Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
8656 results(326 / 347)
El riego con aguas de mala calidaden la agricultura urbana. Aspectosa considerar. I. Aguas salinas o alcalinas
2007F Ortega Sastriques, Rosa Orellana Gallego · Revista ciencias técnicas agropecuarias · Global
In many cities, the high price and limited availability of potable water necessitate considering irrigation with poor quality water, such as saline or alkaline waters, in urban agriculture. This paper considers aspects of irrigation with poor quality water, including risks like contamination.
Contamination & food safetyClimate changeEconomicsRe-Creating Awareness of Traditional Leafy Vegetables in Communities
2007Voster Ineke H.J, Jansen van Rensburg Willem, Van Zijl J.J.B, Venter Sonja L · African Journal of Food Agriculture Nutrition and Development · South Africa
In South Africa, traditional leafy vegetables have been labeled as weeds since the 1960s, leading to a negative perception and unwillingness to use them. Awareness activities in six communities, including training sessions in seven schools and eight community gardens, aimed to improve the status of these crops. These activities resulted in increased awareness of their poor conservation status, appointment of seed keepers, and a noticeable increase in demand for seeds and production training.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEl riego con aguas de mala calidaden la agricultura urbana. Aspectosa considerar. II. Aguas residuales urbanas
2007F Ortega Sastriques, Rosa Orellana Gallego · Revista ciencias técnicas agropecuarias · Global
In many cities, potable water is expensive, and its availability is limited and will decrease in the future. Urban agriculture is an aspect to consider in this context.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleDeveloping the Urban Agriculture and Constructing the Ecological City of Dongguan
2007Lai Yong-chao · Guangdong Landscape Architecture · China (Dongguan)
This article introduces the definition, features, and global situation of urban agriculture. It analyzes the dominant position for the development of urban agriculture in Dongguan city and advocates for its development and the construction of an ecological city.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyCommunityDoes community-supported agriculture support conservation?
2007Mark Anderson-Wilk · Journal of Soil and Water Conservation · Global
This abstract discusses the concept of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA), pioneered in Japan and Europe in the 1960s and introduced to the US in the mid-1980s. CSAs are described as a model where individuals become farm members, sharing the risks and benefits of food production and receiving shares of local produce. The abstract introduces the question of whether CSAs support natural resource conservation but does not present any specific findings or conclusions regarding this question.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityOrganic cycleArchaeological Desk-Based Assessment of Hanover Works, Scotland Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire
2007Mark Stenton · Archaeology Data Service · United Kingdom (Sheffield)
This desk-based archaeological assessment of Hanover Works in Sheffield, UK, conducted in July 2007, involved a site visit and documentary research. The area was likely agricultural in the medieval period, becoming small plots by the early 17th century, and developed industrially from the early 19th century. The assessment suggests that 19th-century subsurface archaeological features may remain beneath present-day structures, though their condition is undetermined.
CommunityPolicySPIN-Farming: advancing urban agriculture from pipe dream to populist movement
2007Roxanne Christensen · Sustainability Science Practice and Policy · United States (Philadelphia)
This paper discusses SPIN-Farming as a tool to demonstrate the economic viability of urban agriculture, which was initially advocated in Philadelphia in 1998. While social and environmental benefits are clear, economic proof was needed to motivate policymakers. The author applied entrepreneurial experience to develop SPIN-Farming, aiming to revive the farming profession and enable a scalable, accessible farming concept across economic classes and geographical boundaries, fostering local food systems.
EconomicsPolicyCommunityEl riego con aguas de mala calidad en la agricultura urbana. Aspectos a considerar. II. Aguas residuales urbanas Irrigation with low quality in urban agriculture: points to regard. II. Urban waste water
2007F Ortega Sastriques, Rosa Orellana Gallego · · Global
Due to high prices and limited availability of drinking water in many cities, urban agriculture will require the use of alternative water sources. Groundwater and surface currents near cities are typically polluted, and this paper points out aspects to consider for safe irrigation using sewage water.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleClimate changeAmbivalent landscapes—wilderness in the urban interstices
2007Anna Jørgensen, Marian Tylecote · Landscape Research · Global
This paper explores the origins of ambivalent responses to contemporary urban landscapes, proposing that post-modern wilderness can be found in urban interstices. These include woodlands, abandoned allotments, river corridors, and derelict sites where spontaneous vegetation growth occurs. Such interstitial wilderness landscapes are identified as having important functions and being rich in meaning, with implications for understanding nature-human relationships and for urban landscape planning.
CommunityBiodiversityUrban–rural linkagePolicySELECCIÓN PARTICIPATIVA DE VARIEDADES Y EXPERIMENTACIÓN CAMPESINA EN AGRICULTURA URBANA EN EL CULTIVO DEL PLÁTANO (Musa spp.)
2007María de los A Pino, Loracnis Hernández, María E Dominí, Arturo Ocampo Ramírez, Z. Terán, Eduardo Calves · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Cuba
This study in San José de las Lajas and Arroyo Naranjo, Cuba, aimed to assess if participatory variety selection and farmer experimentation could introduce, adopt, and disseminate plant biodiversity in urban banana cultivation. Results demonstrated the potential of participatory methodologies to introduce and adopt materials from an agrobiodiversity fair, with selection differences based on criteria and municipal contexts. This provided initial evidence for such urban cultivation experiences.
CommunityBiodiversityHeirloom & landraceInventory of water management practices in Harare, Zimbabwe
2007Innocent Nhapi · Water and Environment Journal · Zimbabwe (Harare)
This paper investigated the sustainability of urban water cycle practices in relation to water quantity and quality management in the Chivero catchment, the main water supply for greater Harare, Zimbabwe. Data on population, water supply, water and wastewater treatment, and river flows were collected from urban councils and government departments to assess consumption, wastewater generation, treatment, disposal, river flow trends, raw water abstractions, and demand patterns. Results showed that the current situation is unsustainable, with water quantity soon to be a problem at current consumption levels and water quality already problematic, especially regarding nutrient levels.
Organic cyclePolicyPLANTAS DE BAJO PORTE MÁS UTILIZADAS PARA SETOS EN LA AGROSILVICULTURA O EN LA SILVICULTURA URBANA Y PERIURBANA
2007Valeria Olivera · · Cuba (City of the Havana)
This study surveyed producers in urban and peri-urban agriculture settings in Cuba to identify low-growing plant species commonly used for hedges in agroforestry systems. The surveys revealed 13 species across 9 families utilized as hedges. In the City of Havana, Marpacifco (Hibiscus rosasinensis), Bugambilia (Bougainvillea glabra), and Muralla (Murraya paniculata) were most frequently used, while in rural areas, Cardona (Euphorbia lactea), Tuna (Opuntia dillenii), and Itamo real (Pedilanthus tithymaloides) were more common.
DIYUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureBiodiversityArchaeological Desk-Based Assessment of Bankwood Lane, New Rossington, South Yorkshire
2007Mark Stenton · Archaeology Data Service · United Kingdom (South Yorkshire)
In October 2007, ARCUS conducted a desk-based assessment of land at Bankwood Lane, New Rossington, South Yorkshire (SK 60828 98613), which included a site visit, documentary, and cartographic research. The site is located in an area of key significance for the Iron Age and Romano-British periods and was parkland or pasture within the Rossington Hall estate between approximately 1220 and 1938. Substantial ground disturbance was unlikely during this period or subsequent post-war development, as the site contained allotment gardens and a factory unit without basement levels.
CommunityAfrican Urban Economies: Viability, Vitality or Vitiation?
2006Bryceson, D.F., Potts, D. (eds.) · Palgrave Macmillan (ISBN 9780230523012) · Africa
Theorizes rural-urban linkages and livelihood diversification in African urban economies, showing how urban dwellers of rural origin maintain rural farmland as 'agricultural insurance' that builds resilience to poverty.
EconomicsThe Earthscan Reader in Rural-Urban Linkages / Rural-Urban Interaction in the Developing World
2006Tacoli, C. (ed.) · Routledge / IIED · Global
A landmark edited collection on rural-urban interaction in the developing world, analyzing—through many cases—the flows of people, goods, capital and information and the asymmetric power relations between countryside and city.
EconomicsPolicyWastewater use for urban and peri-urban agriculture.
2006Stephanie Buechler, Gayathri Devi Mekala, B. Keraita · Victoria University Research Repository (Victoria University) · Global
This 2006 global study from Victoria University discusses wastewater use in urban and peri-urban agriculture for crop production and aquaculture, noting its role in generating livelihoods and providing cheap produce. However, the study emphasizes that clear policy guidelines and careful research are needed to prevent potential negative impacts on human health and the environment from wastewater reuse.
Contamination & food safetyUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureHealthPolicyEconomics‘Dig In’ to Social Capital: Community Gardens as Mechanisms for Growing Urban Social Connectedness
2006Jonathan Kingsley, Mardie Townsend · Urban Policy and Research · Australia (Melbourne)
A small qualitative study of members of the 'Dig In' community garden in Melbourne, Australia, explored the social capital benefits of urban community gardens. The study found that garden membership offers benefits such as increased social cohesion, social support, and social connections. However, these benefits do not necessarily extend beyond the garden setting, especially in the early stages of development.
Limited or null effectCommunityHealthCities farming for the future : urban agriculture for green and productive cities
2006R. van Veenhuizen · Issue Lab (Candid) · Global
This publication defines urban agriculture as growing plants and raising animals for food within and around cities, along with related processing and marketing. It notes increased attention from development organizations and authorities in developing countries due to urban agriculture's role in poverty alleviation, food security, waste management, and greening. The work presents the "state of the art" of sustainable urban agriculture development, indicating progress since earlier major publications.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyEconomicsClimate changeThe Effect of Land Use on Soil Health Indicators in Peri‐Urban Agriculture in the Humid Forest Zone of Southern Cameroon
2006Adolphe Monkiédjé, Michael Spiteller, D. Fotio, Premasis Sukul · Journal of Environmental Quality · Cameroon (Yaounde)
This study evaluated the effect of different land uses on soil health indicators in peri-urban agricultural areas of Yaounde, Cameroon, by comparing five tilled sites with native forest land. While most cropped land showed higher levels of many soil health indicators, cultivation of crops like corn and sugarcane significantly impacted native soil quality. Specifically, phenol oxidase, microbial biomass C/organic C, and microbial biomass C/microbial biomass P were negatively affected, indicating negative management impacts on soil health.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleClimate changeURBAN FARMING AND MALARIA RISK FACTORS IN A MEDIUM-SIZED TOWN IN COTE D’IVOIRE
2006Barbara Matthys, Penelope Vounatsou, Giovanna Raso, Andres B. Tschannen, EMMANUEL GBEDE BECKET, Laura Gosoniu, Guéladio Cissé, Marcel Tanner, ELIÉZER K. N’GORAN, Jürg Utzinger · American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene · Côte d'Ivoire
This study investigated malaria risk factors in urban farming communities in a medium-sized town in Côte d'Ivoire, conducting two cross-sectional surveys among 112 households across six agricultural zones. The overall prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum was 32.1%. Findings indicate that specific crop systems and agricultural practices may increase the risk of malaria in urban settings of tropical Africa.
Environmental trade-offsHealthUrban–rural linkageThe No. 1 Ladies' Poultry Farm: A feminist political ecology of urban agriculture in Botswana
2006Alice J. Hovorka · Gender Place & Culture · Botswana
This research draws on a feminist political ecology perspective to demonstrate that agrarian restructuring and rural-urban transformation in Botswana offer women opportunities to renegotiate their marginalized positionality within the commercial urban agricultural sector in Greater Gaborone. Men and women participate in equal numbers, and both perceive this sector as offering new and accessible avenues for economic and social advancement. Although there is continuity of women's social and economic disadvantage relative to men from rural to urban contexts, women are actively making claims on land and capitalizing on their traditional roles and responsibilities associated with poultry production.
CommunityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justice都市农业园区建设典型系列之一 生态农业典型——桐庐万强农庄
2006胡新光, 徐培培, 黄美英, 冯莉 · 杭州：生活品质 · China (Hangzhou)
In Hangzhou, China, urban agricultural parks have emerged, characterized by a strong emphasis on technological advancement and industry development. These parks prioritize the introduction of scientific talent, collaboration with experts, adoption of new varieties and technologies, and scientific management with technical training for farmers. This abstract introduces these common characteristics as part of a series on typical urban agricultural park constructions, without providing specific findings or data for Tonglu Wanqiang Farm.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsFood educationPolicyReview of 'Food + the City'
2006Paul Knox Clarke · Ulster University Research Portal (Ulster University) · Global
This is a review of the AD special edition focusing on the relationship between food, the city, and urbanism. It discusses concepts such as markets, community gardens, Asian cities, food mapping, and historical precedents.
CommunityUrban–rural linkageEconomicsAgricultura urbana en Ciego de Ávila. El caso del municipio montañoso de Florencia
2006Ángela Borroto, Águeda C. Arencibia, J.L. López, Liliam J. Leyva, Carlos Mazorra, Gladys E. Dopico, R. Maurelo, A. Caraballoso · Pastos y forrajes · Cuba (Florencia)
This two-year study characterized animal production in urban agriculture in Florencia municipality, Cuba, by examining 32 randomly selected household backyards across two popular councils. Findings showed that 85% of households involved family members of all ages, with backyard animal rearing serving as a supplementary activity rather than a primary livelihood. Traditional management methods and local resources predominated in feeding practices, contributing 18% to the municipal family basket's protein needs and over 1 kg of protein per capita annually, thus potentially enhancing food security.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsGendering the Urban Agriculture Agenda 1
2006Alice J. Hovorka, Damell Smith, R. van Veenhuizen · · Global
This article argues that a gendered perspective on urban food security is essential to understand dynamics shaping food production and marketing in urban centers. It highlights that failing to explore women's distinct roles risks leaving gender inequities and food supply hindrances unaddressed, countering the invisibility of women's work often assumed as automatic domestic duties. The article emphasizes women's significant role in domestic food supply, even in societies with minimal household food production, citing examples like Latin American women organizing to address urban hunger.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfare