Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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ENTRE O DISCURSO E A PRÁTICA
2026Alan da Silva Vinhaes, Tamires Regina Rocha · Revista Tocantinense de Geografia · Brazil (Jundiaí)
This article analyzes the Urban Garden Program in Jundiaí, Brazil, to understand the contradictions between institutional discourse, normative framework, and observed territorial practice. Despite a favorable legal framework, the program's effectiveness is limited by low territorial coverage, a reduced number of active gardens, and reliance on punctual initiatives. The study concludes that long-term public policies with continuous institutional support are needed for urban agriculture to become a permanent component of urban planning.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyCommunityUsage 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 agricultureHealthPolicyIntersectando a agricultura urbana, o meio ambiente e a educação:
2026Rogers Hansine, Christine Bonnin, Inês Raimundo, Madal Artur, Cândida Bila · Revista Tamoios · Mozambique
The SYNERGI project, implemented from March 2023 to September 2025, aimed to promote urban community involvement in co-creating Socially Inclusive Edible Urban Green Infrastructure (IVUCs) in Maputo and Xai-Xai, Mozambique. The project successfully established IVUCs in six selected schools, increasing food production and educational opportunities. The project highlights the need for better institutional frameworks to support green infrastructure development.
Governance failureCommunityFood educationBiodiversityPolicyHeterogeneous policy preferences of urban poultry farmers in Tigray, Ethiopia: a best–worst scaling approach
2026Alem Mezgebo, Muuz Hadush, Kidanemariam Gebrehiwot · Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies · Ethiopia
This study investigated policy preferences among 400 urban poultry farmers in Tigray, Ethiopia, using a Best–Worst Scaling approach. Farmers showed strongest preferences for policies on feed quality and safety, digital and financial inclusion, and market and infrastructure access. Significant heterogeneity was observed, with Class 1 farmers being older, more experienced, and subsistence-oriented, while Class 2 farmers were more diversified. The study's limitations include its focus on Tigray urban poultry farmers and cross-sectional data, not assessing long-term impacts or cost-effectiveness.
PolicyEconomicsGreen 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 & TeikeiPolicyConstraints to Urban Agriculture for Sustainable Food Production in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State
2026Okorogba, Victory A., Amadi, N.S. · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Port Harcourt)
A descriptive survey in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria, identified constraints to urban agriculture for sustainable food production. The study, involving 46 female and 30 male urban farmers, found that poor infrastructural resources, poor environmental conditions, and limited intellectual skills of urban farmers hinder the achievement of sustainable urban agriculture.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsCultivating 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 & justiceEconomicsPolicyCommunity nature spaces
2026JD Brown · · Global
Based on experiences from the pandemic, this study highlights the importance of shared nature spaces in urban areas, particularly community gardens. For those without mobility or private nature spaces, these areas provided primary social and health support. Community-led design, land security, infrastructure support, proximity to homes, and time flexibility are identified as essential ingredients for successful community nature spaces.
CommunityHealthPolicyFeeding 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 failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityA University–School Partnership Model for Sustainability Teacher Training: Integrating School Gardens into Basic Education
2026Yadeneyro de la Cruz Elizondo, Reyna Nirvana Montiel Rodríguez, Rosa María Arias Mota, Nancy Domínguez González, María de los Ángeles Chamorro Zárate · Sustainability · Mexico (Veracruz)
In Veracruz, Mexico, a university-school partnership model for teacher training in integrating school gardens into basic education was evaluated. A mixed-methods design involved a diagnostic survey of 71 teachers and subsequent training workshops for 34 teachers. Results showed high teacher motivation despite limited institutional infrastructure, and training strengthened pedagogical capacities. However, the integration of school gardens into formal curricula remains limited due to structural constraints and insufficient teacher preparation.
Governance failureFood educationCommunityPolicyINFLUENCING FACTORS OF FARMER'S DIGITALIZATION READINESS IN SURAKARTA: AN INTERPRETIVE STRUCTURAL MODELING APPROACH
2026Lusi Handayani, Rifka Atmajaya, Asnawati La Hisi, Risca Metanifa, Najma Arum S. Lessy, Aisyah Yunisa Amir Hamzah, Nissa Rawindadefi, Hendra Okta Randi, Usmina Wonda, Ali Akbar Wahab, Sisilia Dorcelina Sapranim, Refa Andrean Tri P., Maftuh Rahmah Hanifa, Fitriana Riscadewi Warisno, Maria Adriane Bengan, Ina Aplena Marani, Aventus Purnama Dep, Amida Maria Baibaba, Rahmaniar Nur Syahib · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Indonesia (Surakarta)
This study investigated the digitalization readiness of urban horticultural farmers in Surakarta, Indonesia, using Interpretive Structural Modeling and MICMAC analysis with data from 20 key informants. Five principal factors were identified: agricultural technology availability, digital literacy, training and capacity building, institutional support, and government involvement, with government involvement being the dominant driving force. The study proposes four strategic interventions to support digital transformation.
Digital agriculturePolicyCommunityFood educationFood 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 & justicePolicyEconomicsShrinking agriculture in the arid landscapes of the Cholistan Desert: a geospatial assessment of urban expansion and its implications for the sustainable future of Multan City, Pakistan
2026Muhammad Hussain, Saima Shaikh, Zahir Ahmad, Ihsanullah, George Kontakiotis, Andreas Dittmann · Ecological Questions · Pakistan (Multan City)
This study analyzed urban expansion patterns and their impact on agricultural land in Multan City, Pakistan, using remotely sensed data from 1990 to 2020. The built-up area increased from 75 km² in 1990 to 299 km² in 2020, representing an annual increase of 9.5%. This growth converted approximately 31% (100 km²) of fertile agricultural land into built-up areas, with predictions of further increases of 54% by 2030 and 67% by 2040.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageClimate changeIntegrating 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 agricultureLife Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Urban Wastewater Reuse: Successes, Persistent Pitfalls, and a Practical Path Forward
2026Eleonora Santos, Zeeshan Arshad · Sustainability · Global
This critical narrative review synthesized evidence from 25 peer-reviewed studies on Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) applications in urban municipal wastewater reuse. While positive outcomes were reported under specific conditions like low-carbon energy grids and short transport distances, persistent methodological pitfalls were identified. These include weak pillar integration, an underdeveloped social dimension, inconsistent system boundaries, and insufficient consideration of absolute sustainability.
Methodological critiqueClimate changeOrganic cyclePolicyUrban 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 & justiceEconomicsHealthPolicyGeospatial 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 changePolicyPublic 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.
EconomicsCommunityPolicyURBAN SUSTAINABILITY, GREEN SPACES, AND ECO-CITY PLANNING
2026Meenakshi Bisht, Amisha Bisht, Sanjay Kumar, Subhash Chandra · · Global
This chapter explores the interrelationship between urban sustainability, green spaces, and eco-city planning, highlighting key concepts, strategies, benefits, challenges, and policy frameworks. Urban sustainability aims to balance economic prosperity, environmental protection, and social well-being, while green spaces enhance environmental quality and mitigate climate change impacts. Eco-city planning integrates ecological principles and sustainable technologies to create environmentally responsible and climate-resilient cities.
CommunityBiodiversityClimate changeHealthPolicyLegacy contamination in Chicago urban park soils: Spatial patterns, socioeconomic disparities, and implications for urban agriculture
2026Jenkins E. M., Heafner H., Montgomery J., Soumano V., Paltseva A. A. · iScience · 米国・シカゴ
Portable X-ray fluorescence measurement of seven trace elements in 233 topsoil samples from five Chicago parks. Lead, arsenic, copper, zinc and chromium exceeded Illinois background levels in 89–100% of samples; arsenic exceeded EPA screening levels in 94% of samples and lead in 7%. Contamination was higher at parks farther from the city centre — Douglass and Humboldt parks, in predominantly minority, lower-income neighbourhoods — than at Cottontail, Grant and Webster. Principal-component analysis identified an anthropogenic signature (PC1, 51.7%) driven by Pb, Zn, Cu and As and a geogenic signature (PC2, 17.0%) associated with Mn and Ni. Areas of Douglass and Humboldt parks were classified as not safe for gardening in native soil; Webster as safe with minor restrictions. The authors conclude that park-soil contamination follows socioeconomic gradients, reflecting environmental injustice and a need for targeted remediation.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPolicyCommunityThe 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 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 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 & displacementPolicyHealthEconomicsWelfareUtilization of Developer's Corporate Real Estate Resources for Agricultural Production Contributing to National Food Security: A Conceptual Study
2026Nur Afiqah Auni Kamaruzzaman, Rohaya Abdul Jalil, Maimunah Sapri, Zafirah AB. Muin, Siti Radiaton Adawiyah Zakaria, Fatin Afiqah Md Azmi, Norhidayah Md Yunus, Nurul Hamizah Jamalludin, Nurul Azreena Nabila Khairul Anuar · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science · Malaysia
This conceptual study proposes temporarily utilizing developers' corporate land banking assets in Malaysia for fast-yield agricultural production to enhance national food security. It addresses the challenge of reduced arable land due to urbanization and speculative land banking by suggesting strategic repurposing of underutilized developer-owned land. The study uses a literature-based approach to identify factors influencing the practicality of temporary agricultural activities on corporate land.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageRiverbend Ranch Mixed-Use Development Project
2026Anthony James Sousa · DigitalCommons - CalPoly (California State Polytechnic University) · United States (California)
This senior project proposes a mixed-use development in Visalia, California, aiming to increase housing density and incorporate urban agricultural uses. The project includes site analysis, site plan development, and a literature review on urban agriculture's role in planning. It seeks to set a precedent for future development in Visalia by reconnecting urban and rural relationships.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyCommunity