Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Land Rental Transactions in Ethiopian Peri-Urban Areas: Sex and Other Factors for Land Rent Transactions
2024Sayeh Kassaw Agegnehu, Reinfried Mansberger, Moges Wubet Shita, Derjew Fentie Nurie, Ayelech Kidie Mengesha · Land · Ethiopia
This study in the East Gojjam Administrative Zone, Ethiopia, examined factors affecting land rental transactions using data from 353 household heads affected by expropriation. 58% of respondents participated in both renting and renting out land. 60% of female-headed households engaged in land rental transactions (14% renting in, 46% renting out), while 38% of male-headed households rented land (19% renting out). Sex, landholding size, number of oxen, participation in off-farm activities, and extension service were identified as significant determinants. Oral agreements and sharecropping were the most prevalent transaction methods.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsUrban–rural linkagePolicyWho's near the local food? A regional proximity analysis of short food supply chain types in southern New England
2024Shawn A. Trivette, Shannon McCarragher · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · United States (New England)
This paper examined three types of locally oriented Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) in southern New England and their spatial alignment with demographic factors. The findings indicate that pay-as-you-go operations are more prevalent in predominantly White areas and, to some extent, higher-income areas. Box share arrangements (community-supported agricultures) showed stronger associations with educational attainment. The study concludes that local food availability is a systematically uneven phenomenon, varying with both outlet type and social characteristics.
Equity & displacementCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceWelfarePotential Economic and Ecosystem Performances of Some Mediterranean Fruit Plants in an Urban Context
2024Desirée Muscas, Silvia Marrapodi, Chiara Proietti, Luigia Ruga, Fabio Orlandi, Marco Fornaciari · Sustainability · Italy
A study in an urban area of central Italy evaluated the potential productive, ecosystem, and economic contributions of fruit tree species for a food forest. Using a web app for simulation, Ficus carica and Morus nigra showed good potential fruit production of 1300 kg and 865 kg, and CO2 storage of 2.5 and 1.5 tons, respectively. Morus nigra demonstrated the highest economic value over a 50-year period, estimated at approximately 6000 USD with an average price of 7 USD/kg, and edible food forests were found to improve urban ecosystem biodiversity.
EconomicsBiodiversityClimate changeCommunityAssessment of agricultural carbon emissions reduction potential and optimisation pathways based on a framework of equity and efficiency principles: Evidence from Fujian Province in China
2024Jie Ye, Renshan Xie, Xingwei Deng, Minling Lin, Yang Chen, Ketao Lin, Jianzhou Yang · Agricultural Economics (Zemědělská ekonomika) · China (Fujian Province)
In Fujian Province, China, marginal agricultural abatement costs were estimated based on 2010–2020 data, and the potential for agricultural carbon emissions reduction was assessed using an index model considering equity and efficiency. Marginal abatement costs showed regional disparity, ranging from EUR 0.6526 × 10^8 to EUR 1.3771 × 10^8 per 10^4 tonnes, with general upward inter-annual trends. The assessment revealed four distinct developmental tiers for carbon emissions reduction potential.
Climate changeEconomicsPolicyUrbanization effects on urban vegetable farmers adaptation: Evidence from Ghana
2024Michael Tuffour, George Owusu, Daniel Bruce Sarpong · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Ghana
This study investigated the effects of urbanization on urban vegetable farmers' adaptation in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), Ghana, using an exploratory sequential mixed method. Qualitative data involved 29 farmers from 10 farm sites, and quantitative data involved 251 farmers from 16 farm sites. Changes perceived by farmers included climate, land scarcity, increased population, and lifestyle dynamics, with population increase negatively resulting in polluted streams and farmer evictions due to land scarcity. Farmers adapted by using multiple water sources, intensification, and relocating to cheap lands.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsDeterminants of urban household vulnerability to food insecurity in southern Ethiopia
2024Abraham Woru Borku, Abera Uncha Utallo, Thomas Toma Tora · Discover Food · Ethiopia
A mixed-methods study in selected towns in Southern Ethiopia surveyed 310 households to identify determinants of urban household vulnerability to food insecurity. The results indicated that 41.3% of households were highly vulnerable, 48.3% moderately vulnerable, and 10.6% not vulnerable. Significant determinants included household ownership of houses, health status, urban agriculture, socio-cultural practices, asset ownership, age, and average monthly income.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthCultivo de hortalizas de ciclos cortos en huertos para el consumo y comercialización de alumnos de tercero de bachillerato
2024Reina 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.
Limited or null effectFood educationWelfareCommunityEconomicsPELATIHAN PENGOLAHAN DAN PENGEMASAN HASIL URBAN FARMING KELOMPOK TANI CODE HIJAU ASRI
2024B. 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.
Food educationEconomicsCommunityFood lossSharing or sparing? The trade-offs among urban services, food production and ecosystem services
2024Dongxiang Chen, Yuanming Wang, Haijun Bao · Habitat International · Global
This research extended the land sharing and sparing framework to urban land use, quantifying the impact of urban services, food production, and ecosystem services. The results showed that land-sparing scenarios had a 23.6% lower overall value loss than sharing scenarios on average. However, while land-sparing mitigates losses in food production and ecosystem services, it increases the cost of urban services, creating a trade-off that challenges achieving an optimal win-win situation.
