Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Science-Based Solutions to Obesity: What is the Role of Agriculture?
2004CAST · · United States
This comprehensive report by a twelve-member task force examines the changing role of agriculture in urban settings within historical and contemporary American society. It outlines geographic, demographic, and economic changes in rural and metropolitan life, considering policy issues such as land preservation, alternative market opportunities, sprawl, taxation, and food security. The report also presents research and educational challenges for higher education institutions.
HealthFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageDifferences in Vegetable Crop Yield Response to Composted Waste as the Soil Amendment in Urban Gardening
2004James R. Allen, Allen, James R. · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · United States
This study compared the feasibility of using composted yard waste and cow manure versus commercial fertilizer (10-10-10) as soil amendments for cool and warm season vegetable crops in urban gardens. Composted materials were applied at 44,800 kg/ha and fertilizer at 336 kg/ha. Most varieties produced yields equal to or greater in compost-amended plots than in fertilizer-treated plots, with significant varietal differences observed. For example, onion yields were 24% higher and tomato yields were 44% higher in compost-amended plots in specific experiments.
CompostOrganic cycleDIYTHE LEGACY OF ALLOTMENT GARDENS IN INDUSTRIAL URBAN SETTINGS
2004Tanja Pless‐Mulloli, Vivienne S. Air, Catherine Vizard, Ian Singleton, D. L. Rimmer, Philip Hartley · Epidemiology · United Kingdom
A study in an urban, industrial allotment site in the UK's northeast assessed the potential for public health impact related to soil contamination by taking 86 soil samples and analyzing vegetables and eggs. All 18 initial soil samples exceeded UK guidelines for lead (median 869 mg/kg) and arsenic (median 40 mg/kg), and widespread contamination with PCDD/F was also found. Despite high soil contamination, the uptake of lead and arsenic into vegetables and eggs was low, and these were not deemed major exposure pathways.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthPolicyUrban Agriculture in Shenzhen: Problems and Strategies for Sustainable Development
2004Jianguo Dai · Journal of Shenzhen Polytechnic · China (Shenzhen)
Urban agriculture in Shenzhen faces problems including decreasing farmland, inadequate skilled farmers, poor disaster resistance, immature insurance, increasing contamination of water, soil, air, and agricultural products, and poor modern enterprise management. Strategies proposed for sustainable development include specific laws, pollution protection, education, research, technology application, industrial technology application, leisure agriculture development, and diversification.
Contamination & food safetyPolicyEconomicsClimate changeFood educationAgricultura urbana en la ciudad de Valdivia, Chile: Una nueva alternativa microempresarial
2004Beatriz Vera O., Juri Zencovich O. · Agro Sur · Chile (Valdivia)
This study aimed to characterize urban agricultural small enterprises in Valdivia city, Chile, and define the jobs they create. Using a Snowball poll, 22 small enterprises engaged in urban agriculture were identified and analyzed for their economic, productive, and commercial aspects.
EconomicsCommunityUrban–rural linkageBox 2.3 Air pollution and urban and peri-urban agriculture in South Asia
2004Kenny Lynch · · United States
A 1992 survey by Bryant and Johnston in the US examined farming in the 'city's countryside'. The survey found that key concerns among farmers included changes in the local community, excessive traffic, issues of trespassing and vandalism, and complaints from non-farm neighbors. These findings indicate challenges in governance and community relations for peri-urban farmers.
Governance failurePeri-urban agricultureCommunityPolicyGrowing Healthy Children: Can Gardening Improve Fruit and Vegetable Attitudes in Minority Children?
2004Geralyn Nolan, Jayne M. Zajicek · HortScience · United States
This research investigated whether gardening supplemented with nutritional curriculum could improve fruit and vegetable attitudes in minority children in Texas elementary schools. Children completed pre- and post-tests evaluating attitudes, snack preferences, and nutritional knowledge. Statistically significant positive differences were found in all three variables after the gardening and nutritional instruction.
Food educationHealthCommunityAssessment of Wastewater Generation, Management Pattern and Its Re-use Potential In Urban India
2004R. B. Singh · IAHS-AISH publication · India
A study on wastewater management in 300 class-I cities and 23 metropolitan cities in India found that the total wastewater generated is approximately 158x10^8 l/day, with treatment capacity being only 375x10^7 l/day. In metropolitan cities, only 30% of wastewater is treated before disposal, and most cities only have primary treatment facilities. Untreated water is being used for urban agriculture, posing risks to public health and potential surface and groundwater pollution.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleHealthVegetable market flows and chains in Phnom Penh
2004Chhean Sokhen, Diep Kanika, Paule Moustier · Agritrop (Cirad) · Cambodia (Phnom Penh)
This study investigated vegetable market flows and chains in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, through rapid market surveys conducted on approximately one-fifth of traders in three major markets. Surveys were carried out three times in 2002 and four times in 2003, collecting data on supply origin, intermediary functions, supply calendar, and quantities sold for eight key vegetable commodities. The research aimed to quantify the origins and flows of vegetables available in the market.
EconomicsPeri-urban agriculture市民農園服務品質、整體滿意度、續約意願與推薦意願之研究－以台中縣市為例
2004Ching‐Fu Chen, 黃琮聖, 閻淑慧, 蕭玉華, 蔡郁芬 · · Taiwan
This study surveyed 180 participants from five city farms in Taichung, Taiwan, between March and April 2004, to assess service quality, satisfaction, and intentions. While perceived service qualities were generally good, overall satisfaction was rated as "slightly satisfied," and renewal and recommendation intentions were rated as "slightly agreed," indicating significant room for improvement. Service content and management had significant effects on overall satisfaction, management on renewal, and service content on recommendation.
Limited or null effectCommunityEconomics여성농업인센터 운영사업의 사회적 편익 추정
2004최윤지, 김경미, 강경하, 이진영 · · South Korea
This study calculated the economic effects of Women-Farmer's Centers in South Korea, which provide services like childcare, after-school learning, education, and counseling. Based on the business plans of 14 centers, the total economic income effect was estimated at 2,784 million won. The services contributed to the ease and quality of life for women farmers and generated economic benefits for the community and country.
EconomicsCommunityFood educationWelfareOn Developing Chongqing Agriculture Tourism
2004Gang Kang · Journal of Chongqing Polytechnic College · China (Chongqing)
This article positions urban agriculture tourism as a new method for sustainable development in tourism, outlining the concepts and development of urban agriculture and urban agriculture tourism in Chongqing. It illustrates the advantages of urban agriculture tourism in Chongqing and presents four types of agricultural tourism development for the region. Based on this information, the article puts forward suggestions for developing urban agriculture tourism in Chongqing.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkagePolicyProdução de adubos orgânicos a partir da compostagem dos resíduos da manutenção da área gramada do Aeroporto Internacional do Rio de Janeiro.
2004V. de M. Benites, F. B. Bezerra, R. O. Mouta, I. R. Assis, R. C. P. Santos, Mário Marcos Moreira da Conceição, Arthur Guerra de Andrade · · Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
The composting process of grass clippings resulting from the maintenance of Rio de Janeiro International Airport's lawns was evaluated. This process was conducted in a protected environment, using grass clippings as the sole organic matter source, with treatments involving urea, natural phosphate, and pyroligneous acid. After 82 days, the compost was deemed mature, and results indicated the possibility of producing good quality organic fertilizers from grass clippings.
CompostOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkageEffects of Soil Depth and Irrigation Period on Some of the Native Plants in and Artificial Substrate of Roof Garden
2004Kwang-Ja Bang, Jin-Hee Ju, Sun-Hae Kim · · Global
This study, conducted from March to September 2002, investigated the growth response of five native plant species (Chrysanthemum zawadskii, Sedum middendorffianum, Thymus quinquecostatus, Allium senescens, Dianthus superbus) to artificial substrate soil depths (5 cm, 10 cm) and irrigation periods (non-irrigation, 1, 2, 3 weeks) for rooftop gardens. Sedum middendorffianum and Allium senescens showed 0% mortality regardless of soil depth and irrigation, making them highly suitable. Chrysanthemum zawadskii, Dianthus superbus, and Thymus quinquecostatus generally performed better with 10 cm soil depth, suggesting a minimum viable depth over 10 cm for these species.
DIYBiodiversityA Preliminary Discussion on Urban Agriculture
2004Jin Guo-feng · Nongye xiandaihua yanjiu · Global
This paper discusses urban agriculture, defining its concept and analyzing its types, features, and functions. It posits that with rapid urban development, the integration of city and countryside, along with urban agriculture, represents a trend in modern agriculture.
PolicyUrban–rural linkageAn overview of strategies to improve food production and sanitation in urban areas. The cas study of Nairobi Kenya
2004Wilfred Subbo · University of Nairobi Research Archive (University of Nairobi) · Kenya (Nairobi)
This paper discusses strategies for sustainable food production in Nairobi, Kenya, aiming to supplement rural food supplies and improve urban health through fresh, accessible food. It argues for discarding the attitude that food can only be produced in rural areas and explores the linkage between sanitation and urban food security. Additionally, the paper offers suggestions for mechanisms to increase food production in Nairobi.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthUrban–rural linkageUrban agriculture in Tanzania: its role toward income poverty alleviation and reasons for its persistence
2004M. R. S. Mlozi · UNISWA Research Journal of Agriculture Science and Technology · Tanzania
This paper examines whether urban agriculture (UA) contributes to alleviating income poverty among practitioners in Tanzania. Based on literature and empirical evidence, it shows that people of all socio-economic statuses undertake UA for food provisioning and income poverty alleviation due to declining real incomes of urban dwellers. The reasons for UA's persistence reside at four contextual levels: government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, city/town councils, and the individual, with government and individual levels being the most important.
EconomicsWelfareFood sovereignty & justice因势利导 统筹兼顾 积极发展都市农业
2004朱慧娟 · 浙江现代农业 · China
In recent years, Yinzhou District's agriculture has actively promoted the adjustment of its industrial structure and industrialization, achieving sustained and healthy development aimed at increasing agricultural efficiency and farmers' income. Following the conversion of Yinxian County into a district, administrative barriers with the Ningbo urban area were removed, facilitating the rational flow of production factors and opening new avenues for the district's socio-economic development. This has led to the emergence of numerous large-scale, high-grade leading agricultural enterprises.
EconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkage" L'agriculture urbaine dans le bassin méditerranéen, une réalité ancienne à l'heure du renouveau",
2004Marc Lavergne · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Europe
While urbanization and agriculture often appear contradictory, the existence of urban agriculture (intra-urban and peri-urban) in the Mediterranean basin demonstrates that their relationship is not as clear-cut. Urban growth consumes agricultural land, and urban and rural worlds seem radically opposed in lifestyles and values. However, urban agriculture has forged complex relationships with the urban environment, involving both antagonisms and complementarities.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyClimate change温室农业广开农民增收路——金山区实施“家家富工程”记实
2004沈永昌 · 上海农村经济 · China (Shanghai)
In Jinshan District, Shanghai, China, the development of facility agriculture has led to the rapid growth of urban agriculture, technology-driven agriculture, service agriculture, and ecological agriculture, significantly contributing to increased agricultural efficiency and farmer income. Last year, the district's average agricultural output per mu reached 2,870 yuan, a 19.1% increase year-on-year. Farmers' per capita income was 5,456 yuan, an 11.6% increase from the previous year, ranking among the highest growth rates in the city's suburbs.
EconomicsPeri-urban agricultureWastewater Reuse in Urban Agricultural Ecological System
2004Xiaoling Wang · Urban Environment & Urban Ecology · China
This paper introduced comprehensive wastewater treatment technology and reclaimed water utilization in the Xiedao urban eco-agricultural system in China. Test results indicated that the removal of COD(Cr), BOD5, turbidity, and TN were all over 90%. The reclaimed water quality was very stable and met state requirements for irrigation and scenic water, and using reclaimed water reduced groundwater exploitation by 50% annually in the holiday village system.
Organic cycleLand-Cover Dynamics in an Urban Area of Ghana
2004Ademola K. Braimoh, Paul L. G. Vlek · Earth Interactions · Ghana
This study quantified land-cover changes in a 2400-ha area of northern Ghana using Landsat images from 1984, 1992, and 1999, and projected future distribution. Remote sensing showed built-up area expansion at 26 ha/year (1984-92) and 35 ha/year (1992-99), alongside peri-urban agriculture development at 24 ha/year (1992-99). Projections indicated built-up areas would cover 39% of the landscape by 2006, at the expense of cropland and natural vegetation.
Peri-urban agriculturePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceStudy on the modification of agriculture structure and functions of Chongqing Urbanism Circle
2004Lai Chang-wei · Journal of Chongqing Institute of Commerce · China (Chongqing)
This study examines the declining proportion of agriculture in Chongqing Urbanism Circle's total economic gross due to civilization and industrialization. It asserts that agriculture's status remains important for perfecting city functions and developing industries. Modifying agricultural structure and functions and developing modern urban agriculture are identified as significant tasks for promoting Chongqing's agricultural and overall industrial development within the Urbanism Circle.
EconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageDesigning a Children's Garden for Experiential Learning in the South Carolina Botanical Garden
2004Robert F. Polomski, Carri Carver Wallace, Mary Haque, Lisa K. Wagner, James E. Arnold, Amy D. Craddock, Christian Maloney Cicimurri, Lisa D. Chancellor · HortScience · United States (South Carolina)
An interdisciplinary team designed a 2.5-acre Children's Garden for experiential learning at the South Carolina Botanical Garden. The plans include 13 outdoor theme gardens, such as a "Dinosaur Dig" and a "Food for Thought Garden." A design class of 15 students contributed 2,000 hours to the project, producing 30 drawing boards of research, analysis, and design proposals presented in Fall 2003.
Food educationCommunityAgricultura urbana e segurança alimentar em Belo Horizonte: cultivando uma cidade sustentável
2004Daniela Adil Oliveira de Almeida · Organic Eprints (International Centre for Research in Organic Food Systems, and Research Institute of Organic Agriculture) · Brazil (Belo Horizonte)
This article focuses on the "Project for Training Local Development Agents in Food and Nutritional Security and Urban Agriculture," which began in 2003 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Food educationFood sovereignty & justiceCommunity