Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
886 results(27 / 36)
A faecal exposure assessment of farm workers in Accra, Ghana: a cross sectional study
2016Prince Antwi-Agyei, Adam Biran, Anne Peasey, Jane Bruce, Jeroen H. J. Ensink · BMC Public Health · Ghana (Accra)
This cross-sectional study in Accra, Ghana, assessed faecal exposure among 80 farm workers during dry and wet seasons, analyzing water and soil samples for E. coli. The results showed that while irrigation water was highly contaminated (5.6 Log E. coli/100 ml), exposure to farm soil (2.3 Log E. coli/g) was the key risk pathway due to soil-to-mouth events, with 53% of farmers experiencing such events daily. The estimated norovirus infection risk to farmers was found to be higher than guidelines set by the WHO, indicating that exposure to soil is a critical pathway of pathogen risk in wastewater farmers, exceeding recommended health targets.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkagePolicyUsing Community-Based Participatory Research to Explore Backyard Gardening Practices and Soil Lead Concentrations in Urban Neighborhoods
2016Sheri L. Johnson, Dalila Cardona, J. H. C. Davis, Benjamin Gramling, Chelsea Hamilton, Ray G. Hoffmann, Sabrina J. Ruis, Douglas J. Soldat, Steve Ventura, Yan Ke · Progress in community health partnerships · Global
This study used community-based participatory research to explore backyard gardening practices and soil lead concentrations in urban neighborhoods. Interviews with 20 adult gardeners revealed perceived benefits but few initial concerns about lead exposure, despite children's active involvement. Soil lead concentrations from 17 residential properties ranged from 7 to 3,234 mg kg-1, significantly higher than commercial soils (6 to 13 mg kg-1), indicating a contamination risk.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityFood educationCaracterización de diferentes métodos de establecimiento y producción de agricultura urbana, bajo la sostenibilidad y seguridad alimentaria para la población vulnerable de Altos de Cazucá, municipio de Soacha: Informe de avance de investigación
2016Paredes Guzmán, Germán Ricardo · · Colombia (Bogotá)
This project aims to describe different methods of establishing and producing urban agriculture, focusing on sustainability and food security for the vulnerable population of Altos de Cazucá, Soacha municipality, Colombia. This population is affected by forced displacement due to armed conflict, resulting in increased poverty and malnutrition, with a chronic malnutrition rate of 30% in children compared to the national average of 8%. The project proposes to apply participatory action research methodologies and techniques to develop an urban production model that addresses these issues.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareCommunityHealthGarden-based nutrition education programs: a review of impact and evaluation methods
2016Hollis J. Laird · D-Scholarship@Pitt (University of Pittsburgh) · Global
This paper reviews the effects and evaluation methods of garden-based nutrition education programs, noting their positive impacts on children, including increased knowledge, preference, and consumption of fruits and vegetables, and increased self-efficacy. It identifies a lack of standardized evaluation methods for these programs as a limitation. The paper also describes the evaluation of the Enright Community Garden's nutrition education component for children.
Food educationHealthCommunityA systematic review of urban agriculture and food security impacts in low-income countries
2015Poulsen M. N., McNab P. R., Clayton M. L., Neff R. A. · Food Policy 55:131-146 · Global
Synthesizing 35 peer-reviewed studies from 1980-2013, this review finds urban agriculture in low-income countries can improve food availability and dietary diversity, especially benefiting women, though income gains are not always sufficient to ensure household food security.
WelfareHealthEconomicsUrban agriculture, civil interfaces and moving beyond difference: the experiences of plot holders in Dublin and Belfast
2015Corcoran M.P., Kettle P.C. · Local Environment · Ireland (Dublin)
This comparative study of plot holders in Dublin and Belfast shows that allotment gardens can act as 'spaces of potential' where shared gardening dissolves social differences and fosters intergenerational knowledge exchange. The authors argue that urban agriculture sites function as civic interfaces bridging community divides.
CommunityHealthFood educationThe effect of women's home gardens on vegetable production and consumption in Bangladesh
2015Schreinemachers P., Patalagsa M.A., Islam M.R., Uddin M.N., Ahmad S., Biswas S.C., Ahmed M.T., Yang R.Y., Hanson P., Begum S., Takagi C. · Food Security · Bangladesh
A study of 582 poor rural Bangladeshi women found home garden training increased per-capita vegetable production by 86% and significantly improved dietary diversity and nutrient supply including iron (+284%) and vitamin A (+189%).
HealthFood educationEconomicsHeavy metal accumulation in vegetables grown in urban gardens
2015· Agronomy for Sustainable Development · Global
Vegetables grown in urban gardens, especially near roads, accumulate heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, posing health risks through consumption and highlighting an environmental and safety downside of growing food in cities.
HealthFecal contamination in irrigation water and microbial quality of vegetable primary production in urban farms of Metro Manila, Philippines
2015Garcia B., Dimasupil M., Vital P., Widmer K., Rivera W. · Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B · Philippines (Metro Manila)
Many irrigation water, soil, and vegetable samples from urban farms in Metro Manila tested positive for E. coli, documenting fecal contamination and associated food-safety risks in urban agriculture.
HealthInvestigating the association between urban agriculture and food security, dietary diversity, and nutritional status: A systematic literature review
2015Warren E., Hawkesworth S., Knai C. · Food Policy · Global
A systematic review of studies quantifying urban agriculture's link to food security, dietary diversity, and nutrition finds the evidence base weak and inconsistent, showing that empirical support for its effectiveness in easing food-security challenges remains limited.
HealthWelfarePolicyGreen infrastructure as life support: urban nature and climate change
2015Sheryn D. Pitman, Christopher B. Daniels, Martin Edward Ely · Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia · Australia
A literature review conducted between 2012 and 2014 for the South Australian Green Infrastructure Project established the diverse benefits of Green Infrastructure. These benefits include temperature modification, improved human health, enhanced community liveability, effective water management, increased economic prosperity, biodiversity conservation, and extensive urban food production. The paper primarily focuses on Green Infrastructure's contribution to climate adaptation and protection.
Climate changeHealthBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceSustenance and sustainability: maximizing the impact of school gardens on health outcomes
2015Jaimie N. Davis, Mackenzie R Spaniol, Shawn Somerset · Public Health Nutrition · Global
A review of thirteen school garden programs for children (kindergarten to 8th grade) found methodological limitations: three studies lacked control groups, and none were randomized. While six of eleven programs showed increased vegetable intake and seven of eight showed increased preference for vegetables, four programs had no effect on intake. More research is needed to understand long-term dietary improvements.
Methodological critiqueFood educationHealthCultivating Community Collaboration and Community Health Through Community Gardens
2015Jacqueline Lanier, Julie Schumacher, Kerri Calvert · Journal of Community Practice · Global
This study used a mixed-method approach, including site visits and a web-based post-survey, to identify the perceived benefits of community gardens for organizations, volunteers, and served populations. It explored how a local coalition supports organizations in using community gardens to build social capital and foster community health and collaborations. The results indicate that community gardens are a strategy for creating sustainable positive change by building social capital and fostering community health through collaboration.
CommunityHealthThe Impact of an Environmental Educational Program of a School Garden on Pupils with Intellectual Disabilities—A Comparative Approach
2015Alexandros Stavrianos, Alexia Spanoudaki · Open Journal of Social Sciences · Greece
This research investigated the impact of a school garden environmental education program on 10 pupils diagnosed with mild to moderate intellectual disability in two Special Education Primary Schools in Greece. Using semi-structured interviews and descriptive statistical analysis to compare two groups of pupils, the study found that students who participated in the program were more familiar with environmental concepts and possessed skills directly linked to Environmental Education than their non-participating peers. Additionally, participating pupils perceived outdoor activities as part of the formal learning process, unlike their peers.
Food educationCommunityHealthNutrition Education Influences Vitamin A-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Child Caregivers Towards the Production of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato in Uganda
2015Josephine Nabugoomu · Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences · Uganda (Kampala)
This controlled cohort intervention study in Kampala, Uganda, assessed the effect of nutrition education on orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) production and vitamin A-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices of 457 child caregivers. Respondents who received nutrition education had better knowledge of vitamin A and OFSP as a source of vitamin A, and more positive attitudes towards health and child health practices (p<0.05). They also showed significantly higher consumption of vitamin A-rich foods.
Food educationHealthPeri-urban agricultureCommunityThe contribution of allotment gardening to health and wellbeing: A systematic review of the literature
2015Chris Genter, Anne Roberts, Janet Richardson, Mike Sheaff · British Journal of Occupational Therapy · Global
A systematic review of 10 selected papers investigated the contribution of allotment gardening to health and wellbeing. Thematic analysis of qualitative and quantitative findings revealed five themes: stress relief, healthier lifestyle, social opportunities, contact with nature, and self-development. The review suggests that allotment gardening impacts health and wellbeing, recommending it as occupational therapy and a health-promoting occupation.
HealthCommunityCommunity gardening and social cohesion: different designs, different motivations
2015E.J. Veen, B.B. Bock, W. van den Berg, A.J. Visser, J.S.C. Wiskerke · Local Environment · Global
This paper studied seven community gardens with varying organizational designs, objectives, and gardener motivations to investigate their influence on social cohesion. It found that in all cases, people interacted, got to know each other, and mutual help was widespread, concluding that community gardens contribute to social cohesion regardless of participants' primary motivations. Social aspects also provided added value for those primarily motivated by growing vegetables.
CommunityHealthRadiometric study of heavy metal levels in sediments from areas of fishing, therapeutic and environmental interest and in urban soils from different cities in Cuba
2015Díaz Rizo, Óscar, Olivares Rieumont, Susana, D'Alessandro Rodríguez, Katia, López Pino, Neivy, Arado López, Juana Orquídea, Gelen Rudnikas, Alina, Díaz Arado, Óscar, Lima Cazorla, Lázaro, García Céspedes, Damaris, González Hernández, Patricia, Arencibia Carballo, Gustavo, Padilla Cabal, Fátima, Echevarría Castillo, Frank, Hernández Merlo, M., Casanova Díaz, A., Corrales Martínez, Y., Reyes, H., Viguri Fuente, Javier Rufino, Ródenas Palomino, Carmen, Santana, J. L. · UCrea (University of Cantabria) · Cuba
This 2015 study in Cuba used X-ray Fluorescence and Low Background Gamma Spectrometry to analyze heavy metal and radioactive element concentrations in marine/river sediments and urban soils. It found heavy metal contamination in coastal sediments of Guacanayabo Gulf and possible selenium contamination in the Sagua River estuary. The study also reported heavy metal concentrations in urban soils of Havana, Moa, Las Tunas, and Cienfuegos, including contamination levels in urban agricultural farms.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban Market Gardening and Rodent-Borne Pathogenic Leptospira in Arid Zones: A Case Study in Niamey, Niger
2015Gauthier Dobigny, Madougou Garba, Caroline Tatard, Anne Loiseau, Maxime Galan, Ibrahima Kadaouré, Jean‐Pierre Rossi, Mathieu Picardeau, Eric Bertherat · PLoS neglected tropical diseases · Niger
An extensive survey of urban rodents in Niamey, Niger, investigated the presence and distribution of rodent-borne pathogenic Leptospira species. Leptospires were not detected in the core city, but L. kirschneri was found in Arvicanthis niloticus and Cricetomys gambianus, rodent species restricted to irrigated cultures within the city. This study indicates the importance of market gardening in the maintenance and circulation of leptospirosis within Sahelian cities.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureComparative Analysis of Heavy Metals from Groundwater Sources Situated in Keko and Kigogo Residential Areas, Dar es Salaam
2015Isabela Thomas Mkude · Journal of Water Resources and Ocean Science · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
This study assessed heavy metal concentrations in 12 groundwater samples from Keko and Kigogo areas in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, during dry and rainy seasons. While copper and zinc concentrations were low, lead concentrations were detected beyond WHO permissible levels (0.01-0.35mg/l). This high lead presence may be attributed to urban agriculture activities, onsite facilities, and industrial waste discharge around the Msimbazi river.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCoalition Building for Health: A Community Garden Pilot Project with Apartment Dwelling Refugees
2015Lynne Eggert, Jane Blood‐Siegfried, Mary T. Champagne, Maha Al-Jumaily, Donna J. Biederman · Journal of Community Health Nursing · Global
This study reports on a pilot project that formed a coalition, guided by the Community Coalition Action Theory, to implement a community garden for apartment-dwelling refugees. Outcomes included successful coalition formation, the establishment of a community garden, reported satisfaction from all gardeners with increased vegetable intake, access to culturally meaningful foods, and evidence of increased community engagement. The project demonstrated the opportunity for community health nurses to convene a coalition to positively impact refugee health.
CommunityHealthWelfareFood educationThe Death of Distance: Food Deserts Across the Global Divide
2015Meredith Gartin · Palgrave Macmillan US eBooks · Global
Over half of humanity resides in cities, and most cities cannot produce enough food to sustain their residents. Some cities are exploring urban agriculture to create more resilient food systems, aiming for food security despite external forces. However, some argue that the global food system is too interconnected with local systems, making no system entirely invulnerable. This chapter focuses on three case studies exploring interlocking food deserts to illustrate how global and local processes converge on health issues like obesity in urban settings.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthUrban–rural linkageClimate changeThe functions of Market gardening in the socio-economic context of Lubumbashi in DR Congo
2015Tshomba Kalumbu John, Nyembo Mugalu Leopold, Ntumba Ndaye François, Mushagalusa Balasha Arsène, Muyambo Musaya Emmanuel, Nkulu Mwine Fyama Jules · International journal of innovation and applied studies · DR Congo (Lubumbashi)
This study, conducted in the Kilobelobe vegetable growing area of Lubumbashi, DR Congo, from January to March 2014, surveyed 50 vegetable growers. It aimed to analyze the contribution of the vegetable sector to poverty reduction through its impact on growers' income. Results indicate that producers benefit from multiple socio-economic functions of gardening, contributing to unemployment reduction, income generation, healthcare, food security, and waste management.
EconomicsWelfareHealthPeri-urban agricultureAgriculture urbaine et enjeux de santé
2015Christine Aubry, Jeanne Pourias, Anne Cécile Daniel · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Global
Urban agriculture is gaining popularity, often for its contribution to urban greening, re-establishing connections between urban dwellers and agricultural and food production, and among urban dwellers themselves. However, urban agriculture also involves significant health issues, which advocate for urban planning that promotes its maintenance or establishment under healthy environmental conditions.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPolicyCommunityCollective Action Dynamics in Urban Neighborhoods: A Study of Urban Community Gardens
2015Nishesh Chalise · Open Scholarship Institutional Repository (Washington University in St. Louis) · Global
This study investigated the processes leading to sustained or eroding community engagement over time in urban community gardens within a low-income urban neighborhood. Key informant interviews were conducted with gardeners from various community gardens, and the data was used to understand the context of garden establishment and to revise a system dynamics model based on collective action theories. The model, which incorporated eight main structures including gardeners, land, activities, and social relationships, successfully produced both sustained and eroding community engagement.
CommunityPolicyHealth