Research & reports

Louis Lategan, Charné Erasmus · REAL CORP Repository (University of Southampton) · South Africa (Cape Town)

This qualitative study, using semi-systematic literature reviews, explored strategies targeting homelessness with urban agriculture (UA) in Cape Town, South Africa. The research found that very few published case studies link UA and homelessness in developing contexts, and information on such strategies in Cape Town remains limited despite its substantial homeless population. In the global South, UA approaches largely prioritize food security, poverty alleviation, and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Akbar Ahmed Sayyed, Mr. Huzef Aslam Patel · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · India (Pune)

A study of 200 farm-gate entrepreneurs in Pune's peri-urban agriculture found that AI-driven "Demand Aggregators" and Blockchain-verified traceability increased farmer realization by 35% and reduced "Farm-to-Fork" transit time from 48 to 6 hours. Farmers in clusters like Saswad, Mulshi, and Narayangaon previously lost 30–40% of value due to logistical delays and intermediary margins. Predictive harvest forecasting allows farmers to pre-sell 70% of their yield.

Nazareno José de Campos · Revista Campo-Território · Brazil (Florianópolis)

This article examined the strong urbanization process in Florianópolis and neighboring municipalities in Brazil. Using various bibliographies, information, empirical analysis, cartographic instruments, and practical activities such as visits to production areas, it showed that despite the transformation of rural areas into urban spaces, rural elements persist within urban areas, supplying regional and national markets for agricultural and livestock products. Despite extensive urbanization, the rural presence remains within the urban fabric, characterizing what is known as urban and peri-urban agriculture.

Ladislava Grochová, Marek Litzman, Veronika Solilová, Helena Dvořáčková · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · Czechia

This study used a simulation model to assess the financial viability of temporary urban agricultural projects on brownfield sites, specifically social farming and community garden models, at the Špitálka brownfield site in Brno, Czechia. The analysis found that carbon offsets were economically marginal, but a strategic combination of labor and establishment subsidies was crucial for financial survival. The Community Garden model showed higher self-sustainability potential (BCR > 1.0), while the Social Farming model required nearly 100% subsidy to break even (NPV = 0).

Caroline Merheb, Joshua S. Caplan, Pralad Phuyal, Jordan Macknick, Nicholas C. Davatzes, Sujith Ravi · npj Urban Sustainability · Global

This study evaluated ground-based agrivoltaics in an urban context. It demonstrated that while early-season yields may decline due to light reduction in temperate climates, productivity rebounds during periods of extreme heat, extending harvest windows and enhancing crop resilience.

Wiendy Puspita Sari, Resanti Lestari, Tri Widiastuty, Chasano daffansyah, Nessa Deragia Saptiyanto, Alia Reinacaesar, Syafira Ardana, Stefanny · Jurnal Dharma Bhakti Ekuitas · Indonesia (Bandung)

This community program in Cigadung Subdistrict, Bandung City, aimed to enhance residents' capacity for organic waste management using black soldier fly (BSF) larvae within a circular economy framework. Implemented at Buruan SAE Barokah and Bumi Lestari, the program involved constructing biopond systems, integrating them with urban farming, and providing technical and entrepreneurship training. Results showed improved skills and operational capacity, with maggot production increasing from 4 kg to 8–9 kg per week, and frass used as organic fertilizer for urban farming.

Daniela Elizabeth Vera Ochoa, María Paulina Brito Ochoa · INNOVA Research Journal · Ecuador

This study in Babahoyo canton, Los Ríos province, Ecuador, evaluated the contribution of urban garden implementation to food security, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion using a mixed-methods approach. Results showed that 72% of households increased food variety and 65% reduced food expenses. Additionally, 38% of producers sold surpluses for complementary income, 61% practiced composting, and 58% used effective irrigation methods.

Magdalena Raftowicz, Mirosław Struś · · Europe

This chapter establishes a theoretical framework for examining the development of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA). It argues that CSA aligns closely with sustainable development theory and should be regarded as an alternative to industrial agriculture. The analysis concludes that CSA constitutes a form of social and constructive innovation consistent with the sustainable development paradigm. However, the low level of social capital represents a key barrier to implementing the classical CSA model in Central and Eastern Europe.

Giorgia Tucci, Willy Müller · Contesti Città territori progetti · Spain (Barcelona)

The Parc Agrari del Baix Llobregat (PABL) is a leading European example of managing peri-urban agricultural systems in complex metropolitan areas of the Barcelona region. The park has established a multilevel governance framework that coordinates regulatory protection, agricultural production, and spatial development. The study emphasizes the importance of governance continuity in stabilizing agro-ecological practices, reinforcing short supply chains, and preventing land speculation.

Kidist Abebe Mersha, David Osiru, Wycliffe Tumwesigye, Rebecca Kalibwani · Discover Sustainability · Uganda (Mbarara City)

This study assessed the participation in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices among urban women farmers in Mbarara City, Western Uganda, and the factors influencing it. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 150 women farmers and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Multivariate Probit model. Results indicated that 74.15% of women farmers had adopted at least one CSA practice, with most being low or medium adopters. Age, membership in social groups, farming experience, farm size, income, access to credit, access to weather information, and marital status positively influenced participation, while family size had a negative effect.

Victoria M. Mwakalinga, Shafii S. Samli · City and Environment Interactions · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)

This study quantified the socio-spatial determinants of household solid waste generation in Mbagala Kuu Ward, a peri-urban informal settlement in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Household survey data (n=115) were integrated with GIS-derived indicators and analyzed using a Spatial Lag Gamma Generalised Linear Model. Households generated an average of 5.94 kg day⁻¹ of waste, with only 47% formally collected. Commercial areas generated over 5 times more waste than residential areas, while urban agriculture and open spaces generated 40-50% less.

Azeb Gebreegziabher Zeru, Aregawi Beyene Bsrat, Zenebe Abraha Kahsay, Tsahaynesh Hagos, Yahansu Girmay, Guesh Endrias, Gebremedhin Mamoy Hadush, Abrhaley Redae, Abrhaley Gebrehiwot, Wolie Gebremicheal · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Ethiopia (Mekelle)

In Mekelle City, Ethiopia, 264 households adopted urban vegetable production as a survival strategy during the Tigray War (2020–2022). Household survey data analyzed using propensity score matching showed that participation in urban vegetable production was strongly associated with poverty reduction. Vegetable producers exhibited relatively low poverty incidence, depth, and severity, suggesting that urban vegetables served as a critical resilience mechanism for households.

Chimka Owhorkaire Emenike, Ajoku Bright Chika · Iconic Research and Engineering Journals · Nigeria

A study was conducted in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, involving 204 participants in urban sack farming. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed that urban sack farming offers economic benefits such as reduced household food costs, increased profitability, job generation, and enhanced savings. It also contributes to environmental advantages like reduced pollutants, water efficiency, and soil conservation, serving as a viable livelihood strategy for urban residents, particularly in densely populated and economically disadvantaged areas.

Kpade O. L. Hounkpatin, Amadou Keïta, Jérôme Tondoh, Djéneba Djamila Traoré, Nouroudine Morou Hamadou, Aymar Y. Bossa, Yacouba Yira, Jean Hounkpè, Traoré Hortense Kagambèga, Olayemi Ursula Gaba, Djigbo Félicien Badou, Sarah Konaré · Water · Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)

This study in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, investigated factors leading to the abandonment of sprinkler irrigation systems and the impact of irrigation water variability on vegetable yields at two market gardening sites. Over 80% of 50 surveyed farmers stopped using sprinkler systems within two years due to equipment failures and lack of support. Variability in manual water application was linked to crop productivity variability, with uneven application identified as a major constraint at one site.

Ari Primantara, Udisubakti Ciptomulyono, Berlian Al Kindhi · International Journal on Engineering Applications (IREA) · Global

This study introduces the Smart Bagging System (SBS) for fertilizer packaging, integrating IoT, sensors, and Random Forest Regressor algorithms. SBS reduced the defect rate from 68.15% to 2.37% and enabled the production of small 5 kg packages with a higher margin of IDR 5,038/kg compared to 50 kg packages at IDR 1,939/kg, creating new market opportunities including urban farming.

R P Mula, Molly Doane, Gabrielle Powell, Myer G. Mula · Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension Economics & Sociology · United States (Chicago)

This study visited, documented, and described 15 community gardens in Chicago, Illinois, and interviewed their leaders. It found the utmost importance of saving traditional crop seeds (heirlooms) for diversity, climate change mitigation, and health, as these are grown organically. Insights include reorienting mindsets, crafting garden requirement manuals, consolidating the value chain, and educating health workers on promoting community gardening.

Alfredo Pérez Guerrero, María Josefina Jiménez-Moreno, Florentino López-Sánchez · Revista Chapingo Serie Agricultura Tropical · Mexico

This research analyzed the multifunctionality of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in Tocuila, Texcoco, Mexico, by applying the Multifunctionality Index of Agricultural Production Systems (IMSPA) to 50 agricultural systems through surveys. Indicators were weighted using the Delphi technique with experts and ejidatarios. Results showed that 50% of systems had medium-high multifunctionality (level IV), 48% had medium multifunctionality (level III), and only 2% had high multifunctionality (level V). The majority of agricultural systems exhibited an intermediate level of multifunctionality, with relevant but limited capacities to generate simultaneous benefits across productive, environmental, and social dimensions.

Rahma 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.

Xiaochuan 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.

Nota Ali Sukarno Nota, Afif Hendri Putranto, Siska Irma Budianti, Ferdian Yudha Fariezki, Rifqi Efendi, Putri Olivia Nurman, Slamet Wiarso, Julianto Ibnu Natan · Perwira Journal of Community Development · Indonesia

This community service program, conducted on August 10, 2025, in Taraban Village, Indonesia, with 31 participants, provided training on aquaponics cultivation technology for limited land to improve the economy and food security of residents. Results showed partners learned cultivation, directly practiced aquaponics technology, experienced food sufficiency with chemical-free plant and animal protein, and could improve family economy. 65% of the participants who attended the training were able to create an aquaponic system.

QianYing Chen, Pengyu Chen, Guangwei Liu · Food and Energy Security · China

This study, using China's 2007 sulfur dioxide emission trading as a starting point, reveals the relationship between Sulfur Dioxide Emissions Trading (SDE) and agricultural productivity. The analysis found that SDE can suppress agricultural productivity, and it has a greater negative impact on cotton-growing, non-rice-producing, and non-fruit-producing areas. Furthermore, SDE inhibits local urban agricultural productivity while promoting agricultural productivity in neighboring cities.

E. T. Yuniarsih, M Salam, Muhammad Hatta Jamil, A. Nixia Tenriawaru · Frontiers in Sociology · Indonesia (Makassar)

This study investigated factors influencing the adoption of urban farming technologies in Makassar City, Indonesia, by integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Primary data were collected from 346 respondents across 15 subdistricts using a questionnaire survey and analyzed with PLS-SEM. Results indicated that knowledge, subjective norms, attitudes, perceived behavioral control, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use significantly influenced the intention to adopt urban farming.

Saksham Nagpal, Gaganpreet Kaur · · Global

This paper reviews factors defining the efficiency and sustainability of the global food system, examining resource, energy, and economic efficiency across the food chain. It emphasizes the necessity of improving greenhouse gas emissions, water use, soil health, food distribution, and farmer profitability for sustainability. The paper discusses methods such as precision agriculture, smart supply chain management, and alternative production like urban agriculture, highlighting the crucial role of policies and governance in promoting sustainable practices.

João Paulo Moreira dos Santos, Luis Carlos Rodrigues da Mata, Maria Clara da Cunha Carvalho, Gabrielly Rodrigues de Araújo, Robério Soares dos Santos, Maria Eduarda Santiago de Araujo, Iraneide Da Cunha Santiago, Edinalva Pereira Campos, José Gustavo Santiago Santos · Journal of Interdisciplinary Debates · Brazil (José de Freitas)

This qualitative case study in José de Freitas, Brazil, analyzed mathematical rationalities in urban community gardens, using participant observation, interviews, and field notes. It found that farmers use ethnomathematical knowledge for spatial organization, soil management, and commercialization. However, these practices showed limitations when confronted with institutional demands for standardization, highlighting a need for critical articulation with formal mathematics.

Natta Sanjaya, Suci Iriani Sinuraya, Matheus Gratiano Mali, Anton Purwadi, Aenur Rif'an · Multidisciplinary Science Journal · Indonesia

This qualitative comparative study in Sleman Regency and Magelang Regency, Indonesia, analyzed food security conditions and the strategic role of women using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and document studies. Magelang Regency demonstrated superior food availability but faced significant challenges in economic access due to poverty, while Sleman Regency excelled in food access but experienced vulnerability in local availability due to massive agricultural land conversion. Women's roles differed according to regional context, with on-farm activities predominant in rural Magelang and off-farm roles including home-garden utilization in suburban Sleman.