Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
110 results(3 / 5)
Potensi dan Kendala Pengembangan Urban Farming di Sempadan Rel Kereta Api Kelurahan Bangetayu Wetan Kecamatan Genuk Kota Semarang
2022Ro'fatul Maulaa, Niken Kusumarini, Dian Triastari Armanda · BIOLOGICA SAMUDRA · Indonesia (Semarang)
The potential and constraints of urban farming development on the railroad border in Bangetayu Wetan Village, Genuk District, Semarang City, Indonesia, were investigated through observation, interviews, and documentation. The approximately 1 to 2-hectare area cultivated crops such as corn, cassava, and sugarcane, with yield predictions sufficient to meet food needs. However, the presence of pests, diseases, and weeds were identified as constraints, indicating challenges for urban farming development.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityHealthHoney Bee Diversity in Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture and Urban Forest- Outlook Study from Bengaluru-Silicon Valley of India: A Review
2022Prem José Vazhacharickal, K. S. Jagadish, G. Eswarappa · Agricultural Reviews · India (Bengaluru)
This outlook study reviewed honey bee diversity and the potential for integrating honey bees into urban agriculture and forests in Bengaluru, India. An urban forestry study in Bengaluru identified 374 plant species, with the highest diversity in parks (291 species). Most plant species provided good foraging sources for honey bees, including Apis indica, Apis dorsata, Apis florea, and Trigona iridipennis. The urban agro-ecosystem in Bengaluru was found to be suitable for beekeeping, particularly for stingless bees.
BiodiversityPollinatorsUrban–rural linkageDIYProspects for Rooftop Farming System Dynamics: An Action to Stimulate Water-Energy-Food Nexus Synergies toward Green Cities of Tomorrow
2021Cheng C., Aviso K.B., Tan R.R., Aviso K. · Sustainability (MDPI), 13(16):9042 · Asia
A study developing a system-dynamics model of a rooftop farm in Taipei City to analyze the socio-environmental benefits of rooftop agriculture (improved food access, community ties, energy savings, reduced flood risk). It frames rooftop farming as a practical solution for strengthening water-energy-food nexus synergies in greener cities.
Organic cycleCommunityPolicyBiodiversityEnvironmental and Social Dynamics of Urban Rooftop Agriculture (URTA) and Their Impacts on Microclimate Change
2021Begum M.S., Bala S.K., Islam A.K.M.S., Roy D. · Sustainability (MDPI), 13(16):9053 · Asia
Compares an experimental agricultural rooftop with bare roofs, measuring microclimate parameters including air, surface, and indoor temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide. It shows that rooftop agriculture can mitigate urban microclimate change and supply fresh vegetables while delivering environmental and socioeconomic benefits to city dwellers.
BiodiversityCommunityOrganic cycleEconomicsIn situ conservation of traditional vegetable diversity in Wa homegardens in southwestern Yunnan, China
2021Shao H., Hill R., Xue D., Yang J. · Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 17: Article 56 · China
Documents how Wa ethnic homegardens in Yunnan harbor traditional vegetable germplasm diversity through local culture, traditional knowledge, and seed conservation and sharing systems that maintain in situ agrobiodiversity.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversityCommunityUrbanization level and its effect on the structure and function of homegarden (pekarangan) vegetation in West Java, Indonesia
2021Ali M.S., Arifin H.S., Nurhayati N. · Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity · Indonesia (West Java)
This study finds that increasing urbanisation across West Java significantly reduces the area, species diversity, and ecological functions of traditional pekarangan homegardens, threatening both biodiversity and the cultural practice of subsistence home gardening. Sites across Bogor District, Bogor City, and Cianjur District were compared along an urban–rural gradient.
BiodiversityCommunityHeirloom & landraceEvaluation of ecosystem services from peri-urban organic farms: a case study of Beijing
2021黄甘霖 HUA Yeyu 华野毓 · Acta Ecologica Sinica · China (Beijing)
Ecosystem services from peri-urban organic farms in Beijing, China, were evaluated as of 2019. It was found that there were 271 organic farms in the suburbs of Beijing, covering a planting area of 10,900 hectares, accounting for 5.1% of the arable land in Beijing. Provision services were valued at 1.612 billion Yuan, regulation services (soil carbon sequestration) at 21.4 million Yuan, and cultural services (picking, farmers' markets, education activities) at 118.9 million Yuan. Organic farms also reduced energy use and emissions compared to conventional farms of the same area.
Peri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleBiodiversityClimate changeEconomicsFood educationCommunitySTUDI KERAGAMAN JENIS TANAMAN DI KEBUN PERCOBAAN FAKULTAS PERTANIAN UNIVERSITAS BOROBUDUR
2021Fetty Dwi Rahmayanti, Tungga Buana Diana · AGRO TATANEN | Jurnal Ilmiah Pertanian · Indonesia
This descriptive qualitative study describes the existing state of the experimental garden at the Faculty of Agriculture, Borobudur University, Indonesia. The garden is used for learning, research, and reforestation, with efforts to expand plant collections and preserve rare species. In line with government programs for utilizing narrow land, the faculty applies urban farming methods such as tabulampot, polybag, and hydroponic planting techniques. Data was collected from primary field observations and secondary literature.
DIYFood educationBiodiversityTAMAN KOMUNITAS BSD: UPAYA KEMBALI PADA ALAM BACK TO NATURE: COMMUNITY GARDEN
2021Fulgentius Rodney, Joko Priyono · Jurnal Sains Teknologi Urban Perancangan Arsitektur (Stupa) · Indonesia
This project in the West BSD area of Indonesia aims to reduce community stress and provide new green spaces in a future CBD area with limited green infrastructure. It proposes a self-sustaining urban farming model where residents grow, care for, and harvest crops for sale or restaurant use, with seeds replanted for new yields. The "Back To Nature: Community Garden" project applies biophilic design to create communal spaces for activities like planting, working, and gathering, fostering interaction among people and with nature.
CommunityHealthBiodiversityEconomicsQuantification and Analysis of Microplastics in Farmland Soils: Characterization, Sources, and Pathways
2021Hoda Fakour, Shang‐Lien Lo, Nathan Thadeo Yoashi, Angelbetter Marselian Massao, Nelson Naboth Lema, Fezile Bethusile Mkhontfo, Patrick Chris Jomalema, Nasra Shabani Jumanne, Bright Hubert Mbuya, James Travor Mtweve, Moslem Imani · Agriculture · Taiwan (Tainan)
A study in Tainan city farms, Taiwan, quantified and analyzed microplastics (MPs) in farmland soils. MPs were found in all soil samples at depths ranging from 12–117 items/m2. Farms adjacent to suburban roads had approximately three times more MPs than enclosed farms. Fragment and fibers were the main forms, with low-density polyethylene being the dominant polymer, originating from historical land use, plastic mulch, and fruit protection foams.
Contamination & food safetyHealthBiodiversityRooftop garden an organic farming to grow uncontaminated vegetable improved food quality and food security in Bhubaneswar City, India
2021K. C. Sahu, M. K. Satapathy · International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development · India
This paper discusses rooftop gardens as an alternative for vegetable production in Bhubaneswar City, India. While rooftop agriculture can improve ecosystem services and enhance urban biodiversity, vegetable production activities on rooftops are limited due to multiple challenges that need to be addressed for widespread implementation. Rooftops are not a total solution for food security but can supplement other urban food sources.
Limited or null effectDIYFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityClimate changeA Study to Improve The Sustainability of Ecological and Character Education in an Elementary School Garden
2021Mun Gi Hong, Bo Eun Nam · Journal of Character Education and Research · South Korea
This study analyzed the suitability of G National University's campus as an educational site for ecological and character education for elementary students. The campus had a green space ratio of approximately 40% and 120 woody plant species. However, vulnerabilities in plant diversity were identified, including a bias towards certain species like oak and azalea, and multiple species concentrated in small numbers. A critical finding was the overlapping flowering and fruiting seasons for most species, which could negatively impact the ecology of wild animals like insects and birds that rely on these resources.
Environmental trade-offsFood educationBiodiversitySustainable Design of Urban Rooftop Food-Energy-Land Nexus
2020Jing R., Hastings A., Guo M. · iScience · China (Shanghai)
A whole-system modeling study integrating biogeochemical simulation and energy system optimization to evaluate rooftop agriculture options and photovoltaics for a Shanghai case, finding conditioned greenhouses can deliver environmentally sustainable land use.
BiodiversityEconomicsSuppression of weed occurrence in a five-year corn–earthworm coculture system
2020Tao Li, Jiequn Fan, Qian ZhenGuan, Guohui Yuan, Dandan Meng, Shuiliang Guo, Weiguang Lv · Weed Science · China
A 5-year experiment (2015-2019) in China compared weed occurrence in a corn–earthworm coculture (CE) system and a corn monoculture (CM). The CE system significantly decreased weed diversity, dominance index, total weed density, and biomass, while increasing the weed evenness index. The 5-year mean number of weed species per plot was 8.4 in CE versus 10.7 in CM, and total weed density and biomass in CE decreased by 59.2% and 66.6% respectively compared to CM.
Organic cycleBiodiversityClimate changeThe role of urban agriculture for a resilient city
2020Hoang Tien LE, Thi Huong Ly VO, Ngoc Han CHAU · Journal of Vietnamese Environment · Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City)
This study investigated the role of agricultural land for a resilient city amidst challenges like climate change and food scarcity. Using Ho Chi Minh City as a case study, it examined current food security and proposed productive green solutions at various scales, from land-use planning to green roofs. A-Go-Gro technology was shown to be effective for vertical farming, and green roofs were found to decrease stormwater volumes by 65% and reduce electromagnetic radiation penetration by 99.4%.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justicePolicyBiodiversityThe Status of Plants Planted in the School Gardens of Elementary Schools in Geoje-city, Gyeongsangnam-do
2020Mee-Young Kang, Hyun–Shik Moon, Jeong-Woon Joo, Sojin Kim, Moo-Ryong Huh · The Journal of Korean Island · South Korea
This study compared and analyzed the planting status in school gardens of six elementary schools in Geoje-city, Gyeongsangnam-do, to provide basic data for future school garden development for environmental education. Schools with "meditation forests" had larger garden areas, higher green ratios, and more plant species (66-70 species vs. 32-48 species) and individuals (average 597 vs. 331) than general schools. However, the consistency rate between garden plants and textbook plants was similar (around 40% for meditation forest schools, 36% for general schools), indicating a need to improve this for educational effectiveness.
Food educationBiodiversitySpatial differentiation of agricultural regional function in Beijing and its influencing factors
2020Liu Yu, Zhi JIANG, Hao-sen WANG · 自然资源学报 · China (Beijing)
This study analyzed the spatial differentiation of agricultural regional functions in Beijing, China, using data from 184 streets and towns. It found that agricultural regional function generally increases from the urban core to the far suburbs, but significantly declines in the urban-rural fringe extended area, leading to a loss of spatial development constraints. Land factors, particularly location and house prices, were identified as key inhibitors of agricultural regional function, especially in low-scoring areas.
PolicyUrban–rural linkageEconomicsBiodiversityMODEL, MOTIVASI DAN KENDALA MASYARAKAT DALAM MELAKUKAN PERTANIAN KOTA (URBAN FARMING) DI KOTA SURABAYA
2019Setyo Parsudi · Berkala Ilmiah AGRIDEVINA · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This study in Surabaya, Indonesia, aimed to identify urban farming models, community motivations, and obstacles faced in implementing urban agriculture. The study found that the most common urban farming models were hydroponics, followed by verticulture, fisheries, and rooftop gardens. Community motivations primarily included increasing income, utilizing empty land, pursuing farming hobbies, and using green open spaces. The main obstacles faced by the community were plant pests, lack of capital for development, extreme weather, and insufficient experience and knowledge in urban agriculture.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityDIYBiodiversityKeanekaragaman dan Hubungan Kekerabatan Pisang (Musaceae) di Kota Bengkulu, Provinsi Bengkulu
2018Evelyne Riandini · Biota · Indonesia
This study investigated the diversity and phylogeny of bananas (Musaceae) in Bengkulu City, Indonesia, across three districts. Researchers collected 22 specimens representing 10 varieties from wild and cultivated plants in home yards and community gardens. Morphological analysis revealed two main phylogenetic groups: Musa acuminata Colla and Musa acuminata x Musa balbisiana, with similarity coefficients between 0.45 and 0.60.
BiodiversityCommunityDIYDecreased Landscape Ecological Security of Peri-Urban Cultivated Land Following Rapid Urbanization: An Impediment to Sustainable Agriculture
2018Dan Yu, Dongyan Wang, Wenbo Li, Shuhan Liu, Yuanli Zhu, Wenjun Wu, Yongheng Zhou · Sustainability · China (Changchun)
This paper assessed the landscape ecological security (LES) of peri-urban cultivated land in Changchun City, China, at three time points, considering both cultivated and surrounding landscapes. Results showed that urbanization affected the peri-urban cultivated landscape, with metrics like patch density and edge density progressively increasing for cultivated land within 20 km of the urban center. This indicated elevated fragmentation and vulnerability, and the study concluded that decreased LES of cultivated land impedes sustainable peri-urban agriculture.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeBiodiversity생태, 경관, 참여 측면의 도시농업 활성화 방안 모색 - 인구집단 특성과 개인의 주관적 인식 분석을 중심으로 -
2018장인수, 서동주, 김홍석 · 지역연구 · South Korea
This study in South Korea explored ways to revitalize urban agriculture based on empirical analysis of experience and subjective perceptions, defining its main functions as enhancing ecological, landscape, and participation values. Survey results showed that exposure to urban agriculture information was higher in large cities, and participation experience was higher with larger residential spaces. While positive responses were high for urban agriculture's functions, negative responses were high regarding perceptions of the surrounding residential environment.
Limited or null effectCommunityPolicyBiodiversityFood educationThe Correlation between Student’s Perception about School Garden with the Attitude of School Environmental Management
2018Lenny Prastiwi, Diana Vivanti Sigit, Agung Sedayu · Biosfer · Indonesia (Tangerang)
This quantitative correlational study, conducted in May 2015 at SMAN 4 Tangerang and SMAN 5 Tangerang, Indonesia, investigated the relationship between students' perceptions of school gardens and their attitudes towards school environmental management. Using simple random sampling, 214 eleventh-grade students who used school gardens as learning resources were surveyed. The study found a positive correlation (correlation coefficient 0.715) between students' perceptions of school gardens and their attitudes towards school environmental management, with perceptions contributing 51.1% to the attitude.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityDiversity, knowledge and use of leafy vegetables in northern Thailand: maintenance and transmission of ethnobotanical knowledge during urbanisation
2017Turreira-García N., Vilkamaa A. M., Byg A. · Natural History Bulletin of the Siam Society · Thailand
Documents 55 leafy vegetable species (32 families) in Chiang Mai fresh markets and assesses, via interviews with sellers, residents, and traditional practitioners, how diversity, use, and knowledge persist amid urbanisation.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversityCommunityFood education도시생물다양성 증진을 위한 생태공원 관리방안 연구 - 고양생태공원을 대상으로
2017위사양, 문보희, 김선영, 오충현 · 한국환경생태학회 학술발표논문집 · South Korea
This study aimed to derive urban forest creation and management plans considering urban biodiversity enhancement for Goyang Ecological Park in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The research analyzed the park's current status using SWOT analysis, reviewed domestic and international cases, and conducted a GAP analysis to derive strategic directions and management plans. Proposed measures include re-zoning internal spaces, enhancing connectivity between ecosystems, promoting biodiversity through artificial management, and indirectly enhancing biodiversity through environmental education.
BiodiversityFood educationCommunityPolicyFostering Multi-Functional Urban Agriculture: Experiences from the Champions in a Revitalized Farm Pond Community in Taoyuan, Taiwan
2017Rung-Jiun Chou, Chen-Ting Wu, Feng-Tzu Huang · Sustainability · Taiwan (Taoyuan)
This qualitative study explored the experiences of community champions in Gaoyuan, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, where a traditional farm pond was transformed into a multi-functional urban agriculture (UA) resource. Through interviews, fieldwork, and participant observation, the study found that UA fostered a distinctive landscape, promoted cooperative working and mutual learning among local people, and built social cohesion. The farm-pond-based UA acted as a catalyst for the community's progress toward sustainability.
CommunityBiodiversityOrganic cycle