Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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3465 results(3 / 139)
IoT-Enabled Smart Plant Ecosystem Integrating Real-Time Monitoring, Automated Irrigation, and Intelligent Growth Optimization Frameworks
2026Md. Safaet Hossain, Israt Jahan, Jawata Afnan, Israt Sultana Tanny, Nashid Sultana Mim, Kayes Mahmood · Techcomp Innovations · Global
This study presents Easy Grow Plants, an integrated web and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem designed for urban plant care, addressing issues like inconsistent watering and insufficient care knowledge. The prototype, implemented with a React frontend, Django REST backend, SQLite database, and an Arduino UNO R4 WiFi smart pot, connects plant care guidance, soil-moisture monitoring, automated watering, and plant recommendations. Functional, interface, API, IoT connectivity, sensor calibration, watering control, and LAN deployment tests confirmed that the core modules operated together as an integrated academic prototype, providing a practical foundation for smart urban gardening.
Digital agricultureDIYCommunityFeeding the city: The role of rural–urban migrants in enhancing food security in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
2026Agnes G. Kapinga, Baraka F. Lenga · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
A qualitative case study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, using semi-structured interviews with 31 migrant farmers and seven key informants, revealed that migrant farmers contribute to urban food security through diverse crop cultivation and livestock keeping, enhancing food production and income generation. However, migrant farmers face major constraints including insecure land tenure, flooding, water scarcity, high input costs, and limited institutional support. City authorities institutionalize the marginalization of migrant farmers by treating urban agriculture as an informal and temporary activity, despite their critical contributions.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityUrban–rural linkagePolicyFood security approach: community experience in urban agriculture, El Mirador community, Usme Locality (Bogotá, 2021)
2026Sonia Patricia Lizarazo Hernández, Lamprea Zona Martha, Cardona Castaño Juan Camilo · Huellas · Colombia (Bogotá)
This research aimed to document the community's experience with urban agriculture from a food security perspective in the El Mirador community, Usme locality, Bogotá, Colombia, in 2021. Workshops, field visits, and collaborative activities were conducted in community-created gardens, and information was analyzed using a participatory approach. Participants highlighted that food security offers economic and well-being opportunities for families, and urban agriculture has become a mechanism for integration and coexistence.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsWelfareThe impact of school activities carried out in vegetable gardens on the eating habits of elementary school students: an integrative review
2026Joana Baier, Karla P. Machado, Luiz Ernesto Costa‐Schmidt · Figshare · Global
This study analyzed the impacts of activities developed in school gardens on the eating habits of children in the early years of Elementary School through an integrative literature review. Searches in PubMed, Web of Science, and Virtual Health Library databases for articles published from 2015 onward identified 24 eligible studies. The studies showed positive effects of garden-based interventions on consumption, acceptance, preference, nutritional knowledge, and attitudes toward fruits and vegetables, with some also reporting positive effects on anthropometric and metabolic parameters. Recurrent limitations included short intervention durations, low caregiver involvement, and high demand for human, structural, and material resources.
Food educationHealthThe Role of Urban Gardening in the Maintenance of Rural Landscape Heritage in a Large City: Case Study of Brno Metropolitan Area, Czech Republic
2026Jaromír Kolejka, Eva Novakova, Jana Zapletalova · Land · Czech Republic (Brno)
This study identified remnants of ancient rural agricultural landscapes within Brno, Czech Republic, and attempted to explain their location, state, and the role of natural factors, land ownership, and residents' personal and recreational interests. By comparing current aerial photographs with cadastral maps from the 1820s–1830s, 34 such segments were identified, with half (17 cases) still preserving traditional small-scale land division. These remnants were generally preserved in locations unsuitable for construction due to slope, unsuitable building subsoil, and poor soil. Urban gardening contributes to their preservation but also to their destruction, with 17 cases showing complete re-division, construction of recreational facilities, and overgrowth due to poor care.
CommunityUrban–rural linkageExtraction of Open Spaces and Identification of Suitable Rooftops for Urban Agriculture: Contribution of Geospatial Technologies for Sustainable Planning
2026Asmaa Moussaoui, Ouijdane Lahyan, Hajar Sbiki, Imane Sebari, Kenza Ait El Kadi · The international archives of the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences/International archives of the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences · Global
This project aimed to extract vacant spaces and rooftops suitable for urban agriculture using geospatial technologies. For vacant space extraction, three classifiers were tested, with the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier achieving the highest accuracy at 75% precision. For rooftop extraction, object-based classification using SVM, the Footprint Building Extraction-USA deep learning model, and Mapflow's building model were tested, with the latter two achieving F-Factor values above 77%.
PolicyUrban–rural linkageDigital agricultureTemperature Assessment of Urban Rooftop Farming for Cooling Effect to Buildings Significant Determinant of Micro-Climate Change and Urban Heat Island Effects.
2026K. C. Sahu · International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research · Global
This study, conducted in Bhubaneswar city, India, assessed the cooling effect of urban rooftop farming on buildings and their surroundings. By comparing temperatures in buildings with and without rooftop gardens, the research found that rooftop farming reduces the temperature in building rooms and adjacent areas. This cooling effect contributes to mitigating micro-climate change and urban heat island effects, thereby lowering cooling expenses for urban inhabitants.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageCommunityUrban Agriculture: Setting the Agenda on Plant-pollinator Interactions Among Food Plants, Research Funding, and Policy Actions
2026Willams Oliveira, Marcelo Tabarelli, Leonardo Galetto, Carlos A. Peres, Ariadna Valentina Lopes · Human Ecology · Global
This review provides an overview of published research on plant-pollinator interactions among food plants in urban agriculture worldwide, offering a critical summary of the spatiotemporal distribution of knowledge, urban plant-pollinator profiles, and research funding for urban agriculture and ecosystem services. It highlights the potential of urban agriculture to create pollinator-friendly spaces that support local pollinator conservation and concludes that pollination services are a promising nature-based solution to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
BiodiversityPollinatorsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeModelo de Emprendimiento Colaborativo para Adultos Mayores en el Ecuador
2026Wilmer Gustavo Gualotuña Pachacama, Viviana Alexandra Brito Moya, Xiomara Gabriela Zambrano Quimbiulco, Patricia Estefania Aguaiza Loja · Revista Conectividad · Ecuador
This study proposes and validates a collaborative entrepreneurship model to promote social inclusion and integral well-being for older adults in Pichincha province, Ecuador. Through a survey of 2,941 older adults and a pilot experience with 40 participants in Cutuglagua, activities for developing and marketing urban garden kits were implemented. Results showed visible improvements in strengthening social networks, increasing self-esteem, developing entrepreneurial competencies, and a greater perception of older adults regarding social activities.
ElderlyCommunityWelfareEconomicsTransforming the capitalist food regime: A historical materialist perspective on community-supported agriculture
2026Bernd Bonfert · Capital & Class · Global
This article analyzes the transformative potential of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) through a historical materialist lens. CSA is found to be potentially capable of decommodifying and democratizing food production, de-alienating labor and socio-ecological relations, enhancing environmental sustainability, addressing social inequalities, and scaling effectively. However, these potential achievements face significant limitations and mutual trade-offs that individual CSAs likely cannot resolve, requiring collaboration at scale.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsFarm
2026Catherine Dee · · Global
The sylvan spatial pattern "Farm" describes a place where food, trees, and shrubs are cultivated, often supporting annual and perennial crops within and under tree canopies. These farms can range from small street corner groves to extensive orchards or parklands within or around urban areas. Sylvan city farms integrate health, educational, cultural, and economic functions for city dwellers, serving as schools, commons, cooperatives, and places of employment.
CommunityHealthEconomicsBiodiversityA scoping review of temperate food forestry research: key themes, methodological considerations and research priorities
2026Anna M. Roodhof, Lieke Moereels, Isabelle van der Zanden, Giulia Bongiorno, Alejandra Hernández Guzmán, Jeroen Kruit, Madelon Lohbeck, Sietze J. Norder, Suzy Rebisz, Bastiaan Rooduijn, Jordy van Eijk, Heitor Mancini Teixeira · Agroforestry Systems · Global
This scoping review aims to facilitate future food forestry research by organizing existing empirical research and research agendas on food forestry in temperate regions. The study integrated fragmented literature, primarily due to inconsistent terminology, around nine key research themes. Overall, three clusters of research gaps were identified, centering on questions pertaining to food production, multifunctionality, and knowledge legitimization processes in food forests.
CommunityPolicyBiodiversityOrganic cycleCommunity Gardens as a Strategy to Address Food Insecurity: A Community-Based Qualitative Study
2026Agaezi Sonya · Community Medicine & Public Health Care · Global
This qualitative study explores community gardens as a strategy to address food insecurity, which disproportionately affects low-income and marginalized communities. Community gardens are presented as local spaces that may enhance access to nutritious foods and promote social connection and cultural continuity.
CommunityWelfareHealthCalling plants to the rescue - mitigating the detrimental effects of warfare with phytotechnology
2026Henrik Haller, Elisabeth Simelton, Oskar Englund · npj Science of Plants · Global
This study summarizes three plant-based strategies for mitigating the environmental impacts of armed conflicts. These strategies include increased food security through urban gardening, gardening for meaning-making amidst conflict and supporting social cohesion and mental health, and post-war phytoremediation.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityCultivando inquietudes nos mantenemos vitales: una experiencia de participación de personas con deficiencia visual grave en un huerto urbano
2026N. Bueno Pulido · RED Visual Revista Especializada en Discapacidad Visual · Global
This 2026 study describes an activity for older adults with severe visual impairment or blindness, affiliated with ONCE, who moved from rural areas to cities and experience loneliness. Recognizing their nostalgia for rural life and gardening, the project connected them with community urban gardens managed by neighborhood and environmental associations. The activity, part of the "Somos vitales" initiative, involved three sessions focused on active collaboration, interaction, and sharing, aiming to revitalize participants and foster new connections.
CommunityElderlyHealthWelfareUsage de pesticides interdits et non homologués en maraîchage périurbain à Kinshasa : cas de Kimwenza et Ndjili Cecomaf
2026Réné Kasende Disashi, Belloty Mundadi Ngeteke, Dorcas Sola Tabitha, Prescilia Mabubu Pembe, Fanny BAKOMBA KIKOBO, Denise OKITO WIKANU, Esther MPIANA MUKANIA, Sarah Kinsona Bombili, Esther Kimpala Karuna, Clément Munganga Kilingwa, Rosie Mubindukila Nzamba · European Scientific Journal ESJ · Congo (Kinshasa)
A study conducted from June 10 to July 20, 2025, in peri-urban market gardens of Kimwenza and Ndjili Cecomaf in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, surveyed 68 market gardeners on the use of prohibited and unauthorized pesticides. The findings revealed an alarming reliance on informal supply channels, with six out of 27 identified pesticides being formally prohibited. Despite 94.3% of gardeners acknowledging risks, only 9.6% used full protective equipment, and 32.7% took no precautions.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthPolicyAdvancing urban horticulture through vertical farming: A global review of technologies and sustainability
2026Khushal Balram Muradi, V Siva Teja, Harshavardhan Mohan Totawar, Laxmi PS, Choudhari Balaji Keshavrao, Yogesh V Wayal, N Sravya, Jagmal P Khatana, Sruthi T, Deshmukh Sarita Babarao · International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research · Global
This study conducted a global review of vertical farming technologies and sustainability. Vertical farming shows significant savings in land and water consumption compared to traditional agriculture, yielding high production and quality for leafy greens, herbs, and some fruiting species. However, high energy demand remains a significant barrier to its sustainability and economic feasibility. Key research gaps include crop improvement for controlled settings, energy-efficient system design, renewable energy integration, and standardized frameworks for sustainability evaluation.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceLearning Grassroots Regenerative Circularity: Food Forest Pedagogies of Praxis
2026Kensington Food Forest, Kensington Circular Economy Precinct Community Group, Nícolas Guerra-Tão, Corey Ferguson, Alexandre da Silva Faustino, Ana Lara Heyns, Zheng Chin, Stephanie Ochona, Benjamin Cooke · Australian Journal of Environmental Education · Australia (Melbourne)
Research conducted with the Kensington Circular Economy Precinct Community Group in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia, examined the Kensington Food Forest, an urban ecological site within public housing estates. This study co-created indicators to capture the ecological, social, and pedagogical values generated by grassroots initiatives, showing how communities learn with their environment and each other. The findings position regenerative circularity as an embodied, relational, and pedagogical praxis.
CommunityBiodiversityOrganic cycleFood educationGreen Movement in Hungary: Endeavors, Achievements and Challenges within a Global Framework
2026Virag Havasi · IntechOpen eBooks · Hungary (Miskolc)
This chapter examines the history of the green movement in Hungary, including its alignment with global environmental trends and domestic political events. A case study of Miskolc revealed a lack of cross-sectoral cooperation and diminished civic mobilization, mirroring national tendencies. Hungarian civil society and green organizations have less financial and social support, and while they adopt social innovations, they do not excel at creating them.
Governance failureCommunityCSA & TeikeiPolicyPhysicochemical Characterization of Surface Waters under Lettuce and Rice Cultivation in the City of Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire
2026Bahi Aristide Armand, Ohou-Yao Marie Jeanne, Kouamé Leonard Kouadio, Sahiri Grâces Kérène, Akpètou Lazare, Akessé Djamatché Paul, Koné Oumar, Dongui Bini Kouamé · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · Côte d’Ivoire (Daloa)
This study characterized the physicochemical quality of surface waters at 30 sampling points in lettuce and rice cultivation areas in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire, from January 2024 to January 2025. Physicochemical analyses revealed spatial variability in water quality parameters, with marked fluctuations influenced by agricultural activities. The findings indicate that surface waters are exposed to contamination from farming practices, domestic activities, and rapid urbanization.
Contamination & food safetyHealthClimate changeOrganic cycleEnhancing Urban Consumers' Loyalty to the Community-Supported Agriculture Organic Farms via SNSs
2026Quang-An Ha, Thi Hong Nhung Nguyen · · Global
This conceptual research explores the role of farmer-to-consumer (F2C) know-how exchange via SNSs in enhancing urban consumers' loyalty to Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) organic farms. Utilizing the MOA theoretical framework, the study identifies key drivers of F2C know-how exchanges and their impacts on consumer loyalty intentions. It suggests that leveraging social capital and mutual trust through SNS-based knowledge exchange can contribute to more resilient and sustainable local organic agriculture.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsDigital agricultureFood Green Cities for Urban Sustainability (Book)
2026Ambika P. Adhikari, Keshav Bhattarai, Drona Rasali, Sunil Babu Shrestha · UNM’s Digital Repository (University of New Mexico) · Global
This book explores the role of urban agriculture, forestry, and sustainable practices in ensuring food security and addressing climate change and urbanization challenges. It emphasizes urban greening and sustainable land use as strategies for creating livable cities and mitigating environmental degradation. The book compiles research, practical solutions, and transferable strategies applicable to developing countries.
Urban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityHeat exposure and agricultural workers' health: A global systematic review with implications for Peri-urban and semi-urban Southeast Asia
2026Nu Quy Linh Tran, Cordia Chu, Hai Phung, Son Nghiem, Han Le, Tuyet-Hanh Tran, Dung Phung · Urban Climate · Global
This global systematic review analyzed 97 studies from 27 countries on heat exposure and agricultural workers' health. The majority of studies (54.6%) were from North America, with Africa, South America, and Asia significantly underrepresented. Common health outcomes included self-reported heat-related illnesses (27.8%) and kidney issues (20.6%), but cardiovascular health, mortality, and mental well-being remain significantly understudied. In Southeast Asia, urbanization increases heat risk for peri-urban agricultural workers, as these zones often lack infrastructure, healthcare, and regulatory protections, exacerbating exposure to extreme heat, particularly from the urban heat island effect.
Environmental trade-offsHealthClimate changePeri-urban agricultureFruit-waste biochar for immobilizing potentially toxic elements in contaminated agricultural soils and reducing vegetable-related human health risks: A systematic review.
2026Nelson Joseph Msacky, Amelia Alfred, Oscar Punguti, Edson Protas, Iddi Mapande, Novatus, Shukrani Phillip, January G Msemakweli · Open MIND · Global
This systematic review aims to synthesize current scientific evidence on the effectiveness of fruit-waste-derived biochar in immobilizing potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in contaminated agricultural soils. It will evaluate how fruit-waste biochar reduces metal bioavailability, plant uptake, and associated human health risks from vegetable consumption. The review also seeks to identify which fruit wastes are used as biochar feedstocks and which biochar properties and production conditions influence immobilization performance, noting that existing research is fragmented.
Contamination & food safetyCompostOrganic cycleHealthPeri-urban agricultureBEHAVIOURAL DETERMINANTS OF URBAN FARMING ADOPTION IN MALAYSIA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY USING THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOUR
2026Hamed Faghiri, Zulkornain Yusop · International Journal of Innovation and Industrial Revolution · Malaysia
This qualitative study investigated the behavioral intentions of urban citizens towards urban farming in Malaysia, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework. Semi-structured interviews with 50 participants from major urban centers in Peninsular Malaysia revealed that positive attitudes, such as valuing food freshness, health benefits, and environmental impact, strongly motivate participation. Subjective norms are shaped by family support, community inspiration, and the growing visibility of urban farming, while perceived behavioral control depends on factors like space, time, and access to knowledge and technology. Participants with higher self-efficacy and greater community involvement showed more willingness to engage in urban farming.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsFood education