Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
3241 results(39 / 130)
Which urban agriculture conditions enable or constrain sustainable food production?
2023Seongeun Lee, Seongmin Shin, Hansol Lee, Mi Sun Park · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Global
A systematic review of urban agriculture (UA) case studies identified conditions enabling and constraining UA development across different country income groups. For high-income countries, a lack of farmers' knowledge and urban development are significant challenges to UA implementation. Common requirements for all income levels include motivation, labor, policy, social capital, and arable land.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsCommunityUrban Agriculture Impacts on the Environment of Awka, Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria
2023Odera Chukwumaijem Okafor, Pamela Ogochukwu Mgbenwelu · Trends in Agricultural Sciences · Nigeria
This study investigated the impacts of urban agriculture on the environment of Awka, Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria, using a multi-stage sampling process and analyzing data with descriptive statistics and Spearman's Correlation Coefficient. Findings showed that urban agriculture significantly contributes to the well-being of some city residents by providing revenue, employment, food security, and poverty reduction. The study concluded that urban agriculture should be viewed as a lucrative commercial activity.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeWelfareEconomicsThe Impact of Indonesia Green Economy in Masterplan for Future Urban Farming Indonesia
2023Agnes Naipospos, Raia Azzura · Journal of Sustainable Development and Regulatory Issues (JSDERI) · Indonesia
Indonesia faces a reduction in vegetable supply due to rapid urban development, and urban farming can be a solution to meet food needs, reduce household expenses, and increase farmer income. Using a normative juridical approach, this study indicates that Indonesia needs an urban farming program, but its current implementation is not optimal. Therefore, the Indonesia Masterplan for Future Urban Farming (IM-for-FUF) is introduced as an innovation expected to better support the implementation of the green economy.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceUrban gardening as a risk-reduction strategy – an intersectional analysis of top-down gardening initiatives
2023Emelie Larsson, Katarina Giritli Nygren · Journal of Risk Research · Global
This study analyzed strategy documents and municipal website information to examine how municipalities frame urban gardening as a risk-reduction strategy, using critical discourse analysis. It identified two discourses: an eco(no)logical risk discourse addressing ecological risks within a capitalist market logic, and a social risk discourse focusing on gardening for work training. The findings reveal that top-down urban garden initiatives highlight contemporary inequalities in urban spaces.
Equity & displacementPolicyCommunityEconomicsWelfareDesign of a greenhouse for peri-urban horticulture in Algeria
2023WUR GTB Gewasgezondheid Bodem en Water, C. van der Salm, WUR GTB Tuinbouw Technologie, David Katzin, E. van Os, M.G.M. Raaphorst · · Algeria
In this study, a greenhouse was designed for optimal production in the coastal area near Algiers. Data showed two main options for optimal production of tomatoes and similar products: winter production in a heated greenhouse or summer production with air-conditioning and CO2 injection. Estimated production is fairly similar for both seasons, but summer production costs are 30% higher. While investment costs for the summer production scenario are higher, running costs are lower due to less additional water and energy needed in summer.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsCooking up changes: the act of cooking as a tool for facing the challenges of the Anthropocene
2023Gabriela Rigote, Alessandra Xavier Bueno, Marco Akerman · Saúde e Sociedade · Brazil (São Paulo)
This study analyzed the everyday elements of cooking and its relationship with the food system, based on the experiences of seven female urban farmers in eastern São Paulo, Brazil. Using body-map storytelling, visual and oral data were collected on the meanings of cooking. The findings indicate that cooking connects the field to the table, strengthens urban and peri-urban farming practices, and promotes health and sustainability.
CommunityHealthEconomicsPolicyBuenos Aires
2023Camilo Espitia · · Argentina (Buenos Aires)
After the 2001 national economic crisis, Buenos Aires, Argentina, faced increased food insecurity due to higher local product prices and difficulties for low-income families. This chapter describes the city's urban development and food security challenges, discussing urban agriculture as a mitigation strategy implemented by Buenos Aires to reduce dependency on national food production. The city uses zoning and land use ordinances, with community engagement, to bring food closer to people.
Food sovereignty & justicePolicyCommunityEconomicsThe entrepreneurial ecosystem and the performance of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Amhara region, Ethiopia: the political–legal perspective
2023Mulugeta Chane Wube, Heena Atwal · Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship · Ethiopia
This study, conducted in the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia, examined the integrated effect of the entrepreneurial ecosystem's political-legal subsystem on the performance of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and the mediating role of entrepreneurial competence. A sample of 499 MSE operators engaged in manufacturing, construction, and urban agriculture was selected. While the political-legal aspects significantly impacted both entrepreneurial competency and MSE performance, the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and MSE performance was found to be insignificant. The mediating role of entrepreneurial competency in the relationships between policy and business performance and other business environments and business performance was also shown to be insignificant.
Limited or null effectPolicyEconomicsFood challenges, technological changes and food geopolitics
2023Georges Flexor · Revista de Economia e Sociologia Rural · Global
This article explored various technological paths that can emerge in response to rising food prices and the need to preserve land. Based on a diagram analysis of the economic model of technological change, it indicated through specialized literature that the hypotheses derived from the model already exist. It also investigated the potential geopolitical effects of these technological shifts on the global agri-food industry, stating that changes aimed at conserving land must encourage urban food production.
Urban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyChallenges and potential solutions in developing community supported agriculture: a literature review
2023Catharina Any Sulistyowati, Suraya Afiff, Muhammad Baiquni, Mia Siscawati · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Global
A literature study conducted from October 2021 to June 2022 identified challenges in the development of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Farmers face expenses for sustainable practices and labor shortages, while CSA members encounter issues with time commitment, cost, and adapting food consumption habits. Organizational challenges include member recruitment and retention, competition, and CSA sustainability.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityPolicyPEOPLE’S REASONS NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY GARDENS IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA
2023Sinan Kordon, Patrick Miller · ArtGRID - Journal of Architecture Engineering and Fine Arts · United States (Roanoke)
A survey in five disadvantaged neighborhoods of Roanoke, Virginia, identified primary reasons for non-participation in community gardening. Using descriptive statistics, T-test, and factor analysis, the study found that "theft and damage," "difficult access," "too much effort," and "no personal interest" were the main deterrents. These findings highlight specific barriers to public involvement in community garden projects.
Limited or null effectCommunityPolicyEconomicsHealthImplementasi metode rebranding pada produk hasil urban farming masyarakat lokal di masa pandemi
2023Rizqa Amelia Zunaidi, Dominggo Bayu Baskara, Rahaditya Dimas Prihardianto · BEMAS Jurnal Bermasyarakat · Indonesia (Wonokusumo)
This activity implemented rebranding methods for urban farming products in RW 6 Bulaksari, Wonokusumo Village, Indonesia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main issue identified was simple and unattractive product packaging, limiting sales to the local area. Rebranding efforts, such as changing packaging for "Keripik Pisang Bu Ida" to paper craft with a new brand "PIKSANG" and updating "Es Pisang Ijo Mbak Nina" packaging to oxo-biodegradable with a new logo, increased consumer interest in purchasing these products.
CommunityEconomicsA agricultura urbana e periurbana como alternativa na promoção da segurança alimentar e nutricional para comunidades vulneráveis no município de Itapissuma/PE
2023Ianna Louise Araújo Chagas, Nathália Sá Alencar do Amaral Marques, Josimar Gurgel Fernandes · Pesquisa Agropecuária Pernambucana · Brazil (Itapissuma)
This study analyzed the development of Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (UPA) and its correlation with food and nutritional security in Itapissuma/PE, Brazil. Using satellite imagery, cartographic bases, geoprocessing software, and semi-structured interviews, the research identified UPA units and collected socioeconomic data. The findings revealed that Itapissuma's UPA receives frequent technical assistance, enabling its development and diversification, and ensuring that the interviewed community does not experience food insecurity.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfarePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsDevelopment of Urban Farming as a Strategy to Support Food Security
2023Diana Hertati · MIMBAR Jurnal Sosial dan Pembangunan · Indonesia
This study investigated the development of urban farming as a strategy to support food security in Indonesia using descriptive and qualitative methods. While the community understands urban farming (P2L), inhibiting factors include perpetrators' lack of technical understanding, insufficient capital, and extreme weather. Local government strongly supports food security policies through urban farming.
Economic viabilityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyCommunityEconomicsDIAGNÓSTICO E ANÁLISE DAS POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS DE FOMENTO À AGRICULTURA URBANA E À PRODUÇÃO AGROECOLÓGICA E ORGÂNICA EM BELO HORIZONTE E REGIÃO METROPOLITANA
2023Alexandre Túlio Amaral Nascimento, Tais Silva Lomba, Elvira Peruhype de Aguilar, Ana Flávia Ribeiro Evangelista, Henrique Lua Santos Ferreira · REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE AGROECOLOGIA · Brazil (Belo Horizonte)
This study investigated how agroecological urban agriculture production in Belo Horizonte and its metropolitan region utilizes available legal instruments and public policies. The research involved a literature review, identification and contact with local institutions, and an electronic questionnaire that received 34 responses. Findings highlighted the vitality of associations, the importance of national policies (PNAE, PRONAF) and territorial strategies (SPG, CSA), and the relevance of local instruments like Trilha da Agroecologia and Rede Sisal.
PolicyCommunityCSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsAddressing US Food Deserts: Evaluating Current Solutions and Proposing Other Comprehensive Alternatives
2023Seohyun Kim, Carlos Almeida Peña · Journal of Student Research · United States
This study critically evaluated existing initiatives like SNAP, HFFI, and urban agriculture for addressing food deserts in the United States, which affect approximately 19 million individuals. Through a literature review and interviews, the research found that these programs, while offering some positive impact on food insecurity, largely fail to directly address the fundamental issue of distance and systemic accessibility to supermarkets. The study proposes enhancing public transit and online delivery platforms as comprehensive solutions.
Limited or null effectHealthEconomicsPolicyEDUWISATA AKUAPONIK DI SURAKARTA DENGAN PENDEKATAN ARSITEKTUR BIOKLIMATIK
2023Rendra Adi Sasongko, Eny Krisnawati, Abito Bamban Yuuono · Journal of Architecture Cultural and Tourism Studies · Indonesia (Surakarta)
This study in Surakarta, Indonesia, addressed the problem of decreasing agricultural land due to population growth and urban development. The research aimed to obtain a planning and design concept for an aquaponics edutourism building that could accommodate educational tourism and cultivation activities using an aquaponics system. A descriptive qualitative analysis-synthesis method was used, and a planning and architectural design concept for an Aquaponics Edu-tourism building in Surakarta, utilizing a Bioclimatic Architecture Approach, was obtained.
Digital agricultureFood educationPolicyEconomicsMapping the consumer foodshed of the Kampala city region shows the importance of urban agriculture
2023Lisa‐Marie Hemerijckx, Gloria Nsangi Nakyagaba, Hakimu Sseviiri, Katarzyna Janusz, Michelle Eichinger, Shuaib Lwasa, Julian May, Peter H. Verburg, Anton Van Rompaey · npj Urban Sustainability · Uganda
This paper quantitatively analyzed the spatial extent of the food provisioning area for consumers in Kampala, Uganda, using a foodshed lens and primary survey data from households and food vendors. The study found that 50% of food consumed in Kampala originates within a 120 km radius, with 10% coming from within the city itself. Urban agricultural activities are currently twice as important as international imports for the city's food supply. High-income urban dwellers exhibit a more local foodshed due to their broad participation in urban agriculture, whereas low-income newcomers depend significantly on retailers sourcing food from rural Uganda.
Urban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityBudidaya Tanaman dan Pencegahan Keluhan Muskuloskeletal Pada Pemanenan Telang (Clitoria Ternatea) Dengan Konsep Urban Farming
2023Sajuri Sajuri, Nur Susanti, Farid Rizqullah Baihaqi, Nisfa Prihanani, Erni Fitriani, Riris Anggita · Surya Abdimas · Indonesia
This community service activity aimed to promote the cultivation of butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) among a group of former farmers whose rice fields were submerged and unusable due to flooding. Activities were conducted through counseling and training in plant cultivation, as well as providing ergonomic harvesting techniques and physiotherapy training to prevent musculoskeletal complaints. The goal was to develop butterfly pea as a local flagship commodity and enhance its economic value and health benefits through the concept of urban farming.
CommunityEconomicsHealthDIYUrban Farming and Its Socioeconomic and Environmental Benefits for Ensuring Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in Jordan
2023Karolina Zubel · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Jordan
This policy paper explores the potential of urban farming in Jordan to address pressing issues of food security, climate-induced risks, and socioeconomic vulnerability in urban centers. Urban farming is identified as a crucial solution to feed vulnerable groups, enhance cities' resilience and employment opportunities, act as a center for community engagement and youth education, and provide ecological benefits. The paper also examines stakeholders' perceptions, beneficiaries, inclusivity in decision-making processes, and governance challenges related to urban farm development.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareClimate changeFood educationCommunityEconomicsSustainability indicators for evaluation of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus in urban agriculture
2023Leila Babaei, Mohammad Hossein Niksokhan, Ali Torabian, Masoud Negahban‐Azar · International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology · Iran
This study proposed sustainability measurement indicators to evaluate the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus sustainability in urban agriculture. Focusing on Varamin, a semi-arid city in Tehran, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to identify crucial indicators across social, environmental, and economic dimensions. Results indicated that water-related components are critical in arid and semi-arid regions, and pollution prevention holds a 52.8% priority as an environmental sustainability indicator.
Climate changePolicyEconomicsOrganic cycleReview and Analysis of the Motivations Associated with Urban Gardening in the Pandemic Period
2023Valentina Cattivelli · Sustainability · Global
This paper examined people's motives for urban gardening during the pandemic waves of 2020 and 2021 through a literature review. Analyzing relevant articles published from early 2020 to mid-2022, findings revealed that the most widespread motivations were related to personal and community wellbeing, as well as food supply security, including the opportunity to spend time having fun outside the home. Additionally, community resilience emerged as a new motivation not previously detected.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsLe portage foncier public et sa réception par les agriculteurs. L’exemple du pacte agricole de la région Île-de-France
2023Alioune Badara Dabo · Norois · France (Île-de-France)
This article analyzes how the public land tenure system, introduced in the 2018 "Agricultural Pact" in the Île-de-France region, articulates with local farming systems. Based on a qualitative survey conducted in the Green Belt area, the findings reveal that this land tenure system does not fully align with the strategies of farmers, particularly young people outside family farming who wish to establish themselves in agriculture, as they do not necessarily seek land ownership.
Governance failurePolicyPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsPlanting Commons through Art ?
2023Mareike Schwarz · Street Art & Urban Creativity · Global
This paper analyzes the intersection of urban art and community gardens to explore whether commons can emerge from this collaboration. Through a comparative study of two community garden projects in Berlin and Dakar, the research examines the impact of funding structures, accessibility, artistic concepts, and design on commoning. Findings reveal that the two projects differ significantly in their development context and underlying structures, affecting their ability to function as commons. Furthermore, the paper argues that the dependency of artistic involvement on third-party funding contradicts the principles of commoning.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomicsWastewater governance in the upstream catchment of the Awash Basin, Ethiopia: challenges and opportunities for better accountability
2023Yosef Abebe, Mulugeta Gashaw, Asenake Kefale, Tim Brewer · Water Reuse · Ethiopia
A study on wastewater governance in the upstream catchment of the Awash Basin, Ethiopia, found that untreated wastewater discharged from industries is polluting rivers and the surrounding environment. Regulatory bodies have done little to enforce rules and directives for wastewater regulation, and due to poor implementation of laws, urban agriculture is expanding without concern for its negative health and socioeconomic impacts.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPolicyEconomicsClimate change