Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
5823 results(37 / 233)
Edible tourism landscapes: co-designing agro-tourism experiences for cultural sustainability
2025Hang Yu · Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change · East Asia
This study in a culturally significant agricultural region in East Asia explored how edible tourism landscapes can be collaboratively developed by local communities and visitors using a participatory co-design approach. The results indicate that co-designed edible landscapes significantly enhance sensory engagement and foster a deeper tourist connection to local food heritage. Local residents reported increased cultural pride and agency, and the site transformation yielded ecological benefits like improved biodiversity.
CommunityBiodiversityENVIRONMENT, EDUCATION, AND COMMUNITY: Exploring the Drivers of Volunteer Stewardship in Community Pollinator Gardens
2025Riegel, Cameron · Maryland Shared Open Access Repository (USMAI Consortium) · United States (Baltimore)
This study investigated the motivations driving voluntary participation in urban community pollinator garden stewardship among residents of Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with volunteer gardeners and analyzed using a qualitative case study approach. Analysis revealed that gardeners are primarily motivated by environmental concerns, specifically an interest in and desire to give back to birds, an interest in trees and native plants, and a desire to interact with the urban natural environment. Social factors also shaped motivations but proved less influential than environmental factors in driving participation among most gardeners.
CommunityBiodiversityPollinatorsFood educationPlanning for People with People: Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions in Participatory Land-Use Planning, Co-Design, and Co-Governance of Green and Open Spaces
2025Katarína Slobodníková, Attila Tóth · Land · Slovakia
This study examined the approaches and methods of civic initiatives (CIs) implementing Green Infrastructure (GI) and Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) in Slovakia. Analysis of seventeen case studies showed that many CIs engage in NBS activities such as creating or enhancing parks, green public spaces, and community gardens, and restoring natural and semi-natural areas. Knowledge creation and awareness-raising are also central strategies, with the transformation of derelict areas into multifunctional public spaces emerging as a notable practice.
CommunityPolicyFood educationCivic Voices for Greener Cities: How Public Concern Shapes Sustainable Urban Agriculture in China
2025Prinia, Hill · PhilPapers (PhilPapers Foundation) · China
A new study by Feng et al. investigated how public environmental concern (PEC) enhances agricultural sustainability across 235 Chinese cities between 2011 and 2022. This research suggests that the collective voice of citizens influences urban sustainability.
PolicyCommunityClimate changeContrasting Prosumption Models: Experiences, Benefits and Continuation in Allotment Gardens and Community-Supported Agriculture in Switzerland
2025Stefan Galley, Stefan Mann, Patrick Bottazzi · Societies · Switzerland
A survey of Swiss allotment garden (AG, n=201) and community-supported agriculture (CSA, n=250) members revealed how prosumers perceive the benefits of their activity and how these experiences shape their likelihood to continue. AGs enhance production-related individual benefits, while CSAs foster positive experiences around consumption activities. AG continuation is driven by experienced health and food-related benefits, whereas CSAs rely on the communal and organizational involvement of their members.
CommunityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsUrban Horticulture Program Through Smart-farm DIY
2025Nam-Gyeong Gim · Asia-pacific Journal of Convergent Research Interchange · Global
This study developed an efficient hydroponic smart-farm program for urban elementary school students, focusing on its applicability in a classroom environment. Through school environmental analysis and program development using household items and upcycled materials, the study confirmed that urban schools, despite operational disadvantages, have potential for small-scale smart-farm operation. The developed program demonstrated applicability with low-cost, recyclable materials.
DIYFood educationCommunityCultivo de hortalizas en agricultura urbana. Invernaderos integrados en edificios
2025Abella Alemany, Agèric, Casals Missio, Joan, Macarulla Martí, Marcel, Pintó Espín, Laia, González Atero, Ramiro, Arcas, Verónica, Gassó Domingo, Santiago, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier · UPCommons institutional repository (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) · Global
Urban agriculture is gaining prominence globally for promoting environmental sustainability, food security, and social cohesion in cities. While urban cultivation is not new, a recent innovative approach involves integrating agriculture into urban infrastructure, particularly utilizing building rooftops as underutilized spaces with significant potential.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeDIYUrban Agriculture as a Social Strategy in Achieving Food Security: Case Study of Yogyakarta City
2025Amandita 'Ainur Rohmah, Falik Wardana, A. Riyan Rahman Hakiki, Sidharta Adyatma · PAKIS (Publikasi Berkala Pendidikan Ilmu Sosial) · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)
A qualitative approach using a literature review was employed to identify the role and contribution of urban agriculture in Yogyakarta City and analyze innovations and social strategies for achieving food stability. The literature review indicates successful implementation of urban agriculture in Yogyakarta City through two flagship programs, Kampung Sayur and Lele Cendol, and that various community innovations allow for the development of an integrated urban farming system.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicy"It's From a Fresh Perspective": Children's Reflections on Participation in Ecological Research and Action
2025Susan Jagger · The Canadian Journal of Action Research · Global
This paper points out the limited research on the experiences of young learners in participatory action research (PAR) in environmental education. It shares the reflections of the Eco Research Organization, a group of grade six researchers, and their adult co-researcher, Susan Jagger, on their engagement in PAR in a longitudinal study of their school garden and nature in their community.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityClimate-smart crop production can support household food and nutrition security in urban communities in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe
2025Blessing Nyamasoka‐Magonziwa, Esther Simango, Hatirarami Nezomba · Frontiers in Agronomy · Zimbabwe (Chitungwiza)
This study evaluated climate-smart crop production practices by urban farmers in Chitungwiza District, Zimbabwe, and their effects on household diets. Mixed methods research, including focus group discussions with four farmer groups and interviews with 107 households in 2022, classified only 23% of farmers as climate-smart. While climate-smart crop production positively influenced household diets, with climate-smart households having a significantly higher Household Dietary Diversity Score (3.3 vs. 2.9; p=0.02), there were no significant differences in maize yield between climate-smart and non-climate-smart farmers (2.10 t/ha vs. 2.27 t/ha, respectively, in the 2020/2021 season).
Limited or null effectClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityAssessing stakeholder engagement and partnership approaches in community donation gardens
2025Moses Wanyakha, Nancy Grudens‐Schuck · International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development · United States
This qualitative study reviewed data from 32 counties in Iowa over five years to assess stakeholder participation in Master Gardener community garden donation programs. The analysis found that while these programs engage many stakeholders, the involvement of food pantry patrons in the planning process was low. This low patron involvement limits the programs' ability to effectively serve the community and achieve sustainability and efficacy in providing fresh produce.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood educationWelfarePolicyKolaborasi Antar Pemangku Kepentingan dalam Pengembangan Urban Farming di Surabaya
2025Kurnia Dewi, Yusuf Hariyoko, Hasan Ismail · Presidensial · Indonesia (Surabaya)
A qualitative descriptive study investigated stakeholder synergy in urban farming programs in Surabaya, Indonesia. Data was collected through interviews, documentation, and observation involving the DKPP, agricultural extension officers, farmer groups, and the local community. Strong commitment, competence, awareness, and continuity were identified as driving factors for successful implementation, but challenges include declining active farmer groups and limited facilities.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsEVALUATING THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY GARDENS ON SOCIAL EQUITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH: A CASE STUDY OF CARAMEL CONNECTIONS FOUNDATION'S (CCF) SEEDS OF JOY COMMUNITY GARDEN
2025Pinder, Elizabeth · CSUSB ScholarWorks (California State University, San Bernardino) · United States (California)
This study evaluated the impact of the Caramel Connections Foundation (CCF) Seeds of Joy Community Garden in Ontario, California, on social equity, public health, and community engagement. Using a mixed-methods design, secondary data from program records, surveys, and focus groups were analyzed. The findings suggest that the garden enhances social cohesion and contributes to health equity by addressing food insecurity and increasing access to nutritious food, green space, and educational programs.
CommunityHealthWelfareEDUTOURISM URBAN FARMING UNTUK MEWUJUDKAN DESA WISATA KELAN TANGGUH DAN PRO-LINGKUNGAN
2025Dewa Putu Oka Prasiasa, I Ketut Widnyana, P E P Ariati, I Made Wijaya · Prosiding Seminar Ilmiah Nasional Implementasi Iptek. · Indonesia (Bali)
In Kelan Tourism Village, Bali, an integrated aquaponics biofloc urban farming model with drip irrigation for tilapia and vegetable gardens was implemented as edutourism. This initiative aimed to address the economic underperformance of culinary tourism due to external vegetable purchases despite available land. The implementation led to increased understanding and skills among target groups, students, and tourists regarding the urban farming model, and improved income for culinary businesses by reducing vegetable purchase leakages.
Food educationCommunityEconomicsDIYEnhancing urban waste sustainability through community-driven composting in São Paulo megacity
2024Amato-Lourenço L.F., Franca G.C., Seckler M.M., Mauad T. · Environmental Challenges, 14:100864 · Brazil
An analysis of a resident-led, decentralized community composting initiative begun in 2018 in São Paulo, using thermophilic decomposition (the UFSC method) in public squares. It presents a civil-society-driven waste-management model with positive environmental and social outcomes.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityPolicyThe impact of gardening on well-being, mental health, and quality of life: an umbrella review and meta-analysis
2024Panțiru I., Ronaldson A., Sima N., Dregan A., Sima R. · Systematic Reviews (Springer), 13:45 · Global
An umbrella review and meta-analysis comparing prior reviews of diverse gardening interventions, including home, allotment, community, and therapeutic gardening. Synthesizing 40 studies, it finds a significant positive effect of gardening and horticultural therapy on well-being, quality of life, and health status.
HealthWelfareCommunityLearning with compost: digging down into food waste, urban soils and community
2024Edwards F., Mercer H. · Local Environment (Taylor & Francis), 29(10) · Global
An ethnographic study of ShareWaste, an online community-composting platform in Sydney and Canberra that connects food-waste donors directly with households hosting compost heaps to divert waste from landfill. Drawing on environmental humanities and discard studies, it explores the relationships among people, soil, compost, and food waste and the community-building these practices foster.
CompostOrganic cycleFood lossCommunityCommunity garden management for resilient cities: A case study in suburban Tokyo during the COVID-19 pandemic
2024Shimpo N. · Landscape and Urban Planning, 251:105148 · Japan
Analyses how a suburban-Tokyo community garden (Seseragi Garden, Hino City) was managed for resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gardeners proactively set rules through discussion and sustained activity, helping maintain food security, physical and mental health, ikigai and social networks, thereby contributing to community resilience.
CommunityHealthWelfarePolicy農福連携等推進ビジョン（2024改訂版）
2024· 農福連携等推進会議（内閣官房） · Japan
Government vision (2019, revised 2024) promoting noufuku—agriculture-welfare collaboration enabling people with disabilities to participate in society through farming—as national policy, covering awareness, training, facility support, and market expansion via certification.
WelfarePolicyHealthCommunityEconomics民間企業が参入するコミュニティガーデンの可能性と運営課題
2024· 都市計画報告集 23巻3号 pp.429- · Japan
A report analyzing the potential and operational challenges of community gardens run or entered by private companies, discussing sustainable management models for company-partnered citizen gardens in housing complexes and neighborhoods and their contribution to community formation.
CommunityEconomicsPolicy令和5年度スマートシティ実装化支援事業 報告書（柏の葉スマートシティコンソーシアム）
2024柏の葉スマートシティコンソーシアム, 国土交通省 都市局 · 国土交通省 都市局（スマートシティ実装化支援事業 報告書） · Japan
An MLIT support-program report documenting the implementation of Kashiwanoha Smart City, advanced by Mitsui Fudosan as co-developer through public-private-academia collaboration (UDCK). It covers the implementation and evaluation of resident-participatory initiatives across health, community and data use.
CommunityHealthPolicyUrban rewilding for sustainability and food security
2024Alessio Russo · Land Use Policy, 149, 107410 · Global
A conceptual paper extending the ecological-restoration paradigm of rewilding into urban and food contexts, arguing that multispecies-based 'urban rewilding' can simultaneously enhance climate resilience, biodiversity recovery, food-system robustness, water sensitivity and community participation. It also flags trade-offs such as green gentrification and land availability, opening new debate within productive green infrastructure.
BiodiversityCommunityFood educationOrganic cycleBeyond urban farm and community garden, a new typology of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Europe
2024Jansma · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Europe
Proposes a new typology of the diverse forms of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Europe, moving beyond the conventional 'urban farm vs community garden' divide and offering a framework for situating citizen-driven initiatives.
CommunityPolicyGlobally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in Japan: investigating selected agricultural practices and values for farmers
2024Nath T.K., Inoue M., Yim E.W., Takahashi S. · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Japan
Using empirical data from two Japanese GIAHS sites, documents features of traditional agricultural practices and their values, including conservation of local crop varieties and revitalization of discontinued farming for rural livelihoods.
Heirloom & landracePolicyBiodiversityCommunityIntroduction to heirloom vegetables in Kyoto prefecture (Kyo-yasai), Japan
2024Mimura Y. · Journal of Ethnic Foods 11: Article 26 · Japan
Reviews the history, preservation, branding, and scientific research on Kyoto's heirloom vegetables (Kyo-yasai), highlighting how farmers, researchers, and municipalities sustain traditional landrace cultivation amid urbanization pressures.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversityCommunityPolicy