Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2091 results(30 / 84)
Effects of Mixed Cropping of Garden Plants with Brassica parachinensis on Remediation of Cr-Polluted Soil in Community Garden
2022Shiyu Cui, Wenbin Liu, Hexian Jin, Yi Qiao, Ying Wang, Dan Liu · Atmosphere · Global
This study investigated the effects of mixed cropping garden plants (Festuca arundinacea, Ageratum conyzoides, Trifolium repens) with Brassica parachinensis on Cr-contaminated soil remediation. While mixed cropping with Trifolium repens resulted in the highest B. parachinensis yield and Cr content below standard in edible parts, mixed cropping with Ageratum conyzoides aggravated Cr pollution in edible parts of B. parachinensis, making it unsuitable for planting.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthOrganic cycleSuccessful scaling of Edible City Solutions to promote food citizenship and sustainability in food system transitions
2022Sara Noemie Plassnig, Marisa Pettit, Kristin Reichborn‐Kjennerud, Ina Säumel · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · Global
This study documents and analyzes scaling practices of co-created Living Labs implementing Edible City Solutions (ECS) in Andernach, Berlin, Havana, Oslo, and Rotterdam. Using a mixed-method approach and applying scaling pathways (up, deep, wide, across, soft), the research presents ongoing scaling stories, experiences, and challenges. The study critically reviews scaling processes and offers eleven recommendations for scaling edible nature-based solutions.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityHealthFood Security & Urban Agriculture - Considerations for Soil Improvements and Crop Planning
2022Aaron Sedivy · Lincoln (University of Nebraska) · Global
This document outlines the benefits of urban agriculture, such as energy conservation, rainwater remediation, and therapeutic uses, and its contribution to food security pillars: availability, access, utilization, and stability. It suggests special considerations for improving urban soils and designing an evolving food crop production plan.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthClimate changeCommunityDIYOvercoming divergence: managing expectations from organisers and members in community supported agriculture in Switzerland
2022Claudia Vaderna, Robert Home, Paola Migliorini, D. Roep · Humanities and Social Sciences Communications · Switzerland
This study explored the main challenges faced by eight Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiatives in Switzerland and the pathways used to address them. It was shown that while organizers often have enthusiastic ideas, generating sufficient income for a fair producer salary is difficult, posing a challenge to long-term existence. The members' perspective (254 responses) indicated a divergence between organizers' expectations and members' more pragmatic approach.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsReaping the Fruits of Informal Urbanism: An Ethnography of Tactical Gardening in Limassol, Cyprus
2022Theodoros Kouros · Built Environment · Cyprus (Limassol)
This ethnographic study in Limassol, Cyprus, examines tactical gardening as a form of informal urbanism. It found that, contrary to common perceptions of guerrilla gardening as community-building, these interventions by home and business owners often serve private gain by expanding into public spaces and can exclude other community members from using those public spaces. The research highlights a negative aspect of tactical gardening, where it contributes to the privatization of public areas.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicySustainability Recommendations and Practices in School Feeding: A Systematic Review
2022Emanuele Batistela dos Santos, Dayanne da Costa Maynard, Renata Puppin Zandonadi, António Raposo, Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho · Foods · Global
This systematic review, including 50 studies, examined sustainability recommendations in school feeding policies and practices adopted in schools globally. Frequently cited practices included school gardens and sustainability education activities. Recommendations often focused on purchasing sustainable food, nutrition education, and reducing food waste, highlighting the need for managers to prioritize sustainability education in curricula.
Food educationCommunityPolicyClimate changeConnecting to nature through community engaged scholarship: Community gardens as sites for collaborative relationships, psychological, and physiological wellbeing
2022Kumara Ward, Son Truong, Tonia Gray · Frontiers in Psychiatry · Australia
In Australia, a study investigated the impact of the New South Wales Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) Community Greening (CG) program. Mixed-method research was conducted on a community garden development program implemented by the CG team in six sites over a seven-month period. Findings showed that community gardening participants experienced positive changes in physical activity, psychological wellbeing, and motivation for social engagement, with these outcomes facilitated by their relationships with CG team members.
CommunityHealthLa huerta escolar bajo un enfoque agroecológico de sostenibilidad ambiental y el conocimiento nutricional estudiantil
2022Jilmar Gustavo Comas Piñere · GACETA DE PEDAGOGÍA · Global
This article, based on a qualitative documentary design, explores the agroecological school garden as a pedagogical scenario to strengthen learning and address environmental sustainability issues. The study aimed to highlight the importance of the educational process in improving student nutrition and quality of life. It concludes that establishing school gardens as an integral "learning by doing" strategy is crucial across all knowledge areas and educational levels.
Food educationHealthCommunityOrganic cycleInvestigating Farmer Perspectives and Compost Application for Soil Management in Urban Agriculture in Mwanza, Tanzania
2022Shefaza Esmail, Maren Oelbermann · Frontiers in Soil Science · Tanzania (Mwanza)
This study investigated farmer perspectives and compost application for soil management in urban agriculture in Mwanza, Tanzania. Semi-structured interviews with 34 urban farmers revealed concerns about climate change and unpredictable rain, with 82% desiring soil improvements. A field trial showed that organic amendments (poultry manure and food waste compost) improved soil water holding capacity by 14-19% and enhanced microbial biomass 1.7-4 times compared to inorganic nitrogen fertilizer, with comparable crop productivity.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityClimate changeThe spatial distribution of urban community gardens and their associated socio-economic status in Tehran, Iran
2022Sina Razzaghi Asl, Anahita Azadgar · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Iran (Tehran)
A study in Tehran, Iran, mapped the spatial distribution and socio-economic attributes of 26 urban community gardens using semi-structured interviews, qualitative analysis, and secondary data from the 2020 Tehran statistical yearbook. The findings revealed a geographical distribution imbalance, with most gardens located in the southern part of the city. Community gardens were mainly placed in areas with lower average land prices, lower median household income, and higher education graduates, indicating an uneven distribution that favors socio-economically disadvantaged areas.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsResilience at the Edge: Strategies of Small-Scale Societies for Long-Term Sustainable Living in Dryland Environments
2022Arlene M. Rosen · Risk, systems and decisions · Global
This paper suggests that modern Western communities can learn from small-scale societies' long-term sustainable living strategies in dryland environments. These societies developed resilience over thousands of years, rooted in Traditional Ecological Knowledge, enabling them to thrive through shifting environmental conditions. While not directly applicable to large cities, their solutions can inform ground-up approaches for smaller urban segments like neighborhood collectives, urban gardening, and water conservation methods.
CommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCreative practices and the fluctuating interiors of an urban garden community
2022Annette Svaneklink Jakobsen · University of Southern Denmark Research Portal (University of Southern Denmark) · Denmark
This paper analyzes gardening practices and expressions within the "Grow your City" urban garden project in Denmark, focusing on how participants create individual spaces. The project involves hundreds of standardized raised plant beds rented by citizens, who demonstrate significant heterogeneity in personalizing their spaces through planting, decorating, and modifying. The study, based on observations and mappings, explores gardening as a creative practice and a form of participation.
CommunityDIYTHE IMPORTANCE OF URBAN FARMING IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
2022Larisa Ivaşcu · Review of Management and Economic Engineering · Romania
This paper presents preliminary results on urban farming in Romania and Malaysia for the period June 2020 - September 2021, highlighting its role in sustainability, particularly during the pandemic. Malaysia exhibits well-defined urban farming behaviors, whereas Romania's concept is incipient. Increased involvement of individuals or employees in urban agriculture is associated with substantial benefits, including increased motivation, improved health, and improved sports.
Climate changeHealthCommunityPolicyGärten in der Stadt: Ökosysteme für Mensch und Natur
2022Monika Egerer · Anliegen Natur · Global
A global survey explored the importance of urban gardens during the Covid-19 pandemic. The survey showed that gardening is an effective outdoor strategy for stress relief, food provision, and increasing feelings of safety during uncertain times.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityEnvironmental Impacts of Egg Production from a Life Cycle Perspective
2022Aurore Guillaume, Anna Hubatová-Vacková, Vladimír Kočí · Agriculture · Czech Republic
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed on several egg-producing subjects in the Czech Republic, representing four main laying systems (enriched cages, barns, free-range, and organic), which were also compared to a community garden system. The study's results suggest that feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed composition, and manure management are the most important factors influencing the total environmental impacts of eggs. Additionally, environmental benefits linked to outdoor access or using organic feed over conventional were observed.
CommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeUrban Farming as a Resilient Strategy During COVID-19 Pandemic
2022Komalawati Komalawati, Sarjana, Anggi Sahru Romdon, Fransiscus Roedy Hartono, Sri Murtiati, Forita Dyah Arianti, Wahyudi Hariyanto, Renie Oelviani · Journal of Resilient Economies (ISSN 2653-1917) · Global
This paper studied the benefits of urban farming as a resilient strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic, using primary data from interviews conducted in June-July 2021 and secondary sources. The analysis found that respondents had a strongly positive perception of urban farming. It concluded that urban farming could be a resilient strategy by reducing stress, increasing community income, and potentially enhancing immunity and health systems in urban areas.
CommunityHealthEconomicsPolicyThe Green Building Envelope towards Sustainability in Official Schools, Egypt
2022· Current Science International · Egypt
This research addresses water saving issues and deteriorated school environments in official schools in Egypt. It proposes educational vertical gardens and green vertical walls for school building blocks to improve urban environments, enhance buildings' environmental and economic performance, and positively impact physical and mental health. The proposal aims to boost interaction and creativity by utilizing space as an instrument for new knowledge and highlighting the importance of sustainable development.
Food educationCommunityClimate changePreferred Neighborhood Projects Among Millennials: Yes, In My Backyard
2022Hui-Shan Sim, Weng Wai Choong, Siaw-Chui Wee, Sheau-Ting Low · International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability · Global
An online survey of 407 millennials investigated their preferences for neighborhood project developments and willingness to pay for them. The study found that millennials prefer recreational parks, police booths, community gardens, transit stations, and feeder bus routes in their neighborhoods. They are most willing to pay for transit stations, followed by educational institutions, recreational parks, police booths, and integrated public transport terminals.
CommunityPolicyMulti-Disciplinary Access in Conceptual Design for Advertising of The Public Space
2022Ivana Chaloska · South East European Journal of Architecture and Design · Global
This master's thesis conducted qualitative empirical research for the multidisciplinary conceptualization of urban public space, focusing on ecological and social sustainability and socio-spatial relations. Through an inter-contextual analysis and a case study highlighting urban community gardens, the research supports a conceptual design of public space that can function as activism for rethinking existing structures or as a continuous process of socio-spatial relations.
CommunityPolicyBiodiversityHuertos escolares y comunitarios: cosechando beneficios para el ambiente y alimentos saludables
2022Lorena Suárez Peña, Aharon Jazielt Andrade Sandy, Luis René Justiniano Lujan, Romina Alejandra Robles Calderón, Leevan Salvatierra Burgos, José María Jiménez Carillo · Revista 3i Ingeniería Innovación Investigación · Bolivia
This study diagnosed the benefits of implementing urban gardens to promote food security, environmental sustainability, and community development, classifying feasible garden types. Research in El Torno municipality, Bolivia, identified community and school gardens as the most feasible urban garden types, highlighting their environmental and health benefits. These gardens are easy to implement and offer benefits such as landscape beautification, connection with nature, improved physical and mental health, and environmental education.
CommunityFood educationHealthClimate changeScience Learning from the School Garden through Participatory Action Research in Nepal
2022Kamal Prasad Acharya, Chitra Budhathoki, Milan Acharya · The Qualitative Report · Nepal
Nepal's NORHED/Rupantaran project implemented participatory action research through school gardening to explore how basic level students (grades five to eight) and science teachers could foster agency in the school science curriculum. Qualitative research found that school gardening activities were helpful and productive for science teaching and learning. The findings offer new insights for policymakers to transform the school science curriculum and highlight the often-neglected collaborative knowledge production through school gardening in a contextual environment.
Food educationCommunityPolicyGreen Guerillas, Seed Bombs, and Granite Gardens
2022Setha Low · · Global
This chapter examines environmental sustainability and the greening of public spaces in Paris and New York City, tracing the history and impact of interventions like community gardens, urban agriculture, and sustainable parks. These initiatives contribute to ecological sustainability by fostering stronger communities, supporting social reproduction, and promoting environmental justice. The study highlights how human ecological planning and ecosystem services assessments provide scientific strategies for enhancing sustainability in public space design.
CommunityBiodiversityOrganic cyclePolicyAddressing Community Food Security Through Gardening: A Review
2022Felix Buabeng, Erasmus Kabu Aduteye · International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development Studies · Global
This literature review examines the contributions and positive impacts of community and home gardens in addressing food insecurity and the overall well-being of household members. As many residents struggle with access to fresh produce and face food insecurity, community gardens can serve as a strategy to alleviate these challenges and help families reduce pandemic-related economic losses by supplementing their diets with nutritious foods. This paper also determines the types of gardening people practice and common crops grown.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsPerceptions of landlords to trees in built-up urban areas in Ghana
2022Jones Abrefa Danquah · Arboricultural Journal · Ghana
A study surveyed 600 landlords in three major Ghanaian cities regarding their perceptions of trees in urban areas. Landlords highly valued trees for providing edible fruits and nuts, improved health, shade, oxygen production, and wind protection. However, negative perceptions included structural damage from roots, trees acting as hosts for insects and pests, and leaf litter and slippery fruits being a nuisance.
HealthCommunityDifferent Perspectives Surrounding Urban Agriculture
2022Susan Anne Mansel Fitzgerald · · Cuba
This chapter reviews various perspectives on urban agriculture in Havana, Cuba, focusing on farm types, food access, and cultural expressions. It highlights that research also addresses the hierarchies and power struggles surrounding urban agriculture sites and their integration into land-management systems. The study advocates for understanding the rhythms of everyday life to deepen insights into these sites.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyCommunityEconomics