Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2058 results(40 / 83)
Is gardening associated with greater happiness of urban residents? A multi-activity, dynamic assessment in the Twin-Cities region, USA
2020Graham Ambrose, Kirti Das, Yingling Fan, Anu Ramaswami · Landscape and Urban Planning · United States (Minneapolis-St. Paul Area)
Emotional well-being (EWB) during household gardening and other activities was measured in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area, USA, using an app-based Day Reconstruction Method. Among 370 participants, 118 (32%) reported engaging in household gardening. Gardening EWB ranked among the top 5 out of 15 activities for three average EWB measures and was not statistically different from biking, walking, and eating out. Average net affect of gardening was significantly higher for vegetable gardeners, low-income gardeners, and women, while companionship, race/ethnicity, and urban versus suburban location showed no significant difference.
HealthCommunityDIYPsychological restoration in urban gardens related to garden type, biodiversity and garden-related stress
2020Christopher Young, M Hofmann, David Frey, Marco Moretti, Nicole Bauer · Landscape and Urban Planning · Switzerland (Zurich)
A study of approximately 300 leisure gardeners in Zurich, Switzerland, investigated how self-reported psychological restoration related to garden type, the number of plant species, and garden-related stress. Allotment gardeners reported higher restoration levels compared to domestic gardeners. Restoration was positively related to the number of plant species via the perceived restorativeness of the garden, but garden-related stress or negative affect was negatively related to the restoration outcome.
HealthBiodiversityCommunityWADAH KOMUNITAS EDUTANI DI RAWA BUNGA
2020Pinky Hemnani, Diah Anggraini · Jurnal Sains Teknologi Urban Perancangan Arsitektur (Stupa) · Indonesia (Jakarta)
In Jakarta, Indonesia, unhealthy eating habits contribute to urban problems, leading to a need for "third places" for interaction, healthy eating education, and economic improvement through urban agriculture for residents in Rawa Bunga and surrounding areas. This study proposes a design concept for such a "third place," combining an "edutani" community program with a commercial program. The design aims to meet the characteristics of a "third place" and open architecture, including playfulness, conversation, neutrality, accessibility, and accommodation.
CommunityFood educationEconomicsHealthHeat Treatment Reduces Bacterial Contamination of Medicinal Plants Grown in A Community Garden
2020Cleusa Fernandes Ramos, Andréia Assunção Soares, Isabela Carvalho dos Santos, F. Ramos, Odair Alberton, Luciana Kazue Otutumi, Lidiane Nunes Barbosa, Ricardo de Melo Germano, Daniela Dib Gonçalves, Luiz Sérgio Merlini · Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology · Brazil
This 2020 study in Brazil evaluated the bacteriological quality of six medicinal plants from community gardens, including Cymbopogon citratus and Aloysia citriodora. Analysis of cold extracts revealed bacterial contamination, with Plectranthus barbalus showing the highest aerobic mesophile count and Aloysia citriodora the highest coliform count at 45°C. However, the study concluded that heat treatment (boiling for teas) can significantly reduce or eliminate this bacteriological contamination, making the plants safe for consumption.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthFood educationWithstanding pandemic through education, economic and health policies
2020Jose Benito C Ronolo, Margarita Cuadra, J. Q. Cabada, Amaya Caballero, Omar A. Tantoy · European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine · Philippines
This paper examines the impacts of COVID-19 in the Philippines by reviewing five research articles and formulating twelve policy statements across education, health and safety, and economic dimensions. For the economic dimension, recommended policies include encouraging home or urban gardening, initiating hydroponics, aquaponics, and horticulture gardening, and institutionalizing the "Farm Food Box." These policies aim to mitigate the pandemic's impacts in the Philippines.
PolicyHealthEconomicsDIYPsychosocial outcomes as motivations for urban gardening: A cross-cultural comparison of Swiss and Chilean gardeners
2020Robert Home, Lorena Vieli · Urban forestry & urban greening · Switzerland, Chile
This study evaluated gardening motivations using a 14-item scale and questionnaires in three Swiss cities (N=409) and one Chilean city (N=167). While individual scale items showed significant differences between Swiss and Chilean responses, a principal component analysis revealed nearly identical component structures for both samples. Restoration was the strongest motivational component, followed by socialization and food production, suggesting motivations are not context-dependent.
CommunityHealthDIYGRUPO DE AUTOCUIDADO APOIADO PARA PORTADORES DE DOENÇAS CRÔNICAS NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE: UM RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA
2020Idaene Socorro da Silva, Alexciane Priscila da Silva, Thayna Karoline Sousa Silva, Delton Manoel dos Santos Silva, Hannah Shiva Ludgero Farias, Cáio Dantas Ribeiro, Jéssica de Oliveira Campos, Camilla Peixoto Santos Rodrigues, Osvaldo Nascimento Pascoal, JacksonGeorge Gomes dos Santos Araújo, Adriana Maria da Silva · Brazilian Journal of Development · Brazil
From August to December 2018, a supported self-care group for chronic disease patients was implemented in the Maués neighborhood of Vitória de Santo Antão/PE, Brazil. The group consisted of 14 in-person meetings with an average participation of 20 community members, utilizing strategies such as community garden construction and maintenance, nutritional education, and physical activity promotion. This experience yielded positive impacts, including the empowerment of participants in their health-disease process and an understanding of the importance of self-care.
CommunityHealthWelfareMaking community-supported agriculture accessible to low-income families: findings from the Farm Fresh Foods for Healthy Kids process evaluation
2020Jennifer Garner, Stephanie Jilcott Pitts, Karla L. Hanson, Alice S. Ammerman, Jane Kolodinsky, Marilyn Sitaker, Rebecca A. Seguin‐Fowler · Translational Behavioral Medicine · United States
A process evaluation of the Farm Fresh Foods for Healthy Kids (F3HK) randomized trial, conducted across 4 states and 12 farms, assessed whether cost-offset community-supported agriculture could improve diet quality among children in low-income families. Intervention households (n=305) purchased a 50% subsidized share of local produce and were invited to nutrition classes. Results showed the mean CSA season was 21 weeks, with a median CSA pickup rate of 88% of the weeks. Most adults (77%) and children (54%) attended at least one class, and 82% of caregivers reported consuming most or all produce.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityHealthWelfarePenampilan Karakter Hortikultura Beberapa Varietas Tomat Hibrida di Rumah Kaca Dataran Rendah
2020Ady Daryanto, Muhammad Ridha Alfarabi Istiqlal, Ummu Kalsum, Ratih Kurniasih · Jurnal Agronomi Indonesia (Indonesian Journal of Agronomy) · Indonesia (Depok City)
This research evaluated the horticultural characteristics of five hybrid tomato varieties grown in a lowland greenhouse at Gunadarma University, Depok City, West Java, from October 2018 to January 2019. Tymoti and Tantyna varieties performed well, while Agatha and Ultima showed a 40% decrease in fruit size, and Rewako was unsuitable due to high flower dropping and low fruit setting. Significant differences were observed across all quantitative characters among the varieties.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceHealthAgriculture urbaine, pratiques agricoles et impacts environnementaux et de santé publique
2020Maëlle Tripon, Dorothée Boccanfuso, Marie-Ève Yergeau · Cahiers de recherche · Global
This literature review examines urban agriculture (UA) models, their implementation contexts, production needs, and impacts. It highlights that UA faces limitations, particularly restricted access to good quality (unpolluted) soil, water, and air, which can negatively impact productivity. UA can also have negative impacts on ecosystems and human health, such as pollution and diseases, depending on management methods.
Contamination & food safetyHealthBiodiversityClimate changeOrganic cycleWhere the wild things are
2020Ayfer Tan, Neşe Adanacıoğlu, Saadet Tuğrul Ay, Malek Batal, Hala Ghattas, Salma N. Talhouk · · Turkey
In Turkey, wild edible plants have been an integral part of human diets since prehistoric times and are common in local cuisine. These plants are known to be high in nutrients and can improve the quality and diversity of diets. The collection of wild edible species offers a cheap solution to boosting school meals with a variety of nutrients.
Food educationHealthBiodiversityFogyasztói jóllét a hazai alternatív élelmiszerellátási hálózatokban
2020Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem, Ágnes Neulinger, Fanni Bársony, Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem, Natasha Gjorevska, Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem, Orsolya Lazányi, Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem, György Pataki, Sándor Takács, Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem, Anna Török, Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem · Marketing & Menedzsment · Hungary (Budapest)
This study investigated subjective well-being (SWB) among 23 consumers of alternative food networks (AFNs) in Budapest through in-depth qualitative interviews. Participation in AFNs was found to contribute to consumer well-being, yet some AFN characteristics negatively influenced consumer SWB. Differences were detected between new and experienced users, users with different motivations, and across different types of AFNs.
CommunityCSA & TeikeiHealthNina B. Hollis Research Impact Award Project: Garden-Based Learning
2020Sarah E. Cramer, Mercedes Tichenor · · United States
The Garden-Based Learning Project, a collaboration between Stetson University and a local elementary school, was developed to address the gap in teachers' comfort and skills with integrating garden-based learning into their pedagogy. This article describes the first year of the project, which aims to leverage the known benefits of school gardens, such as increased physical activity and improved student attitudes, while highlighting its accomplishments and future sustainability plans.
Food educationHealthCommunityUse of Urban Agriculture in Addressing Health Disparities and Promotion of Ecological Health in South Africa
2020Michael Rudolph, Evans Muchesa, Florian Kroll · International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management · South Africa
This paper reflects on key socio-economic challenges in South Africa and the role of urban agriculture in addressing health disparities and promoting ecological health. Using a structured mixed literature review and primary/secondary data, the study demonstrates the high prevalence of food and nutrition insecurity. However, it also emphasizes the positive outcomes of an integrated approach to addressing nutrition and food security, suggesting that multi- and trans-disciplinary methods based on ecological health promotion can improve food security, public health, and socio-economic development.
HealthPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityImpact of school garden on dietary diversity and micronutrient level of pre-school children in Makueni County –Kenya
2020Crippina Lubeka, Judith Kimiywe, Hudson Nyambaka · Research Journal of Food Science and Nutrition · Kenya (Makueni County)
This study assessed the effect of school garden interventions on improving serum zinc, iron, and retinol levels, and diet diversity, among pre-school children in Mulala ward, Makueni County, Kenya. A quasi-experimental design was adopted with 63 children, where intervention early childhood centers provided vegetables and animal proteins from school gardens for six months. Post-intervention, a significant difference was found in the mean dietary diversity score between the intervention and control groups, and a significant positive correlation was observed between serum hemoglobin, retinol, zinc levels, and dietary diversity in the intervention population.
Food educationHealthApplying the food-energy-water nexus approach to urban agriculture: From FEW to FEWP (Food-Energy-Water-People)
2020Silvio Caputo, Victoria Schoen, Kathrin Specht, Baptiste Grard, Chris Blythe, Nevin Cohen, Runrid Fox-Kämper, Jason K. Hawes, Joshua Newell, Lidia Poniży · Urban forestry & urban greening · Global
This paper proposed a new conceptual basis and assessment methodology for an Urban Agriculture Nexus, explicitly including "People" as a fundamental factor alongside Food, Energy, and Water, customized for urban agriculture's characteristics. The methodology measures resource efficiency, food production, motivations, and health benefits, combining methods like diaries of everyday practices, a database of activities, life cycle assessment, and material flow analysis to connect garden-scale investigations to the city scale.
CommunityHealthClimate changePolicyWho practices urban agriculture? An empirical analysis of participation before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic
2020Lauren Chenarides, Carola Grebitus, Jayson L. Lusk, Iryna Printezis · Agribusiness · United States
This study examined household-level participation in urban agriculture (community and home growing) before (2017) and during (2020 lockdown) the COVID-19 pandemic in Phoenix, AZ, and Detroit, MI, using two online surveys and bivariate probit models. It found that considerably fewer individuals participated in community gardens compared to home gardening, and overall participation was lower in 2020 than in 2017. The continuity of individuals' participation in growing food at community gardens and home is fragile, and many urban households' food-growing practices may not yet be mainstream, suggesting other barriers inhibit participation.
Limited or null effectCommunityDIYHealthNutrition Policies, Practices, and Environments in Low‐Income Georgia Elementary Schools, United States, 2015‐2017
2020Dana Guglielmo, Sicha Chantaprasopsuk, Christi Kay, Eric T. Hyde, Chris Stewart, Julie A. Gazmararian · Journal of School Health · United States (Georgia)
This cross-sectional online survey assessed nutrition policies, practices, and environments in 113 Georgia SNAP-Ed elementary schools from 2015-2017. While most schools had wellness policies and provided nutrition education, fewer had policies limiting sugar-sweetened foods in classrooms or established school gardens. Minimal significant differences were found across school-level demographics.
Food educationHealthPolicyCommunity“My little piece of the planet”: the multiplicity of well-being benefits from allotment gardening
2020Miriam C. Dobson, Christian Reynolds, Philip H. Warren, Jill L. Edmondson · British Food Journal · United Kingdom
This study investigated the well-being benefits of urban horticulture in allotments in the United Kingdom. 163 volunteers in England and Wales kept a year-long allotment diary, and unprompted comments from 96 of these gardeners were analyzed. Participants recorded high levels of social and community activities, including sharing surplus food, knowledge exchange, interaction with wildlife, emotional connection to their allotment, appreciation of time spent outdoors, and aesthetic delight in the natural world.
HealthCommunityBiodiversityRelações comunitárias vivenciadas numa pesquisa-intervenção no semiárido baiano
2020Karoline Oliveira da Silva, Renata Rodrigues dos Santos Oliveira · Revista Macambira · Brazil
This article reports experiences and reflections from an intervention research conducted in the Bastião Community in Retirolândia, Bahia, Brazil, with 12 women members of the Bastianense association. The research aimed to investigate the relationship between the community and medicinal plants, and to strengthen bonds among participants. The outcome was the implementation of a community garden of medicinal plants and the production of a socio-educational manual for its implementation.
CommunityPolicyHealthAtlanta Residents’ Knowledge Regarding Heavy Metal Exposures and Remediation in Urban Agriculture
2020Lauren Balotin, Samantha Distler, Antoinette L. Williams, Samuel J. W. Peters, Candis M. Hunter, Chris Theal, Gil Frank, Taranji Alvarado, Rosario Hernandez, Arthur Hines, Eri Saikawa · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · United States (Atlanta)
This study investigated Atlanta residents' knowledge regarding heavy metal and metalloid (HMM) exposures and remediation in urban agriculture, following the detection of industrial slag and hazardous soil contamination in West Atlanta in 2018. Through surveys and follow-up interviews, it was found that participants were concerned about the potential health effects of soil contaminants but unconcerned with produce in their gardens. Gardeners' knowledge of HMM exposure sources and remediation methods was low and varied based on racial group.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityHarvest of the Month for Early Childhood Education: Parent Perspectives
2020Christine Lux, Brianna Routh, Lacy Stephens · Journal of Human Sciences and Extension · United States
This exploratory study surveyed 21 parents from a campus-based preschool in the northwest United States during the 2017-2018 school year to understand the impact of the "Harvest of the Month" program on children's nutrition behavior at home. Findings indicated that a variety of program foods were served and consumed at home, but parents prioritized knowing food origins over serving local foods. Parents' knowledge of farm to ECE, reported farmer's market purchases, and CSA participation were limited, suggesting a need for targeted parent education.
Limited or null effectFood educationHealthCSA & TeikeiFood miles & supply chainAnalysis of 2010s Research Trends in Research on Agro-Healing in South Korea
2020Sun Jin Jeong, Eun Ha Yoo, Jae Soon Kim, Hye Sook Jang, Geun Woo Lee · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea
This study assessed research trends in domestic agro-healing in South Korea from 2010 to 2018 by analyzing 83 selected articles using frequency analysis, t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Agro-healing articles peaked in 2010 and declined thereafter, with most published by the Society for People, Plants, and Environment. The main targets were preschoolers, children, and adolescents (52.4%), often special participants needing special care. Psychological and emotional areas were the most studied dependent variables (42.6%), with programs typically having 9-12 sessions (36.7%) and over 20 participants (39.8%).
HealthCommunityFood educationMicrogreen Farming: A Nutrient Dense Crop for Income Generation in Urban Agriculture.
2020Pooja Bhatt, Sonika Sharma · · Global
Microgreen farming is presented as a popular method for income generation in urban agriculture. It is characterized by high nutrient density, a fast turnaround time (10-14 days after germination), year-round cultivation, minimal resource requirements (seeds, soil, water, trays), and a high yield-to-space ratio. Prices for microgreens range from INR 150-250 per 50 grams, indicating good market value for urban farmers.
DIYEconomicsHealthFood sovereignty & justiceSoil Lead Concentration and Speciation in Community Farms of Newark, New Jersey, USA
2020Omanjana Goswami, Ashaki A. Rouff · Soil Systems · United States (Newark)
Soils from seven community farms in Newark, New Jersey, USA, were analyzed for lead (Pb) concentration and speciation. Single-step extractable Pb concentration ranged from 22 to 830 mg kg−1, with 21% of samples exceeding the NJDEP limit of 400 mg kg−1 for residential soils. Lowest Pb concentrations were detected in raised beds, while uncultivated native soil and parking lot samples had the highest values. Although most Pb is associated with reducible and oxidizable soil fractions, indicating a lower risk of mobility and bioavailability, Pb exposure through ingestion and inhalation pathways remains a concern when directly handling the soil.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunity