Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
193 results(4 / 8)
Effectiveness of Facebook groups in enhancing the capacity of rooftop gardeners
2025Khondokar H. Kabir, Jannatul Ferdows, Saifur Rahman, Ataharul Chowdhury, Md. Asaduzzaman Sarker, S.M. Asik Ullah, Mohammed Nasir Uddin, Mohammad Maruf Hasan · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Bangladesh
An online survey of 120 rooftop gardeners in Bangladesh investigated the extent to which Facebook groups support information needs and enhance capacity. Findings indicate that information sharing in Facebook groups assists in planning, acquiring and utilizing resources, carrying out intercultural operations, and determining optimal harvesting and storage practices. Facebook can play a significant role in bridging the information gap among rooftop gardeners and enhancing their skills.
DIYCommunityFood educationDigital agricultureTowards a Carbon-Neutral Future: AI and Sustainable Strategies for Urban and Agricultural Resilience
2024Murali Krishna Pasupuleti · · Global
This chapter explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in achieving a carbon-neutral future by enhancing sustainability in urban and agricultural systems. AI optimizes energy use, resource management, and disaster resilience in urban settings, and powers precision farming and reduces emissions in agriculture. The chapter also addresses challenges such as data privacy, economic barriers, and technological limitations.
Digital agricultureClimate changeUrban–rural linkageAI-Driven Decision Support System for Green and Sustainable Urban Planning in Smart Cities
2024Can Xu · Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences · Global
This study demonstrates advancements in sustainable urban planning through an an AI-driven decision support system. Experimental results show solar panel efficiency at 25%, rainwater harvesting capacity at 600 liters per square meter, and 3 square meters of community garden space per resident. The system also provided 1.5 bike-sharing stations per 1000 residents, exceeding market averages in several areas.
CommunityPolicyDigital agricultureVanguard Visions of Vertical Farming: Envisaging and Contesting an Emerging Food Production System
2024Mascha Gugganig · Science Technology & Human Values · Global
This paper explores the arguments and internal disagreements among experts popularizing vertical farming (VF), an emerging urban food production system. While VF is promoted for its space efficiency and independence from weather, it faces debates regarding its unsustainability and high energy costs for producing a limited range of perishable foods. Findings indicate that disagreements among vanguards reveal that VF is seen as one of many solutions, not the sole answer.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsSmart Urban Agriculture
2024Anne-Sophie Christmann, Valerie Graf‐Drasch, Ricarda Schäfer · Business & Information Systems Engineering · Global
This study explores the applicability of digital technologies in urban agriculture, given rising environmental problems and increasing food insecurity in cities. Urban spaces are challenging as they jeopardize the availability of air, water, or soil, making resource management a key issue. The research proposes a multi-layer taxonomy focusing on digital technologies, data, and different approaches in urban agriculture, along with 20 organizational readiness factors derived from academics and practitioners in the smart urban agriculture domain.
Digital agricultureEconomicsClimate changeThe Future of Urban Agriculture: Vertical Farming and its Potential
2024Dr. Nadeem Aslam · Frontiers in Agriculture · Global
This paper explores the future of urban agriculture, focusing on vertical farming as a promising innovation that uses controlled environments to grow crops in stacked layers. It examines the potential benefits, technological advancements, and challenges of vertical farming. The analysis suggests that vertical farming could reshape urban food systems, enhance sustainability, and contribute to urban resilience.
Digital agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageUrban Agriculture and Food Security
2024Aashna Sinha, Kailash Bisht, Digvijay Singh · · Global
This article explores vertical hydroponic farming, noting its benefits like reduced space and water use, and enhanced robustness with Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms (PGPMs). However, it also demonstrated that the system's ecological impact is significantly affected by growing media, pots, electricity use, and transportation. The study suggests potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and abiotic resource decline by using fiber as growing medium and paper containers.
Environmental trade-offsDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsOrganic cycleIntegrating vertical farm into low-carbon high-rise building in high-density context: A design case study in Hong Kong
2024Yuxin Bao, M.K. Leung, Dicken Poon, Changying Xiang · Journal of Building Engineering · Hong Kong
This article discusses the technical feasibility and design strategies for integrating high-rise residential buildings with urban agriculture in Hong Kong, using the “Green Tower Hong Kong” architectural design competition as a case study. A resilient residential high-rise building integrated with shared gardens and greenhouses was proposed for the Kwun Tong Center site. The final design can provide apartments for 2500 individuals, produce 340,750 kg of vegetables with 156% self-sufficiency, and generate 1,080,000 kWh of electricity annually.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeDigital agricultureBeyond Efficiency: The Social and Ecological Costs of Plant Factories in Urban Farming—A Review
2024László Csambalik, Izóra Gál, Krisztina Madaras, Andrea Tóbiás, Péter Pusztai · Urban Science · Global
This review examines soil-based urban agriculture and high-tech plant factories for urban food resilience. It finds that while vertical farms produce high yields, inhabitant involvement is minimal, offering no social advantages. Automated plant factories require few highly qualified personnel and are unlikely to contribute to urban social well-being in the future.
Equity & displacementDigital agricultureCommunityEconomicsClimate changeSingapore – a case study of urban agriculture in Southeast Asia
2024Ada Górna · · Singapore
This chapter discusses a case study of urban agriculture in Singapore, a rapidly developing metropolis almost completely reliant on food imports. Authorities are promoting modern technology-based food production solutions to improve food self-sufficiency. Research demonstrated that top-down administrative decisions are particularly crucial to the spatial distribution of urban farming, and due to dynamic changes in the city's spatial and functional structure, urban agriculture, especially instances not matching promoted development directions, faces challenges and will undergo spatial and qualitative changes in the coming years.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsDigital agricultureOptimizing the Digitalization of Storage and Sales of Urban Farming Products as an Effort for Food Security and Improving the Local Economy
2024Triantya Wahyu Wirati, Allya Sofiana Assyifa, Mochamad Fakhriy Afif · Journal of Digital Business and Innovation Management · Global
This research aims to analyze the design of an e-commerce website system for urban farming to optimize its potential through appropriate information technology application. Urban farming, particularly hydroponics, is presented as a solution for limited land in urban areas, offering efficient water use and faster growth. It is hoped that this research will support the growth and sustainability of urban agriculture and open new opportunities in marketing, inventory management, and efficient operational management.
Digital agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceStrengthening Smart Agriculture in Malaysia through Pervasive Computing
2024Kamalanathan Shanmugam, Muhammad Ehsan Rana, Ainun Sara Binti Nasri · The Journal of Applied Technology and Innovation · Malaysia
Malaysia is actively using internet-based technologies such as cloud computing, big data analytics, IoT, and AI to enhance its GDP and living standards, particularly through Smart Agriculture initiatives. These initiatives prioritize sustainable practices and urban agricultural solutions. Despite the promise of ubiquitous computing for Malaysia's agricultural industry, the country faces obstacles that must be overcome to realize its full potential.
Digital agricultureClimate changePolicyEconomicsPromoting Green Transformations through Smart Engagement: An Assessment of 100 Citizen-Led Urban Greening Projects
2024Eleni Oikonomaki, Ilektra Papadaki, Christina Kakderi · Land · Global
This paper examined 100 citizen-led urban greening projects globally, categorizing them by greenery type, stakeholders, implementation mode, and smart technology use. Fully citizen-led initiatives often focused on urban farms and food growing, while scaling projects frequently received support from public authorities or NGOs. Websites and social media facilitated participation and knowledge sharing, but advanced digital technologies for real-time monitoring and evidence-based decision-making were rarely integrated.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyDigital agricultureRealising the potential of urban agriculture in Kingston, Jamaica
2024Sonia Gatchair · · Jamaica (Kingston)
In Kingston, Jamaica's largest urban space, systematic efforts to stimulate the adoption of commercially viable urban agriculture have lagged. This study examines the facilitators and impediments to commercially viable urban agriculture, arguing that knowledge transfer and the adoption of innovative, technology-driven approaches to farming, financing, and marketing are needed for success.
Economic viabilityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicyDigital agricultureUrbanAgriKG: A knowledge graph on urban agriculture and its embeddings
2024Bikram Pratim Bhuyan, Ravi Tomar, Thipendra P. Singh, Amar Ramdane-Chérif · Open Agriculture · Global
This study outlines the creation of UrbanAgriKG, a comprehensive knowledge graph for urban agriculture, by acquiring and synthesizing information from various sources. The graph depicts interrelationships among entities like urban farms, crops, and farming methods. The research also investigates the efficacy of different graph embedding methodologies to extract representations of entities and their relationships, aiming to improve decision-making in urban agriculture.
Digital agricultureEconomicsClimate changeA systematic review of emerging trends in crop cultivation using soilless techniques for sustainable agriculture and food security in post-pandemic
2024Monsuru Adekunle Salisu, Yusuf Opeyemi Oyebamiji, Omowunmi Kayode Ahmed, Noraziyah Abd Aziz Shamsudin, Yusoff Siti Fairuz, Yusuff Oladosu, Mohd Rafii Yusop, Zulkefly Sulaiman, Fatai Arolu · AIMS Agriculture and Food · Global
This systematic review, utilizing the PRISMA framework, focused on emerging trends in soilless technologies for urban agriculture in the post-pandemic era. It examined the environmental impact, resource efficiency, and water usage of soilless farming techniques such as aeroponics, hydroponics, and aquaponics, evaluating their advantages and disadvantages compared to conventional soil-based farming. The review suggests that these innovative strategies hold promise in fostering sustainable urban agriculture and ensuring food security.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeDigital agricultureUrban gardening education: User reflections on mobile application designs
2024Ewa Duda · PLoS ONE · Global
This qualitative research analyzed 7,980 Google Play Store reviews for fourteen mobile gardening applications to understand their potential for digital education in developing green cities. The study identified user motivations for downloading these apps and the features that either facilitate or hinder their use. The findings are relevant for app developers and urban educators.
Food educationDigital agricultureEnhancing public health through modern agronomy: Sustainable and nutrient-rich practices
2024Amanullah, Urooj Khan · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Global
This commentary explores modern agronomy concepts such as precision agriculture, urban agriculture, and agroecology. It aims to demonstrate their potential to enhance public health by improving food quality, enhancing nutrition, and safeguarding the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. The commentary discusses the implications of these practices for public health.
HealthClimate changeDigital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceAn Intelligent Water Management Framework for Irrigating Urban Gardens in Technologically Advanced Cities
2024G. Ananth Kumar, A. Supriya, G. Soumya, B. Thriveni, Dr. Sandhya C, H. Sai Kumar Reddy · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
The Innovative Water Management Protocol introduces a strategy for sustainable urban agriculture in smart cities. This approach optimizes irrigation water usage by integrating intelligent sensors, data analysis, and automated processes, utilizing real-time information on soil moisture, weather, and plant needs. It also incorporates IoT-enabled devices for remote monitoring via mobile applications, aiming to conserve water, foster environmental sustainability, and enhance food security.
Digital agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceThe Design of Urban Vertical Farm in Residential Building - A Case Study of Interwoven Residential Complex in Singapore
2024Bin Fang · Art and Design · Singapore
This paper explores the spatial design of urban vertical farms, using a case study of an interwoven residential complex in Singapore. It analyzes the design points of urban vertical farms to expand new functions and design inspiration for urban agricultural architecture. The study aims to address the conflict between urban and agricultural land by integrating agricultural planting buildings into residential complexes.
DIYUrban–rural linkageDigital agricultureMAPEAMENTO E SELEÇÃO DE INDICADORES DE AVALIAÇÃO DA SUSTENTABILIDADE NO CONTEXTO SOCIODEMOGRÁFICO DA AMAZÔNIA
2024Maria Fernanda Coghi, Duarcides Ferreira Mariosa, Orandi Mina Falsarella · · Portugal
This project aimed to develop and install an optimized aquaponics system at the School of Engineering, Polytechnic of Porto (ISEP). The three-floor vertical garden includes two tanks with approximately 2,000 liters of water for fish, three flower boxes, and over 120 positions for growing vegetables. Pedagogical activities involving students from various ISEP courses were also developed in conjunction with this project.
Food sovereignty & justiceFood educationDigital agricultureCommunityOrganic Farming and Soil Health: The Role of Sustainable Practice
2024Suwa Lal Yadav, Manish Yadav, Devilal Birla, Indra Raj Yadav · · Global
Organic farming is evolving by integrating regenerative techniques, agroecological principles, precision agriculture, and urban farming concepts to meet growing demand for organic products. This approach aims to improve agricultural output, address climate change, manage pests, and optimize resource use, contributing to a sustainable and ethically sound food ecology. The organic industry is projected to grow due to increased consumer awareness and education.
Organic cycleClimate changeDigital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceIndoor urban agriculture: from innovative design experimentation to standardisation
2024Maicol Negrello · TECHNE - Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment · Global
This paper outlines the state of the art in technological innovation and how it, along with design, has reshaped norms in indoor urban agriculture, driven by the need to reconfigure supply models for future climate and demographic scenarios. Technological acceleration over the past decade has led to the emergence of new urban architectures and metabolisms, often created within regulatory gaps and constraints from obsolete zoning plans or building regulations.
Digital agriculturePolicyFuture cities: Designing resilient urban ecosystems with AI-assisted horticultural planning
2024MVV Satyaveni · South Asian Journal of Agricultural Sciences · Global
This article explores how AI technologies are reshaping urban green infrastructure and optimizing horticultural planning to address challenges from urbanization and climate change. Using a mixed-methods approach including a literature review (2010-2024), meta-analysis, and case studies, the research found that AI integration improves plant health monitoring, precision irrigation, predictive biodiversity modeling, and spatial planning of green zones. AI also enables real-time responses to climatic shifts, strengthening ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and cooling effects.
Digital agricultureClimate changeBiodiversityPolicyUrban Agriculture and Food Security in Development Planning
2024Paul Teng · Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development · Global
This paper examines urban agriculture's role in national planning, particularly concerning global food security challenges as urban populations grow. It notes that urban and peri-urban agriculture, ranging from community gardens to commercial farms, has seen rapid technological development and private investment, especially since the early 2020s. Beyond economic and food security benefits, urban agriculture also offers environmental and social advantages for cities aiming to reduce their carbon footprints.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityDigital agriculture