Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2058 results(37 / 83)
An Education of the Senses at the University of California, Berkeley
2021Cari Borja · Gastronomica The Journal of Food and Culture · United States (California)
To commemorate 50 years since the founding of Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley, California, in 1971, Alice Waters and University of California President Michael V. Drake planned an event for August 28, 2021, to gather educators, farmers, and others to address climate change. The event was postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 Delta variant cases, but a message was sent supporting the values of public education through the economic stimulus of local organic food procurement. Waters' vision explored possibilities in our relationship to food and community, connection to land, and the broader cultural picture.
Food educationCommunityHealthClimate changePracticing Urban Agriculture Is the Most Appreciate Means to Fight Against Famine, Depression, Anxiety and Spread of Coronavirus
2021Chanie Derso Misganaw · Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries · Ethiopia
This review paper highlights the current lack of urban agriculture practice in Ethiopian towns and emphasizes its significance. Urban agriculture contributes to food self-sufficiency, social goodness, economic profitability, and environmental health, and is stated as the most appreciated means to improve livelihoods, generate income, create job opportunities, and fight against famine, depression, anxiety, and the spread of coronavirus. The paper discusses the types, principles, and prospects of urban agriculture based on updated information.
HealthEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCitizen Science in Vegetable Garden Cultivar Evaluation in Tennessee
2021Virginia R. Sykes, Natalie R. Bumgarner, Stefanie Brooke Keadle, A. Naseema and K.I. Wilson, Francisco Javier Perales Palacios · Horticulturae · United States (Tennessee)
The University of Tennessee Extension and research faculty developed the Home Garden Variety Trial (HGVT) program, a citizen science approach for cultivar evaluation. This collaborative effort involved over 450 individual gardeners in more than half of Tennessee's counties, conducting trials in their own gardens from 2017 over five years. The HGVT program serves as an effective tool to introduce gardeners to new crops and cultivars while providing previously unavailable data to researchers, supporting residential and community food production.
CommunityFood educationHealthDIYChromium Laden Soil, Water, and Vegetables nearby Tanning Industries: Speciation and Spatial Distribution
2021Adugnaw Maru Gezahegn, Fekadu Fufa, Esayas Alemayehu, Abebe Beyene · Journal of Chemistry · Ethiopia (Modjo city)
This study investigated the spatial distribution and speciation of chromium in water, soil, and edible plants in tannery-contaminated areas of Modjo city, Ethiopia. Total chromium in the Modjo River was 20.6 mg L−1 upstream, and soil Cr (III) and Cr (VI) concentrations were found to be higher than guideline values. Chromium concentrations in edible plants were also significantly higher than in control areas, with roots accumulating more chromium than leaves and fruits. It was concluded that water, soil, and edible plants in this area contain chromium concentrations higher than recommended for a healthy environment and human consumption.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageSchool Garden Benefits: Health Promotion and Environmental Conservation
2021Gina K. Alexander, Donald R. Grannum · NASN School Nurse · Global
This article reviews existing literature on the benefits of school gardening. It also describes firsthand experiences to achieve success in school gardens.
Food educationHealthBiodiversityPotentially Toxic Trace Elements in the Urban Soils of Santiago de Compostela (Northwestern Spain)
2021Cecilia Herbón, María Teresa Barral, Remigio Paradelo · Applied Sciences · Spain (Santiago de Compostela)
The concentrations of trace elements Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, and As were investigated in 55 urban soils in Santiago de Compostela, northwestern Spain. While most soils showed higher trace element concentrations than regional backgrounds, they were not classified as contaminated according to Spanish regulations. However, geoaccumulation index values indicated low to moderate pollution levels in most soils, with Cu, Pb, and Zn highest in city center green areas, and Cr and Ni linked to parent material lithology.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleCommunityGrassroots Sustainability in a Concrete Landscape
2021Christina Ergas · · United States
This chapter explores urban ecovillages in the United States, highlighting challenges faced by ecovillagers in a neoliberal context. It examines cultural conflicts between sustainability and consumer culture, and points out the exclusive, upper-class, white nature of the local food movement in the US. Monetary and time constraints have made local organic food an elite phenomenon, often cited as a first step to gentrification in urban communities.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsClimate changeHealthThe cultural economy of human waste reuse: perspectives from peri-urban Karnataka, India
2021Zachary Burt, C. Shambu Prasad, Pay Drechsel, Isha Ray · Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development · India (Karnataka)
A preference-ranking model was developed to understand the acceptance of fecal sludge-derived fertilizer (FSF) in Karnataka, India, by modeling farmowners and farmworkers separately. The study found that farmers willing to use FSF prefer to conceal its origins from workers and their caste group, especially caste-adhering, vegetarian farmowners. Workers were open to FSF if it resembled cow manure, revealing that the waste economy in rural India is shaped by unacknowledged caste hierarchies and practices.
Equity & displacementOrganic cyclePeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsHealthCommunityPhytoavailability of Lead for Vegetables in Urban Garden Soils
2021Chammi P. Attanayake, Ganga M. Hettiarachchi, Mónica Palomo, Gary M. Pierzynski, Blanca Calderón · ACS Agricultural Science & Technology · United States
The effect of limestone and composted manure on lead (Pb) in vegetables and Pb bioaccessibility was assessed in a contaminated urban garden (total Pb ~200 mg kg⁻¹). Amendments did not affect Pb in vegetables or Pb bioaccessibility. Peeling reduced Pb concentration in radish by half, and removing surface dust reduced Pb in leafy vegetables by 40-50%. Daily Pb intake from consuming lettuce and carrot/beetroot from this garden was approximately 1.5 times higher than the interim reference level proposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCompostCommunityKESEDIAAN MEMBAYAR (WILLINGNESS TO PAY) KONSUMEN MILENIAL DALAM MENGKONSUMSI SAYURAN ORGANIK (Suatu Kasus pada Warung Sehat 1000 Kebun, Kota Bandung)
2021Bagus Imran Saptadji Handoko, Iwan Setiawan · MIMBAR AGRIBISNIS Jurnal Pemikiran Masyarakat Ilmiah Berwawasan Agribisnis · Indonesia (Bandung)
This quantitative study, conducted at Warung Sehat 1000 Kebun in Bandung, Indonesia, investigated the willingness of millennial consumers to pay for organic vegetables. Using survey methods with questionnaires, the research found that psychological factors significantly influenced millennials' willingness to consume organic vegetables.
EconomicsHealthTrinity assessment method applied to heavy-metal contamination in peri-urban soil–crop systems: A case study in northeast China
2021Xingjia Wang, Wenbo Li, Dongyan Wang, Songze Wu, Zhuoran Yan, Jiaqi Han · Ecological Indicators · China
A 'trinity' assessment method was developed to evaluate heavy-metal contamination in peri-urban soil–crop systems in Northeast China, covering total, available, and accumulated heavy metals. While traditional methods indicated less contamination, the trinity method revealed spatial clustering of heavy-metal contamination in cultivated lands caused by urbanization and industrialization, and a decreasing urban–rural trend in contaminated areas, particularly in transition zones.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthDifferential yield and nutrients of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. genotypes when grown in urban production systems
2021Matthew L. Richardson, Caitlin G. Arlotta · Scientia Horticulturae · United States (Washington, DC)
This study grew seven genotypes of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in green roof, field row, and high tunnel systems in and near Washington, DC, to compare leaf and flower yield, nutritional differences, and insect pest susceptibility. Genotype PI 286316 produced abundant flowers, particularly in high tunnels, while leaf production was highest in field rows despite frequent Popillia japonica attacks. PI 273388, PI 275414, and green hibiscus yielded the most leaves, and genotypes showed nutrient differences regardless of the production system. The locally adapted green hibiscus performed well across systems, was least attacked by pests, and had higher nutrient levels, demonstrating H. sabdariffa's suitability for temperate urban systems.
BiodiversityHealthClimate changePeri-urban agricultureConstructing Organic Food through Urban Agriculture, Community Gardens in Seville
2021Mario Jordi Sánchez, Antonio Luis Díaz Aguilar · Sustainability · Spain (Seville)
Through observation and qualitative analysis of community urban gardens in southern Spain (Andalusia), this paper notes that the people who cultivate allotments within these community gardens attribute a wide variety of different meanings to their practices. This plurality of meanings moves beyond the rational-technical dimension of the act of growing, while at the same time redefining the act of consuming organic food, because of its connection with productive and social activities.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthCreating Learning Environments to Support Students Experiencing Stress: Qualitative Insights from an Extension-Community Partnership
2021Chelsea Hetherington, Sarah Cronin, Sara Langworthy, Cari Michaels · Journal of Human Sciences and Extension · United States
This study describes an Extension-Community partnership that designed learning environments to support elementary students experiencing chronic stress in the United States. The intervention included creating a calming room, building a community garden on school grounds, and providing educational programming for teachers, staff, and families. Interviews with 20 teachers and school staff revealed the program's success in supporting positive outcomes for students, staff, the school, and the surrounding community.
CommunityFood educationHealthProductive urban landscape: Exploring urban agriculture multi-functionality practices to approach genuine quality of life in gated communities in Greater Cairo Region
2021Doaa K. Hassan, Mohammed Hewidy, Mohamed A. El Fayoumi · Ain Shams Engineering Journal · Egypt (Greater Cairo Region)
This study explored the correlation between quality of life (QOL), urban agriculture, and landscape architecture practices in gated communities in the Greater Cairo Region, Egypt. It utilized theoretical correlation, two questionnaire models targeting residents and practitioners, field visits, and observation. The study concluded with recommendations to enhance QOL domains through productive urban landscapes.
CommunityHealthEconomicsThe Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Security in Rural and Urban Settlements in Benin: Do Allotment Gardens Soften the Blow?
2021Mawuna Donald Houessou, Annemijn Cassee, B.G.J.S. Sonneveld · Sustainability · Benin
A Rapid Food Security Appraisal was conducted among 240 rural and urban dwellers in southern Benin to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 ‘cordon sanitaire’ on food consumption. The pandemic affected food security pillars in both rural and urban areas, with the steepest decline observed among those inside the cordon sanitaire, particularly rural producers and urban inhabitants without allotment gardens. Increased food prices, logistics disruptions, and movement restrictions were cited as reasons, while access to allotment gardens effectively mitigated the crisis for households.
CommunityHealthWelfareIMPLEMENTASI PROGRAM KAMPUNG IKLIM: URBAN FARMING MELALUI HIDROPONIK DAN BUDIKDAMBER DI KELURAHAN SIALANG PALEMBANG
2021Trecy Austin, Marleni Marleni · Jurnal Abdimas Indonesia · Indonesia (Palembang)
This community empowerment activity in Sialang Village, Palembang City, Indonesia, involved training and direct practical assistance to implement urban farming, specifically hydroponics and BUDIKDAMBER (fish and vegetable cultivation in buckets). The program aimed to enhance food security and support the Climate Village Program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants from RT 19 and RT 65 RW 13 gained understanding of urban farming methods and their health and economic benefits, showing readiness to adopt these practices in their households.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeHealthLocal food development in the Moose Cree First Nation: taking steps to build local food sustainability
2021Celeste Ferreira, Janice Cindy Gaudet, Anthony Chum, Michael A. Robidoux · Food Culture & Society · Canada
This paper explores local food initiatives in Moose Cree First Nation, a remote northern community in Ontario, Canada, focusing on a community garden project. It documents steps taken to build local food capacity and understand the challenges and opportunities the community faces in regaining autonomy over its food system. The findings are based on community-based participatory action approaches.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthUrban–rural linkageGirls’ boarding schools’ gardens in the Age of Enlightenment
2021Varvara V. Ponomareva · Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta Seria XXIII Antropologia) · Russia
This study, using a historical typological method, examined the gardens of girls' boarding schools within the Mariinsky Establishment in 18th-century Russia as a vehicle for children's healthy physical upbringing. Influenced by scholars like John Locke, innovative physical education principles, supported by the Russian state, were integrated into the daily life of boarding schools. By the end of the 19th century, doctors oversaw school outdoor spaces, noting the positive effects of fresh air exercise and swimming on children.
Food educationHealthCommunityFamily Centered Approaches to Stunting Prevention
2021Fadly Umar · Journal of Health Literacy and Qualitative Research · Global
A systematic review of studies from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar explored family-based interventions for stunting prevention globally. The review found that maternal education, paternal involvement, and household food security, including urban farming, significantly influence child nutrition and growth outcomes. Challenges to implementation include caregiver time constraints, inconsistent nutritional knowledge, and cultural barriers.
HealthFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityERVATERAPIA
2021Eric Schwamberger, Adrian José Ramos, Alicia Weber, Eduarda Nunes, Emile de Lima Pollheim, Gabriela Santos Patriarca, Giovana Schwamberger, Isadora Bombassaro, Jamily Assini, Vitor Gomes, Kassia Kathellyn Barboza, Roberta Hoepers Mascarenhas, Rossie Katherine dos Santos, Samuel Carvalho de Matos-Filho, Vinícius Verwiebe, Tatiane Sueli Coutinho · Anais da Mostra Nacional de Iniciação Científica e Tecnológica Interdisciplinar (MICTI) - e-ISSN 2316-7165 · Brazil
A community garden with medicinal herbs serves as an excellent tool for study and environmental awareness for students involved in the project and the wider academic community, as well as for internal and external communities utilizing the accessible herbs. In this project, beds with various medicinal herbs, including ora-pro-nobis, mint, basil, horsetail, boldo, alfavaca, aloe vera, lemon balm, and lemongrass, were created and maintained. The project aims not only to provide natural treatment to the community but also, importantly, to raise awareness about the harms that excessive use of allopathic medicines can cause to metabolism.
CommunityFood educationHealthCharacterisation of aquaponic producers and small-scale facilities in Spain and Latin America
2021Gina Patricia Suárez‐Cáceres, Víctor M. Fernández‐Cabanás, José Lobillo-Eguíbar, Luis Pérez‐Urrestarazu · Aquaculture International · Spain
This study aimed to determine the profile and motivations of aquaponic producers, the characteristics of facilities, and production performance in Spain and Latin America. The average producer is a middle-aged man, motivated primarily by producing high-quality, healthy food, environmental concern, and autonomy. Facilities were mainly for education, self-consumption, and hobbies, many located on rooftops, adapting well to urban agriculture. Generally, there is a lack of proper knowledge and expertise to efficiently operate these complex systems.
DIYFood educationCommunityHealthEconomics“It’s one of the few things that … pulls us together when the outside world is really tough.” Exploring the outcomes and challenges of a charity-led community garden in a disadvantaged English city
2021Sam Ramsden · Local Environment · United Kingdom (England)
This article analyzes a charity-led community gardening project in a disadvantaged northern English community, which operated for three years with external funding. While it successfully engaged marginalized people, leading to increased skills, confidence, reduced isolation, and improved wellbeing, the project faced significant challenges requiring professional management. Crucially, after the funding ended, the community garden's future was fragile, and the long-term sustainability of outcomes for marginalized participants was vulnerable due to economic viability issues.
Economic viabilityCommunityHealthWelfareEconomicsPolicyUrban agriculture in times of crisis: the role of home food growing in perceived food insecurity and well-being during the early COVID-19 lockdown
2021Bethan R. Mead, Jessica Davies, Natalia Falagán, Sofia Kourmpetli, Lingxuan Liu, Charlotte A. Hardman · Emerald Open Research · United Kingdom
A cross-sectional online survey of 477 UK adults (March-April 2020) investigated the role of home food growing during the early COVID-19 lockdown. Participants engaged in home food growing reported lower perceived food insecurity and higher well-being than non-growers. There were no differences in opinions of urban agriculture compared to pre-pandemic data from a separate sample (N=583).
DIYHealthWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceProximity of Urban Farms to Hazards With and Without Heavy Metal Contamination in Baltimore, Maryland
2021Jonathan Hall, Isabel Shargo, Niya Khanjar, Jianna Howard, Laura Schmidt, Ashley Deng, Camryn Edwards, Isabelle Berman, Joseph Galarraga, Sacoby Wilson · Environmental Justice · United States
This study in Baltimore, Maryland, used GIS mapping and spatial analysis to assess the proximity of urban farms to environmental hazards, including those with heavy metal contamination. Analyses indicated that contamination of urban farms is a possibility due to proximity: more environmental hazards were found in census tracts with urban farms, and low-income communities of color had hazards near urban farms. Historically industrial areas showed a higher concentration of environmental hazards with heavy metal or unknown contamination.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityUrban–rural linkagePolicy