Research & reports

Md. Ashikuzzaman, Mohammad Shahidul Hasan Swapan, Atiq Zaman · Cities · Global

This systematic literature review analyzed 75 published materials using PRISMA methodology to characterize the governance process for urban rooftop farming (URF) in megacities. The study found that a structured governance framework for URF is scarce, but existing literature helps define potential policy instruments and strategies for integration with city governance. A two-tier governance framework is proposed, requiring attention from local government and stakeholders.

H R RAMYA, G.A. Atheequlla, R. Venkattakumar, R R THOMAS · Journal of Horticultural Sciences · India

This study examined urban horticulture practices, socio-economic benefits, and constraints among 51 respondents from 5 southern states in India. Respondents spent 1-5 hours daily on urban horticulture, primarily for chemical-free food (92%) and stress relief (69%). After adopting urban farming, 67% reduced market visits to 1-2 times, and 33% to 3-5 times, with monthly savings ranging from Rs.200/- to Rs.1000/- per individual. Major challenges identified were pest infestation (35.29%), space limitations (27.45%), and knowledge gaps (23.53%).

Apri Kuntariningsih, Andhy Supriyadi · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat dan Riset Pendidikan · Indonesia (Semarang)

A community service program implemented in Bendan Ngisor Village, Semarang City, Indonesia, aimed to enhance food security, reduce organic waste, and create new economic opportunities through hydroponic urban farming and eco-enzyme utilization. The program demonstrated increased knowledge and skills among residents in waste management and food cultivation on limited land, supporting sustainable household economies. The integration of hydroponics and eco-enzymes proved to be an effective solution for urban food and environmental issues.

Paim, Vitória Angela, Theves, Denise Wildner · Lume (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul) · Brazil

This study presents a proposal where elementary school children in Canoas, Brazil, were invited to create a collective experiential map of a community garden space after visiting it. Through an ethnographic study, the activity mobilized children's experiences and authorship, confirming that children's spatiality transcends the classroom and gives multiple meanings to geographical knowledge. The collective map construction demonstrates that children translate their spatial experiences into the constitution of their geographical plenitude.

Ioana Florea · Environmental Sociology · Romania

This paper investigated three collective gardening projects in Bucharest that closed between 2019 and 2021, analyzing what remains of their sustainability capacities and commoning efforts after termination. Findings indicate that while essential commoning aspects like collectivity building and autonomy can endure and transfer to other spaces, cross-class aspects fade away with these transpositions. This reveals that what persists from closed gardening projects is strongly tied to structural historical contexts.

María Sofía Herrera-Oesterheld, Sonia Reyes‐Paecke, Alejandra E. Muñoz, Paul Amouroux, Catalina Trujillo, José Tomás Ibarra · Scientific Reports · Chile (Santiago)

A study analyzed plant and invertebrate species richness and influencing social-ecological filters in 33 vegetable gardens in municipal schools within the Metropolitan Area of Santiago (MAS), Chile. A total of 362 plant species and 127 invertebrate morphospecies were recorded. The most influential social-ecological filters for plant richness were garden area, percentage of cultivated ground cover, and summer irrigation. For invertebrate richness, the most influential factors were plant species richness, bare ground cover (with a negative effect), and to a lesser extent, tree cover in the garden's buffer zone and summer irrigation.

Svetla Stoeva · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Europe

Stakeholder roles, collaborative mechanisms, and power dynamics were analyzed across 14 urban agriculture case studies in Europe. Public authorities, civil society organizations, NGOs, private businesses, and practitioners were identified as key stakeholders. Effective collaboration depends on inclusivity, shared responsibility, flexibility, and social cohesion, but challenges include power imbalances where public authorities and businesses dominate marginalized stakeholders.

Ashley Brito Valentim, Guiomar Freitas Guimarães, Carla Soraya Costa Maia, Fatih Şekercioğlu · Regional science and environmental economics · Canada (Toronto); Brazil (São Paulo)

This study analyzed and compared the impact of Urban Community Gardens (UCGs) as "third places" in Toronto and São Paulo. It is a review-based study utilizing publicly available data from policy documents, academic literature, and official websites. UCGs were shown to contribute not only to food production but also to social cohesion, financial resilience, environmental sustainability, cultural transmission, and mental well-being.

Ivana Blešić, Tamara Gajić, Татjana Pivac, Milka Bubalo Živković · Ekonomika poljoprivrede · Serbia

This study collected data from 473 residents in three cities in Vojvodina, Serbia, using a structured survey to examine factors influencing urban gardening intentions. It found that all motivational factors significantly predicted intention, with psychological well-being being the strongest predictor, followed by healthy food, physical well-being, community engagement, and economic benefits. Women showed higher intentions than men, while younger adults (18–24) were less motivated to engage in urban gardening.

