Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
9077 results(38 / 364)
Pendekatan Arsitektur Biofilik pada Perancangan Perpustakaan Hybrid di Kabupaten Luwu Utara
2025A.R. Taufiq Satria Azhar, Irnawaty Idrus, Citra Amalia Amal, Muhammad Syarif, A. Syahriyunita Syahruddin, Siti Fuadillah A. Amin · Journal of Muhammadiyah’s Application Technology · Indonesia
This study explored the application of biophilic architecture concepts in the design of a hybrid library in North Luwu Regency, Indonesia. A descriptive comparative method, using literature review and case analysis, identified biophilic design elements such as natural materials, natural lighting, and cross-ventilation. The research found that the hybrid library fully implemented biophilic concepts, particularly in specific areas like reading rooms, lobbies, and rooftop gardens.
BiodiversityClimate changeCultivating communities: Understanding motivations in urban gardening among low-income residents in Cape Town, South Africa
2025Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study investigated the motivations for urban gardening among low-income residents in Cape Town's Cape Flats, South Africa, using survey data from 97 participants and interviews across 34 community gardens. While 29 out of 34 gardens prioritized income generation, a tension was found between institutional economic objectives and individual gardeners' motivations. Although 76.3% cited economic reasons, all respondents also valued social, health, and environmental benefits, perceiving gardening as a means to enhance well-being and promote sustainable practices despite structural barriers.
CommunityHealthEconomicsPolicyImplementation and Sustainability of Gulayan Sa Paaralan Program Implementation: A Case Study
2025Victoria Milka Santiago · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science · Philippines
This qualitative case study explored the implementation and sustainability of the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) in a public secondary school in Misamis Oriental, Philippines. Data from interviews, focus groups, and artifact analysis revealed that GPP's success relied on strong curriculum integration, stakeholder ownership, innovative farming, and regular monitoring. Identified barriers included limited infrastructure, funding gaps, and inconsistent administrative backing.
Food educationCommunityHealthCommunity Urban Farming: Challenges In Maximising Urban Farm Capacity
2025M.M. Rasmuna, VGR Chandran, J.S. Keshminder · Malaysian journal of consumer and family economics/Malaysian Journal of Consumer and Family Economics · Malaysia
This study explored challenges in maximizing the capacity of urban farms for economic viability and sustainability in Malaysia. Through in-depth interviews with urban farmers in several case studies, five key challenges were identified: financial, human capital, environmental, institutional, and psychosocial. These challenges impede the economic viability and sustainability of community urban farming.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsPolicyMunicipalities, Let the People Have Their Chickens and Eat Them, Too
2025Cindy Vong · Journal of Food Law & Policy · Global
This Note argues that municipalities in the United States should permit on-site slaughter of backyard chickens on private residential property. Historically, local governments codified the separation of residential and agricultural uses, leading to bans and restrictions on urban agriculture. The current regulatory vacuum for urban agriculture creates conflicts and uncertainties, and allowing backyard slaughter could strengthen local food systems and regulate a growing urban practice.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceFrom communal urban gardens to profitable businesses: green rationalization in Swedish local sustainability policy
2025Ylva Wallinder, Maria Langa · Environmental Sociology · Sweden
A study investigated the consequences of institutional policy change on urban gardening practices in Swedish municipalities over the last decade. Local sustainability policies have led to an increasingly business-centered model, which clashes even with entrepreneurial gardens. This shift caused associational gardening to give way to an extended focus on entrepreneurship and food production, representing a "green rationalization" of gardening practices in urban sustainability policies that hinders their sustainability potential.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceMicrogreens for nutritional resilience: A comprehensive review
2025Bhoirab Gogoi, Shourov Dutta, Trishnalee Saikia, Rituparna Saikia, Sanjoy Borthakur, Manoranjan Neog · International Journal of Research in Agronomy · Global
A comprehensive review synthesized literature on the taxonomic diversity, cultivation practices, nutritional and phytochemical composition, health benefits, and postharvest management of microgreens. Microgreens possess significantly higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than their mature counterparts. For instance, radish microgreens contained 147 mg of vitamin C per 100g fresh weight, red amaranth microgreens offered up to 50 mg of iron, and sunflower microgreens provided around 65 mg of calcium.
HealthUrban–rural linkageCultivating wellbeing: healing effects of an urban māra kai (community garden) in community housing in Aotearoa New Zealand
2025Lori Leigh, Edward Randal, Amber Logan, Karen Witten, Crystal Victoria Olin, Elinor Chisholm, Philippa Howden‐Chapman · Local Environment · New Zealand
An Indigenous-led community garden (māra kai) in an urban social housing environment in New Zealand was examined. Guided by an Indigenous model of wellbeing and using go-along interviews, the study found that this community initiative uplifted the autonomy, confidence, and wellbeing of community housing residents. This was achieved by fostering healthy relationships with themselves, their immediate community, and the wider community across the city.
CommunityHealthWelfareVisualising and Valuing Urban Agriculture for Land Use Planning: A Critical GIS Analysis of Sydney and Neighbouring Regions
2025Joshua Zeunert, Scott Hawken, Josh Gowers · Land · Australia (Sydney)
A critical GIS analysis was conducted for Sydney and neighboring regions in NSW, Australia, to understand and advocate for Sydney's food production capacity. The study challenged the notion that Sydney's metropolitan landscape has low inherent biophysical quality for agriculture. Despite current metropolitan planning policy that marginalizes agricultural productivity, datasets revealed western Sydney is biophysically well suited for agriculture. Sydney's overall agricultural capacity was found to be comparable to five of six other coastal regions of NSW and superior to at least two, challenging current planning orthodoxy and policy.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageEconomicsCadmium and lead pollution in environmental and food matrices in Kakamega Town of Kenya highlighting risks in rapidly urbanizing regions of Africa
2025Doreen N. Meso, Enos W. Wambu, Gelas Simiyu, Shem M. Mwasi, Thomas Munyao · Discover Environment · Kenya (Kakamega Town)
This study assessed heavy metal pollution in agricultural soils, water, and pumpkin leaves from 21 sites across three zones in peri-urban Kakamega Town, Kenya. It found cadmium pollution in all water samples, and lead and nickel pollution in sections of soil and leafy vegetable samples. Lead pollution was linked to vehicular emissions near the town center, while cadmium enrichment in informal settlements implicated inadequate waste management. Sequential extraction showed 31–35% of soil cadmium was in exchangeable fractions, posing a risk of bioavailability, highlighting persistent heavy metal contamination with implications for public health, environmental sustainability, and agricultural productivity.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureFactors affecting the growth of micro and small scale enterprises, addis ababa city administration, ethiopia
2025Tanvir Ahmed · European Economic Letters (EEL) · Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
This study examined factors influencing the growth of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), including urban agriculture, in Bahir Dar city administration, Ethiopia, surveying 385 business owners, managers, service providers, and local leaders. Multiple regression analysis found that entrepreneurial traits, management and marketing abilities, technology, access to funding, market sufficiency, and legal/regulatory frameworks affect MSE growth. However, the survey revealed that many MSEs received lengthy and intricate legal notices, indicating a need for simpler government processes for licensing and registration.
Governance failureEconomicsPolicyGendered access to e-logistics platforms in urban agriculture: micro-level evidence from Nigeria
2025Abdulrazaq Kamal Daudu, S. A. Aderinoye-Abdulwahab, Oyedola Waheed Kareem, Alhassan Abdul‐Wakeel Karakara, Latifat Kehinde Olatinwo, Halimah Olayinka Egbewole · Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship · Nigeria (Southwest Nigeria)
This study surveyed 420 urban farming households in Southwest Nigeria to explore how gender influences access to e-logistics platforms and their impact on farm sales. Findings revealed significant gender gaps, with male-headed households more likely to use and benefit from e-logistics than female-headed households. Women faced additional constraints like limited credit and mobility, and while e-logistics improved overall farm sales and benefited poorer farmers relatively more, gains for women remained smaller than for men.
Equity & displacementDigital agricultureEconomicsWelfareUrban Farming Sebagai Strategi Inovasi Manajemen Publik di Kutai Kartanegara
2025Desie Andreastuti, Bimantara Nur Alim · Journal Ilmu Sosial Politik dan Pemerintahan · Indonesia (Kutai Kartanegara)
This study analyzed urban farming as an innovative strategy in public management in Kutai Kartanegara. Using a qualitative methodology based on a literature review, it identified the opportunities, challenges, and impacts of urban farming implementation. The findings indicate that policy support, training, and stakeholder involvement are key to success, demonstrating a collaborative model among government, community, and the private sector to achieve social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
PolicyEconomicsCommunityClimate changeViolation of land use regulations for allotment gardens: The case of Warsaw, Poland
2025Grażyna Wiejak-Roy, Jaideep Roy, D. Andrew · Land Use Policy · Poland (Warsaw)
This study examined the market for allotment gardens in Warsaw, Poland, using a mixed-method approach including thematic archival analysis of regulations and hedonic regression modeling on posted offers. The findings indicate a poor transaction framework, pricing sensitive to legal and illegal private investments, and prevalent illegal rent-seeking on land. Additionally, increasing investment in allotment gardens was found to reduce biodiversity.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomicsAnalysis of the Performance of Women Farmers Group Using CPI and WP Methods Based on WebGIS
2025Ahmad Fadil, Budi Susetyo, Fety Fatimah · e-Jurnal Penyelidikan dan Inovasi · Indonesia (Bogor)
This study analyzed the performance of Women's Farmer Groups (KWT) in Bogor City, Indonesia, by comparing the Weighted Product (WP) and Composite Performance Index (CPI) methods and designing a Geographic Information System (GIS) to map KWT distribution. Using 2022 KWT data, the Mean Square Error (MSE) method was used to compare accuracy. The results showed CPI had an MSE of 0.3, while WP had 0.8, indicating CPI is more accurate. KWT Ciharashas achieved the highest rank (V = 0.0242 for WP and CPI = 66.60).
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicySustainable Practices in Urban Health
2025Richa Joshi, Jagneet Kour, Raino Bhatia · · Global
This chapter will investigate sustainable practices, including green infrastructure like urban forests and community gardens, to improve urban environments and address intertwined challenges. It will examine how green infrastructure enhances air and water quality, creates recreational spaces, and fosters community well-being. The chapter will also explore integrating environmental policies with public health initiatives through sustainable urban planning to create resilient communities with equitable access to green spaces, enhanced public transportation, and clean energy.
HealthCommunityPolicyClimate changeAnalysis of External Factors Affecting the Rumah Anggur Ardo Nursery Business Using PESTEL and Porter's Five Forces
2025Tresia Manalu, Nadya Stefania Hutauruk, Sri Rahayu Sinaga, Riza Indriani · Jurnal Ecoment Global · Indonesia (Medan)
This descriptive qualitative study analyzed external factors affecting the Rumah Anggur Ardo nursery business in Medan, Indonesia, using PESTEL and Porter's Five Forces frameworks. Findings indicate a relatively favorable competitive environment, with urban farming as a hobby presenting a main opportunity. However, significant challenges include high rainfall damaging seedlings and the absence of material support from the government.
Governance failureEconomicsDIYPolicyClimate changeThe Impact of Agricultural Extension Agents on Urban Gardening Practices in Confined Spaces and Focusing on Vegetable Crop Cultivation in Growth Media in Delta State, Nigeria
2025M. Elusaiwe, K. Atusa, Kanya Hilary · Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research · Nigeria
This study investigated the efficiency of agricultural extension agents in promoting urban gardening among 250 respondents in 10 urban areas across two local government areas in Delta State, Nigeria. Findings revealed that most urban farmers, predominantly female civil servants, married women, or widows, were not visited by extension agents, nor were they encouraged to use growth media or form agricultural societies.
Governance failureWelfareCommunityFood educationDIYVIVÊNCIAS E ATIVIDADES DE EDUCAÇÃO EM SAÚDE EM HORTA COMUNITÁRIA: RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA
2025Mateus Andrade Rocha Vitório, Victor Guilherme Pereira da Silva Marques, Rivanna Sousa Moura, Sarah Lays Campos da Silva, Fernanda Raquel Andrade da Silva Dos Santos, Diego Rodrigues de Sousa, Sabrina Amorim Paulo, Michelle Vicente Torres · Revista Multidisciplinar do Nordeste Mineiro · Brazil (Teresina)
This qualitative experience report describes the "Hortiviva" project, conducted from April to December 2024, by residents of the Family Health Residency Program at the State University of Piauí, Brazil. The project involved 15 to 30 family horticulturists in a community garden in northern Teresina, focusing on health education through monthly meetings and active methodologies. Results showed the community garden became a therapeutic space for socialization, income generation, and well-being, strengthening ties between professionals and the community.
CommunityHealthFood educationWelfareQuality of Constructed Technogenic Soils in Urban Gardens Located on a Reclaimed Clay Pit
2025Dariusz Gruszka, Katarzyna Szopka, Cezary Kabała · Land · Poland (Wroclaw)
This study in Wroclaw, Poland, investigated the quality of constructed technogenic soils in urban gardens located on a reclaimed clay pit. Despite beneficial physicochemical properties and high fertility in the topsoil layers, the soils were seriously contaminated with trace elements, including zinc (up to 1700 mg kg−1), lead (920 mg kg−1), copper (740 mg kg−1), cadmium (5.1 mg kg−1), mercury (7.4 mg kg−1), and arsenic (5.1 mg kg−1). This contamination, likely from industrial and urban waste used for mine infilling, compromises soil quality and poses potential health and ecological risks.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCo-Production in Urban Agriculture Programs in the Kosagrha Lestari Farmer Group, Medokan Ayu Village, Surabaya City
2025Fadhlan Firdaus Syafrudin, Susi Hardjati · Journal of Governance and Social Policy · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This study investigated community participation in urban agriculture programs within the Kosagrha Lestari farmer group in Medokan Ayu Village, Surabaya City, Indonesia. Using a descriptive qualitative method with observation, interviews, and documentation, the research found that community participation in the Kosagrha Lestari urban agriculture program has been going well. However, not all residents are involved, particularly concerning food security in Medokan Ayu Village.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEnhancing Post-Disaster Food Security Through Urban Agriculture in the Context of Climate Change
2025Yanxin Liu, Victoria Chanse, Fabricio Chicca · Land · New Zealand (Wellington)
This study evaluated the role of urban agriculture (UA) in enhancing post-disaster food security in Wellington, New Zealand, a region highly prone to earthquakes. It calculated vegetable self-sufficiency by mapping potential productive land, estimating vegetable yields, and assessing post-disaster food demands across multiple scenarios. Potential productive land accounted for 0.3% to 1.5% of the total area, primarily distributed in the eastern part of the city. Results indicate that Wellington's vegetable self-sufficient rates through UA range from 3% to 75%, with higher rates for displaced and vulnerable populations. Realizing this potential will require stronger policy support and integration with urban planning and disaster preparedness.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityEconomicsPenguatan Kelembagaan Kelompok Tani dalam Penerapan Urban Farming-Based Resilient City di Kampung Suryowijayan Yogyakarta
2025Arif Umami, Herdiana Anggrasari, Ni Kadek Ema Sustia Dewi · Jurnal Serambi Abdimas · Indonesia
This service program aimed to strengthen the Surya Makmur Farmer Group in Suryowijayan Village, Yogyakarta, which consists mostly of urban housewives, by increasing their motivation and knowledge of institutional functions. The program, conducted in three stages (preparation, implementation, and evaluation), resulted in an increase in group members' motivation and understanding of institutional roles.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyBimbingan teknis pembuatan bokashi berbasis komba-komba sebagai campuran media tanam budidaya sayuran untuk mewujudkan urban farming
2025Andi Nurmas, ROBIATUL ADAWIYAH, Makmur Jaya Arma, Norma Arif, Sarawa Sarawa, Dirvamena Boer · Jurnal Tarreang Tren Pengabdian Masyarakat Agrokompleks · Indonesia (Kendari City)
This Community Service Program was conducted for the Flamboyan Dasawisma Group in Padaleu Village, Kambu District, Kendari City, Indonesia. The program was implemented through educational outreach on the benefits and application of urban farming, followed by hands-on mentoring in establishing an urban farming garden. Participants showed a positive response to the program and demonstrated high enthusiasm for cultivating vegetables using the urban farming system.
CommunityCompostFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationResilience in Food Systems – Response and Adaptation to Shocks and Disruptions: The Case of the Phillipi Horticultural Area in Cape Town, South Africa
2025A. Bayat, H. Govera · Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir landbouvoorligting/South African journal of agricultural extension · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study descriptively investigated the vulnerability to shocks and pressures of the Philippi Horticultural Area (PHA), a key urban food-producing region in Cape Town, South Africa. Data were collected through surveys with stakeholders from government, the private sector, NGOs, private individuals, and informal settlers. Key findings revealed insufficient governance commitment, a lack of multi-stakeholder collaboration, and the growing threat of urban development on agricultural land.
Governance failurePeri-urban agriculturePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkage