Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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1626 results(40 / 66)
Closed-Loop Crop Cascade to Optimize Nutrient Flows and Grow Low-Impact Vegetables in Cities
2020Martí Rufí-Salís, Felipe Parada, Verónica Arcas‐Pilz, Anna Petit‐Boix, Gara Villalba, Xavier Gabarrell · Frontiers in Plant Science · Spain (Barcelona)
This study investigated a closed-loop crop cascade system in a Barcelona rooftop greenhouse, using tomato leachates to irrigate five successive lettuce cycles. The results showed that low yields (below 130 g per lettuce plant) were obtained when the cascade system was used during the early stage of the donor crop, as the nutrient amount, especially nitrogen, was insufficient for the receiving lettuce crop. Additionally, electrical conductivity values became too high (near 3 dS/m) at the end of the donor crop cycle, indicating limitations in maintaining optimal conditions throughout.
Limited or null effectOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeNature connection, experience and policy encourage and maintain adaptation to drought in urban agriculture
2020Monika Egerer, Brenda B. Lin, Lucy Diekmann · Environmental Research Communications · United States (California)
In urban community gardens on the central coast of California, USA, gardeners' adaptation of management behaviors to drought was investigated across three periods: before, during, and after the longest drought. Structural equation modeling and multivariate analyses were used to assess the impact of water policies and gardener characteristics. Findings showed that nature relatedness and gardening experience influenced drought concern, which then impacted behavioral change. Water policies were found to promote and maintain behavioral change and conservation practices even when concern was absent.
CommunityClimate changePolicyDIYElaboración de compostaje con los residuos orgánicos del comedor para el huerto escolar ecológico
2020Ornela María Muñoz Millet, Antonio Yepes Jiménez · · Spain
A school in Spain implemented composting of organic waste from its canteen for use in an ecological school garden, with support from the AGROA school composting program and the Aguilas City Council. The entire educational community participates, from canteen staff separating waste, to the janitor transporting it, and teachers and students organizing it for compost and using it as fertilizer. This practice serves as a didactic resource for developing environmental attitudes and sustainable habits.
CompostFood educationCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeEvaluation of the irrigation water quality and cropped area of shrinking peri‐urban agriculture in the Gadap Basin, Karachi: An application of Wilcox's classification and geospatial techniques*
2020Razzaq Ahmed, Shaukat Khan, Khalida Mahmood, Ahsanullah · Irrigation and Drainage · Pakistan (Karachi)
Agricultural activities in the Gadap Basin, Karachi, Pakistan, showed a declining trend over two decades from 1997 to 2016. Analysis of 13 irrigation water samples revealed that water quality had severely degraded, with sodium concentration substantially increasing, especially near sand and gravel excavation sites. While 100% of samples were suitable for irrigation in 1997, this dropped to almost 50% by 2016, and SAR also decreased, indicating irrigation water quality degradation. Satellite imagery further showed a 60% decline and degradation of agricultural land in the basin during the same period.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeUrban Rooftop Farming – Model for Sustainable Vegetable Production and Environmental Well-being
2020Pawan Gajbe · Agricultural Science Digest - A Research Journal · India (Nagpur)
An experiment was conducted in Nagpur city, India, from July 2019 to March 2020, to grow herbs and vegetables on a 230 sq ft rooftop area. The experiment produced 61.7 kg of pesticide-free vegetables using sustainable farming methods, including cultural pest management, composting household green waste, and irrigating with harvested rainwater and greywater. The results indicate that sustainable urban rooftop farming can be an innovative means to promote urban agriculture without harming the environment.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleClimate changeHow to bring innovation in City/Region Food Systems?
2020Giuseppina Pennisi · AMS Acta (University of Bologna) · Global
This paper describes an international workshop held in Turku, Finland, and online from September 2-4, 2020, as part of the EU-H2020 project FoodE. The workshop gathered 15 contributions, including two plenary lectures and 13 short presentations from PhD candidates from nine countries, to discuss innovation and sustainability in City/Region Food Systems (CRFS). Topics covered innovative plant production systems, sustainability assessment, short food chains, food waste management, urban agriculture, business models, and the water-food-energy nexus within cities.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeUrban–rural linkageEconomicsKnowledge Management for Climate Change Adaptation to Enhance Urban Agriculture Among Selected Organisations in Zimbabwe
2020Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita, Madeleine Fombad · Journal of Information & Knowledge Management · Zimbabwe
This paper examines existing knowledge management strategies for climate change adaptation among selected environmental organizations and libraries in Zimbabwe, specifically in Harare. It notes that current strategies are not fully leveraged to achieve national development goals. The paper aims to recommend a knowledge management strategy for climate change adaptation to enhance urban farming among urban farmers in Harare, suggesting that a well-coordinated national strategy can contribute to sustainable urban farming.
Climate changePolicyFood educationFeeding peoples in future: Urban farming and vertical farming
2020HD Vashi, PK Dubey · International Journal of Chemical Studies · Global
This paper discusses urban farming and vertical farming as solutions for future urban food security and sustainability, addressing environmental changes and resource shortages. It highlights how urban farming, including green rooftops, can contribute to environmental, social, and economic sustainability by improving urban greenery and food systems. Vertical farming is presented as a method to produce large quantities of fresh food in densely populated areas with limited land.
CommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkage[PDF] [DOWNLOAD] Growing a Sustainable City?: The Question of Urban Agriculture (UTP Insights) [Full]
2020[PDF] [DOWNLOAD] Growing a Sustainable City?: The Question of Urban Agriculture (UTP Insights) [Full] · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This abstract provides information regarding the download and reading of the book "Growing a Sustainable City?: The Question of Urban Agriculture (UTP Insights)" by Christina D. Rosan.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeUrban–rural linkageHow to Study the Ecology of Food in the City: An Overview of Natural Science Methodologies
2020Theresa W. Ong, Gordon Fitch · · Global
This chapter provides an overview of natural science research methods for new researchers in urban agriculture. It discusses applying classic ecological theory to urban agriculture's unique conditions, identifies open questions, and outlines methodological advancements and pressing issues for future urban agroecological research.
BiodiversityOrganic cycleClimate changeFrom Individual Seeds to Collective Harvests: Urban Agroecology as Political Action
2020Helda Morales, Bárbara Lazcano, Ana Isabel López García · · Mexico
This study compiles experiences from Mexico to explore how individual urban farming acts as an act of resistance. It describes food's role as a "common ground" where various political struggles intersect, including food sovereignty, gender equality, decolonization, climate change activism, indigenous rights, and social justice. The research also analyzes conditions that could facilitate a transition to broader political change and collective action, highlighting how planting actual seeds can yield not only ecological benefits but also social revolution.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityClimate changeEcological Aspects of Urban Agriculture in the Context of Sustainability
2020Zornitsa Stoyanova · Economic Alternatives · Bulgaria
This paper aims to determine the possibilities of urban agriculture for improving life quality in Bulgaria, based on an assessment of its ecological impact. It analyzes respondents' opinions on the environmental benefits, customer profiles, product types, and production methods of urban agriculture. Conclusions relate to urban agriculture's potential for food security, resource optimization, green practices, and local employment.
Climate changeBiodiversityOrganic cycleCommunityاستخدام حدائق السطح کأحد تطبيقات شبکات البنية التحتية الخضراء لتحقيق استدامة المدن الجديدة
2020Zeinab Abd Elkader, Ahmed Haroun · Fayoum University Journal of Engineering · Egypt
The legislative and executive challenges of roof gardens in new cities in Egypt were clarified. Theoretical studies, including an applied study in Sheikh Zayed City, were presented. The research suggests that while roof gardens offer environmental, social, and economic benefits, challenges exist for their widespread application.
Governance failureClimate changePolicyCommunityEconomicsWhy garden in schools?
2020Lexi Earl, Pat Thomson · · Global
This chapter considers the challenges faced by school gardens. School gardens often have tenuous links with subjects other than health, nutrition, geography, or science, and practical challenges exist in their establishment and maintenance. Key issues of teacher learning, management of resources, and school identity and ethos are also highlighted regarding school change. The chapter concludes with unanswered questions about the prospects for school gardening, particularly whether and how school gardens might be part of an educational solution to the questions posed by the pandemic and climate collapse.
Governance failureFood educationCommunityClimate changeThe Roles of Urban Agriculture for Climate Change Adaption in The Case of Debre Markos Town and Surrounding Districts East Gojjam Zone Amhara Region Ethiopia
2020Mengist Belay · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Ethiopia
This study, focusing on Debre Markos Town and surrounding districts in the East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, establishes that Urban Agriculture is a multipronged tool for adaptation and mitigation to tackle climate change. It is concluded to be an effective tool to address food security challenges in cities, educate and reconnect urban and peri-urban farms and people to assure food and climate security in the cities.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageImplementasi Maqashid Syariah dengan Pengembangan Ekonomi Hijau Melalui Urban Farming
2020Yusvita Nena Arinta · International Journal Ihya Ulum al-Din · Indonesia
This article proposes urban farming as a method to implement a green economy in Indonesia, aligning with Maqashid Shariah principles. It argues that urban farming, by producing, processing, and selling food and energy using natural resources and urban waste, can achieve economic quality growth, environmental efficiency, and social growth. This approach aims to maintain sustainable ecosystems and improve welfare, moving beyond conventional economic trends.
EconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareOrganic cycleHorticultura ecológica e educação socioambiental: Ações do NEPEA no Colégio Estadual da Policia Militar de Goiás “Dr Tharsis Campos” – CEPMG em Catalão (Go)
2020Leonoura Katarina Santos, Cláudio José Bertazzo · · Brazil (Catalão)
This paper describes the Ecological Horticulture Program implemented by NEPEA at the Goias State Military Police College in Catalão, Brazil, aiming to promote socio-environmental education among elementary school students. The program used theoretical-practical classes and workshops to raise awareness about environmental sustainability, waste management, and organic production. Outcomes included composting processes, a school garden with 12 beds for various crops (e.g., lettuce, carrots), a nursery, and the creation of selective collection containers and awareness posters.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeAGRICULTURA URBANA E SOBERANIA ALIMENTAR: UMA REFLEXÃO SOBRE A IMPORTÂNCIA DAS PRÁTICAS SOCIOAMBIENTAIS NA GRANDE GOIÂNIA (GO)
2020Lara Cristine Gomes Ferreira, Stéfanny da Cruz Nóbrega · Revista GeoNordeste · Brazil (Goiânia)
This study explores agroecological urban agriculture in the Greater Goiânia region of Brazil, aiming to qualify the debate on its current relevance, understand the role of socio-biodiversity and food sovereignty, and foster dialogue through socio-environmental education. The methodology included a theoretical-bibliographical review, secondary data collection, and action research at a public school in Goiânia. The findings suggest that agroecological urban agriculture is an alternative to reduce the negative effects of agribusiness and minimize socio-environmental problems, highlighting the importance of family farming and education for food sovereignty and social equality.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityApoyo al programa de educación ambiental del Jardín Botánico, orientado a grupos de interés de las localidades de Suba, Engativá y Usaquén
2020Iván Dario Gómez Raigozo, Jaime Andres Chico Prada · · Colombia (Bogotá)
This abstract describes support provided to the environmental education program of the Bogotá Botanical Garden "Jose Celestino Mutis". The program targets various interest groups in the Suba, Engativá, and Usaquén localities, addressing themes such as environmental interpretation, urban agriculture, and silviculture. The aim is to foster knowledge for sustainable development and a lifestyle aligned with environmental and climatic realities.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeCollaborative research to support urban agriculture in the face of change: The case of the Sumida watercress farm on O‘ahu
2020Jennifer Engels, Sheree J. Watson, Henrietta Dulai, Kimberly Burnett, Christopher A. Wada, ‘Ano‘ilani Aga, Nathan DeMaagd, J. J. McHugh, Barbara Sumida, Leah L. Bremer · PLoS ONE · United States (O‘ahu)
A researcher-farmer collaboration on O‘ahu's Sumida watercress farm conducted a 25-year trend analysis and a year of intensive spring water sampling. Negative correlations were found between historical crop yields and increases in the Oceanic Niño Index, temperature thresholds, and pest outbreaks. Despite urbanization, on-farm water quality was very high, and microbial analyses suggested the farm provides nutrient retention services to downstream systems. The study demonstrates that challenges facing urban agricultural systems shift over time.
Environmental trade-offsCommunityClimate changeBiodiversityOrganic cycleAgroecología urbana como una oportunidad para reducir las emisiones de dióxido de carbono equivalente en el ciclo de vida de la alimentación de habitantes de la localidad de Chapinero en Bogotá
2020Nicolás Caicedo Sarralde · · Colombia (Bogotá)
This investigation used life cycle assessment to determine how urban agroecology in Chapinero, Bogotá, could reduce CO2 equivalent emissions from food production and consumption without affecting nutritional needs. Based on secondary data and a comparison of current and increased agroecology scenarios, the study found that potatoes have high potential in urban agroecology for emission reduction. It also concluded that farm and transport stages have the highest emissions in urban agriculture food cycles, and efficient urban agroecology in Chapinero could reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by 38.99% in nutritionally balanced diets.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cyclePublic health benefits from urban horticulture in the global north: A scoping review and framework
2020Catalina Cruz-Piedrahita, Caroline Howe, Audrey de Nazelle · Global Transitions · Global
This scoping review analyzed 138 papers to develop a conceptual framework on the impacts of urban horticulture (UH) on public health in the Global North. While UH is proposed as a tool for health improvement, the review notes a lack of systematic information on its benefits, barriers, costs, and risks in these regions. The framework visualizes relationships between UH and public health, providing evidence for both positive and negative connections regarding mental health, physical activity, diet, and socialization.
Limited or null effectHealthBiodiversityClimate changeUrban–rural linkageTowards sustainable performance of urban horticulture: ten challenging fields of action for modern integrated pest management in cities
2020F. Feldmann, Ute Vogler · Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection · Global
Ten key challenges for plant protection in cities were identified, each belonging to a specific field of action of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in urban horticulture, according to Directive 2009/128/EC. These challenges include appropriate plant selection, microbiome engineering, nutrient recycling, smart digital solutions, diversification of vegetation, avoidance of pesticide side effects on beneficials, biorational efficacy assessment, effective pest diagnosis, efficient outbreak control, and holistic approaches.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityClimate changeCommunityDigital agricultureDocumentation of Edible City Solutions in Follower Cities (D4.3)
2020Maximilian Manderscheid, Valentin Fiala, Bernhard Freyer · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This report D4.3 describes the status quo analysis and documentation of Edible City Solutions (ECS). Over 300 ECS were identified in Berlin and Montevideo, and online research was conducted in Carthage and Lomé, after which a total of 84 ECS were documented in detail using a mixed-method approach (online survey, interviews, workshops, etc.). Most documented ECS take the form of urban gardening and focus on social benefits like providing education and fostering social cohesion, but the report does not detail specific challenges or limitations regarding governance.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomicsClimate changeGREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN JAKARTA, BASIC UNDERSTANDING AND IMPLEMENTATION EFFORTS IN INDONESIAN CITIES
2020Oswar Mungkasa · Applied Research on Civil Engineering and Environment (ARCEE) · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This paper discusses the implementation of green infrastructure (GI) in Indonesian cities, accelerated by public awareness and the government's Green City Development Program (P2KH). Jakarta serves as a case study, where programs like Jakarta Smart City, Green Buildings, Urban Agriculture, and Child Friendly Integrated Public Space (RPTRA) have been successfully implemented. The study notes that GI programs are more readily accepted when they are community-based.
PolicyCommunityClimate change