Research & reports

R Mohammadzadeh · Proceedings of International Structural Engineering and Construction · Global

This qualitative secondary study, based on a structured literature review, examined the role of green infrastructure (GI) integrated into buildings for urban sustainability. Findings indicate that GI supports climate change adaptation, improves air quality, promotes urban biodiversity, and enables energy-efficient design. However, the paper also recognizes limitations related to cost, maintenance, and structural requirements for implementing building-based GI.

Matt Boyd, Nick Wilson · PLoS ONE · Global

This study estimates the contribution of urban and near-urban agriculture to resilience against abrupt global catastrophic risks (GCRs) in a globally median-sized city. Using mathematical optimization and Google Earth image analysis, researchers determined optimal crops and land area for food production. Findings indicate that urban agriculture could feed 20% of the population, with an additional 1140 hectares of near-urban cultivation and 110 hectares for biofuel feedstock needed to cover the shortfall, though more land is required in nuclear winter scenarios.

M. L. Wahlqvist · Food and nutrition · Global

This chapter defines food systems and their evolution, noting that current systems contribute significantly to environmental degradation. It highlights the urgent need for transformation due to increasing global food demand, environmental issues, political instability, and climate change. The chapter discusses alternative food systems, including urban agriculture, that prioritize sustainability, resilience, and social justice to address challenges in industrialized food production and ensure access to nutritious food.

Şeyma Ulukök Yıldırım, Duygu Sönmez · · Global

This study aimed to analyze academic publications focusing on school gardens in science education using bibliometric methods. It included 128 articles from the Web of Science database, conducting descriptive and network analyses with VOSviewer software. Findings revealed that research on school gardens has experienced a fluctuating increase over the past decade, with Environmental Education Research being the journal with the most publications and the United States the country with the most studies published.

Diego Roldán · Revista Kawsaypacha Sociedad y Medio Ambiente · Argentina (Rosario)

This article explores how urban agriculture in Rosario, Argentina, challenges hegemonic discourses on landscape and territory, offering insights to rethink green public spaces. The study uses critical interpretation of documents, key informant interviews, and direct observation of agroecological initiatives. It investigates the origins of urban agriculture and its links to economic crises and peripheries, analyzing the historical dissociation between aesthetic-recreational and production-environmental imaginaries in green public spaces. The article addresses the potential of agroecological fairs and park-gardens to integrate agroecology and public space, aiming to reassemble nature-city relationships.

Hairi Firmansyah, Petrus Suse Kobesi, Mariani, Windi Bunga Devita, Nurmelati Septiana · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global

This study analyzed the effectiveness of urban farming content on YouTube in changing the younger generation's perception of urban farming, using a descriptive quantitative approach with primary data collected via questionnaires. Findings showed practical farming tutorials were the most popular content (49%), and the cognitive dimension had the highest average score (3.44), indicating increased understanding of urban farming concepts and techniques. The behavioral intention dimension was second highest (3.34), with the intention to grow vegetables at home scoring highest (3.85), while the affective dimension (3.24) suggested emotional and motivational aspects need strengthening.

Ivana Stankov, Andrés F. Useche, Peter Lekkas, Rosie Mae Henson, Irene Headen, Jonathan Purtle, Brent A. Langellier · Obesity Reviews · Global

This scoping review characterized 40 peer-reviewed studies from 1370 unique records, identified through a comprehensive search of six databases, that used interest-holder-driven causal loop diagrams to examine food systems, diet, and obesity. All studies identified individual and behavioral drivers of obesity, while studies in the Global South and those engaging minoritized populations more frequently emphasized structural factors like racism, urban agriculture, and gentrification. The review highlights the potential of causal loop diagrams to capture the complexity of these issues and identifies gaps in geographical coverage and population representation.

Yosra Abduljalel Alajeli, Gunavathy Selvarajh · Journal of Business and Social Review in Emerging Economies · Global

This qualitative desk research investigated urban farming's economic, environmental, and societal impacts on sustainable economic development. Findings indicate urban farming enhances local economies, provides fresh produce, strengthens community engagement, and promotes green infrastructure. However, its broader adoption is hindered by limited land access, inadequate legislative support, and low public awareness.

Ana Claudia Ribeiro Pinheiro, Miriã Aparecida Fidelis da Silva, Érica Coelho Pagel · Revista Latino-americana de Ambiente Construído & Sustentabilidade · Global

This qualitative study aimed to understand school communities' perceptions of green areas, particularly gardens, to develop didactic school garden designs. Through questionnaires and extension activities, the project created landscape design proposals. It found that while schools recognize the importance of greenery, they face challenges, and creative, collaborative solutions can make didactic gardens feasible.

Average Chigwenya, Samson Gwamure · Kuveza neKuumba The Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University Journal of Design Innovative Thinking and Practice · Zimbabwe (Masvingo City)

This research examined how urban agriculture has been incorporated in Masvingo City, Zimbabwe. A mixed methods approach, including interviews with key informants and field observations in urban agriculture areas, was adopted. The research found that despite the widespread practice of urban agriculture, Masvingo City is not innovative in including urban agriculture in its development agenda.

Mümüne Selen Abbasoğlu, İbrahim Kahramanoğlu · HortScience · Global

This study explored the role of minor Mediterranean fruit trees in sustainable residential landscapes by examining their presence, selection criteria, and long-term trends in home gardens. Data from structured surveys of 400 homeowners revealed olive (60.3%) and pomegranate (50.0%) as the most prevalent species. Older gardens (40+ years) exhibited greater biodiversity, while newer gardens prioritized easier-to-maintain and aesthetically appealing species. Overall, the study indicated a gradual shift from traditional Mediterranean fruit trees to monotonous, low-maintenance gardens.

Rosmiza Mohd Zainol, R. Zaimah, M.S. Sarmila, Aizan Sofia Amin, Lahvinnya Loganathan · International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences · Malaysia (Selangor)

This quantitative study surveyed 56 People with Disabilities (PWDs) in urban community gardens at a Community Rehabilitation Centre in Selangor to identify factors influencing their participation in urban regenerative agriculture. Using a Likert scale questionnaire, descriptive analysis showed high levels for individual, economic, and environmental factors. This suggests urban regenerative agriculture has potential as an economic and social empowerment platform for PWDs.

Md. Ashikuzzaman, Mohammad Shahidul Hasan Swapan, Atiq Zaman · Cities · Global

This systematic literature review analyzed 75 published materials using PRISMA methodology to characterize the governance process for urban rooftop farming (URF) in megacities. The study found that a structured governance framework for URF is scarce, but existing literature helps define potential policy instruments and strategies for integration with city governance. A two-tier governance framework is proposed, requiring attention from local government and stakeholders.

Ioana Florea · Environmental Sociology · Romania

This paper investigated three collective gardening projects in Bucharest that closed between 2019 and 2021, analyzing what remains of their sustainability capacities and commoning efforts after termination. Findings indicate that while essential commoning aspects like collectivity building and autonomy can endure and transfer to other spaces, cross-class aspects fade away with these transpositions. This reveals that what persists from closed gardening projects is strongly tied to structural historical contexts.

María Sofía Herrera-Oesterheld, Sonia Reyes‐Paecke, Alejandra E. Muñoz, Paul Amouroux, Catalina Trujillo, José Tomás Ibarra · Scientific Reports · Chile (Santiago)

A study analyzed plant and invertebrate species richness and influencing social-ecological filters in 33 vegetable gardens in municipal schools within the Metropolitan Area of Santiago (MAS), Chile. A total of 362 plant species and 127 invertebrate morphospecies were recorded. The most influential social-ecological filters for plant richness were garden area, percentage of cultivated ground cover, and summer irrigation. For invertebrate richness, the most influential factors were plant species richness, bare ground cover (with a negative effect), and to a lesser extent, tree cover in the garden's buffer zone and summer irrigation.

Yasin Mohamed Ibrahim · Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology · Somalia (Mogadishu)

A study in Mogadishu, Somalia, used snowball sampling to assess constraints and opportunities for urban horticulture. It found that temperature, wind, pests, diseases, and limited irrigation water significantly restrict production, particularly for open-field farmers who face high irrigation demands, pest infestations, and low-quality yields unattractive to buyers. While greenhouses offer some protection, plastic greenhouses specifically suffer from inadequate gutter height and poor ventilation, requiring farmers to use primitive methods to combat extreme temperatures.

Ivana Blešić, Tamara Gajić, Татjana Pivac, Milka Bubalo Živković · Ekonomika poljoprivrede · Serbia

This study collected data from 473 residents in three cities in Vojvodina, Serbia, using a structured survey to examine factors influencing urban gardening intentions. It found that all motivational factors significantly predicted intention, with psychological well-being being the strongest predictor, followed by healthy food, physical well-being, community engagement, and economic benefits. Women showed higher intentions than men, while younger adults (18–24) were less motivated to engage in urban gardening.

Sara Ramezani, Mahin Nastaran, Homayoon Nooraie, Kei Otsuki · Journal of Landscape Ecology · Iran

A study investigating urban agriculture land use changes in Damavand, Iran, from 1995 to 2022 found a 109% increase in built-up land and declines of 14.34% in barren land and 22.44% in vegetation, including urban agriculture lands. Interviews with 15 participants identified land value changes, attraction to urban livelihoods, management and planning factors, physical-environmental factors, and urban infrastructure availability as primary reasons for these changes. The research highlights the urgent need for effective planning to mitigate threats from extensive urban agriculture transformations.

Paula Silva · Nutrients · Portugal

This narrative review synthesized experiential strategies from literature to improve adolescent food literacy in Portuguese school settings, focusing on socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. It provided a conceptual foundation for FOODWISELab: The Mediterranean Diet Experience, a school-based intervention protocol. The review found that school gardens, cooking classes, digital tools, and curricular integration guided the development of this comprehensive intervention for public secondary schools in Portugal.

Elizabeth C. Ray, Patrick Merle · Journal of Applied Communications · Global

This study, an online between-subjects experiment, examined how consumers (n=182) respond to narrative versus non-narrative email messages from CSAs. Results indicated that consumers who read a short narrative were more likely to feel positive emotion, a communal connection to the farm, and support the farm than those who did not read a narrative. Additionally, a first-person perspective was viewed as less credible than a third-person perspective.

Felicity Daly, Sally Ann Lenehan, Jacqui O’Riordan · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · Ireland

This qualitative study, conducted in Ireland, utilized semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion, and participant observation to explore asylum seekers' opportunities for giving and receiving care for people and planet in green spaces outside of institutional international protection accommodation, particularly among those with access to community gardens. This research contributes to understanding the multigenerational benefits of green space and the potential of horticultural therapy to support the health and well-being of vulnerable forced migrants.

Yapjoco, Patrice Bianca R. · CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development · Philippines (Quezon City)

This qualitative study, conducted in Sitio San Roque, Quezon City, Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic, examined the effectiveness of the “Tanimang Bayan” urban agriculture project. Findings indicated that the initiative enhanced access to fresh produce, promoted community-led production, and supported collective action and self-organization among residents. These outcomes suggest a meaningful contribution to resilience-building and local food systems in marginalized urban contexts.

Salsabilla Dewi Satriani, Yulian Yulian, Nanik Setyowati, Supanjani Supanjani, Kartika Utami · Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research · Global

This experimental study evaluated the effects of chicken and goat manure (five application levels) on lettuce growth and yield under urban organic farming conditions. Goat manure significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced all growth and yield parameters compared with chicken manure, which had no significant effect due to its high C/N ratio and immature composition. Optimal performance was observed at 30–40 tons ha⁻¹ of goat manure, with 30 tons ha⁻¹ identified as the most efficient rate.

Diksha Pathania, Indu Kumari, Neha Salaria, Suresh Kumar, Rajesh Kumar · Waste Management · Global

This chapter provides an overview of vermicomposting, a sustainable and eco-friendly waste management practice that uses earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Vermicomposting has been gaining popularity as a way to reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal and promote sustainable agriculture. This method is suitable for various applications, including urban agriculture, landscaping, and horticulture, and can offer both environmental and economic benefits.

Iriana Sartor, Giovanna Paccillo, Rebecca Banham, Douglas Ezzy · · Global

This chapter explores the politics of nonreligion through the practices of gardens and gardening, using data from Brazil and Argentina. It frames the political, educational, and activist elements of gardening, highlighting how Latin American case studies provide examples of the 'everyday politics' of gardening. The chapter suggests that the political dimensions of gardening are more explicitly articulated by Brazilian and Argentinian gardeners due to their political histories, demonstrating how nonreligion in community gardening can contribute to positive political engagement and community building.