Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
5823 results(40 / 233)
A Participatory Evaluation of an Urban Garden Project in Ecuador: Exploring Factors That Impact the Recovery of People With Severe Mental Health Problems
2024Emilia C. Zamora-Moncayo, Bernarda Herrera, June Larrieta, Aimée DuBois, Georgina Miguel Esponda · Qualitative Health Research · Ecuador
A participatory case study of Huertomanías, an urban garden initiative founded in Ecuador in 2015 that provides work, income and social inclusion to people with severe mental health problems. Twelve participants took part in cognitive mapping, a photovoice project and interviews. Thematic analysis identified four domains of impact within the garden — autonomy (financial and personal), interpersonal and environmental relations, mental health, and family dynamics — plus external factors (family support, public policy and healthcare services) that shape recovery. The context is that employment access for this group is largely disregarded in Ecuadorian policy planning because of labour-market discrimination. As a qualitative study with 12 participants, it does not measure symptom change or job retention.
WelfareHealthCommunityImplementing urban agriculture as nature-based solutions in China: Challenges and global lessons
2024Zhe Zhu, Faith Ka Shun Chan, Gang Li, Mengxia Xu, Meili Feng, Yong‐Guan Zhu · Soil & Environmental Health · China
This review examines urban agriculture in China, identifying three forms: small-scale, capital-intensive, and tourism-type, each with benefits and challenges shaped by local context and government policies. Despite benefits like improved community cohesion and environmental sustainability, urban agriculture in China faces significant limitations including land availability, capital shortage, market access, and insufficient governmental support. Strategies and four recommendations are proposed to address these challenges.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityHealthUrban green infrastructure: bridging biodiversity conservation and sustainable urban development through adaptive management approach
2024Dong Wang, Peiyuan Xu, Bo-Wen An, Qiuping Guo · Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution · Global
This paper introduces a conceptual framework for urban green infrastructure (UGI) to integrate ecological principles, urban planning, and adaptive management for resilient urban landscapes. UGI aims to enhance ecological connectivity, restore ecosystem functions, and provide habitats, emphasizing multifunctionality, connectivity, diversity, and accessibility. Global case studies demonstrate UGI's effectiveness in biodiversity conservation and its contribution to sustainable urban development through ecosystem services. Challenges for UGI include funding constraints, institutional fragmentation, and equity issues, requiring innovative financing, community involvement, and policy innovations.
CommunityBiodiversityClimate changeExperiences from a land-based learning project focused on local food interventions
2024Abbey Palmer, Phillip Warsaw, Aaron J. McKim, R. Bud McKendree, Marion Nettleton, Tiffany Marzolino, Haley Brasier · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States
This study evaluated a land-based learning program in northern Michigan, involving two schools, two teachers, their students, food-service directors, local farmers, and a university extension educator. The program delivered farm-to-school content through 20 instructional sessions, leading students to identify and implement interventions to increase local food in school lunches. Findings indicate that this framework offers similar benefits to traditional farm-to-school programs, with added flexibility and educational advantages.
Food educationCommunityCSA & TeikeiRevisão de literatura: ecoformação, transdisciplinaridade e as produções acadêmicas sobre educação
2024Evandro dos Santos Taborda, Vera Lúcia Simão, Joel Cezar Bonin · Cadernos Cajuína · Brazil
This descriptive and qualitative literature review, conducted from April 8 to May 10, 2023, analyzed 20 theses and dissertations from databases like Periódicos Capes, Google Scholar, and Scielo Brasil. It is part of a master's research investigating transdisciplinary and eco-formative pedagogical practices with high school students using a community garden in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The study suggests that continuing such practices in high school can strengthen the connection between education and society, offering integrated learning opportunities.
Food educationCommunityAnalisis Dinamika Organisasi pada PT Tanikota Agribudaya Edulestari
2024Debora Sihombing, Yayat Sukayat · MIMBAR AGRIBISNIS Jurnal Pemikiran Masyarakat Ilmiah Berwawasan Agribisnis · Indonesia
PT Tanikota Agribudaya Edulestari, an urban agriculture company, has not yet achieved profitability despite business diversification and technology application. This qualitative study analyzed elements of organizational dynamics to identify obstacles faced by the company in its business operations. Results showed that 22 out of 32 sub-variables did not align with organizational dynamics indicators, including organizational goals, member orientation, task-activity balance, conflict resolution, coordination, decision-making, and member participation, indicating that the company's organizational dynamics still face challenges in business operations.
Economic viabilityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageCommunityKonsep Perbaikan Kampung dengan Analisis Sustainable Development dan Partisipasi Masyarakat
2024Muhammad Yusuf, Ainun Nurin Sharvina, Agus Setiawan · Seminar Nasional Teknik Sipil · Indonesia
Kampung Keputih Tegal, Indonesia, located very close to a final waste disposal site, contributes significantly to the city's waste containment. This qualitative descriptive study, using observation and interviews, aimed to formulate a village improvement concept based on sustainable development and community participation. The research resulted in concepts and strategies for sustainable and livable development, including design ideas such as urban farming and rainwater harvesting.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceStructural equations modelling applied to the study of Communities Supported Agriculture (CSAs) located in the Southeastern region of Brazil
2024Gustavo Alves de Melo, Luiz Gonzaga de Castro Júnior, Eduardo Gomes Carvalho, Maria Gabriela Mendonça Peixoto, Samuel Borges Barbosa, Patrícia Guarnieri dos Santos, André Luiz Marques Serrano, Lucas Oliveira Gomes Ferreira, José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade Guerra · DYNA · Brazil
This descriptive, quantitative study used structural equation modeling to investigate the relationship between various Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) variables in Southeastern Brazil. The study confirmed that socioeconomic characteristics positively influence CSA performance. Limitations included data collection methods and difficulties from the Covid-19 pandemic.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityCommunity Gardens as Places for Ecological Caring in Action
2024Amal Ibourk, Lauren Wagner, Deb Morrison, Syrena Young, Justin Milledge · Science and Children · Global
This article describes a fifth-grade climate change action project involving building a community garden, aligned with science standards. Students learned about monarch butterfly migration, life cycles, and greenhouse gases by planting milkweed. The article offers educators ideas and suggestions for implementing such a project within a school community.
CommunityFood educationBiodiversityPollinatorsClimate changePengaruh Tingkat Literasi Informasi Pertanian Perkotaan BBP2TP Terhadap Minat Bertani Generasi Zilenial Di Tagrinov
2024Indah Nur Fitriandini · J-IKA · Indonesia (Bogor)
This descriptive quantitative study, conducted at BBP2TP in Bogor, Indonesia, surveyed 1,066 Zilenial generation respondents who received BBP2TP urban agriculture information literacy. The study aimed to determine the level of urban agriculture information literacy, the Zilenial generation's interest in farming, and the influence of information literacy on this interest. Results indicated a significant influence of information literacy on the interest in farming, suggesting that adequate urban agriculture information literacy is necessary to increase farming interest among the Zilenial generation.
Food educationCommunityMujeres y Agricultura Urbana Comunitaria: un estudio de caso múltiple en Bogotá, Colombia
2024Clara Pantoja Bohórquez, Karen Johanna Martínez Grisales, Jessica Paola Rincón Vivas, Linda Vanessa Boada Arias · Convergencia Revista de Ciencias Sociales · Colombia (Bogotá)
This qualitative multiple case study in Bogotá, Colombia, explores the role of women in seven community urban farming initiatives and their collective resistance practices. It found that women pursue food sovereignty, transform relationships with nature, and re-signify public space. Women play a significant role in community self-management, with high recognition of their knowledge and practices, and their networks of affection and intergenerational exchange strengthen female autonomy and leadership.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsCONTABILIDADE AMBIENTAL. A RELEVÂNCIA DA CONTABILIDADE AMBIENTAL COMO INSTRUMENTO DE EDUCAÇÃO NA ESCOLA DE ENSINO MÉDIO PEDRO AGUIRRE EM MANICORÉ-AM
2024Eduardo Torres, Orientadora: MSc, Ana Maria Ferreira de Gomes, Efraim Lagos · Revista fisio&terapia. · Brazil
This research implemented Environmental Accounting as an educational tool at Pedro Aguirre high school in Manicoré, Brazil, to raise awareness about ecological issues and promote sustainable practices. Sustainable practices introduced included selective waste collection, educational signs, and the creation of a community garden. The methodology included exploratory and descriptive research with qualitative and quantitative analysis of students’ environmental education knowledge and the effectiveness of implemented practices.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleOlder Persons and Horticultural Therapy Practice
2024Karen Haas, Sharon P. Simson, Nancy C. Stevenson · · Global
Horticulture is a leisure pursuit for hundreds of thousands of older adults who enjoy tending flower and vegetable gardens or indoor plant collections. For an increasing number of older adults, gardening is an essential therapeutic activity that helps in maintaining health, aids in rehabilitation from chronic diseases and impairments, or slows the effects of dementia.
