Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Importance of Vegetables in Home Food Gardening in Modern Cities: Advances and Future Perspectives
2026Yugamaya Pegu, Rimli Gogoi, Jumi Saikia, Nayanmoni Buragohain · International Journal of Plant & Soil Science · Global
This review assessed the importance of vegetables in Home Food Gardening (HFG) in modern cities. Vegetables constitute a major part of HFG due to their rapid production, ease of maintenance, high yield in small spaces, and high nutritional benefits. Common HFG practices include yard, rooftop, balcony, community, and street/plot gardens, with innovations like better crop varieties and hydroponics increasing productivity. However, issues such as space constraints, expensive setup costs, lack of knowledge, poor soil, and insufficient light persist.
DIYCommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureDifferent meanings of urban agriculture: Perspectives of housewives and women farmers
2026Rahma Maulia Fadli Basagevan · Gender, Human Development, and Economics. · Global
This qualitative research used a systematic literature review (2020-2025) to compare the differences in functional and experiential meanings of urban agriculture between housewives and women farmers. It found significant differences in functional meanings: housewives perceived a more diverse range including empowerment, economic benefits, environmental aspects, and food security, while women farmers tended to focus on economic benefits and food security. Experiential meanings also differed, with housewives perceiving skill development and personal fulfillment, and women farmers focusing on control in decision-making.
PolicyCommunityEconomicsSchool Vegetable Gardens and Their Effects on Children's Diet, Health, and Well-being: A Systematic Review
2026J. R. Shalini, G. S. Sreedaya, V. S. Chinchu · Journal of Scientific Research and Reports · Global
A systematic review analyzed 29 full-text articles from 14,967 identified records to synthesize evidence on school garden interventions for children aged 3–18 years. Most studies found statistically significant improvements in children's nutrition knowledge, vegetable preferences, and willingness to taste vegetables, with small-to-moderate increases in vegetable intake, especially when combined with nutrition education or cooking. BMI effects were mixed and generally small, and long-term success depends on sustainable implementation, longer program duration, and active parental engagement.
Food educationHealthCommunityA Comprehensive Analysis of Urban Agriculture Theories from an Urban Spatial Perspective
2026Xiaochuan Xing, Lufei Zheng · Sustainability · Global
This study conducted a literature review and structured qualitative comparative analysis of representative urban agriculture (UA) theories across different historical periods. An analytical framework with ecological, socio-economic, technological and design, and spatial relations dimensions was used to compare theories. The research found that the ecological dimension underpins most theories, spatial relations demonstrate spatial value, design and technological innovation connect theory to urban development, and the socio-economic dimension reflects growing attention to UA. Chronological analysis revealed the evolution of UA theories from 19th-century integration to 21st-century diverse approaches.
PolicyEconomicsCommunityClimate changeOpen Space and Mental Well-Being: Reimagining Urban Environments for Psychological Health
2026Vidhyashree H, Harshita D · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This paper investigates the relationship between open spaces and mental well-being, focusing on the psychological, social, environmental, and physiological impacts of access in urban settings. Through analysis of existing literature, case studies, and interdisciplinary perspectives, findings suggest that open spaces significantly improve mental well-being by reducing anxiety, depression, mental fatigue, and social alienation while promoting community engagement, physical activity, and emotional resilience.
HealthCommunityUrban–rural linkageCultivating together: unearthing the transformative potential of community gardening as prefigurative collective action in Ljubljana
2026Blaž Križnik, Laura Mittermaier · Local Environment · Slovenia (Ljubljana)
This study examined the Onkraj gradbišča community garden in Ljubljana to understand how community gardening enables transformative social change and how institutional support affects it. Findings showed the garden fostered inner transformation, collective leadership, community capacity building, and some scaling strategies. However, scaling up strategies were ineffective, and the absence of institutional support limited the impact on governance, suggesting the garden's transformative potential for urban sustainability transitions was limited.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyClimate changeUrban agriculture as an interface for policy–practice integration: a landscape-informed, multi-layer framework across Havana, New York city and Chongming Island
2026Yu Huan, Steffen Nijhuis, Nico Tillie · Landscape and Urban Planning · Global
This study developed a landscape-informed coupling framework and content-analysis pipeline to evaluate urban agriculture policy-practice alignment in Havana, New York City, and Chongming Island. A PRISMA-ScR literature synthesis (n=3145) informed a five-domain, 40-keyword evaluation matrix applied to policy documents. Findings indicate human-centered approaches effectively address social equity and food provisioning but have limited spatial integration, while nature-based approaches advance ecological targets but underperform on participation. The landscape-informed model achieved more balanced alignment across domains, though inter-layer connectivity gaps remain.
PolicyCommunityBiodiversityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceConnecting People to Nature through Food
2026Shannon Bull, Hailey Gunther, Jessie Pilarcek, Natalie Maurer · Fisher Digital Publications (St. John Fisher College) · Global
This synthesis project, developed from the Cardinal Experience course, explores connecting people to nature through the lens of food. It examines four key areas: food insecurity, sustainability and stewardship, community gardens, and the cultural and social dimensions of food. The project's final deliverable is a comprehensive informational brochure illustrating how these themes intersect to foster a stronger connection between people and nature.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceHealthA framework for strategic transformation of vacant lots for heat resilience
2026Saeideh Sobhaninia, Patricia Solis, Ebenezer N. K. Boateng, Isaac Buo · Journal of Environmental Management · Global
This study developed the Heat-Strategic Vacant Parcel Conversion (HSVPC) framework to guide the transformation of urban vacant lots into green spaces for heat resilience. The framework considers zoning, land use, and ownership to identify suitable sites. Applying it to real-world data, simulations showed that converting vacant parcels into green spaces, such as through tree planting, could reduce urban heat by up to 6.44°C Mean Radiant Temperature overall and 4.87°C at peak heat, especially benefiting vulnerable neighborhoods.
CommunityClimate changePolicyEveryday Urbanism in Lithuanian towns: the case of old community gardens in Grigiškės and Plungė
2026Adomas Gedvilas, Dovilė Krupickaitė · Journal of Architecture and Urbanism · Lithuania
This paper examines old community gardens in Grigiškės and Plungė, Lithuania, as examples of Everyday Urbanism, using literature, data, maps, and interviews. The study found that these gardens, established informally on vacant land during the socialist period, are not officially recognized and their future development may differ due to varying local government attitudes. This highlights the need for a more flexible approach to their preservation and integration into urban planning.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkagePráticas pedagógicas para o desenvolvimento da consciência ecológica entre crianças e adolescentes
2026Cledir Aparecida Gottwitz, Franciele Foschiera Camboin · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Global
This study analyzed pedagogical practices aimed at developing ecological awareness among children and adolescents in basic education through a literature review of school experiences. Practical activities, school gardens, and interdisciplinary projects were identified as strategies that enhance student participation and strengthen their sense of environmental responsibility. The findings indicate that integrating scientific knowledge with everyday experiences is essential for establishing continuous environmental education.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeGentrificación y la etnogénesis de la colonialidad: su antagonismo en la interculturalidad en la Cuidad de Cayambe
2026Eduardo José Terán Duque · Revista Multidisciplinar Epistemología de las Ciencias · Ecuador (Cayambe)
This article examines sociocultural issues in indigenous communities in Cayambe, Ecuador, caused by gentrification. The study, using situated ethnography, cultural cartography, life stories, and body biographies, found that urban renewal for higher-income residents marginalizes ancestral practices like community gardens and leads to the loss of community autonomy and traditions. Regressive ethnogenesis renders indigenous existence invisible and produces epistemic violence, reducing collective activities to social entertainment.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceFactors Affecting Adoption of Systematic Household Waste Management, Waste Composting and Homestead Farming in Bharatpur, Janakpur and Pokhara
2026Sharad Sharma, Gita Kumari Shah, Arjun Aryal, Bipan Bahadur Tiwari, Bharat Khanal · Nepalese Journal of Agricultural Sciences · Nepal
The SOLID Health project by Nepal Development Society (NeDS) promoted household waste management and homestead farming in Bharatpur, Janakpur, and Pokhara, Nepal, from 2021 to 2024. A survey of 348 households found that 81% practiced either rooftop or kitchen gardening, with rooftop farming most prevalent in Pokhara (64%) and kitchen gardening in Bharatpur (71%). The project led to a 69% change in knowledge and attitude towards waste management and a 39% overall increase in home composting practice. Socio-demographic factors like education level, income, and land availability significantly influenced adoption, with higher education and larger homestead land areas linked to greater practice of kitchen gardening and rooftop farming.
CompostDIYCommunityFood educationHeal
2026Carolyn Schuyler, Dorothy Ibes · · Global
This chapter explores ecotherapy as a therapeutic intervention to promote mental wellness, emphasizing emotional regulation and neuroplasticity. It presents evidence-based practices such as grounding exercises, sensory immersion, nature art, visualization techniques, and biophilic design strategies that may activate the parasympathetic nervous system and support brain health. The content integrates research on nature connectedness with practical applications for classroom settings, clinical treatment plans, workplace wellness programs, and neighborhood initiatives. Activities require minimal equipment and adapt to solo or group formats.
HealthCommunityBiodiversityFrom Impact Accounting to Accounting for the Loops: Activating Sustainable Communities for Climate Action
2026Dario Cottafava, Francesco Marengo, Giuseppe Emiliano Di Martino, Laura Corazza · Business Strategy and the Environment · Global
This study introduced a social impact accounting framework, "accounting for the loops," for sustainability education for climate action (SECA), applying it to a university-led community garden case study. It found that a sense of belonging and personal recognition activate positive reinforcing loops. However, project size and community autonomy counterintuitively triggered balancing loops, leading to increased bureaucratic obstacles and institutional support needs, which negatively impacted participant motivation.
Governance failureCommunityClimate changeFood educationPolicySCHOOL GARDENS AS A TOOL FOR TRANSFORMATION
2026PAULA CRISTINA BOUFLEUHER VERGUTZ, Mario Ramão Villalva F’ilhi, Davi José Nicaretta Boufleuher · Revista Gênero e Interdisciplinaridade · Global
This article argues that school gardens, specifically the Organic School Garden project, serve as a strategic initiative for Environmental Education (EE) in Early Childhood. Using an Action-Research methodology, the project aims to address Food and Nutritional Security (FNS) laws by producing fresh food and promoting food autonomy. It concludes that this approach empowers children as agents of change, teaching them sustainable food practices.
Food educationFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityClimate changeCultivating Sustainability: A Phenomenological Study on School and Home Gardens as Community and Social Enterprise Hubs
2026Salome O. Planco, DHCM, MAN, RN, Arbee M. Sincuya, Florentino C. Abaya, Edna S. Fajardo, Mary Jane C. Gutierrez, Grace D. Zaldua, Vicky Presentacion M. Pacete, Gliceria A. Yu, Gaudencia M. De Villa, Rosenia Dela Cruz Francisco, Amparo I. Lim, Leadie P Andalan · International Journal of Research Publications · Global
This study investigated the experiences of various stakeholders in starting and maintaining school and home gardens using a phenomenological qualitative approach. Through focus group discussions with 15 stakeholders (5 teachers, 5 parents, and 5 community members), the findings showed that these gardens serve as platforms for environmental preservation, education, teamwork, and revenue generation. Despite obstacles such as a lack of funds, time, and resources, the combined commitment of stakeholders ensured continuous advancement.
CommunityFood educationEconomicsClimate changeInnovating listening-led classroom practice in primary education:Sounding digital playgrounds
2026Maria; id_orcid 0000-0003-3122-3357 Sappho, Kirstin MacVicard, Pamela Burnard, Frédéric Dufeu, Michael Clarke · Huddersfield Research Portal (University of Huddersfield) · Global
This study investigated how listening-led, sound-based technologies support creative, cross-curricular, place-based learning in primary education. A classroom activity was conducted with three Year 6 classes at the University of Cambridge Primary School using the Listening Playground web app. The project generated student recordings, images, sound maps, and reflections, alongside teacher reflections and researcher observation, forming a listening-led practice where sound functioned as material for inquiry.
Food educationCommunityGentrification and the ethnogenesis of coloniality: their antagonism in interculturality in the City of Cayambe
2026Eduardo Terán Duque · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Ecuador (Cayambe)
This study in Cayambe, Ecuador, examined sociocultural issues in indigenous parishes and communities caused by gentrification, a process of socio-spatial displacement where low-income rural areas are restructured by higher-income residents or foreigners. This phenomenon perpetuates ethnic-racial hierarchies and the exploitation of indigenous peoples, rendering indigenous existence invisible and marginalizing ancestral practices like collective organization, mingas, community meetings, and community gardens. Consequently, communities lose autonomy, traditions, rites, and customs, with collective activities reduced to social entertainment without historical recognition.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyEconomicsAdaptive communal space in cities
2026OECD · OECD regional development papers · Global
This paper examines adaptive communal space (ACS), such as community gardens, as (semi-)public spaces collectively managed by local communities to meet evolving needs. Drawing on interviews, surveys, and literature, it argues that ACS shifts urban development towards shared stewardship and local problem-solving, contributing to social connectivity, environmental management, economic opportunities, cultural activity, temporal adaptability, and institutional flexibility. The paper emphasizes that ACS effectiveness relies more on institutional conditions like legal certainty and governance than on spatial form.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsClimate changePandemic impacts on experiences of food gardening in New Zealand: Implications for food wellbeing during Covid-19 lockdown
2026Emma L. Sharp, Cavadino Alana, Kah Melanie · Wellbeing Space and Society · New Zealand
An online survey of 266 food gardeners in New Zealand investigated changes in food gardening experiences during the Covid-19 lockdown. Approximately two-thirds of participants reported gardening for mental or physical wellbeing during lockdown, prioritizing wellbeing over healthy food production compared to before lockdown. Growing culturally relevant food increased in importance for Māori and Pacific Island participants.
HealthCommunityDIYFood sovereignty & justiceDesigning for ecological aesthetics in urban agriculture: Operationalising ecodesign principles across multilayer city landscapes
2026Xiaoxuan Ren, Tetiana Bulhakova · Art and Design · Global
This study developed a theoretical and practical framework integrating ecological aesthetics into urban agriculture design. Using a mixed-methods approach combining literature review and analysis of existing urban agricultural spaces, a structured ecodesign framework synthesizing aesthetics, ecological function, and resilience was established. It was found that sensory qualities like color, texture, and rhythm, along with cultural meaning, can enhance biodiversity support, food production, and climate regulation without compromising ecological integrity.
BiodiversityClimate changeCommunityPolicyDo fences divide perception? A study of community garden benefits among users and non-users in Czech cities
2026Jan Macháč, Lenka Dubová, Marek Hekrle, Sára Laníková · Cities · Czech Republic
A study investigated differences in perceptions of community garden (CG) benefits among non-users in two Czech cities (Ústí nad Labem and Prague) via on-site surveys and CG users across Czechia via online surveys. Non-users prioritized environmental benefits like air quality improvement and crop production, alongside recreational functions. In contrast, CG users placed the highest importance on cultural and social benefits, specifically recreation, social interaction, and aesthetic enhancement, while giving lower priority to provisioning functions.
CommunityBiodiversityHealthPolicyA systematic review of the barriers to urban agriculture at a global scale
2026Chris Blythe · OSF Preprints (OSF Preprints) · Global
This systematic review aims to explore the barriers to urban agriculture at a global scale. Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in systematic reviews concerning urban agriculture's health benefits, motivations for participation, and sustainability elements. This study will focus on the challenges and obstacles in implementing urban agriculture.
Governance failureUrban–rural linkagePolicyEconomicsCommunityPractical Application of Ethical Research Principles: Developing and Implementing Grassroots Food Security Research With the Yarrabah Aboriginal Community
2026Judith Maher, Derlene Gray, Kirby Murtha, Muriel Bond, Kora Uhlmann, Kristen Tulloch, Sarah Burkhart, Tricia King, Lynne Stuart · Health Promotion Journal of Australia · Australia
This paper describes the development and implementation of a home gardening project with the Yarrabah Aboriginal Community in Australia, which aimed to promote food security, health, and wellbeing. The research team demonstrated how ethical principles, including spirit and integrity, responsibility, respect, reciprocity, equity, and cultural continuity, were practically integrated into the project, which unfolded in an iterative, nonlinear fashion prioritizing community connections.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityWelfare