Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
3241 results(33 / 130)
Households' participation in agri-food based livelihoods: Insights from urban and peri-urban contexts of Tanzania
2023· Cogent Economics & Finance · Tanzania
Analyzes household participation in agri-food based livelihoods across urban and peri-urban contexts of Tanzania.
EconomicsWelfareInvestigating local policy instruments for different types of urban agriculture in four European cities: A case study analysis on the use and effectiveness of the applied policy instruments
2023Marini M., Caro D., Thomsen M. · Land Use Policy · Europe (Barcelona, Lyon, Trieste, Udine)
Reviews 83+ policy documents and surveys local managers in four EU cities. Finds land-use frameworks fail to prioritise urban agriculture, that only allotment gardens are meaningfully supported, and that local policies are formulated ad hoc outside any comprehensive UA framework, weakening effectiveness.
PolicyEconomicsAssessing financial subsidies for green roofs: A micro-scale analysis of Lisbon (Portugal)
2023· Cities · Portugal (Lisbon)
Cost-benefit analysis showing that Lisbon's flat, city-wide green-roof subsidy design is suboptimal—constant subsidy values fail to optimize public funds because ecosystem-service benefits vary spatially, evidencing a poorly targeted (wasteful) green-infrastructure incentive.
PolicyEconomicsFood production and resource use of urban farms and gardens: a five-country study
2023Dorr, E., Hawes, J.K., Goldstein, B., Fargue-Lelièvre, A., Fox-Kämper, R., Specht, K., Fedeńczak, K., Caputo, S., Cohen, N., Poniży, L., Schoen, V., Górecki, T., Newell, J.P., Jean-Soro, L., Grard, B. · Agronomy for Sustainable Development · Global
A citizen-science study collecting data from 72 urban agriculture sites across France, Germany, Poland, the UK and the USA to analyze yields and resource use. Most plots yielded between 0.5 and 2 kg/m².
EconomicsOrganic cycleCommunityDIYIs Urban Agriculture Sustaining the Urban Poor? A Study of Grandmother Headed Households (GHHs) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
2023Chipo Hungwe · Journal of Women & Aging · Zimbabwe (Bulawayo)
A qualitative case study based on interviews with 19 older women heading grandmother-headed households in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Urban agriculture did not reduce food insecurity or social exclusion for these participants. The barriers reported were difficulty obtaining land to cultivate, health problems associated with ageing, and the physically demanding nature of the farming work itself. The author concludes that social assistance, rather than reliance on urban agriculture as a livelihood strategy for elderly-headed households, is what these households need.
ElderlyWelfareEconomicsThe effects of COVID-19 on Central Florida's community gardens: lessons for promoting food security and overall community wellbeing
2023William D. Schanbacher, James C. Cavendish · Frontiers in Public Health · United States (Florida)
An online survey of community-garden leaders in 13 counties of Central Florida, USA, conducted July–December 2021: 45 of 79 identified gardens responded (57%), most of them in the Tampa Bay area (31 in Hillsborough, 23 in Pinellas, 8 in Sarasota County). Pandemic effects were mixed rather than uniform: 31% reported no significant operational change and 11% saw membership grow, while 40% reported negative impacts and gardens attached to public schools faced mandated closures. 13% specifically cited loss of volunteers or reduced participation. 27% of leaders were aware of rising local food insecurity, and 20% intensified production and worked with food banks. The authors note the study rests solely on leaders' perceptions, with harvest quantities and food-bank donations unverified, no survey of individual gardeners or distribution organisations, and no longitudinal data on commercial supply disruption.
CommunityEconomicsWelfareValuation of student-led agricultural activities at university: comparison of willingness to pay with inferred values
2023Ryo Sakurai, Takuro Uehara · Sustainability Science · Japan (Kyoto)
A contingent-valuation study at Ritsumeikan University, Japan, measuring the monetary value students place on student-led farming activities using double-bounded dichotomous-choice surveys of 375 students in 2016 and 356 in 2020, comparing each respondent's own willingness to pay (WTP) with the value they inferred other students would pay. In 2016 mean WTP was ¥1,613.6 (median ¥1,101.3) against a mean inferred value of ¥1,056.6 (median ¥742.4); in 2020 mean WTP was ¥2,376.8 (median ¥1,408.8) against ¥1,814.5 (median ¥1,150.6). Confidence intervals overlapped in both years, so the differences were not statistically significant, indicating less social-desirability bias than earlier research found. Estimated total utility was about ¥2.51 million, enough to fund the student-led agricultural project. Limitations: a single institution, no examination of the mechanisms behind inferred values, and hypothetical rather than actual donations.
EconomicsFood educationCommunityUrban farming with rooftop greenhouses: A systematic literature review
2023Annie Drottberger, Yizhi Zhang, Jean Wan Hong Yong, Marie-Claude Dubois · Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews · Global
This systematic literature review, based on 45 articles, examined the benefits and challenges of rooftop greenhouse technology. While benefits include optimized land use, increased profitability, good yields, and resource efficiency, the review identified significant challenges. These challenges include additional investment and operational costs, limited availability of flat roofs, and various regulations, which hinder the widespread adoption of rooftop greenhouses.
Economic viabilityClimate changeEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureA general overview of organic food trade in the Federal District
2023Jéssica Lorhanne Durães Martins, Domingo Sávio Coelho Negrão, Ana Maria Resende Junqueira, João Paulo Guimarães Soares · Concilium · Brazil
An exploratory and descriptive study characterized the trade of organic products from family farming in Brazil's Federal District, using data from August to December 2021. It found that fairs were the main acquisition points for organic products, but their number decreased by 35% due to Covid-19. Concurrently, new trade forms like CSAs and Delivery grew by about 40% due to the pandemic's impact.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageSustainability assessment of peri-urban organic horticulture — A case study in the United Kingdom
2023Mustafa Ali, Lenny Koh, Adolf Acquaye, Jonathan R. Leake, Jacob Nickles, Toby P. Evans, Gareth Roberts, Douglas Kemp · The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment · United Kingdom (Sheffield)
This study conducted an integrated environmental and economic assessment of organic peri-urban horticulture using primary data from a farm in Sheffield, UK. A hybrid life cycle assessment (LCA) found that the global warming potential (GWP) for case study tomatoes was 3.53 kg CO2-eq, which was 1.87 times higher than imported Spanish tomatoes. Economic analysis showed that the marginal increase in the prices of tomatoes and courgettes from the case study farm was 4.6 and 5.15 times less than the market prices, leading to the conclusion that the studied production system is economically and environmentally sustainable compared to the existing scenario.
Peri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleEconomicsClimate changeUnraveling the role of informal mutual aid networks in maintaining urban farms in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
2023Maurice Kesonga Nsele, Thomas Dogot, Kevin Maréchal · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Democratic Republic of Congo (Lubumbashi)
Survey data from 88 randomly chosen farmers in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, was analyzed to understand the role of informal mutual aid networks in maintaining urban farms. Results showed that 79.5% of surveyed farmers utilized mutual aid to ensure their vegetable production cycle, involving resource sharing (15.1 interactions per farmer) and agricultural know-how sharing (11.6 interactions per farmer). Gender, age, experience, religious affiliation, farmer status in the household, neighborhood relations, kinship, and religious affiliation were significant factors for mutual aid.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceRole of Creative Classes in Community Restructuring through Urban Agriculture:Case Study from Shanghai, China
2023Yingjie Ge, Lily Kiminam, Shinichi Furuzawa · Studies in Regional Science · China (Shanghai)
Rapid urbanization in China has weakened urban communities, making community restructuring an important issue. In Shanghai, urban agriculture initiatives like community gardens and rooftop farms are increasing, emphasizing social functions such as resident exchanges. While these new types of urban agriculture are promoted by social entrepreneurs, few studies have focused on the relationships between the creative class and communities in urban agriculture.
CommunityUrban–rural linkageEconomicsUrban agricultural activities, a food system resilience strategy during COVID-19 in Haiti
2023Bénédique Paul · Food systems · Haiti
This exploratory research in Haiti investigated whether urban agriculture served as an appropriate and innovative food system resilience strategy for the urban population during the COVID-19 crisis. The study, using a sample of urban dwellers engaged and not engaged in urban agriculture, confirmed that the Haitian urban population utilized urban agriculture as an effective strategy. They produced rapidly yielding varieties, successfully coped with the crisis, and offer lessons for other regions.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityHealthEconomicsSuitability assessment and recommendations for Urban agricultural development: A case study in Cai Rang District, Can Tho City, Viet Nam
2023Phạm Thanh Vũ, Võ Quang Minh · Plant Science Today · Viet Nam
A study in Cai Rang District, Can Tho City, Viet Nam, assessed aspects and designed adaptive models for urban agriculture using data collection, farmer surveys, statistical analysis, and FAO land suitability assessment. It found that growing green vegetables, fruits, decorative plants, orchids, and raising cattle is the most effective model. This model creates jobs, boosts income, supplies clean food, provides greenery, recycles waste, and reduces pollution, supporting sustainable agricultural options for the area.
EconomicsCommunityOrganic cycleHealthPromoting the Development of Edible Landscapes in Suburban Areas with Place Branding—A Case Study in Taiwan
2023Zhiwei Zheng, Rung-Jiun Chou · Land · Taiwan (Taoyuan City)
This study investigated strategies for promoting edible landscapes in urban communities, focusing on the San-He community in Taoyuan City, Taiwan. Using in-depth interviews and non-participant observation, the research found that edible landscapes offer social, economic, and cultural benefits but face challenges in marketing, government policies, and growing techniques. Place branding strategies were identified as effective in addressing these challenges.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsCommunityPolicyVAZIOS URBANOS EM MONTES CLAROS: POTENCIAL URBANÍSTICO E POSSIBILIDADES DE APROPRIAÇÃO DAS PRÁTICAS AGRÍCOLAS
2023Tainá Ferreira da ROCHA, Hélder dos Anjos Augusto · Editora Científica Digital eBooks · Brazil (Montes Claros)
This study explored urban agriculture in Montes Claros, Brazil, identifying its contributions, challenges, and potentials through document analysis, geographic information, farmer testimonies, and field visits. Urban agriculture is widely practiced in the municipality, both collectively and individually, with collective practices showing grassroots organization through neighborhood associations, while spontaneous practices lack external influence. Most urban gardens are developed on public land and vacant private lots, serving multiple uses such as green spaces, food production, economic activity, and occupational therapy.
CommunityEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageHumic Acid Aplication in Catfish Farming Using Bucket System in Muncul Fish Farm, Banyuwangi, Indonesia
2023Darmawan Setia Budi, Hapsari Kenconojati, Mohammad Faizal Ulkhaq, Muhammad Yusuf Taufiqur Rohman, Shovia Finny Anggraeni, Farahnovita Yuliyanti, Ahmad Alie Fikri, Shierly Zaissiliya Clarissa Lifani, Hikam Zainul Qolbi · ABDIMAS Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Asia
In Muncul fish farm, Banyuwangi, Indonesia, a community partnership program was introduced to enhance catfish production using a bucket farming system. This program significantly improved catfish productivity and profitability through the application of humic acid, and participants gained knowledge and skills in intensive bucket fish farming, increasing their productivity and income.
DIYCommunityEconomicsConstraint and autonomy in the Swiss “local contract farming” movement
2023Jérémie Forney, Julien Vuilleumier, Marion Fresia · · Switzerland
This study on the local contract farming (LCF) movement in Switzerland is based on an ethnography of three LCF networks. The research focuses on the contract that formalizes the "promise of difference" and the redefinition of food quality and value. It acknowledges both the potential for transformation of LCF ventures and their clear limitations, aiming to foster discussions beyond simple statements of success or failure.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePemanfaatan Pemasaran Digital sebagai Media Penjualan Produk Pertanian Perkotaan oleh Kelompok Tani Empelan Terbin
2023Kadek Dwi Pradnyani Novianti, Ni Kadek Sukerti · WIDYABHAKTI Jurnal Ilmiah Populer · Indonesia (Denpasar)
This community service activity focused on the Empelan Terbin Farmer Group in Denpasar City, which practices urban agriculture but faces challenges in distributing and selling its produce. The group's agricultural products were often only shared locally or discarded due to excess harvest, indicating a lack of effective sales channels. To address this, the activity provided training and assistance in digital marketing via Facebook to help the group introduce its products to a wider audience and generate profit for sustainable land management.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureEconomicsCommunityFood lossReclaiming traditional food systems in alternative food networks. Insights from Mexico city peri-urban agriculture
2023Louise Guibrunet, M Alvarez Rubio, Ileana Nuri Flores Abreu · Local Environment · Mexico (Mexico City)
This study advocates for broadening the definition of Alternative Food Networks (AFN) to include traditional agricultural systems. Analyzing the case of chinampas, a traditional agricultural system in Mexico City, it demonstrates that chinampas can be defined as an AFN due to their production modes, diverse distribution channels, and economic practices. The study concludes that traditional food systems offer an alternative to conventional systems and should be included in AFN research.
Food sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsCommunityStudy of Plans to Ensure the Sustainability of Urban Farming in Apartment Complexes
2023Donghyun Kim, Hyunnam Sim · Sustainability · Republic of Korea
To ensure the sustainability of urban farming in apartment complexes in the Republic of Korea, this study explored the possibility of targeting apartments as urban farming sites. It derived and analyzed the importance of urban farming initiation indicators, finding that "public funding" and "technical and management support" are the most important factors. Based on these findings, policy directions are proposed to facilitate urban farming in apartment complexes.
PolicyEconomicsCommunityFAZENDA VERTICAL COMO MODELO SUSTENTÁVEL DE AGRICULTURA URBANA
2023Renata Priore Lima, Lady Laura Soares Gundim · Revista Gestão & Sustentabilidade Ambiental · Brazil (São Paulo)
This study investigates the benefits of vertical farms as a sustainable food production model in cities. Through a literature review and a case study of Pink Farms in São Paulo, Brazil, the results indicate benefits such as energy and land use optimization, but also highlight the ecological, social, and landscape limitations of vertical farms.
Environmental trade-offsDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsCSA & Snap: Business Opportunity For Farmers, Improved Nutrition For The Community
2023Diane Smith, Katherine Selting Smith · Advances in biological sciences research/Advances in Biological Sciences Research · United States
This paper describes a SNAP CSA pilot and introduces the Farm to Families (F2F) Toolkit, developed to engage low-income consumers receiving SNAP benefits in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). USDA rules now permit SNAP benefits for CSA shares, provided the CSA is SNAP-authorized and prepayment is within 14 days of produce receipt. This aims to expand access to fresh produce for SNAP recipients and support farmers.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsHealthWelfareStimulating and developing sustainable urban local economies: The role of urban agriculture
2023James Kwame Mensah · Development Southern Africa · Ghana
This research examined the role of urban agriculture in the urban local economy in Ghana, addressing a lack of empirical evidence from a Local Economic Development (LED) perspective. Data was gathered through focus group discussions and key informant interviews with urban agriculturalists and local authorities in two assemblies in the Greater Accra region. The findings suggest that with proper support, urban agriculture can improve the local economy by providing employment, income, and enhanced livelihood and food security.
EconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityAssessment of Land Use Efficiencies of Ghanaian Cities: Case Study of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis
2023M. S. Aduah, Saviour Mantey · South African Journal of Geomatics · Ghana
This study used geospatial techniques, multi-temporal land use maps, and population data to estimate urban land use efficiency (LUE), changes in built-up area per capita, and urban sprawl speed (SS) in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan area of Ghana. While LUE generally improved from 2002 to 2016, it deteriorated slightly between 2016 and 2021. Critically, agricultural land or grassland in the city has been converted to built-up land, posing a challenge for urban agriculture.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkage