Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
266 results(4 / 11)
Chapter 8: Regional resourcefulness for food systems: the case of phosphorus in the metropolitan region of Amsterdam
2022Wim van Dijk, J.E. Jansma, J. Broeze, J.J.R. Groot · · Netherlands (Amsterdam)
This chapter focuses on regional resourcefulness for food systems, arguing that urban areas are vital for closing nutrient loops to prevent resource depletion. Two case studies in the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam (MRA) discuss phosphorus (P) flows, exploring the potential of a circular food system in Almere and quantifying actual P-flows across the MRA. The chapter concludes that a circular City Region Food System is technically feasible but requires a fundamental shift in the organization of food and waste systems.
Organic cycleUrban–rural linkageEconomicsClimate changeDURKHEIM’IN TOPLUMSAL DAYANIŞMA TEORİSİ İLE GÜNÜMÜZ SOSYAL İNOVASYON GİRİŞİMLERİ ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİ: TOPLULUK DESTEKLİ TARIMSAL KOOPERATİFLER ÖRNEĞİ
2022Yunus KÖLEOĞLU, Ali SEYYAR, Mehmet AYSOY · Hak İş Uluslararası Emek ve Toplum Dergisi · Europe
This paper discusses the meaning and role of social solidarity in modern societies, based on Emile Durkheim's theory of social solidarity, focusing on solidarity-based agricultural cooperatives as alternative economic models against capitalist/liberal systems. The paper demonstrates that modern societies can successfully present solidarity-based alternative economic models, aligned with the spirit of social innovation, as a reaction to traditional capitalist production systems amidst eroding solidarity norms. Characteristics of solidarity agricultural cooperatives operating in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) are introduced, confirming Durkheim's thesis that social solidarity can emerge through collective movements even within a capitalist-liberal system.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCSA & TeikeiEcophysiological Response of Vitis vinifera L. in an Urban Agrosystem: Preliminary Assessment of Genetic Variability
2022Elena Brunori, Alessandra Bernardini, Federico Valerio Moresi, Fabio Attorre, Rita Biasi · Plants · Italy (Rome)
A preliminary assessment of the adaptability of 15 Italian native and non-native Vitis vinifera L. cultivars to urban environmental stressors was conducted at the Botanical Garden of Rome during the 2021 growing season. Researchers evaluated leaf chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll fluorescence, and spectral signatures. Native cultivars showed medium-high leaf chlorophyll content (>350 mol m−2), good photosynthetic efficiency (QY > 0.75), and optimal stomatal behavior under drought stress (200 > gs > 50 mmol H2O m−2 s−1), indicating site-specific resistance and resilience to urban conditions.
Climate changeEconomicsVisionscapes: combining heritage and urban gardening to enhance areas requiring regeneration
2022Grete Swensen, Vebjørn Egner Stafseng, Véronique Karine Simon · International Journal of Heritage Studies · France (Bordeaux)
This comparative case study examines two regeneration projects, the Darwin Ecosystem Project in Bordeaux, France, and Dr. Dedichen’s Greenhouse in Oslo, Norway, to understand how heritage combined with urban gardening can enhance areas requiring regeneration. The study notes that conflicting economic, political, and cultural views are likely to affect the heritage discourse in marginalized urban areas. It describes how old buildings and historical fragments can be integrated into urban planning initiatives, with residents, artists, and citizen groups cooperating with planning authorities to transform neighborhoods.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomicsHealthReview of “How Green Became Good. Urbanized Nature and the Making of Cities and Citizens”
2022Fiona Greenland · Social Forces · Germany (Ruhr valley)
This review of "How Green Became Good" by Hillary Angelo examines why urban greening became a public good, challenging conventional accounts. Tracing urban greening in Germany's Ruhr valley, Angelo argues that greening constructs not only physical spaces but also social imaginaries, where nature as a public good is mutually constitutive with economic production needs, rather than being in opposition. The work shifts the understanding of urbanized nature from inherently contentious politics to a socio-cultural process of urban modernization.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomicsFlat Rooftops as Productive Landscapes in Birmingham
2022Yangzixian Yang · Journal of Architectural Research and Development · United Kingdom (Birmingham)
This paper aims to assess Birmingham's suitability for flat rooftop farming in the United Kingdom. It explores two examples of rooftop farms, Brooklyn Grange in New York and Thammasat University, the largest rooftop farm in Asia, and proposes converting the tops of buildings at Birmingham City University into a flat roof farm.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthTransforming the Use of Agricultural Premises under Urbanization Pressures: A Story from a Second-Tier Post-Socialist City
2022Petr Klusáček, Stanislav Martinát, Klára Charvátová, Josef Navrátil · Land · Europe
This study investigated the drivers of de-agrarianization in post-socialist cities, using Brno, Czech Republic, as a case study through qualitative interviews. It found procedural issues in preserving architectural heritage during the redevelopment of a former Cistercian monastery site, often resulting in only fragments being preserved. The research also demonstrated a decline in the use of urban agricultural properties, which are rapidly transformed into new urban environments under intense urbanization pressures.
Governance failureUrban–rural linkagePolicyEconomicsClimate changeMultifunctionality of urban agriculture and its characteristics in Latvia
2022Madara Dobele, Aina Dobele, Andra Zvirbule · Rural Sustainability Research · Europe
This research aimed to identify the main functions of urban agriculture and evaluate their significance in Latvia. The study identified 14 functions of urban agriculture, classified into five groups: political, economic, social, environmental, and technological. The most significant functions in Latvia were found to be social (promotion of social cohesion and public health, education, and maintaining traditions and values) and technological innovations.
PolicyEconomicsCommunityClimate changeUrban–rural linkageExploring member trust in German community-supported agriculture: a multiple regression analysis
2022Felix Zoll, Caitlin K. Kirby, Kathrin Specht, Rosemarie Siebert · Agriculture and Human Values · Germany
A quantitative study (n=790) among Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) members in Germany used a multiple regression model to identify factors predicting trust in CSA and its farmers. The analysis found that "reputation," "supply of information," "direct social interaction," and "duration of CSA membership" influenced trust. Conversely, "certification status of the CSA farm" and "attitudes toward organic certification" did not significantly predict trust.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCircular sanitation in relation to nutrients recycling and (urban) agriculture in the city of Amsterdam : Deliverable D4.4 Opportunities and barriers for circular sanitation within urban context
2022Kimo van Dijk, Lotte Veenemans, Ciska Nienhuis · · Netherlands (Amsterdam)
This report explains the importance of improving sanitation circularity, its link to circular urban food production, and the opportunities and barriers for its realization in Amsterdam. It discusses aspects related to sustainability, environment, quality, agronomy, legislation, health and safety, technology, economics, and awareness. The report provides recommendations for Amsterdam and other cities to stimulate the transition to circular sanitation and nutrient recovery/reuse in urban agriculture, including clarifying legislation and addressing barriers.
Organic cycleCompostPolicyHealthEconomicsClimate changeChanges in the ways of using plots in allotment gardens in Poland. A case of selected gardens in the Łódź Voivodship
2022Roman Szkup · Journal of Geography Politics and Society · Poland
Changes in the ways of using plots in allotment gardens in Poland were investigated. A direct inventory and questionnaire survey were conducted among users of five gardens: one in Łódź and four in its suburban zone. Analysis revealed that the farther from the center of Łódź, the less dominant the leisure and recreational model was. Additionally, users' professional activity and age were identified as socio-demographic features currently determining the way plots are used in these gardens.
CommunityUrban–rural linkageEconomicsPerceived functions of allotment gardens and their importance during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland
2022Edyta Janus, Bożena Szewczyk-Taranek, Agnieszka Smrokowska-Reichmann · Folia Horticulturae · Poland
A questionnaire survey of 203 allotment garden owners in three Silesian cities, Poland, explored perceived functions and importance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents over 61 years observed a generational shift from food cultivation to recreation, while no age group noted technological progress or new crops. Allotment gardens were crucial during the pandemic as a private, restriction-free space and a coping strategy for lockdown stress.
CommunityHealthFood educationEconomicsLegal Instruments to Support Short Food Supply Chains and Local Food Systems in France
2022Anna Kapała · Laws · France
This study aimed to identify legal instruments implemented in France that support short food supply chains and local food systems. The research identified these tools from various domains and levels, including national laws, government policies, and local government initiatives, analyzing them in relation to forms of short supply chains like direct marketing, producer stores, basket systems, urban agriculture, and public catering deliveries. The French instruments were found to be multiple, diverse, mostly innovative, and to consider social, environmental, and solidarity values.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCSA & TeikeiNeglected and Underutilized Plant Species (NUS) from the Apulia Region Worthy of Being Rescued and Re-Included in Daily Diet
2021Scarano A., Semeraro T., Chieppa M., Santino A. · Horticulturae · Italy
Review of neglected and underutilized plant species from the Apulia region of southern Italy, highlighting their adaptive, nutritional, and economic potential and the case for re-including them in the daily diet.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversityHealthEconomicsCausal Relations of Upscaled Urban Aquaponics and the Food-Water-Energy Nexus—A Berlin Case Study
2021· Water · Germany (Berlin)
Analyzes the causal relations of upscaled urban aquaponics with the food-water-energy nexus, using Berlin as a case study.
EconomicsOrganic cycleCan Allotment Gardens (AGs) Be Considered an Example of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) Based on the Use of Historical Green Infrastructure?
2021Barbara Sowińska-Świerkosz, Malwina Michalik-Śnieżek, Alicja Bieske-Matejak · Sustainability · Poland
This study analyzed the potential of allotment gardens (AGs) in Poland to be considered nature-based solutions (NBS), examining their use of green/blue infrastructure, problem-solving capabilities, benefits, and economic efficiency. The study identified institutional barriers, irregular distribution of benefits, and deficiencies in economic efficiency as significant obstacles. It concluded that AGs, while a type of unsophisticated NBS, have limited effectiveness.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomicsPublic versus private: Juxtaposing urban allotment gardens as multifunctional Nature-based Solutions. Insights from Seville
2021Barbara Maćkiewicz, Raúl Puente Asuero · Urban forestry & urban greening · Spain (Seville)
This paper compares public and private urban allotment gardens (AGs) in Seville, Spain, as nature-based solutions (NBS). Both types of AGs are found to have positive impacts on user health and well-being and complement each other. The choice between public and private AGs is primarily linked to freedom of cultivation and access, rather than economic factors. The study concludes that both public and private AGs require integrated territorial, legal, and institutional frameworks within urban policies.
CommunityPolicyHealthEconomicsAssessing Agri-Food Start-Ups Sustainability in Peri-Urban Agriculture Context
2021Ambrogio Zanzi, Valentina Vaglia, Roberto Spigarolo, Stefano Bocchi · Land · Italy (Milan)
This study assessed the sustainability of eight agri-food start-ups in a peri-urban area of Milan, Italy, using the FAO's Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture systems (SAFA) framework. The application of SAFA indicators revealed positive aspects but also some limitations typical of unstructured enterprises.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsPolicyCommunityClimate changeExploring the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of community-supported agriculture in Italy
2021Marco Medici, Maurizio Canavari, Alessandra Castellini · Journal of Cleaner Production · Italy
This study investigated the status and evolution of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Italy, examining its social, environmental, and economic benefits. Using CSA data, participant observation, thematic network analysis, and interviews with CSA representatives, it found that Italian CSA generally meets sustainability goals, though with varying levels of member involvement, economic viability, and environmental impact across communities. The lack of policy support is hindering further CSA diffusion and consolidation.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityClimate changeUrban agrarian alliance building in peri-urban Rome
2021Luca Colombo, Stefano Grando, Giacomo Lepri · · Italy (Rome)
A desk-based analysis on urban agriculture in peri-urban Rome scrutinized policy documents, mass media articles, online news, and internal organizational documents pertinent to land access and urban agriculture. This study was conducted against the backdrop of competition over farmland use, control, and function in Europe, and how land value trends in Italy are conditioned by the land's potential.
Peri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsHow to guarantee food supply during pandemics? Rethinking local food systems from peri-urban strategic agents’ behaviour: The case study of the Barcelona Metropolitan Region
2021Sònia Callau-Berenguer, Anna Roca-Torrent, Josep Montasell-Dorda, Sandra Ricart · Investigaciones Geográficas · Spain (Barcelona)
This study analyzed the food system behavior in the Barcelona Metropolitan Region, Spain, during the initial stage of the Covid-19 pandemic (March-May 2020). Semi-structured interviews with 11 peri-urban entities and institutions revealed shortcomings in the operation and logistics of the metropolitan food system. Findings also indicated complicity between local producers and urban consumers, the role of peri-urban agricultural areas in food supply, and a need for cooperation among food system agents.
Governance failurePeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyAssessing the Direct Resource Requirements of Urban Horticulture in the United Kingdom: A Citizen Science Approach
2021Miriam C. Dobson, Philip H. Warren, Jill L. Edmondson · Sustainability · United Kingdom
This nationwide citizen science project investigated resource demands of urban horticultural production in the United Kingdom using year-long diaries from 163 allotment gardeners. Findings showed an average allotment required 87 annual visits and 139 km of travel. Each kilogram of food produced used 0.4 hours of labor, 16.9 L of water, 0.2 L of topsoil, 2.2 L of manure, and 1.9 L of compost.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleEconomicsPolicyClimate changeGoals and persistence of sustainability experiments in divergent urban contexts: urban agriculture and a geodemographic classification in London
2021Irene Håkansson · Local Environment · United Kingdom (London)
This paper critically examines urban experimentation for sustainability, arguing that urban experiments are often assessed from a diffusion-oriented perspective that over-emphasizes unifying visions and neglects unsuccessful initiatives. Using a novel methodological approach combining a metropolitan geodemographic typology with qualitative data on 166 active and inactive urban agriculture initiatives across London, the paper demonstrates that neglecting the diversity of urban socio-economic, demographic, and physical contexts may lead to the erroneous suggestion that only demographically privileged places can achieve sustainability. It highlights that contextual differences at neighborhood levels significantly influence socio-spatial patterns of experimentation.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomicsLarge Urban Parks and Urban Green Space: A Historical Perspective
2021Peter Clark · · Europe
This chapter explores the historical trajectory of large urban parks and the broad pattern of urban green space from the pre-modern period to the present day in European cities. It notes that urban green spaces, including large urban parks, have faced significant financial, development, and management challenges in recent decades. However, these parks have also benefited from inter-city competition, as large green areas are crucial for a city's international identity and attractiveness.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageLandscape Design Project of Historical Yedikule Gardens (Istanbul)
2021Nurhan Koçan, Gökhan BALIK · Karadeniz Fen Bilimleri Dergisi · Turkey (Istanbul)
This study focuses on a landscape design project for the Historical Yedikule Gardens in Istanbul, an urban agriculture area with 1500 years of history. The project aimed to reorganize the farmland to enhance its contribution to the urban green space system, provide economic gain and hobby areas for citizens, and preserve its cultural past. Conducted under historical environmental protection and urban agriculture area regulation principles, the renewed area, with its historical, cultural, and economic values, is shown to contribute to both users and the city.
PolicyEconomicsCommunity