Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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3623 results(36 / 145)
Motivations for Urban Agriculture Policies: Evidence from Norway’s Largest Urban Areas
2024Inger‐Lise Saglie · The Geojournal library · Norway
This study investigated the motivations for urban agriculture policies in Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, Norway, identifying five categories of motivations. These include urban "green" development, food production and alternative food systems, provision of social meeting places and community building, municipal welfare services (work training, integration, health promotion, knowledge sharing), and active citizenship and co-creation of city development. While motivations were similar across cities, their emphasis varied.
PolicyCommunityBiodiversityWelfareWater-energy-food nexus in resilient cooling strategies for sustainable building design and retrofitting
2024Nicolás Carrasco-Astudillo, Kàtia Gaspar, Marta Gangolells, Miquel Casals · Journal of Building Engineering · Global
This paper develops a method to evaluate the integration of the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus into buildings when designing resilient cooling strategies. Applying the method to a case study, the highest WEF nexus index (77.54%) was achieved by combining urban agriculture, photovoltaic panels, and rainwater harvesting. The proposed framework helps decision-makers prioritize strategies that integrate all three resources to address building overheating and enhance resource efficiency.
Climate changeOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkageHome and Garden Pests
2024Dawn H. Gouge · CABI eBooks · Global
Entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) products are effective but underutilized tools for pest control in homes, gardens, and landscapes, despite being safe for children and pets. They can be used on various plants and are often cost-effective, with lower efficacy levels being acceptable in these settings. There are significant opportunities to increase EPN use in urban environments, including for previously untested pests, driven by growing urban populations and increased appreciation for home-grown produce.
DIYCommunityThe Design of Urban Vertical Farm in Residential Building - A Case Study of Interwoven Residential Complex in Singapore
2024Bin Fang · Art and Design · Singapore
This paper explores the spatial design of urban vertical farms, using a case study of an interwoven residential complex in Singapore. It analyzes the design points of urban vertical farms to expand new functions and design inspiration for urban agricultural architecture. The study aims to address the conflict between urban and agricultural land by integrating agricultural planting buildings into residential complexes.
DIYUrban–rural linkageDigital agricultureThe Impact and Future of Edible Landscape on Sustainable Development of Universities: A Systematic Literature Review
2024Yu Hang · International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences · Global
This study provides a systematic literature review using PRISMA to analyze the ecological, social, and educational benefits of edible landscapes in universities. Research has shown that introducing edible landscapes can improve campus sustainability, educational content, and community engagement. This helps to improve ecological diversity and environmental quality on campuses, enhances awareness and participation of teachers and students in sustainable development, and promotes community identity and social cohesion.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceSiEUGreen White Paper with best practices
2024Nordregio, Luciane Aguiar Borges, Ana de Jesus · · Global
This report discusses the barriers and drivers of Urban Agriculture (UA) within the framework of the Horizon 2020 project 'SiEUGreen,' across environmental, technological, economic, social/cultural, and regulatory/institutional aspects. Based on insights from five showcases in Norway, Denmark, Turkey, and China, the results suggest that city food provision and UA systems can be designed considering circular economy regenerative cycles. However, key barriers limiting UA uptake include the need for more evidence-based research, further experimentation for innovative technological developments, high investments, difficulties accessing financial support, underdeveloped business cases, limited recognition of UA's benefits, and behavioral/cultural barriers.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleCommunityPolicyMAPEAMENTO E SELEÇÃO DE INDICADORES DE AVALIAÇÃO DA SUSTENTABILIDADE NO CONTEXTO SOCIODEMOGRÁFICO DA AMAZÔNIA
2024Maria Fernanda Coghi, Duarcides Ferreira Mariosa, Orandi Mina Falsarella · · Portugal
This project aimed to develop and install an optimized aquaponics system at the School of Engineering, Polytechnic of Porto (ISEP). The three-floor vertical garden includes two tanks with approximately 2,000 liters of water for fish, three flower boxes, and over 120 positions for growing vegetables. Pedagogical activities involving students from various ISEP courses were also developed in conjunction with this project.
Food sovereignty & justiceFood educationDigital agricultureCommunityDisruption of the Covid-19 pandemic on the agri-food sector: A systematic review of its implications in post-pandemic and future of food security
2024Monsuru Adekunle Salisu, Che Rus Ridzwan, Yusuf Opeyemi Oyebamiji, Norhanizan Usaizan, Abiodun Emmanuel Abioye, Idris Fadheelah Biola, Nurudeen Babatunde Bamiro, Ahmed Kayode Omowunmi, Hussain Luqman · AIMS Agriculture and Food · Global
This systematic literature review, incorporating 37 articles, examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global agri-food sector. The pandemic profoundly impacted all facets of the agri-food system. The review identified several measures to mitigate disruptions and enhance resilience, including robust policy, promotion of urban agriculture, support for small-scale farmers, enhancement of the international market, and technological innovations.
Food sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsClimate changeSelecting and operationalizing indicators for a comparative sustainability assessment of urban agriculture on the example of vertical farming and community supported agriculture
2024Martina Artmann, Marie Herzig, Henriette John · Discover Cities · Global
This study provides a framework for selecting and operationalizing indicators for a comparative sustainability assessment of different urban agriculture types, exemplified by Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and vertical farming. Based on a qualitative content analysis of vision guidelines, results suggest that CSA can be considered the more sustainable form across all three sustainability dimensions. However, considering vertical farming's main benefit is increased food production efficiency, it is suggested to balance its shortcomings and lack of vision on social justice, biodiversity conservation, and food quality by fostering a hybrid model of community supported vertical farming. This suggestion implies that vertical farming alone has limited effects in these aspects.
Limited or null effectCSA & TeikeiEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceImpact of school gardens on secondary schools' agricultural science education in east Berbice Corentyne, Guyana
2024Tinesha Onika Carmichael, Wazim Rafeek Sharif, Lydia Narain · Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews · Guyana
This study investigated 30 Agricultural Science teachers across 17 secondary schools in East Berbice Corentyne, Guyana, regarding their perceptions of school gardens. Findings showed that students in school gardening activities were more inclined towards agricultural careers and had an enhanced understanding of practical agriculture. School gardens also facilitated interdisciplinary learning, connecting agricultural science with other subjects.
Food educationCommunityEconomicsUrban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems Special Section: Improving Livability in Urban Areas: Examining Urban and Peri‐Urban Soil and Plant Management
2024Roberta Bulgari, Erdona Demiraj, Calogero Schillaci, Ahlem Tlili, Yushu Xia · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Global
This special issue examines urban and peri-urban soil and plant management, highlighting that soil-related factors in urban agricultural systems pose unique challenges. Issues such as soil fertility, soil biodiversity, and soil contamination require further investigation to enhance urban agriculture's contribution to livability. The issue collects studies supporting sustainable soil management and crop diversification, and explores remote sensing and deep learning for soil health monitoring and plant disease detection related to contamination.
Contamination & food safetyUrban–rural linkageBiodiversityPolicyHealthTHE ROLE OF URBAN AGRICULTURE IN FOOD SECURITY: A STUDY ON ENTREPRENEURIAL STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
2024Harshdeep Chandrakant Sapkale, Madhulika A. Sonawane · International Journal of Advanced Research in Commerce Management & Social Science · Global
A 2024 study explored the multifaceted importance of urban agriculture in urban and peri-urban areas, highlighting its role in enhancing food security, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability. The research examined entrepreneurial opportunities and strategies to foster sustainable food systems through innovative practices such as backyard cultivation, participatory gardens, green roofs, vertical farms, and tech-enabled marketplaces. It advocated for urban agriculture as a scalable model for addressing urban challenges and encouraging entrepreneurship, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions like Asia and Africa.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsClimate changeCommunityHome Gardening
2024Pavitira Manogaran, Nur Aliah Mansor · Practice, progress, and proficiency in sustainability · Malaysia (Penang)
This research investigates the impact of home gardening in Penang, Malaysia, which gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased food demand and supply chain disruptions. The study highlights home gardening's potential to promote self-sufficiency, food security, and sustainable practices, contributing to food system resilience and community well-being. It aligns with sustainable development goals like zero hunger and climate action.
DIYCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justicePerspectives on sustainable food production system: Characteristics and green technologies
2024Bai Qu, Zhenlei Xiao, Abhinav Upadhyay, Yangchao Luo · Journal of Agriculture and Food Research · Global
This review provides an overview of key characteristics differentiating sustainable food production from conventional agriculture, addressing challenges like environmental degradation and resource competition. It summarizes technologies promoting sustainable food production, detailing urban agriculture, next-generation plant-based foods, and food nanotechnology. The review concludes by proposing futuristic solutions and research for designing sustainable agri-food systems.
Climate changeEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageNavigating Urban Agriculture and Sustainability
2024Kheir Al‐Kodmany, Madhav Govind, Sharmin Khan, Anita Pinheiro, Chittaranjan Kole · · Global
The issue of urban agriculture's overlooked role in urban sustainability discussions amidst urbanization and climate change is addressed. This book aims to bridge the "brown" agenda, which prioritizes human well-being and social justice, with the "green" agenda, focusing on environmental health and ecosystem protection, within the context of urban agriculture and sustainability.
Climate changePolicyEconomicsCommunityResearch on Optimization of Agricultural Products Cold Chain Logistics Distribution System Based on Low Carbon Perspective
2024Chunrong Ni, Katarzyna Dohn · International Journal of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management · Global
This article establishes a low-carbon urban agricultural product co-distribution model to reduce circulation levels and environmental impact. It analyzes fuel consumption and carbon emissions estimation models for delivery vehicles and develops a mathematical model for optimizing cold chain distribution routes from a low-carbon perspective. Using a logistics center as an example, the model's rationality and feasibility were verified by optimizing distribution routes with a genetic algorithm.
EconomicsClimate changeFood miles & supply chainVermicompost: An integral part in urban agriculture
2024Veena G Sonole, Soumya CB, A Meghana, Mahesh G Shetty · International Journal of Research in Agronomy · Global
This review examines vermicomposting, a process using earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Vermicompost benefits horticultural crops, improves soil fertility, and reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Vermitechnology offers solutions for waste management, soil fertility, and sustainable agricultural practices in urban agriculture.
CompostOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceContemporary research on urban agriculture
2024Ada Górna · · Global
This chapter presents the specific nature of urban agriculture in cities of the Global North and Global South, based on an analysis of published research and the author's field observations. It identifies main problems and common denominators in urban agriculture across different environmental, socioeconomic, and political conditions. The chapter discusses issues in the Global South (Latin America, South, East and Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa) and the Global North.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyEconomicsCommunityOrganic Farming and Soil Health: The Role of Sustainable Practice
2024Suwa Lal Yadav, Manish Yadav, Devilal Birla, Indra Raj Yadav · · Global
Organic farming is evolving by integrating regenerative techniques, agroecological principles, precision agriculture, and urban farming concepts to meet growing demand for organic products. This approach aims to improve agricultural output, address climate change, manage pests, and optimize resource use, contributing to a sustainable and ethically sound food ecology. The organic industry is projected to grow due to increased consumer awareness and education.
Organic cycleClimate changeDigital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceNinguna casa sin jardín
2024María Dolores Sánchez Moya, Araceli Tárraga Guillén · Constelaciones Revista de Arquitectura de la Universidad CEU San Pablo · Denmark
This article traces the thinking of landscape architect Th. Sørensen on public space design, who was involved in major Danish collective social housing programs from the 1930s to 1950s. It studies Sørensen's six most outstanding collective gardens to highlight the design strategies that have consolidated them into spaces of high civic value, still suitable today. The analysis is structured in three approaches based on building spatial patterns and dispersion, examining the use of topography and vegetation to define character, clear spatial order, and reconcile public and human scales.
CommunityPolicyOne Health Approach to Study the Occurrence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase- and Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. in Urban Agriculture in Burkina Faso
2024Fatimata Bintou Josiane Diarra, Isidore Juste O. Bonkoungou, Zakaria Garba, Namwin Siourimè Somda, Djifahamaï Soma, Marguerite Edith Malatala Nikiema, Évariste Bako, Souleymane Sore, Natéwindé Sawadogo, Nicolas Barro, Kaisa Haukka · Microorganisms · Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)
A study in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, assessed the occurrence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) and Klebsiella spp. (ESBL-K) in 356 samples from lettuce, the environment, and gardeners' stools in market gardens. The overall prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria was 65.2%. Specifically, ESBL-Ec was found in 25.0% of lettuce samples and ESBL-K in 43.4% of lettuce samples, indicating a high prevalence of these resistant bacteria in urban agriculture.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityRe-negotiating the boundaries between infrastructure and landscape: Mapping infrastructural ecologies
2024Ivonne Weichold · · Global
This paper re-conceptualizes infrastructure as hybrid systems where human and ecological elements intersect, merging infrastructure and landscape to create new productive urban spaces. It proposes redesigning infrastructure as complex socio-ecological systems, or "infrastructural ecologies," which can support urban agriculture and food system infrastructure in interstitial urban spaces like vacant lots. The research uses observations of everyday food system activities and interviews in New York and Brazil to inform design scenarios.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyCommunityCultivating Change: Empowering Communities Among Elderly Through Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Smart Urban Farming
2024Nasreen Khan, Anusuyah Subbarao, Shereen Khan, Aysa Siddika · Journal of Human Earth and Future · Malaysia
This research investigated whether the adoption of smart urban farming (SUF) enhances the social and economic well-being (SEW) of senior citizens, involving 130 elderly participants from Klang Valley, Malaysia. Survey data was analyzed using SPSS. The study revealed that while Social Entrepreneurship alone may not be enough to encourage elderly adoption of SUF, combining it with social innovation significantly increases adoption. It also indicated that SUF adoption enhances the elderly's SEW.
ElderlyCommunityEconomicsWelfarePractice of compost use in urban farming: Opportunities and constraints in the West Region, Cameroon
2024Moye Eric Kongnso · International Journal of Environment Agriculture and Biotechnology · Cameroon
A mixed-methods study in the West Region, Cameroon, examined compost use in urban farming through 265 household surveys, 11 in-depth interviews, and one focus group. While compost availability and technical assistance favor its use, small-scale farmers face significant technical, knowledge, financial, institutional, and policy constraints. State extension services prioritize mineral fertilizers over compost, and the current regulatory framework does not encourage compost use, leading to the persistence of traditional practices.
Governance failureCompostOrganic cycleEconomicsPolicyThe community contributions of urban farms in Singapore
2024Sean Olivia Nicholas, Niki Harré · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Singapore
A review of existing literature and a case study of three urban farms in Singapore were conducted to examine their community contributions. Content analysis of 27 interviews with employees and volunteers revealed that these farms empower participants, generate social capital, provide jobs, involve marginalized groups, and promote pro-environmental behaviors. However, the farms were limited by poor job prospects and lower-than-expected yield.
Economic viabilityCommunityWelfareEconomicsClimate change