Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
185 results(3 / 8)
Productivity and Efficiency of Community Gardens: Case Studies from the UK
2023Silvio Caputo, Victoria Schoen, Chris Blythe · Land · United Kingdom (London)
Data was collected from seven community gardens and one community farm in London, UK, during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons using a citizen science approach, investigating crop yield, resource inputs, and social benefits. Results showed very mixed levels of crop and social productivity depending on organizational structure and agenda, with no clear pattern emerging. This study suggests that citywide productivity evaluations based on small data samples may not be reliable.
Limited or null effectCommunityEconomicsHealthClimate changePromoting dietary changes for achieving health and sustainability targets
2023Angelina Sanderson Bellamy, Ella Furness, Susanna Mills, Adrian K. Clear, Samantha Mitchell Finnigan, Elliot Meador, Alice E. Milne, Ryan T. Sharp · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · United Kingdom
This study analyzed interview data and food diaries from Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members and the wider UK population, using the 2019 EAT Lancet Commission dietary guidelines. It found that CSA members consumed diets closer to the EAT Lancet recommendations than controls, with significant differences in daily intakes of meat, dairy, vegetables, legumes, and sugar. CSA members' diets emitted on average 28% less CO2 compared to controls.
CSA & TeikeiHealthClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceThe profile of foreign urban gardeners in the municipalities of Lombardy (Italy)
2023Valentina Cattivelli · Journal of urban regeneration and renewal · Italy (Lombardy)
This paper describes the profile of foreign urban gardeners in Lombardy, Italy, based on questionnaire responses from municipalities. Foreign gardeners predominantly originate from North Africa and Eastern Europe, are mostly over 40 years old, married, and have children. While many Lombard municipalities have urban gardening projects, there is no regional database of cultivated plots or specific information on gardens cultivated by foreign-born residents.
CommunityWelfareHealthThe Impact of Therapeutic Community Gardening on the Wellbeing, Loneliness, and Life Satisfaction of Individuals with Mental Illness
2022Wood C. J., Barton J. L., Wicks C. L. · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(20):13166 · United Kingdom
A longitudinal study tracking 53 people with mental illness referred to the therapeutic community garden 'Growing Together' in Essex, UK, showing that participation improved wellbeing, reduced loneliness and raised life satisfaction. Benefits held even across the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the value of green social prescribing.
HealthWelfareCommunityAn integrated genomic and biochemical approach to investigate the potentiality of heirloom tomatoes: Breeding resources for food quality and sustainable agriculture
2022Tripodi P., D'Alessandro A., Francese G. · Frontiers in Plant Science 13:1031776 · Italy
Integrated genomic and biochemical analysis of heirloom tomatoes linking fruit shape and size to sugars, organic acids, and aroma compounds. Demonstrates heirlooms as germplasm resources for high food quality and sustainable agriculture.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversityHealthOrganic cycleTherapeutic Community Gardening as a Green Social Prescription for Mental Ill-Health: Impact, Barriers, and Facilitators from the Perspective of Multiple Stakeholders
2022Wood C.J., Polley M., Barton J.L., Wicks C.L. · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · United Kingdom
Interviews with 13 stakeholders (social prescribing link workers and garden staff) and focus groups with 20 garden members examined how therapeutic community gardening supports mental health through nature engagement, hope, and social support, and identified barriers to referral and attendance.
HealthWelfareCommunityExploring the perspectives of 'young adults' (18–24) who have been in formal care and their experiences of attending a socially prescribed community allotment gardening group
2022Moore E.J., Thew M. · British Journal of Occupational Therapy · United Kingdom
Semi-structured online interviews with six care leavers aged 18-24 explored their experiences of a socially prescribed community allotment gardening group, yielding themes of social belonging, a safe space, achievement, and the facilitatory aspects of nature.
WelfareHealthCommunityAir Mapping of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Their Uptake by Crops in the Urban Area of Nice, France
2022· ChemPlusChem · France (Nice)
Mapping airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban Nice, the study documented PAH uptake by crops grown in the city, showing urban air pollution can contaminate produce.
HealthHow do attitudes shape protective practices against the Asian tiger mosquito in community gardens in a nonendemic country?
2022Pénélope Duval, Claire Valiente Moro, Christina Aschan-Leygonie · Parasites & Vectors · France
A KAP survey conducted in community gardens in France showed that attitudes, more than knowledge, influence community gardeners' protective practices against the Asian tiger mosquito. All participating gardeners were concerned about the Asian tiger mosquito and motivated to incorporate control methods, but perceived mosquitoes as nuisances rather than disease vector species. This survey reveals a lack of knowledge and awareness of good practices for efficient control of the Asian tiger mosquito in green urban areas.
HealthCommunityAn Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of a Year’s Allotment Gardening for People Living in Low-Income Areas of Nottingham, UK
2022Rhys Furlong, Caroline Harvey, Fiona Holland, Jenny Hallam · NECTAR - Northampton Electronic Collection of Thesis and Research (University of Northampton) · United Kingdom (Nottingham)
Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with allotment gardeners from low-income areas of Nottingham, UK, 12 months after they began their tenancy at St Ann's allotments. This interview data was used for an interpretative phenomenological analysis published in "Cities and Health." Due to ethical and commercial issues, the data underpinning this publication is not openly available.
CommunityWelfareHealthTrace Elements in Soil and Urban Groundwater in an Area Impacted by Metallurgical Activity: Health Risk Assessment in the Historical Barga Municipality (Tuscany, Italy)
2022Riccardο Petrini, Lisa Ghezzi, Simone Arrighi, Lisa Genovesi, Chiara Frassi, Luca Pandolfi · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · Italy (Tuscany)
Trace elements were measured in soil and groundwater in the Fornaci di Barga urban area, Tuscany, Italy. Results indicate that Cu, Zn, and Cd are the main contaminants in surface soil, likely originating from airborne particulate matter deposition from metallurgical activity. Risk assessment considering soil ingestion and dermal contact exposure routes revealed that the cadmium Hazard Quotient approaches unity for children, and the cadmium risk-based concentration is only slightly lower than the maximum concentration measured in soil.
Contamination & food safetyHealthVisionscapes: combining heritage and urban gardening to enhance areas requiring regeneration
2022Grete Swensen, Vebjørn Egner Stafseng, Véronique Karine Simon · International Journal of Heritage Studies · France (Bordeaux)
This comparative case study examines two regeneration projects, the Darwin Ecosystem Project in Bordeaux, France, and Dr. Dedichen’s Greenhouse in Oslo, Norway, to understand how heritage combined with urban gardening can enhance areas requiring regeneration. The study notes that conflicting economic, political, and cultural views are likely to affect the heritage discourse in marginalized urban areas. It describes how old buildings and historical fragments can be integrated into urban planning initiatives, with residents, artists, and citizen groups cooperating with planning authorities to transform neighborhoods.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomicsHealthHuerto urbano Adelfas (Madrid, 24 de enero de 2021)
2022Claudia Antón Biezma · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Spain (Madrid)
This description is about the Adelfas urban garden in Madrid, photographed on January 24, 2021, which won the Spanish Association of Geography's Photography Contest (Student Category 2021). The garden is a large, open space next to the author's home, receiving good sunlight, watered twice weekly by neighbors, and open to everyone. It provides city children with contact with a rural environment, fosters personal relationships, utilizes unused urban spaces, and acts as a small green lung against pollution.
CommunityFood educationHealthExercise, Urban Food Production, Preparation and Consumption: Implications, Benefits and Risks to Grow-Your-Own (GYO) Gardeners
2022Jonathan Stubberfield, Mads Troldborg, E. Louise Ander, N.M.J. Crout, Scott D. Young, Rupert Hough · Agronomy · United Kingdom
This study investigated the influence of gardening routines on health benefits and risks among 120 urban gardeners in the UK. Participants showed a correlation between autumn/winter gardening activity and fruit/vegetable consumption, with higher physical activity levels and lower BMI than average. However, while gardening offers health benefits, the health risks from gardening on soils mildly contaminated with cadmium and lead may outweigh these benefits, requiring formal consideration within a risk management framework.
Contamination & food safetyHealthDIYBiodiversityAllotment gardens: Psychosocial benefits and conflictual community aspects
2022Arnaud Sapin, Philippe Bodénan, Thierry Lebeau, Ghozlane Fleury‐Bahi · Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology · France
A qualitative study in Nantes, France, interviewed 28 allotment garden users to examine psychosocial impacts. While highlighting benefits like psychological well-being, physical health, self-development, and social bonding, the study found these were balanced by various conflicts reported by participants. Lexicometric analysis confirmed that positive and negative social aspects are significantly associated and must be considered jointly.
Equity & displacementCommunityHealthPolicyFirst report demonstrating the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs on vegetables grown in community gardens in Europe
2022Sara R. Healy, Eric R. Morgan, Joaquín M. Prada, Martha Betson · Food and Waterborne Parasitology · United Kingdom
This proof-of-concept study investigated the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs on 82 'ready-to-eat' vegetable samples (lettuce, spinach, spring onion, celery) from 16 community gardens in southern England. Two lettuce samples tested positive for Toxocara spp. eggs, showing an overall prevalence of 2.4% for vegetable samples and 6.5% specifically for lettuce. This study is the first to demonstrate Toxocara spp. eggs on vegetables grown in community gardens in the UK and Europe, highlighting biosecurity and zoonotic risks.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthFlat Rooftops as Productive Landscapes in Birmingham
2022Yangzixian Yang · Journal of Architectural Research and Development · United Kingdom (Birmingham)
This paper aims to assess Birmingham's suitability for flat rooftop farming in the United Kingdom. It explores two examples of rooftop farms, Brooklyn Grange in New York and Thammasat University, the largest rooftop farm in Asia, and proposes converting the tops of buildings at Birmingham City University into a flat roof farm.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthCircular sanitation in relation to nutrients recycling and (urban) agriculture in the city of Amsterdam : Deliverable D4.4 Opportunities and barriers for circular sanitation within urban context
2022Kimo van Dijk, Lotte Veenemans, Ciska Nienhuis · · Netherlands (Amsterdam)
This report explains the importance of improving sanitation circularity, its link to circular urban food production, and the opportunities and barriers for its realization in Amsterdam. It discusses aspects related to sustainability, environment, quality, agronomy, legislation, health and safety, technology, economics, and awareness. The report provides recommendations for Amsterdam and other cities to stimulate the transition to circular sanitation and nutrient recovery/reuse in urban agriculture, including clarifying legislation and addressing barriers.
Organic cycleCompostPolicyHealthEconomicsClimate changeUrban Farming Models, Ecosystems and Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Environments: The Case of SATURN Pan European Programme
2022Anastasia Nikologianni, Alessandro Betta, Mattia Andreola, Angelica Pianegonda, Gian Antonio Battistel, Anna Ternell, Alessandro Gretter · Athens Journal of Sciences · Europe
This paper explores urban farming models and their role in climate change adaptation within urban environments, drawing on the SATURN project's collaboration across Gothenburg (Sweden), Trento (Italy), and Birmingham (UK). It presents Gothenburg's entrepreneurial model, where municipal management leases allotments to farmers to scale businesses and provide sustainable food. Trento combines bottom-up and institutional processes to foster short local supply chains, potentially benefiting from a land lease scheme. Birmingham's model views urban farming primarily as community support for mental health and awareness, rather than an entrepreneurial activity. The research demonstrates how abandoned and underutilized land can be regenerated through these diverse European urban agriculture models.
Climate changeCommunityHealthHolistic approach to assess the association between the synergistic effect of physical activity, exposure to greenspace, and fruits and vegetable intake on health and wellbeing: Cross-sectional analysis of UK Biobank
2022Catalina Cruz-Piedrahita, Charlotte Roscoe, Caroline Howe, Daniela Fecht, Audrey de Nazelle · Frontiers in Public Health · United Kingdom
A cross-sectional analysis of 204,478 UK Biobank participants examined the association of fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, and greenspace exposure with health and wellbeing markers. Meeting recommended levels for fruit/vegetable intake and physical activity was linked to better health and wellbeing. However, participants in greener areas who were physically active were more likely to feel alone and report poor health, and evidence for three-way interactions was weak.
HealthCommunityPerceived functions of allotment gardens and their importance during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland
2022Edyta Janus, Bożena Szewczyk-Taranek, Agnieszka Smrokowska-Reichmann · Folia Horticulturae · Poland
A questionnaire survey of 203 allotment garden owners in three Silesian cities, Poland, explored perceived functions and importance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents over 61 years observed a generational shift from food cultivation to recreation, while no age group noted technological progress or new crops. Allotment gardens were crucial during the pandemic as a private, restriction-free space and a coping strategy for lockdown stress.
CommunityHealthFood educationEconomicsNeglected and Underutilized Plant Species (NUS) from the Apulia Region Worthy of Being Rescued and Re-Included in Daily Diet
2021Scarano A., Semeraro T., Chieppa M., Santino A. · Horticulturae · Italy
Review of neglected and underutilized plant species from the Apulia region of southern Italy, highlighting their adaptive, nutritional, and economic potential and the case for re-including them in the daily diet.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversityHealthEconomicsSensory Traits and Consumer's Perceived Quality of Traditional and Modern Fresh Market Tomato Varieties: A Study in Three European Countries
2021Sinesio F., Cammareri M., Cottet V., Fontanet L., Jost M., Moneta E., Palombieri S., Peparaio M., Romero del Castillo R., Saggia Civitelli E., Spigno P., Vitiello A., Navez B., Casals J., Causse M., Granell A., Grandillo S. · Foods 10(11):2521 · Europe
Assessed traditional and modern tomato varieties in France, Spain, and Italy at physicochemical, trained-panel, and consumer levels. Multi-level approach revealed how sensory traits drive perceived quality across regionally familiar cultivars.
Heirloom & landraceCommunityHealthVariation for Composition and Quality in a Collection of the Resilient Mediterranean 'de penjar' Long Shelf-Life Tomato Under High and Low N Fertilization Levels
2021Rosa-Martínez E., Adalid A.M., Alvarado L.E., Burguet R., García-Martínez M.D., Pereira-Dias L., Casanova C., Soler E., Figàs M.R., Plazas M., Prohens J., Soler S. · Frontiers in Plant Science 12:633957 · Spain
Evaluated 44 Mediterranean 'de penjar' long shelf-life tomato varieties under two nitrogen levels. Local varieties exceeded commercial ones in sweetness-to-acidity ratio and vitamin C, with lycopene varying over four-fold, supporting low-input breeding.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversityHealthBioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Valencian Pepper Landraces
2021Martínez-Ispizua E., Martínez-Cuenca M.-R., Marsal J.I., Díez M.J., Soler S., Valcárcel J.V., Calatayud Á. · Molecules 26(4):1031 · Spain
Evaluated bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of Valencian pepper landraces relative to commercial types. Landraces displayed rich diversity in nutritional and functional compounds, reinforcing the value of regional Capsicum genetic resources.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversityHealth