Research & reports

Abraham Woru Borku, Abera Uncha Utallo, Thomas Toma Tora · Discover Food · Ethiopia

A mixed-methods study in selected towns in Southern Ethiopia surveyed 310 households to identify determinants of urban household vulnerability to food insecurity. The results indicated that 41.3% of households were highly vulnerable, 48.3% moderately vulnerable, and 10.6% not vulnerable. Significant determinants included household ownership of houses, health status, urban agriculture, socio-cultural practices, asset ownership, age, and average monthly income.

Michael Rudolph, Evans Muchesa · Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir landbouvoorligting/South African journal of agricultural extension · South Africa (Johannesburg)

This article explores the potential of agroecology to address health disparities in urban communities in South Africa, where approximately 34% of Johannesburg households face food insecurity. A transdisciplinary literature review, using secondary data from the University of Johannesburg and Siyakhana Growth and Development, posits that an agroecological approach can effectively address food and nutrition insecurity. The study emphasizes the importance of localized food production, personalized training, and a supportive policy framework for urban farming and agroecology.

CHIBUISI FRANCS OGBUKA, NGOZI O IZUCHUKWU, OGWO ELISHA UKO, OGECHI JULIANA OGBODO, OBI VICTORY IJEOMA · World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews · Global

This paper argues for a re-evaluation of current trends in assessing global health and environmental sustainability through the prevalence of diseases and natural resource availability. It suggests that achieving present needs without compromising future generations requires evolutionary and swift transformation in health for all programs, eco-friendly production and consumption, and urban farming. Global health and environmental sustainability should be summarized as the study and application of attaining welfare equity for all people in a sustainable environment.

Mamush Masha, Elias Bojago, Innocent Ngare · Discover Sustainability · Ethiopia

This study investigated the factors influencing the adoption of urban agriculture (UA) as climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and its impact on food security in Wolaita Sodo City, South Ethiopia. Data from 384 randomly selected urban households showed that 53.53% adopted UA, with significant differences between adopters and non-adopters in employment, UA attitudes, and household size. A logistic regression model identified family size, home ownership, household head's occupation, UA perceptions, market demand, and access to training as determinants of adoption. Propensity score matching confirmed that UA adoption significantly improved food security by 0.685-fold.

Ángeles Donoso Macaya, Kendra Sullivan · · United States (New York City)

This chapter explores the experiences of co-authors in the "Archives in Common (AiC)" project, which aimed to strengthen public humanities infrastructure within and beyond CUNY’s Graduate Center. Conducted across three locations in New York City, the project highlighted institutional norms that fail to adequately support community-led research practices or acknowledge and reward diverse expertise.

P. K. R. Deka, Nibir Pratim Choudhury · Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension Economics & Sociology · India

This article analyzes the challenges and opportunities in urban and peri-urban horticulture in India. It identifies issues such as urbanization encroaching on agricultural land, resource competition, land-use disputes, food security, and environmental sustainability. The paper also explores conventional growing methods like home gardening and community gardens, as well as novel alternatives such as soilless cultures and indoor farming systems.

Olivia M. Erskine, Alexa J. Lamm, Kevan W. Lamm, Catherine E. Sanders · Journal of Applied Communications · United States

A study in the United States analyzed U.S. adults' motivations for engaging in community gardens and the perceived importance of climate-smart adaptations. Respondents primarily engaged in community gardens for health and social reasons and assigned some level of importance to climate-smart adaptations. Future research should explore the impact of rurality, food accessibility, and socioeconomic status on reasons for engagement and the associated importance of climate-smart adaptations.

Riya Mittal, Juhi Sharma · International Journal of Research in Agronomy · Global

This review states that urban horticulture is essential for addressing food security, urban growth, and environmental issues. It examined techniques such as vertical gardening, rooftop gardens, protected cultivation, and Dutch grow buckets, showing they optimize space, reduce resource use, and enhance crop yields. These methods conserve water, increase biodiversity, and enable year-round production.

Anggi Indah Yuliana, Achmad Agus Athok Miftachuddin, Rohmat Hidayat, Rindhi Dwi Fibrianti, Erfan Nur Huda, Ziyyana Fitra, Yoga Firmansya · Jumat Informatika Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia

An urban farming support program in the Murukan village community in Indonesia used the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) method to design, manufacture, and implement an automatic watering tool. The program resulted in a 50% improvement in participants' basic knowledge, a 60% improvement in practical abilities, and a 70% improvement in technical skills. Additionally, participant confidence improved by 40%, productivity by 55%, and tool usage efficiency by 65%.

Adekunle Stephen Toromade, Deborah Aanuoluwa Soyombo, Eseoghene Kupa, Tochukwu Ignatius Ijomah · International Journal of Advanced Economics · United States

This comparative review examines urban farming dynamics and its impact on food supply in the United States and African cities. It explores challenges and opportunities, considering factors such as infrastructure, socio-economic conditions, and agricultural practices in both regions. The review highlights policies and technological advancements in the USA, while discussing rapid urbanization and limited resources as challenges in African contexts.

Amélie André · · United Kingdom

This case study of Letchworth Garden City examined the interplay between the town's layout, social practices, and governance supporting a local sustainable food economy. Food mapping and an ethnographical approach showed how Letchworth's masterplan provides a backbone for alternative food infrastructure, though the edible landscape is not always visible or effective for residents. Discussions with experts also pointed to a gap in coordination among key local stakeholders, which would be beneficial for improving the local urban food strategy.

Fuzi Maulana Ash’ari, Gt. Khairun Ni’mah, Yarna Hasiani, Ilhamiyah · Jurnal Abdimas Mahakam · Indonesia (Banjarmasin)

This community service activity was conducted for 11th-grade high school students at SMAS PGRI 1 in Banjarmasin City, Indonesia. The activity consisted of delivering material, discussions, introducing tools and materials for the hydroponic wick system, and practical demonstrations. The activity aimed to increase the knowledge of young people in Banjarmasin City regarding urban farming, especially cultivation using the hydroponic wick system.

Ivica Petríková, Melvine Anyango Otieno, Gertrude Were, Mahmoud Eltholth, Ana Rodriguez‐Mateos, Seeromanie Harding, Victoria Hall Morán, Odipo Osano, Jennifer Cole · Food Security · Kenya

This study investigated the links between peri-urban households' engagement in agriculture, their dietary behavior, and their children's nutrition outcomes around Eldoret, Kenya. Survey data collected from 518 households indicated that peri-urban households involved in agriculture, particularly crop growing and sales, had more diverse and nutritious diets than non-engaged households. However, a significant improvement in children’s health outcomes in these households was observed only when coupled with improved water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions.

J. Perry, Bridget Horsey, J. Raneri, Danny Hunter, Scott O'Connor, M. Hyland-Wood, Elodie Casey, Sarah Burkhart · Proceedings of The Nutrition Society · Oceania

A scoping study was conducted in Pacific Island countries to understand school food activities and their links to local agriculture, covering 22 countries through a literature review (2007-2022) and interviews with 30 key stakeholders from 15 countries. Diverse activities were identified, including school feeding programs (16) and school garden programs (12), with varying links to local agriculture. Challenges in linking local agriculture to school food provision were reported for 17 activities, with common issues including limited funding, inflation, Covid-19, and inadequate produce supply for program scale.

Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (Ecuador), Fredi Portilla Farfán, María José Quizhpi Pintado, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (Ecuador), Tania Alexandra Sarango Guamán, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (Ecuador) · · Global

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an economic crisis, endangering global food and nutritional security, particularly in the authors' country due to isolation-induced deterioration of essential goods and services. This crisis incentivized people to promote urban agriculture activities, adapting home spaces for growing fruits and vegetables as a form of self-sufficiency during the pandemic.

Dini Ayu Triwahyuni, Agief Julio Pratama, Tri Budiarto · AGRIEKSTENSIA · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This research aimed to describe the internal and external factors influencing the development of urban farming communities in Kutisari Village, Surabaya City. A mixed-methods research approach collected data through observation, interviews, documentation, questionnaires, and literature studies. Research results indicated that internal factors included a middle education level, with most community members being male private employees aged 40-49. External factors regarding access to information and accountability were in a high category, while community participation was in a medium category.

Jairus Rossi, Tim Woods · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · United States

This study examined the perceived links between Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and local food systems (LFSs) among consumers in 13 communities in the Southeastern United States, using survey responses. It found that residents were more aware of CSA if they knew about other direct markets or were exposed to local food campaigns. Consumers also evaluated CSA performance more positively if they had similar evaluations of direct markets and experience with on-farm activities, with these patterns varying by location.

Ann-Kristin Steines, Michele D’Ostuni, Anna Wissman, Kathrin Specht, Chiara Iodice, Runrid Fox-Kämper, Francesco Monticone, Isabella Righini, Véronique Saint-Gès, Antonella Samoggia, Francesco Orsini · Cities · Europe

This research addressed international and national policies, as well as related constraints and challenges affecting City Region Food System (CRFS) development in six European countries. Data was collected through desktop research, stakeholder interviews, and a workshop. The study found that planning laws restrict possibilities for food production in cities, and legal frameworks prevent the marketing and sale of food produced by non-commercial actors or informal farmers. It also identified a need to expand vocational training in the agricultural sector.

Gustavo Alves de Melo, Luiz Gonzaga de Castro Júnior, Eduardo Gomes Carvalho, Maria Gabriela Mendonça Peixoto, Samuel Borges Barbosa, Patrícia Guarnieri dos Santos, André Luiz Marques Serrano, Lucas Oliveira Gomes Ferreira, José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade Guerra · Magazine Portal Bibliotech Digital (Universidad Nacional de Colombia) · Brazil

This descriptive, quantitative study investigated the relationship between various Communities Supported Agriculture (CSA) variables in Southeastern Brazil using Structural Equation Modeling. The study confirmed that socioeconomic characteristics positively influence CSAs’ performance. However, limitations were identified regarding the data collection method and difficulties imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Charleen Kepner · Anthós · Global

This essay analyzes case studies and academic research to explore urban agriculture and community gardens as sources of education and food production. It examines previous research showing that small-scale efforts can make lasting impacts in communities and contributes to discussions on alternatives to current farming practices. The essay suggests that policymakers and urban planners should support and expand community gardens as a feasible food production strategy.

Shunxiang Fan, Min Yan, Linfei Yu, Bowei Chen, Li Zhang · Ecological Indicators · China (Beijing)

A framework integrating ecosystem service supply-demand and landscape ecological risk assessment was developed for urban planning in Beijing, China's plain area. This study quantified the supply and demand of five ecosystem services (biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, water conservation, food production, and landscape recreation) and identified landscape ecological risks. Findings revealed an imbalance in total ecosystem service supply-demand and a high level of landscape ecological risk in Beijing's plain area, with protection priority areas accounting for 10.39% and restoration priority areas for 19.94% of the total area. Land use, distance to settlements, and vegetation cover were identified as primary influencing factors.

Nur Muttaqien Zuhri, Ali Khamdi, Nun Maulida Suci Ayomi · ZIRAA AH MAJALAH ILMIAH PERTANIAN · Indonesia (Semarang)

This study assessed the technical efficiency of wet-rice farming in Semarang City, Indonesia, using cross-sectional data from 68 respondents. It found that land area, seeds, NPK, urea, and pesticides are key determinants of rice production, and paddy rice cultivation in the city is technically efficient at 0.73. Formal education and off-farm income sources influenced technical inefficiency.

Mary Mattingly · arte :lugar :cidade. · United States (New York City)

"Swale" was a 5,000 square-foot floating edible landscape built on a barge that traveled to public piers in New York City, allowing visitors to harvest perennial fruits and vegetables free of charge. It circumvented public land regulations, where picking plants was illegal, by utilizing the "common law" of the water. The project questioned urban land use, food systems, and the possibility of establishing a commons, directly leading to the New York City Parks Department opening its first land-based "foodway" in the Bronx in 2017.

Arild Eriksen, Deni Ruggeri, Esben Slaatrem Titland · ˜The œGeojournal library · Norway (Oslo)

This essay discusses the motivations for co-creating urban agriculture in public spaces from the perspective of an architect and urban farmer/beekeeper practicing bottom-up, participatory design in Oslo. It critiques the current aesthetics of impermanence and temporality in urban agriculture and questions the idea that the joy and freedom it brings should be enhanced by future development and policy. The essay presents a rich collection of stories about regeneration, change, and collective action and cultivation, rather than a replicable model.

Svetlana Pyankova, Inna Mitrofanova, Olga Ergunova, Victoria Batmanova · Regionalnaya ekonomika Yug Rossii · Russia (Saint Petersburg)

This study analyzed urban agriculture as a sustainable solution for food security in megalopolises, exemplified by Saint Petersburg. It investigated key parameters affecting urban agriculture's efficiency, such as land area used, agricultural production, fresh food availability, and the introduction of modern technologies. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, including statistical data collection, modeling, comparative analysis, expert assessments, and forecasting, the study showed that urban agriculture in St. Petersburg has significant potential for increasing food security, reducing the carbon footprint, and improving municipal ecology.