Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Motivene for kommunal politikk for urbant landbruk: erfaringer fra Norges største byområder
2025Inger‐Lise Saglie · · Norway
This chapter investigates the motivations for urban agriculture policies in three Norwegian cities: Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. Five categories of motivations were identified: urban "green" development (environmental friendliness, biodiversity), food production and alternative food systems (linking to peri-urban agriculture), provision of social meeting places and community building, municipal welfare services (work training, integration, health promotion), and active citizenship and co-creation of city development. While motivations were similar across cities, their emphasis varied.
PolicyCommunityBiodiversityWelfareThe Fight to End Food Insecurity Through Community Gardens and the Spaces They Create
2025Stonebraker, Richard · Maryland Shared Open Access Repository (USMAI Consortium) · United States (Maryland)
This study in a Maryland county, United States, explored the role of community gardens in addressing food insecurity, fostering social interactions, and providing education. Through interviews, sentence completion, and a focus group with 16 participants from two gardens, findings showed gardens offer fresh produce, a sense of belonging, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Participants emphasized the need for more food preservation education and broader inclusion within these dynamic spaces.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityFood educationAgrotourism Development Strategy Through SWOT Analysis in Agro Edukasi Wisata Ragunan
2025Rezka Fedrina, Farah Kesya Saira, Muhammad Arif Wicaksono · JELAJAH Journal of Tourism and Hospitality · Indonesia
This descriptive qualitative study used SWOT analysis to examine challenges at Agro Edukasi Wisata (AEW) Ragunan, an urban agro-tourism destination in Indonesia. It found strengths in institutional support and a unique urban farming education concept, but weaknesses in limited infrastructure and marketing. The research concluded that strategic development should focus on optimizing educational potential, improving facilities, enhancing digital promotions, and fostering collaboration.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceThe Fertile Earth: Revolutionizing Agriculture with People and Nature at its Core
2025Morrell, Daniel · Figshare · Global
This paper examines a systemic shift in agriculture from input-intensive monocultures and dominant meat production to regenerative, organic, and agroecological systems, including urban agriculture. It analyzes the potential of reducing conventional meat reliance to free up land for ecological restoration and aims to restore soil organic carbon levels from 6-8 tonnes/hectare to 40-50 tonnes/hectare. The research quantifies potential global CO2 sequestration through soil carbon enhancement, land use change, and blue carbon initiatives, advocating for urgent policy reforms.
Climate changeBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cyclePlanning and evaluation of rooftop garden designs: A survey-based assessment study at faculty of Agriculture
2025Ahmed Abdelnaby, A. Meawad, A. Gendy, M. Abdelkader · Ornamental Horticulture · Egypt
This study, conducted in 2022-2023 at Zagazig University, Egypt, proposed and evaluated three rooftop garden designs for a college campus using 3D software, with assessments from specialists and users. Results indicated that 100% of specialists and 91.7% of users preferred flowering herbaceous plants, while trees and palms were preferred by 60% of specialists and 48.6% of users. Overall satisfaction with proposed designs for human senses ranged from 69.4% to 75.7%, and agreement on suitable recreational areas ranged from 65.8% to 78.4% among users.
DIYCommunityEstrategias de alimentación sostenible de los mercados de Madrid. Implicaciones urbanas
2025María Antonia Fernández Nieto, Jose Rodriguez, Jorge Gallego Sánchez-Torija · ZARCH · Spain (Madrid)
This article examines how Madrid's municipal markets are adopting new strategies linked to sustainable food systems in response to competition from supermarkets and online commerce. It highlights how citizen movements and municipal policies, including urban gardens and agroecological cooperatives, are fostering circular economies, responsible consumption, and urban resilience. The research positions markets as social mediators that connect diverse actors and balance economic interests with collective benefits, serving as instruments for regenerative urbanism and food equity.
PolicyCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsOptimalisasi Pengelolaan Sampah Organik Rumah Tangga melalui Penerapan Teknologi Rumah Maggot di Kelurahan Maleer Kota Bandung
2025Candra Mecca Sufyana, Sani Fitriyani, Muhammad Prakarsa Al Qadr Saleh, Adhita Arif Setyawan, Syarif Hidayatulloh, Muhammad Rizky Fitrohanapiah, Tantri Dwiyanti · PADMA · Indonesia (Bandung City)
This community service project in Maleer Village, Bandung City, Indonesia, addresses household organic waste issues by introducing Black Soldier Fly (BSF) maggot house technology. The project aims to optimize organic waste management, reduce waste volume, and empower the community through education and practical skills in BSF maggot cultivation. Expected outcomes include increased community knowledge and skills, the establishment of a self-operating maggot house unit, and the production of maggot products for animal feed and compost for urban farming.
Organic cycleCommunityIMPACTO DE LA AGRICULTURA URBANA EN LA CONVIVENCIA ESCOLAR Y EN EL APRENDIZAJE DE LOS ESTUDIANTES
2025Dairo Mojica-García, Marly Lorena Páez-Manosalva · DIALÉCTICA · Global
This essay explores the impact of urban agriculture cultivation on school coexistence and student learning. It addresses issues of poor school climate, including disrespect, bullying, cyberbullying, and disinterest in learning. The essay finds that urban agriculture helps students practically understand classroom concepts and encourages environmental care, collaborative work, and teamwork, thereby contributing to healthy school coexistence and learning.
Food educationCommunityMathematical Optimization of Vertical Farm Locations Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in Saudi Arabia
2025Amjad Aljuhani, Rahaf Baghdadi, Wafaa Alzahrani, Deemah Aljuhani · · Saudi Arabia
This study examined the feasibility of vertical farming in Saudi Arabia, using mathematical optimization to identify optimal locations. A mixed-integer linear programming model, developed with AIMMS software, incorporated infrastructure compatibility, water availability, and energy consumption. Results identified seven optimal locations across five cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Tabuk, and Khamis Mushait—ensuring efficient lettuce production at minimized costs. However, challenges such as high energy requirements and initial investment costs persist.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceA typology of community garden in terms of location and shape in urban spaces
2025Agnieszka Dudzińska-Jarmolińska · Bulletin of Geography Socio-economic series · United States, Europe
This paper aims to present the author's spatial typology of community gardens by defining their spatial characteristics, forms of development, and socio-cultural context in urban spaces. Based on field research conducted in three U.S. cities and three European cities, it was determined that community gardens can be classified into six distinct spatial types.
CommunityUrban–rural linkageEvaluation and Changes in the Comprehensive Ecological Effects of Agriculture in Urbanizing Areas: A Case Study of the Xi'an Metropolitan Zone, China
2025Zhongxue Zhou, Fangze Zhao, Bingjie Song · Ecological Indicators · China
This study proposed the concept of agricultural comprehensive ecological effects (ACEE), developed an evaluation framework, and applied it to the Xi'an metropolitan zone, China. A key finding was the observed decrease in the comprehensive ecological effects of agriculture when transitioning from grain planting to urban agriculture due to unsuitable agricultural practices in urbanizing areas. This decline occurs because modern agricultural practices in urbanizing areas are ecologically detrimental compared with natural ecosystems.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeBiodiversityUrban–rural linkagePolicyHome gardens – a localised nature-based solution for climate change adaptation and mitigation: a case study from the north-eastern region of India
2025Khwairakpam Nicholas, Anjali Joshi, Muthuprasad Thiyaharajan, Natalya Krishnambika · Biological Agriculture & Horticulture · India
A study in the Imphal-West district of Manipur, India, surveyed 200 households using a mixed-method approach to document home garden structure, composition, and services. Findings showed 60% of households engaged in home gardening, with an average garden size of 0.069 hectares. These home gardens provided an average annual economic yield of INR 18,700 and a 0.1 hectare garden stored 10.6 tons of carbon in trees and soil.
DIYClimate changeBiodiversityEconomicsFood educationInternet of Things (IOT) for rooftop urban farming III
2025Kit Hoe Chan · DR-NTU (Nanyang Technological University) · Singapore
This thesis explores the architecture, applications, and challenges of Internet of Things (IoT)-based urban farming systems, focusing on their role in enhancing agricultural productivity in densely populated environments. IoT integrates smart sensors, data analytics, and automation for real-time monitoring and precise control of crop environments, optimizing resource use and increasing yield consistency. The study highlights how IoT supports resilient, resource-efficient, and scalable smart-city agriculture, with future potential for AI-based predictive analytics and blockchain-enabled traceability.
Digital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceAgroforestry systems in Italian urban planning
2025Marco Focacci, Isabella De Meo, Alessandro Paletto, Fabio Salbitano · Agroforestry Systems · Italy
A study analyzed urban plans, national laws, and regional legislation in Italy, along with interviews with decision-makers, to examine the occurrence of Urban and Peri-urban Agroforestry (UPAF). Findings showed that 4 out of 140 Italian cities intentionally included agroforestry in voluntary green plans, and 12 cities had incidental UPAF elements in compulsory documents. This indicates agroforestry is present but not widely incorporated, with grass-root organizations and knowledge hubs being crucial for its promotion.
PolicyPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeCommunityCommunity Empowerment through Capacity Building in the Hydroponic Revitalization and Crop Processing Program in Surabaya
2025Zico Ramdhani, Saka Palwaguna, Thufailah Nafiisah Bilqis, R. Moh. Qudsi Fauzi · JATI EMAS (Jurnal Aplikasi Teknik dan Pengabdian Masyarakat) · Indonesia (Surabaya)
The KKN SDGs UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur Period II, Group 16, implemented a community empowerment program in RW 08, Pucang Sewu Subdistrict, Surabaya, Indonesia. This initiative revitalized hydroponic systems for pakcoy cultivation and provided training on processing harvested crops into pakcoy-based vegetable nuggets. The program aimed to promote food security and urban farming, aligning with SDGs No. 8 and 11.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationBiochar and Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Resilience: Applications, Challenges, and Policy Perspectives
2025James Mbugua · African Journal of Climate Change and Resource Sustainability · Global
Biochar is presented as a promising nature-based solution for urban resilience, applicable in soil remediation, stormwater management, and carbon sequestration within green infrastructure. However, its widespread adoption faces significant barriers, including inconsistent feedstock supply, high production costs, limited public awareness, and a lack of standardized quality and safety regulations. The study also identifies a critical need for policies that integrate biochar into urban planning frameworks and incentivize its production and application.
Governance failureClimate changeBiodiversityCompostPolicyCommunity“We Have Worked the Land for Centuries”: Diasporic Memory and Black Environmental Belonging in Urban Green Space
2025Kessie Alexandre · Transforming Anthropology · United States (Newark)
This article traces Black environmental relations in the stewardship of community gardens and green spaces in Newark, New Jersey. It examines how Black Newarkers, with roots in the American South and Caribbean, contend with the legacy of plantations while framing land cultivation as a mode of recovery and resistance. The study highlights how these growers acknowledge the association between cultivation and captivity, yet use it to address present-day labor extractions and enact self-determination.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceComprehensive Review of Ecosystem Services of Community Gardens in English- and Chinese-Language Literature
2025Xiaoying Ding, Haotian Zhang, Xiaoxiao Fan, Xiaoyu Zhang, Xiaopeng Yue, Ping Shu · Buildings · Global
This review analyzed English and Chinese literature on community garden ecosystem services from Web of Science and CNKI, focusing on publication trends, locations, and topics. It found a significant increase in studies since 2015, concentrated in urban areas of Europe, America, and eastern China. Both language literatures emphasize food supply, learning and education, and social cohesion, correlating with contextual factors.
CommunityBiodiversityFood educationClimate changeHuerto Pedagógico Comunitario: Estrategia para fortalecimiento de la Educación Ambiental en Instituciones rurales de Colombia
2025Carmen Natalia Bermudez Acosta, Julian David Otalora López, Valentina Vásquez Ramírez · Revista Ecosistema · Colombia (Cali)
This study designed school gardens as an educational strategy in five campuses of the La Buitrera Educational Institution in Cali, Colombia, involving 1,689 students and 73 teachers. Using a qualitative participatory action research approach, it found significant differences in garden area (e.g., San Gabriel with 2,650 m² and 161.67 m²) and student concentration (e.g., García de Toledo with 579 students). The characterization revealed infrastructure and population differences, a predominance of aromatic-medicinal species, and student-teacher complementarity, indicating a need for adapted strategies for sustainable school gardens.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityOrganic cyclePendampingan Gerakan Masyarakat Menanam Sayur (Gemmas) Untuk Peningkatan Gizi Dan Pemanfaatan Lahan Tidur Berbasis Urban Farming Di Desa Banjarbendo, Sidoarjo
2025Indarwati Indarwati, Jajuk Herawati, Tatuk Tojibatus S, Medita Johana Pakula Bafiqi, Surya Ari Widya · Agricultural-Animal Science Innovation and Empowerment Journal · Indonesia
This Community Service Program assisted the Banjarbendo village in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, to utilize approximately 20 hectares of idle land for urban farming, aiming to improve community nutrition and food security. Using a participatory method, the program engaged partners in growing various vegetables with donated seeds and seedlings. Evaluation showed increased community awareness and understanding regarding the use of idle land for healthy vegetable production.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthFood educationCOMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN URBAN AGRICULTURE (UA): DOES STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION ENHANCE EMPOWERMENT?
2025Nur Shuhamin Nazuri, Mohd Roslan Rosnon, Siti Shazwani Ahmad Suhaimi, Sara Shakilla Mohd Salim · PLANNING MALAYSIA · Malaysia (Klang Valley)
This study investigated the values driving community participation in urban agriculture (UA) in Klang Valley, Malaysia, and their contribution to social and economic empowerment. Researchers surveyed 180 UA program participants using multistage random sampling and applied Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The study concluded that implementation and evaluation are crucial for social and economic empowerment in UA programs, with linking social capital acting as a key mediator between effective planning and empowerment outcomes.
CommunityEconomicsPolicyConsumer Preferences for Urban Farming Kits Across Residential Categories: Evidence from Hyderabad, Telangana, India
2025G Nanditha, Mukesh Ramagoni, Ch. Srilatha, K. Supriya · Archives of Current Research International · India (Hyderabad)
Consumer preferences for urban farming kits and services were analyzed across residential categories in Hyderabad, India, from April to June 2025. Data was collected from 120 households across four city zones using a structured questionnaire. Two main preference dimensions were identified: Kit Value and Flexibility, and User Convenience, with preferences varying by housing type.
DIYEconomicsDigital agricultureANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PARTISIPASI MASYARAKAT DALAM PENGELOLAAN URBAN FARMING DI KOTA SURABAYA
2025Rico Yanuar Ardiansyah, Hamidah Hendrarini, Wahyu Santoso · Jurnal Ilmiah Sosio Agribis · Indonesia (Surabaya)
A study in Surabaya City, Indonesia, analyzed community participation in urban farming among 50 respondents from three farmer groups from April to June 2025, using Importance Performance Analysis. While urban farming performed optimally in ecological, socio-cultural, educational & tourism, and health aspects, the economic aspect showed the lowest performance and largest gap. This indicates a need for strengthening outcome management, market access, and community economic empowerment to optimize economic contributions.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsHealthFood educationImplementing Decentralized Composting in Urban Areas in Romania - between European Models and Local Initiatives
2025MAGDALENA DRĂGAN · Journal of Settlements and Spatial Planning · Romania
This paper examines the potential for implementing decentralized bio-waste management in urban Romania, a country with low municipal waste management performance. It analyzed three EU decentralized composting systems to identify best practices and explored local bottom-up initiatives in Romania. The study concludes with policy recommendations for adapting these practices to local conditions and engaging with local initiatives to develop context-specific composting solutions.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityPolicyCultural ecosystem services and climate adaptation
2025Rumana Sultana · · Global
This chapter explores the relationship between ecological properties and cultural ecosystem services (CES) in urban settings, focusing on their role in climate change adaptation in the Global South. It examines various urban CES, including urban farming and rooftop gardening, and their diverse roles in adaptation, such as increasing environmental awareness and community engagement. A case study of Dhaka, Bangladesh, suggests that integrating CES into urban development planning is crucial for climate change adaptation.
Climate changeCommunityPolicyBiodiversity