Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
1626 results(39 / 66)
Applying the food-energy-water nexus approach to urban agriculture: From FEW to FEWP (Food-Energy-Water-People)
2020Silvio Caputo, Victoria Schoen, Kathrin Specht, Baptiste Grard, Chris Blythe, Nevin Cohen, Runrid Fox-Kämper, Jason K. Hawes, Joshua Newell, Lidia Poniży · Urban forestry & urban greening · Global
This paper proposed a new conceptual basis and assessment methodology for an Urban Agriculture Nexus, explicitly including "People" as a fundamental factor alongside Food, Energy, and Water, customized for urban agriculture's characteristics. The methodology measures resource efficiency, food production, motivations, and health benefits, combining methods like diaries of everyday practices, a database of activities, life cycle assessment, and material flow analysis to connect garden-scale investigations to the city scale.
CommunityHealthClimate changePolicyENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH EFFECTIVE ROOFTOP FARMING IN AN URBAN AREA
2020Udhayabanu.D, Sharmilabanu.D · Studies in Indian Place Names · India
This study investigates rooftop farming in an urban area in India, focusing on the growth ratios of two plants cultivated using different substrate ratios, including garden soil and kitchen waste compost. Measurements included stem height, leaf height, girth, root height, and total growth time. The study suggests that rooftop cultivation contributes to environmental sustainability by increasing green cover, reducing carbon levels, and decreasing household organic kitchen waste.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleClimate changeThe Effect of Irrigation Treatment on the Growth of Lavender Species in an Extensive Green Roof System
2020A.T. Paraskevopoulou, Panagiotis Tsarouchas, Paraskevi A. Londra, A. Kamoutsis · Water · Global
This study investigated the effect of irrigation amount on the growth of four lavender species (Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula dentata var. candicans, Lavandula dentata var. dentata, and Lavandula stoechas) in an extensive green roof system. Two irrigation treatments (high and low), determined by substrate hydraulic properties, were applied, and plant growth was measured. The results consistently showed that low irrigation reduced plant growth. However, with the exception of L. stoechas, the appearance of plants under low irrigation was satisfactory, supporting their use with reduced water.
Limited or null effectDIYClimate changeEdible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles
2020Tiare Saracino, Lynn Barber, Esen Momol, Tina McIntyre, Tom Wichman, Gail Hansen, Jen Marvin, Terra Freeman, Joseph Sewards, Wendy Wilber, Jacqlyn Rivas · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · United States (Florida)
The objective of this publication is to address the important concern of maintaining edible landscapes in a way that protects the environment for Florida's water quality. It introduces the framework of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and applies these principles to guide decisions about Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the care of edible landscapes.
DIYOrganic cycleClimate changeGreen Roofs in Uppsala : Potential food yield and thermal insulating effects of a green roof on a building
2020Sagnik Sinha Roy · · Sweden (Uppsala)
This paper states that urban agriculture (UA) can be a sustainable solution to the severe vulnerabilities climate change has caused for the global food production system.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageMayol Pascal, Gangneron Etienne, 2019, L’agriculture urbaine : un outil déterminant pour les villes durables
2020Pierre Donadieu · Territoire en mouvement · France
This paper presents an opinion from the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), positioning urban agriculture as a decisive tool for sustainable cities. During the 2010s, six major publications on urban agriculture sought to identify this economic and social phenomenon, which has been emerging or returning in France and globally for at least 20 years. There is abundant literature in this field, with three collective works in French initiating these publications.
PolicyCommunityClimate changeA dimensão socioambiental do ensino de ciências na horta escolar
2020José Silveira Filho, Marcelo Rodrigues Tenório · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil
This qualitative research, based on Paulo Freire's dialogical pedagogy, aimed to develop environmental education awareness in elementary school students through organic agriculture and sustainable cultivation techniques in a school garden. Semi-structured interviews with students revealed that activities in the school garden contributed to modifying their habits and attitudes towards nature. The study found that the school garden fostered a sense of solidarity, group work, and the development of citizens capable of addressing social and environmental problems.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeLas organizaciones de usuarios de agua en la construcción de la escasez hídrica. De las acciones geolegales a una territorialización securitaria del agua
2020Chloé Nicolas-Artero · Revista INVI · Chile
This article analyzes the role of water user organizations in the construction of water scarcity within the Chilean ideological and legal water context. The existence of urban gardens in the north of the country is notable in this context, which is oriented towards water use efficiency.
Governance failurePolicyClimate changeEconomicsCo-Creating Value in Sustainable and Alternative Food Networks: The Case of Community Supported Agriculture in New Zealand
2020Mariarosaria Savarese, Kerry Chamberlain, Guendalina Graffigna · Sustainability · New Zealand
This qualitative study explored how Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in New Zealand create value for sustainability practices from both farmer and consumer perspectives. The research, conducted using focused ethnography, found that CSA is a complex concept involving active consumer participation in economic, social, and environmental values. These interconnected values foster an ecosystem where sustainable food practices are promoted through a "learning by doing" process.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceRooftop Farm Soils for Sustainable Water and Nitrogen Management
2020Yoshiki HARADA, Thomas H. Whitlow, Nina Bassuk, Jonathan Russell‐Anelli · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · United States (New York City)
This study compared various soil mixes for rooftop farms to assess stormwater retention, yield, and quality of drought-sensitive crops. A 5-week greenhouse experiment cultivated leaf lettuce using an irrigation rate mimicking average growing season precipitation for New York City, comparing five soil mixes made of coconut coir, biochar, and animal manure compost, plus a commercial rooftop farm soil. Three soil mixes showed good yield with water retention rates up to 100%, and drainage nitrogen output levels were less than 13% of current levels at an operational rooftop farm in NYC.
CompostClimate changeOrganic cyclePOTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF RICE FISH CULTIVATION AS AN EFFORT TO INCREASE FARMERS INCOME AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
2020Luh Putu Kirana Pratiwi, Nyoman Yudiarini · Scientific Research Journal · Indonesia (Denpasar)
In Denpasar City, the subak institution is threatened by urban agricultural land degradation, prompting the city to plan a Subak Lestari Zone for sustainable food agriculture. This study analyzed the impact of developing rice-fish cultivation on farmers' income and identified strategies for sustainable urban rice-fish farming. Using quantitative feasibility analysis and qualitative SWOT analysis, the results showed that rice-fish farming had higher feasibility than traditional rice farming, yielding a net income of IDR 7,165,250 (a 35.29% increase) and an R/C ratio of 2.97.
EconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageClimate changeApplying Rice Husk Biochar for Carbon Sequestration in Building-Integrated Agriculture for Sustainable Urban Agriculture
2020· Materials International · Global
A study assessed carbon storage in rooftop farming using rice husk biochar (RHB) as a soil amendment. Seven soil supplementation treatments were assayed, including 20 wt.% organic fertilizer (worm casting), RHB (1.5, 2.0, or 2.5 wt.%), and combinations of worm casting with RHB, plus a non-supplemented control. The highest amount of carbon in biomass and soil was observed when using soil supplemented with worm casting plus 2.5 wt.% RHB, which positively impacted carbon sequestration in rooftop agricultural soils and urban food security.
Climate changeOrganic cycleDIYRooftop Gardening as A Need for Sustainable Urban Farming: A case of Kathmandu, Nepal
2020Sandesh Thapa, Anjal Nainabasti, Sashila Acharya, Neha Rai, Rakshya Bhandari · International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology · Nepal (Kathmandu)
A key informant survey of 52 respondents was conducted in Kathmandu, Nepal, to assess the current status of rooftop gardening. All respondents expressed positive views on rooftop gardening, with rooftop farms covering 5-13% of the area. Significant monetary soft benefits were identified for food production, air quality, stormwater retention, and carbon sequestration. However, traditional methods using plastic bags, pots, and styrofoam were employed for garden maintenance. Constraints were recorded regarding rooftop farming establishment and continuation, indicating a need for proper training for efficient management.
Limited or null effectDIYFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunitySOSIALISASI URBAN FARMING PETANI PERKOTAAN DI KELURAHAN TAFURE TERNATE DENGAN POLA TANAM MIXED FARMING SAAT PANDEMI DAN NEW NORMAL
2020Rima Melati, Suratman Sudjud, Sarni Sarni · Jurnal Pengamas · Indonesia
This study addressed food security issues in Ternate City, Indonesia, during the Covid-19 pandemic by socializing urban farming with a mixed farming pattern. The socialization involved observation, discussions, and providing horticultural seeds to participating farmers. As a result, participating farmers understood urban farming with mixed farming, with 80% clearing vacant land and 70% planting vegetables from the provided seeds. Farmers still require further guidance on diverse crop maintenance.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationClimate changeGrowing Resilient Cities
2020Andreas Wesener · transcript Verlag eBooks · New Zealand (Christchurch)
This study explores the role and value of urban community gardens following a major crisis: the 2010/11 earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand. Urban community gardens are broadly defined as shared open green spaces for mainly horticultural uses that are managed by local communities.
CommunityClimate changeHealthSocial and Ecological High Influential Factors in Community Gardens Innovation: An Empirical Survey in Italy
2020Vincenzo Rusciano, Gennaro Civero, Debora Scarpato · Sustainability · Italy (Naples)
An empirical analysis based on structured interviews was conducted in the Naples area of Italy with a sample of 150 gardeners to investigate the link between community gardens and social ecological innovation. Variance and correlation analysis explored the extent to which social and environmental dimensions are linked to community gardens. Two attributes of community gardens, namely urbanization effects mitigation and wellness and community, were identified as having the ability to influence other community garden attributes.
CommunityClimate changeEconomicsPolicyLos techos verdes como innovación para la sustentabilidad en vivienda, ciudad y territorio
2020Beatriz Giobellina · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Global
This chapter explores the concept of green roofs as an innovation for sustainability in housing, cities, and territories, particularly in the context of global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. It suggests revisiting ideas linking environment, development, urban agriculture, and self-sufficiency gardens to address climate change, food security, and health. This chapter is part of the book "Green Infrastructures: from territory to habitable roof."
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityHealthRooftop Urban Agriculture Model with Two Tomato Varieties (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill) and Toppings in the High Jungle – Peru
2020J. M. Alomia-Lucero, Jorge Castro-Bedriñana, Doris Chirinos-Peinado · Advances in Science Technology and Engineering Systems Journal · Peru
This study designed and evaluated an agroecological system for a rooftop agricultural model in the high jungle of Peru, associating tomato plants (Rio Grande and Cherry varieties) with vegetable covers. The system demonstrated benefits for family food safety through pesticide-free tomatoes and created a plant barrier on roofs to reduce solar radiation. A new medium-sized tomato variety, suitable for the organic market, was also obtained through natural crossbreeding.
DIYHealthBiodiversityClimate change« Arriver à conjuguer transition écologique et cohésion est un réel défi à l’échelle de la région bruxelloise »
2020Pierre Jassogne · · Belgium
SAULE (Urban Agriculture Housing Ecosystem Symbiosis) was a co-creation project conducted in Brussels, Belgium, from 2017 to 2020, involving citizens, urban agriculture professionals, researchers, social information specialists, and urban planners. Focused on the Ferme du Chant des Cailles urban agriculture site and the Archiducs – Logis-Floreal neighborhood, the project was initiated due to construction threats to the site. The research aimed to reflect on the challenge of combining ecological transition and social cohesion at the Brussels regional level.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyClimate changeThe Attitudes of Local Authorities and Civil Actors to Sofia’s Green Urban Development Through Urban Agriculture
2020Dona Pickard · Sociological Problems Journal · Bulgaria (Sofia)
This article analyzes the attitudes toward urban agriculture as an instrument for sustainable urban policies among local authorities, practitioners, and civil groups in Sofia, Bulgaria. Based on data from the research project "Urban agriculture as a strategy for improving the quality of life of urban communities" (2016–2020), the analysis reveals existing deficits in communication and information exchange between these actors. Factors for these deficits and ways to overcome them are also outlined.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityClimate changeEmerging Global Trends in Urban Agriculture Research: A Scientometric Analysis of Peer-reviewed Journals
2020Anita Pinheiro, Madhav Govind · Journal of Scientometric Research · Global
This scientometric analysis explored global research trends in urban agriculture from 2004-2018 using articles from the SCOPUS database. Research attention significantly increased from 2013, predominantly in the Global North, focusing on food security, sustainability, and community gardening within Social Sciences. The study found very little research in urban agriculture policy and governance.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityPolicyThe Value in Community Gardens: A Return on Investment Analysis
2020Susie Cochran, Leia Minaker · Canadian Food Studies / La Revue canadienne des études sur l alimentation · Canada (Ontario)
This paper reviews literature on community gardens, identifying gaps in translating their qualitative outcomes into monetary terms for municipal decision-makers. It describes a pilot return on investment assessment of a community garden in Ontario, Canada. Despite substantial data constraints, the limited available data suggest that community gardens could be an ROI-positive government investment.
CommunityEconomicsClimate changeRethinking Urban and Food Policies to Improve Citizens Safety After COVID-19 Pandemic
2020Andrea Galimberti, Hellas Cena, Luca Campone, Emanuele Ferri, Mario Dell’Agli, Enrico Sangiovanni, Michael Belingheri, M Riva, Maurizio Casiraghi, Massimo Labra · Frontiers in Nutrition · Global
This paper provides an integrative overview of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for a systemic approach that considers the connection between infection, environment, and human behaviors, including diet and urban management. A faculty group of experts identified two main aspects: human health depends on sustainable natural resource exploitation in populated areas, and cities have a strategic role in developing sustainable food systems. Priority issues include enhancing urban and peri-urban agriculture, supporting smallholder producers, and maintaining ecosystem services and local biodiversity to improve food safety and security.
PolicyHealthClimate changeFood Supply and Urban Gardening in the Time of Covid-19
2020Silvana Nicola, A. Ferrante, Giacomo Cocetta, Roberta Bulgari, Carlo Nicoletto, Paolo Sambo, Andrea Ertani · Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca Horticulture · Global
The Covid-19 pandemic revealed the vulnerability of the agrifood system, with lockdowns disrupting long-distance fresh vegetable supply chains and causing dramatic declines in local market sales. While purchases concentrated in supermarkets, increasing crowding risks, gardening can increase opportunities for local and fresh food availability. Scaling up local food production is important to enhance community resilience.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityHealthClimate changePotential of Agroforestry and Environmental Greening for Climate Change Minimization
2020Angela Oyilieze Akanwa, H. C. Mba, E. B. Ogbuene, M. U. Nwachukwu, Charles C. Anukwonke · Apple Academic Press eBooks · Global
This chapter explores the potential of intensive agroforestry and environmental greening as measures to minimize climate change. It details agroforestry components such as urban agriculture, all-season farming, and forest conservation, alongside legislative actions against tree felling. Environmental greening measures include land surface greening, landscaping, gardening, and horticulture, with legislative efforts to minimize land exposure. These practices are presented as efficient ways to reduce greenhouse gas effects on the ozone layer and balance the earth's heat budget.
Climate changePolicyUrban–rural linkageBiodiversity