Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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1033 results(4 / 42)
THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL SPACES IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOOD DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: URBAN FARMING INTO A SELF-SUFFICIENT COMMUNITY
2025Chua Siu Ting, Hazreena Hussein · Journal of Surveying Construction & Property · Malaysia (Port Dickson)
This study explored residents' perceptions of social spaces in Port Dickson, Malaysia, during the COVID-19 pandemic, using a mixed-method approach combining photographic documentation and a questionnaire survey. The majority of respondents experienced significant stress during the pandemic due to anxiety, job loss, and livelihood challenges, emphasizing the importance of effective space allocation and varied options within residential neighborhoods. These findings imply that strategically designed social spaces and zoning practices are key to developing self-sufficient communities in residential areas.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthClimate changeUrban Agriculture: The Food Movement Moves On
2025Paul Β. Thompson · · Global
This article discusses urban agriculture, noting that the decline of grocery stores in inner cities and projected vulnerabilities in megacities outside the global West suggest distinct moral imperatives. It contrasts urban agriculture with rural resilience and sustainable intensification, highlighting its focus on consumption and present needs. The article describes two urban agriculture archetypes: one embracing high-tech solutions and another emphasizing local solidarities and urban-based control over the food system.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justicePolicyDigital agricultureAssessing the Potential of Rooftop and Wall-Based Urban Agriculture for Food Security Enhancement in Gasabo District, City of Kigali, Rwanda
2025Florien Misago, Isaac Nzayisenga, Henri Jacques Ngirinshuti, Leon De Pere Irakoze, Richard Mind’je · East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology · Rwanda (Kigali)
This study evaluated the potential of rooftop and wall-based urban agriculture to enhance food security in Gasabo District, Kigali, Rwanda. It used GIS and remote sensing to map suitable spaces and assessed 400 household heads using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Findings showed that 41.5% of households experienced moderate to severe food insecurity, and approximately 32% of rooftops and walls were structurally appropriate for urban agriculture. While 57.8% of households expressed willingness to adopt rooftop or wall gardening, 67.4% cited structural and financial constraints.
Economic viabilityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyThe state, colonial legacies of planning and land for food growing in the contemporary city: Reply to Koenraad Danneels
2025Elza D’Cruz · Landscape Research · Global
This article discusses the critical issue of reclaiming space for urban agriculture in contemporary cities, which is central to debates on urban food growing. It highlights that collective and individual food-growing is widely recognized as a means to address food-related challenges.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageFloristic Diversity and Characterization of Peri-Urban Agriculture in Some Drains of the City of Douala (Cameroon)
2025Olivier Parfait Bissemb, Rosette Christelle Ndjib, Patrice Brice Mvogo Ottou, Jacques Bruno Ngotta Biyon, Zenabou Ndiang, Georges Maxime Lamy Lamy, Eric Ngansop Tchatchouang, Ivant Stevy Nganmo, Jean Lagarde Betti, Richard Jules Priso · Journal of Environmental Protection · Cameroon (Douala)
This study assessed floristic diversity and agricultural practices around five stormwater drains in Douala, Cameroon, identifying 67 species from 24 families. Floristic diversity, measured by the Shannon-Weaver index (H'= 0.99) and low evenness (E = 0.23), indicated an unbalanced plant community dominated by a few cultivated and ruderal species. The analysis also revealed significant homogenization between drains, suggesting common agricultural practices and environmental pressures in these polluted environments.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeUrban Agriculture as a Food Security Solution Through Green Economy Approach
2025Agustin Windianingsih, Wiwin Wiwin, Tanti Febrianti · Journal of Finance and Business Digital · Global
This research investigated the potential of urban agriculture to overcome food crises and impact food security. Using a mixed-methods approach (quantitative and qualitative), the study found that people practicing urban farming are supported in terms of urban farming skills, food security, creation of green open spaces, entrepreneurial opportunities, fulfillment of nutritional needs, enjoyment of fresh crops, creation of community bonds, educational benefits, and awareness for mental health and the environment.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityHealthFood educationClimate changeSoilless Agricultural Systems: Opportunities, Challenges, and Applications for Enhancing Horticultural Resilience to Climate Change and Urbanization
2025Imran Ali Lakhiar, Haofang Yan, Tabinda Naz Syed, Chuan Zhang, Sher Ali Shaikh, Md Rakibuzzaman, Rahim Bux Vistro · Horticulturae · Global
A systematic review of soilless farming (SLF) systems globally identified their role in enhancing horticultural resilience in urban and peri-urban settings. SLF offers advantages like water conservation and increased yield, but faces significant challenges. High setup costs, substantial energy demands, and the requirement for specialized technical expertise continue to limit its widespread adoption.
Economic viabilityClimate changeUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureRevisiting Urban Resilience within the New Urban Agenda
2025Talent Moyo, Chipo Hungwe, Faith Zengeni · · Zimbabwe (Bulawayo)
This chapter examines urban resilience within the New Urban Agenda (NUA) using three pillars—adaptive capacity, absorptive capacity, and transformative capacity—in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, urban resilience has been promoted through urban agriculture programs and efforts to regulate and capacitate informal economic activities. The qualitative case study argues that urban resilience primarily benefits individual urban citizens through livelihood creation, expanded livelihood portfolios, skills and knowledge development, meeting basic needs, and community support.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareDinámica de productos ecológicos frescos y su aporte a la seguridad alimentaria en Sucre
2025Shamir Abujder · AGRO - ECOLÓGICA · Bolivia (Sucre)
This study analyzed the market dynamics of fresh organic products in urban districts of Sucre, Bolivia, examining their potential to strengthen food security and foster sustainable enterprises. The research focused on two groups: consumers and producers/marketers, within the context of urban and peri-urban agriculture. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, it aimed to provide knowledge on the economic viability of commercializing fresh organic products and contribute to citizen knowledge on responsible and healthy consumption aligned with agroecology.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cyclePeri-urban agricultureUrban agriculture: a sustainability guide for developing countries
2025Sini V. Pillai · Social Responsibility Journal · Global
This research reviewed global urban agriculture practices to propose an adaptable model for developing countries, addressing food security and livelihood generation. Findings indicate that developed countries prioritize self-sustainability and community, while developing countries focus on income and food security but face technological, policy, and socio-cultural barriers. The study suggests technology-supported infrastructure and adaptive policies are needed for successful implementation in developing nations.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageUrban Agriculture: A Pathway for Enhancing Food Security and Poverty Resiliency in Tanzania
2025Francis Mwaijande · African Journal of Empirical Research · Tanzania
This study, using a mixed-methods approach with 600 respondents from urban and peri-urban farmers and agri-food supply chain producers in Tanzania, confirmed urban agriculture's contribution to food availability, accessibility, stability, and utilization. However, it found that urban agriculture is not well-integrated into urban food and poverty reduction policies in Tanzania and is practiced without legitimate policy and legal frameworks. This policy gap indicates an inadequate policy enabling environment for urban agriculture to enhance food security.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceWelfarePolicyHealthThe Fertile Earth: Revolutionizing Agriculture with People and Nature at its Core
2025Morrell, Daniel · Figshare · Global
This paper examines a systemic shift in agriculture from input-intensive monocultures and dominant meat production to regenerative, organic, and agroecological systems, including urban agriculture. It analyzes the potential of reducing conventional meat reliance to free up land for ecological restoration and aims to restore soil organic carbon levels from 6-8 tonnes/hectare to 40-50 tonnes/hectare. The research quantifies potential global CO2 sequestration through soil carbon enhancement, land use change, and blue carbon initiatives, advocating for urgent policy reforms.
Climate changeBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleMathematical Optimization of Vertical Farm Locations Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in Saudi Arabia
2025Amjad Aljuhani, Rahaf Baghdadi, Wafaa Alzahrani, Deemah Aljuhani · · Saudi Arabia
This study examined the feasibility of vertical farming in Saudi Arabia, using mathematical optimization to identify optimal locations. A mixed-integer linear programming model, developed with AIMMS software, incorporated infrastructure compatibility, water availability, and energy consumption. Results identified seven optimal locations across five cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Tabuk, and Khamis Mushait—ensuring efficient lettuce production at minimized costs. However, challenges such as high energy requirements and initial investment costs persist.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceInternet of Things (IOT) for rooftop urban farming III
2025Kit Hoe Chan · DR-NTU (Nanyang Technological University) · Singapore
This thesis explores the architecture, applications, and challenges of Internet of Things (IoT)-based urban farming systems, focusing on their role in enhancing agricultural productivity in densely populated environments. IoT integrates smart sensors, data analytics, and automation for real-time monitoring and precise control of crop environments, optimizing resource use and increasing yield consistency. The study highlights how IoT supports resilient, resource-efficient, and scalable smart-city agriculture, with future potential for AI-based predictive analytics and blockchain-enabled traceability.
Digital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceAgricultural development in the peri-urban areas of Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Challenges and prospects
2025Firdavs Berdikulov, Iroda Orifjonova, Bekhzod Eshboev, Jumanazar Xolmurzayev, Bakhtiyor Abdusayitov · Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology) · Uzbekistan (Samarkand)
This study examined agricultural growth in Samarkand, Uzbekistan's peri-urban regions from 2000 to 2024, using government data and predictive modeling. It found that urban populations surged while arable land declined, and the vegetable surplus, though currently meeting demand, began shrinking around 2015, suggesting a tipping point toward shortages. The research indicates that without proactive measures like smarter land allocation and advanced irrigation, Samarkand risks a structural food deficit within a decade.
Governance failurePeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyClimate changeBuzzing in the City: The Rise of Urban Beekeeping and Its Ecological Impact
2025I Rabeena, Stankevich Sergey A., A Akash, G Nandhakumar, Deborah Mercy D · Journal of Scientific Research and Reports · Global
This article explores the potential, challenges, and opportunities of urban beekeeping as a sustainable response to declining bee biodiversity. It highlights urban beekeeping's role in pollination, sustainable urban agriculture, biodiversity enhancement, and income generation for urban communities, despite challenges like climate extremes and limited floral resources. The article suggests that urban green landscapes with high floral diversity and continuous bloom periods offer substantial support for urban pollinators, and responsible urban beekeeping can foster ecological citizenship.
BiodiversityPollinatorsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceTilling the urban soil: rural-urban alliances and the spatial politics of radical urban agriculture in the Philippines
2025Marvin Joseph F. Montefrio, Nathalie Dagmang · The Journal of Peasant Studies · Philippines (Metro Manila)
This article examines two cases of radical urban agriculture in Metro Manila, Philippines, where urban poor communities strive for food sovereignty and assert rights over contested urban lands. It highlights that the spatiality of material constraints in cities acts as a mediating factor, influencing the formation of rural-urban alliances and the sustainability of urban resistance efforts. The study reveals challenges in establishing and maintaining these alliances due to urban material limitations.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageChallenges and Opportunities for New Frontiers and Technologies to Guarantee Food Production
2025José Cleydson F. Silva, Kleiton Lima de Godoy Machado, Anna Flavia de Souza Silva, Raquel Dias, Victor Ricardo Bodnar, Wallison Oliveira Vieira, María Alejandra Moreno-Pizani, Jenifer Dias Ramos, Ivani Pauli, Lucas Cavalcante da Costa · Sustainability · Global
This global review explores innovative advancements in agriculture and food technology, including urban farming, regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and food production in extreme environments. It examines advances in biotechnology, synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and the role of AI in precision farming to improve crop yields and nutrition. The review also discusses the importance of policy, regulation, and community-driven approaches for a resilient global food system.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justicePolicyDigital agricultureCommunityA Grounded Theory on Consumer Perception of Urban Farming’s Role in Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience
2025Rui Fu, N.Sureshkumar PP Narayanan, Umahdevi Jayamani, Li Lian Chew, Fadhlur Rahim Azmi, Veera Pandiyan Kaliani Sundram · Malaysian journal of consumer and family economics/Malaysian Journal of Consumer and Family Economics · Malaysia
This qualitative study used grounded theory methodology, collecting data from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 25 Malaysian consumers, to explore perceptions of urban farming's role in supply chain resilience. Consumers generally view urban farming as a vital strategy for resilience, influenced by environmental and social impacts, trust in local food, and community empowerment. However, significant barriers to widespread adoption include concerns about scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Economic viabilityEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePrecision Farming in Urban Environments to Ensure Zero Hunger
2025Anand A. Jose, S. Mahalakshmi, S Arjun · · Global
This paper explores the integration of precision farming methods in urban landscapes to address food insecurity and achieve zero hunger goals. Precision farming utilizes advanced technologies to optimize crop production, resource allocation, and environmental sustainability. The paper scrutinizes the concept of precision farming, its applicability in urban contexts, diverse techniques suitable for urban agriculture, and showcases successful case studies.
Digital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkagePolicyFeeding cities: new trans-scale scenarios for Urban Agriculture
2025Leonardo Zaffi, Michele D’Ostuni · TECHNE - Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment · Global
This paper reconsiders the relationship between urbanized areas and food production, noting that cities are sustained by food from remote locations with unsustainable environmental impacts. Advances in soil-free cultivation technologies offer opportunities to integrate productive vegetation into urban and residential spaces. This approach calls for innovative design paradigms that integrate the built environment with cultivated spaces to promote sustainable regeneration.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeFood sovereignty & justicePolicyDisentangling food transformation narratives: a Q-method analysis on pathways to sustainable food systems and their implications
2025Meredith L. Mull, Mario Torralba · Frontiers in Nutrition · Global
This exploratory Q-methodology study investigated how university students in sustainability programs conceptualize sustainable food systems. Analysis revealed five distinct narratives, with consensus on food security and transparent governance. However, elements like urban agriculture, GMOs, and food traditions were consistently deprioritized by the participants. The findings emphasize incorporating plural perspectives and context-sensitive approaches in food system research and policy.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeFood educationPolicyPertanian Perkotaan, Solusi Inovatif untuk Ketahanan Pangan di Tengah Kota
2025Marni Putri Gea, Restu Jaya Zendrato, Septian Oktani Telaumbanua, Ayler Beniah Ndraha · Flora Jurnal Kajian Ilmu Pertanian dan Perkebunan · Global
This literature review indicates that urban agriculture, utilizing modern techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics, vertical farming, and rooftop gardens, is an innovative solution for food security in urban areas. Urban agriculture reduces distribution costs, minimizes environmental impact, and offers social and economic benefits. The review concludes that urban agriculture contributes significantly to improving food security and provides a sustainable alternative for the global food system.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsCommunityFour Archetypes for Future Food Systems
2025Paul Β. Thompson · · Global
This chapter outlines four archetypal characterizations for future food systems over the next half-century, influenced by climate change and resource scarcity. These archetypes include technological modernization, sustainable intensification, regional agrarianism, and urban agriculture, each driven by distinct ethical orientations and approaches to food production, processing, distribution, and consumption.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeFood sovereignty & justicePolicyCatalogue on innovative governance practices and recommendations
2025Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Walthall, Beatrice, Parisi, Anton, Schröter, Barbara, Gallagher-Squires, Charlotte, Cuevas Garcia Dorado, Soledad, López García, Daniel · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This catalogue, part of the FOODCITYBOOST project, provides a guide for integrating urban agriculture (UA) into city and spatial planning, focusing on governance and policy. It evaluates UA governance practices based on policy integration and multi-stakeholder approaches. The catalogue highlights "good practices" informed by research and empirical evidence, addressing challenges identified by FOODCITYBOOST living labs, and emphasizes that UA policies, instruments, and interventions vary widely by location, making common models challenging to identify due to context-specific factors.
PolicyCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversity