Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
855 results(3 / 35)
Adaptive communal space in cities
2026OECD · OECD regional development papers · Global
This paper examines adaptive communal space (ACS), such as community gardens, as (semi-)public spaces collectively managed by local communities to meet evolving needs. Drawing on interviews, surveys, and literature, it argues that ACS shifts urban development towards shared stewardship and local problem-solving, contributing to social connectivity, environmental management, economic opportunities, cultural activity, temporal adaptability, and institutional flexibility. The paper emphasizes that ACS effectiveness relies more on institutional conditions like legal certainty and governance than on spatial form.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsClimate changeDesigning for ecological aesthetics in urban agriculture: Operationalising ecodesign principles across multilayer city landscapes
2026Xiaoxuan Ren, Tetiana Bulhakova · Art and Design · Global
This study developed a theoretical and practical framework integrating ecological aesthetics into urban agriculture design. Using a mixed-methods approach combining literature review and analysis of existing urban agricultural spaces, a structured ecodesign framework synthesizing aesthetics, ecological function, and resilience was established. It was found that sensory qualities like color, texture, and rhythm, along with cultural meaning, can enhance biodiversity support, food production, and climate regulation without compromising ecological integrity.
BiodiversityClimate changeCommunityPolicyAssessment of Carbon Dioxide Reduction and Air Quality Improvement through Rooftop Farming in Urban Areas
2026K. C. Sahu · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · Global
This study assessed carbon dioxide reduction and air quality improvement through rooftop farming in urban areas over five years (2021-2025). It observed lower CO2 concentrations in rooftop farming areas compared to non-vegetated urban areas, where CO2 levels were recorded at 449 ppm in the township. Dense plant growth on rooftops reduced CO2 by absorption during photosynthesis, contributing to fresher air and improved environmental quality.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageA(GR)TECTURE: Designing an Agricultural Learning Facility to Energize Food Production in the Urban Areas of Dominica
2026Kendel Constant · DigitalCommons - Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw State University) · Dominica
This thesis explores improving Dominica's urban agricultural sector, examining challenges like hurricanes, landslides, temperature shifts, limited adoption of advanced farming techniques, an aging farmer population, and soil erosion. The proposed Agricultural Learning Facility aims to address these issues by leveraging smart farming methods and enhancing traditional practices. However, the proposed greenhouse and hydroponic systems cannot completely replace traditional farming practices, but rather help increase food production.
Governance failureFood educationCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEcological landscape planning in earthquake-prone regions: Integrating agriculture, water systems and green ınfrastructure
2026ŞEVVAL KARATAŞ, Mustafa Artar · Scientific Works · Global
This study, based on a literature review, examines ecological landscape planning approaches for enhancing urban resilience in earthquake-prone regions. It proposes integrating agricultural areas, water systems, and green infrastructure as complementary ecological components within a holistic planning model. The findings indicate that this integrated approach enhances ecological integrity, supports biodiversity, regulates surface water, reduces the urban heat island effect, and strengthens communities' adaptive capacity in post-disaster phases.
Climate changeCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyIrrigação Inteligente em Hortas Urbanas
2026Luiz Arthur Malta Pereira, A. Lindner, Käthery Brennecke, Marco Antonio de Andrade Belo, Amanda Prudêncio Lemes · Revista de Tecnologia & Gestão Sustentável · Global
This study developed a low-cost, intelligent irrigation device for urban gardens, integrating soil moisture sensors and real-time weather data to optimize water use. The prototype, built on an ESP8266 platform with C++ programming, was initially tested in a laboratory, confirming satisfactory operating conditions. The system aims to reduce water waste and promote sustainability in urban agriculture, with future validation planned for commercialization.
Digital agricultureClimate changeApplying recovered nutrients and pruning waste to enrich and regenerate agricultural soils in urban agriculture: Effects on emissions and yield of spinach and sweet potato
2026Guido Evangelista, Juan David Arosemena, Gaia Stringari, Joan Romanyà, Xavier Gabarrell, Francesco Orsini, Gara Villalba · Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment · Global
This study evaluated the application of 150 t ha-1 of ramial chipped wood (RCW) to degraded peri-urban agricultural soils, comparing its effects on yield, soil health, and greenhouse gas emissions for spinach and sweet potato. Spinach grown with RCW showed the lowest productivity (1.16 – 0.32 kg m-2) among treatments, while sweet potato achieved the highest yield (1.72 – 1.99 kg m-2). High RCW doses initially led to higher CO2 emissions but significantly reduced N2O emissions for spinach (from 0.36 kg ha-1 to 0.07 kg ha-1) and enhanced soil organic carbon and nitrogen stocks for sweet potato, indicating agronomic and environmental trade-offs.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleCompostClimate changePeri-urban agricultureAssessing the links between climate change resiliency and food security in northwestern region of Bangladesh
2026Abhi Sarker, Salman Ibn Yasin, Bikash Chandra Ghosh, Gershom Endelani Mwalupaso, Asma Akter, Emmanuel Kiprop, Liu Z, Farjana Eyasmin, Geng Xianhui · Agricultural Economics (Zemědělská ekonomika) · Bangladesh
This study examined the impact of climate resilience on food security among 498 farming households across 16 villages in extreme climate zones of northwestern Bangladesh. Using a climate resilience index and a binary logistic model, the findings indicate a positive association between climate resilience and food security. Urban households showed greater resilience (38.7% food secure) than rural ones (32.8% food secure).
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageTransforming horticultural productivity with organic manures in geotextile vertical farming
2026ANZUMAN RAHMAN NITU, Sohel Rana Mazumder, Abul Hasnat Muhammad Solaiman · Journal of Bioscience and Environment Research · Bangladesh (Dhaka)
A study conducted from December 2019 to April 2020 at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, evaluated organic manure-based substrates in geotextile vertical farming for mint, chili, and Indian spinach. The substrate combining vermicompost, coco fibre, and soil consistently enhanced the growth and yield of all three crops, producing the highest yields per plant compared to other treatments.
Organic cycleCompostClimate changeDigital agricultureLow-Cost Automation Framework for Sustainable Hydroponic Farming in Urban Poly Houses
2026Mehul Kumar, Aryan Raj, Sivam Visnu, Nishant Upadhyay · DMPedia Lecture Notes in Multidisciplinary Research · Global
This paper presents an open-source automation framework for urban polyhouse hydroponic farming, costing under $100, featuring multi-parameter sensing and a dual-loop control strategy. Three replicated 42-day trials with Coriandrum sativum using nutrient film technique (NFT) showed a 27.5% ± 3.2% increase in fresh weight and 82% water savings compared to manual control (p < 0.05). Economic analysis indicated a 6.1-month break-even and 96% ROI in the first year.
Digital agricultureEconomicsClimate changeEdible architecture: seasonal green intervention through atmospheric design of tropical growing spaces
2026F. X. Teddy Badai Samodra, Rizky Nathania, Triono Bagus Saputro, Ike Phiri, Seonghwan Yoon · Frontiers in Built Environment · Global
This study proposed the concept of edible architecture, using plants as architectural elements for spatial flexibility, to address reduced green spaces and increased carbon footprints from urbanization. Through literature reviews, secondary data, location analysis, and design exploration with study models, it suggests that a refitable approach to edible landscapes allows modification based on needs and seasons, creating dynamic spaces. Integrating atmospheric design could lead to potential annual energy savings of 67,500 kWh/year in roof-based structures.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageBiodiversityCultivating Sustainability: How Modern Food Practices Shape Pro‐Environmental Motivation Through Food–Nature Associations
2026Shu Tian Ng, Angela K.‐Y. Leung · Sustainable Development · Global
Three studies (N=383, N=591, N=397) investigated how modern food practices influence pro-environmental motivation through the perceived association of food with nature. The research found that growing food had a positive indirect relationship with pro-environmentalism via food-nature association. However, evidence for natural food consumption was weaker, and cooking showed no significant effects on this relationship.
DIYClimate changeFood educationCost-effective urban farming with alternative water sources treated by nature-based solutions: A critical review of global practices
2026Niloofar Shoja Razavi, Kefeng Zhang, Veljko Prodanović · Agricultural Systems · Global
This review assessed the agronomic suitability and contaminant profiles of five alternative water sources (greywater, blackwater, groundwater, rainwater, and stormwater) for urban crop irrigation. Four nature-based solution (NBS) technologies (constructed wetlands, biofilters, green roofs, and green walls) were evaluated as pre-treatment systems, with hybrid systems demonstrating over 97% removal efficiency for contaminants. Economic viability was highly dependent on crop selection; high-value crops like tomatoes and sweet peppers irrigated with treated groundwater showed the greatest profitability, while faba beans remained unviable regardless of treatment. Policy analysis identified substantial governance gaps, including inconsistent enforcement, limited public acceptance, and minimal regulatory guidance specific to urban agricultural water reuse.
Organic cycleClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsSeeds' Valley Ecological Farm
2026Zoltán Dezsény · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Hungary
This is a presentation about Magosvölgy (Seeds' Valley) Ecological Farm in Hungary, a real-world example of a short food supply chain. The family-run farm operates on 0.5 hectares, growing over 40 species and 100 varieties of mixed organic vegetables using low-tech, regenerative methods without chemicals or heavy machinery. It functions as a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, with 160 members paying a yearly fee for weekly vegetable shares, reaching around 800 consumers and distributing approximately 32,000 kg of vegetables annually.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeEnvironmental performance and methodological challenges of Rooftop Greenhouses: An introductory paper
2026Yizhi Zhang · · Global
This report systematically reviews the environmental performance of rooftop greenhouses, focusing on life cycle assessment (LCA) approaches. The review found that existing studies are limited, often case-specific, and use diverse methodologies, hindering comparisons. Environmental performance is highly context-dependent and influenced by methodological assumptions, with conventional LCA often failing to capture dynamic interactions between greenhouse operations, crop growth, and host buildings, leading to an incomplete representation of environmental performance.
Methodological critiqueClimate changeEconomicsDigital agricultureCarbon gardens: A nature-based approach for climate change mitigation and sustainable landscapes
2026Farooq Ahmad Khan, Faheemullah Khan, Sumati Narayan, Mohammad Amir, Zaffar Mahdi Dar · International Journal of Research in Agronomy · Global
This review synthesizes the concept, design principles, carbon sequestration mechanisms, storage potential, and environmental benefits of carbon gardens, which are multifunctional landscapes designed to maximize carbon sequestration and deliver a wide range of ecosystem services. The article highlights their application in urban and rural landscapes and their integration with carbon-negative farming through practices such as biochar use and compost recycling. It also discusses key challenges related to carbon measurement, establishment costs, land availability, and long-term management.
Governance failureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityCompostSynergising outdoor, indoor, and greenhouse urban agriculture to strengthen urban resilience in an era of polycrisis
2026James Vandenberg, Kerstin Krellenberg · Sustainable Cities and Society · Global
This study investigated how differentiated configurations of outdoor, indoor, and greenhouse urban agriculture (UA) impact Urban Resilience Capacities (URCs). It found that a strategic, place-based, combinatorial approach to integrating UA typologies can produce mutually reinforcing outcomes, strengthening various URCs simultaneously. However, a strong risk of trade-offs exists when UA systems are not aligned, and a critical research gap remains as empirical case studies are concentrated in Europe and North America, overlooking experiences in the Global South.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeCommunityPolicyUrban and Peri-Urban Carbon-Negative Farming
2026Farooq Ahmad Khan, Zaffar Mahdi Dar, Saddam Hussain, Sumati Narayan · · Global
The global food system contributes approximately 31% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, while rapid urbanization is projected to have nearly 70% of the global population in urban areas by 2050. This demographic shift intensifies the carbon footprint of food supply chains due to long-distance transportation and energy use. Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is presented as a strategic opportunity to localize food production, reduce carbon footprints, and contribute to carbon-negative farming systems that both decrease and sequester atmospheric carbon.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceInsights from Japanese Urban Policies for Sustainable City Planning in Nepal
2026Sunil Babu Shrestha · NCWA Annual Journal · Nepal
This article discusses critical urban issues in Nepal, including climate change impacts, informal settlements, and infrastructure deficiency, based on a review of secondary data. With over 66% of its population in urban municipalities, Nepal faces challenges in creating sustainable cities and requires integrated urban planning. The article suggests that Nepal can address these issues by learning from Japan's city policies and practices, such as comprehensive land-use planning, community participation, disaster resilience, and the promotion of green spaces and urban agriculture.
PolicyClimate changeCommunityVertical farming as a resource nexus solution for sustainable agriculture
2026Jonas Sohn, Juliane Dziumla, Atiqah Fairuz Salleh, George Xydis · Sustainability Nexus Forum · Global
This study evaluated vertical farming (VF) through the resource nexus (RN) lens, emphasizing the interdependencies among energy, water, land, and materials. While VF offers advantages such as space efficiency, water conservation, and climate resilience, it was found to entail high energy demands, material dependencies, and economic feasibility challenges. An overview of these synergies and constraints helps identify mitigation strategies like circular water systems and hybrid renewable energy solutions.
Economic viabilityEconomicsClimate changePolicyUrban–rural linkageThe Role of Urban Green Spaces in Mitigating the Urban Heat Island Effect: A Systematic Review from the Perspective of Types and Mechanisms
2025Haoqiu Lin, Xun Li · Sustainability · Global
This systematic review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature on various forms of green infrastructure and their mechanisms for mitigating Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects, and the function of urban green spaces (UGS) in reducing the impact of UHI. Important mechanisms, including shade, evapotranspiration, albedo change, and ventilation, were investigated in connection with urban parks, green roofs, street trees, vertical greenery systems, and community gardens. The findings show that green areas, including parks, green roofs, and street trees, can lower air and surface temperatures by as much as 5 °C. However, the efficiency of cooling varies depending on plant density and spatial distribution.
CommunityClimate changeSustainable Futures
2025Annamaria Alabiso, Giorgio Buratti, Fiammetta Costa, Matteo Meraviglia, Luciana Migliore, Attilio Nebuloni · · Global
A transdisciplinary research project investigated reusing treated kitchen wastewater for irrigating edible vegetable production in households. The project developed a prototype with an engineered biological filter to reuse dishwasher wastewater for growing vegetables and ornamental plants for domestic use. This approach aims to reduce water and fertilizer consumption, enabling the production of healthy, safe, and local food.
DIYOrganic cycleClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceHigh respiration rates induce net CO2 emissions in an urban allotment garden in Finland
2025Piaopiao Ke, Beñat Olascoaga, Pasi Kolari, Outi Tahvonen, Sami Haapanala, Tom Kokkonen, Leena Järvi, Markku Kulmala, Anna Lintunen · Urban forestry & urban greening · Finland
A year-round eddy covariance and soil chamber measurement in an urban allotment garden in southern Finland showed it functioned as a net CO₂ source (0.69 kg m⁻² yr⁻¹) despite 77% vegetation cover. High respiratory emissions (4.7 kg m⁻² yr⁻¹) exceeded photosynthetic uptake (4.0 kg m⁻² yr⁻¹), likely due to elevated soil organic carbon (13.4 ± 8.7%) and high soil C:N ratio from management amendments. These findings challenge assumptions about urban gardens as inherent carbon sinks and suggest carbon-smart management practices are needed.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeOrganic cycleCommunityGrowing your own food in small urban spaces
2025Shanurasab K Nadaf, VR Yadahalli, Bebijan Nadaf · International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research · Global
This review explores the motivations and practical strategies for growing food in small urban spaces, addressing challenges like limited space and poor soil. It discusses techniques such as vertical gardening, container planting, hydroponics, and raised beds, along with crop selection and resource optimization. The article also examines challenges, success stories, and the role of technology in making urban gardening accessible.
DIYUrban–rural linkageHealthEconomicsCommunityClimate changeTHE IMPACT OF SOCIAL SPACES IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOOD DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: URBAN FARMING INTO A SELF-SUFFICIENT COMMUNITY
2025Chua Siu Ting, Hazreena Hussein · Journal of Surveying Construction & Property · Malaysia (Port Dickson)
This study explored residents' perceptions of social spaces in Port Dickson, Malaysia, during the COVID-19 pandemic, using a mixed-method approach combining photographic documentation and a questionnaire survey. The majority of respondents experienced significant stress during the pandemic due to anxiety, job loss, and livelihood challenges, emphasizing the importance of effective space allocation and varied options within residential neighborhoods. These findings imply that strategically designed social spaces and zoning practices are key to developing self-sufficient communities in residential areas.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthClimate change