Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
8656 results(324 / 347)
Spaces to play/playing with spaces: young people, citizenship and Joan Littlewood
2007Nadine Holdsworth · Research in Drama Education The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance · United Kingdom
This article examines Joan Littlewood's cultural innovations beyond traditional theatre, focusing on her local projects in the 1960s that promoted cultural democracy and active citizenship. During redevelopment around Theatre Royal, Stratford East, Littlewood transformed discarded spaces into temporary structures, playgrounds, mini inner-city farms, and planting schemes. These activities emphasized children's access to cultural activity, social encounter, and creative play, and explored their interaction in the public realm and responsibility for animating spaces.
CommunityFood educationUrban–rural linkageCommunity Gardens in Western Kenya: Engagement, Nutrition Education, and Sustainability Assessment
2007Kanini Muthoni · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Kenya
This study used mixed-methods, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews, to assess community gardens in rural Western Kenya. Engagement levels in the gardens ranged from 75% to 80%, with vegetable cultivation being a key theme in nutrition education. The study found that effective community engagement and targeted nutrition education significantly contribute to the sustainability of these projects, especially in promoting sustainable food production.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceSchool farming and school feeding in Nakuru town, Kenya: Practice and potential
2007Dick Foeken, Samuel Owuor · Leiden Repository (Leiden University) · Kenya (Nakuru)
A survey was conducted in June 2006 among primary and secondary schools in Nakuru town, Kenya, to examine school farming and school feeding practices. Data on school characteristics, school farming activities, and school feeding practices were collected using a structured questionnaire. The study showed that school farming is very common in Nakuru town, with almost all schools engaged in flower gardening and tree growing, over half practicing crop cultivation, and some keeping livestock.
Food educationWelfareCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceOn the new way of solving the problem of employment in resources exhausted cities:a survey from Fuxin City
2007Zhao Wen-xiang · Urban Problems · China (Fuxin City)
Resource-exhausted cities in China face serious employment problems. Fuxin City in Liaoning Province, designated as the first experimental city for economic transformation by the State Council, employs urban agriculture to allocate unemployed miners. This paper summarizes this method of solving unemployment problems and explains its implications for other similar cities.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkageWelfareCommunity Essay: SPIN-Farming: advancing urban agriculture from pipe dream to populist movement
2007Roxanne Christensen · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · United States (Philadelphia)
This essay discusses the development and potential of SPIN-Farming as a tool to demonstrate the economic viability of urban agriculture, which the author began advocating for in Philadelphia in 1998. The author applied their background in helping entrepreneurs to develop SPIN-Farming, aiming to revive the farming profession and rebuild local food systems. SPIN-Farming is presented as a concept learnable across economic classes and geographical boundaries, fostering engaged agriculture.
EconomicsCommunityPolicyCommunity Gardens and Economic Empowerment in Ethiopian Slums: Adoption Rate Analysis
2007Fasil Desta, Kebede Mekonnen, Girma Abayor, Ayehu Alemayehu · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Ethiopia
Community garden adoption and economic empowerment in Ethiopian urban slums were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach incorporating surveys and focus group discussions. Community gardens were adopted by 45% of surveyed households, with higher adoption rates observed in areas with better access to water sources. The study highlights the potential for community gardens as an inclusive strategy for improving food security and economic conditions in Ethiopian slums.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareChanges in Understanding Environmental Health Risks Linked Participatory Education and Action Research Among Senegalese Farmers
2007Nita Chaudhuri, Daryl Cole, D S Niang · Epidemiology · Senegal (Dakar)
A Participatory Education and Action Research (PEAR) process was conducted with 3 farmers in periurban Dakar, Senegal, and surveyed 55 farmers using pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. Post-intervention, farmers showed a clearer understanding of environmental impacts like water contamination and pesticide runoff, and perceived a broader range of health risks linked to urban agriculture. Observations also indicated reduced pesticide container litter in the fields.
HealthFood educationCommunityPeri-urban agricultureUrban Agriculture i den hållbara staden
2007Anna Eklund, Camilla Björk · · Nicaragua (Managua)
This diploma work, a case study in Managua, Nicaragua, explored how urban agriculture can improve the life situation of urban populations. The study found evidence that urban agriculture can be a key strategy for the urban poor, securing food access, improving public health and the environment, increasing income possibilities, and strengthening social belonging.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsClimate changeWelfareFarming the City
2007Peta Christensen · Local-Global: Identity, Security, Community · Global
This article discusses the development of community gardens as a means for neighborhoods to foster ownership, pride, connection to food, and friendships. Community gardens are presented as accessible spaces appealing to diverse populations, suitable for educational workshops and celebrations. The text also explores the concept of building city gardens to enhance urban beauty.
CommunityFood educationComparison of Origin and Function on Urban Agriculture In Different Countries
2007Huang Ying · · Global
This paper compares the origins and functions of urban agriculture (UA) in various countries. It notes that UA is flourishing globally, with its origins, evolution, and modalities differing across nations due to diverse natural, economic, and social conditions. The study aims to better develop UA by examining these characteristics in typical countries.
CommunityEconomicsPolicy突出优势,建设具有北方特色的观光果园——关于辽宁省果树科学研究所发展观光果业的设想
2007于德林, 高丽红, 武俊峰, 刘凡 · 北方果树 · China
This article discusses leisure agriculture, which originated from urban agriculture. Leisure agriculture is guided by ecology, aesthetics, economics, and sustainable development theories, developing and allocating agricultural resources. It creates tourist destinations with good ecological environments and special atmospheres, focusing on themes such as sightseeing, scientific and technological demonstrations, popular science education, and ecological environmental protection. This transforms traditional extensive agriculture into modern agriculture that integrates refinement, systematicness, intensification, and education.
Food educationUrban–rural linkageEconomicsÍndice e indicadores para el desarrollo sustentable: una contribución para el análisis de la viabilidad de emprendimientos comunitarios de producción agroecológica
2007Virginia Hamdan, Paula Natinzon · REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE AGROECOLOGIA · Argentina
This study quantified the organizational sustainability of 41 agroecological urban gardens within the UNMdP Food Autoproduction Program in Argentina. It developed a Socio-Organizational Sustainability Index (ISO) based on Group Potential, Capacity of Automanagement, and Organizational Practices. Most gardens showed a "Middle" degree of ISO, primarily due to Capacity of Automanagement and Organizational Practices.
CommunityOrganic cycleEconomicsCountervailing Market Responses to Corporate Co-optation and the Ideological Recruitment of Consumption Communities: Table 1
2007Craig J. Thompson, Gökçen Coskuner-Balli · Journal of Consumer Research · Global
This paper argues that the corporatization of the organic food movement, typically seen as co-optation, can instead generate a countervailing market response. This response actively promotes the oppositional aspects of a counterculture that are attenuated by commercial mainstreaming. The study analyzes community-supported agriculture (CSA) as an example of this response to corporate co-optation.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityFactors Influencing Postsecondary Education Enrollment Behaviors of Urban Agricultural Education Students
2007Levon T. Esters · Career and Technical Education Research · United States
A study identified factors influencing the postsecondary education enrollment behaviors of students who graduated from an urban agricultural education program in the United States. Students reported that parents or guardians had the most influence on their enrollment decisions, with mothers or female guardians having slightly more influence. Interest in agriculture, personal factors, and job opportunities also influenced decisions, while non-enrolling students cited a lack of interest and personal factors.
Food educationSustainable practices that allow the recycling of solid waste and wastewater in urban marketgardening
2007Ma. Neftalí Rojas-Valencia, Ma. Teresa Orta de Velásquez, Víctor Franco · Linnaeus Eco-Tech · Mexico (Mexico City)
This study investigated the efficiency of applying organoponic techniques to urban crops in Mexico City, utilizing organic compounds, recyclable solid waste, homemade organic fertilizers, and treated wastewater. Three wastewater disinfection methods were tested: Ozone, APT, and a combination. Results showed that Ozone not only disinfected wastewater but also contributed oxygen and nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Ozone also reduced infection risk by eliminating pathogenic microorganisms and increased plant growth.
Organic cycleClimate changeDIYAesthetic Regard for Nature in Environmental and Land Art
2007Emily Brady · Ethics Place & Environment · Global
This article explores whether environmental and land art-making encourages positive aesthetic-moral relationships between nature and humans. It critically examines a particular type of aesthetic objection to these artworks and defends the work of Robert Smithson and Andy Goldsworthy, among others, against this charge. It is argued that some forms of environmental and land art show "aesthetic regard" for nature, rather than constituting an "aesthetic affront" to nature.
CommunityBiodiversityHealthConceptualizing Livelihood Strategies in African Cities
2007Francis Owusu · Journal of Planning Education and Research · Africa
This paper proposes the "multiple modes of livelihood" (MML) approach to understand contemporary livelihood strategies in African cities, which often involve participation in multiple economic activities across formal and informal sectors. The study presents evidence of the magnitude of this strategy and the types of activities undertaken. It suggests that the importance of urban agriculture, among other factors, indicates a need to indigenize urban planning in Africa.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceEnvironmental Education in a Culturally Diverse School
2007Donna Tangen, Ruth Fielding‐Barnsley · Australian Journal of Environmental Education · Global
This study evaluated the effects of school gardening on English as Second Language (ESL) students' learning about good nutrition in a culturally diverse school. Data collected indicated positive gains in student learning and increased feelings of belonging to the school community. The study suggested that teacher attitudes significantly influence ESL student engagement in environmental education, and garden-enhanced lessons provided effective experiential learning that supported in-class nutrition education.
Food educationCommunityHealthThe Role of Community Gardens in Sustaining Healthy Communities
2007Susan Thompson, Linda Corkery, Bruce Judd · · Australia (Sydney)
This research investigated a community garden scheme within a large high-rise public housing estate in Sydney's inner west, Australia, as part of an urban renewal program. The study found that the project yielded a broad range of positive physical and psychological well-being outcomes for tenants, including opportunities for relaxation, physical activity, socialization, cultural exchange, learning horticulture, and access to low-cost fresh produce. The findings confirm that community gardens can significantly enhance physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, contributing to healthy and socially sustainable communities.
CommunityHealthPolicy日本东京都郊区现代农村建设的经验及启示——以三鹰市、桧原村为例的分析
2007焦必方 · 上海经济研究 · Japan (Tokyo)
This paper analyzes the experiences of modern rural construction in the suburbs of Tokyo, focusing on Mitaka City and Hinohara Village. It highlights the development of suburban rail networks and other infrastructure, the provision of comprehensive public facilities, and the promotion of urban agriculture tailored to suburban characteristics. The study also notes efforts to balance regional development disparities, advocate democratic management, and pursue social harmony.
Urban–rural linkagePeri-urban agriculturePolicyChicago's Urban Nature: A Guide to the City's Architecture + Landscape
2007Sally A. Kitt Chappell · · United States (Chicago)
Sally A. Kitt Chappell's "Urban Nature" is a guide to Chicago's blend of nature and architecture, highlighting the integration of green spaces into the city's cultural life. The book explores historic sites like Garfield Park Conservatory and contemporary green spaces such as City Hall's rooftop garden and Millennium Park. It emphasizes the connection between buildings, landscapes, culture, and nature in Chicago's urban concept.
CommunityBiodiversityPolicyJovenes Junto con Ancianos para un Mejor Mañana : JJAMM Food Network
2007· · United States (Lawrence)
The JJAMM Food Network was launched in Lawrence, MA, in summer 2006 to address three community needs: health, education, and employment. The program enabled elders and teenagers to learn nutrition, fitness, gardening, and money management, grow crops in community gardens, and sell produce to local restaurants. Although initial funding was challenging, the U.S. Department of Agriculture granted funding for 2007, fostering intergenerational interaction and relationship building.
CommunityElderlyFood educationEconomicsWelfareStrategic Reflections upon the Aggregate Paradigms of the Experience of Chang-Zhu-Tan City Cluster: From the Perspective of Urban Agriculture
2007Zeng Fu-sheng · Zhongnan Linye Keji Daxue xuebao · China (Chang-Zhu-Tan)
This paper discusses the significant role of urban agriculture in the emergence of urban agglomeration and the mixture of city and countryside during China's rapid urbanization. It analyzes city agriculture using the example of the Chang-Zhu-Tan City Cluster, presenting a construction framework design for urban agriculture during urban agglomeration formation, and proposing relevant policies.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyCommunitySTUDY ON THERMAL ENVIRONMENT AND BEHAVIOR OF VISITORS AT A LARGE ROOFTOP GARDEN ON A COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN SUMMER
2007Hiroyuki Akagawa, Katsuyuki FUKUMI, Takayuki Kubota, Hideki Takebayashi, Masakazu Moriyama · Journal of Environmental Engineering (Transactions of AIJ) · Global
This study investigated the thermal environment and visitor behavior at a large rooftop garden on a commercial building during summer. Findings indicated that resting places in tree shade were "non-Hot" under high solar radiation, though SET* was higher than in shaded open spaces due to wind speeds around 1m/s. The rooftop garden featured well-shaded footpaths that provided "non-Hot" conditions for most of the afternoon. Tree shade was desirable on fine days, while open spaces were preferred on cloudy days. SET* was identified as the most appropriate index for evaluating the relationship between human behaviors and the thermal environment.
HealthClimate changeCool green water wise streets ... saving money while giving stormwater, energy, comfort and quality of life benefits
2007S Fjell · Rainwater and Urban Design · Global
This paper presents the concepts of "Cool Streets," "Green Streets," and "Water Wise Streets" to mitigate urban heat islands and create sustainable urban environments. Cool Streets reduce heat absorption, Green Streets promote improved air quality, stormwater management, and urban agriculture through vegetation. These multidisciplinary design approaches can achieve cost-effective Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) outcomes, and the concept has been implemented in Pentridge Village, Coburg, Victoria, Australia.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeBiodiversityEconomics