Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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2058 results(36 / 83)
Assessing the Information Seeking Behavior of Urban Farmers to Design an Integrated Extension Model
2021Anju Abraham, R. Arunachalam · Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension Economics & Sociology · Global
A study from December 2020 to March 2021 in Ernakulam and Calicut districts, Kerala, India, investigated the information seeking behavior and utilization constraints of urban farmers. Findings indicated that farmers' information needs ranged from selecting nutritious food crops to marketing surplus produce. Based on this, an integrated urban farming extension model was designed for effective information dissemination to farmers.
Food educationCommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceSchool-Based Nutrition Programs for Adolescents in Dodoma, Tanzania: A Situation Analysis
2021Colette Rector, Nadhira Nuraini Afifa, Varun Gupta, Abbas Ismail, Dominic Mosha, Leonard K. Katalambula, Said Vuai, Tara A. Young, Elena C. Hemler, Dongqing Wang, Wafaie Fawzi · Food and Nutrition Bulletin · Tanzania (Dodoma)
This study assessed adolescent school nutrition interventions in Dodoma, Tanzania, focusing on school vegetable gardens, school meals, and education. Focus group discussions with government stakeholders and interviews at ten public secondary schools revealed support for interventions. While all schools had experience with meals, parental contributions were crucial, and water availability for gardens was a challenge. Nutrition education was found to be highly theoretical, limiting practical application.
Food educationHealthCommunityCommunity gardens: contribution to food safety and social inclusion
2021Lucas Sales dos Santos, Milena De Moura Régis, Ana Paula Branco do Nascimento · Revista Nacional de Gerenciamento de Cidades · Brazil (São Paulo)
This study investigated an organically grown community garden in the Previdência Municipal Park in the West Zone of São Paulo City, Brazil, through in-situ observations, interviews, and literature review. The findings indicated benefits for food and nutrition safety, interpersonal involvement, and environmental education. Key challenges identified were social leaderships, technical-scientific knowledge for organic productivity, and planning for project continuity.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthOrganic cycleUrban wastewater for agriculture : farmers’ perspectives from peri-urban Bengaluru
2021Seema Purushothaman, Sheetal Patil, Raghvendra S. Vanjari, A. R. Shwetha · · India (Bengaluru)
A participatory assessment in Byramangala, Bengaluru, explored farmers' perspectives on using wastewater (domestic sewage with industrial effluents) for irrigation. The study found that farmers were adapting to a heavily polluted environment, which resulted in restricted crop choices, lower produce prices, health impacts, and socio-cultural consequences. Despite concerns about water quality, farmers prioritized health-imparting agriculture and were keen to continue farming, but their preference for treated wastewater was overshadowed by its potential diversion for urban use.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthClimate changeEconomicsLes infrastructures vertes comme outils d’adaptation au changement climatique et de reconquête de la biodiversité
2021Emmanuelle Virey, Tolga Coskun · Cahiers ESPI2R · Europe
Green infrastructure refers to an interconnected network of natural or semi-natural areas whose proper functioning generates benefits for human societies and strengthens their resilience. It can simultaneously produce multiple benefits such as improved stormwater management, creation of cool islands and species habitats, job creation in urban agriculture, economic valuation of real estate, and new nature experiences. Green infrastructure allows for the reinvention of urban landscapes and a reconsideration of our intimate relationship with living things.
Climate changeBiodiversityEconomicsHealthFood education and food for life
2021Gurpinder Singh Lalli · · United Kingdom
This chapter reflects on food education and school gardening programs in England, drawing on ethnographic techniques employed since 2012. It discusses the food curriculum and the impact of engaging with school gardens, which are termed 'school farms' in this context. The work highlights how these spaces, including curriculum and school grounds, play a key role in shaping future thinking for children and young people and support their wellbeing.
Food educationCommunityHealthURBAN HORTICULTURE INNER LIVING CITY, INTERACTIONS AND TRADE-OFFS
2021Cristina Electra Mâcnea, Asănică Adrian, Fabian Claudia, Peticilă Adrian, Julia Nerantzia TZORTZI · AgroLife Scientific Journal · Global
This abstract discusses urban degradation caused by human nature and industrial growth, considering urban horticulture as a potential strategy to partially reverse these problems and recover the human-nature relationship. It proposes that urban horticulture can be an alternative solution to issues such as poverty, lack of public spaces, deteriorating food and life quality, and climate change in cities.
HealthClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityCultivando relações no Arranjo Local da Penha: A mobilização de mulheres a partir das práticas de agricultura urbana na favela
2021Mariana Portilho, Camila Rodrigues, Annelise Caetano Fraga Fernandez · Cidades, comunidades e território/Cidades comunidades e territórios · Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
This study describes the formation of Arranjo Local da Penha, a community network created in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro's Penha favela complex, focused on urban agriculture and led by women. Through fieldwork and participant observation, the study analyzed themes of women and agroecology, health, and healthy eating. The network promoted women's empowerment and access to healthy food, but faced limits in the mobilization and development of urban agriculture.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareUrban–rural linkageBeyond feeding the city : The multifunctionality of urban farming in Vancouver, BC : [infographic]
2021Noelle Morrow, Megan Kadzirange, V. Smith, Nirusha Thayaal, Ngaire Barraclough · Open Collections · Canada (Vancouver)
This infographic is based on the article "Beyond feeding the city: The multifunctionality of urban farming in Vancouver, BC" by Valley, W., & Wittman, H. (2019). It is an undergraduate student work resulting from a collaboration between the Making Research Accessible initiative (MRAi), researchers, and ASTU 100 students at UBC. The lead author of the original article reviewed the student work, and their revisions were incorporated.
CommunityBiodiversityHealthEconomicsFirst report of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus infecting tomato in Florida, USA
2021K. K. Dey, Maria Velez-Climent, P. Soria, Özgur Batuman, Vessela Mavrodieva, Guo Wei, Jun Zhou, Scott Adkins, John D. McVay · New Disease Reports · United States (Florida)
In October 2019, Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) was detected in six of eight symptomatic tomato plants from a 1.6 ha community garden in Alachua County, Florida. The plants also showed symptoms of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), with three samples testing positive for TYLCV. This marks the first report of ToBRFV infecting tomatoes in Florida, USA.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthA AGRICULTURA URBANA EM ANANÁS/TO: SUBSÍDIOS PARA A SEGURANÇA ALIMENTAR E GERAÇÃO DE RENDA
2021Maria Marciene Costa Da Silva, Maurício Ferreira Mendes, Luciano da Silva Guedes · Geografia em Questão · Brazil
This exploratory research diagnosed horticulture practices in the urban perimeter of Ananás/TO, Brazil, from April to June 2019, using semi-structured interviews and secondary data. It found that urban horticulture in Ananás provides a healthy food alternative for producers and consumers, distributes income, and contributes to social, food, and health development.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthPolicyThe Collective Fabric of Sustainable Management of Mining Sites to Reconcile Sensitive Land Uses and Human Health
2021Camille Dumat · Aspects in Mining & Mineral Science · Global
This paper discusses the negative environmental and health impacts of mining, such as air and soil pollution, despite its socio-economic benefits. It highlights that urban agriculture, particularly in areas near former mining sites, faces challenges regarding soil quality and the production of unpolluted vegetables due to public concerns about contamination.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthCommunityPhenomenon of Urban Agriculture and Its Role in Shaping Sustainable Cities
2021Kateryna Dorofieieva, Kristīne Vugule · Landscape architecture and art · Global
This paper conducted complex research on the phenomenon of urban agriculture and its pioneering practices as a tool to combat problems related to ecology, economy, and human physical and mental well-being, arising from urban sprawl, land distribution, and modern city functioning. Selective case study and relevant literature analysis were applied as main research methods. The research results were compiled into a summarizing table highlighting core data and supporting conclusions and suggestions for planning and management of urban agriculture structures.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsHealthEngaging School and Family in Navajo Gardening for Health: Development of the Yéego Intervention to Promote Healthy Eating among Navajo Children
2021India J. Ornelas, Kassia Rudd, Sonia Bishop, Desiree Deschenie, Emily Brown, Kevin Lombard, Shirley A.A. Beresford · Health Behavior and Policy Review · United States
This study developed and pilot-tested the Yéego school garden intervention for Navajo elementary school children to address childhood obesity. Formative research with students, caregivers, and school staff informed the intervention, which included a school garden and a yearlong curriculum on gardening and healthy eating. The research highlighted the importance of incorporating Diné culture, traditional growing practices, and traditional food preparation, as well as aligning the curriculum with state and Diné educational standards.
Food educationHealthCommunityClimate Change and Fecal Peril
2021Ahmed Khadra · IGI Global eBooks · Global
This chapter examines the health effects of climate change, specifically focusing on the global issue of fecal peril caused by intestinal parasites. It suggests that water shortages, driven by climate change, increase pressure on water resources, leading to greater use of urban wastewater for irrigation in urban agriculture. Unsafe management and inappropriate wastewater use are likely to exacerbate the transmission of infectious diseases, including those caused by intestinal protozoa and helminths.
Contamination & food safetyHealthClimate changeOrganic cycleCommunication: the key to successful community gardens
2021Kayla‐Anne Lenferna De La Motte · Undergraduate Journal of Service Learning & Community-Based Research · New Zealand (Auckland)
This action-learning project at the AUT community garden initiative in Auckland, New Zealand, aimed to improve communication among organizers and with potential volunteers. A user-centered strategy and tools were developed and evaluated through literature review, expert interviews, and thematic analysis. Key themes identified for community gardens were communication, collaboration, and the utility of tools.
CommunityFood educationHealthIncreasing City Resilience through Urban Agriculture: Challenges and Solutions in the Global North
2021Boglarka Z. Gulyas, Jill L. Edmondson · Sustainability · Global North
A systematic review of literature on urban agriculture (UA) in the Global North identified factors determining its success in enhancing city resilience and challenges limiting it. UA's success in increasing city resilience was defined as dependent on five factors: institutional and public support, a sufficient knowledge base, communication and collaboration among actors, and resourcefulness in efficient space and resource use. However, comprehensive assessments of UA's potential are still lacking, suggesting challenges in its effective implementation.
Governance failureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityHORTAS ESCOLARES: PARÂMETROS PEDAGÓGICOS PARA RECURSOS MATERIAIS E ESTRUTURA FÍSICA
2021ELIZABETE CRISTINA RIBEIRO SILVA JARDIM · Editora Realize eBooks · Brazil
This research analyzed Brazilian school garden experiences across three document sets, identifying procedures and resources incongruent with stated counter-hegemonic objectives. The study found structural inadequacies for the school space and omissions regarding the protection and safety of farmers and students during activities. It recommends adjustments to location, spatial organization, and material resources for school gardens to ensure the health of food producers.
Governance failureFood educationCommunityHealthPolicyDifferences in the Content of Zn Fractions in the Profiles of Soils from Allotment and Domestic Gardens in South-Eastern Poland
2021Iwona Makuch-Pietraś, A. Wójcikowska-Kapusta · Land · Poland
This research investigated the distribution, bioavailability, and total forms of zinc (Zn) in soils from domestic and family allotment gardens across six cities in south-eastern Poland. It found that horticultural treatments had a greater impact on sandy soils, and higher Zn contents were present in humus horizons. High values of concentration and Igeo indices indicated significant Zn pollution in these soils, with bioavailable zinc forms being notably high.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityGardening for Food Well-Being in the COVID-19 Era
2021Esteve Gaelle Giraud, Sara El-Sayed, Adenike Opejin · Sustainability · United States (Arizona)
This paper examines the potential of sustainable gardening to enhance Food Well-Being (FWB). It uses three studies of sustainable food gardeners in Arizona, USA, including children and teachers in school gardens, sustainable gardeners and farmers, and gardeners during the pandemic. Results indicate a connection between sustainable gardening and eudemonic well-being, impacting five FWB dimensions (physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social). However, the paper notes that without appropriate policies, funding, and infrastructure, the impact might remain minimal, volatile, and subject to tokenism.
HealthWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityFacilitating Multifunctional Green Infrastructure Planning in Washington, DC through a Tableau Interface
2021John Taylor, Mamatha Hanumappa, Lara Miller, Brendan Shane, Matthew L. Richardson · Sustainability · United States (Washington, DC)
A public-access geographic information system (GIS) and Tableau dashboards were developed for comprehensive multifunctional urban green infrastructure (UGI) planning in Washington, DC. The dashboards enable stakeholders to identify existing UGI (150 ha) and potential areas for new UGI, including urban agriculture (UA). A total of 2734 ha is potentially suitable for UGI development, with 2575 ha potentially suitable for UA. Of this UA potential, 56% is located in Wards 5, 7, and 8, which are largely food deserts with primarily Black residents experiencing the greatest inequities. The tool allows users to prioritize equitable UGI development using population vulnerability indices.
PolicyCommunityClimate changeHealthEvaluating the preferences and level of participation of the academic community in urban agriculture: the case of University of Sistan and Baluchestan
2021Mohammad Reza Khalilnezhad, Peiman Golchin · فصلنامه علوم محیطی · Iran
This study is a cross-sectional survey aimed at measuring the participation and support of the academic community for the edible landscape (university green space with edible and medicinal plants) at the University of Sistan and Baluchestan in Iran. A survey of 530 faculty members, staff, and students revealed that "mental health" and "nutrition from food produced in the edible landscape" were the most important motivators for participation. Students, women, and the 20-30 age group showed the highest motivation to participate, and the most popular combination of elements included agricultural space, an orchard with a fountain and stream, a dining area, and a mulberry grove.
CommunityFood educationHealthOccurrence and Determination of Antimicrobial Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates in Fish and Vegetables as Indicator Organism of Faecal Contamination in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
2021Francis Mwanza, Erick Komba, Dominic Kambarage · International Journal of Microbiology · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
This study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, investigated the occurrence, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic relatedness of E. coli isolates from 156 samples of manure, vegetables, and fish. Of these, 36 samples (23.1%) were positive for E. coli, yielding 48 isolates. A significant finding was that 25 (52.1%) of these isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, and 12 (48.0%) showed multidrug resistance, indicating a potential microbial health risk to humans through contamination.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleCommunityUrban and peri-urban agriculture in the global food security conundrum
2021Innocent Awasom · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Global
Urban and peri-urban agriculture is considered a creative method of food production to address increasing urbanization and food insecurity. Urban food gardens are noted to have the potential to mitigate hunger and food insecurity, offering health, socio-cultural, environmental, and economic benefits.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeHealthEconomicsExpanding Dengue Vectors Through the Border of Dhaka City: Vector Breeding Grounds in Gazipur City Corporation, Bangladesh
2021GM Saifur Rahman, Tahmina Akter · Bangladesh Journal of Zoology · Bangladesh
An entomological study in September 2019 examined 100 houses across five areas of Gazipur City Corporation, Bangladesh, to identify dengue vector breeding grounds. Both Aedes vectors were found in all areas, with Aedes aegypti being dominant. Rooftop gardens and under-construction sites were identified as the most important breeding sites, and the study found a comparatively higher number of Ae. aegypti breeding, indicating a potential for a major outbreak.
Environmental trade-offsHealth