Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
1177 results(34 / 48)
A systematic review of urban agriculture and food security impacts in low-income countries
2015Poulsen M. N., McNab P. R., Clayton M. L., Neff R. A. · Food Policy 55:131-146 · Global
Synthesizing 35 peer-reviewed studies from 1980-2013, this review finds urban agriculture in low-income countries can improve food availability and dietary diversity, especially benefiting women, though income gains are not always sufficient to ensure household food security.
WelfareHealthEconomics'Quiet Food Sovereignty' as Food Sovereignty without a Movement? Insights from Post-socialist Russia
2015Visser O., Mamonova N., Spoor M., Nikulin A. · Globalizations · Russia
Introduces the concept of 'quiet food sovereignty' to describe how Russian smallholders practise dispersed, muted, bottom-up food autonomy in the absence of organised rural social movements.
PolicyCommunityEconomicsWelfareFamily Urban Agriculture in Russia: Lessons and Prospects
2015Boukharaeva L.M., Marloie M. · Springer (Urban Agriculture Series) · Russia
A Springer monograph documenting research since 1999 on urban gardening collectives in Russia, analysing the social, cultural, and food-security roles of family urban agriculture and its prospects.
CommunityEconomicsFood educationWelfareThe effect of women's home gardens on vegetable production and consumption in Bangladesh
2015Schreinemachers P., Patalagsa M.A., Islam M.R., Uddin M.N., Ahmad S., Biswas S.C., Ahmed M.T., Yang R.Y., Hanson P., Begum S., Takagi C. · Food Security · Bangladesh
A study of 582 poor rural Bangladeshi women found home garden training increased per-capita vegetable production by 86% and significantly improved dietary diversity and nutrient supply including iron (+284%) and vitamin A (+189%).
HealthFood educationEconomicsDesign and Construction of an Inexpensive Homemade Plant Growth Chamber
2015· PLOS ONE · Global
Describes the design and construction of an inexpensive homemade plant growth chamber built from low-cost materials as an accessible alternative to costly commercial units for controlled indoor plant growth.
DIYEconomicsAn Automated System for Monitoring Soil Moisture and Controlling Irrigation Using Low-cost Open-source Microcontrollers
2015· HortTechnology · Global
An automated irrigation controller built from open-source Arduino boards, capacitance soil-moisture sensors and solenoid valves that logs volumetric water content and triggers irrigation by threshold; inexpensive and suited to home gardens, greenhouses and nurseries.
DIYEconomicsCommercial aquaponics production and profitability: Findings from an international survey
2015Love D. C., Fry J. P., Li X. · Aquaculture · Global
An international survey of 257 commercial aquaponics operations found only 31% were profitable in the prior 12 months, with many relying on non-food income such as classes, tours, and equipment sales, documenting weak commercial profitability.
EconomicsUrban agriculture and food security: A critique based on an assessment of urban land constraints
2015Badami M., Ramankutty N. · Global Food Security · Global
Assessing the urban land needed to grow the urban poor's daily vegetables, the authors conclude urban agriculture can make only a limited contribution to food security in low-income countries where need is greatest, and argue its benefits are often overstated.
PolicyEconomicsUrban vegetable for food security in cities. A review
2015Eigenbrod C., Gruda N. · Agronomy for Sustainable Development · Global
Reviewing urban vegetable production for food security, the authors note that high land prices and urban pollution constrain urban horticulture, indicating that despite opening new cultivation sites, such limits make it difficult for urban agriculture to fully meet cities' food demand.
EconomicsPolicyContributing to food security in urban areas: differences between urban agriculture and peri-urban agriculture in the Global North
2015Ina Opitz, Regine Berges, Annette Piorr, Thomas Krikser · Agriculture and Human Values · Global
An extensive literature review systematically analyzed urban and peri-urban agriculture in the Global North, comparing their spatial, ecological, and socio-economic characteristics. The study found that urban and peri-urban agriculture differ in most characteristics and in their ability to meet urban food needs. Urban agriculture primarily meets household-level food needs, while peri-urban agriculture provides larger quantities and broader distribution pathways, indicating distinct roles in food security. Both forms of agriculture face similar threats from urbanization pressures.
Food sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageEconomicsPolicyClimate change and its impact on domestic water consumption in Sub-urban regions in the Gaza Strip
2015Mahdy S. Jarboo, Husam Al-Najar · International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management · Gaza Strip
This paper investigated the impact of climate change and illegal urban agriculture on domestic water consumption in suburban Rafah city, Gaza Strip. Using a linear model and hypothesized climate scenarios, a 20°C temperature increase was found to raise average domestic water consumption by 1.4%, while a 20% precipitation reduction had negligible impact. Critically, urban agriculture's use of municipal water significantly negatively influenced domestic water consumption, resulting in 33-45% unaccounted for water between 2010 and 2012.
Climate changePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsTransdisciplinarity and Action Research to Address the Complex Issues of Urban Agriculture
2015Maria Gerster‐Bentaya, Crozet Natacha, M. Gerster-Bentaya, N. Crozet · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Global
The BMBF project "Urban Agriculture as integrative element of a climate-optimized urban development" was designed as a transdisciplinary research project on multifunctional open space systems in emerging megacities. This article links challenges of a transdisciplinary research approach, such as problem framing and actor engagement, to the nearly six-year research process. It describes the methods used during the two main phases of action research and the types of knowledge generated, also reflecting on limitations experienced by the project team.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyEconomicsRaumgefühle – Gefühlsräume. Perspektiven auf die Verschränkung von emotionalen Praktiken und Topografien der Moderne
2015Benno Gammerl, Rainer Herrn · sub\urban zeitschrift für kritische stadtforschung · Global
This article outlines the theoretical, empirical, and political potential of the tension between affective disruptions of ordered structures and the emotional processing of power-infused spatial relations. It uses urban gardening practices and gentrification debates as examples to demonstrate how analyzing dynamic interactions between spaces and feelings can foster a critical perspective on urbanity, particularly regarding issues of equity. The study focuses on the ambivalent dynamics and effects of emotional-spatial processes.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyEconomicsManaging community gardens in the Czech Republic
2015Eliška Novotná · ACC Journal · Czech Republic
This research investigated the management of community gardens in the Czech Republic, focusing on their economic self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability. The study examined the equipment and operation of gardens, funding sources for investments and operations, and the disclosure of information about their management.
CommunityEconomicsPolicyClimate changeUse of soil amendments for urban horticulture in the savannah and forest areas of Ghana
2015Abdul‐Halim Abubakari, Laura Atuah, B. Banful, Hypolite Bayor · Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management · Ghana
A study in Ghana reviewed literature and surveyed farmers on soil amendments for urban horticulture. The review found that research on soil amendments has been limited to land management and nutrient recovery, not addressing quality issues for specific production systems. Farmers adopt varying application rates due to lack of standardization, and barriers include technology for collection, funds for purchase, and labor employment.
Economic viabilityDIYCompostEconomicsLongitudinal study of urbanisation processes in peri-urban areas of Greater Copenhagen:what happens to farming?
2015Anne Gravsholt Busck, Christian Fertner, Lone Søderkvist Kristensen, Søren Bech Pilgaard Kristensen, Mike Brian Johannsen Kyndesen, Susanne Ogstrup, Jørgen Primdahl, Søren Præstholm, Ann-Sofie Richardt, Jens Peter Vesterager, Lars Winther · Research at the University of Copenhagen (University of Copenhagen) · Denmark
This longitudinal study investigated urbanization processes in peri-urban agricultural areas of the Greater Copenhagen region, Denmark, surveying 160-200 farm properties across eight study areas in 1984, 1994, 2004, and 2014 using face-to-face interviews. It found that while some agricultural land became urban, the overall agricultural land use remained largely stable, though concentrated on fewer, larger farms. Economic activities diversified, with more property owners engaging in other gainful activities, and farming in these areas faces constant challenges from increasing external activities.
Peri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkagePolicyEconomicsBoerende stedelingen of verstedelijkte boeren
2015Reinoud Vermoesen · Tijdschrift voor Geschiedenis · Belgium (Antwerp)
This study examined urban farming in early modern Antwerp, focusing on individual households and the gardeners’ guild. While 18th-century records mentioned few farmers within the city walls, this research suggests a more widespread phenomenon. Gardeners’ guild members primarily had a retail function rather than food production, and a variety of households not belonging to the guild were also active in agriculture.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsPolicyThe functions of Market gardening in the socio-economic context of Lubumbashi in DR Congo
2015Tshomba Kalumbu John, Nyembo Mugalu Leopold, Ntumba Ndaye François, Mushagalusa Balasha Arsène, Muyambo Musaya Emmanuel, Nkulu Mwine Fyama Jules · International journal of innovation and applied studies · DR Congo (Lubumbashi)
This study, conducted in the Kilobelobe vegetable growing area of Lubumbashi, DR Congo, from January to March 2014, surveyed 50 vegetable growers. It aimed to analyze the contribution of the vegetable sector to poverty reduction through its impact on growers' income. Results indicate that producers benefit from multiple socio-economic functions of gardening, contributing to unemployment reduction, income generation, healthcare, food security, and waste management.
EconomicsWelfareHealthPeri-urban agricultureSustainable Development for People or Profit?
2015Eric Weaver · Suburban Sustainability · Global
This review details the relationship between key planetary systems and the many adverse impacts of industrial agriculture, drawing from top-tier journals. Research indicates that industrial agriculture is a major force pushing environmental limits, with multinational corporations continuing to influence national environmental regulations. Current literature debates whether political systems can institute sustainable solutions, suggesting that grassroots efforts may be the most viable solution to displace the industrial agriculture model.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsContesting urban agriculture: the politics of meat production in the License-Buy-Back Scheme (2006-2007) in Hong Kong
2015Kin Wing Chan · Open Research Exeter (University of Exeter) · Hong Kong
This study examines the politics of meat production in Hong Kong's 2006-2007 License-Buy-Back Scheme (LBBS), focusing on pig farming. It investigates how the LBBS served as a tactic to reduce and control the pig farming industry, contrasting it with urban vegetable farming which holds a more positive aesthetic image. The research highlights a scarcity of studies on why certain forms of urban agriculture are valued more than others.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceThe Case of the Co-op Coup
2015Claire L. McCarty, Pamela Dixon · Journal of case studies · Global
A case study on the West Central Food Hub Producers' Co-op reveals that the group decided not to proceed with starting the Food Hub Co-op. The decision was made because the costs for management, infrastructure, and delivery would far outweigh the co-op's profitability, leading to its discontinuation.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityBeyond ‘local’ food: how supermarkets and consumer choice affect the economic viability of small‐scale family farms in Sydney, Australia
2015Sarah James · Area · Australia (Sydney)
This paper argues that small-scale family farmers on Sydney's urban fringe are directly connected to and reliant on the mainstream food system for their economic viability. It highlights that a localized focus on threats and solutions risks neglecting the impact of supermarket power and consumer choice on these producers. The study emphasizes the need to examine the continuing connection between the mainstream system and 'local', small-scale producers to achieve food system change.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceThe business models of commercial urban farming in developed countries
2015David Ingemar Hedin · · Global
This thesis analyzed business models in commercial urban farming in developed countries, identifying three main classes: small production, large production, and secondary purpose. Small production typically uses farmer's markets and restaurants, large production focuses on leafy greens for retail and restaurants, and secondary purpose operations benefit other business activities. The analysis found that the small production cluster is unstable, with firms likely to expand outside the city, grow into large production, or introduce secondary value propositions.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceUrbanization and soil nutrient challenges and opportunities: lessons from Malawian cities.
2015David Mkwambisi, Andrew J. Dougill, Philip Antwi‐Agyei, C. P. Chabvuta · CABI eBooks · Malawi
Research in Lilongwe and Blantyre, Malawi, assessed urban agriculture's potential to improve soil quality, crop yields, and livelihoods. Preliminary evidence showed urban waste could address food insecurity and soil nutrient benefits, but several constraints in waste management were identified. City authorities are not proactively utilizing organic municipal waste for soil quality and agricultural production benefits.
Governance failureOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCompostProducts from urban collective gardens : food for thought or for consumption?
2015Jeanne Pourias, Éric Duchemin, Christine Aubry · · Global
This paper investigated the food function of urban collective gardens (CGs) in Paris and Montreal, defined as the quantitative and qualitative food supply they provide to gardeners. Comprehensive interviews with gardeners, production quantification, and plot monitoring revealed a wide diversity of practices regarding CGs' food function. This diversity must be considered in relation to the multifunctionality of these gardens.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomics