Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
3241 results(31 / 130)
Towards meeting the food needs of urban households in sub-Saharan Africa: an analysis of formal sector employees’ participation in agricultural production in urban Wa, Ghana
2024Peter Dery Bolang, Issah Baddianaah, Issaka Kanton Osumanu · Cogent Social Sciences · Ghana
This cross-sectional survey examined formal sector employees' participation in urban agriculture (UA) in urban Wa, Ghana, using data from 364 employees across four public institutions. Findings revealed that only 37.9% of contacted employees participate in UA (food crops and/or animal production). Participation likelihood was influenced by household size, income, expenditure, and farm income, with employees in the Teacher and Education Directorate showing higher engagement. The study highlights the need for policy attention to increase formal sector employees' UA participation to enhance food supply and household well-being.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsA Comprehensive Review on Evolution, Challenges of Models, Opportunities in Urban Farming Practices in the World
2024Anushi Anushi, A. Krishnamoorthi, Jitendra Chaurasia, Bijay Kumar Baidya, Abhishek Singh, Sapna, Vijay Kumar, Anushka Singh · Journal of Scientific Research and Reports · Global
This review explores the historical evolution and diverse models of urban farming, highlighting their contributions to food security, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. Challenges faced by urban farmers include limited space, soil contamination, regulatory hurdles, and access to resources.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyEconomicsPendampingan Pembuatan Media Tanam Budidaya Tanaman Anggur sebagai Konsep Urban Farming
2024Heristama Anugerah Putra, Ryan Putranda Kristianto, David Andrian, Daniel Gentario Hutabarat, Elisabeth Yolanda Kristin · Sarwahita · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This study in Surabaya, Indonesia, addresses the cultivation of grapes using the verticulture method as an urban farming concept. The project involved preparation, socialization, training, mentoring, and evaluation to enable residents to learn grape cultivation from seeding to fertilization, aiming for both consumption and sale of produce.
DIYCommunityEconomicsFood educationPrincipais problemas da agricultura urbana e pontos de alavancagem
2024Juan Camilo Fontalvo Buelvas, Maria Teresa Pulido Silva, Miguel Ángel Escalona Aguilar · Magazine Portal Bibliotech Digital (Universidad Nacional de Colombia) · Global
This bibliographic review identified the main problems of urban agriculture and actions for sustainability. The study found that the primary deficiencies in urban agriculture are inadequate management practices, a lack of organization, and absent or inefficient public policies. Key leverage points for change include agroecology, policies for land access and sustainable financing, and dissemination processes.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePenerapan Hidroponik Pasang Surut (Ebb-Flow) dengan Teknologi Bell-Siphon untuk Produksi Tanaman Selada yang Ekonomis di Kelurahan Bajubodoa, Kabupaten Maros
2024Nur Annisa, Tri Indriani, Irfan Irfan, Ahmad Anugrah Wahidin, Muhammad Kadir · Jurnal Pelayanan dan Pengabdian Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia
At Inkiya Farm in Bajubodoa village, Maros district, challenges in lettuce production using the NFT system included crop damage or failure due to natural disturbances, limited space, low drought resistance, and suboptimal growth. This activity introduced a Bell-Siphon ebb-flow hydroponic system as a cheaper, environmentally friendly, space-saving, and more optimal plant production solution. The activity provided partners' women members with at least 6 ebb-flow hydroponic units, installation, and training on building the system to increase production, reduce crop failure risk, and improve lettuce production.
Digital agricultureCommunityEconomicsKajian literatur: Pertanian perkotaan sebagai penyedia jasa ekosistem dalam tujuan pembangunan berkelanjutan
2024Assyifa Fauzia · Journal of Critical Ecology. · Global
This literature review analyzed the role of urban agriculture as an ecosystem service provider within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Urban agriculture in developing countries was found to be adopted as a solution to address poverty and improve the welfare of urban populations, applicable to all SDGs except ocean ecosystems. Urban agriculture contributes to social indicators like employment, food provision, community welfare, education, women's roles, and community forms; economic indicators such as market food reach, job status, land ownership, food subsidies, and credit access; and environmental indicators including water storage, land use, emission reduction, microclimate regulation, and biodiversity.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsCommunityCREATION OF LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS IN THE CONTEXT OF URBANIZATION: THE CASE OF ST. PETERSBURG
2024Olga Ergunova, Andrey Somov · EKONOMIKA I UPRAVLENIE PROBLEMY RESHENIYA · Europe
This article discusses the prospects for developing local food systems (LPS) in St. Petersburg, focusing on urban agriculture (GSH) as a key component. The study analyzes current trends and statistical data to forecast GSH's impact on the city's environmental and socio-economic situation by 2030. Projections indicate that GSH can be an important tool for food supply and sustainable urban development, with advanced technologies and integration into urban planning as key development directions.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsClimate changePolicyDeterminants determining the adoption of technological innovation of urban farming: Employing binary logistic regression model in examining Rogers' framework
2024Eka Triana Yuniarsih, Muslim Salam, Muhammad Hatta Jamil, Andi Tenriawaru · Journal of Open Innovation Technology Market and Complexity · Indonesia (Makassar)
This study aimed to identify key factors influencing the adoption of technological innovation in urban farming (ITUF) in Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Primary data was collected through a structured survey of 334 randomly selected individuals from 14 sub-districts and analyzed using Binary Logistic Regression. The study revealed that eight variables, including farming knowledge and experience, education, and involvement in urban farming organizations, significantly influenced the adoption rate.
Digital agricultureEconomicsCommunityFood educationO sentido libertador e educativo do trabalho de agricultores(as) na horta comunitária de Ipiaú - Bahia
2024Uilma dos Santos Ramos, Heron Ferreira Souza · Revista Macambira · Brazil
This study investigated the meanings of work relationships in the Ipiaú community garden in Bahia, Brazil, which was established in response to 1980s unemployment. Using semi-structured interviews and thematic content analysis, the research found that "freedom" emerged as a central meaning of work. The educational character of the work was reinforced through the experience of values and practices supporting an "Other Economy."
CommunityFood educationEconomicsThe Impact of COVID-19 on Consumer Perceptions of Local Food Market Channels
2024Jairus Rossi · Sustainability · United States
A study used survey responses from residents in five US South communities in 2019 and 2022 to evaluate how consumer perceptions of local food systems changed after COVID-19. Using a treatment effects model with propensity score matching, residents became more aware of most local market channels, such as specialty retail stores and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Some residents also showed a more positive perception of markets providing fresh vegetables to low-income residents and desired more investment in markets making local products available.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityLife cycle assessment to evaluate the sustainability of urban agriculture: opportunities and challenges
2024Lena Katharina Mietz, Bárbara Civit, Alejandro Pablo Arena · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Global
This review focuses on the present state and methodology of life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the sustainability of urban agriculture. It notes that while urban agriculture is seen as a potential alternative for a resilient food system, existing case studies are mostly incomplete and lack diversity. Further research is needed, especially the integration of social and economic perspectives, to achieve a comprehensive scientific understanding.
Methodological critiqueClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsTechnology adoption model for smart urban farming-a proposed conceptual model
2024Amirul Asyraf Zhahir, Mohd Ilias M Shuhud, Siti Munirah Mohd, S.K. Kamarudin, Azuan Ahmad, Rossly Salleh, Norita Md Norwawi · Computer Science and Information Technologies · Global
This study proposes a conceptual model for technology adoption in smart urban farming, building upon a previous systematic literature review. The model is founded on Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) and incorporates factors from other technology adoption models. The research aims to provide insights into the components influencing technology adoption in smart urban farming, offering a framework for future studies and applications.
Digital agriculturePolicyEconomicsUrban Agricultural Revolution in Japan with Verticulture Technology
2024Ahmya Ayaka, Fujita Hanako, Hide Haruka · Techno Agriculturae Studium of Research · Japan
This study explored the impact of verticulture technology on urban agriculture in Japan using a mixed-methods approach, including field experiments, farmer surveys, and production record analysis. The findings indicated that verticulture technology significantly improved crop yields by up to 30% per square meter and reduced water usage by 50% compared to traditional urban farming. It also lowered greenhouse gas emissions and minimized land use, demonstrating its potential for enhancing food production efficiency and sustainability in urban settings.
Digital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsAre apps for urban food purchasing and consumption meeting Italian consumers' needs? A mixed‐methods analysis
2024Francesca Monticone, Antonella Samoggia, Elena Viti · Journal of Consumer Behaviour · Italy
This mixed-methods study investigated Italian consumers' perceptions, barriers, and drivers for urban food purchasing and consumption apps, and analyzed the features of existing apps. The desire to eat fresh and seasonal food was identified as the main driver for buying from (peri)urban agriculture initiatives, and a mismatch emerged between consumer needs and app features. Sustainability food profiles and information on seasonal food are preferred by consumers but are present in a limited number of apps.
Digital agricultureEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureNutritional Quality of Vegetables From Malaysian Urban Community Farming
2024Mohd Nazrul Hisham Daud, Mohd Lip Jabit, Norhasni Ramli, Nur Syafini Ghazali, Joanna Cho Lee Ying, Azirah Omar · Bioresources and Environment · Malaysia
This study evaluated the nutritional quality of various vegetables from established Malaysian urban community farming. Analysis measured sugar content, gross energy, vitamin A, vitamin C, and twelve minerals (Al, B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S, Zn) using HPLC, calorimeter bomb analyzer, and ICP-OES. Results showed all vegetables contained at least two common sugars, with five possessing all targeted sugars, and gross energy ranged from 2900 to 3800 joule/g. Pak choy and sawi exhibited the highest vitamin A and C content respectively, while spinach showed the largest number of highest mineral types including boron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
HealthCommunityEconomicsGeospatial characteristics of allotment garden provision in Tokyo
2023Kishimoto K., Yan W. · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems (Cambridge), 38:e54 · Japan
Quantitatively classifies roughly 430 registered allotment gardens in Tokyo by number of plots, plot size, price, contract duration, and facilities, mapping their spatial distribution and providers. Most allotments were founded after 2000 and are owned by local governments, yet demand for plots exceeds supply across much of the metropolis.
PolicyCommunityEconomicsEffects of a School-Based Garden Program on Academic Performance: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (TX Sprouts)
2023Landry M., Asigbee F., Vandyousefi S., Ghaddar R., Davis J. · Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 123(3):637-643 · United States
A cluster randomized controlled trial in mostly low-income, Hispanic Texas elementary schools testing whether the TX Sprouts garden, nutrition and cooking intervention affected academic performance. It found the program did not harm academic outcomes, showing that garden-based food education can be integrated into instructional time without lowering achievement.
Food educationHealthEconomics地域再生計画「食都神戸の推進（食文化の創造による都市ブランドの再構築）」
2023神戸市 · 内閣府地方創生推進事務局（地域再生計画認定） · Japan
A regionally certified revitalization plan that Kobe City submitted to the Cabinet Office. Building on the Gastropolis Kobe 2020 vision, it sets KPI targets for local-food consumption, exchange population, new farmers and food-business startups through programs such as EAT LOCAL KOBE, farmers markets, citizen and tourist farm experiences, and student-farmer product development.
PolicyEconomicsCommunity生産緑地地区の買い取りによる都市農地の保全・継承に関する研究
2023Nakajima Y., Akita N. · 都市計画論文集 58(3):767-773 · Japan
Addressing urban farmland repositioned from 'land to be converted to housing' to 'land that should exist' under the 2015 Urban Agriculture Promotion Plan, the study examines how municipalities should strategically position productive green areas and operate the purchase-request system to preserve them, using Setagaya Ward—an early adopter of such purchases—as a case study.
PolicyEconomicsCommunityRole of Smart Farm as a Tool for Sustainable Economic Growth of Korean Agriculture: Using Input–Output Analysis
2023Choi S.-W., Shin Y. J. · Sustainability (MDPI) · Korea
Uses input–output analysis to compare the production- and value-added-inducement ripple effects of Korean smart farms against conventional agriculture, demonstrating the economic impact of fourth-industrial-revolution, business-oriented smart farming on the national economy.
EconomicsPolicyEconomics of vertical farming in the competitive market
2023Moghimi F., Asiabanpour B. · Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy 25:1837-1855 · Global
Presents the first quantitative model evaluating the economic prospects of vertical farming in a competitive market, analyzing investment and operating costs against market prices to identify conditions for profitability and the central role of energy cost.
EconomicsUrban agriculture business models and value propositions: Mixed methods approach based on evidence from Polish and Italian case studies
2023Wiśniewska-Paluszak J., Paluszak G., Fiore M., Coticchio A., Galati A., Lira J. · Land Use Policy 127:106562 · Poland, Italy
Uses the Business Model Canvas and Value Proposition Canvas to analyze urban farming strategies in Poland and Italy, identifying three business types (service-, product-, and land-use-oriented) and how each communicates value to market segments.
EconomicsThe economic viability of commercial-scale hydroponics: Nigeria as a case study
2023Folorunso E. A., Schmautz Z., Gebauer R., Mraz J. · Heliyon 9(8):e18979 · Nigeria
Evaluates the profitability of ten small- and medium-scale commercial hydroponic farms using NPV, IRR, benefit-cost ratio and sensitivity analysis, finding larger farms more profitable but viability highly dependent on retail prices, crop choice and market size.
EconomicsThe bright and the dark side of commercial urban agriculture labeling
2023Chicoine M., Rodier F., Durif F. · Agriculture and Human Values 40(3):1153-1170 · Global
Analyzes how companies use commercial urban agriculture labeling in product marketing, examining the consumer-perceived benefits and risks of leveraging urban farming as a brand and value proposition.
EconomicsFood educationVertical farming - smart urban agriculture for enhancing resilience and sustainability in food security
2023Oh S., Lu C. · The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 98(2):133-140 · Global
Review of commercial vertical farming with IoT-based precision control, discussing its contribution to food security and the sustainability and profitability challenges facing the indoor farming industry.
EconomicsPolicy