Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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11393 results(263 / 456)
Commercial Farms in Polish Metropolitan Areas: Changes in Production Factors
2018Tomasz Wojewodzic, Wojciech Sroka · Wieś i Rolnictwo · Poland
This study analyzed changes in production factors of 189 commercial farms in six Polish metropolitan areas from 2004 to 2016, using FADN data. Farms in inner metropolitan zones had larger average resources of land, labor, and capital in 2004, which largely equalized with outer zones by 2016, but remained larger than farms outside metropolitan areas. The largest percentage of farms reducing land, labor, and capital resources was in the inner zone, indicating barriers to development such as limited land supply and high labor opportunity cost.
EconomicsPeri-urban agriculturePolicyThe Effectiveness of Asian Bush Mosquito (Aedes japonicus japonicus) Control Actions in Colonised Peri-urban Areas in the Netherlands
2018Adolfo Ibáñez‐Justicia, S. Teekema, Wietse Den Hartog, Frans Jacobs, M. Dik, Arjan Stroo · Journal of Medical Entomology · Netherlands
This study measured the effectiveness of a mosquito control campaign targeting the invasive Asian bush mosquito (Aedes japonicus japonicus) in eight allotment garden complexes in Lelystad, Netherlands, between 2015 and 2016. Control actions, combining source reduction and larvicide application, significantly reduced Ae. japonicus larval abundance across all treated gardens. Rain barrels were identified as the most frequent breeding sites.
BiodiversityPeri-urban agricultureAfecto y disidencia : re-configuración y alternativas de espacio público en los jardines comunitarios de Loisaida, Nueva York = Affect and Dissidence : The Re-Configuration of Public Space through Loisaida´s Community Gardens, New York
2018Natalia Matesanz Ventura · · United States (New York City)
This article examines over fifty self-managed community gardens in Loisaida, New York, which form an informal network combining "affection" and "dissidence" to create "affect-dent" spaces. These gardens, established since the 1960s, reconfigure public space by opposing administration, the real-estate market, media invasion, and the appropriation of public space by the private sector. The study highlights how these spaces challenge dominant power structures and serve as a reference in contemporary architecture of the common.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceFood on the Roof : Developing an IT platform to visualize and identify suitable locations for roof farming in cold climates
2018Agatino Rizzo, Marcus Sandberg, Tim Johansson, Johan Wenngren · Diva portal (Dalarna University Library) · Global
This project aimed to explore the smart integration of food production in cold urban environments and to sketch an intelligent platform to guide a comprehensive, city-wide approach to urban farming in winter cities. The challenge involved integrating large databases related to energy consumption, building performance and size, and solar radiation, to visualize data in an easily understandable manner for city stakeholders.
Digital agricultureEconomicsClimate changeFood educationPredictors of School Garden Integration: Factors Critical to Gardening Success in New York City
2018Kate Gardner Burt, Marissa Burgermaster, Raquel Jacquez · Health Education & Behavior · United States (New York City)
This study aimed to determine the level of integration of school gardens and identify factors predicting integration. 211 New York City schools in the United States completed a survey, and the average garden integration score was 34.1 out of 57 points. Operating budget had a significant influence on the integration score, and partner organizations, evaluation/feedback, planning the physical space, and characteristics of the physical space were positively and significantly related to budget.
Food educationCommunityEconomicsOCUPAÇÃO
2018Paola Brum · PIXO - Revista de Arquitetura Cidade e Contemporaneidade · Brazil (Pelotas)
The "Ocupação Canto de Conexão" is an occupied abandoned building in Pelotas, Brazil, near the Federal University. It provides student and popular housing, a community garden, and cultural activities for residents, students, and the homeless. For nearly two years, the space has been maintained by volunteers and community contributions, operating without public funding.
CommunityWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceArtes de la madre tierra, construyendo nuestro huerto vertical con los niños y las niñas de los cursos 401 (2017) y 503 (2018) del I.E.D. Julio Garavito Armero J.M.
2018María Angélica Flórez Trujillo, Catalina Andrea García Pinilla · · Colombia (Bogotá)
This report details an internship project conducted in 2017-2018 with 4th and 5th-grade students at I.E.D. Julio Garavito Armero J.M. in Bogotá, Colombia. The project, "Mother Earth Arts," aimed to foster environmental awareness and agricultural knowledge by addressing urban growth's environmental problems. Students created a vertical garden and learned about food security through planting organic aromatic and medicinal seeds.
Food educationDIYFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityIntegration of Autonomous Wireless Sensor Networks in Academic School Gardens
2018Peio López-Iturri, Mikel Celaya-Echarri, Leyre Azpilicueta, Erik Aguirre, José Javier Astráin, Jesús Villadangos, Francisco Falcone · Sensors · Global
An autonomous Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) system combined with MySchoolGardenApp was deployed in an orchard in a primary schoolyard for integration into educational activities. Built with EnOcean's energy harvesting modules, the system provides students with parameter observation, data analysis, and processing capabilities. Preliminary trials demonstrated the platform's feasibility as an educational resource in schools, applicable to natural science course content, technological skill development, and extending monitoring capabilities.
Digital agricultureFood educationA PROBLEM-BASED APPROACH OF COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE WITHIN SHORT FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS BASED ON A WESTERN TRANSDANUBIAN SURVEY
2018Károly Kacz, Ádám Varga · Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural and Agribusiness Economists · Europe
A survey in the Western Transdanubia region investigated major problems in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) within short food supply chains, involving farmer organizations and consumers. The analysis identified the insufficient market power of CSA organizations as the most influential factor. This finding suggests a significant constraint on the effectiveness of CSA models in the region.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceNutrition
2018G. R. SCHMIDT · · Global
This chapter discusses the role of urban and community-supported agriculture (CSA) in developed countries, noting that these initiatives, while struggling, contribute to nutrition, personal agency, values, and green education. It also addresses the less immediate connections between wild regional resources, wild biodiversity, and their potential for agricultural innovation and nutrition.
CSA & TeikeiHealthFood educationCommunityUrban Agriculture: A Regenerative Urban Development Practice to Decrease the Ecological Footprints of Cities
2018Rowaida Rashed · Environmental Science & Sustainable Development · Global
This paper explores urban agriculture as a regenerative urban development practice aimed at decreasing the ecological footprints of cities. It defines environmental problems, explains the concept of the ecological footprint, and demonstrates how urban agriculture can be integrated into cities to improve environmental conditions and reduce ecological footprints. Urban agriculture is highlighted as one of the most effective regenerative practices.
Climate changeOrganic cycleBiodiversityWater Use Behavior, Learning, and Adaptation to Future Change in Urban Gardens
2018Monika Egerer, Brenda B. Lin, Stacy M. Philpott · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · United States (California)
This citizen science study in the California Central Coast examined water use, vegetation, and soil management in urban gardens. Water use varied by gardener and was positively related to mulching and crop cover. Gardeners expressing high concern for drought and water conservation paradoxically tended to use more water, while those in gardens with more rules used less.
Climate changeCommunityDIYThe fate of compost-derived phosphorus in urban gardens
2018Gaston E. Small, Paliza Shrestha, Adam D. Kay · International Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics · Global
Dissolved phosphorus (PO4 3-) and nitrogen (NO3- & NH4+) losses in leachate from experimental raised-bed garden plots were measured. Plots receiving cow manure compost showed high PO4 3- concentrations (5-11 mg/L), while municipal organics compost plots had concentrations an order of magnitude lower (0.5-1.2 mg/L), and no-compost plots had 0.3 mg/L. Phosphorus lost through leachate and harvest accounted for only 1-10% of total applied phosphorus, indicating soil build-up was the dominant fate. This study illustrates a potential trade-off in urban agriculture between crop production and efficient phosphorus recycling from urban food waste.
Environmental trade-offsCompostOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkageAgriculture urbaine et périurbaine (AUP) et économie des ménages agri-urbains à Dakar (Sénégal)
2018Ayinde BA, Nicola Cantoreggi · International Journal of Environment Agriculture and Biotechnology · Senegal (Dakar)
This study focused on the commercial dimension of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in the Dakar region, Senegal, involving 214 market gardeners across three production areas. Results showed that UPA, specifically urban market gardening, constitutes a full-fledged commercial activity with monetary income significantly higher than Senegal's minimum wage. This almost exclusively commercial orientation allows agri-urban households to cover their food and non-food expenses inherent in urban living.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureMāori women leading local sustainable food systems
2018Karyn Stein, Miranda Mirosa, Lynette Carter · AlterNative An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples · New Zealand
This 3-year study explored how Māori women in Aotearoa (New Zealand) define their own food system and the values of women managing community food initiatives. Using participatory and kaupapa Māori research methodologies, it involved four case studies of women managing community food initiatives across the North and South Islands. The article discusses how community gardens and farms counteract food poverty by promoting local food access and highlights the essential role Indigenous women play in addressing food security issues through solutions based on their knowledge and Māori cultural values.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareAGRICULTURA URBANA E PERIURBANA E OS CONFLITOS DA ESPECULAÇÃO IMOBILIÁRIA EM ALFENAS-MG
2018Rodrigo Clemente GOIS, Flamarion Dutra Alves, Evânio dos Santos Branquinho · Geografia (Rio Claro) · Brazil (Alfenas)
This article aims to characterize urban and peri-urban agricultural activities in Alfenas, Brazil, and analyze the encroachment of real estate speculation on these properties. It notes that Alfenas has seen an increase in residential developments occupying areas previously used for livestock and agriculture. The study suggests organic farming as a viable alternative to mitigate socio-environmental problems arising from this encroachment.
Economic viabilityUrban–rural linkageEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceLa huerta escolar como estrategia pedagógica para fortalecer el aprendizaje
2018Yhonys Zambrano Quintero · Cultura Educación y Sociedad · Colombia (Bogotá)
This article is a qualitative descriptive study focusing on fifth-grade students at Oscar Pisciotti Numa IED in Colombia. It found that the school garden is a positive teaching-learning strategy, enabling students to work on different class topics and acquire better learning.
Food educationCommunityWhy Garden? Personal and Abiding Motivations for Community Gardening in New York City
2018Nancy F. Sonti, Erika S. Svendsen · Society & Natural Resources · United States (New York City)
Semi-structured interviews with community gardeners in New York City explored their motivations for gardening. Gardeners' motivations were found to be both personal and collective, with community gardens providing a space for reflection and a deep connection to nature for many. Joy and personal fulfillment consistently remained the most prevalent motivations over time, while the impulse to improve the community decreased, and food production and cultural identity connections became more common motivations.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareCommunity Gardening: Basic Psychological Needs as Mechanisms to Enhance Individual and Community Well-Being
2018Eleanor Quested, Cecilie Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, Hannah Uren, Sarah J. Hardcastle, Richard M. Ryan · Ecopsychology · Global
This study explored how community gardens enhance individual and community well-being, applying self-determination theory. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 5 experienced and 10 aspiring community gardeners. Findings suggest that the satisfaction of community-level needs, experienced through participation in community gardens, may precede the enhancement of individual and community well-being.
CommunityHealthPemahamam siswa SMP Pusaka Desa Sindang Jaya, Kecamatan Ciranjang, Kabupaten Cianjur tentang pertanian hidroponik
2018Marina Silalahi, Lauresius Sihotang, Sunarto Sunarto, Fajar Adinugraha, Adisti Ratna Puri · · Indonesia (Cianjur)
A survey was conducted among 21 students at Pusaka Junior High School in Cianjur, Indonesia, to assess their understanding of hydroponic farming. Students knew the definition, methods, maintenance, and production of hydroponic plants, but literally interpreted that media like sand could not be used. While many students had experience with hydroponic farming, they claimed it was more expensive than conventional farming.
Economic viabilityFood educationDIYEconomicsUrban Gardening Treibhaus Luzern: Anbau Eines Gemüsegartens Im Jugendkulturhaus Treibhaus Luzern: Projektbericht
2018Romana Brunner · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Switzerland (Luzern)
This report documents an urban gardening project implemented at Jugendkulturhaus Treibhaus Luzern from October 2016 to November 2017. The project's main goal was to participatively involve youth and young adults in urban gardening, fostering their identification with and appropriation of the space. The report details the project's planning, execution, organization, and the difficulties and insights gained during its implementation.
CommunityFood educationDIYWelcome to 'agriburbia': Urban farming and our future
2018Eric Love · Wildlife in Australia · Global
This paper discusses the fundamental importance of water and food for survival, with Eric Love from CORE noting global stress due to climatic fluctuations. It poses the question of whether urban agriculture could hold the key to ensuring future water and food security.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeUrban–rural linkageVorstellung des Projekts "Ernte Deine Stadt"
2018Jens A. Geißler, Tim Schümann · · Germany (Bad Oldesloe)
The "Ernte deine Stadt" project series in Bad Oldesloe, Germany, combines civic engagement platforms with makerspace and community building ideas, focusing on local sustainability, particularly urban gardening and green libraries. Due to the project's success, the Bad Oldesloe City Library won the IFLA Green Library Award in 2017.
CommunityDIYFood educationA sustainable food-system?
2018Annie Svensson · · Sweden
This research investigated the economic sustainability of 14 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in Sweden through interviews. The study found that Swedish CSA farms had difficulties covering labor costs and suffered from inefficiency, indicating weak economic sustainability. The study did not identify specific approaches or business models that were more conducive to higher profitability.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityBiochar Application for Sustainable Soil Quality
2018Subhadip Ghosh, Lai Fern Ow, Mohamed Lokman Mohd Yusof · · Singapore
A short-term experiment in an urban park in northern Singapore investigated biochar's effects on urban horticulture. Biochar, alone or with compost, was mixed with loamy soil, and Dissotisrotundifolia was planted under various treatments. Soil analysis revealed significant improvements in soil nutrient status and organic matter content with organic amendments, especially those containing biochar, though plant physiological characteristics showed no significant differences. The study suggests biochar as a potential soil amendment for perennial ground cover in Singapore's tropical climate.
Organic cycleBiodiversityCommunity