Environmental trade-offsPolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageClimate changeBeyond Efficiency: The Social and Ecological Costs of Plant Factories in Urban Farming—A Review
2024László Csambalik, Izóra Gál, Krisztina Madaras, Andrea Tóbiás, Péter Pusztai · Urban Science · Global
This review examines soil-based urban agriculture and high-tech plant factories for urban food resilience. It finds that while vertical farms produce high yields, inhabitant involvement is minimal, offering no social advantages. Automated plant factories require few highly qualified personnel and are unlikely to contribute to urban social well-being in the future.
Equity & displacementDigital agricultureCommunityEconomicsClimate changeDeterminants of adoption of urban agriculture (UA) as climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and its impact on food security: evidence from Wolaita Sodo city, South Ethiopia
2024Mamush Masha, Elias Bojago, Innocent Ngare · Discover Sustainability · Ethiopia
This study investigated the factors influencing the adoption of urban agriculture (UA) as climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and its impact on food security in Wolaita Sodo City, South Ethiopia. Data from 384 randomly selected urban households showed that 53.53% adopted UA, with significant differences between adopters and non-adopters in employment, UA attitudes, and household size. A logistic regression model identified family size, home ownership, household head's occupation, UA perceptions, market demand, and access to training as determinants of adoption. Propensity score matching confirmed that UA adoption significantly improved food security by 0.685-fold.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsGrowing Sustainably: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Horticulture in India
2024P. K. R. Deka, Nibir Pratim Choudhury · Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension Economics & Sociology · India
This article analyzes the challenges and opportunities in urban and peri-urban horticulture in India. It identifies issues such as urbanization encroaching on agricultural land, resource competition, land-use disputes, food security, and environmental sustainability. The paper also explores conventional growing methods like home gardening and community gardens, as well as novel alternatives such as soilless cultures and indoor farming systems.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsCultivating Urban Agriculture Policies: Local Government Entrepreneurs’ Strategies in Three Brazilian Cities
2024Marcela Alonso Ferreira, Giselle Kristina Mendonça Abreu, Camila Nastari Fernandes, Vitória Oliveira Pereira de Souza Leão, Jaqueline da Luz Ferreira, Juliana Ramos Luiz · Urban Planning · Brazil
This study examined how local government actors pursue urban agriculture (UA) policies in the Brazilian cities of Recife, Rio de Janeiro, and Curitiba, using a comparative case study approach based on key informant interviews and documents. It found that certain municipal bureaucrats act as "policy entrepreneurs," playing pivotal roles in creating, maintaining, and adapting UA policies. They employ strategies such as collaborating with civil society, forging partnerships within and outside of government, and framing proposals within international policy guidelines.
PolicyCommunityEconomicsUrban Green Spaces and Healthy Living: A Landscape Architecture Perspective
2024Alessio Russo · Urban Science · Global
This paper synthesizes existing literature to examine the essential role of urban green spaces in fostering healthy living, emphasizing their strong positive associations with physical, mental, and social wellbeing. It discusses the importance of designing attractive and accessible green spaces that encourage physical activity and mental health, and the potential of local food production for diet improvement. The study also highlights disparities in access to quality green spaces, particularly between the Global North and South, advocating for equitable design strategies.
Equity & displacementHealthCommunityEconomicsPolicyPEMANFAATAN LIMBAH DOMESTIK MENJADI PRODUK AGRIBISNIS KOKEDAMA SEBAGAI UPAYA PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT LOKAL
2024Lintar Brillian Pintakami, Alia Fibrianingtyas, Tatiek Koerniawati A, Rizka Amalia, Maulana Muhamad Sulaiman, Steven Gerrard Christoffel Hermawanto, Daniyah Nabila Riyanti Putri · Indonesian Collaboration Journal of Community Services (ICJCS) · Indonesia
This study focused on utilizing non-domestic waste, such as coconut husks, used paper, and wood, as base materials for kokedama. It involved collecting waste from local communities, processing it into kokedama planting media, and providing training on kokedama techniques. The training was shown to reduce waste volume, empower participants with new skills, and increase their potential income, thereby improving economic and social well-being.
CommunityOrganic cycleEconomicsURBAN FARMING PRACTICE CONCERNING LIFE CYCLE COST COMPONENTS
2024Puteri Sidrotul Nabihah Saarani, Asniza Hamimi Abdul Tharim, Asmalia Che Ahmad, Norhafizah Abdul Rahman, Mohamad Haizam Mohamed Saraf · PLANNING MALAYSIA · Global
This study aimed to identify the significant Life Cycle Cost (LCC) components concerning Urban Farming (UF) practices. Thirteen journal and conference papers from local and international contexts were reviewed, using thematic techniques to establish the attributes of UF practice throughout the Life Cycle (LC) phase. The findings indicate that LCC components occur during Planning, Installation, Management, Maintenance, and Harvesting/Disposal.
