)
This study achieved the design and implementation of a raised bed urban garden to be tested in western neighborhoods of Mexico City. The project comprised four stages: design and development of the prototype garden, selection of a vegetable palette to promote immunonutrition, production of educational materials for planting and care, and validation. Urban gardens offering diverse plant species easy to grow in urban microclimates promote a sustainable culture by leveraging new technologies and virtual education, which help ensure their use and permanence.
HealthFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityEvaluating Importance of Community Gardens in Times of Calm and Crisis: From Relaxation to Food Self-Provisioning
2023Marek Hekrle, Jan Macháč, Lenka Dubová · Resources · Czechia
This study investigated how ecosystem services (ES) provided by the community garden 'Žížala na Terase' in Czechia are affected during crises related to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased food prices. Results indicated that the importance of social interaction and educational ES significantly decreased in the COVID-19 scenario. Conversely, the role of community gardens as places for recreation increased. In the food self-provisioning scenario, provisioning ES increased at the expense of recreational ES. Economic assessment further showed that cultural ES were the most monetarily valued, followed by provisioning ES.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthO.6.3-10 Investigating the impact of a school garden intervention on children’s school motivation, climate literacy, food literacy and physical activity: the FoodACT protocol
2023Anna Stage, Mads Bølling, Glen Nielsen, Peter Bentsen, Mette Aadahl, Camilla Roed Otte, Peter Elsborg · European Journal of Public Health · Global
The FoodACT study aims to investigate the impact of a school gardening intervention on pupils' school motivation, climate literacy, food literacy, and physical activity, with a special attention on children with low socio-economic status. The study design includes an efficacy study using a pre-post quasi-experimental design measuring pupils’ food literacy, climate literacy, and school motivation; a within-subject association study quantifying the influence of school garden activities on pupils’ physical activity; and an association study investigating contextual characteristics of school garden activities using systematic observations and focus-group interviews. This abstract describes the study protocol and design.
Food educationHealthClimate changeAssessment of Microbial Contamination in the Infulene River Basin, Mozambique
2023Clemêncio Nhantumbo, Nídia Cangi Vaz, Mery Rodrigues, Cândido Manuel, Sífia Rapulua, Jéssica Langa, Hélio Nhantumbo, Dominic Joaquim, Michaque Dosse, José João Sumbana, Ricardo Santos, Sílvia Monteiro, Dinis Juízo · Water · Mozambique
A study investigated fecal microbial contamination levels in river water, drainage water, and drinking water in the Infulene River Basin, Mozambique. Samples from the Infulene River and drainage showed 82% positive for Total Coliforms and 61% for Escherichia coli, while drinking water samples were 63% positive for Total Coliforms and 23% for Escherichia coli. The study confirmed a high vulnerability to microbial contamination across all investigated sources due to poor sanitation and a lack of drainage infrastructure.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunity gardens as psychosocial interventions for refugees and migrants: a narrative review
2023Triya Tessa Ramburn, Yufei Mandy Wu, Rachel Kronick · International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care · Global
A narrative review analyzed 17 peer-reviewed and 4 grey literature articles up to 2021 to document psychosocial outcomes of gardening programs for refugees and migrants. The analysis found that community gardening programs promoted continuity and adaptation (81% of articles), social connectedness (81%), overall wellbeing (95%), and a sense of meaning and self-worth (67%). Community gardens can strengthen psychosocial pillars for the recovery and resettlement of refugees and migrants.
CommunityHealthWelfareClimate change