ElderlyHealthCommunityPemanfaatan Botol Plastik Bekas Sebagai Wadah Dalam Sistem Hidroponik Untuk Budidaya Sayuran
2024Wahyu Halya Aprilia Putri, Renita Dwi Lestari, Prasmita Dian Wijayanti · Manfaat Jurnal Pengabdian Pada Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia (Semarang City)
Residents of RW 05 Jomblang, Semarang City, Indonesia, are increasingly concerned about plastic waste. As a solution, MBKM students implemented a program utilizing used plastic bottles as planting media in hydroponic techniques. This program reduced waste, supported sustainable agriculture by minimizing land and water use, and raised community awareness about eco-friendly urban farming. Evaluations showed tangible results, such as pakcoy plants being distributed to participants, suggesting significant benefits for the community.
CommunityFood educationOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceAI-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 agricultureSchool principals’ practices and their facing barriers to sustainable development in Turkish K12 schools
2024Neşe Börü · International Journal of Leadership in Education · Turkey
This case study investigated school principals' practices and barriers to sustainable development in Turkish K-12 schools under centralized management, using semi-structured interviews. The findings highlighted the need for leadership skills, collaboration with external bodies, public education, reward systems, and school budgets under a centralized management approach. The research identified that the centralized management system itself presents a barrier to sustainable development efforts in these schools.
Governance failureFood educationCommunityPolicyThe Role of Participatory Approaches in Developing Future Perspectives
2024Bart Neuts, Steven Valcke, Clio Lambrechts, Vincent R. Nijs, Jan Van Praet · · Europe
This study describes a participatory inquiry conducted in the summer of 2021 at St Godelina’s Abbey in Bruges, Belgium, where visitors co-created 4,784 scenarios for the heritage site's future development. A panel of 40 experts further explored these scenarios, leading to an architectural design that integrates a community garden, orchard, and other elements. The process is presented as a best practice for citizen participation in redeveloping cultural sites, though limitations include significant data collection and analysis efforts, making it impractical for smaller initiatives.
CommunityFood educationOrganic cycleCommunity-Led Gardens as Transformative Classrooms
2024Deborah Carter · · Global
This chapter explores community-led gardens as transformative, innovative literacy learning environments for refugee learners and their families. It reviews literature on refugees' utilization of community-led gardening, highlighting concepts of cultural reflection and inspiration, cultural cohesion and sense of belonging, and adaptation and resilience. The author shares experiences creating a community-led garden for refugees and describes language literacy pedagogical activities that utilize a community garden for learner-centered, experiential learning and communicative language teaching.
CommunityFood educationWelfareContemporary Urban Agriculture in European and Chinese Regions: A Social-Cultural Perspective
2024Yichen Jiang, He Fang, Shihui Li, Hang Lu, Rouran Zhang · Land · Global
This paper compares urban agriculture (UA) patterns in Europe and China using bibliometric analysis of Web of Science and 2230 CNKI publications, alongside field research on nine European practices and UA development in Hangzhou, China. The study recommends that China consider European approaches for realizing social and cultural benefits in future UA practices. It also suggests integrating UA projects into urban green space planning and rationalizing construction types.
CommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageCidades e suas agriculturas: avaliação de benefícios da agricultura urbana e periurbana para as pessoas: sumário executivo de Manaus (AM)
2024Adriana de Paula Cavalcante Fraga, Ana Moraes Coelho, Jéssica Castro Chryssafidis, José Geraldo Barreto Monteiro de Andrade, Maíra Bombachini Silva, Maria Luiza Sevilha Seraphico de Assis Carvalho, Mariana Nicolletti, Nathan Debortoli, Samuel Santos de Souza Pinto · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil (Manaus)
A case study of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Manaus, Brazil, aimed to identify and characterize the benefits these agricultural initiatives provide to the territory. Using a hybrid methodology that combined biophysical modeling with listening to the voices of experienced protagonists, the study identified the significant potential of urban and peri-urban agriculture to contribute to city development. This research revealed the potential for urban agriculture to mitigate or solve typical urban problems.
Peri-urban agricultureCommunityClimate changeBiodiversityExploring Community Garden Coordinators’ Perceptions of Climate-Smart Adaptations to Support Local Food Systems
2024Olivia M. Erskine, Alexa J. Lamm, Catherine E. Sanders, Kevan W. Lamm · Horticulturae · United States
This study investigated community garden coordinators' perceptions of the need for climate change adaptation, its attributes, and their position in the innovation-decision process in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, United States. Participants valued relative advantage and low complexity when adopting and implementing climate-smart practices. Community gardens were found to be implementing some form of climate-smart adaptations, even if not for climate-related reasons, but the largest barrier to adopting new practices was a lack of extra money.
CommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEstimating Civic Awareness and Willingness to Pay (WTP) for Rooftop Greenhouses: A Study of Seoul Residents
2024Sung–Ho Kil, Hye‐Mi Park, T. Kim · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea (Seoul)
This study estimated the willingness to pay (WTP) and civic awareness for rooftop greenhouses (RGs) among residents of Seoul, South Korea, using the contingent valuation method (CVM). The per capita WTP for RGs among Seoul residents was 30,260 KRW, valuing RGs in Seoul at approximately 220 billion KRW. Most respondents preferred a combination of crop production and experiences, and suggested that customized education on building and managing rooftop greenhouses was the most necessary measure to promote RGs.
EconomicsPolicyCommunity‘Growing deliciously’ (맛있는 농사): Korean urban food cultivation as a form of cultural inheritance
2024Natalia Gerodetti · Emotions and Society · South Korea (Seoul)
This article examines contemporary urban food cultivation practices in Seoul, South Korea, as a form of cultural heritage making through familial activities. It explores how widespread urban food growing connects to family and heritage, arguing that these practices are part of a Korean sensibility towards food and its cultivation. The article posits that growing edible plants in urban settings is a "doing family" activity, linking generations, evoking nostalgia, and transmitting values within the context of "compressed modernity."
CommunityFood educationHeirloom & landraceFoundations of self-agency: development of a nano-therapeutic community
2024Adrian J Hayes, Tulane Chiarletti, Stephanie Hares, Sarah Devereux, Stephanie Upton, Daniel McNamara, Sally Brookes · Therapeutic Communities The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities · United Kingdom (South West of England)
This paper reports on the development and running of Foundations Group, a pilot 2-hour nano-therapeutic community (TC) intervention. Conducted within the NHS on City Farm premises in the South West of England for 18 months (2021–2022), the group comprised 11 members, one peer, and three staff. The authors reflected on the TC approach of democratic work, non-expert stance, and using support and challenge to enhance self-agency and belongingness, detailing the group's structure.
HealthCommunityWelfareGrowing gardens into neighborhoods through transdisciplinary research
2024Monika Egerer, Susan Karlebowski, David Schoo, Ulrike Sturm · Urban forestry & urban greening · Germany
This communication article presents a transdisciplinary research concept focused on developing, implementing, and testing biodiversity conservation interventions in urban community gardens in Berlin and Munich, Germany. The research aims to promote insect diversity with gardeners and neighborhood residents, engaging civil society and city actors to support biodiversity-based urban greening. It outlines participatory methods and experiences in translating research into practice, highlighting the role of city residents in implementing biodiversity interventions.
CommunityBiodiversityPollinatorsFood education