Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2066 results(27 / 83)
Community gardens: contribution to food safety and social inclusion
2021Lucas Sales dos Santos, Milena De Moura Régis, Ana Paula Branco do Nascimento · Revista Nacional de Gerenciamento de Cidades · Brazil (São Paulo)
This study investigated an organically grown community garden in the Previdência Municipal Park in the West Zone of São Paulo City, Brazil, through in-situ observations, interviews, and literature review. The findings indicated benefits for food and nutrition safety, interpersonal involvement, and environmental education. Key challenges identified were social leaderships, technical-scientific knowledge for organic productivity, and planning for project continuity.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthOrganic cycleAnálise de viabilidade financeira da produção orgânica de morangos para comercialização local
2021Naiane Modri Fuzinatto, Jaciney Aparecida Danielli, Daniela Preschlak, Augusto Fischer · Revista em Agronegócio e Meio Ambiente · Brazil
This study presented a proposal for organic strawberry cultivation in urban spaces for a small producer and evaluated the financial viability of local sales. Through a qualitative and quantitative case study in Santa Catarina State, results indicated social and environmental benefits from adopting urban strawberry cultivation under an organic production system. Furthermore, the entire investment could be recovered in just over two years, representing a medium-term return on investment.
EconomicsOrganic cycleClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceA regularização fundiária urbana de Marituba – PA e suas contribuições na agricultura urbana do município
2021Ciria Cristane da Rosa · Wamon - Revista dos alunos do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Antropologia Social da Universidade Federal do Amazonas · Brazil
This study aimed to understand how urban land regularization can contribute to urban agriculture in the municipality of Marituba, Pará, Brazil. It focused on two urban land regularization instruments mentioned in municipal decree n.º 300 of April 14, 2020: the concession of real right of use and the surface right. Based on bibliographic and documentary research, analyzing academic works on "quintais" (backyards) where agricultural activities occur, it found nine localities with rural characteristics mostly within Marituba's urban perimeter, with few properties possessing Rural Environmental Registry (CAR) documents. Urban land regularization could help these social subjects remain on their properties and continue their activities.
PolicyCommunityCultivando relações no Arranjo Local da Penha: A mobilização de mulheres a partir das práticas de agricultura urbana na favela
2021Mariana Portilho, Camila Rodrigues, Annelise Caetano Fraga Fernandez · Cidades, comunidades e território/Cidades comunidades e territórios · Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
This study describes the formation of Arranjo Local da Penha, a community network created in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro's Penha favela complex, focused on urban agriculture and led by women. Through fieldwork and participant observation, the study analyzed themes of women and agroecology, health, and healthy eating. The network promoted women's empowerment and access to healthy food, but faced limits in the mobilization and development of urban agriculture.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareUrban–rural linkageBeyond feeding the city : The multifunctionality of urban farming in Vancouver, BC : [infographic]
2021Noelle Morrow, Megan Kadzirange, V. Smith, Nirusha Thayaal, Ngaire Barraclough · Open Collections · Canada (Vancouver)
This infographic is based on the article "Beyond feeding the city: The multifunctionality of urban farming in Vancouver, BC" by Valley, W., & Wittman, H. (2019). It is an undergraduate student work resulting from a collaboration between the Making Research Accessible initiative (MRAi), researchers, and ASTU 100 students at UBC. The lead author of the original article reviewed the student work, and their revisions were incorporated.
CommunityBiodiversityHealthEconomicsFirst report of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus infecting tomato in Florida, USA
2021K. K. Dey, Maria Velez-Climent, P. Soria, Özgur Batuman, Vessela Mavrodieva, Guo Wei, Jun Zhou, Scott Adkins, John D. McVay · New Disease Reports · United States (Florida)
In October 2019, Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) was detected in six of eight symptomatic tomato plants from a 1.6 ha community garden in Alachua County, Florida. The plants also showed symptoms of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), with three samples testing positive for TYLCV. This marks the first report of ToBRFV infecting tomatoes in Florida, USA.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthA AGRICULTURA URBANA EM ANANÁS/TO: SUBSÍDIOS PARA A SEGURANÇA ALIMENTAR E GERAÇÃO DE RENDA
2021Maria Marciene Costa Da Silva, Maurício Ferreira Mendes, Luciano da Silva Guedes · Geografia em Questão · Brazil
This exploratory research diagnosed horticulture practices in the urban perimeter of Ananás/TO, Brazil, from April to June 2019, using semi-structured interviews and secondary data. It found that urban horticulture in Ananás provides a healthy food alternative for producers and consumers, distributes income, and contributes to social, food, and health development.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthPolicyAprender e apoiar a agricultura urbana: estudo de caso do coletivo re-ação agroecológica em Brasília
2021Alexandra Cavalcante Salomão Silva, Sávio Tadeu Guimarães · Programa de Iniciação Científica - PIC/UniCEUB - Relatórios de Pesquisa · Brazil (Brasília)
This study investigated the activities of the urban agriculture project "Coletivo Re-Ação Agroecológica" in idle public spaces in Brasília, using a case study and action research. The research aimed to identify factors that encourage and hinder urban agriculture projects, emphasizing it as a component of sustainable urbanism. Results indicate that urban agriculture should be encouraged by the state through practical and less bureaucratic public policies, and interpretive trails in urban farms support the dissemination of educational information, bringing people closer to nature.
CommunityFood educationPolicyBiodiversityEngaging School and Family in Navajo Gardening for Health: Development of the Yéego Intervention to Promote Healthy Eating among Navajo Children
2021India J. Ornelas, Kassia Rudd, Sonia Bishop, Desiree Deschenie, Emily Brown, Kevin Lombard, Shirley A.A. Beresford · Health Behavior and Policy Review · United States
This study developed and pilot-tested the Yéego school garden intervention for Navajo elementary school children to address childhood obesity. Formative research with students, caregivers, and school staff informed the intervention, which included a school garden and a yearlong curriculum on gardening and healthy eating. The research highlighted the importance of incorporating Diné culture, traditional growing practices, and traditional food preparation, as well as aligning the curriculum with state and Diné educational standards.
Food educationHealthCommunity“DO ALIMENTO, COMO QUE PLANTA, O QUE FAZ”: ETNOGRAFIA DE UMA COMUNIDADE DE AGRICULTURA EM SÃO CARLOS/ SP
2021Tainá Souza Santos · · Brazil (São Carlos)
This paper investigates knowledge practices within the Community Supporting Agriculture of São Carlos, Brazil, through the words of farmer Dina. The research, conducted from August 2019 to October 2020, relates ethnographic material to contemporary anthropological discussions on ecology and knowledge. It also compares Dina's agroecological production techniques with the production of ethnographic writing.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityOrganic cycleHORTAS ESCOLARES: PARÂMETROS PEDAGÓGICOS PARA RECURSOS MATERIAIS E ESTRUTURA FÍSICA
2021ELIZABETE CRISTINA RIBEIRO SILVA JARDIM · Editora Realize eBooks · Brazil
This research analyzed Brazilian school garden experiences across three document sets, identifying procedures and resources incongruent with stated counter-hegemonic objectives. The study found structural inadequacies for the school space and omissions regarding the protection and safety of farmers and students during activities. It recommends adjustments to location, spatial organization, and material resources for school gardens to ensure the health of food producers.
Governance failureFood educationCommunityHealthPolicyAgricultura na aglomeração urbana de Presidente Prudente - SP
2021Claudinei da Silva Pereira · GEOUSP Espaço e Tempo (Online) · Brazil (Presidente Prudente)
This paper analyzed agricultural production in Presidente Prudente, Brazil, from two essential dimensions: urban morphology and socioeconomic conditions. A typology for urban agriculture analysis was constructed by mapping the incidence of agriculture and applying questionnaires to commercial producers. The study demonstrated the different functions that agricultural practice performs for individuals and cities.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justicePolicyGardening for Food Well-Being in the COVID-19 Era
2021Esteve Gaelle Giraud, Sara El-Sayed, Adenike Opejin · Sustainability · United States (Arizona)
This paper examines the potential of sustainable gardening to enhance Food Well-Being (FWB). It uses three studies of sustainable food gardeners in Arizona, USA, including children and teachers in school gardens, sustainable gardeners and farmers, and gardeners during the pandemic. Results indicate a connection between sustainable gardening and eudemonic well-being, impacting five FWB dimensions (physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social). However, the paper notes that without appropriate policies, funding, and infrastructure, the impact might remain minimal, volatile, and subject to tokenism.
HealthWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityFacilitating Multifunctional Green Infrastructure Planning in Washington, DC through a Tableau Interface
2021John Taylor, Mamatha Hanumappa, Lara Miller, Brendan Shane, Matthew L. Richardson · Sustainability · United States (Washington, DC)
A public-access geographic information system (GIS) and Tableau dashboards were developed for comprehensive multifunctional urban green infrastructure (UGI) planning in Washington, DC. The dashboards enable stakeholders to identify existing UGI (150 ha) and potential areas for new UGI, including urban agriculture (UA). A total of 2734 ha is potentially suitable for UGI development, with 2575 ha potentially suitable for UA. Of this UA potential, 56% is located in Wards 5, 7, and 8, which are largely food deserts with primarily Black residents experiencing the greatest inequities. The tool allows users to prioritize equitable UGI development using population vulnerability indices.
PolicyCommunityClimate changeHealthCultivating a Jewish Eco- Education Framework: The Toronto Heschel School’s Teaching and Learning Garden
2021Nadine Ijaz, Paige Mawson · Canadian Jewish Studies / Études juives canadiennes · Canada (Toronto)
This study highlights the Toronto Heschel School's Teaching and Learning Garden, a Canadian Jewish day school program that fosters student learning on ecology and Jewish identity. Qualitative interviews with two educators and five alumni revealed that the Heschel program, like secular school gardens, implements experiential, interdisciplinary learning activities within a scientific ecological knowledge (SEK) framework. However, the Heschel program supplements these SEK activities with traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) rooted in Judaic teachings, resulting in educational outcomes relevant to both universal applicability and Jewish identities.
Food educationCommunityAgricultura urbana e periurbana no Município do Rio de Janeiro – estudo de caso sobre as legislações pertinentes / Urban and periurban agriculture in the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro - case study on the relevant legislationd
2021Luísa Lima Leal, A. P. D. Turetta, C. L. Capeche, Luiz Felipe Guanaes · Brazilian Journal of Development · Brazil
This study conducted a descriptive analysis of the legal framework for urban and peri-urban agriculture (AUP) in the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at municipal, state, and federal levels. It found that while agricultural regulation in Brazil is primarily rural-focused, AUP can be integrated into development plans, sustainable strategies, and food security initiatives, despite lacking specific dedicated legislation.
PolicyPeri-urban agriculturePublic food forest opportunities and challenges in small municipalities
2021Sarah E. Coffey, John F. Munsell, Rico Hübner, Curtis R. Friedel · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · United States (Virginia)
A survey of 68 mayors (39% response rate) in Virginia, US, from communities under 25,000 population, investigated public food forest initiatives. Mayors identified long-term maintenance as the greatest barrier and noted that 78% of municipalities lack land use codes for food-producing trees and shrubs. While nearly 70% reported some public land food production, only one-fifth included food-producing trees. Mayors emphasized sociocultural programs and education over food access as the most compelling aspect.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood educationClimate changeASPECTOS DAS PRÁTICAS DE AGRICULTURA URBANA EM CATALÃO-GO
2021Cláudio José Bertazzo, Guilherme Papini da Silva, Gabriela Ferreira de Souza · Para Onde!? · Brazil (Catalão)
A theoretical and practical study, including field visits and surveys, was conducted to understand urban agriculture (AU) practices in Catalão, Goiás, Brazil. The study aimed to identify AU's particularities and quantify what, how, and for what purpose produce was grown. Findings indicated that AU is a reality, widespread in the territory, and has the potential to provide access to safe and nutritious food for citizens with yards or small cultivation spaces.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsMotor City Green: A Century of Landscapes and Environmentalism in Detroit by Joseph Stanhope Cialdella
2021T. G. McCarthy · Michigan Historical Review · United States
Joseph Stanhope Cialdella's book, "Motor City Green," describes how Detroit residents maintained various relationships with nature, including growing plants and food in their backyards and vacant lots, throughout the city's 130-year history. The book presents a series of episodes, from 1890s vacant lot programs to the Detroit Urban League's 1920s efforts to encourage gardening among African American residents and 1930s summer camps, which defined ideas about urbanism, nature, and relationships among residents.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsHeirloom & landraceNature-based cooling potential: a multi-type green infrastructure evaluation in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2021Vidya Anderson, William A. Gough · International Journal of Biometeorology · Canada (Toronto)
A controlled field study in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, evaluated the impact of multiple types of green infrastructure on near-surface air temperature regulation. Over two summers, a field campaign measured the impact of green roofs, green walls, urban vegetation and forestry systems, and urban agriculture systems on near-surface air temperature. This study demonstrated that multiple types of green infrastructure applications are beneficial in regulating near-surface air temperature and are not limited to specific treatments.
Climate changeBiodiversityAn Education of the Senses at the University of California, Berkeley
2021Cari Borja · Gastronomica The Journal of Food and Culture · United States (California)
To commemorate 50 years since the founding of Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley, California, in 1971, Alice Waters and University of California President Michael V. Drake planned an event for August 28, 2021, to gather educators, farmers, and others to address climate change. The event was postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 Delta variant cases, but a message was sent supporting the values of public education through the economic stimulus of local organic food procurement. Waters' vision explored possibilities in our relationship to food and community, connection to land, and the broader cultural picture.
Food educationCommunityHealthClimate changeCitizen Science in Vegetable Garden Cultivar Evaluation in Tennessee
2021Virginia R. Sykes, Natalie R. Bumgarner, Stefanie Brooke Keadle, A. Naseema and K.I. Wilson, Francisco Javier Perales Palacios · Horticulturae · United States (Tennessee)
The University of Tennessee Extension and research faculty developed the Home Garden Variety Trial (HGVT) program, a citizen science approach for cultivar evaluation. This collaborative effort involved over 450 individual gardeners in more than half of Tennessee's counties, conducting trials in their own gardens from 2017 over five years. The HGVT program serves as an effective tool to introduce gardeners to new crops and cultivars while providing previously unavailable data to researchers, supporting residential and community food production.
CommunityFood educationHealthDIYPractices and Barriers to Sustainable Urban Agriculture: A Case Study of Louisville, Kentucky
2021Leigh Whittinghill, Sait Sarr · Urban Science · United States (Louisville, Kentucky)
A survey of 40 urban farmers and gardeners in Louisville, Kentucky, assessed their agricultural practices and barriers. Most growers engaged in urban agriculture for non-commercial reasons, with only 11% operating for profit, and smaller farms were less likely to be profitable or certified. Common sustainable practices included composting (60%) and crop rotation (54%), while challenges involved limited space, farm certification access, pests, and lack of record-keeping.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceLet's Hear It For Ladybugs!: Observing Ladybugs Offers Opportunities To Integrate Language Arts Into A Life Cycle Unit
2021Rachel Wilson · Science and Children · United States
As part of a school garden project, second graders in the United States participated in integrated lessons exploring ladybug life cycles, culminating in the release of beneficial insects in our school garden. The unit aimed to connect life cycle concepts to a new organism, using a 5E format and integrating language arts activities. This approach met both science content objectives and English Language Arts standards.
Food educationBiodiversityPollinatorsAbiotic and biotic drivers of strawberry productivity across a rural-urban gradient
2021Kyla D. Scherr, Mary A. Jamieson · Basic and Applied Ecology · United States (Michigan)
This three-year study investigated environmental factors influencing strawberry productivity for two cultivars at ten farms across a rural-urban gradient in Michigan, USA. It found no direct effect of urbanization on strawberry production or fruit pathogen and pest damage, but temperature significantly influenced crop productivity, with cooler rural and warmer urban temperatures limiting fruit number. While no relationship was found between urbanization and overall arthropod pest, predator, or pollinator abundances, Vespidae abundance was positively associated with urbanization, and Araneae abundance was negatively associated.
Limited or null effectUrban–rural linkageBiodiversityClimate change