EconomicsHealthCommunityClimate changeUrban farming and food supply: A comparative review of USA and African cities
2024Adekunle Stephen Toromade, Deborah Aanuoluwa Soyombo, Eseoghene Kupa, Tochukwu Ignatius Ijomah · International Journal of Advanced Economics · United States
This comparative review examines urban farming dynamics and its impact on food supply in the United States and African cities. It explores challenges and opportunities, considering factors such as infrastructure, socio-economic conditions, and agricultural practices in both regions. The review highlights policies and technological advancements in the USA, while discussing rapid urbanization and limited resources as challenges in African contexts.
Food sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsCommunityDigital agricultureCSA & TeikeiUsing visual methods to map green infrastructure for a sustainable food economy in Letchworth Garden City
2024Amélie André · · United Kingdom
This case study of Letchworth Garden City examined the interplay between the town's layout, social practices, and governance supporting a local sustainable food economy. Food mapping and an ethnographical approach showed how Letchworth's masterplan provides a backbone for alternative food infrastructure, though the edible landscape is not always visible or effective for residents. Discussions with experts also pointed to a gap in coordination among key local stakeholders, which would be beneficial for improving the local urban food strategy.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceFree Labour and Contemporary Leisure Forms in China
2024Xilin You · · China
This study distinguished passive leisure, defined as rest for labor recovery, from positive leisure, defined as free labor for a new lifestyle. It observed that contemporary Chinese leisure remains largely passive, with activities such as tourism, healthcare, and dancing failing to constitute independent lifestyles, and phone browsing demonstrating fragmentation and passivity. In contrast, emerging positive leisure forms in society include craft workshops, urban farming, social media groups, and academic salons.
CommunityEconomicsExploring school food provision programs and links to local foods in Pacific Island countries
2024J. 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.
Food educationCommunityHealthEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban Agriculture as a Catalyst for Revitalization Processes in Residential Districts of European Cities. The Case of Anderlecht, Roeselare and Romainville
2024Justyna Kleszcz · Architecture Civil Engineering Environment · Europe
This research summarizes the role of urban, multi-purpose facilities combining commercial, service, industrial, and urban agriculture functions with residential housing in revitalizing neglected districts. It aims to support the thesis that urban agriculture acts as a catalyst for urban transformation. The study uses historical and interpretative mixed research with three case studies: Abattoir BIGH in Anderlecht (Belgium), Agrotopia (Inagro) in Roeselare (Belgium), and La Cité Maraîchère in Romainville (France).
CommunityEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkagePengembangan Masyarakat Melalui Program Urban Farming di Kelurahan Kutisari, Kota Surabaya
2024Dini Ayu Triwahyuni, Agief Julio Pratama, Tri Budiarto · AGRIEKSTENSIA · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This research aimed to describe the internal and external factors influencing the development of urban farming communities in Kutisari Village, Surabaya City. A mixed-methods research approach collected data through observation, interviews, documentation, questionnaires, and literature studies. Research results indicated that internal factors included a middle education level, with most community members being male private employees aged 40-49. External factors regarding access to information and accountability were in a high category, while community participation was in a medium category.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPlacing community supported agriculture in local food systems
2024Jairus Rossi, Tim Woods · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · United States
This study examined the perceived links between Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and local food systems (LFSs) among consumers in 13 communities in the Southeastern United States, using survey responses. It found that residents were more aware of CSA if they knew about other direct markets or were exposed to local food campaigns. Consumers also evaluated CSA performance more positively if they had similar evaluations of direct markets and experience with on-farm activities, with these patterns varying by location.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceFrom expectation to action: an empirical study of the role of confidence
2024Jasmina Božić, Armano Srbljinović, Snježana Mihinica · Emotions and Society · Croatia
This study investigated the formation of expectations and the links between expectations and action among 29 Croatian micro-producers of organic fruits and vegetables. Thematic analysis was conducted based on interviews with entrepreneurs from all Croatian counties and the City of Zagreb. Four recurring themes linking participants' expectations and action were revealed, and acceptance and recognition as members of community-supported agriculture groups, along with access to specific resources as members of organic producer associations, were identified as key drivers of optimism and confidence among participants.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityModelación de ecuaciones estructurales aplicada al estudio de Agricultura Apoyada por Comunidades (AAC) ubicadas en la región Sudeste de Brasil
2024Gustavo Alves de Melo, Luiz Gonzaga de Castro Júnior, Eduardo Gomes Carvalho, Maria Gabriela Mendonça Peixoto, Samuel Borges Barbosa, Patrícia Guarnieri dos Santos, André Luiz Marques Serrano, Lucas Oliveira Gomes Ferreira, José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade Guerra · Magazine Portal Bibliotech Digital (Universidad Nacional de Colombia) · Brazil
This descriptive, quantitative study investigated the relationship between various Communities Supported Agriculture (CSA) variables in Southeastern Brazil using Structural Equation Modeling. The study confirmed that socioeconomic characteristics positively influence CSAs’ performance. However, limitations were identified regarding the data collection method and difficulties imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Methodological critiqueCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justice