Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
11393 results(270 / 456)
Urban Agriculture in Chicago: Support for and Challenges to Programs Aimed at Addressing Community Development and Inequitable Access to Nutrition
2018Jendayi Jones · Knowledge@UChicago (University of Chicago) · United States (Chicago)
This project uses interviews and literature research to examine the state of urban agriculture in Chicago and its potential to address nutritional inequity, unemployment, and community building. By analyzing two policy initiatives, two land management organizations, and three interviews, the study aims to identify effective aspects and areas needing improvement in Chicago's urban agriculture setup.
Equity & displacementCommunityHealthPolicyEconomicsVegetables and Social Relations in Norway and the Netherlands
2018E.J. Veen, Sebastian Eiter · Nature and Culture · Norway
Results from questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews in two Norwegian and one Dutch garden show that growing vegetables and consuming the harvest is a fundamental part of gardening. The social element of meeting other gardeners and feeling part of a community is also true. While gardeners with different socioeconomic backgrounds experience gardening similarly, access to an allotment appears more important for gardeners with disadvantaged personal backgrounds.
CommunityWelfareHealthPolicyInfluence of Social Inequality on Urban Agriculture
2018Kwaku Obosu-Mensah · · Ghana (Accra)
This study examines the influence of social inequality on urban agriculture in Accra, Ghana, focusing on land ownership and cultivation practices. It found that urban residents born or raised in other regions of Ghana are more likely to be middle/upper class, own urban land, and engage in enclosed cultivation. A disadvantage of enclosed cultivation is associated with water supply.
Equity & displacementCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceDevelopment of the food processing utilizing local vegetable-Commercializing dressing using the carrot of Niiza-
2018マリコ ソヤ, ミチコ コバヤシ, Mariko Soya, Michiko KOBAYASHI · Institutional Repositories DataBase (IRDB) · Japan (Niiza)
In Niiza City, the development of processed local vegetables is not advanced. This research matched the needs of Niiza City with the seeds of a university, leading to the industry-government-academia collaboration for the development of a "carrot dressing" using Niiza City's certified autumn-winter carrots. Students from the Department of Food and Nutrition were involved from cultivation to prototyping and design, resulting in manufacturing in March 2017 and sales in April through collaboration with local companies.
Food educationEconomicsUrban–rural linkageDesigning a Community Garden
2018Davide Fassi, Alessandro Sachero, Giulia Simeone · IDEA JOURNAL · Italy
This paper reviews Coltivando, a convivial garden at Politecnico di Milano, which serves as a design research project and a social and educational experiment. It brings together neighbors and design students to meet, cultivate, and share skills. The review analyzes the project's context, outputs, innovation, process, obstacles, impact, user needs, transferability, and dissemination.
CommunityFood educationDIYFortalecer los programas de orientación ambiental del Jardín Botánico de Bogotá en comunidades educativas de Bogotá
2018José Darío Barragán Romero, Johana Andrea Gutiérrez Rivera · · Colombia (Bogotá)
This document illustrates how urban agriculture is being applied in Bogotá, with the assistance of the Bogotá Botanical Garden (JBB), particularly in educational institutions. The objective is for young people to understand the benefits of urban agriculture through educational processes and replicate this information in their homes. The work consists of three parts: a photographic record of the gardens in educational institutions assisted by the JBB, the creation of a list of plant species suitable for cultivation in Bogotá, and a compilation of research related to the JBB on urban agriculture.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityAgriculturas urbanas: agroecologia para a cidade, na cidade e da cidade!
2018Daniela Adil Oliveira de Almeida, André Ruoppolo Biazoti · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil
This paper systematizes recent thoughts on agroecology and urban agriculture from important events in Brazil's agroecological field. It presents three approaches: "agroecology for the city," "agroecology in the city," and "agroecology of the city." These approaches connect the themes to different conceptions of the urban-rural relationship and suggest various research paths linked to transformative political action.
Food sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkagePolicyHuertas domésticas y políticas de agricultura urbana: ¿desde el autoconsumo hasta el mercado?
2018Daniel Velandia Díaz · Jangwa Pana · Colombia (Bogotá)
In Bogotá, Colombia, institutional policies were introduced in the early 21st century to strengthen social aspects such as urban agriculture, healthy eating, and community integration. These policies, driven by city administrations, were associated with social inclusion concerns. Government plans from 2004 to 2015 implemented interventions to form urban agriculture networks in several city localities, promoting recognition of prior community experiences and supporting new initiatives.
PolicyCommunityHealthEconomicsStakeholder Identified Community Garden Program Outcomes
2018Sue Webb, John Diaz · EDIS · United States
This 3-page publication discusses a statewide study conducted by the author to identify community garden program outcomes. The study was undertaken to address challenges in collecting meaningful data from community garden activities. The publication was issued by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication in January 2018.
CommunityFood educationFood System Transformation in Mozambique: An Assessment of Changing Diet Quality in the context of a Rising Middle Class
2018Jenny Smart, David Tschirley, Francis Smart, Smart, Jenny Cairns, Tschirley, David, Smart, Francis · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Mozambique
Food system transformation and changes in diet quality were assessed in Mozambique amidst rapid urbanization and income growth. Rising incomes and processed food consumption were found to be associated with a worsening of negative dietary factors. Furthermore, urbanization, controlling for income, was more strongly associated with a worsening of negative factors than an improvement in positive dietary factors. However, owning one's own farm had a positive and significant effect on nutrition for urban households, primarily driven by reduced purchases of unhealthy foods.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsUrban–rural linkageProposta pedagógica interdisciplinar realizada a partir da utilização da composteira numa horta escolar urbana<br>Propuesta pedagógica interdisciplinar realizada a partir de la utilización de la compostura en una horta escolar urbana<br>Interdisciplinary pedagogical proposal from the use of the composite in an urban school horta
2018Rodrigo Vanderlan do Nascimento, Ajibola Isau Badiru, Luiz Agberto Fragoso De Oliveira · REMEA - Revista Eletrônica do Mestrado em Educação Ambiental · Brazil (Maceió-Alagoas)
This study explored the pedagogical possibilities of using a composter for biofertilizer production as an interdisciplinary teaching resource in the school garden of Monte Sinai College in Maceió-Alagoas, Brazil. Employing a qualitative, exploratory research approach with observational data analysis, it identified educational benefits in environmental projects. The process utilized mango tree residues from the school as primary biomass generators for the composter.
Food educationCompostCommunityThe Use and Value of Green School Grounds in Developing Countries
2018Arlinda Sheqiri, Parna Rastgo · Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering - A · Europe
A study on the use and value of green school grounds in developing countries was conducted across five schools in Podujevo, Kosovo. The findings revealed that the potential of green school grounds in most studied cases has not been utilized. Opportunities provided by the municipality and environmental NGOs are insufficient, suggesting a need to rethink the design and use of green school grounds in developing countries.
Governance failureFood educationHealthCommunityPolicyA agricultura urbana e periurbana no município de Presidente Prudente -SP
2018Lucas Araújo Miranda, Rosângela Aparecida de Medeiros Hespanhol · Geografia em Atos (Online) · Brazil (Presidente Prudente)
This research investigates the characteristics and dimensions of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Presidente Prudente, Brazil, and how it can contribute to food and nutritional security through short commercialization circuits. The study involved a literature review, field research in local markets and supermarkets using structured scripts, and interviews with four urban and peri-urban farmers.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureWelfareMOVIMENTOS A FAVOR DA AGRICULTURA URBANA EM CURITIBA – PARANÁ E A CONSTITUIÇÃO DE PRÁTICAS DE ENSINO AMBIENTAIS/EDUCATIVAS
2018Ana Paula da Silva Rodrigues, Marcia Regina R. S. Zago, Nívea Gomes Nascimento de Oliveira, Lidia M. Lima, Eloy Fassi Casagrande, Maclóvia Corrêa da Silva, Alexandre Hüller · Educação Ambiental em Ação · Brazil (Curitiba)
This study identified the origins of urban gardens in Curitiba, Brazil, as a social movement for the appropriation of urban spaces and investigated their contribution to environmental education for urban sustainability through participation mechanisms and environmental education teaching practices.
CommunityFood educationPolicyClimate changeCivic-led public space: favourable conditions for the management of community gardens
2018Anne Könst, Rianne van Melik, Wouter-Jan Verheul · Town Planning Review · Netherlands
This article investigated the role of citizens as managers of five community gardens in the Netherlands, identifying conditions for civic-led initiatives to thrive in the management phase. In-depth interviews with volunteers revealed three key conditions for maintaining these gardens: fully connected cooperation with a ‘fun factor’, strong neighborhood involvement, and lively places of encounter. Overarching these conditions is the need for a flexible and resilient organizational structure to respond to changing circumstances.
CommunityPolicy„Pop-up“ Urban Allotment Gardens - How Temporary Urbanism Embraces the Garden Concept
2018Sara Uršić, Rašeljka Krnić, Anka Mišetić · Sociologija i prostor · Global
In the contemporary urban context, urban gardens are considered key tools for achieving sustainability and smartness. The functions of contemporary urban gardens, such as caring for the environment, rediscovering social interaction, and reconnecting with nature, are part of a new urban paradigm.
CommunityClimate changeThe Smallest Sprouts
2018Katrina Hoch · · Global
Involving children in decisions and preparations for activities, particularly in natural settings, increases their enthusiasm and understanding of the food system. A 2015 systematic review of 13 studies found that participation in school garden programs led to an increased preference for vegetables. School gardens provide individual, interpersonal, and social benefits, engaging children in broader themes such as protecting biodiversity.
Food educationHealthBiodiversityCase Study of the Roles and Characteristics of Community Gardens in Four North American Cities
2018Myung-Jin Shin, Jung‐Min Choi · Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture · North America
A preliminary field survey of 166 community gardens in Seattle, New York, Philadelphia, and Vancouver examined their spatial organization and social functions. The study found that community gardens in these North American cities perform diverse functions based on location, type, and societal needs. Specifically, 'uptown' gardens in Seattle and Vancouver focused on community participation, while 'downtown' gardens in New York and Philadelphia emphasized urban beautification.
CommunityPolicy‘It keeps me sane’
2018Harriet Gross · · United Kingdom
This chapter reviews evidence for the positive impact of gardening on the health and psychological well-being of individuals and groups, including therapeutic gardening programs. Gardeners report high levels of life satisfaction, good physical activity, and good psychological and physical health. The chapter also considers whether outdoor activity has a similar or better effect on health and well-being than activity done elsewhere.
HealthCommunityHorizontal flows of nitrogen, potassium, and carbon in urban vegetables gardens of Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
2018Désiré Jean‐Pascal Lompo, Emmanuel Compaoré, Michel Papaoba Sédogo, Martina Melapie, Charles Bielders, Eva Schlecht, Andreas Buerkert · Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems · Burkina Faso (Bobo Dioulasso)
This study investigated nutrient management in six urban vegetable gardens in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, quantifying nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and carbon (C) fluxes and balances. Inputs of N and K significantly exceeded recommended amounts, leading to substantial horizontal annual surpluses of 1013 kg N ha−1, 879 kg K ha−1, and 25 t C ha−1. While total balances for N and K were positive, the total balance for C was negative, indicating an environmental tradeoff due to excessive nutrient input.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleClimate changeUrban–rural linkageComparative study on the motivations that drive urban community gardens in Central Eastern Europe
2018Nikola M. Trendov · Annals of Agrarian Science · Europe
This paper aims to compare existing practices of urban gardening in the Central and Eastern European region and investigate their opportunities and limitations. Five capital cities (Budapest, Bratislava, Prague, Warsaw, and Zagreb) were chosen for this research with a benchmark method to analyze the aims, main motivations, and end-user beneficiaries of urban gardens.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsAprovechamiento de los residuos sólidos a través del compostaje en la Escuela Tecnológica ITC
2018Fabiola Mejía, Clara Liliana Montero, Lina Marcela Arango, Emily Johanna Bermúdez · Letras ConCiencia TecnoLógica · Colombia (Bogotá)
At the Escuela Tecnológica Instituto Técnico Central (ETITC) in Bogotá, Colombia, a process for utilizing organic waste through composting was implemented. Following an "Urban Agriculture" workshop, organic waste from the ETITC cafeteria was collected and identified. Different mixtures were created to produce compost, which was then used in seedbeds and for transplanting seedlings. This research aimed to demonstrate the potential of using organic waste for compost production.
CompostFood educationOrganic cycleGeneración de un ambiente controlado para semilleros de huertos urbanos con freertos y arduino
2018Joseph González, Itza Morales, Alain Cuenca García, Vladimir Villarreal · Revista de Iniciación Científica · Global
An electronic system was developed to create a controlled environment for urban garden seedbeds within a small greenhouse. This system uses humidity and temperature sensors connected to an Arduino UNO microcontroller, managed by the FreeRTOS real-time operating system. It generates the necessary environmental conditions, including irrigation, heating, and ventilation, to ensure proper seed germination and seedling growth, thereby preventing losses and production delays.
DIYDigital agriculture‘The garden has improved my life’
2018Joyce-Ann Syhre, Meike Brückner · · Kenya (Nairobi)
This chapter illustrates agricultural alternatives in Nairobi, Kenya, emerging through practiced urban agriculture. These alternatives enable socio-ecological spaces of food sovereignty, biodiversity, and agency. The chapter discusses the socio-cultural values of farming and food, the role of gender in Nairobi's urban agricultural landscape, and the diverse perceptions of human-nature relations among female farmers.
Food sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityCommunityUrban–rural linkageJames Greenlees’ school garden and the suburban dream in colonial Australia
2018Kay Whitehead · Studies in the History of Gardens & Designed Landscapes · Australia (Adelaide)
The public school at Plympton, although one of the smallest in the suburbs of Adelaide, has a reputation of its own. The headmaster, Mr. J. Greenlees, is an enthusiast in manual training.
Food educationCommunity