Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
9074 results(308 / 363)
Assessing and managing soil quality for urban agriculture in Ohio
2012Josh Beniston · The Knowledge Bank (The Ohio State University) · United States (Ohio)
An experiment on assessing and managing soil quality for urban agriculture was conducted during the 2011 and 2012 growing seasons on demolished vacant urban lots in Youngstown, Ohio. Soil compaction was identified as a primary constraint, with high bulk density values of 1.79 g cm⁻³ for in-ground plots and 1.55 g cm⁻³ for raised beds. Crop yield data from 2011 showed that both compost-amended and compost + biochar-amended plots had significantly greater crop yields than control plots, with compost + biochar plots achieving the highest harvest index values.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleCompostHealthResearch on the Multifunction of Urban Agriculture under the Goal of Building Resilient City
2012Guo Hua, Guozhu Ren · JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING STUDIES · Global
This paper attempts to define the role of urban agriculture in building resilient cities. It also analyzes how urban agriculture can make cities more resilient to potential crises in emergencies or sudden events, as well as under normal circumstances, such as climate change and oil peak.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageControle alternativo do moleque-da-bananeira e manejo de hortas agroecológicas em comunidades do Semiárido nordestino.
2012Adriana Franklin de Souza da Silva, M. M. da Silva, L. M. de Santana, A. N. Moreira, J. R. B. Pereira, S. A. S. Amorim, C. R. R. S. França, A. P. G. Santos, Rooselvelt Izel Pereira de Melo · infoteca-e (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) · Brazil
This study describes multiple participatory research and technological learning fields concerning alternative control of banana weevils and the management of agroecological gardens in communities of the Brazilian Northeast Semi-arid region. These include projects on the Maria Tereza Project, Senator Nilo Coelho Irrigation Project, community agroecological gardens in Nova Descoberta, Petrolina, PE, chemical characteristics of biofertilizer, adaptation of lettuce varieties, and cultivation of different species using well water.
CommunityOrganic cycleBiodiversityCPUL: Continuous Productive Urban Landscape; New Approach to integrating agriculture and urban
2012Katrin Bohn, André Viljoen · · Global
This paper focuses on urban agriculture as a major component of CPUL (Continuous Productive Urban Landscape). The CPUL City concept aims to make urban spaces more productive and desirable for citizens by planfully introducing continuous productive urban landscapes, including urban agriculture, into cities. The CPUL City concept proposes that urban agriculture can contribute to more sustainable and resilient food systems while also adding beneficially to the spatial quality of the urban realm.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeFood sovereignty & justicePolicyRohrbach Library Home: 2013 Kutztown University School Garden Workshop: Home
2012Dan Stafford · · United States
This record describes the 2013 Kutztown University School Garden Workshop, an event designed as a learning opportunity for educators and parents. The workshop featured speakers and demonstrations focused on fostering sustainable community partnerships through school gardens.
Food educationCommunityCharacterization of Urban Agricultural Practices and Gardeners' Perspective in Bronx Community Gardens, New York City.
2012Michelle Melissa Althaus Ottmann, Juliana Maantay, Kristen Grady, Nilce Nazareno da Fonte · Cities and the Environment · United States (New York City)
This study investigated urban agricultural practices and gardeners' perceptions in community gardens in the Bronx, New York City, United States, using semi-structured interviews, garden observations, and GIS spatial analysis of socio-demographic characteristics. GIS analysis revealed a significantly higher rate of poverty and Hispanic population in block groups within a quarter mile of the community gardens. The gardens were characterized as places for socialization, fresh produce, neighborhood beautification, and education, and gardeners valued family/community time, nature, and therapeutic benefits, but expressed fears of losing the gardens due to lack of city protection and developer take-over.
CommunityFood educationHealthWelfareDeterminants of Hoophouse Profitability: A Case Study of 12 Novice Michigan Farmers
2012Kurt B. Waldman, David Conner, John A. Biernbaum, Michael W. Hamm, Adam Montri · HortTechnology · United States (Michigan)
Quantitative and qualitative data from 12 novice hoophouse farmers in Michigan were analyzed over a 3-year period to understand factors associated with profitable use of these structures. There was wide variation in labor inputs and effective wages, and not all farmers utilized hoophouses between outdoor seasons. However, high wage earners tended to extend production into off-peak months, hire labor at higher wages, and spend less time on crop maintenance, appearing to harvest more efficiently.
EconomicsCSA & TeikeiThe 2009 Late Blight Pandemic in the Eastern United States – Causes and Results
2012William E. Fry, M. T. McGrath, Abby Seaman, Thomas A. Zitter, A. McLeod, Giovanna Danies, Ian M. Small, Kevin Myers, Kathryne L. Everts, Amanda J. Gevens, Beth K. Gugino, Sara B. Johnson, Howard S. Judelson, Jean B. Ristaino, Pamela Roberts, Gary A. Secor, K. W. Seebold, K. Snover-Clift, A. Wyenandt, Niklaus J. Grünwald, Christine D. Smart · Plant Disease · United States
The 2009 tomato late blight pandemic in the eastern United States resulted in significant crop losses for many home gardeners and organic producers. This event led to widespread questions regarding its causes and differences from previous epidemics.
Limited or null effectCSA & TeikeiFood lossClimate changeSituation and Sustainable Development of Modern Urban Agriculture in Guangzhou
2012Yan Zeng · Nongye xiandaihua yanjiu · China
Guangzhou's urbanization necessitates modern urban agriculture, which has evolved from suburban agriculture to a modern form characterized by intensification, marketization, industrialization, high technology, and mechanization. While modern urban agriculture in Guangzhou possesses internal advantages and faces significant opportunities, its development is constrained by internal weaknesses and external threats. To advance sustainable development, improvements are needed in layout, ecological environment protection, agricultural standardization, optimization of agricultural industry structure, agricultural brand and logistics system construction, and investment and financing mechanisms.
EconomicsPolicyClimate changeAfter the Storms: South Louisiana Sustainable Food System Assessment in light of Environmental Natural Disasters Hurricanes Katrina & Rita
2012Toni Y. Sims-Muhammad · · United States (South Louisiana)
This project examined the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on existing food systems in Lafayette, Acadia, Evangeline, St Martin, and St Landry parishes, with a focus on home and community gardens. The researcher interviewed 57 home/community gardeners and farmers and conducted a survey on pre- and post-Katrina/Rita food sustainability problems, challenges, and perspectives on future food systems.
Governance failureCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEvaluation of Life Cycle Carbon Dioxide Emissions through Sustainable Lifestyles Related to Food Production and Consumption: Case Study of Osaka
2012Yugo YAMAMOTO, Asami ORITA, Motoyuki NAGAI · Studies in Regional Science · Japan (Osaka)
A questionnaire survey was conducted among LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) and general consumers in Osaka Prefecture to identify sustainable lifestyles related to food production and consumption and evaluate their effect on CO2 emissions. LOHAS consumers tended to participate in local food production activities and make purchasing decisions based on health and environmental consciousness. Their total daily life CO2 emissions were 15% lower than regular consumers, but their transportation-related CO2 emissions were higher due to roundtrips to local farm shops.
CommunityClimate changeDIYMaterial Ecocriticism: Dirt, Waste, Bodies, Food, and Other Matter
2012D. Z. Phillips, Heather I. Sullivan · ISLE Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment · United States
This collection of essays for ISLE assesses the material aspects of healthy economies, environments, and bodies, arguing that the traditional economic-ecological "health" dichotomy is insufficient. It finds that the determination of "healthy" is complex, as artificial environments can be benign, and even a flourishing community garden can have neglected produce going to waste. The essays explore how a large number of healthy human bodies can be detrimental to healthy environments.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood lossOrganic cycleAttitudes of Women Farmers towards Urban Agriculture in Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria
2012A. Yusuf · · Nigeria (Lagos State)
This study assessed the attitudes of 50 women farmers towards urban agriculture in the Somolu local government area of Lagos State, Nigeria. Findings indicated that the women's attitude towards urban agriculture was extremely negative. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between attitude and age, marital status, educational level, years of experience, and access to loans. However, farm size, annual income, access to labor, and access to inputs were statistically insignificant.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsPromoción de una alimentación saludable: experiencia en Tunja, colombia
2012Sandra Lorena Herrera Giraldo, Adriana Panader Torres, Luz Mery Cárdenas Cárdenas, Nancy Aurora Agudelo Cely · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Colombia
A qualitative study in Tunja, Colombia, designed, implemented, and evaluated an intervention strategy to increase vegetable availability in a community. Applying five principles of community-based research, the strategy included educational and urban agriculture components. Seven participatory educational sessions were conducted, and eight home gardens and one community garden were implemented. The intervention strategy successfully increased vegetable availability, fostered community empowerment, built social networks, and highlighted the role of nursing professionals in community actions.
Food educationCommunityHealthWelfareUrban Senior Day Care Center Construction Supported by Vertical Farm
2012Rui Yang · Nanjing Linye Daxue xuebao · China (Nanjing)
This paper explores a new community endowment pattern by integrating vertical farms into urban senior day care centers, contrasting with traditional nursing homes. Focusing on the South Lake Community in Nanjing, China, it examines the specific construction of vertical farm landscapes to address the physical and mental health needs of the elderly in an aging society.
ElderlyWelfareCommunityDigital agricultureImplementing Service-Learning as a Pre-Service Teacher
2012Amber Fessler · ScholarWorks@BGSU (Bowling Green State University) · United States (Ohio)
This project explored service-learning in middle school math in Findlay, Ohio, during the 2010-2011 school year, focusing on a pre-service teacher's experience. It addressed challenges and possibilities for pre-service teachers implementing service-learning as part of their educational preparation. The project involved engagement in a math classroom, design and implementation of a service-learning project, and reflection.
Food educationCommunityCultivating the City: Urban Agriculture and Agrarian Questions in Brooklyn, New York
2012Evan Weissman · Syracuse University Libraries (Syracuse University) · United States (New York City)
This dissertation explores urban agriculture in Brooklyn, New York, using a mixed-methods analysis to investigate its historical changes, motivations for engagement, and outcomes. The study argues that Brooklyn's urban agriculture is limited by its neoliberal characteristics, which undermine its potential to build a radical political movement around food issues. While urban agriculture tends to reproduce neoliberalism, it simultaneously creates political possibilities through the assertion of public rights to cultivate the city and the potential of food to serve as a tool for building solidarities towards food justice.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceThe Analysis of Urban Agriculture Development in Malaysia
2012Rabiul Islam, Chamhuri Siwar · Advances in Environmental Biology · Malaysia
This research analyzed the current situation and future potential of urban agriculture in Malaysia using a literature review. Study participants demonstrated a relatively greater awareness of environmental and community benefits of urban agriculture compared to food security, health, or economic benefits. Malaysian urban agriculture was found to be constrained by a lack of adequate land use planning, weak support for urban farmers, and an absence of an integrated development approach. Major challenges identified included perceptions of limited space, limited resources, and education.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityConnecting communities through food: the theoretical foundations of community supported agriculture in the UK
2012Neil Ravenscroft, Niamh Moore, Ed Welch, Andrew Church · University of Brighton Repository (University of Brighton) · United Kingdom
This paper explores the theoretical foundations of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in the UK, a cooperative venture where communities share farming risks and harvests. It suggests that CSA's theoretical underpinnings are gift-based, fostering deep connections among people, farmers, and the environment. The paper argues that CSA's significance lies in its rejection of market-based food communities and its demonstration of durable community forms for making multiple connections.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceAn investigation into new SUB rooftop garden irrigations systems
2012Seungmin Lee, Alexandra Nan, Meredith Kealty, Kevin Pan · cIRcle (University of British Columbia) · Canada
This report assesses irrigation systems for a new rooftop garden at the Student Union Building (SUB) in Vancouver, Canada, which aims for LEED Platinum+ certification. Micro-irrigation is recommended due to limited space, the need for high water efficiency, and a low carbon footprint. Micro-irrigation systems apply water directly to plants, reducing evaporation and energy costs, with an observed 80% improvement in water efficiency compared to conventional practices.
DIYClimate changeEnacting food sovereignty: values and meanings in the act of domestic food production in urban Australia
2012Nicolette Larder, Kristen Lyons, Geoffrey Woolcock · Local Environment · Australia
This article explores the values and meanings domestic food producers associate with urban backyard food production in Australia. Through interviews with eight domestic food producers in one Australian city, the study finds that the act of growing food at home offers space for hope. These small acts are seen as part of the broader food sovereignty movement seeking to remake the global food system.
Food sovereignty & justiceDIYCommunityEdible Landscaping and Xeriscaping
2012Avi Friedman · Island Press/Center for Resource Economics eBooks · Global
This chapter discusses the problems of conventional landscaping, which requires excessive water, maintenance, and chemicals, leading to resource depletion and pollution. Alternative practices such as edible landscaping and xeriscaping are gaining traction in residences, as they can significantly reduce adverse environmental effects while maintaining aesthetic value. The principles and applications of these methods are discussed in this chapter.
DIYClimate changeOrganic cycleRethinking the Role of Community Gardening in Localizing Post-Oil Suburbia: A Proposal for Willowdale Community Garden in Cherry Hill, NJ
2012Andrew Schlesinger · ScholarWorks -A service of University of Vermont Libraries (University of Vermont) · United States (Cherry Hill)
This paper highlights the high dependency of U.S. suburban communities on fossil fuels, particularly oil. It states that while global oil supply is projected to decline, few suburban communities are currently planning for "life after oil." Presented as a proposal for the Willowdale Community Garden, the abstract does not state specific research or its findings, nor an analysis of how community gardening addresses this challenge.
CommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceLes défis et les perspectives de l’agriculture urbaine
2012Stefan Reyburn · Environnement urbain · Global
This abstract is an article on the challenges and prospects of urban agriculture, published in the journal Urban Environment via the Érudit platform. This abstract does not contain detailed content regarding specific challenges or prospects related to urban agriculture governance.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyCultivar la resiliencia: los aportes de la agricultura urbana a las ciudades en transición
2012José Luis Fernández de Casadevante, Nerea Morán Alonso · · Global
This article reviews the uses of the term resilience in the urban domain and examines methods for applying sustainability to urban environments. It focuses on the role of urban and peri-urban agriculture, arguing that their scope extends beyond mere food production. These practices generate spaces for developing alternative city models, fostering conviviality, and illustrating an alternative to the current agri-food system.
Urban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityClimate change