Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
1436 results(4 / 58)
Urban Farming for Sustainable Urban Livelihoods in Mbarara City, Western Uganda
2025Elias Nuwagaba, Murindwa Rutanga · East African Scholars Journal of Education Humanities and Literature · Uganda (Mbarara City)
This study explored how state-initiated, unplanned urbanization in Mbarara City, Western Uganda, affects the sustainability of urban farming and urban livelihoods. The research found that rapid, haphazard urban expansion, lacking strategic planning, has led to significant challenges. These include the emergence of slums, illegal land occupations, destruction of wetlands and riverbanks causing water pollution, and inadequate waste management, all negatively impacting public health and urban farming sustainability.
Governance failureEconomicsPolicyClimate changeUrban–rural linkageAn Agroecological Perspective on Early Urban Forms and their Sustainability in Western Eurasia
2025Amy Bogaard · Journal of Urban Archaeology · Europe
This paper frames agroecological expectations for different urban forms based on Roland Fletcher’s model of settlement population scale and density. It hypothesizes that low-density urbanism allows labor-intensive land management, while high-density urbanism requires lower inputs per unit area and stress-tolerant crops. The study applies these expectations to early urban forms in western Eurasia, finding that diverse farming strategies in high-density areas and flexible low-density urban agroecology offer lessons for future urban farming.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceAssessing the Potential of Revegetating Abandoned Agricultural Lands Using Nature-Based Typologies for Urban Thermal Comfort
2025zahra nobar, Akbar Rahimi, Alessio Russo · Land · Global
This study assessed the efficacy of nature-based solutions in revegetating abandoned urban agricultural lands to enhance outdoor thermal comfort, using ENVI-met 4.4.6 and Ray-Man 3.1 simulation models. Simulation results showed that species like Quercus spp. (broadleaf) and Cupressus arizonica (evergreen) substantially reduced the Mean Radiant Temperature (Tmrt) index by up to 26.76 °C, primarily due to their shading effects and large canopies. Combining these vegetation types with crops emerged as the most effective strategy to mitigate heat stress and optimize land-use.
Climate changeBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageFour 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 & justicePolicyLa percepción de la urbanización de tierras agrícolas en el valle andino de Cajamarca, Perú
2025Moschella Miloslavich, Paola · Portal de Revistas PUCP (N/A) · Peru (Cajamarca)
This study in Cajamarca, Peru, analyzed the expansion of the city onto vital agricultural land, examining perceptions, consequences, and solutions through surveys and interviews. It found that weak regulations and external factors accelerate informal subdivision of rural properties, leading to future urban areas lacking public spaces and services. Despite high regard for agricultural land, comfort and the land market override beliefs in decision-making, and initiatives to protect the valley were unsuccessful due to permissive regulations and a lack of political will.
Governance failurePeri-urban agriculturePolicyUrban–rural linkageCaptación pluvial en huertos urbanos de la ciudad de México
2025R. Salazar, Abraham Rojano Aguilar, Jorge Flores Velázquez · Regiones y Desarrollo Sustentable · Mexico (Mexico City)
This study aimed to estimate the volume of rainwater that can be stored in 13 urban gardens in Mexico City over one year to supplement irrigation water requirements. Using precipitation data from 2007-2018 from 12 meteorological stations, the study calculated the 80% exceedance probability for rainwater capture. The 13 gardens were categorized into three climate-based groups to assess their potential for rainwater harvesting, addressing water shortages in the metropolitan area.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageEconomicsCommunitySpider Webs as Biomonitoring Tool for Heavy Metal Pollution in Diverse Environments: A Study in Kochi City
2025M Mohan Joseph, Archana T. Anil · Environmental Quality Management · India (Kochi)
This study evaluated spider webs from Cyrtophora cicatrosa and Pholcus phalangioides as biomonitoring tools for heavy metal pollution in urban, industrial, and semi-urban/agricultural areas of Kochi city, India. Analysis of web samples revealed site-specific variations in Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, and Zn concentrations, with high levels of Zn found in Eloor (7558 ppm) and Kizhakkambalam (4947.50 ppm). Zn and Sn were the dominant accumulated metals, indicating significant heavy metal contamination in these environments.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageCHAPTER 1 ORIGINS
2025Celia Plender · Berghahn Books · Global
During an eviction attempt at the Pullens Estate, squatters rained down rotten apples, vegetable peelings, and manure from a local city farm on police and bailiffs. To delay the eviction, stairwells and many flat doors were blocked with boards, steel, barbed wire, or concrete blocks, and door numbers were painted over. By noon, only sixteen of the thirty planned squat evictions had been completed.
CommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageUrban Farming in Vacant Land for Sustainable Development: A Systematic Review
2025Liu Shan, Mohd Johari Mohd Yusof, Mohammad Mujaheed Hassan, Gao Lihui · ALAM CIPTA International Journal Of Sustainable Tropical Design & Practice · Global
This systematic review assessed the contribution of urban farming in vacant land to sustainable development. It showed that over the last decade, research in this area has focused almost exclusively on sustainability, published mainly in the United States and some European countries. Food security and improved nutrition were the most discussed topics, followed by urban sustainability, while quality was least mentioned. Although there is a substantial basis for positive benefits, gaps remain in quantitative assessments and in-depth case studies on sustainable contributions.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeUncontrolled urban vegetable farming poses public health risks in Ethiopia
2025Taffere Addis, Sisay Ketema, Abayneh Melaku · Frontiers in Water · Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
This study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, investigated trace metal levels in sediment, soil, and irrigated vegetables from farms along the Akaki River, evaluating public health risks. Sediment levels of arsenic, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc exceeded threshold effect levels. Soil levels of arsenic, chromium, copper, manganese, and zinc exceeded typical world soil values, with nickel at one site exceeding EEC limits for agricultural soils. Critically, arsenic, lead, and zinc levels in some vegetable samples were above WHO allowable limits, despite soil levels being acceptable, and cadmium was the most accumulated metal in vegetables.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkagehydro ponos - Die vertikale Farm auf dem Flakturm im Augarten Eine Symbiose zwischen Bestand und Neubau
2025Grassl, Philipp · reposiTUm (TU Wien) · Europe
The diploma thesis "hydro ponos" at the Vienna University of Technology addresses a new type of agriculture in Vienna's urban context. The project proposes a hydroponic system in a vertical farm, choosing the vacant Flakturm (anti-aircraft tower) in Augarten as the construction site. The study suggests a solution for the city by utilizing the existing Flakturm as a storage and supply element and adding a new timber skeleton structure as an extension.
Digital agricultureUrban–rural linkageClimate changeEconomicsMicrogreens and Their Role in Sustainable Urban Food Systems
2025Acharya, Sumit, Nayak, Priti Smita, Pramanik, Kartik · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This article highlights microgreen cultivation as a solution for sustainable urban and peri-urban horticulture, addressing challenges from urbanization and demand for nutrient-dense foods. Microgreens are young seedlings harvested within 7–21 days, offering high concentrations of nutrients. They are suitable for urban environments due to minimal resource requirements, rapid growth, low water usage, and high yield, contributing to food security, reduced carbon footprints, and ecological balance by minimizing chemical inputs.
Urban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsCommunity gardens support stress coping and health – A comparison of rural and urban perceptions of benefits
2025Katie L. Butterfield, Kathryn P. Daniels · Wellbeing Space and Society · United States
This study analyzed 34 in-depth interviews with rural and urban community garden organizers across the United States to compare perceptions of health benefits. Rural participants emphasized the holistic community orientation of their gardens, while urban participants highlighted their gardens as natural spaces and a driver for interacting with nature. The findings demonstrate varying impacts of community gardens in rural and urban settings.
CommunityHealthUrban–rural linkageCOLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE IN EFFORTS TO IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY THROUGH URBAN FARMING IN BANDUNG CITY
2025Muhammad Kamil, Switsa Cellindita, Anisa Ana Fitrianti · Jurnal Honai · Indonesia (Bandung)
A literature review focused on Bandung City, Indonesia, examined collaborative governance in urban farming to improve food security during the pandemic. The study found that collaborative governance in implementing urban farming policies was predominantly driven by the community. The urban farming program had a positive impact on Bandung City, reflecting effective and efficient collaborative governance.
Food sovereignty & justicePolicyCommunityUrban–rural linkageMicrogreens for nutritional resilience: A comprehensive review
2025Bhoirab Gogoi, Shourov Dutta, Trishnalee Saikia, Rituparna Saikia, Sanjoy Borthakur, Manoranjan Neog · International Journal of Research in Agronomy · Global
A comprehensive review synthesized literature on the taxonomic diversity, cultivation practices, nutritional and phytochemical composition, health benefits, and postharvest management of microgreens. Microgreens possess significantly higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than their mature counterparts. For instance, radish microgreens contained 147 mg of vitamin C per 100g fresh weight, red amaranth microgreens offered up to 50 mg of iron, and sunflower microgreens provided around 65 mg of calcium.
HealthUrban–rural linkageVisualising and Valuing Urban Agriculture for Land Use Planning: A Critical GIS Analysis of Sydney and Neighbouring Regions
2025Joshua Zeunert, Scott Hawken, Josh Gowers · Land · Australia (Sydney)
A critical GIS analysis was conducted for Sydney and neighboring regions in NSW, Australia, to understand and advocate for Sydney's food production capacity. The study challenged the notion that Sydney's metropolitan landscape has low inherent biophysical quality for agriculture. Despite current metropolitan planning policy that marginalizes agricultural productivity, datasets revealed western Sydney is biophysically well suited for agriculture. Sydney's overall agricultural capacity was found to be comparable to five of six other coastal regions of NSW and superior to at least two, challenging current planning orthodoxy and policy.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageEconomicsResilience in Food Systems – Response and Adaptation to Shocks and Disruptions: The Case of the Phillipi Horticultural Area in Cape Town, South Africa
2025A. Bayat, H. Govera · Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir landbouvoorligting/South African journal of agricultural extension · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study descriptively investigated the vulnerability to shocks and pressures of the Philippi Horticultural Area (PHA), a key urban food-producing region in Cape Town, South Africa. Data were collected through surveys with stakeholders from government, the private sector, NGOs, private individuals, and informal settlers. Key findings revealed insufficient governance commitment, a lack of multi-stakeholder collaboration, and the growing threat of urban development on agricultural land.
Governance failurePeri-urban agriculturePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageRethinking Urban Planning in a Post-Pandemic World: Reverse Globalization, Resilient Cities, and the Case of New York City
2025Yingqi Zhu · Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Studies · United States (New York City)
This study analyzes innovative urban planning responses in New York City following the COVID-19 pandemic, examining the intersection of reverse globalization and resilient city theory. It investigates how NYC's adaptive initiatives, such as the Open Streets program and upscaling urban agriculture, improved local autonomy, flexibility, and community resilience. The research assesses how decentralized, neighborhood-scale solutions and participatory governance systems can address urban vulnerabilities and promote long-term sustainability, offering planning lessons for other global cities.
PolicyCommunityUrban–rural linkageClimate changeProximity despite distance? A community-supported agriculture initiative across rural mountain and urban areas in Switzerland
2025Sarah Steinegger, Nora Katharina Faltmann · Journal of Political Ecology · Switzerland
This qualitative research examined the challenges consumers and farmers face in establishing proximity within a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative in Switzerland that links rural mountain and urban areas. The study found that consumers and farmers are facing challenges in establishing proximity. Nevertheless, shared experiences of farming activities and social events, along with participants' willingness to improve CSA operations and strengthen ties for mutual understanding and joint efforts, contribute to the ongoing process of establishing proximity.
Governance failureCSA & TeikeiCommunityUrban–rural linkageKrajobraz jadalny w prozie polskiej XXI wieku – próba typologii
2025Magdalena Roszczynialska · Przestrzenie Teorii · Poland
This article characterizes the edible landscape, a non-visual approach to landscape, by identifying landscapes where the cultural component is weakened in favor of the environmental one. The author develops a typology of edible landscapes in 21st-century Polish prose, including consumption landscapes, edible mnemotopos, terroir, and urban gardens, interpreting them as practices of "hacking the Anthropocene" and interventions for socio-environmental justice. The edible landscape is presented as a way of literary manifestation of nature and a means of survival in the face of ecological catastrophe.
CommunityBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageCentre for Sustainable Agricultural Skill Development and Community Livelihood Advancement in West Bengal
2025A.K. Sen · International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology · India
Agriculture in West Bengal, India, faces challenges including decreasing farm sizes, lack of modern farming knowledge, rural migration, and low farmer income. This research explores the design and development of an Urban Agricultural Skill Development Centre (UASDC) to bridge the gap between traditional and modern farming practices. The project proposes a self-sustaining model integrating skill training, marketplace access, and architectural design to enhance farmer income, promote environmental sustainability, and strengthen rural-urban linkages.
Food educationEconomicsUrban–rural linkageCommunityCambio climático con análisis multifuncional: Infraestructura Verde como solución basada en la Naturaleza
2025Julián Briz Escribano, Isabel de Felipe Boente · Revista española de estudios agrosociales y pesqueros/Revista española de estudios agrosociales y pesqueros · Spain
This study addresses various climate change-related functions and climate issues, particularly in urban areas. A holistic analytical method for green infrastructure is proposed as a nature-based solution, based on its structure, behavior, and functioning. Dimensions emerging with climate change and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), such as urban agriculture and agrifitness, are identified, and the situation in Spain is described.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkagePolicyBiodiversityField diagnosis of farmers’ adaptation challenges to climate change in the agricultural urban landscapes
2025Henry Mensah · City and Environment Interactions · Ghana (Kumasi)
This study investigated adaptation practices and challenges among 85 urban farmers across three locations in Kumasi, Ghana. Farmers employed strategies like planting local crop varieties, expanding farms, and relocating. However, these strategies are hindered by institutional and technological limitations, financial constraints, lack of climate information, and delays in extension support, indicating significant governance challenges.
Governance failureClimate changePolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageSoil extraction facilitates climate change adaptation and alters urban ecosystem services
2025B. Constance, Adrienne Grêt‐Regamey, Andoniaina Valérie Andriamanga, Dominic A. Martin, Nicolas Salliou · Ecosystems and People · Madagascar (Antananarivo)
This study investigated the motivations and consequences of soil extraction for brick-making in Antananarivo, Madagascar, through 263 interviews with farmers and brick-makers. Findings indicate soil extraction serves as a climate change adaptation strategy, leading to a decline in flood regulation capacity but also a shift to more resilient cultivation practices like raised gardens. Climate change, with shorter rainy seasons, intensifies soil extraction.
Climate changePeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkageBiodiversityBecoming ‘Good Neighbors’: Co-Creating Spaces for Interspecies Hospitality in Urban Encounters
2025Emily Schneider · Amsterdam Museum Journal · Global
This essay explores the conjuncture of interspecies reciprocity, hospitality, gift-giving practices, and the co-creation of urban spaces, focusing on the potential for and complexity of neighborly relationships between humans and plants. Borrowing the concept of the ‘good neighbor’ from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass, it considers the conditions under which relationships based on care and responsibility can thrive through ‘circular reciprocity’. Sites for close interspecies encounters, like urban foraging practices and community gardens, show the potential of a caring and attentive striving toward neighborliness but also reveal the multiplicity and ambiguity of what can be considered different, sometimes irreconcilable, interests and needs of various urban dwellers. Nevertheless, this essay argues that the practice of becoming ‘good neighbors’ ultimately benefits both humans and plants.
CommunityBiodiversityUrban–rural linkage