Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
3275 results(34 / 131)
Urban agriculture, local economic development and climate change: conceptual linkages
2023James Kwame Mensah · International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development · Global
This study examined how the concepts of urban agriculture (UA), local economic development (LED), and climate change can be treated in unison. Based on a review of credible published papers on UA, LED, climate change, and nature-based solutions (NBS), a conceptual framework was developed to show their linkages. The paper established that UA could boost LED, build resilient urban settlements, and promote social inclusiveness, but it also comes with social challenges.
EconomicsClimate changeCommunityPolicyIntegrating Urban Agriculture into Neighborhood Planning for Sustainable Development: People’s Perceptions of the Potentials of the Al-Bastanah in Al-Za'faraniya, Iraq
2023· International Society for the Study of Vernacular Settlements · Iraq (Baghdad)
This case study explored the potential of urban agriculture in the Al-Bastanah neighborhood of Al-Za'faraniya, Baghdad. It investigated how urban agriculture can be integrated into neighborhood planning processes.
PolicyCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceODS agroecological urban agriculture and food security in Palmas-TO
2023Keile Aparecida Beraldo, Rayele Moraes Silva, Rose Mary Gondim Mendonça, Maria Emília Mendonça Pedroza Jaber · Seven Editora eBooks · Brazil
This paper publicizes public policies and urban agriculture initiatives in the municipality of Palmas, Brazil. It identifies twelve public areas with families engaged in urban agriculture and proposes inclusive actions to strengthen the agroecological transition in family urban agriculture. The proposed actions aim to foster new sustainable practices based on environmental education and food and nutritional security.
Food sovereignty & justicePolicyFood educationCommunityUtilisation of green urban space for food sufficiency and the realisation of the sustainable development goals – UK stakeholders perspective
2023Alex Opoku, Anna Duff, Moohammed Wasim Yahia, Samuel Ekung · Geography and sustainability · United Kingdom
This study investigated the use of green urban spaces for food self-sufficiency in the UK, examining how sustainable urban farms could reduce imported produce consumption and contribute to SDGs. A mixed-method approach included a survey of 115 respondents and interviews with 12 stakeholders from four urban farming groups. Findings showed a strong correlation between stakeholders' concerns about food origin/carbon footprint and imported produce, suggesting urban farms could play a vital role in food security and SDG realization.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyCommunityPERUBAHAN KOMUNITAS URBAN FARMING BERKELANJUTAN DALAM MEMBANGUN ECO-CITIES: PENERAPAN STRATEGI MODEL AIDP
2023Norbertus Citra Irawan, Suswadi Suswadi, Mahananto Mahananto, Agung Prasetyo · Jurnal Ilmiah Hijau Cendekia · Indonesia (Surakarta)
This study investigated changes in the urban farming community in Surakarta, Indonesia, using the AIDP model analysis approach, surveying 50 community members. Results showed varying success rates across strategy stages; evaluation strategies like partnerships with local traders and financial institutions, vertical land use, and open dialogue performed poorly. Furthermore, improving financial literacy and sustainable waste management systems were unsuccessful, and agricultural product brand promotion and innovative institutional models also performed poorly.
Governance failureCommunityEconomicsPolicyClimate changeURBANISED AGRO-INDUSTRIAL NETWORK OF FARMING AS A PROMISING DIRECTION TO IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
2023Т.В. СТАРИКОВА, R. A. Skachkov, А.И. БЕНКЕЧ, С.П. ПРОКОПОВИЧ · Экономика и предпринимательство · Russia
This article discusses the concept of urban farming as a promising direction for improving food security in the Russian Federation. The authors analyze the current agricultural situation, identify existing food security problems, and propose urban farming as a potential solution.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyPanorama das Leis de Agricultura Urbana no Brasil: Relações com o Planejamento Urbano
2023M. Kühn, Geisa Zanini Rorato, Bruno César Euphrasio de Mello, Carolina Cristófoli Falcão · Ambiente & sociedade · Brazil
This research surveyed federal and state urban agriculture (UA) laws in Brazil to analyze their implications for urban planning (UP). Findings indicate that despite an increase in approved laws, there is no articulated national policy, laws vaguely address UA's interfaces with UP, and they do not objectively tackle territorial challenges faced by UA.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceScales and Narratives of Urban Agriculture in South Korea
2023Kwang Jin Kim, Inhea Kim, Keùn Huh · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea
This study aimed to assess and rescale the scales and narratives of urban agriculture in South Korea to implement its multidimensional functions and values. Narratives from 1980 to 2022 were collected from related laws, plans, and research papers to analyze the definition of urban agriculture, the distinction between farmers and urban farmers, spatial scales, and functions and values. As a result, urban agriculture was redefined as agricultural production activities carried out by the public in urban agricultural spaces, spaces linked to urban agriculture, or spaces with urban agriculture contexts.
PolicyCommunityUrban–rural linkageChallenges and Opportunities in Managing Peri-Urban Agriculture: A Case Study of L’Horta de València, Spain
2023J. L. Miralles i Garcia · International Journal of Environmental Impacts · Spain (Valencia)
In L’Horta de València, a historical agricultural area in Valencia, Spain, challenges and opportunities in peri-urban agriculture management were investigated. A semi-structured survey focusing on a SWOT analysis was administered to key specialists involved in the 2018 legislative protection and 2019 management plan. The study aimed to evaluate how newly implemented tools are rectifying identified issues, but the abstract does not present specific findings from the survey.
Peri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsMeasures for achieving sustainable environment to mitigate climate change in Africa
2023Bismark Osei, Mark Edem Kunawotor, Paul Appiah-Konadu · International Journal of Social Economics · Africa
This study examined measures for achieving a sustainable environment to mitigate climate change in 54 African countries from 2000 to 2020, using panel data and a Cox proportional hazard model. Findings indicate that carbon farming, rooftop gardens, and renewable energy positively contribute to a sustainable environment. However, governance adversely affects the objective of achieving a sustainable environment.
Governance failureClimate changePolicyDIYUrban–rural linkageOverview of Laws for Urban Agriculture in Brazil: Association with Urban Planning
2023M. Kühn, Geisa Zanini Rorato, Bruno César Euphrasio de Mello, Carolina Cristófoli Falcão · Ambiente & sociedade · Brazil
This study cataloged and analyzed federal and state urban agriculture (UA) laws in Brazil to understand their profile and association with urban planning. The findings indicate that Brazil lacks a coordinated national policy for urban agriculture. Furthermore, existing laws vaguely mention their interfaces with urban-policy legal frameworks and do not clearly address territorial challenges for UA implementation.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageThe role of Design Thinking to promote a sustainability transition within participatory urban governance: Insights from urban agriculture initiatives in Lisbon
2023Sandrine Simon · Urban Governance · Portugal (Lisbon)
This study examined urban agricultural initiatives in Lisbon, Portugal, and their integration into urban planning strategies for sustainability, using Design Thinking methodology for a literature review. The integration of urban agriculture into urban planning is identified as a complex problem due to conflicting goals among actors. The research suggests that Design Thinking could assist urban planners in addressing this challenge by providing flexible, iterative, and participatory approaches.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUnderstanding Multiple Ecosystem Services of Urban Agriculture Across Scales
2023Jiangxiao Qiu, Hui Zhao · EDIS · Global
This overview identified eight ecosystem services generally attributed to urban agriculture, including food production, microclimate regulation, stormwater retention, and social-cultural values. However, the study found that quantitative evidence for many of these ecosystem services, especially intangible ones, is scarce. It suggests that while urban agriculture could be integral to green infrastructure, further consideration is needed for types, technology, management, and potential tradeoffs.
Methodological critiqueBiodiversityClimate changeHealthOrganic cyclePolicyCommunityResilience in the face of crisis: investigating COVID-19 impacts on urban community gardens in Greater Toronto Area, Canada
2023Paige Robillard, Fatih Şekercioğlu, Sara Edge, Ian Young · British Food Journal · Canada
This exploratory qualitative study investigated the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban community gardens (UCGs) in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, through semi-structured interviews with seven managers and eight members of nine gardens. The findings suggest that UCGs helped participants build resilience to pandemic-related stressors by providing cultural ecosystem services. Although participants did not experience food insecurity, they expressed concern about community food security.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justicePolicyHealth risk associated with soil and plant contamination in industrial areas
2023Alicja Kicińska, Justyna Wikar · Plant and Soil · Global
This study assessed human health risks from contact with contaminated soil and consumption of plants grown in contaminated soils in allotment gardens and farmlands located in areas affected by Zn-Pb and steel industries and hard coal mining. Using US EPA methodology and pseudo-total concentrations of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in soil and plant samples, estimated daily intake and non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were analyzed for recreational and residential exposure scenarios. Findings indicated that the proportion of different exposure pathways in total health risk decreased in the order: intake of contaminated vegetables > accidental soil ingestion > dermal contact > inhalation of contaminated soil particles, and children are more exposed to toxic effects of PTEs than seniors and economically active adults.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPolicyCultivating a New Future
2023Ashli D. Jay · Advances in human resources management and organizational development book series · Global
This chapter investigated the crucial role of transformational leadership in shaping urban agricultural education and program development. Drawing from established research, it highlighted how transformational leadership provides a structured approach to achieving academic excellence and educational equity in urban settings. The emphasis on empowerment, ethical behavior, and relationship building makes transformational leadership ideal for addressing urban agriculture's unique challenges and opportunities, concluding that its principles stand out for their ability to enrich urban agricultural education, creating an environment that is academically rigorous, empathetic, and socially responsible.
Food educationPolicyCommunityANÁLISE DE PROJETOS DE ARQUITETURA E URBANISMO, COM VIÉS NA PRODUÇÃO SUSTENTÁVEL DE ALIMENTOS
2023Luíza Malvessi Lagemann, Luciana Turatti, Rodrigo Spinelli · Revista Destaques Acadêmicos · Global
This paper conducted a literature review of architecture and urban planning projects to find alternatives to mitigate problems of the current food system, such as processed foods, reduced access for small producers, and high environmental pollution. Ten projects focusing on urban agriculture and healthier food production were analyzed. Ultimately, it was observed that it is possible to construct architectural and urban planning projects that contribute to more sustainable food production, especially in urban areas and with the use of urban agriculture.
Urban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justicePolicyClimate changePRAGMATIC ARCHITECTURE IN SETIABUDI VERTICAL HOUSING DESIGN IN SOUTH JAKARTA, BASED ON URBAN FARMING
2023A Ryan, Karya Widyawati, Fery Mulya Pratama · Lakar Jurnal Arsitektur · Indonesia (Jakarta)
In DKI Jakarta, Indonesia, a population of 10.64 million in 2021, increasing by 0.38% since 2021, has led to limited residential land. The DKI Jakarta government promotes vertical housing as a solution to this issue. This vertical housing development incorporates urban farming concepts to maintain food security and foster economic and social values within the province.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyCultivating an Alternative Subjectivity Beyond Neoliberalism: Community Gardens in Urban China
2023Xin Mai, Yueli Xu, Yungang Liu · Annals of the American Association of Geographers · China (Shanghai)
This study investigated the emergence and development of two flagship community garden cases in Shanghai, China, initiated in 2016. Observations revealed that a nonprofit organization, not local citizens or municipal government, proactively advanced community garden production and participation. The community garden phenomenon was found to reify an alternative subjectivity, emphasizing social organizations as a state "flanking mechanism" for extraeconomic urban governance objectives.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justicePROCESOS DE AGRICULTURA URBANA Y AUTOGESTIÓN COMUNITARIA PARA EL DESARROLLO DE HUERTAS CASERAS EN EL MUNICIPIO FRONTERIZO DE CÚCUTA
2023Juan Pablo Robayo, Jemay Mosquera Téllez · limentech Ciencia y Tecnología Alimentaria · Colombia (Cúcuta)
A descriptive and interpretive qualitative study in Cúcuta, Colombia, documented the implementation of home gardens aimed at self-management and community empowerment. The research involved families in the Rudesindo Soto, La Pastora, and Belén neighborhoods, utilizing semi-structured interviews, field work, and documentary analysis in collaboration with the Catholic Church. Findings indicated that participants experienced advantages and benefits in terms of self-management, cooperation, and community empowerment, leading to the formulation of a public policy proposal to support home gardens at the municipal level.
CommunityDIYFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEvidence on how urban gardens help citizens and cities to enhance sustainable development. Review and bibliometric analysis
2023Alexandra Ribeiro, Lívia Madureira, Raquel Carvalho · Landscape and Urban Planning · Global
This paper conducted a bibliometric analysis of published research on urban gardens, using Vosviewer software and the Web of Science database. The analysis identified four research clusters: 'Citizens' (people, lifestyle, community), 'Drivers' (motivations, purposes, benefits), 'Cities' (contribution to urban sustainability, hindered by lack of policy recognition), and 'Soil' (sustainability shortcomings due to soil contamination on vacant land). The study concluded that urban garden research is directly related to sustainable development, but the issue receives little importance, with most studies being case studies and economic pressure affecting sustainability.
CommunityClimate changePolicyEconomicsHubungan Karakteristik, Kompetensi, dan Motivasi Dengan Kinerja Penyuluh Pertanian Di Dinas Ketahanan Pangan dan Pertanian Kota Malang Jawa Timur
2023Hendro Prasetyo, Monica Permatasari, Faridha Hanim · AGRIEKSTENSIA · Indonesia (Malang)
This quantitative descriptive study in Malang City, Indonesia, used Rank Spearman correlation analysis to examine the relationship between agricultural extension workers' characteristics, competence, motivation, and performance. The findings indicated that extension workers were moderately competent, motivated, and performed at a moderately optimal level. Age, length of service, competence in program planning, implementation, and evaluation, and achievement needs were significantly related to performance. Education, training, professional development competence, and affiliation needs were not found to be related to performance.
PolicyCommunityLa trama de la agricultura urbana: trayectoria de vida de un militante local (Rosario, Argentina)
2023Licia María Lilli · kult-ur revista interdisciplinària sobre la cultura de la ciutat · Argentina (Rosario)
This study reflects on sustainable food systems through the biographical narrative of Antonio Lattuca, a key figure in urban agriculture development in Rosario, Argentina. Based on a semi-structured interview, the research focuses on his activism in establishing urban gardens and institutionalizing collective strategies within the municipal government since the 1990s, including the Urban Agriculture Program. Rosario has over 34 years of urban agroecological experiences addressing urbanization, poverty, and exclusion.
CommunityPolicyWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceLocation Selection of Urban Rooftop Greenhouses in Seoul Based on AHP and GIS
2023Sung–Ho Kil, Hye‐Mi Park, Minkyu Park, Ye Inn Kim, Eunseok Lee · Land · South Korea
In Seoul, South Korea, the suitability of urban rooftop greenhouses (RGs) was analyzed by combining the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Location suitability factors were derived through expert consultations, and AHP was used to calculate factor weights. The highest weight for RG location factors was benefit (0.1782), followed by officially assessed land prices (0.0913) and supermarket density (0.0802). Analysis linking these results with spatial data revealed that Gangseo-gu had relatively high location suitability scores.
EconomicsPolicyDigital agricultureAnalysis of Importance of and Satisfaction with the Values and Major Achievements of Urban Agriculture
2023Yumin Park, Yong-Wook Shin · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
This study conducted an importance-performance analysis (IPA) on the values and major achievements of urban agriculture, analyzing 104 responses from experts involved in urban agricultural policies. It found that both importance and satisfaction were highest for health functions, followed by social-cultural, environmental-ecological, and economic functions. Awareness of health functions was high, while economic functions were low, suggesting a need for strengthening.
PolicyHealthEconomicsCommunityBiodiversity