Research & reports

Clara Camargo · Revista Latino-americana de Geografia e Genero · Brazil (São Paulo)

This study investigates the socioeconomic profile and agroecological production strategies of female urban farmers in São Paulo's peripheral territories, using Feminist Economy Theory and Ecofeminism perspectives. It highlights that while these women are crucial for food security and green spaces, they remain largely invisible in economic theories and have limited access to public policies due to their non-generation of direct monetary income. The methodology included participant observation in RAPPA meetings, semi-structured interviews, and guided tours of women-led production units.

Pierric Calenge, Maie Gérardot · Métropolitiques · United States (Cleveland)

The work by Max Rousseau and Vincent Béal illuminates the ambiguities of a policy that organizes urban decline and racial segregation in Cleveland. This policy promotes urban degrowth and racial segregation, balancing algorithmic management and urban greening. The study focuses on the Rust Belt region, which experiences de-urbanization marked by the subprime crisis, racism, and segregation.

Daniele Codato, Denis Grego, Francesca Peroni · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Italy (Padua)

This study in Padua, Italy, used field surveys of key informants and spatial multicriteria decision-making analysis to identify suitable and inclusive areas for community gardens. The results prioritized neighborhoods for new community gardens based on distance, social, and combined indices, providing a methodology to support local policymakers in implementing community gardens.

Lindsay K. Campbell, Chris Fremantle, David Maddox, Erika S. Svendsen, Sarah Hines, Mary Mattingly, Matthew López-Jensen, Nikki Lindt, Liza Paqueo, Michelle Johnson · Landscape Research · United States (New York City)

This paper explores four case studies from the Urban Field Station Collaborative Arts Program (UFS Arts) in New York City, United States, from 2016 to the present. It examines how artists collaborating with scientists and land managers foster new relationships with urban nature and inform landscape decisions. The examples include projects using image, sound, a floating food forest, and an exhibition mapping civic environmental practices, demonstrating how transdisciplinary approaches can transform management practices and landscape decisions.

Goshu Desalegn, Anita Tangl, Mária Fekete‐Farkas, Girma Gudisa, Anita Boros · Heliyon · Ethiopia

A study of micro and small enterprises in Ethiopia showed that government policies and regulations have an insignificant direct effect on urban agriculture. However, sustainable finance plays an important mediating role between urban agriculture and government policies, indicating that the impact of government policies and regulations on urban agriculture is indirect.

Muslikhun Muslikhun, Rismawati Br Sitepu, Amjad Hameed · JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES SOCIAL SCIENCES AND BUSINESS (JHSSB) · Global

This qualitative study aimed to emphasize the rise of urban farming as a new cultural phenomenon and shed light on its increasing popularity and impact on individuals and communities. Urban farming has emerged as a solution in numerous cities worldwide due to the decline in traditional agricultural land. The study's findings demonstrate that promoting urban farming, including hydroponic systems, can address unemployment and boost economic productivity.

Alexandre Chausson, Alison Smith, Ryne Zen-Zhi Reger, Brian O’Callaghan, Yadira Mori-Clement, Florencia Zapata, Nathalie Seddon · PLOS Climate · Global

This systematic review analyzed 66 reviews on the economic impact of nature-based solutions (NbS). Most reviews showed positive outcomes for income and employment, but those with critical appraisal of underlying studies reported more mixed outcomes. These results were influenced by factors such as the balance between short-term and long-term gains, market conditions, regional effects, reliance on subsidies, and discrepancies between expected and actual economic benefits. NbS delivered equal or better economic outcomes compared to alternatives and provided broader benefits like food security and flood protection, but improved monitoring of economic, social, and ecological outcomes and the development of comprehensive accounting systems are needed.

Ahmad Sofwani, Didik Suprayitno, Diena Widyastuti, Nunuk Hariyani · JURNAL GREEN HOUSE · Indonesia

This study aimed to explore the potential of utilizing home gardens as a Sustainable Food Home Area (KRPL) in Turen Village, Turen District, Malang Regency, East Java, as part of a Community Service Program. The research findings indicated that the utilization of home gardens as KRPL could be a potential solution to enhance food security and community welfare in the region. The article also discussed challenges and opportunities in implementing the KRPL model.

Barbara Maćkiewicz, Paulina Jeziorek · Przegląd Geograficzny · Poland

A two-case study in Warsaw and Poznań, Poland, explored the relationship between community gardens and cultural institutions, identifying factors that promote and impede their functioning. The study found that these gardens are characterized by a changing governance model, shifting towards a top-down approach where community members lack influence on strategic decisions. The involvement of cultural institutions, while facilitating longevity, may simultaneously disempower the gardens' viability.

Aulia Zeta Andhani, Ria Khoirunnisa Apriyani, Abdul Royani · Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Bandung)

This urban farming initiative in RW 03, Cihaurgeulis Village, Bandung, Indonesia, aimed to provide understanding, enhance knowledge, and facilitate residents in implementing urban farming concepts. The program involved planting chili and red onion seedlings in limited spaces to address food insecurity in Bandung by enabling families to grow their own food. The method used was descriptive qualitative, comprising socialization and practical training on urban farming techniques and benefits.

Carolina Ceci Moino Alves Theodoro · Arte 21 · Brazil (São Paulo)

This study evaluated São Paulo's current food supply system and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on commercial property vacancies due to remote work. It presented national and international urban agriculture examples through bibliographic surveys. These examples can guide strategies for São Paulo to enhance food security and urban resilience, ensuring long-term supply during systemic stresses, natural disasters, and pandemics.

Matthijs T. Wessels, Gert Jan Veldwisch, B.J.M. van Vliet, Alphonce Kyessi, Shaaban M. Mgana · Water International · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)

This study examined the policy dynamics of irrigated urban agriculture in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, using stakeholder interviews and a literature review. It found that while irrigated urban agriculture is positively received for its productivity, it faces challenges from discourses prioritizing health and modernity. Authorities pursue modern farming models, but most urban farmers operate with informal and insecure access to land and water, highlighting a tension between planning ideals and urban reality.

Herdayanto Sulistyo Putro, Irfani Hidayatul Imania, Hana' Salsabila, Rafika Frida Aulia, Salma Zaura Baraza, Chafsoh Nafilah, Rafi Aditya Aryaputra, Sulistya Ningrum Ayu Wardani, Khodijah Khodijah, Euisya Maulida Nurfatin, Akhmad Imam Haromain, Bagus Dwi Prasetyo, Gandhes Alamanda, Vanisya Dewimarta Sanjani, Risqi Sintania Agustin, Tri Ayu Wulandari, Araminta Widyanisa Sekar Nusantara, Cynthia Regina Ariesta, Geraldo Enrico, Inneke Oktaviana Safitri, Jihan Ghina Suryanegara, Yanuardhani Putri Widyastuti, Fiqi Hidayah, Ella Dwiva Novananda, Aufa Inayah, Anisa Rara Indriani, Balqis Amirah Az-zahrah, Annisa Rachman, Evana Fausta Najdah, Imam Nur Rizky Gusman · Sewagati · Indonesia (Surabaya)

In Kelurahan Gading, Surabaya, Indonesia, an integrated smart urban farming application was proposed to address limited urban land and suboptimal greenhouse management. This solution involves developing freshwater fish farming, specifically catfish, combined with vegetable cultivation like water spinach and pakcoy, to provide additional economic opportunities and meet community nutritional needs.

Armansyah Armansyah, Sri Rum Giyarsih, Apit Fathurohman, Ade Latifa Soetrisno, Andy Ahmad Zaelany, Bayu Setiawan, Dani Nur Saputra, Muamar Haqi, Lamijo Lamijo · Jurnal Kawistara · Indonesia

A qualitative study in Palembang City, Bandung City, and Denpasar City, Indonesia, explored the interconnection of urban farming and urbanization in realizing sustainable urban development. The research collected data through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation from 30 urban farming actors, 10 from each city, selected via purposive sampling. Analysis revealed a positive interrelation between urban farming and urbanization across nine dimensions: economy, social, environment, health, culture, food, education, tourism, and technology, indicating that urban farming's positive impacts can minimize urbanization's negative impacts.

Munifah Siti Amira Yusuf, Norsida Man, Nur Bahiah Mohamed Haris, Ismi Arif Ismail, Siaw Shin Yee, Tengku Halimatun Sa’adiah T. Abu Bakar · Sarhad Journal of Agriculture · Malaysia

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Malaysia's Urban Agriculture Program, implemented by the Department of Agriculture since 2010. Primary data from 230 participants were analyzed using PLS-SEM, revealing a positive association between all CIPP factors (Context, Input, Process, Product) and program effectiveness.

Nolwazi Z. Khumalo, Melusi Sibanda, Lelethu Mdoda · Sustainability · Sub-Saharan Africa

A systematic review and bibliometric analysis examined the implications of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and climate adaptation strategies for food and income security in urban Sub-Saharan Africa. The review found that CSA practices boost urban food production and income, but also recognized critical challenges and trade-offs requiring urban agriculture transformation.

Slamet Budirahardjo, Setyoningsih Wibowo · Community Empowerment · Indonesia (Kebonbatur Village)

A community service program in Kebonbatur Village, Indonesia, introduced the BUDIKDAMBER system (fish and vegetable cultivation in buckets) to residents of RT 01 RW III to optimize limited yard space for food security. The program provided training and intensive mentoring on urban farming techniques. This initiative successfully raised residents' awareness and skills in utilizing limited space for self-reliant food security, leading to active participation, satisfaction with harvest results, and new economic opportunities.

Rimbi Titi Pinasti, Ully Asfari, Purnama Anaking · Journal of Information System Graphics Hospitality and Technology · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study designed a UI/UX website prototype for the Rooftop Farming Center (RFC) at Telkom University Surabaya, Indonesia, using the Lean UX method. The RFC, which utilizes smart urban farming with IoT, faced challenges in stock information, sales reach, and research data due to conventional sales methods. The designed prototype was evaluated using thinking aloud and the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire, achieving scores of 81.4 for the customer interface and 85 for the admin interface. Black box testing confirmed that all system features functioned well.

Kang Chao · Heliyon · Global

This study examined how family farming fosters climate-resilient food systems through a systematic literature review of 37 documents over 22 years. It concluded that family farming facilitates easy access to food and nutrition by utilizing family-sourced land, labor, and capital, and by securing access to technology and markets. Farming families employ diverse strategies, such as crop diversification, adjusting planting times, and cultivating high-value crops and fish, to strengthen their food systems.

Marycruz Abato Zárate, Noel Reyes Pérez, Miguel Ángel Escalona Aguilar, Doris Guadalupe Castillo Rocha, Reyna Ruth Hernández Pérez · Revista Científica Estelí · Mexico

This qualitative study described a family's experience with urban agriculture and solid waste management in Emiliano Zapata, Veracruz, Mexico, through an open interview with a four-member family. The experience, spanning from 2001, included solid waste separation, composting, vermicomposting, rainwater harvesting (24 m3/year), and cultivating over 40 species of medicinal plants. The study found that urban gardens offer multidimensional benefits, including biodiversity protection, biocultural memory preservation, and spaces for learning and social participation.

A Hawash, M. Abul-Soud, M.S.A. Emam, Z. Y. Maharik, Mohammed Mohammed, Sahar H. Ahmed · Scientific Journal of Agricultural Sciences · Egypt (Giza)

This study investigated the effect of five nitrogen levels (80-160 ppm) and two pot volumes (6 L, 8 L) on lettuce (cv. Robinson F1 hybrid) in Giza, Egypt, during autumn 2022 and 2023. Increasing substrate volume from 6 L to 8 L and nitrogen concentration from 80 ppm to 140 ppm increased vegetative growth and yield. The 8 L volume and 140 ppm nitrogen concentration yielded the highest results for vegetative growth, yield, and nutrient content. However, 6 L pot volume with 80 ppm nitrogen achieved the highest net profit despite lower fresh weight, by providing the lowest nitrogen use efficiency and natural resource consumption.

Teófilo Etelvino do Amaral, Carlitos Luí­s Sitoie · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Mozambique (Maxixe)

A school garden project was implemented at Escola Secundaria 29 de Setembro da Maxixe in Mozambique, integrating it into the geography curriculum. Research found that geography teachers only taught theoretical content, lacked practical understanding of the geographical relationship with local agricultural production, and did not value food from home gardens. Students and their parents also had no knowledge of vegetable gardens and preferred processed foods, which exacerbated hunger when they lacked money. The school garden was suggested as a means to produce healthy food and generate family income.

Stephen Leitheiser, Rubén Vezzoni · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Global

This paper presents a conceptualization of radical food democracy (RFD), linking diverse economies with diverse citizenship. Diverse economies scholarship, while valuable for theorizing alternative food networks (AFNs), has been criticized for essentializing the autonomy of alternative economic practices, risking the confusion of emancipatory social change with market-embedded products and the displacement of negative impacts. The paper argues that realizing RFD requires both experimenting with new economic practices that create food economies alternative to capital accumulation and cultivating new political subjects capable of universalizing these struggles.

Tomi Setiawan, Moch Farizy A. Pratama · Jurnal Pengabdian Sosial · Indonesia (Bandung)

This study implemented training and assistance activities for sustainable food supply through the utilization of home gardens as a new adaptation of urban farming in Bandung City. The results showed that community members were very enthusiastic about implementing sustainable food supply activities through garden utilization. Urban farming activities are accepted by the community due to increasing food demand in urban areas.

Meriem Korchi, Ouassila Bendjaballah · Indonesian Journal of Social Science Research · Algeria

This study assessed urban actors' perspectives on urban agriculture in Annaba, Algeria, and mapped agricultural activities to integrate them into urban policy. Interviews with decision-makers and farmers, combined with spatial analysis, revealed that while there is interest in urban agriculture, it is not effectively integrated into institutional and legal frameworks. Agricultural plots in cities are often reserved for future urban development.