Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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3241 results(37 / 130)
Losing the Plot: The Impact of Urban Agriculture on Household Food Expenditure and Dietary Diversity in Sub-Saharan African Countries
2023Navjot Sangwan, Luca Tasciotti · Agriculture · Sub-Saharan Africa
This cross-country study analyzed household data from nine Sub-Saharan African countries to investigate the impact of urban agriculture (UA) on household food expenditure and dietary diversity. Using an inverse-probability weighted regression adjustment method, the study found that households engaged in UA reduced overall food expenditure and increased spending on protein-rich foods like nuts, legumes, fruits, dairy, meat, and poultry. The impact of UA varied substantially across the food expenditure distribution.
EconomicsHealthFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureAnalysis on Factors Affecting the Growth of Micro and Small Enterprises: The Case of Gulele Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2023Mohammed Seid Ebrahim · Ethiopian Journal of Business and Social Science · Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
This study examined factors affecting the growth of micro and small enterprises in Gulele Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, using survey data from 120 enterprise leaders/owners. Enterprises grew at a rate of 0.20, but growth trends varied across sectors including urban agriculture. The analysis found that age, gender, and work experience of leaders/owners, along with enterprise age, employee numbers, workplace suitability, marketing problems, and government policies, significantly influenced growth, indicating that cumbersome bureaucratic procedures contributed to undergrowth and stagnation.
Governance failureEconomicsUrban–rural linkageUrban agriculture empowerment: Donkey-driven maize planter for sustainable food production in Sub-Saharan African cities
2023O.M. Seretse, Abhishek Agarwal, Ulaula Mmiletsi, Mbizo Mpho · Advances in Modern Agriculture · Sub-Saharan Africa
This study designed a cost-effective, two-row donkey-drawn maize planter for small-scale farms in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Botswana, where donkeys are a primary power source. The assembled planter weighs 48.93 kg, can be drawn by three donkeys, and has an estimated cost of 200 USD. The study notes limitations and calls for further research to assess performance under varying soil conditions, durability, and planting efficiency.
DIYEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban Farming Aquaculture as an AlternativeBusiness for Food and Economic Security Duringthe COVID-19 Pandemic – Case Studyin the Sub-Urban Area of Jakarta, Indonesia
2023Haryanti Haryanti, Iskandar Iskandar, Achmad Rizal, Ratu Siti Aliah, Suhendar I Sachoemar · Polish Journal of Environmental Studies · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This 6-month study (July-December 2022) in Jakarta's sub-urban area investigated prospective urban farming aquaculture business models for food and economic security during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from 200 fish farming groups showed that Tilapia and Catfish models (CF-3, CF-2) improved food security, while ornamental fish models (OF-1, OF-2, OF-4, OF-5) improved economic security. The study concluded that urban farming aquaculture has good prospects as an alternative business.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureCommunityFood sovereignty and peri-urban horticulture
2023Benjamin Felix Richardson · · New Zealand (Auckland)
Auckland's urban sprawl threatens to significantly raise the price of fresh fruits and vegetables across the country, worsening chronic food security issues. Food production has become detached from the food security and food sovereignty of Aotearoa's people. The severity of this issue is driving calls for reform, and a conflict exists between humanity's agricultural subsistence and the destabilizing demands of financial extraction, where crucial productive hubs can be lost permanently.
Economic viabilityFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsUrban–rural linkageConceptual Framework for Urban Farming (UF) Cost Components: The Application of Iceberg Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Model
2023Puteri Sidrotul Nabihah Saarani, Siti Nur Aishah Mohd Noor, Zailawati Khalid2, Asniza Hamimi Abdul Tharim, Asmalia Che Ahmad, Norhafizah Abdul Rahman, Mohamad Haizam Mohamed Saraf · International Journal of Business and Technology Management · Malaysia
This paper aimed to develop a conceptual framework for Life Cycle Cost (LCC) in the context of smart urban farming through an in-depth literature review. Employing the Iceberg Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model, the conceptual framework for Smart UF LCC components was divided into acquisition cost and hidden cost. This framework assists in decision-making by providing a holistic view of the costs involved in a project or investment.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareDigital agricultureBudidaya Ikan Nila Merah (Oreochromis SP.) Dengan Teknik Yumina Dan Bumina Sebagai Bisnis Yang Menguntungkan Bagi Masyarakat
2023Arfiana Dita Arum Sari, Dita Atasa, Yana Yana, Asep Syaefuddin, Dewi Suryani, Rhomi Ardiansyah · Faedah Jurnal Hasil Kegiatan Pengabdian Masyarakat Indonesia · Global
The Sustainable Urban Agriculture Practitioner (PPB) division of SEAMEO BIOTROP's internship activities focused on Red Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) cultivation using Yumina and Bumina techniques, suitable for urban areas. The activities encompassed seeding, maintenance, and treatment, aiming to provide knowledge, understanding, and skills for proper red tilapia cultivation to the community.
DIYFood educationEconomicsCommunityCommunity gardens and the social solidarity economy
2023Jade Morkel, Noxolo Dumani, Nick Malherbe, Shahnaaz Suffla · Community Development · South Africa
This case study, conducted in a low-income South African community, explored how a community gardener engages with the social solidarity economy (SSE) using thematic analysis of triangulated data from an interview, participant observation, and a participatory film. The study analyzed how the community garden fostered solidarity and established alternative micro-economic practices. It also considered challenges facing community gardens when connecting with the SSE.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsHealthFood sovereignty & justiceSistemas alimentarios urbanos y su gobernanza, ¿una alternativa viable para Venezuela en el marco de los sistemas agroalimentarios sostenibles?
2023José Anido · Agroalimentaria · Venezuela
This exploratory review study examined the viability of urban food systems and their governance in Venezuela, based on secondary sources. While identifying available resources like educational infrastructure and a renewed legal framework, the study highlighted significant limitations. These include increasing deforestation, deteriorating potable water services for urban agriculture, migration of skilled populations, decline in public funding for science and technology, opaque official information, and scarcity of financing for new developments.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsClimate changeIdentification of Factors for Active Use of Rooftop Greenhouses in Korea: Based on Analysis of Foreign Exemplary Cases
2023Kyunghun Min, Jisoo Ahn, Eunseok Lee · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea
This study analyzed exemplary cases from the US and Canada to identify factors for the active use of rooftop greenhouses (RTGs) in Korea. Despite international interest in RTGs for carbon neutrality and food security, their implementation in Korea is limited by a lack of relevant legal bases and policies. Essential factors for stable RTG operation include long-term support, initial capital, differentiated distribution, and a review of laws and regulations, highlighting the need for legal and policy frameworks.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsClimate changeDigital agriculture“I’m Happy for People to Collaborate, but I Don’t Want to Join in”. Addressing Failure in Community-supported Agriculture Networks
2023Bernd Bonfert · · United Kingdom; Germany
This article investigates "network failure" and collaboration barriers within Community-supported agriculture (CSA) networks in the UK and Germany, using qualitative case studies. The study found that CSA networks function effectively at national and local levels but experience relative failure at the regional level. Regular barriers to collaboration arise from capacity limitations, member differences, and competition, which the networks are actively trying to address.
Governance failureCSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsPolicyYouths’ Participation in Urban Agriculture in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
2023Oluwakemi Adeola Obayelu, Adenike Omotola Ajibobare, Abimbola O. Adepoju, Abolupe Oluyemi Ayanboye · CABI eBooks · Nigeria (Ibadan)
This study assessed the perceptions of youths (aged 18-35 years) about urban agriculture and factors influencing their participation in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Data analyzed using descriptive statistics, Likert analysis, and logit regression showed that 38.8% of youths participated in urban agriculture, and access to urban farmland, being a married male, and older youth increased the likelihood of participation. Conversely, longer market distance, higher formal education, and poor access to credit and land reduced participation.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePredictive Analysis of Customer Churn in Community-Supported Agriculture Based on RFM Modeling
2023Xiaoying Yan, Mei Yin, Renren Li · Atlantis Highlights in Computer Sciences/Atlantis highlights in computer sciences · China
High customer turnover is a significant challenge in China's Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) industry. This study utilized RFM models (Recency, Frequency, and Monetary) and algorithms to regularly rank and classify the consumption ability of CSA customers. This was achieved by analyzing their recent purchase time, number of times of consumption, and consumption data.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsDigital agricultureCommunity Supported Agriculture in the Pearl River Delta
2023Ziyi Liu, Nicola Dempsey, Eckart Lange · The urban book series · China (Pearl River Delta)
This chapter investigates Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in the Pearl River Delta, China, aiming to understand its role in the local food system and in reducing food safety concerns. It notes a limited understanding of barriers to promoting and developing CSA, and little published evidence on public attitudes or their influence on CSA demand and development in the region. The study identifies current socio-economic and environmental catalysts and barriers for CSA farming.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicyUrban agriculture and farmers’ willingness to pay for treated wastewater: Insights from vegetable producers in the greater Accra metropolis of Ghana
2023Abdulai Adams, Samuel Sekyi, Irrshad Kaseeram · Cogent Food & Agriculture · Ghana (Accra)
This study analyzed the efficiency performance and willingness to pay (WTP) for treated wastewater among 214 urban vegetable producers in the greater Accra metropolis of Ghana. Using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and logistic regression models, results showed that the current production system is technically inefficient, with 33% more output possible from existing resources. The mean amount farmers were willing to pay for treated wastewater delivered to their farms was GH¢66.7 per month.
Economic viabilityEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceExperimental urban commons?: Re‐examining urban community food gardens in Cape Town, South Africa
2023Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira, Alexander Follmann, Daniel Tevera · Geographical Journal · South Africa
This mixed-methods study examined 34 urban community gardens in Cape Town, South Africa, to assess their capacity to function as urban commons across six areas: infrastructure, inputs, land, produce, labour, and immaterial components. Findings demonstrated that while these gardens counter neoliberal privatization and individualization, their capacity to function as urban commons is significantly curtailed by their entrenchment within the neoliberal context.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION OF LOCAL FARMERS TOWARD AGROBIODIVERSITY IN HOME GARDEN. CASE STUDY: BUOT VILLAGE, CHIENG YEN COMMUNE, VAN HO DISTRICT, SON LA PROVINCE, VIETNAM
2023Tuyet Truong, Khoirunnisa Khuzaimah, H.T.M. Pham, Ho Ngoc Son, Tuan Van Bui, Long Ha · SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF TAN TRAO UNIVERSITY · Vietnam (Son La Province)
A study surveyed 39 local farmers in Buot village, Son La province, Vietnam, to examine their perception of agrobiodiversity and factors influencing the adoption of syntrophic farming in home gardens. The survey found that most farmers understood the importance of agrobiodiversity and were willing to adopt syntrophic farming. However, challenges in capital, market access, and a lack of irrigation systems were identified as barriers hindering their adoption of syntrophic farming.
Economic viabilityBiodiversityDIYEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePotatoes Production Using Different Cultivation Systems on Rooftops
2023· Current Science International · Egypt (Giza)
An experiment was conducted for two seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022) at the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate's rooftop garden in Giza, Egypt, to determine suitable cultivation systems and planting densities for rooftop potato production. The deep beds system proved more suitable than the horizontal bags system, showing higher values for plant height, leaf number, and yield. While 6 plants/m² recorded the highest values for individual plant metrics, a density of 9 plants/m² resulted in the highest total yield per m².
DIYEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceResearch on Evaluation Elements of Urban Agricultural Green Bases: A Causal Inference-Based Approach
2023Yuchong Long, Zhengwei Cao, Yan Mao, Xinran Liu, Yan Gao, Chuanzhi Zhou, Xin Zheng · Land · China (Shanghai)
This study constructed an evaluation system for urban agriculture green bases in Shanghai. Using a Bayesian network, intervention, and counterfactual inference, typical green bases in six agricultural districts of Shanghai were evaluated to analyze the correlation and importance of indicators. The results showed that while there are differences among bases in various indicators, they all reach a high overall level, and base construction, production, and ecological construction elements are the main factors affecting their level.
PolicyEconomicsOrganic cycleClimate changeStakeholder’s practices for the sustainability assessment of professional urban agriculture reveal numerous original criteria and indicators
2023Paola Clerino, Agnès Fargue‐Lelièvre, Jean-Marc Meynard · Agronomy for Sustainable Development · Global
This study investigated the sustainability assessment practices of professional intra-urban agriculture (PIUA) projects in the Global North, analyzing 19 case studies. Four dimensions underpinning sustainability assessment were identified: internal sustainability, external sustainability, the project leader’s credibility, and the innovative nature of the project. The study found 67 diverse assessment criteria and that 78% of indicators used were qualitative, noting that assessment practices evolve over time. The results enhance understanding of how PIUA project sustainability is assessed.
EconomicsPolicyCommunityClimate changeAssessing the Impact of Community Gardens in Mitigating Household Food Insecurity and Addressing Climate Change Challenges: A Case Study of Ward 18, Umdoni Municipality, South Africa
2023Merishca Naicker, Denver Naidoo, Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi · African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies · South Africa
This mixed-methods study surveyed 120 community garden participants in Ward 18, Umdoni Municipality, South Africa, to assess the impact of community gardens on household food security. The survey found that 58.3% of participants did not receive sufficient food from the gardens, and only 15.8% achieved food security, with 40% experiencing moderate food insecurity. Despite their establishment, community gardens appeared ineffective in substantially improving household food security, with challenges including climate change impacts.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsPaying for nature‐based solutions: A review of funding and financing mechanisms for ecosystem services and their impacts on social equity
2023Austin Thompson‐Spain, Kyle S. Bunds, Lincoln R. Larson, Bethany B. Cutts, J. Aaron Hipp · Sustainable Development · United States
This scoping review examines funding and financing mechanisms for nature-based solutions and their impact on social equity in the United States. It finds that market-driven nature-based solutions can contribute to an inequitable distribution of urban ecosystem services. The distribution of benefits is influenced by local contexts, decision-making inclusion, and payment mechanisms, suggesting disparities in access for diverse and marginalized populations.
Equity & displacementPolicyEconomicsClimate changeCommunityFlowers in the dark: The contribution of rooftop urban agriculture to human well-being in the Ein El-Hilweh Refugee Camp, Lebanon
2023Anisja Tarchahani, Jacqueline Loos · World Development Sustainability · Lebanon
This study analyzed the livelihood effects of rooftop urban agriculture for 10 Palestinian women in Ein El-Hilweh Camp, Lebanon, using a mixed-method approach combining document analysis and a survey. Findings suggest that rooftop urban agriculture contributes considerably to more sustainable livelihoods for Palestinian women and their families by enabling them to develop natural and human capital, increasing food security, and protecting natural resources. It is a low-threshold tool that enhances refugees' well-being over the medium term.
CommunityWelfareHealthEconomicsFood loss and waste in community-supported agriculture in the region of Leipzig, Germany
2023Janine Voge, Till Newiger-Dous, Emily Ehrlich, Ulrich Ermann, D. Ernst, Dagmar Haase, Isabel Lindemann, Rebecca Thoma, Emilia Wilhelm, Joerg A. Priess, Lukas Egli · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Germany (Leipzig)
This study assessed food loss and waste (FLW) and yields for one year in four Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiatives in the Leipzig area, Germany, comparing them to reference data. Results showed that FLW during production, distribution, and consumption was on average 22–70% lower compared to reference data. Due to lower FLW, CSA initiatives could compensate for yield gaps of 32% on average, reflecting typical yield gaps between organic and conventional agriculture. Co-evaluation with CSA gardeners indicated that FLW could be further reduced at all stages.
CSA & TeikeiFood lossOrganic cycleEconomicsStakeholder Opinions on Urban Agriculture: The Case of Iğdır
2023Enes AKDENİZ, M. Bihter BİNGÜL BULUT, İbrahim HOSAFLIOĞLU, Öner Demirel · Mimarlık Bilimleri ve Uygulamaları Dergisi (MBUD) · Turkey (Iğdır)
This study aimed to determine the place and importance of urban agriculture from the perspective of stakeholders in Iğdır city and its surrounding areas. Semi-structured interview forms were used, with five questions posed to stakeholders, and data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. According to the findings, Iğdır city was concluded to hold significant potential for urban agricultural activities.
CommunityPolicyEconomics