Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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9077 results(33 / 364)
ProefGroen (Taste Green/Test Green):A healthy diet can also be tasty and sustainable
2025Coosje Dijkstra, Jutka Halberstadt, Jaap Seidell, Arnoud Verhoefff · VU Research Portal · Netherlands (Amsterdam)
In a school garden in Amsterdam-Zuidoost, children were amazed when their teacher pulled a radish from the ground and ate it. Most children followed suit and discovered that their self-harvested salad was tasty without dressing.
Food educationHealthCommunityUrban farming and the nexus of economic growth and environmental sustainability in coastal cities, Indonesia
2025Tri Astuti, Hasddin Hasddin, Asrul Asrul, J Jasman, Muh. Yani Balaka, Haydir Haydir, Alfian Ishak, Muhamad Idham Handa, Villa Evadelvia Ginal Sambari, Eva Safitri Maladeni · European Journal of Sustainable Development Research · Indonesia (Kendari City)
This study quantitatively investigated the contribution of urban farming to economic growth and environmental sustainability in Kendari City, Indonesia. Urban farming is the third-highest contributor to the city's gross domestic regional product, accounting for 10.66% of total economic output, yet the sector's overall growth fluctuates, and its direct economic impact is underreported. In terms of environmental performance, Kendari's energy consumption and CO₂ emissions exceeded Asian Green City Index thresholds, categorizing the city as "below average" in sustainability.
Environmental trade-offsEconomicsClimate changePolicyComparative analysis of organic and conventional farm sustainability in peri-urban zones of Rabat, Morocco: insights and perspectives
2025Fatiha Hakimi, Sara Sehli, Abeer Hashem, Graciela Dolores Ávila-Quezada, Elsayed Fathi Abd Allah · Cogent Food & Agriculture · Morocco
In peri-urban Rabat, Morocco, a study compared the sustainability of 30 farms (15 organic, 15 conventional) using the IDEA method, assessing agro-environmental, socio-territorial, and economic dimensions with 18 indicators. Organic farms excelled in agro-environmental sustainability and demonstrated long-term economic resilience. Conversely, conventional farms, while more productive, faced socio-territorial limitations and economic dependence on external inputs.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsBiodiversityOrganic cycleSolución de agricultura vertical inteligente y sostenible basada en IoT para los desafíos agrícolas en Pakistán
2025Sadiq Ur Rehman, Muhammad Adeel Mannan, Muhammad Ahsan Shaikh, Muhammad Uzair · Memoria Investigaciones en Ingeniería · Pakistan
In Pakistan, an IoT-based solar-powered smart vertical farming system was proposed to address agricultural challenges like water scarcity. A six-week trial cultivating cherry tomatoes showed the system achieved a 60-65% yield increase, 40% energy saving, and 28.57% water consumption reduction compared to traditional methods. However, limitations included the small trial size and lack of long-term environmental impact data, and scalability challenges such as cost, maintenance, and local restrictions need to be addressed for wider adoption.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsPeri-urban agriculture“Just Part of Being a Community”: Crafting Resilience in the City During COVID-19
2025Tamanda Chabvuta · Western Journal of Communication · United States
This paper examined resilience narratives about a community garden in a predominantly Black neighborhood in the United States during a period of recovery from COVID-19 disruptions. Applying the communication theory of resilience, the analysis revealed themes of honoring legacy, belief in community and sharing, maintaining external collaborations, and persistence despite a lack of internal involvement. The study highlighted the critical role of external collaborators and community history in resilience efforts.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceKnowledge facilitates reflexive urban governance of nature-based solutions in Australian and European cities
2025Clare Adams, Alexandra Tsatsou, Niki Frantzeskaki · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · Global
This chapter aims to understand how knowledge can facilitate processes of reflexive urban governance of nature-based solutions in diverse governance contexts. It examines two case studies: urban forestry governance in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, and Trikala's Urban Agriculture Initiative, Greece.
PolicyClimate changeIncreasing the Capacity of KWT Barokah Through Agricultural Cultivation Innovation in Banjardowo Village, Semarang
2025Moh. Sholeh, Nanang Indardi, Khoirul Anwar, Vacktian Diva Gumala · Jurnal Abdimas · Indonesia (Semarang)
In Banjardowo Village, Semarang, urban farming-based cultivation innovations were implemented as an adaptation strategy to limited land and flood threats. This community service research aimed to increase the capacity of the Barokah Women Farmers Group (KWT) through six stages of activities, including urban farming installation and cultivation training. The activities resulted in increased knowledge and skills in horticultural cultivation among members and strengthened the group's social cohesion, proving effective in enhancing technical capacity, empowering women, and strengthening local food security.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceDIYWelfareAntifungal potential of local plant extracts in the biological control of soil-borne diseases of tomato and eggplant in Daloa, Centre-West, Côte d'Ivoire
2025SORO Sibirina, TRAORE Aboulaye, KOFFI N’guessan Mathurin, TRAORE-OUATTARA Karidia · World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews · Côte d'Ivoire (Daloa)
In Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire, tomato and eggplant production is limited by biotic diseases. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of six plant extracts against soil-borne fungal pathogens affecting tomato and eggplant. Eggplant plants treated with Securidaca sp exhibited the greatest tolerance to disease, with a severity index of 2.1%. Aqueous extracts of Securidaca sp and Solanum sp reduced mortality rates more effectively than synthetic fungicide, suggesting they can be recommended as an alternative for controlling soil-borne fungal diseases in tomato and eggplant.
Peri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleFrom local to global: Leveraging localized environmental actions for scalable sustainability effects
2025Sebastian Theis · PLOS Sustainability and Transformation · Global
This synthesis explores how localized environmental actions, such as community gardens, address specific sustainability challenges and contribute to environmental conservation. Analyzing 17 different programs across 40 countries, the paper highlights key challenges and pathways for adapting localized environmental actions, emphasizing the need for clear outcomes, robust tracking mechanisms, and scalable approaches. The study presents 10 core points to serve as the foundation for a generalizable framework to advance small-scale environmental actions.
CommunityClimate changePolicySmall but connected: assessing the contribution of civic-led hedgerow planting on landscape connectivity in periurban Paris
2025Hugo Rochard, Céline Clauzel, Nathalie Blanc · Urban Ecosystems · France (Paris)
The impact of civic-led hedgerow planting on landscape connectivity was assessed in the southern Paris periurban context. A graph modeling methodology was applied to 94 hedgerow sites, revealing that these sites strengthen landscape connectivity. This quantitative assessment was coupled with qualitative data collected from local civic leaders regarding their perception of social-ecological functions associated with hedgerow planting.
BiodiversityPollinatorsCommunityPeri-urban agricultureWidespread practices and sustainability benefits of foraging in urban blue spaces of India
2025Sukanya Basu, Brenda Maria Zoderer, Harini Nagendra, Peter H. Verburg, Tobías Plieninger · Nature Cities · India
This study examined the extent and benefits of foraging in urban blue spaces across four major Indian cities through a survey of 1,200 users. It identified three forager groups—rare, occasional, and frequent—whose behaviors differed in frequency and practice. Women, the elderly, and marginalized communities most frequently collected, shared, cooked, and sold edibles. Frequent foragers emphasized benefits related to nutrition, income, culture, and social capital, while occasional foragers appreciated nature- and culture-related benefits, indicating urban blue spaces are vital for food access and resilience.
CommunityHealthEconomicsWelfareParticipatory science in urban soil research: A framework for overcoming challenges and expanding public engagement
2025Anna Paltseva · iScience · Global
This article presents a participatory science framework for urban soil research, engaging communities in soil monitoring and management through co-designed projects and educational outreach. The framework integrates digital tools and real-time mapping to enhance data accuracy and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration to improve urban soil health. Demonstrated through case studies, this approach aims to build capacity for sustained community involvement and equitable environmental decision-making.
CommunityPolicyBiodiversityClimate changeFood educationRancho (r)evolution A strategy for reinventing urban gardening in Plovdiv
2025Popov, Velian · reposiTUm (TU Wien) · Bulgaria (Plovdiv)
This study examines the disappearing phenomenon of informal urban gardening, known as Rancho, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, focusing on its socio-historical factors. Despite its authentic, decades-long existence, Rancho is neglected and considered outdated, with a lack of legal regulation and its informal character endangering its future. The study proposes a gradual transformation of these areas into community urban gardens with new infrastructures to raise awareness and encourage authorities to reintegrate Rancho into the urban context.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageClimate changeHydro-smart: User-Configurable IoT Platform for Hydroponic Agriculture
2025Wafaa Radi · Journal of Communication Sciences and Information Technology · Global
Many existing IoT-based hydroponic control systems limit user customization due to tightly coupled hardware and software. This paper proposes Hydro-smart, a modular and user-friendly IoT platform designed for small-scale DIY enthusiasts and medium-scale urban agriculture practitioners. Hydro-smart aims to automate and optimize gardening processes, facilitate agricultural experimentation, and enable users to act as citizen scientists by simplifying experimental design and automating data collection.
Digital agricultureDIYCommunitySocio-cultural benefits of an urban agriculture initiative designed for vulnerable populations in Tucson, Arizona
2025Nataliya Apanovich, Gene King, Ashley Limbaugh, Garrett Smith, Sandra Bernal · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States (Tucson)
This 10-week study in Tucson, Arizona, examined the role of a collaborative urban garden in addressing food security and social isolation among nine university students, refugees, and asylum seekers. Using pre- and post-study surveys, interviews, and observations, researchers found that both groups experienced positive impacts on food access and social connections. The results indicate that urban gardening creates pathways to empowerment and equalizes differences between the groups and society.
CommunityWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceHealthSOSIALISASI BUDIDAYA TANAMAN HIDROPONIK UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMANDIRIAN PANGAN DI KOMUNITAS PERUMAHAN SUBSIDI
2025Nur Aini Alfiah, Dewi Fatmawaty Sabiku, Devina Cinantya Anindita, Dewi Puspa Arisandi, Anggita Rizky Fadilah, Ni Nengah Putri Adnyani, Ferril Muhammad Nur · Jurnal Abdi Insani · Indonesia
A community service program in Jember Regency, Indonesia, from November 2024 to January 2025, aimed to enhance food independence among housewives in subsidized housing through training and practice in simple wick hydroponics for bok choy. Most participants understood the material, successfully grew bok choy at home, and showed interest in other vegetables. The program increased awareness of self-sufficient vegetable cultivation for family food security, improving their ability to provide bok choy for household needs, though not achieving full food independence.
DIYCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationUrban Farming for Sustainable Urban Livelihoods in Mbarara City, Western Uganda
2025Elias Nuwagaba, Murindwa Rutanga · East African Scholars Journal of Education Humanities and Literature · Uganda (Mbarara City)
This study explored how state-initiated, unplanned urbanization in Mbarara City, Western Uganda, affects the sustainability of urban farming and urban livelihoods. The research found that rapid, haphazard urban expansion, lacking strategic planning, has led to significant challenges. These include the emergence of slums, illegal land occupations, destruction of wetlands and riverbanks causing water pollution, and inadequate waste management, all negatively impacting public health and urban farming sustainability.
Governance failureEconomicsPolicyClimate changeUrban–rural linkageAn Agroecological Perspective on Early Urban Forms and their Sustainability in Western Eurasia
2025Amy Bogaard · Journal of Urban Archaeology · Europe
This paper frames agroecological expectations for different urban forms based on Roland Fletcher’s model of settlement population scale and density. It hypothesizes that low-density urbanism allows labor-intensive land management, while high-density urbanism requires lower inputs per unit area and stress-tolerant crops. The study applies these expectations to early urban forms in western Eurasia, finding that diverse farming strategies in high-density areas and flexible low-density urban agroecology offer lessons for future urban farming.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceDisentangling food transformation narratives: a Q-method analysis on pathways to sustainable food systems and their implications
2025Meredith L. Mull, Mario Torralba · Frontiers in Nutrition · Global
This exploratory Q-methodology study investigated how university students in sustainability programs conceptualize sustainable food systems. Analysis revealed five distinct narratives, with consensus on food security and transparent governance. However, elements like urban agriculture, GMOs, and food traditions were consistently deprioritized by the participants. The findings emphasize incorporating plural perspectives and context-sensitive approaches in food system research and policy.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeFood educationPolicyLIBRAS NO ENSINO DE CIÊNCIAS POR MEIO DA AGRICULTURA URBANA EM ESPAÇOS NÃO FORMAIS
2025Thaís Falcão Cardoso, Ester Vitória Basilio Anchieta · Even3 Publicações eBooks · Global
This paper discusses the importance of Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS) in science education, articulated with urban agriculture practices in non-formal spaces. The qualitative and bibliographic research proposes a methodology based on accessible school gardens, utilizing visual resources, bilingual materials, and inclusive technologies. Results indicate that the use of LIBRAS in these practices expands scientific learning, respect for diversity, and collective engagement.
Food educationCommunityWelfareAssessing the Potential of Revegetating Abandoned Agricultural Lands Using Nature-Based Typologies for Urban Thermal Comfort
2025zahra nobar, Akbar Rahimi, Alessio Russo · Land · Global
This study assessed the efficacy of nature-based solutions in revegetating abandoned urban agricultural lands to enhance outdoor thermal comfort, using ENVI-met 4.4.6 and Ray-Man 3.1 simulation models. Simulation results showed that species like Quercus spp. (broadleaf) and Cupressus arizonica (evergreen) substantially reduced the Mean Radiant Temperature (Tmrt) index by up to 26.76 °C, primarily due to their shading effects and large canopies. Combining these vegetation types with crops emerged as the most effective strategy to mitigate heat stress and optimize land-use.
Climate changeBiodiversityUrban–rural linkagePertanian Perkotaan, Solusi Inovatif untuk Ketahanan Pangan di Tengah Kota
2025Marni Putri Gea, Restu Jaya Zendrato, Septian Oktani Telaumbanua, Ayler Beniah Ndraha · Flora Jurnal Kajian Ilmu Pertanian dan Perkebunan · Global
This literature review indicates that urban agriculture, utilizing modern techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics, vertical farming, and rooftop gardens, is an innovative solution for food security in urban areas. Urban agriculture reduces distribution costs, minimizes environmental impact, and offers social and economic benefits. The review concludes that urban agriculture contributes significantly to improving food security and provides a sustainable alternative for the global food system.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsCommunitySetting the Field: An Analytical Framework to Assess the Potential of Urban Agriculture
2025Valentina Manente, Silvio Caputo, Flavio Lupia, Giuseppe Pulighe, Jaime Hernández García · Land · Colombia (Bogotá)
This study developed and applied a GIS-based spatial analytical framework to assess the potential of urban agriculture in Bogotá, Colombia, considering varying productivity levels for four urban food garden types: Home, Community, Educational, and Commercial. Data on produce yield, resource use, and social benefits were collected from a sample of urban food gardens. Results indicated that 25% of Bogotá’s surface area possesses suitable physical and social conditions for food growing, with Home Gardens occupying the largest share of suitable land, suggesting that land availability is not a key limiting factor for urban agriculture expansion.
CommunityEconomicsPolicySustainable Entrepreneurship Emergence as Practice: A Multi-Level Pathway Model
2025Glenn Pardede, Rosdiana Sijabat, Rizaldi Parani, Jacob Donald Tan, Johana Ataupah, Agung Heru Yatmo, Sekar Dianwidi Bisowarno · F1000Research · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This study investigated the emergence pathways of Sustainable Entrepreneurship (SE) through a qualitative multiple-case analysis of hydroponic ventures in the urban agriculture sector of the Jakarta Metropolitan Area, Indonesia. Data were collected via in-depth interviews, field observations, and document analysis, with thematic analysis conducted across individual, process, firm, and contextual environment levels. Findings revealed an alternative SE pathway, departing from intention-led models, where SE is triggered by personally meaningful concerns and evolves through organic growth, leading to the development of a multi-level pathway model illustrating two SE emergence pathways, whether intentional or reflexive.
EconomicsPolicyMachine Learning–Based Climate-Adaptive Smart Gardening System for Sustainable Urban Agriculture
2025Zakhro Sodikova · International Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science Engineering and Information Technology · Global
This research proposed and aimed to design and implement a Machine Learning-Based Climate-Adaptive Smart Gardening System for sustainable urban agriculture. The system uses environmental sensors to record soil moisture, air temperature, humidity, solar exposure, and light intensity in real-time. It employs machine learning models like Gradient Boosting, Random Trees, and LSTM to predict irrigation needs, plant stress, and environmental changes, adjusting gardening conditions to mitigate climate impacts.
Digital agricultureClimate changeDIY