Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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3086 results(3 / 124)
Enhancing 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 agricultureEVALUACIÓN DE LA SUSTENTABILIDAD DE HUERTOS URBANOS DEL MUNICIPIO DE PUEBLA, PUEBLA, MÉXICO
2026Héctor Bernal-Mendoza, Daniel Jiménez-García, Natyeli Matus Angulo, Miguel Ángel Escalona Aguilar · Agroecología · Mexico (Puebla)
This study evaluated the sustainability of 18 urban gardens in Puebla, Mexico, from 2020 to 2021. The MESMI methodology was applied using 14 indicators across economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Two alternative systems were identified: transitional to conventional and transitional to agroecological, with the latter showing the highest values in 7 indicators and thus concluded to be the most sustainable.
CommunityEconomicsOrganic cycleClimate changeBEHAVIOURAL 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 educationCultivating the margins: Urban farming, social solidarity, and spatial justice in Indonesia
2026Moh. Solehatul Mustofa, Kemal Budi Mulyono, Nina Farliana, Dwi Cahyaningdyah · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Indonesia
This qualitative study examined urban farming practices in seven major Indonesian cities, using participant observation, 52 in-depth interviews, and seven focus group discussions with urban farmers. Findings indicate that the resilience and sustainability of urban farming are shaped by collective affective infrastructures, social solidarity, and non-commodified community relations, rather than solely economic motivations or formal policies. Urban farming produces social, ecological, and symbolic value beyond market outcomes, contributing to food security, community resilience, and spatial justice.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyDoes gardening make us feel better? Assessing the motivations and perceptions of urban gardeners in Bogota, Colombia
2026Laura Rojas-Pardo, Tereza Pilařová, Kindah Ibrahim, Patrick Van Damme, Vladimír Verner · Local Environment · Colombia (Bogotá)
This study assessed the self-reported motivations for urban homegardening in Bogota, Colombia, through thematic content analysis of 119 semi-structured interviews. Three main motivations were identified: enjoyment, food self-provision, and social connection, which were associated with gardeners' socioeconomic strata and garden location. Enjoyment was a significant factor for over 70% of respondents in central and northern areas, while aesthetic appeal and economic constraints were prominent in the southern periphery, with only lower socioeconomic strata reporting economic reasons for gardening.
HealthFood educationCommunityEconomicsOptimization of the Urban Food-Energy-Water Nexus: A Micro-Supply Chain and Circular Economy Approach
2026Marwen Elkamel, Luis Rabelo · Sustainability · United States (South Florida)
This paper presents a mathematical programming model to optimize the design and sustainability performance of the urban food–energy–water (FEW) nexus. The model incorporates a micro supply chain and addresses the supply-demand balance within existing and future FEW systems using cost and carbon footprint indicators. It is applied to an urban agriculture network in South Florida, integrating renewable energy technologies, combined heat and power units, reclaimed wastewater and stormwater, and electric vehicles. The optimization process identified effective infrastructure investment, resource allocation, and technology configurations to support circular economy and sustainability.
EconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleFood sovereignty, capitalism and migrant workers
2026Sinem Kavak, Lorenza Arango, Doi Ra, Zeynep Ceren Eren Benlisoy, Carlo John Arceo, George T. Mudimu, Daren Shi-chi Leung, Adwoa Yeboah Gyapong, Mnqobi Ngubane · The Journal of Peasant Studies · Global
Migrant workers often remain marginal in food sovereignty discourse and practice despite their central role in the global food system. The emphasis on localization within food sovereignty often overlooks trends towards semi-proletarianization within small peasant and worker households, and a more inclusive food sovereignty agenda must address migrant workers' access to land.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageEconomicsPerceived sustainability impacts of converting to community‐supported agriculture
2026Lukas Egli, Jana V. Schmidt, Hanna‐Sofie Haf, Mirco Zech · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Global
This exploratory quantitative survey assessed farmers' perceived sustainability impacts of converting to Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA). While most perceived impacts were positive, adverse impacts were anticipated regarding climate and water, such as increased water usage from vegetable production. Farmers in CSAs with medium to high member participation perceived significantly higher biodiversity impacts and more positive sustainability impacts for members.
Environmental trade-offsCSA & TeikeiClimate changeBiodiversityEconomicsFeeding the Capital, Governing the Soil: Turning Policy and By-laws into Action for Urban Agriculture in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania
2026Baltazar Namwata · Journal of Agriculture and Agronomy (JAA) · Tanzania (Dodoma)
This mixed-methods study assessed the implementation of urban agriculture (UA) policies in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania, surveying 300 urban farmers. Findings revealed low farmer awareness of city planning (15.9%) and UA regulations (24.4%), limited access to extension services (25.4%) and credit (24.0%), and unreliable water sources for many (45.5%). The study concluded that supportive national policy recognition has not translated into effective local implementation, farmer awareness, reliable service delivery, or practical enforcement.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityFood Sharing in Brighton & Hove
2026Jennifer Lyons, Anna Davies · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · United Kingdom (Brighton & Hove)
This report presents sustainability impacts of Food Sharing Initiatives (FSIs) in Brighton & Hove, UK, combining data from CULTIVATE’s Food Sharing Map and submitted Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) data. FSIs are community-driven projects enabling collective food activities and skill exchange. The CULTIVATE project developed "The Toolshed" to assess FSI sustainability impacts across social, environmental, economic, and governance pillars. The report notes that the presented indicators are a subset of total impacts, and urban-scale estimations will improve with more SIA data.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsModel dan Tata Kelola Pertanian Kota Berbasis Ekonomi Hijau pada Rumah Susun di DKI Jakarta
2026Aliyah Revitaningrum Revitaningrum, Arif Rizqi Azhari, Ahmad Arifuddin, Derryl Fadhlurrahman Abdul Rozzaq · PENA BANGSA Bisnis dan Tata Kelola Publik Adaptif · Indonesia (DKI Jakarta)
This qualitative literature review aimed to formulate a conceptual model for integrating urban agriculture and green economy principles in apartment housing in DKI Jakarta, Indonesia. Based on previous studies, the findings suggest that urban agriculture can be implemented through a modular vertical bioclimatic skin concept. This model has the potential to improve energy efficiency, reduce water consumption, support carbon-emission reduction, strengthen food resilience, create green economic opportunities, and enhance social cohesion.
CommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeEconomicsIntegrating vertical and urban farming into sustainable food systems: a comprehensive review
2026Thulisekari Prasanna, Guda Bhargavi, Murugesan Mohana Keerthi · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Global
This comprehensive review synthesizes literature on vertical and urban agriculture within sustainable food systems, identifying production models and technical advancements. Empirical evidence indicates these systems can improve water/land-use efficiency, yield stability, and reduce post-harvest losses. However, significant challenges persist, including high capital and energy prices, inadequate crop diversification, technical complexities, and regulatory constraints, impacting their economic viability.
Economic viabilityUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyDigital agricultureDAMPAK PENGEMBANGAN KEBUN KOMUNITAS TERHADAP PRODUKTIVITAS PANEN, DIGITALISASI TRANSAKSI, DAN PENGELOLAAN LIMBAH: PKM SAUNG ASRI 2 DI JAKARTA UTARA
2026Sasti Permata, Asri Ardiati Sunoto, Septiani Juniarti · Jurnal Abdi Insani · Indonesia
This community service program at Kebun Saung Asri 2 in North Jakarta transformed an unproductive space into a productive green area through citizen initiative. Activities included socialization, training, technology implementation (hydroponics, drip irrigation, composters, QRIS), and mentoring. The program resulted in increased harvest productivity, diversification of processed products, strengthened community institutions, active community participation, and the creation of an educational and social green space.
CommunityEconomicsOrganic cycleDigital agricultureUrban agriculture in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A systematic review of practices, challenges and sustainability
2026hawamkwela@yahoo.com MKWELA · Social Sciences & Humanities Open · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
This systematic review analyzed 42 studies from 1990 to 2024, examining urban agriculture practices, scale, socio-economic contributions, health and environmental impacts, and governance constraints in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Urban agriculture involves 36,000–60,000 households cultivating 1,800–6,000 hectares annually, supplying 90% of city vegetables, providing 20–70% of household income, and employing over 100,000 people. However, 85–95% of farmers lack secure land tenure, 78% of vegetable samples exceed WHO E. coli limits, and 90% of produce is sold informally with high post-harvest losses of 20–40%.
Contamination & food safetyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthPolicyUrban Farming Berbasis Teknologi Sensor dan Platform Dagang Lokal untuk Kedaulatan Pangan Semarang
2026Karla Katina Salim Nohkarsan, Caroline Noel Amaris Purnomo, Karyn Gracia Hartono, Mellia Harumi, Gelbert Jethro Sanyoto · Praxis Jurnal Sains Teknologi Masyarakat dan Jejaring · Indonesia (Semarang)
This study designed two systems to support food sovereignty in Semarang, Indonesia: a sensor-based urban farming system for real-time plant condition monitoring with automatic nutrient supply and pH adjustment, and a digital local trading application for direct sales of local produce to consumers and searching for nearby urban farmers. The research was conducted through observation studies, deep interviews, and literature reviews.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityDigital agricultureEconomicsToward digital community economies: California’s alternative food networks navigating market digitalization
2026Sasha Pesci, Ryan E. Galt · Agriculture and Human Values · United States (California)
This paper, based on 28 semi-structured interviews with direct market farmers in California, explores their experiences with market digitalization. It finds that while some farmers perceive online tools as eroding social and environmental connections, others view them as supportive of these connections, highlighting tensions in market digitalization for Alternative Food Networks.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureEconomicsCSA & TeikeiCommunityGeospatial Dynamics of Urban Irrigation Agricultural Land Use for Sustainable Income Generation on the Jos Plateau
2026Dr. Emmanuel Omomoh, Sunday Nannim, Dr. Rogers Rengje. Danlami Gujahar, Moses Omitunde Omirinde, Gwamzhi Ponsah Emmanuel · International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering Management & Applied Science · Nigeria (Jos)
A study analyzed urban irrigation agricultural land use changes in Jos South Metropolis, Nigeria, over a ten-year period (2014–2024) using geospatial techniques and fieldwork. Market garden area declined by 5.84%, while settlements expanded by 34.76%. Key constraints to sustainable urban agriculture were identified, including land tenure insecurity (63% of dry-season farmers were landless), limited access to irrigation water, pest and disease pressure, inadequate fertilizer supply, and increasing competition for land from urban development.
Governance failureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyA review on urban horticulture: An innovative approach for smart cities
2026Davendra Kumar, Krishan Pal, Ashish Kumar · International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research · Global
This review discusses urban horticulture as a viable method to address challenges arising from rapid urbanization, population growth, food crisis, and climate change. It notes that by 2050, 40.76% of India's population is projected to live in urban areas, increasing pressure on urban resources and rural agricultural production. Urban horticulture is presented as a sustainable way to reduce agricultural pressure and combat food crisis.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsUrban–rural linkagePublic perceptions on the role of urban green space development and management in Gondar City, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia
2026Getaneh Bizuayehu, Kassahun Gashu, Belete Debebe · Sustainable Futures · Ethiopia
This study investigated public perception of the economic, social, and environmental roles of urban green space (UGS) development and management in Gondar City, Ethiopia, using household surveys and semi-structured questionnaires. Most participants strongly agreed that UGS provides raw materials (54.5%), creates employment (54.5%), attracts businesses (53.5%), aids food production (51.8%), and increases government revenues (51.7%). Socially, UGS was strongly agreed to improve healthy lifestyles (64.3%) and promote mental health (60.1%). Environmentally, strong agreement was found for UGS reducing climate change impacts (89%), improving urban forests (78%), and mitigating urban heat island effects (75.3%). Chi-square tests showed most demographic, socio-economic, and biophysical factors were not significantly associated with these perceived roles.
EconomicsCommunityPolicyKey catalysts and constraints of urban agriculture for sustainable food systems: A case study of Thiruvananthapuram, India
2026Sreedaya G S, Smitha S, Mathew Riza, Somashekar Patil Sheetal, K Sreelakshmi, Krishna R Aswathi, V S Chinchu, Somanath Gopika, J R Shalini · Plant Science Today · India (Thiruvananthapuram)
This study examined catalysts and constraints of urban agriculture (UA) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, collecting data from 124 urban farmers across 20 wards in 2024 using mixed methods. Catalysts were categorized as socio-economic benefits, ecosystem services, and fitness and well-being, with fitness and well-being being the most influential. Constraints included institutional barriers like lack of timely information and socio-economic challenges such as poor soil fertility.
EconomicsHealthClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceSocio-Economic Dimensions of Urban Agriculture in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Farmer Characteristics, Cultivation Practices, and Operational Constraints
2026Gwamzhi Ponsah Emmanuel, Kabati Danjuma Madaki, Abadu Afinli Manasseh, Murna Joy Tikuna Dawarga, Sabaina Oluwakemi Gabriel, Pwajok David Jang · International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews · Nigeria (Jos)
This study examined the socio-economic dimensions of dry-season market gardening (fadama) in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria, through interviews with 65 farmers, site reconnaissance, and observation. The farmer population was diverse, with 63% lacking formal land ownership, and intensive year-round cultivation of temperate vegetables was observed. Ten operational constraints were identified, including pest and disease pressures reported by all respondents, land tenure insecurity, expensive fertilizer supply (20-30% of costs), and a near-total absence of formal policy recognition and extension support.
EconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceIs community-supported agriculture a case of real utopia? The case of Germany
2026Hannah Bücheler, Christine Bosch · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Germany
This paper explores the potential of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Germany, applying Erik Olin Wright’s concept of real utopia to assess if CSA challenges capitalist structures. Drawing on secondary literature, the study evaluates the desirability, feasibility, and achievability of CSA. The results suggest that CSA in Germany qualifies as a real utopia, but faces limitations to growth due to implementation constraints such as the need for additional market channels and access to land.
Governance failureCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceThe association between climate-smart agriculture practices adoption and farm income and wealth of small-scale urban crop farmers in eThekwini municipality, with implications for food and nutrition security
2026Khumalo N. Z., Sibanda M., Mdoda L. · Frontiers in Nutrition · 南アフリカ・エテクウィニ市（ダーバン）
A multi-stage sample of 412 small-scale urban crop farmers in eThekwini municipality, South Africa, with a conditional mixed process model relating a composite index of climate-smart agriculture adoption (agroforestry, conservation agriculture, crop diversification, rotation, cover crops, drought-tolerant crops, mulching, organic manure, wetland use, soil conservation) to farm income and a wealth index. Adoption was positively associated with both, but the authors state the estimated income association is "relatively modest" and should be read with caution. Several socio-economic variables showed counterintuitive associations, and because existing agricultural training showed a weak association with income-enhancing adoption, the authors call for context-specific, outcome-oriented training and extension rather than more of the same.
Limited or null effectEconomicsClimate changePolicyThe Role of Urban Planning Decisions in the Formation of Food Deserts: From Structural Causes to Justice-Oriented Holistic Strategies
2026Büşra Gül KARACA, Duygu GÖKCE · Kent Akademisi · Global
This study comprehensively examined 26 scientific studies published between 2008 and 2025 from a spatial perspective, demonstrating that food desert formation is a multi-layered structural problem directly related to spatial planning processes and urban planning decisions, rather than individual socioeconomic deficiencies. The literature review revealed that food deserts are systematically produced by planning-based practices such as single-function zoning decisions, single-centered urban development models, and the absence of urban agriculture in legislation, not solely by a lack of physical access. Access disadvantages persist, particularly in peripheral neighborhoods and areas with high concentrations of low-income groups, and a significant gap exists in developing applicable policies for medium-sized cities due to the literature's focus on metropolitan areas.
Equity & displacementPolicyHealthEconomicsWelfareFood 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 changeEconomics