Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2012 results(34 / 81)
ESCOLA DO CAMPO: HORTA SENSORIAL INCLUSIVA: HORTA SENSORIAL INCLUSIVA
2021Rosa Maria Pereira da Silva · · Global
This qualitative research explored the use of an Inclusive School Garden as a pedagogical intervention for 15 students, including two with multiple disabilities, focusing on science education through tactile perception. The research involved preparing the garden with recyclable materials and creating inclusive pedagogical tools like Braille cells and a tactile map. In the garden environment, students with visual impairments were able to recognize, touch, identify, and compare vegetables and medicinal plants, and write their names in Braille.
Food educationCommunityWelfareTheoretical foundations of STEM education
2021Anne Forbes, Vinesh Chandra, Linda Pfeiffer, Rachel Sheffield · Cambridge University Press eBooks · Australia
The textbook "STEM Education in the Primary School" introduces pre-service teachers to the theory, skills, and practice of teaching STEM through a project-based learning approach. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are presented as professions, mindsets, and practices, with each STEM element integrated into the Australian Curriculum via a school garden project case study. This textbook connects current research in STEM education to teaching practice, discussing topics such as assessment, learning spaces, community, and STEM futures in detail.
Food educationCommunityPENDAMPINGAN INTRODUKSI BAYAM BRAZIL SEBAGAI SAYUR PEKARANGAN DI KOTA BANJARBARU
2021Hikma Ellya, Nurlaila Nurlaila, Nukhak Nufita Sari, Rila Rahma Apriani, Ronny Mulyawan, Febriani Purba, Saida Fithria · LOGISTA - Jurnal Ilmiah Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Banjarbaru)
A community service activity was conducted in Banjarbaru City, Indonesia, to assist in introducing Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) as a yard plant. The activity involved one-day counseling for 59 participants, including chairpersons of farmer women groups, and planting assistance for several farmer women groups. Residents of Banjarbaru showed great enthusiasm for cultivating Brazilian spinach due to its edibility, ease of propagation and cultivation, and aesthetic form.
DIYFood educationCommunityHealthUrban Gardens as Sustainable Attractions for Children in Family Tourism
2021Francesc Fusté‐Forné, María Fusté Forné · Resources · Global
This research, based on ten semi-structured interviews, analyzes the relationship between urban gardens and family tourism. It finds that urban gardens are relevant for creating sustainable experiences that connect families with local food, enhance local supply chains, and inform the future of urban environments. Urban gardens serve as visitor attractions that integrate horticulture into tourism through participatory experiences and direct contact with nature.
CommunityFood educationEconomicsMorebattle Recreation Ground, Scottish Borders: Archaeological Mitigation and Engagement
2021S Black · Archaeology Data Service · United Kingdom
An archaeological evaluation was conducted for the Kalewater Community Council at Morebattle Recreation Ground, Scottish Borders, from May 24-28, 2021. This work was related to land purchased to provide community facilities, including a community garden. Five trenches, totaling 166.5 sq.m, were excavated, targeting anomalies from a September 2019 geophysics survey, but very shallow linear ditches and a possible wall/drain were found that did not appear to relate to the geophysics anomalies.
CommunityBiodiversityFood educationSchool Gardens as a Tool to Improve Student Health Outcomes and Increase Parent Engagement in the Clark County School District
2021Sabina Malik · Digital Scholarship - UNLV (University of Nevada Reno) · United States
This study evaluated the impact of school gardens on student nutrition knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, physical activity, and student connection to gardens in the Clark County School District. It also identified stakeholder perceptions of best practices for parent engagement. A mixed-methods quasi-experimental design compared students with no garden exposure, a new garden, and a well-established garden, finding increases in nutrition knowledge.
Food educationHealthCommunitySustainable and low-cost automated greenhouse prototype with a social focus for integral formation
2021Norma Angélica ÁLVAREZ-TORRES, Omar VELARDE-ANAYA, Mario Balvanedo RODRÍGUEZ-ARENAS, Sara TORRES-ÁLVAREZ · Journal of Technology and Innovation · Global
This project developed a low-cost automated greenhouse prototype, installable on rooftops or gardens, with an electronic control system and user interface for use by children, youth, and adults at the "Manitas que hablan" institution. Through surveys, experiments, and observation, the study demonstrated the feasibility of collaborative work in developing a prototype for seed germination and crop harvesting. It also highlighted the importance of supporting the social sector by promoting urban gardens for the integration of children and young people.
Digital agricultureFood educationHealthOrchards from the forest: Urban agriculture as a lab for multiple learning
2021Alessandra Pavesi · · Brazil
This paper presents a conceptual and methodological approach to analyze and foster Cerrado (Brazilian savannah) cultivation in urban settings, focusing on collaborative learning processes. Based on cultural historical activity theory, it reframes urban farming for Cerrado regeneration from a systemic, developmental, and participative perspective. The approach aims to help practitioners identify and manage internal and external tensions within the activity system by rethinking its object and designing new actions and artifacts.
CommunityFood educationBiodiversitySosialisasi dan Edukasi Urban Farming System Melalui Pemanfaatan Limbah Organik
2021Agus Slamet, Maryam Nurlaila, Farid Nur Achmad · Abdimas Singkerru · Indonesia
A community service program in Lapandewa Village, Buton Selatan Regency, Indonesia, provided education and practical training on utilizing organic kitchen waste to make compost, liquid organic fertilizer (POC), and botanical pesticides. Targeting 20 participants, including housewives, farmers, and entrepreneurs, the activity aimed to support food self-sufficiency through urban farming and improve community welfare. Participants successfully learned to produce these items and sort seeds, fostering awareness of waste utilization and motivating a shift from chemical fertilizers and pesticides to organic alternatives.
Food educationCompostOrganic cycleCommunityStarting Community Non-profit Systems
2021Robert M Schulman · VTechWorks (Virginia Tech) · United States (Virginia)
This study provides guidance for other institutions to establish community gardens for providing fresh, local, and healthy food to those in need, based on the experiences of a community garden established at a religious congregation in Sterling, Virginia. Entering its fourth year of operation, this case study also addresses the expansion of its mission beyond food to include an educational outreach aspect. Two forms of outreach are envisioned: publishing a newsletter to the congregation to increase interest and volunteerism, and instituting on-site workshops to educate interested members on how to establish a food garden.
CommunityFood educationWelfareEvaluating Subsurface Clay Pot Irrigation: Water Use Efficiency and Crop Yield in School-Managed Vegetable Gardens, Dodoma Region
2021Grace Mwajuma, Juma Kisimba, Neema Mwamakula · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Tanzania
This intervention study assessed subsurface clay pot irrigation versus traditional hand-watering basins in 12 primary school vegetable gardens in Tanzania's Dodoma Region. Clay pot irrigation significantly increased mean water use efficiency by 65% and marketable amaranth yield by 42%. Tomato yield showed a positive but non-significant trend, and qualitative feedback indicated reduced labor burden for students.
Food educationHealthDIYThe school garden in the primary school: meeting the challenges and reaping the benefits
2021Sandra Austin · Education 3-13 · Ireland
This qualitative study aimed to describe how school gardens are used and valued in Irish primary schools, using site visits and interviews with program drivers. Schools utilize gardens imaginatively for children's development, with key factors driving success. Teachers value gardens as learning arenas, spaces for pastoral care, and focal points for school and community involvement.
Food educationHealthCommunitySTEM learning spaces
2021Anne Forbes, Vinesh Chandra, Linda Pfeiffer, Rachel Sheffield · Cambridge University Press eBooks · Australia
This textbook introduces pre-service teachers to STEM education in primary schools, using a project-based learning approach. It integrates STEM elements with the Australian Curriculum through a school garden project case study. The text explores popular STEM topics with age-appropriate examples and connects current research to teaching practice, covering assessment, learning spaces, and community.
Food educationResearch on the Development Status and Strategy of Productive Rooftop Gardens on Commercial Complexes
2021Jie Zheng, Lulu Sun · Journal of Resources and Ecology · China
This paper assessed the development status of productive rooftop gardens on urban commercial complexes in China using methods including ArcGIS, field research, and questionnaire interviews. Results indicated an uneven spatial distribution of productive rooftop gardens in mainland China, with 84.21% located in the southeast coast and Sichuan region. While the number of rooftop gardens has increased since 2013, operators still experience challenges in policies, funds, and planting knowledge.
CommunityEconomicsFood educationEngineering
2021Anne Forbes, Vinesh Chandra, Linda Pfeiffer, Rachel Sheffield · Cambridge University Press eBooks · Australia
'STEM Education in the Primary School' introduces pre-service teachers to the theory, skills, and practice of teaching STEM through a project-based learning approach. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics elements are integrated with the Australian Curriculum through a school garden project case study. This textbook connects current research in STEM education to teaching practice through detailed discussions of topics including assessment, learning spaces, community, and STEM futures.
Food educationCommunitySocio-Cultural Appropriateness of the Use of Historic Persian Gardens for Modern Urban Edible Gardens
2021Majid Amani-Beni, Gaodi Xie, Qingjuan Yang, Alessio Russo, Mohammad Reza Khalilnezhad · Land · Iran
This qualitative field study investigated whether the spatial and structural layout of six historic Persian gardens in four Iranian provinces is suitable for modern urban food gardening. The research suggested that combining elements of formal landscape design, non-edible decorative plants, and traditional artwork would increase the Persian gardens' attractiveness. It was found that separating productive units containing edible plants from public units using a central meeting spot populated by aesthetic plants and items may attract ordinary visitors interested in gardening without disturbing anyone's activities. The Persian gardens' multifunctionality, aesthetic value, and health-promoting qualities constitute a considerable historic achievement in garden design, making them a suitable model for edible urban gardening.
CommunityDIYFood educationPenerapan Hidroponik Rakit Apung Memakai Dobel Pompa Venturi di Kalurahan Karangasem, Kecamatan Laweyan, Kota Surakarta
2021Bambang Pujiasmanto, Eddy Triharyanto, Sulandjari Sulandjari, Pardono Pardono, Puji Harsono, Hery Widijanto, Desy Setyaningrum · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Fakultas Pertanian UNS · Indonesia (Surakarta)
In Karangasem Village, Laweyan District, Surakarta City, Indonesia, a community service activity aimed to provide productive activities for urban communities through vegetable cultivation using a hydroponic system. The method involved training and implementing a floating raft hydroponic cultivation system. This activity benefited the community by increasing the competitiveness of vegetable products, especially pak choy.
CommunityDIYFood educationDouble-O STEM (Learner Guide)
2021Andrew A. Tawfik, Craig E. Shepherd, Linda Payne, Jaclyn J. Gish-Lieberman, Laura Marie Armstrong · · United States
The 'Double-O-STEM' (Learner Guide) curriculum provides STEM problem-solving activities for learners to creatively address community issues, including designing community gardens. Designed for librarians and STEM educators, this curriculum aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS for engineering, grades 3-5) and American Association of School Librarians (AASL) standards.
Food educationCommunityOwn Grown Food Concept - Perception of Urbanites of Twin Cities of Telangana State
2021B. Savitha, T.M. Pramod Kumar, G. Ravi · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · India (Telangana)
This ex-post facto study assessed the perception of urban farming among 120 practitioners in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, Telangana, India, using personal interviews. The findings showed that 58.33% of respondents had a medium perception level, 21.67% high, and 20.00% low. Correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant relationship between perception and education, family support, crop preference, cropping intensity, and innovativeness. A negative and non-significant relationship was observed with age, urban farming experience, and annual income.
CommunityFood educationDIYMultivariate analysis to support urban horticultural production strategies definition
2021Alline Gomes Lamenha e Silva, Miguel Aloysio Sattler · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil (Feliz)
This article presents a multivariate analysis to identify areas available for urban food production in Feliz/RS, Brazil. The analysis synergistically considered the served population, family income, and continuous available areas. The results can strategically contribute to identifying suitable areas for urban food production, supporting food security policies, green corridor implementation, or environmental education initiatives.
Food sovereignty & justicePolicyFood educationCommunityA tribute to Evan Weissman from Syracuse Grows
2021Jonnell Robinson, Sarah Brown, Rose Tardiff, Dennis Brady, Jen Pauley, Mable Wilson · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States (Syracuse)
Syracuse Grows is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization in Syracuse, New York, dedicated to food justice. The organization hosts an annual "Resource Drive" event each April, mobilizing community resources to support over 25 community gardens and 3 urban farms. During this event, compost, mulch, and manure are transported across the city, transforming previously vacant lots into spaces for nourishment and camaraderie.
CommunityFood educationWelfareCompostRid-All: green in the ghetto
2021Michele Hunt · · United States (Cleveland)
Rid-All Green Partnership was founded by three childhood friends, Damien Forshe, Keymah Durden, and Randy McShepard, who grew up in Cleveland’s Lee-Miles neighborhood. They provide training in urban farming and environmental stewardship, and Rid-All serves as a regional training center for the Milwaukee-based urban farm “Growing Power.” Alongside its educational programs, Rid-All offers art, entertainment, sports, and community engagement initiatives, and created “The Brink City 'Green in the Ghetto'” comic book to communicate the importance of environmental justice to non-traditional and hard-to-reach audiences, including urban youth.
CommunityFood educationWelfareUrban–rural linkagePROMOVENDO SAÚDE E BEM-ESTAR SOCIAL A PARTIR DE UMA ALIMENTAÇÃO SAUDÁVEL
2021Leonardo Negreiros Monteiro, Joelson de Araújo Delfino · · Brazil
The project “Promoting health and social well-being through healthy eating” was implemented at the Lar para Idosos Tia Angelina elderly home in Porto Nacional, Brazil. Its objective was to improve the quality of life for residents through healthy eating, achieved by implementing a vegetable garden. This initiative also provided Agronomy Engineering students from UNITINS with the opportunity to develop competencies in understanding the importance of quality food and contributed to forming healthier eating habits for the elderly residents.
HealthWelfareElderlyFood educationCommunityResetting the Evaluation Indicators for School Garden Education Service
2021In-Kyoung Hong, Hyung-Kwon Yun, Young-Bin Jung, Kang‐Sook Lee, Choon-soo Lee · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
This study reset evaluation indicators for school garden education services by surveying 20 experts using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and direct question (DQ) methods from October 12 to 19, 2020. AHP results showed education values were most important (0.544), while environmental (0.062) and economic (0.049) values were relatively low. The lowest sub-indicators were mitigating climate change (0.009) and increasing income (0.036).
Food educationHealthWelfarePolicyRESPONS PESERTA PELATIHAN URBAN FARMING YANG RAMAH LINGKUNGAN SECARA ONLINE
2021Fiky Yulianto Wicaksono, Tati Nurmala · Dharmakarya · Indonesia
An online training and simulation on environmentally friendly urban farming, utilizing household waste, was conducted from January to February 2021. Participants were selected based on their existing practice or desire to practice urban farming at home. The results of this outreach indicated that the speakers' expertise enhanced participants' knowledge, and most participants understood the training material and practiced environmentally friendly urban farming.
Food educationCommunityDIYOrganic cycle