Research & reports

Yu Hang · International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences · Global

This study provides a systematic literature review using PRISMA to analyze the ecological, social, and educational benefits of edible landscapes in universities. Research has shown that introducing edible landscapes can improve campus sustainability, educational content, and community engagement. This helps to improve ecological diversity and environmental quality on campuses, enhances awareness and participation of teachers and students in sustainable development, and promotes community identity and social cohesion.

Nordregio, Luciane Aguiar Borges, Ana de Jesus · · Global

This report discusses the barriers and drivers of Urban Agriculture (UA) within the framework of the Horizon 2020 project 'SiEUGreen,' across environmental, technological, economic, social/cultural, and regulatory/institutional aspects. Based on insights from five showcases in Norway, Denmark, Turkey, and China, the results suggest that city food provision and UA systems can be designed considering circular economy regenerative cycles. However, key barriers limiting UA uptake include the need for more evidence-based research, further experimentation for innovative technological developments, high investments, difficulties accessing financial support, underdeveloped business cases, limited recognition of UA's benefits, and behavioral/cultural barriers.

Maria Fernanda Coghi, Duarcides Ferreira Mariosa, Orandi Mina Falsarella · · Portugal

This project aimed to develop and install an optimized aquaponics system at the School of Engineering, Polytechnic of Porto (ISEP). The three-floor vertical garden includes two tanks with approximately 2,000 liters of water for fish, three flower boxes, and over 120 positions for growing vegetables. Pedagogical activities involving students from various ISEP courses were also developed in conjunction with this project.

Rizqa Amelia Zunaidi, Aulia Rahma Annisa, Lora Khaula Amifia, Nilna Agnia, Dwi Nur Azizah Hamidah, Nanda Mesa Nur Aryabawa, Dio Ifan Auliya · BEMAS Jurnal Bermasyarakat · Indonesia

This community service activity focused on implementing an integrated aquaponics system and enhancing community competence through training and mentoring in RT09 RW09, Pepelegi Village, Waru District. The project aimed to improve food security for residents and utilize vacant land, which was previously only used for growing vegetables such as basil, spinach, and tomatoes. The output of this activity is the implementation of an integrated aquaponics system and increased community competence.

Gustavo [UNESP] Nagib · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil (São Paulo)

This chapter examines the relationship between urban activism and the establishment of non-commercial community gardens in public spaces within São Paulo, Brazil, since 2010. It details the formation of the "Hortelões Urbanos" activist network in 2011 and the subsequent creation of the "União de Hortas Comunitárias de São Paulo (UHCSP)" in 2018, which unites community garden initiatives. The analysis highlights how these gardens, despite the absence of municipal public policy, promote health, healthy eating, autonomy, and urban biodiversity through low-consumption practices.

Monsuru Adekunle Salisu, Che Rus Ridzwan, Yusuf Opeyemi Oyebamiji, Norhanizan Usaizan, Abiodun Emmanuel Abioye, Idris Fadheelah Biola, Nurudeen Babatunde Bamiro, Ahmed Kayode Omowunmi, Hussain Luqman · AIMS Agriculture and Food · Global

This systematic literature review, incorporating 37 articles, examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global agri-food sector. The pandemic profoundly impacted all facets of the agri-food system. The review identified several measures to mitigate disruptions and enhance resilience, including robust policy, promotion of urban agriculture, support for small-scale farmers, enhancement of the international market, and technological innovations.

Martina Artmann, Marie Herzig, Henriette John · Discover Cities · Global

This study provides a framework for selecting and operationalizing indicators for a comparative sustainability assessment of different urban agriculture types, exemplified by Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and vertical farming. Based on a qualitative content analysis of vision guidelines, results suggest that CSA can be considered the more sustainable form across all three sustainability dimensions. However, considering vertical farming's main benefit is increased food production efficiency, it is suggested to balance its shortcomings and lack of vision on social justice, biodiversity conservation, and food quality by fostering a hybrid model of community supported vertical farming. This suggestion implies that vertical farming alone has limited effects in these aspects.

Harshdeep Chandrakant Sapkale, Madhulika A. Sonawane · International Journal of Advanced Research in Commerce Management & Social Science · Global

A 2024 study explored the multifaceted importance of urban agriculture in urban and peri-urban areas, highlighting its role in enhancing food security, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability. The research examined entrepreneurial opportunities and strategies to foster sustainable food systems through innovative practices such as backyard cultivation, participatory gardens, green roofs, vertical farms, and tech-enabled marketplaces. It advocated for urban agriculture as a scalable model for addressing urban challenges and encouraging entrepreneurship, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions like Asia and Africa.

Pavitira Manogaran, Nur Aliah Mansor · Practice, progress, and proficiency in sustainability · Malaysia (Penang)

This research investigates the impact of home gardening in Penang, Malaysia, which gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased food demand and supply chain disruptions. The study highlights home gardening's potential to promote self-sufficiency, food security, and sustainable practices, contributing to food system resilience and community well-being. It aligns with sustainable development goals like zero hunger and climate action.

Bai Qu, Zhenlei Xiao, Abhinav Upadhyay, Yangchao Luo · Journal of Agriculture and Food Research · Global

This review provides an overview of key characteristics differentiating sustainable food production from conventional agriculture, addressing challenges like environmental degradation and resource competition. It summarizes technologies promoting sustainable food production, detailing urban agriculture, next-generation plant-based foods, and food nanotechnology. The review concludes by proposing futuristic solutions and research for designing sustainable agri-food systems.

Carol E. Ramos-Gerena, Alane Celeste-Villalvir, Huerto Semilla School Facilitators, Aníbal Y. López-Correa, Samina Raja · Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition · United States (Puerto Rico)

This case study unveils the social curriculum and community farm practices at Escuelita Semillera, an adult agroecological school initiative located on the premises of the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras. Maintained by students and alumni for 14 years, this community garden offered free in-person classes to 50 participants in 2022 and 2023. The research shows how its social curriculum fosters a transition from personal care to community and ecological care, highlighting the vital role of care in adult agroecological education.

Veena G Sonole, Soumya CB, A Meghana, Mahesh G Shetty · International Journal of Research in Agronomy · Global

This review examines vermicomposting, a process using earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Vermicompost benefits horticultural crops, improves soil fertility, and reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Vermitechnology offers solutions for waste management, soil fertility, and sustainable agricultural practices in urban agriculture.

Sayaka Ushimaru, Rintaro Iwata, Eka Rastiyanto Amrullah, Arini Wahyu Utami, Akira Ishida · Agriculture · Asia

This study used Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data to identify which households raise livestock in urban and peri-urban areas of eight developing Asian countries. Results show that at least 10% of households keep livestock, with over 30% in four countries practicing urban and peri-urban livestock farming (UPLF). Poultry is the most common livestock, and poorer families are more likely to raise livestock, suggesting UPLF can improve food and nutritional security for low-income households.

Muhammad Saefuddin, Muflihin Dwi Prasetyo, Muh Mambaul Huda, Rika Mardiana, Khamidatunni’mah Khamidatunni’mah, O’om Mariyah, Hafizhah Salsabila, Arini Widya Lestari, Nur Fatikha, Lutfi Ayu Fadhilah Utami, Nunung Yuliani, Mulki Rahma Afiyati · Jurnal Pelayanan Hubungan Masyarakat · Indonesia

This community service program, a collaboration between UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan Group 24 students and SD Negeri Kandang Panjang 10 students, implemented urban farming as a food security solution in Pekalongan City. The program aimed to educate and introduce the concept of urban farming from an early age, contributing to family food security and supporting a greener urban environment.

Alessandra Russi, Danni Da Silva · Agroalimentaria · Brazil

This qualitative-quantitative study characterized school gardens in public education networks across twenty-four municipalities in Brazil's Serra Gaúcha region using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data revealed most schools were located in urban areas, predominantly served elementary school students during the daytime, and lacked guidance from qualified professionals and agroecological management for their gardens. Based on these findings, four educational brochures on agroecological techniques were developed for elementary students.

Suwa Lal Yadav, Manish Yadav, Devilal Birla, Indra Raj Yadav · · Global

Organic farming is evolving by integrating regenerative techniques, agroecological principles, precision agriculture, and urban farming concepts to meet growing demand for organic products. This approach aims to improve agricultural output, address climate change, manage pests, and optimize resource use, contributing to a sustainable and ethically sound food ecology. The organic industry is projected to grow due to increased consumer awareness and education.

Lathifah Puji Hastuti, Shabarni Gaffar, Dina Oktavia, Kevin Muhamad Lukman · KREATIF Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Sains dan Teknologi · Indonesia

A community service program was implemented in Pananjung Village, Pangandaran Regency, Indonesia, providing training to homemakers. The program offered instruction on organic waste management through composting and eco-enzyme production, as well as the application of urban farming in limited spaces. Participants learned techniques for processing kitchen waste into compost and eco-enzymes for natural fertilizer, and planting seeds like chili and tomato using recycled materials as planting media. This training aimed to equip participants with practical skills and increase their awareness of waste reduction and the importance of utilizing small plots for food security.

Ankush Mohapatra, Deven Verma, Sakshi Sharma, Aparnna Rani Swain, Abhishek Singh · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · India

This paper discusses the potential of kitchen gardening as a solution to urban heat island effects and nutritional insecurity caused by urbanization in India. Kitchen gardening contributes to managing the urban heat island effect by moderating temperature extremes through urban vegetation, which reduces energy consumption for air conditioning. It also ensures food security by providing a direct source of fresh produce, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals.

Noor Hamidah, Syahrozi Syahrozi, Dwi Anung Nindito, Mahdi Santoso, Puput Khairani Kudadiri, Putri Sulistiawati, Siti Fadillah Hasanah, Akhmad Zaini, Anna Rusanisari · Diteksi · Indonesia

This study implemented an urban farming pilot project in the courtyard of the Daruth Tayyibah Mosque in Pahandut Seberang Subdistrict, Palangka Raya City, Indonesia. Using qualitative methods, the project aimed to encourage riverside communities to grow vegetables in their yards for daily needs and potential business opportunities. Initial activities included discussions with community leaders and outreach to women regarding hydroponics.

Olabimpe Banke Akintuyi · Open Access Research Journal of Biology and Pharmacy · Global

This paper reviews the architectural integration of vertical farming systems in urban environments and their impact on food security. It explores design strategies like green walls and modular systems, emphasizing the role of technology such as AI and robotics in enhancing efficiency and scalability. Vertical farming is presented as a method to reduce reliance on long-distance transportation and mitigate climate variability, contributing to stable food production in urban centers.

Putu Eka Pasmidi Ariati, I Ketut Widnyana, I Made Wahyu Wijaya, Dewa Putu Oka Prasiasa · Jurnal Aplikasi dan Inovasi Iptek (JASINTEK) · Indonesia

The Community Empowerment Program in Kelan Traditional Village, Badung Regency, Bali, aimed to develop the village into an environmentally friendly and resilient tourist village. Activities focused on household liquid organic fertilizer (POC) management, enhancing community capacity in organic farming (hydroponics and aquaponics), and strengthening the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis). Participants showed significant improvements in understanding, knowledge, and skills, with 90% able to produce quality POC. These activities contributed to improved village environmental quality, the creation of new economic opportunities, and the development of new edutourism products.

Kalpana Waiba, Alina Maharjan, R Shakya · Journal of Environment Sciences · Nepal

This study investigated the status and impact of urban agriculture on the population in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. A structured questionnaire survey of 230 families showed that 51% of respondents had access to growing areas and 76% chose kitchen gardening. The main motivations were economic considerations (50%) and personal satisfaction (20%). Participants reported cultivating 55% of their diet, contributing to good health, though challenges such as plant diseases (40%) were present.

Eko Suharyono, Ryantoko Setyo Prayitno · JMM - Jurnal Masyarakat Merdeka · Indonesia (Semarang)

In Bendan Duwur Village, Gajahmungkur District, Semarang City, Indonesia, an urban farming training program was implemented to utilize vacant land and promote food security. The program involved socialization, discussions, and distribution of horticultural seeds to participants. The training received positive responses, with participants reporting aesthetic, health, and economic benefits, and non-participants showing interest in adopting urban farming. Residents who implemented the program reduced their vegetable purchases from markets.

Gebregziabher Nigus, Mengistu Ketema, Jema Haji, Million Sileshi · Discover Food · Ethiopia

A study was conducted in Eastern Ethiopia using primary data from 270 randomly selected urban farmers to identify factors influencing urban agriculture (UA) market participation decisions and intensity. The first stage of the Double Hurdle (DH) Model indicated that age, education, occupation, family size, farming experience, UA-related training, dependency ratio, and market information significantly impacted the decision to participate in the UA output market. The second stage DH Model showed that education, land size, UA-related training, and market information significantly affected the intensity of UA output market participation.

Zeina ElZein · Chinese Journal of Urban and Environmental Studies · Global

This paper reviews articles on the water, energy, and food nexus and urban resilience from the past 10 years, exploring the need for interdisciplinary approaches. It identifies key research foci, gaps, and future research needs. Recommendations for future studies include allocating funds to ensure vulnerable communities' access to resources, sustainable operation of urban agriculture practices, circular economy and reuse, and engaging experts, local authorities, and communities in decision-making and training. The study also recommends using quantitative assessment to identify the impact of urban agriculture and urban water management practices on the environment and including socio-economic aspects in assessment models.