Research & reports

Karolin Andersson · Gender Place & Culture · Rwanda (Kigali)

This qualitative study in Kigali, Rwanda, examined the socially differentiated implications for urban farmers of reorganizing urban cultivated marshlands. The study found that marshland reorganization and closure reproduce farmers’ vulnerabilities, shaped by gender, age, health/ability, and education. It demonstrated a largely exclusionary pattern in the city’s urban greening agenda, contradicting authorities' stated ambitions.

Styo Budi Utomo, Dean, Syifa, Nurul · Jurnal ABDIMAS Tri Dharma Manajemen · Indonesia

This research aimed to formulate an effective strategy for building the economic independence of the community in Pamulang Timur Village, Indonesia. A participatory method and SWOT analysis were used to identify local potential, problems, and solutions. The results showed that Pamulang Timur Village has several economic potentials, including the trade sector, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and urban agriculture.

Thi Tuyet To, Thi Ngoc Anh Tran · Advances in Modern Agriculture · Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City)

This review paper discussed leveraging and combining resources for sustainable urban agriculture development in major Vietnamese cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City. It synthesized, analyzed, and evaluated the individual effects and collaborative interactions of diverse resources with urban development, presenting the main benefits and challenges in optimizing resource utilization. Strategies for establishing a sustainable, adaptable, and efficient urban agricultural system were also suggested.

Novi Mayasari, Indra Firmansyah, Muhammad Rifqi Ismiraj, Asri Wulansari · Farmers Journal of Community Services · Indonesia (Jatinangor)

This activity aimed to increase awareness of food security through the implementation of urban farming among 4th-grade students at Mekarsari State Elementary School in Jatinangor, Indonesia. It was conducted in three stages: education, hydroponic urban farming practice, and game-based evaluation. The results showed improved student understanding of food security and urban farming concepts, successful hydroponic practice, and 100% student satisfaction.

Dustin Fry, Jalayna Antoine, Kylan Simpson, Ava-Clare Steed, Charles C. Branas, Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Kristin Mmari, Michelle C. Kondo · Environmental Research · Global

A systematic review of 98 longitudinal studies, selected from 18,831 citations, examined the effects of place-based greening interventions on human health. The studies varied widely in quality, with few randomized designs and many failing to address confounding adequately. Findings suggest community-engaged park projects improved physical activity, vacant lot greening reduced violent crime, but school garden projects inconsistently improved diet, and new trails did not appear to improve physical activity.

Han-Na Chu, Young-Bin Jung, Y. Barry Chung, Seung-Won Han, Jae-Soon Kim · Korean Journal of Human Ecology · South Korea

This study surveyed 396 elementary school teachers and administrative staff in South Korea to assess the status and needs for eco-cycle school farm content. Among 323 teachers, 41.2% operated gardens, with "lack of space" (50.5%) being the main reason for non-operation. Teachers desired more diverse garden forms and higher budgets (KRW 600,000-1,000,000), and showed high demand for education on energy conservation and resource circulation.

Dennis Raphael · Policy Press eBooks · Global

This chapter documents the growth of charitable non-governmental responses to food insecurity in Canada and the UK, including food banks and community gardens. It argues that these responses are problematic because they fail to address the economic and political causes of food insecurity. Further failures include the stigma experienced by food bank users and the false belief that food insecurity is being resolved.

Sara Sama Acedo, David Berná Serna, Patricia Homs Ramírez de la Piscina · Scientific Repository of Open Access of Portugal (RCAAP) · Spain (Madrid)

A study analyzed the challenge faced by community urban gardens in Madrid, Spain, in remaining transformative spaces amidst an ecossocial crisis. These gardens are initiatives situated between community and public institutional management, with their expansion and institutionalization involving practices and relationships among diverse agents. The study points out the difficulty for these gardens to maintain their transformative role—updating community ties, reciprocity, and mutual care, and reformulating relationships with "nature" in the city and food supply—without being absorbed by market logics or marginalized into welfare or community volunteering spaces.

Kadarso, Fahmi Atha Kanaka, Untoro Hariadi, Rini Anggraeni, Putri Perdana · Jurnal Pertanian Agros · Indonesia

This study, involving 88 farmers from Yogyakarta City, investigated the role and priority activities of agricultural extension workers using quantitative and qualitative methods. While farmers perceived success in social and technical roles, the study found that responsiveness and anticipation are critical aspects requiring strengthening to address the dynamics of urban agriculture.

Naomi Shimpo, Sakura Yamada · Toshi keikaku hokokushu/Toshi keikaku houkokushuu · Japan (Tokyo)

This paper reports on the establishment of "Harajuku Harappa Farm," a community garden initiated by local residents on approximately 1,500m² of unused national land in central Tokyo. The project overcame barriers to national land use through multi-stakeholder collaboration, featuring experimental, shared, and educational plots with an emphasis on composting and local resource circulation. This case suggests the potential for temporary use of public land for environmental education, community building, and circular resource management in urban areas from an urban planning perspective.

Sirlei Rodrigues do Nascimento, Oduvaldo Vendrametto, Luiz Lima, Luigi Pavarini de Lima · Seven Editora eBooks · Brazil (São Paulo)

This exploratory action-research study adopted a methodology to assess the feasibility of implementing modular school gardens in Ribeirão Pires, SP, Brazil, involving the active participation of students, teachers, and the local community. Feedback from thirteen participating students indicated an increase in knowledge about sustainable practices and cultivation techniques. The results suggest that modular gardens facilitate practical knowledge about food production and demonstrate potential for replication in other educational contexts, emphasizing the importance of integrating them as a pedagogical strategy.

Anuradha S. Bodhe, Sandip N. Ajmire · International Journal Of Recent Advances in Engineering & Technology · Global

This paper investigates the impact of green infrastructure on community health, focusing on the benefits derived from urban nature. As urbanization intensifies, the integration of green spaces such as parks, greenways, and community gardens has become increasingly important for promoting public health. This study examines how these natural environments contribute to physical health by encouraging active lifestyles, improving air quality, and reducing heat-related illnesses. Additionally, the mental health benefits of green infrastructure are explored through its role in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Brandi Stein, Megan Knapp, Elisa Muñoz, Donald Rose · Nutrients · United States (New Orleans)

This case study examines the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the New Orleans food system and the community's and local government's responses to strengthen its resiliency. Using a participant-observer approach, including a 2020 online survey of 56 local food organizations, the study identified key themes and efforts. These efforts included the "Greaux the Good" campaign for increased food assistance, policy changes for food vendor permitting, and the establishment of City Food Specialist and Urban Agriculture Liaison positions within local government. Additionally, innovative grassroots citizens' programs positively impacted food access.

Farida Arinie Soelistianto · West Science Nature and Technology · Indonesia

This study investigated biodiversity-based land management strategies as a sustainable solution for urban food security challenges in Indonesia, using a qualitative approach and the Penta Helix model. Data from five informants representing academia, government, private sector, community, and media were analyzed. Findings highlighted the significant contributions of each stakeholder in promoting biodiversity, but also noted persistent challenges such as resource constraints, policy fragmentation, and cultural resistance. The study concluded that biodiversity-based strategies, supported by collaborative governance, are essential for achieving sustainable and food-secure urban environments in Indonesia.

Sitong Liu, Meili Feng, Linjun Xie, Faith Ka Shun Chan · Nature-Based Solutions · China

This study systematically reviewed 464 global publications, including 85 focused on China, to address gaps in understanding urban green infrastructure (UGI) for carbon neutrality. It categorized UGI's carbon mitigation mechanisms and aligned them with quantification methods across carbon sequestration, thermal regulation, and urban agriculture, highlighting strengths and limitations. The research identified critical factors influencing mitigation outcomes, assessed methodological trade-offs, and explored UGI-related carbon initiatives in China, offering policy recommendations.

Yulia Andriani, Kausar, Raihani Haura Versha · JURNAL KOMUNIKATIO · Indonesia (Pekanbaru City)

This survey research in Pekanbaru City, Indonesia, identified characteristics of women farmers and their use of communication media and information sources in urban farming. Activeness in groups was a general characteristic. The use of communication media and information sources by women farmers was rated "very good" with a score of 4.39, with the highest score for communication media.

· Corporate Philanthropy Report · United States (Delaware and Maryland)

Delmarva Power and the Delaware Nature Society awarded $40,000 in grants in 2024 through their Sustainable Community Grants program in Delaware and Maryland. These grants support projects in reforestation, sustainable transportation, affordable housing, and composting. Over the past four years, the program has provided more than $235,000 in total funding.

Sudan Prasad Uprety, Tobin Hindle · Himalayan Biodiversity · Nepal

A study of 245 respondents from Chitwan, Dhading, and Rasuwa districts in Nepal identified major drivers of food system changes. These drivers included a lack of agricultural labor, insufficient government support, crop damage by wildlife, land abandonment, and shifts in occupation. Additionally, increased outmigration from rural to urban areas, climate change, and improved access to markets and processed foods were noted as significant factors influencing food systems in these districts.

Leialoha Ka’ula (22407355), Nicole lee Kamakahiolani Ellison (22407358), Constance James (22407361), Ashley Oshiro (22407364), Kacyn Ideue (22407367), Kahoku Ka’ula (22407370), Alexandra Malia Jackson (12343792) · Figshare · United States

To explore the potential benefits of "māla kalo" (community gardens growing taro) in a continental US community, a survey and interviews were conducted with 12 participants and 5 program leaders, aged 18 to 75 years, at the end of the 2023 growing season. Findings indicated high levels of satisfaction and an interest in more frequent participation. Qualitative data suggested that volunteering at the māla kalo may support connections to self, community, and land, facilitate learning and sharing of knowledge, and foster cultural connections.

La Ode Muhammad Noval Alfrizi La Ode, Djusdil Akrim, Luisa Ángela, Jilan Tsamara, Ronatio Napitupulu, Chatarina T.P, Muhammad Aufa · JEBE Journal of Environment Behavior and Engineering · Indonesia (Makassar)

The Integrated Urban Farming System (IUFS) in Makassar City, Indonesia, utilizes mosque ablution water and community land for vertical farming and aquaponics. This system is estimated to produce up to 1 quintal of vegetables and 50 kg of catfish per cycle while saving approximately 15% of water. The project aims to strengthen local food security and promote Makassar's image as an ecological city through academic-community partnerships and micro-financing.

Juan Camilo Fontalvo-Buelvas, María Teresa Pulido Silva, Miguel Ángel Escalona Aguilar · Ediciones Comunicación Científica eBooks · Mexico (Xalapa-Enríquez, Veracruz)

This ethnographic study in Xalapa-Enríquez, Veracruz, Mexico, examined the flow of knowledge and the formation of learning communities around 20 urban gardens using in-depth interviews. Findings indicate that knowledge originates from multiple sources, is hybridized through practice, and then mobilized among social actors who provide feedback and re-signify it within learning and practice communities. This process fosters citizen networks and collective action in a medium-sized city.

Natania Nysa Pertiwi, Nany Yuliastuti · Ruang · Indonesia

This quantitative study assessed the performance of agrotourism activities in Kampung Jambu Kristal, Semarang City, Indonesia, using questionnaires, field observations, and document analysis from 33 agrotourism managers. While overall performance was rated "fairly good" (total score 1616), infrastructure (score 1.74) and community economic benefits (score 1.98) were found to be in the "poor" category. Improvements are needed in physical aspects and economic benefits to enhance sustainability and community welfare.

Beata Sirowy · · Global

This chapter discusses and attempts to operationalize the concept of human well-being in cities based on the Aristotelian view of human flourishing and Martha Nussbaum’s capability approach in the context of public space. This operationalization maps the central dimensions of eudaimonic well-being using Nussbaum's ten human capabilities and extends the consideration to virtues, which are largely absent in capability scholarship. The research argues for a clearer distinction between eudaimonic and hedonic well-being in urban research.

Jairo Guzman-Molina, Ramoudane Orou Sannou, Serena Caucci · Journal of Urban Management · Global

This review explores the socioecological drivers and challenges of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture (UPA) using multiple framework assessments: sustainability, resilience, cultural ecosystem services, and Nexus, following PRISMA guidelines. Global case studies demonstrated practical UPA applications, and a SWOT analysis categorized indicators from the four frameworks. Findings underscored the vital role of advanced technology, knowledge sharing, and resource management in UPA's performance, and that UPA enhances education, urban aesthetics, and health. Challenges included a lack of materials, disempowerment, inadequate institutional support, and resource mismanagement leading to food contamination in cases like Kampala.

Charlotte Liborio-Cornet, Hugo de Vergès · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Global

This paper conducted a literature review on the impact of urban agriculture on biodiversity in urban landscapes. Focusing on three key taxa—birds, flora, and arthropods—it indicated that larger plots, greater plant diversity, and habitat heterogeneity generally promote biodiversity across taxa. The review identified significant biases in the literature, with a predominance of studies in North America and Europe focusing on non-professional urban agricultural forms, particularly community gardens, while professional urban farms remain under-researched.