Beyza Aleyna Bayram, Selin ARABULAN · Pamukkale University Journal of Social Sciences Institute · Turkey (Edirne)

This study aimed to identify and evaluate the urban agriculture potential in Edirne, Turkey, based on the hypothesis of transforming passive areas into urban agricultural areas. It conducted a literature review, reported on climate, topography, vegetation cover, and land use conditions, and used SWOT analysis to evaluate potential in technological, economic, demographic, sociological, and ecological contexts. The study determined that urban agriculture practices in Edirne, where the existing structure is quite favorable, can be evaluated as a strategic development tool with proper planning and management.

Dziky Fauzy, Nur Isnaeni Widiastuti, Annaafi Putra Ramadhan, Iqvan Maulana, Kholifah Nur Romadoni, Galih Safangaturohman, Layla Mardliyah · Jurnal Kependidikan · Indonesia (Purwokerto)

This study investigated the efforts of PKBM Satria Tama Purwokerto, an equivalency education institution established in 2006, which serves 92 students and 8 tutors. The institution provides academic programs and skills training, including fish farming and urban agriculture. Field research, using interviews, observation, and documentation with administrators, tutors, and students, showed that PKBM Satria Tama plays a significant role in expanding educational access for communities unable to attend formal education. The implemented training programs were proven to increase students' economic independence and environmental awareness.

Paula Silva · Nutrients · Portugal

This narrative review synthesized experiential strategies from literature to improve adolescent food literacy in Portuguese school settings, focusing on socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. It provided a conceptual foundation for FOODWISELab: The Mediterranean Diet Experience, a school-based intervention protocol. The review found that school gardens, cooking classes, digital tools, and curricular integration guided the development of this comprehensive intervention for public secondary schools in Portugal.

Fatmawati Fatmawati, Muhlis, Muhtar Muhtar, Andi Munawar, Sappewali, Nurfaidah Samad, Maifa Diapati · Jurnal Dinamika Pengabdian (JDP) · Indonesia

This study addressed the challenge of continuous organic fertilizer supply for the 30-member Seruni Women's Farming Group (KWT) in Indonesia, which practices urban farming. It implemented domestic organic waste processing using BSF larvae (maggot) bioconversion technology to produce compost. The activity, conducted through lectures, discussions, and practical training, found strong local government support and high enthusiasm from KWT members and the community, successfully improving their understanding of waste processing for compost production.

Elizabeth C. Ray, Patrick Merle · Journal of Applied Communications · Global

This study, an online between-subjects experiment, examined how consumers (n=182) respond to narrative versus non-narrative email messages from CSAs. Results indicated that consumers who read a short narrative were more likely to feel positive emotion, a communal connection to the farm, and support the farm than those who did not read a narrative. Additionally, a first-person perspective was viewed as less credible than a third-person perspective.

I Nyoman Indra Kumara, Decky Cipta Indrashwara, I Gede Fery Surya Tapa, Melati Budi Srikandi · JURNAL Comunità Servizio Jurnal Terkait Kegiatan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat terkhusus bidang Teknologi Kewirausahaan dan Sosial Kemasyarakatan · Indonesia

A one-day urban farming training program was conducted at the Tat Twam Asi Orphanage in Indonesia to enhance children's urban cultivation skills and knowledge. The program, which included theory and practical sessions, successfully taught basic urban farming concepts and techniques. Participants demonstrated good application of learned techniques and a deep understanding of urban farming's importance for food security, as evidenced by pre- and post-test questionnaires.

Storey, Benjamin · TIB Repositorium · Germany

The PflanzMit! project is an innovative initiative aiming to involve urban populations in the care and design of their green environment. The app enables users to organize and collaboratively work on planting and maintaining urban green spaces, strengthening social fabric and fostering a sense of community. The app offers organizational tools for group formation and task distribution, as well as practical aids like care tips, plant identification by photos, and AI-supported plant recommendations based on local conditions.

Felicity Daly, Sally Ann Lenehan, Jacqui O’Riordan · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · Ireland

This qualitative study, conducted in Ireland, utilized semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion, and participant observation to explore asylum seekers' opportunities for giving and receiving care for people and planet in green spaces outside of institutional international protection accommodation, particularly among those with access to community gardens. This research contributes to understanding the multigenerational benefits of green space and the potential of horticultural therapy to support the health and well-being of vulnerable forced migrants.

Yapjoco, Patrice Bianca R. · CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development · Philippines (Quezon City)

This qualitative study, conducted in Sitio San Roque, Quezon City, Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic, examined the effectiveness of the “Tanimang Bayan” urban agriculture project. Findings indicated that the initiative enhanced access to fresh produce, promoted community-led production, and supported collective action and self-organization among residents. These outcomes suggest a meaningful contribution to resilience-building and local food systems in marginalized urban contexts.

Ni Made Ayu Wina Wirjana Asak, Yuliani Yuliani, Farina Farina, Fahruri Yahya, Ela Puji Hariani · Learning Society Jurnal CSR Pendidikan dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This study explored the social innovation model of the Agroeduwisata Jayakarta program implemented by PT ANTAM Tbk UBPP Logam Mulia to address urban problems in the Jatinegara Kaum area, such as ineffective waste management, shrinking agricultural land, unemployment, and underutilized religious tourism potential. Using a qualitative case study method, data was collected from interviews and internal reports. The findings indicate that the Agroeduwisata program provides benefits beyond environmental sustainability, also empowering local communities and preserving Jakarta's cultural heritage through organic and inorganic waste management, urban farming development, SMEs, and spiritual tourism.

Kusmayanti Solecha, Duwi Cahya Putri Buani, Furi Indriyani, Meutia Raissa Emiliana, Resti Dhea Putri Apriliani · Jurnal AbdiMas Nusa Mandiri · Indonesia

This community service program used Participatory Action Research to enhance the capacity of the Seruni Women Farmer Group (KWT Seruni) in urban farming and hydroponics. Evaluation showed a 12% improvement in participants' understanding, and technological implementation led to 1,500 high-quality seedlings and an 18.4 kg pakcoy harvest. The program strengthened technical competence, fostered independent skill application, and generated socio-economic benefits like increased household income and strengthened women's roles in agriculture.

Iriana Sartor, Giovanna Paccillo, Rebecca Banham, Douglas Ezzy · · Global

This chapter explores the politics of nonreligion through the practices of gardens and gardening, using data from Brazil and Argentina. It frames the political, educational, and activist elements of gardening, highlighting how Latin American case studies provide examples of the 'everyday politics' of gardening. The chapter suggests that the political dimensions of gardening are more explicitly articulated by Brazilian and Argentinian gardeners due to their political histories, demonstrating how nonreligion in community gardening can contribute to positive political engagement and community building.

Adi Mahmud Jaya Marindra, Dwi Surya Santaki, Deny Kurniawan, Ferdian Ilham Maulana, Raihan Adji Widjaksana, Muhammad Irham Amzari, Pandu Jati Bayu Saputra, Chenny Azalia Eka Putri Minggus, Rafi Fauzan · Jurdimas (Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat) Royal · Indonesia (Balikpapan)

This project addressed power outages affecting hydroponic gardens of the Women Farmers Group (KWT) Sepinggan Raya in Balikpapan, Indonesia, by implementing a solar-powered water pump and a water quality monitoring system. The program included a survey, system installation, and training. Results indicate that the system improves hydroponic productivity and reduces operational costs previously dependent on the national electricity grid, also empowering the local women's group with renewable energy knowledge.

Luis Enrique Serrano Ayasta, Josiane Stoessel-Ritz · Anales Científicos · Peru (Lima)

A doctoral research study in three low-income neighborhoods in South Lima, Peru, analyzed power relations within urban agriculture projects. The findings indicate that these projects, despite aiming for empowerment, often mask asymmetric power relations and reinforce preexisting inequalities, particularly for women gardeners. This perpetuates gender hierarchies and limits their participation and agency, reflecting paternalism from promoting organizations and community leaders.

Ana Luiza Snoeck Neiva do Amaral, Regina Yoshie Matsue, Luciana Yuki Tomita · Ambiente & sociedade · Brazil (São Paulo)

This 2025 case study analyzed a community garden in Heliópolis, São Paulo, Brazil, established via crowdfunding. The garden improved nutrition, contributed to household budgets, and expanded vegetable variety for participants. It also served as a space for socialization, memory reclamation, activities for older adults, and connecting children with food cultivation.

Maswadi Maswadi, Novira Kusrini, Shenny Oktoriana, Anita Suharyani · PRIMA Journal of Community Empowering and Services · Indonesia (Pontianak)

This community service initiative in Southeast Pontianak District, West Kalimantan, empowered 48 local residents through participatory training in hydroponics and verticulture. Post-training evaluation showed 77.1% (n=37) of participants actively practiced urban farming within three months, with 37.8% sustaining practices for 4-6 months. The results demonstrate increased community awareness, technical capacity, and adoption of sustainable urban farming practices.