Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
108 results(3 / 5)
Review: Potensi Pengembangan Pertanian Perkotaan oleh Lanjut Usia untuk Mendukung Ketahanan Pangan
2021Reni Nurjasmi · Jurnal Ilmiah Respati · Global
This review examines the potential of urban agriculture by the elderly to support food security. While urban agriculture could produce 180 million tons of food globally per year, representing 10% of total global food production, it is currently insufficient to meet urban food needs, with urban food supply still heavily reliant on rural areas and imports. With an increasing urban elderly population, empowering seniors through urban agriculture technologies like vertical farming is proposed as an opportunity for food security.
Limited or null effectElderlyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsSchool garden as a learning alternative in the era of COVID-19 pandemic
2021Okti Purwaningsih, Puguh Bintang Pamungkas, Triwahana Triwahana · Abdimas Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Universitas Merdeka Malang · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)
A community service program implemented at SD Model in Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, aimed to foster elementary school students' interest in agriculture through the introduction of a School Garden via urban farming. Using presentations with video tutorials and farming modules, the program found that 97.7% of students liked the School Garden activity, and 81.4% felt these activities fostered their interest in agriculture.
Food educationCommunityElderlyPositive aging benefits of home and community gardening activities: Older adults report enhanced self-esteem, productive endeavours, social engagement and exercise
2020Scott T.L., Masser B.M., Pachana N.A. · SAGE Open Medicine, 8:2050312120901732 · Australia
A study of older Australians examining links between home and community gardening and psychosocial and physical well-being. Older gardeners reported greater self-esteem, sense of productive endeavour, social engagement and exercise, associated with more positive attitudes to ageing. It shows allotments and gardening groups can protect older adults from isolation and support positive ageing.
ElderlyHealthWelfareCommunityExercise and Horticultural Programs for Older Adults with Depressive Symptoms and Memory Problems: A Randomized Controlled Trial
2020· Journal of Clinical Medicine · Japan
An RCT assigned 89 older adults with depressive symptoms and mild memory decline to exercise, horticultural, or control groups; the horticultural program comprised 20 weekly 90-minute sessions of field cultivation, growing, and harvesting.
ElderlyHealthEffects of Types of Horticultural Activity on the Physical and Mental State of Elderly Individuals
2020Tu P.-C., Cheng W.-C., Hou P.-C., Chang Y.-S. · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · Taiwan
A study in Taiwan with 27 elderly participants (aged 60-76) evaluating four horticultural activities, measuring effects on salivary amylase activity, pulse rate, and mood (POMS), with artistic-creation and food-tasting types showing promise for relaxation and stress reduction.
ElderlyHealthIs greenery associated with mental health among residents of aged care facilities? A systematic search and narrative review
2020Alison Carver, Alanna Lorenzon, Jenny Veitch, Ashley Macleod, Takemi Sugiyama · Aging & Mental Health · Global
A narrative review that searched six databases through 2017 and identified nine studies on exposure to greenery — gardens and green space — and mental health among residents of aged care facilities. Seven of the nine reported favourable associations between garden use and outcomes such as quality of life, but most relied on observations by staff and family rather than validated mental health instruments. One study found a reduction in depression linked to garden participation, while another found no change in physiological stress. The authors conclude that more robust evidence based on valid and reliable mental health measures is needed.
ElderlyWelfareHealthSEMEADURAS: UMA CARTOGRAFIA NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA EM SAÚDE
2020Vatsi Meneghel Danilevicz · Psicologia & Sociedade · Brazil (Bahia)
This experience report details the journey of a community garden at a Family Health Unit (USF) in southern Bahia, Brazil, aiming to revive local knowledge and create visibility. Using a cartographic methodology, the study analyzed the garden's effects on participants' health and the bond between health workers and service users. The garden, primarily involving around ten poor, elderly Black women residents, proved to be a powerful tool for therapeutic support, relationship building, cultivation of medicinal plants, reduction in allopathic medication use, and production of vegetables and fruits for participants' consumption.
CommunityHealthElderlyWelfareRevitalization of (Post-) Soviet Neighbourhood with Nature-Based Solutions
2020A. V. Shchur, Nadzeya Lobikava, Volha Lobikava · Acta horticulturae et regiotecturae · Belarus (Mogilev)
Research on the Jubilejny district in Mogilev, Belarus, a former Soviet microdistrict, revealed that population ageing is the main threat to these areas. Residents expressed dissatisfaction with uncertain housing situations, inappropriate parking options, and a lack of opportunities to spend leisure time outside. The study proposes short-term improvements such as leisure activities within public spaces and regeneration of green spaces, alongside long-term designs for a community garden and other nature-based solutions.
CommunityElderlyPolicyHorta comunitária como atividade lúdica para idosos institucionalizados
2020Francisco Glauber Peixoto Ferreira, Cácia Aline Costa Santos, Carolina Maria de Lima Carvalho, Vanessa Emille Carvalho de Sousa Freire · Revista Enfermagem Atual In Derme · Brazil (Fortaleza)
An experience report describes the implementation of a community garden in a Long-Term Care Institution for the Elderly in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, in 2018. The activity aimed to promote a welcoming eco-social environment and a recreational activity for the well-being of the elderly. Developed through interdisciplinary integration between Nursing and Agronomy courses, it provided an opportunity to learn about the residents' personalities, stories, and aspirations. The implementation of the community garden significantly contributed to the well-being of the elderly, broke the monotony and feelings of abandonment, and enabled the use of an unused space.
CommunityElderlyHealthWelfareEffects of High-Tech Urban Agriculture on Cooking and Eating in Dutch Nursing Homes
2020Paulien C. H. van de Vlasakker, E.J. Veen · Sustainability · Netherlands (Velp)
This study investigated high-tech indoor gardening practices in four nursing homes in Velp, Netherlands, using qualitative and quantitative methods including site visits, employee surveys, and interviews with residents and decision-makers. It found that indoor gardens integrated gardening and harvest into cooking, transforming residents' eating practices and increasing their appreciation for fresh vegetables. Successful integration was linked to employees' gardening/cooking competences, enjoyment, and easy garden accessibility.
ElderlyHealthFood educationCommunitySowing Connections in a Community Garden
2020Renate M. Winkels, Rick Artrip, Maegan Tupinio, Daniel R. George · · United States (Hershey)
At Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA, a program was developed within a hospital-based community garden that paired Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer survivors with older experienced gardeners. The program aimed to improve diet and physical activity among AYA cancer survivors. Qualitative analysis of interviews with participants identified that the transfer of gardening knowledge was jointly valued as a positive experience, and AYA cancer survivors built confidence and positive attitudes towards their ability to garden.
CommunityHealthFood educationElderlyNeeds Analyses to Allotment Garden fr om the Perspectiv e of Food and Agriculture by Focusing on Child-rearing Generations
2020Tomoko Imoto, Nobutaka ISHITSUKA, Cheligeer, Kiyohide Morita · JOURNAL OF RURAL SOCIETY AND ECONOMICS · Japan
This study investigated allotment garden use among child-rearing generations in Japan, identifying preferences for "free space (play area)," "staff to answer questions," and "events." A questionnaire survey of first-grade parents revealed a high potential demand for allotment gardens, with preferences for lower fees, play areas, cultivation guidance, and events. However, an analysis using a cross-effect model found a disconnect between preferences for garden use and food preferences, as those who buy domestic products generally did not value events, indicating a "food-agriculture gap."
Limited or null effectFood educationCommunityElderlyPolicySowing the seeds of a vibrant community
2019Wooley, Megan Katherine · Carolina Digital Repository (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) · United States
This study interviewed four community gardens in low-income neighborhoods across the United States about their programs and outreach activities. It also conducted an in-depth review of existing literature on community gardens and their benefits. The research noted that some difficulties exist with creating community gardens.
CommunityFood educationElderlyBerrycare
2019Abbey L. Moellering · UKnowledge (University of Kentucky) · United States
This paper highlights that older adults often do not meet dietary requirements for fruits and vegetables, increasing their risk of chronic disease. Community gardens are presented as a successful intervention to engage older adults, offering benefits such as improved dietary behaviors, increased socialization, and better mental health. Sustainable interventions of this type require collaborative efforts among university researchers, community members, and cooperative extension, engaging all socioeconomic levels.
ElderlyHealthCommunityTranslating Urban Walkability Initiatives for Older Adults in Rural and Under-Resourced Communities
2019Alexandra Klann, Linh Gia Vu, Mollie Ewing, Mark Fenton, Rachele Pojednic · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · Global
This review examines best practices from urban initiatives to increase walkability for older adults, focusing on their implementation in rural, resource-limited communities. The literature review revealed that simple, built environment approaches such as microscale and pop-up infrastructure, municipal parks, and community gardens can increase physical activity in urban neighborhoods for older adults. These strategies suggest great potential for rural communities.
CommunityHealthElderlyCultivating urban landscapes: horticulture
2019Simone Betti · U-PAD Unimc - Open Digital Publications (University of Macerata) · Global
Urban horticulture, traditionally a marginal activity for the elderly, is gaining popularity in post-modern society for educational, rehabilitation, or hobby purposes. This growing interest in urban gardening, manifesting in various forms globally and locally, addresses needs beyond food production, often promoting social inclusion and the restoration of urban green areas. Gardens serve as spaces for reconnecting with nature, stress relief, social interaction for the elderly, outdoor classrooms for children, and therapeutic support in healthcare facilities.
Food educationWelfareElderlyCommunityHealthNOVO OLHAR DA PRODUÇÃO E DO CONSUMO DE ALIMENTOS: UMA EXPERIÊNCIA DE HORTA URBANA NO LAR DOS IDOSOS E SEGURANÇA ALIMENTAR (NEW LOOK AT FOOD PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION: AN URBAN HORTICULTURE EXPERIENCE AT THE MIDDLE EAST AND FOOD SAFETY)
2019Maria Lúcia da Silva Sodré, Ubirani Oliveira Santos, Altemar S. Dias · Revista GeoNordeste · Brazil
This study demonstrated the experience of vegetable production and consumption at an elderly home in Cruz das Almas, BA, Brazil. Field research, including semi-structured interviews, was conducted after the vegetable garden was built. The main results indicated that the produced food provided access to agrochemical-free consumption, ensuring food and nutritional security. It also portrayed the inmates' life histories, family memories, and recollections of past agricultural activities, leveraging their cultural background in the urban territory.
ElderlyFood educationHealthCommunityAn Exploration of Crops Listed in Gwanhyuji, an Agricultural Book in the Joseon Dynasty for the Promotion of the Diversity of Urban Gardens
2019In-Kyoung Hong, Young Chae, Sang-Mi Lee, Young-Bin Jung · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea
This study aimed to improve the diversity of urban gardens by identifying suitable crops from "Gwanhyuji," an agricultural book from the Joseon Dynasty. Fifty-three crops were selected based on traditionality, historicity, health functionality, and popularity, and their properties were evenly distributed. The study suggests that applying traditional knowledge to urban agriculture can transform urban gardens into resources offering educational and traditional values, thereby enhancing their diversity and utility.
Heirloom & landraceCommunityHealthWelfareElderlyIntroduction by the editors
2019Ian Siddons Heginworth, Gary Nash · · United Kingdom (London)
This introduction provides an overview of a book discussing an eighteen-week environmental arts therapy pilot group for adult mental health clients. The book explores themes related to hostile mothering and connections to nature, and considers trauma-informed environmental arts therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome. It also describes the Community Outdoor Art Therapy Service (COATS) in London, which uses urban parks and community gardens.
HealthCommunityElderlyImplantação de horta comunitária em um campus universitário : inclusão social e qualidade de vida
2019Bianca Jacqueline Silva · · Brazil
This study describes a project for implementing a community garden at the Itabira campus of the Federal University of Itajubá. The project began with dialogue among campus workers and aims to foster greater involvement with the university community and local population. The garden is planned as a space for observation, cultivation, and leisure, potentially contributing to education and activities on ecology, environmental education, and integrated management of solid and organic waste, with positive impacts on the local environment and participants' health.
CommunityElderlyFood educationHealth農業経営・交流の両面からみた農業体験農園の役割─東京都練馬区農業体験農園を事例として─
2018藤井 至, 稲葉 修武, 藤田 武弘 · 農業市場研究 27巻1号 pp.12- · Japan
Based on hearings with all Nerima experience-farm operators and user surveys, this paper analyzes how publicly subsidised experience farms support farm management and community exchange, empirically showing effects on profitability, successors and local understanding.
CommunityEconomicsFood educationPolicyElderlyEffects of Horticultural Therapy on Asian Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
2018· International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · Singapore
A waitlist-control randomized controlled trial recruiting 59 older adults (29 horticultural therapy, 30 waitlist control) to investigate improvements in mental well-being and modulation of biomarker levels.
ElderlyHealthPLANEJAMENTO DE UMA HORTA COMUNITÁRIA NO ASILO LAR FRATERNO IRMÃ SHEILA: UMA ALTERNATIVA DE PROMOÇÃO DA SAÚDE E BEM-ESTAR SOCIAL
2018Érich Vinícius Nogueira Gonçalo, Rysley Fernandes de Souza, Hernandes Rufino dos Santos, José Lucas da Silva Neto, Antonio Monteiro de Morais, Cláudia Araújo Marco · · Brazil (Juazeiro do Norte)
This project involves students from the NUPEH group at UFCA Campus Crato-CE developing a community garden at the Lar Fraterno Irma Sheila nursing home in Juazeiro do Norte, Brazil. The students received theoretical and practical training, then presented a methodology and garden layout to the nursing home's director and coordinators. Selected elderly residents and staff will receive one month of weekly theoretical and practical training from NUPEH members, after which the garden will be implemented, with irrigation handled by the elderly residents twice daily. Project evaluation will use questionnaires for beneficiaries regarding training quality and achieved objectives.
CommunityElderlyHealthCommunity Garden Programme: The Volunteers’ Satisfaction
2018Leelanayagi Ramalingam, Juwaidah Sharifuddin, Zainal Abidin Mohamed, Fazlin Ali · International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences · Malaysia
This paper aimed to identify volunteer satisfaction with the Community Garden Programme in Malaysia. A survey of 375 volunteers, using items adapted from Omoto and Snyder (1995), indicated that the majority were satisfied. Elderly males were found to be significantly satisfied with the program.
CommunityWelfareElderlyBridging the Gap: Community Gardens as a Supplement to Senior Adult Food Assistance Programs
2018Jheri-Lynn McSwain · Index of Texas Archaeology Open Access Grey Literature from the Lone Star State · United States (Texas)
This study investigated the feasibility of using community gardens as a supplemental food assistance tool for congregate meal sites and food pantries, through a survey of 83 senior adults and interviews with four nutrition site directors in Shelby County, Texas. The surveyed senior adults reported experiencing food security issues, and nutrition site directors faced challenges in providing fresh vegetables. However, no significant differences were found between life satisfaction and food security by age or education level.
CommunityWelfareElderlyHealth