Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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1545 results(3 / 62)
The Community-Environment-Health Nexus: Connecting Community-Led Climate Action to Health Co-Benefits
2026Wendelboe-Nelson C., Lyon K., Alex E., Malden S., Williams A. J., Thompson C. W. · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 英国・スコットランド・エディンバラ
A retrospective analysis of 32 community-led climate action projects funded through the Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) and its GreenLight programme (2024–2025), spanning energy, transport, food, circular economy and green space, none with a formal health evaluation framework. Data extracted from final reports covered 3,195 direct participants. Although health was not an objective, 21 of the 32 projects (66%) reported secondary health and wellbeing outcomes. Projects with direct nature contact showed the strongest co-benefits: nine of ten high-nature-contact projects reported health benefits, against two of eight low-contact projects. Following community-garden workshops, 94% of participants reported increased willingness to engage in future community activities and 76% reported improved mental wellbeing. The authors propose a "Community-Environment-Health Nexus" (CEHN) framework for how community-led environmental action generates synergistic health co-benefits.
HealthCommunityClimate changePolicyFood Sharing in Athens
2026Jennifer Lyons, Anna Davies · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Greece (Athens)
The CULTIVATE project developed "The Toolshed," an assessment tool to document and understand the sustainability impacts of food sharing initiatives (FSIs). This report provides estimated sustainability impacts for Athens, combining insights from CULTIVATE’s automated Food Sharing Map and sustainability impact assessment (SIA) data submitted by FSIs. These estimations span environmental, economic, and social pillars of sustainability, noting that the presented impact indicators are only a subset of the total impacts these initiatives create.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsSchool Gardens in Vanuatu—Promoting Local Traditional Knowledge and Agricultural Resilience
2026Matthias Kowasch, Pierre Metsan, Adeline Mweleul, Helena Tischler · Geo Geography and Environment · Vanuatu
This paper investigates how school gardening contributes to the re-valorization of local knowledge and the decolonization of the educational system in Vanuatu. An empirical study in five secondary schools on Efate and Tanna islands, combined with curriculum analysis and participatory observation, revealed that most students regularly work in school gardens, cultivating various crops using mixed cropping and fallow land. Students are familiar with the yam seasonal calendar, but while sustainability topics are in curricula, discussions of traditional worldviews are lacking. School gardening enhances agricultural resilience, connection to land, kastom, and food sovereignty, leading to recommendations for stronger inclusion of local knowledge, field trips, and collaboration with kastom schools.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeDevelopment of Carbon Pools and Enzyme Activities in Constructed Urban Soils
2026Pasquale Napoletano, Maha Deeb, Sara Perl Egendorf, Brooke Singer, Zhongqi Cheng, Erika Di Iorio, Anna De Marco, Claudio Colombo, Peter Groffman · European Journal of Soil Science · Global
This study tracked the development and dynamics of organic matter pools over 21 months in constructed soils (1/3 compost, 2/3 fine glacio-fluvial sediments) with eight different vegetation treatments. Time and vegetation were the main drivers influencing soil parameters. A high diversity "All" treatment significantly enriched mineral/sand-associated organic carbon (MSOC) and nitrogen (MSON) by 15% and 12% respectively, compared to a non-vegetated "Bare" treatment. The presence of sunflower was associated with low values of nitrate-N, particulate organic N, hot-water extractable carbon, and β-glucosidase.
CompostOrganic cycleClimate changeResearch trends and knowledge gaps in sustainable urban agriculture: a scientometric analysis
2026Taline Carvalho Martins, Thais Queiroz Zorzeto Cesar, Fábia Barbosa da Silva, I. M. R. Guedes, Edson Luiz Sochie, Caíke da Rocha Damke, Vinício da Cunha Doro, Fabiano Guimarães Silva · Discover Sustainability · Asia
This scientometric and qualitative analysis investigated how temperature was addressed in 244 urban agriculture documents from 2020-2025, with 20 articles having high thematic relevance. Research showed a strong concentration in Asia-Pacific countries and rapid expansion after 2022. Studies were classified into open (15%), building-integrated (30%), and fully controlled indoor systems (55%), with the latter focusing on high-technology. Temperature-focused studies remain limited, revealing gaps in empirical validation and multi-scale integration.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureScalable biochar-enriched agriculture model assessing financial viability of the sustainable temporary use for brownfields: the Špitálka case
2026Ladislava Grochová, Marek Litzman, Veronika Solilová, Helena Dvořáčková · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · Czechia
This study used a simulation model to assess the financial viability of temporary urban agricultural projects on brownfield sites, specifically social farming and community garden models, at the Špitálka brownfield site in Brno, Czechia. The analysis found that carbon offsets were economically marginal, but a strategic combination of labor and establishment subsidies was crucial for financial survival. The Community Garden model showed higher self-sustainability potential (BCR > 1.0), while the Social Farming model required nearly 100% subsidy to break even (NPV = 0).
EconomicsCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeUrban agrivoltaics enhance crop resilience and food-energy synergies in a changing climate
2026Caroline Merheb, Joshua S. Caplan, Pralad Phuyal, Jordan Macknick, Nicholas C. Davatzes, Sujith Ravi · npj Urban Sustainability · Global
This study evaluated ground-based agrivoltaics in an urban context. It demonstrated that while early-season yields may decline due to light reduction in temperate climates, productivity rebounds during periods of extreme heat, extending harvest windows and enhancing crop resilience.
Limited or null effectClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageThe Role of Urban Green Infrastructure in Improving Thermal Environment and Resident Health: A Case Study in Changsha, China
2026Jiayuan Wan · Theoretical and Natural Science · China (Changsha)
This study investigated the cooling effects of five urban green spaces in Changsha, China, using Landsat 9 remote sensing images from 2022-2024. Land surface temperatures were calculated for Yuelu Mountain, Martyrs' Park, Yuehu Park, Xiaoyuan Park, and a community garden. Large green spaces like Yuelu Mountain and Martyrs' Park showed the best cooling effects, lowering surrounding surface temperatures by up to 7.3°C compared to built-up areas. The findings indicate that more vegetation correlates with lower land surface temperatures.
Climate changeHealthCommunityNurturing Resilient Urban Animal Agriculture for Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Triad Approach to Social, Economic, and Environmental Sustainability
2026Never Assan, Justice Sibanda, Betty Mukuwapasi, Reason Rumbidzai Charachimwe, Edmore Masama · Journal of Frontiers in Multidisciplinary Research · Sub-Saharan Africa
Urban animal agriculture (UAA) in Sub-Saharan Africa is presented as a solution for food security but faces challenges including gender inequality, climate change, inadequate legislation, and environmental degradation. While UAA aims to enhance household food security and alleviate poverty, it also encounters environmental issues such as resource competition, water resource strain, improper manure management, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and nuisance. Sustainable UAA requires semi-intensive silvopastoral and mixed crop and livestock systems to reduce environmental impact and enhance local food production.
Environmental trade-offsFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareClimate changePolicyFlorida–Friendly Edible Landscaping Educational Campaign
2026Tiare Silvasy · Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society · United States (Florida)
An educational campaign was conducted in Florida to teach people how to grow food in an environmentally friendly way, specifically tailored for edible crops. The campaign covered topics such as efficient irrigation, planting the right variety at the right time, advanced soil building techniques, and integrated pest management strategies. Science-based information was made available online through multiple formats, including EDIS publications, an infographic, blogs, PowerPoint presentations, and YouTube webinar recordings. This campaign reached thousands of people and provided information to encourage environmentally friendly decisions in edible landscapes.
DIYFood educationOrganic cycleClimate changeDynamics of urban greening in public squares: sustainable planning and the provision of ecosystem services in urban centers
2026Jéssica de Oliveira, Micael Silva de Freitas, Frederico Augusto Guimarães Guilherme, Jonathan Souza Oliveira, Laura Beatriz Oliveira, E. V. E. J. Amaral, Eder Marcos da Silva, Wendy Carniello Ferreira, Anderson Ribeiro Diniz, Carlos Rogério Andrade, Deivid Lopes Machado · Urban Ecosystems · Brazil (Jataí)
The temporal dynamics of urban greening in public squares in Jataí, Goiás state, Brazil, were evaluated through two surveys in 2010 and 2024. A complete floristic census of 14 public squares found no difference in total abundance but a significant increase in species richness from 79 to 121. However, urban greening management prioritized exotic and deciduous species, detrimentally affecting ecosystem attributes essential for sustainable planning, such as permanent shading and the valuation of regional flora.
BiodiversityClimate changePolicyAn assessment of participation in climate smart agricultural practices among urban women farmers in Mbarara city Western Uganda
2026Kidist Abebe Mersha, David Osiru, Wycliffe Tumwesigye, Rebecca Kalibwani · Discover Sustainability · Uganda (Mbarara City)
This study assessed the participation in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices among urban women farmers in Mbarara City, Western Uganda, and the factors influencing it. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 150 women farmers and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Multivariate Probit model. Results indicated that 74.15% of women farmers had adopted at least one CSA practice, with most being low or medium adopters. Age, membership in social groups, farming experience, farm size, income, access to credit, access to weather information, and marital status positively influenced participation, while family size had a negative effect.
Climate changeCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsSpatially explicit modelling of socio-spatial determinants of solid waste generation in Dar es Salaam’s informal settlements, Tanzania
2026Victoria M. Mwakalinga, Shafii S. Samli · City and Environment Interactions · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
This study quantified the socio-spatial determinants of household solid waste generation in Mbagala Kuu Ward, a peri-urban informal settlement in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Household survey data (n=115) were integrated with GIS-derived indicators and analyzed using a Spatial Lag Gamma Generalised Linear Model. Households generated an average of 5.94 kg day⁻¹ of waste, with only 47% formally collected. Commercial areas generated over 5 times more waste than residential areas, while urban agriculture and open spaces generated 40-50% less.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsClimate changeThe Multifunctionality of Community Gardens: A Case Study in the Metropolitan Area of Monterrey, México
2026Carlos Alberto Garza Alonso, María de Jesús Ordóñez Díaz, Flor Esthela Sánchez Cortés, José Carmen García Flores · Journal of Ethnobiology · Mexico
This study analyzed the multifunctionality of 40 community gardens in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area, Nuevo León, México, using literature review, participant observation, interviews, questionnaires, and systematic tours. It recorded 80 species, predominantly used for food and medicine, and found that people possess significant traditional ecological knowledge applied in garden management. The study concluded that community gardens positively contribute to sustainability, food production, self-consumption, and social fabric.
CommunityBiodiversityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban Sack Farming: Economic and Environmental Implications in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria
2026Chimka Owhorkaire Emenike, Ajoku Bright Chika · Iconic Research and Engineering Journals · Nigeria
A study was conducted in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, involving 204 participants in urban sack farming. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed that urban sack farming offers economic benefits such as reduced household food costs, increased profitability, job generation, and enhanced savings. It also contributes to environmental advantages like reduced pollutants, water efficiency, and soil conservation, serving as a viable livelihood strategy for urban residents, particularly in densely populated and economically disadvantaged areas.
EconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityIrrigation Water Management and Variability Drive Yield Outcomes in Peri-Urban Vegetable Systems: A Socio-Technical and Biophysical Analysis in Burkina Faso
2026Kpade O. L. Hounkpatin, Amadou Keïta, Jérôme Tondoh, Djéneba Djamila Traoré, Nouroudine Morou Hamadou, Aymar Y. Bossa, Yacouba Yira, Jean Hounkpè, Traoré Hortense Kagambèga, Olayemi Ursula Gaba, Djigbo Félicien Badou, Sarah Konaré · Water · Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)
This study in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, investigated factors leading to the abandonment of sprinkler irrigation systems and the impact of irrigation water variability on vegetable yields at two market gardening sites. Over 80% of 50 surveyed farmers stopped using sprinkler systems within two years due to equipment failures and lack of support. Variability in manual water application was linked to crop productivity variability, with uneven application identified as a major constraint at one site.
Economic viabilityEconomicsClimate changePeri-urban agricultureSynergistic effects of vermicompost and biochar amendments on cherry tomato production in an urban rooftop garden: A 2‐year study
2026Mohammad Mahbub Islam, Robiul Islam, Rezowana Nizam, Nigar Afsana, Sadman Sakib, Suraya Parvin, Jubayer Al Mahmud, Md. Hasanuzzaman · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Global
This 2-year study evaluated the growth, physiology, and yield response of cherry tomatoes in different rooftop soil media supplemented with vermicompost and biochar in an urban rooftop garden. Using a completely randomized design with nine treatments and four replications, the combined application of vermicompost and biochar consistently outperformed individual applications. Treatments with 74% soil, 20% vermicompost, and 6% biochar resulted in the tallest plants, highest leaf number, thick stems, high leaf greenness, high relative water content, and highest fruit yield across both years. Although fruit yield declined by 20.49% in the second year, residual amendment effects continued to enhance plant performance relative to untreated soil.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleClimate changeUrban Horticulture: Cultivating Greener Cities for a Sustainable Future
2026Sujatha A. Nair2 Chandana S1* · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
Urbanization has brought economic growth and improved living standards, but also environmental challenges such as shrinking green spaces, rising temperatures, air pollution, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity. With the global urban population projected to reach nearly 68% by 2050, urban horticulture is emerging as a solution for building greener, healthier, and more sustainable cities.
Climate changeHealthFood sovereignty & justiceSmart Bagging System for Business Innovation: Enhancing Profitability and Exploring New Markets
2026Ari Primantara, Udisubakti Ciptomulyono, Berlian Al Kindhi · International Journal on Engineering Applications (IREA) · Global
This study introduces the Smart Bagging System (SBS) for fertilizer packaging, integrating IoT, sensors, and Random Forest Regressor algorithms. SBS reduced the defect rate from 68.15% to 2.37% and enabled the production of small 5 kg packages with a higher margin of IDR 5,038/kg compared to 50 kg packages at IDR 1,939/kg, creating new market opportunities including urban farming.
Digital agricultureEconomicsClimate changeGrowing Greens in Cities for Healthy Lives and Spaces: The Case of Community Gardens in Chicago, Illinois Imparted to Philippine Situation
2026R P Mula, Molly Doane, Gabrielle Powell, Myer G. Mula · Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension Economics & Sociology · United States (Chicago)
This study visited, documented, and described 15 community gardens in Chicago, Illinois, and interviewed their leaders. It found the utmost importance of saving traditional crop seeds (heirlooms) for diversity, climate change mitigation, and health, as these are grown organically. Insights include reorienting mindsets, crafting garden requirement manuals, consolidating the value chain, and educating health workers on promoting community gardening.
CommunityHealthEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceHeirloom & landraceClimate changeUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureENSINANDO SOBRE EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL ATRAVÉS DA AGRICULTURA URBANA: OS TELHADOS VERDES
2026ALINE FERNANDA SILVA DE MOURA, RHAISSA FRANCISCA TAVARES DE MELO BALDER, CLOVES AUGUSTO DE LIMA SALES · Editora Realize eBooks · Global
This qualitative, observational study developed a lesson plan on urban agriculture, specifically green roofs, for 9th-grade students over four 50-minute classes. The objective was to engage students practically and creatively in building green roof models, encouraging research and explanation of the topic. The study observed that active methodologies, such as model creation and student-led explanations, made the lesson more engaging and effective, promoting greater content comprehension and developing critical and creative skills related to sustainability and environmental impact.
Food educationClimate changeDIYA Comprehensive Analysis of Urban Agriculture Theories from an Urban Spatial Perspective
2026Xiaochuan Xing, Lufei Zheng · Sustainability · Global
This study conducted a literature review and structured qualitative comparative analysis of representative urban agriculture (UA) theories across different historical periods. An analytical framework with ecological, socio-economic, technological and design, and spatial relations dimensions was used to compare theories. The research found that the ecological dimension underpins most theories, spatial relations demonstrate spatial value, design and technological innovation connect theory to urban development, and the socio-economic dimension reflects growing attention to UA. Chronological analysis revealed the evolution of UA theories from 19th-century integration to 21st-century diverse approaches.
PolicyEconomicsCommunityClimate changeFrom factory to community:Integrated design to upcycle waste construction materials from modular building factories for community gardens in West Yorkshire
2026Yun Gao, Nwakaego Onyenokporo, Manas; id_orcid 0000-0003-4791-8583 Murthy, Tamiris; id_orcid 0000-0002-4563-2429 Capellaro Ferreira · Huddersfield Research Portal (University of Huddersfield) · United Kingdom
This paper examines how integrated design supports the effective reuse of waste materials from a modular building factory through the design of a community garden pavilion. Using Whole Lifecycle Assessment, the carbon impacts of three scenarios were evaluated. Results showed that the scenario reusing waste materials (Case 3) achieved an 81% reduction in whole-life carbon emissions, totaling 3,044.99 kgCO₂e, compared to the baseline scenario using new materials (Case 1).
CommunityClimate changeOrganic cycleCultivating together: unearthing the transformative potential of community gardening as prefigurative collective action in Ljubljana
2026Blaž Križnik, Laura Mittermaier · Local Environment · Slovenia (Ljubljana)
This study examined the Onkraj gradbišča community garden in Ljubljana to understand how community gardening enables transformative social change and how institutional support affects it. Findings showed the garden fostered inner transformation, collective leadership, community capacity building, and some scaling strategies. However, scaling up strategies were ineffective, and the absence of institutional support limited the impact on governance, suggesting the garden's transformative potential for urban sustainability transitions was limited.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyClimate changeUrban agriculture as an interface for policy–practice integration: a landscape-informed, multi-layer framework across Havana, New York city and Chongming Island
2026Yu Huan, Steffen Nijhuis, Nico Tillie · Landscape and Urban Planning · Global
This study developed a landscape-informed coupling framework and content-analysis pipeline to evaluate urban agriculture policy-practice alignment in Havana, New York City, and Chongming Island. A PRISMA-ScR literature synthesis (n=3145) informed a five-domain, 40-keyword evaluation matrix applied to policy documents. Findings indicate human-centered approaches effectively address social equity and food provisioning but have limited spatial integration, while nature-based approaches advance ecological targets but underperform on participation. The landscape-informed model achieved more balanced alignment across domains, though inter-layer connectivity gaps remain.
PolicyCommunityBiodiversityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justice