Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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1626 results(26 / 66)
Urban agriculture and environmental sustainability
2023Gizaw Ebissa, Kumelachew Yeshitela, Hayal Desta, Aramde Fetene · Environment Development and Sustainability · Global
This study investigated urban agriculture's (UA) contributions to environmental sustainability (ES) using scholarly search engines. Findings indicate UA contributes to ES by mitigating greenhouse gases, urban heat island effects, and floods, while enhancing biodiversity and promoting agro-tourism. However, challenges such as lack of policy support, exclusion from urban land use planning, and urbanites' behavior towards UA products limit its full benefits.
Governance failureClimate changeBiodiversityPolicyCommunityFostering Sustainable Urban Farming in Malaysia: The Green Agenda of Urban Hijau
2023Cordelia Mason, Wan Mohd Hilmi Wan Ahmad · · Malaysia
This 2023 case study examines Urban Hijau, a social enterprise in Malaysia that promotes urban farming for sustainability. It describes Urban Hijau's origins and progression through various sustainable farming systems, including permaculture, and discusses the opportunities and challenges in urban farming and food security. The study concludes by posing questions about the significant contribution of small urban farms to the food industry and Urban Hijau's long-term sustainability.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeOrganic cycleStakeholder’s practices for the sustainability assessment of professional urban agriculture reveal numerous original criteria and indicators
2023Paola Clerino, Agnès Fargue‐Lelièvre, Jean-Marc Meynard · Agronomy for Sustainable Development · Global
This study investigated the sustainability assessment practices of professional intra-urban agriculture (PIUA) projects in the Global North, analyzing 19 case studies. Four dimensions underpinning sustainability assessment were identified: internal sustainability, external sustainability, the project leader’s credibility, and the innovative nature of the project. The study found 67 diverse assessment criteria and that 78% of indicators used were qualitative, noting that assessment practices evolve over time. The results enhance understanding of how PIUA project sustainability is assessed.
EconomicsPolicyCommunityClimate changeAssessing the Impact of Community Gardens in Mitigating Household Food Insecurity and Addressing Climate Change Challenges: A Case Study of Ward 18, Umdoni Municipality, South Africa
2023Merishca Naicker, Denver Naidoo, Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi · African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies · South Africa
This mixed-methods study surveyed 120 community garden participants in Ward 18, Umdoni Municipality, South Africa, to assess the impact of community gardens on household food security. The survey found that 58.3% of participants did not receive sufficient food from the gardens, and only 15.8% achieved food security, with 40% experiencing moderate food insecurity. Despite their establishment, community gardens appeared ineffective in substantially improving household food security, with challenges including climate change impacts.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsPaying for nature‐based solutions: A review of funding and financing mechanisms for ecosystem services and their impacts on social equity
2023Austin Thompson‐Spain, Kyle S. Bunds, Lincoln R. Larson, Bethany B. Cutts, J. Aaron Hipp · Sustainable Development · United States
This scoping review examines funding and financing mechanisms for nature-based solutions and their impact on social equity in the United States. It finds that market-driven nature-based solutions can contribute to an inequitable distribution of urban ecosystem services. The distribution of benefits is influenced by local contexts, decision-making inclusion, and payment mechanisms, suggesting disparities in access for diverse and marginalized populations.
Equity & displacementPolicyEconomicsClimate changeCommunityEdible Garden Cities: Rethinking Boundaries and Integrating Hedges into Scalable Urban Food Systems
2023David Adams, Peter J. Larkham, Michael Hardman · Land · United Kingdom
This paper explores how porous boundary treatments and plot layouts can encourage ecological exchanges in new urban and peri-urban developments, focusing on a large-scale residential development in the English midlands. It outlines the socio-economic, cultural, and ecological significance of embedding diverse hedgerow designs into early planning, revealing a need to move beyond current models. The study suggests these designs could encourage sustainable land use and scalable urban agricultural systems.
BiodiversityUrban–rural linkageClimate changeCommunityRendimientos y eficiencia en el uso del agua de lechuga y tomate cherry en jardines urbanos
2023Posgrado en Ingeniería Agrícola y Uso Integral del Agua, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Chapingo, Estado de México, México, Hugo Antonio Fernández, R. Salazar, Posgrado en Ingeniería Agrícola y Uso Integral del Agua, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Chapingo, Estado de México, México, E. Fitz-Rodríguez, Posgrado en Ingeniería Agrícola y Uso Integral del Agua, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Chapingo, Estado de México, México, I.L. López-Cruz, Posgrado en Ingeniería Agrícola y Uso Integral del Agua, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Chapingo, Estado de México, México, Uwe Schmidt, Dennis Dannehl · Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua · Mexico (Mexico City)
Yields and water productivity of romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes were investigated in 13 urban gardens in Mexico City. Lettuce yields ranged from 0.10 to 1.20 kg m-2 with water use efficiency from 0.21 to 2.93 kg m-3, while cherry tomato yields ranged from 0.25 to 3.40 kg m-2 with water use efficiency from 0.32 to 5.52 kg m-3. Irrigation in these gardens is empirically done using potable water, showing an excess water supply of 0.27 to 0.4 m3 m-2 for a complete cycle of lettuce and cherry tomatoes.
Environmental trade-offsDIYEconomicsClimate changeEFFECT OF URBANIZATION ON AGRICULTURAL FARM LAND IN AKURE SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ONDO STATE.
2023Abigail Benson, NICHOLAS O EHISIENMHEN, EUNICE T ADEWALE, R ANIMASAHUN-OLADIMEJI, TOBA R ARIBILOLA, RAZAQ A AFIZ, Augustine Okeke, Oliver P. John, Idris Ahmad Isa, BADRAT O IMRAN, KELVIN D DIRISU, OMOTOYE O OMISORE · Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences · Nigeria (Ondo State)
This study assessed the impact of urbanization on agricultural land in Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria, using populated figures and land use data from satellite images for 2002, 2012, and 2022. GIS analysis revealed an increase in settlement and a decrease in agricultural land from 2002 to 2022. Urbanization significantly decreased agricultural land, farming activities, and farm size, driven by increasing settlement and built-up areas.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkagePolicyClimate changeEnvironmental horticulture for domestic and community gardens—An integrated and applied research approach
2023M.B. Gush, Tijana Blanuša, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin‐Pui, A. Griffiths, Elisabeth K. Larsen, Raghavendra Prasad, Marc Redmile‐Gordon, Chloe Sutcliffe · Plants People Planet · Global
This article presents an integrated and applied research approach to environmental horticulture from The Royal Horticultural Society. It emphasizes the importance of domestic and community gardens in the context of global environmental threats and discusses four primary research focus areas. These areas include responding to climate change, using plants for environmental regulation, sustainable resource management, and gardening for human health and wellbeing.
CommunityBiodiversityClimate changeDIYImpacts of climate variability on the vegetable production of urban farmers in the Addis Ababa metropolitan area: Nexus of climate-smart agricultural technologies
2023Mekonnen Amberber Degefu, Fantu Kifle · Climate Services · Ethiopia
This study examined the impacts of climate variability on vegetable production among 156 randomly selected vegetable farmers along the little Akaki River in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Climate data from 1996 to 2020 and farmer perceptions revealed high coefficients of variation for monthly and annual precipitation. Farmers perceived increased floods/rainfall (44.9%), drought frequency (13.5%), temperature (89.7%), and decreased vegetable productivity (86.5%). High precipitation and temperature variability negatively affect vegetable productivity, with nonadaptation (36.5%) also reported as an adaptation option.
Limited or null effectClimate changeUrban–rural linkageEconomicsAn Integrated Approach to Sub-Surface Water Pathways for the Sustainable Development of the Architectural Landscape of Agro-Urban Areas
2023Alessandra Como, Albina Cuomo, Luisa Smeragliuolo Perrotta · Sustainability · Italy (Pozzuoli)
In Pozzuoli, Southern Italy, multidisciplinary research addressed sustainability in urban agricultural landscape design. The study presented an integrated solution combining architecture and hydro-geomorphology for water management, accessibility, and use of urban agricultural landscapes. A prototype water and landscape infrastructure was developed, integrating a subsurface water system, cycle–pedestrian paths, and small-scale architecture around water tanks. This integrated system contributes to implementing green transition within cities.
Climate changePolicyUrban–rural linkageClimate change perception, adaptation strategies, and constraints amongst urban farmers in Anambra Metropolis, Nigeria
2023Cynthia Nneka Olumba, Eberechukwu Johnpaul Ihemezie, Chukwudi Charles Olumba · Climate and Development · Nigeria
This study aimed to understand urban farmers’ perceptions of climate change and the adaptation constraints they encounter in Anambra Metropolis, Nigeria. Household survey data using structured questionnaires showed that most urban farmers perceived climate change through effects such as increased weed infestation, drying up of streams/rivers, and decreased soil moisture. Principal adaptation constraints were diverse, falling within broader institutional, information, and financial categories. The study revealed that the socioeconomic conditions of urban farmers in developing countries pose a threat to urban agriculture's potential to mitigate climate change.
Governance failureClimate changeEconomicsPolicyPromoting 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 & justiceO.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 changePotential And Need of Urban Horticulture for A Sustainable Future
2023Mansi I. Bhati and R.K. Dubey · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
Urban horticulture, a new concept for growing family-sufficient food in urban and peri-urban areas, is gaining importance. However, environmental challenges for urban farming in urban environments include soil contamination, micro-climate alteration and air pollution, and contaminated water resources. Appropriate guidelines for urban and peri-urban agricultural practices are required.
Contamination & food safetyDIYPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunity 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 changeAutumn Production of Romaine Lettuce on an Extensive Green Roof
2023Stuart Walters, V. P. Thomas, Karen Stoelzle Midden, John W. Groninger · Journal of Living Architecture · Global
This study evaluated the productivity of four Romaine lettuce cultivars grown to maturity in an 8 cm deep lightweight clay substrate on an extensive green roof during the autumn production seasons of 2012 and 2013. Lettuce productivity was improved by the addition of fertilizers, with fast-release fertilizer providing the greatest growth and productivity. However, abnormally cold growing conditions in autumn 2013 resulted in lower yields compared to 2012, highlighting the system's vulnerability to weather.
DIYUrban–rural linkageClimate changeThe Art of Green Maintenance
2023Anna Horolets, Saša Poljak Istenič, Alexandra Schwell · Etnološka tribina · Slovenia (Ljubljana)
This ethnographic fieldwork examined the role of maintenance and care practices in urban gardening. It was conducted at the Onkraj gradbišča community garden in Ljubljana, Slovenia, which was initially conceived as a social and cultural innovation. The study argues that continuous maintenance labor by organizers and gardeners is crucial for the longevity and sustainability of urban future-making practices, highlighting that the focus on innovation often obscures the importance of ongoing care.
CommunityClimate changeThe impact of planting scenarios on agricultural productivity and thermal comfort in urban agriculture land (case study: Tabriz, Iran)
2023Akbar Rahimi, zahra nobar · Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution · Iran (Tabriz)
This study examined the effect of native plant-crop combinations on micrometeorological conditions and thermal comfort on urban agricultural land in Tabriz, Iran. Through ENVI-MET model simulations validated with field data, seven scenarios were identified. The findings showed that edible functions of deciduous plants increased with canopy height and diameter, improving thermal comfort in high-temperature conditions, and concluded that adopting this planting form would rejuvenate abandoned agricultural fields.
Climate changeBiodiversityUrban–rural linkagePropuesta de indicadores para la planificación de la agricultura urbana en Camagüey
2023Yurisandra Sierra Reyes, Ana de Dios Martínez, Jorge Pereda Mouso, Manuel Francisco Rodríguez Saldaña · Cuadernos de Administración · Cuba (Camagüey)
This article proposes indicators for urban agriculture planning in Camagüey, Cuba, aiming to contribute to urban sustainability and food sovereignty. The methodology involved theoretical analysis and synthesis, a mixed focus group for variable delimitation, and the IADOV method for validation. These indicators are presented as a useful tool for decision-making, enabling the diagnosis and characterization of urban agriculture and its integration into territorial planning.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changePotential Economic, Social and Environmental Contribution Study of Urban Agriculture Based on Five Key Features Identified through Past Studies
2023Arun Kafle, James Hopeward, Baden Myers · Land · Global
This paper assesses the potential economic, social, and environmental contributions of urban agriculture (UA) based on five key features: area, purpose, crop value, mechanisation level, and market mechanism. A review of 15 past studies, including those from Adelaide, Australia, and the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, revealed that most UA research focuses on social benefits and cost savings. Few studies investigate economic viability, employment potential, or greenhouse gas reduction opportunities, indicating a need for a systems approach and diverse real-world case studies.
EconomicsCommunityClimate changeAn Effect on Sustainable Urban Ecological Environment Perception of Environment-friendly Urban Agricultural Education
2023Sun–A Jung · The Global Association of Applied Liberal Arts Studies · Global
This study investigated the effects of environment-friendly urban agricultural education. It found that participants mostly used chemicals for pest control, though some avoided them for safety and environmental reasons. Those who completed the education perceived a higher possibility of solving urban environmental problems and used less manure, with some producing their own.
Food educationOrganic cycleClimate changeExploring the growth pattern of urban agglomeration in the terminal urbanization stage by integrating inertial driving factors, spatial development strategy, and urbanization cycle
2023Shifa Ma, Bin Ai, Haiyan Jiang, Yunnan Cai, Dixiang Xie · Ecological Indicators · China
This study developed a framework to explore urban agglomeration growth patterns in the terminal urbanization stage, integrating inertial driving factors, spatial development strategy, and urbanization cycles represented by constrained S-curves. The framework was applied to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a case study. Results showed that planning strategy can reshape growth patterns, subregional constrained S-curves can reasonably predict urban quantity, and the coupled model provides a referable simulation pattern for urban agglomeration.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyClimate changeCarbon, indoor air, energy and financial benefits of coupled ventilation upgrade and enhanced rooftop garden installation: An interdisciplinary climate mitigation approach
2023Sarabeth Buckley, Catherine L. Connolly, Jonathan I. Levy, Pamela H. Templer, Jacqueline Ashmore, Luís Carvalho, Nathan Phillips, M. Patricia Fabian · Sustainable Cities and Society · Global
This study quantified changes in CO2 emissions, energy use, and financial cost when ventilation upgrades and rooftop garden installations are done simultaneously, with the potential to enhance plant growth from exhausted CO2. Researchers measured indoor CO2 concentrations (maximum 2210 ppm, median 840 ppm, 33% of daytime above 1000 ppm) and estimated ventilation rates (4 L/s). Model calculations showed that while increasing ventilation to recommended levels (7 L/s) would increase CO2 emissions, energy, and cost by 1-4%, rooftop garden installation benefits could counterbalance this, leading to a net decrease of 23-46% in CO2 emissions, 12-13% in energy use, and 12-16% in cost.
Climate changeEconomicsHealthPemanfaatan Edible Landscape pada Lahan Berskala Kecil sebagai Solusi Pengurangan Pulau Panas akibat Land Surface Temperature di Kelurahan Wundumbatu Kota Kendari
2023Nurgiantoro Nurgiantoro, La Ode Hadini, La Ode Agus Salim Mando, Armayanti Aris, Septian Jackrianto, Farid Restu Firmansyah, Hikma Wati · Sewagati · Indonesia (Kendari)
This community partnership program in Wundumbatu Village, Kendari City, focused on mitigating climate change impacts by reducing the urban heat island effect through edible landscape vegetation. The program educated the community via Focus Group Discussions and planted 450 edible plant seedlings, including mulberry and turmeric, in partner yards. Monitoring showed that the edible plants grew well, and community understanding of edible landscapes improved.
Climate changeCommunityDIYUrban–rural linkage