Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
1177 results(41 / 48)
Allotment Gardens: A Reflection of History, Heritage, Community and Self
2011Lesley Acton · Papers from the Institute of Archaeology · Global
This article examines the changing demand for allotment gardens and the motivations of plot holders, refuting the assumption that economic reasons are primary. It finds that while allotments have historically alleviated hunger, the social aspect primarily motivates most plot holders. Allotments are valued by individuals and collectives as part of history and cultural heritage.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsThe Contribution of Agricultural Land to Urban Resilience: Reflections from Russia
2011Louiza M. Boukharaeva, Marcel Marloie · Espaces et sociétés · Russia
In Russia, the collective management of urban gardens provides places for relaxation and food production, attracting all population categories. These gardens are considered socially compensatory, stabilizing, and therapeutic, acting as shock absorbers for social, economic, and food crises.
Urban–rural linkageCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsUrban Agriculture and Its Development Strategy
2011Weiming Liu · Economic Research Guide · Global
This paper discusses how urban agriculture accelerates after industrialization and urbanization reach a certain level, keeping pace with the development of industrialization, urbanization, and the economy. It states the importance of recognizing the need for good city planning with reasonable layout and design for urban agriculture, while also strengthening research and exploitation of urban agricultural technology.
PolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageDigital agricultureDiscussion on Formation Reasons of Vulnerability of Urban Agriculture and Strategies for its Healthy Development
2011Hong‐Yi Chen · Nongye xiandaihua yanjiu · Global
This article discusses the vulnerability of urban agriculture, identifying its performance in human resources, land resources, capital flows, and the ecological environment. The primary reason for this vulnerability is the unreasonable flow of human, financial, and material production factors, driven by opportunity costs, amidst rapid urbanization. Strategies for healthy development include enhancing protection awareness, promoting orderly rural labor flow, improving investment, and strengthening land resource protection.
Governance failureEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageIntegrating Agriculture and Food Policy To Achieve Sustainable Peri-urban Fruit and Vegetable Production in Victoria, Australia
2011Rachel Carey, Fanny Krumholz, Kena Duignan, Kathy McConell, Jessica L. Browne, Catherine Burns, Mark Lawrence · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Australia (Victoria)
This policy analysis examined fruit and vegetable production in peri-urban areas of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It highlights that environmental pressures, the loss and cost of peri-urban agricultural land, and a cost-price squeeze due to rising input costs and low farm-gate prices combine to threaten the viability of the Victorian fruit and vegetable industries. These pressures suggest that the availability and affordability of fruit and vegetable supplies cannot be taken for granted.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceReflection and discussion
2011Leonie J. Pearson, Linda Pearson, Craig J. Pearson · Urban agriculture · Global
This paper reviews research on urban agriculture in relation to its social, economic, and environmental sustainability dimensions. It proposes that urban agriculture comprises three elements: isolated practice, its interface with people and environment, and its contribution to built form design, considering micro, meso, and macro scales. The analysis highlights legal, social, and economic constraints and opportunities, suggesting future research priorities include identifying principles for resilient city design and trialing innovative institutional mechanisms.
PolicyEconomicsClimate changeCommunityEpidemiological Studies on Cognition and the Omega-6/Omega-3 Balance
2011Catherine Féart, Pascale Barberger‐Gateau · World review of nutrition and dietetics · Global
This publication contains selected papers from the 'Healthy Agriculture, Healthy Nutrition, Healthy People' conference held in Ancient Olympia, Greece, in October 2010. Topics include the relationship between architecture and agriculture, food production systems and urban agriculture, physical activity, nutrition, genetic variation, and other determinants of human health. The papers indicate that optimal nutrition aligns with ecologically and economically sustainable agriculture, and highlight the need for scientific and political institutions to integrate research into urban planning, agriculture, and healthcare systems.
HealthPolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageUrban Agriculture: Advances, Opportunities and Application
2011Marielle Dubbeling, H. de Zeeuw · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · Global
This handbook highlights that most urban growth occurs in less developed regions, often leading to over-urbanization where migrants struggle to find employment, adequate shelter, and sufficient food. Despite these challenges, urban poverty is frequently considered less severe than rural poverty.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareUrban–rural linkageEconomicsGovernance of Urban Agricultural Space: Struggle for Land in Kinshasa (DRC)
2011Inge Wagemakers, Oracle Makangu Diki · Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks · Congo (Kinshasa)
In rapidly growing African cities, particularly Kinshasa, urban agriculture is crucial for food provision, yet land available for agriculture decreases as cities expand. This study points out that in Kinshasa, population growth and a lack of empty land are pushing agriculture towards the city's periphery, threatening urban agricultural space. This situation highlights a conflict between the need to produce food and the need for living space.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageViabilité des sociétés et agriculture urbaine
2011Éric Duchemin · · Global
This paper discusses how urban agriculture improves the economic situation and health of poor and vulnerable families in both industrialized and developing countries. It suggests that policies reconciling urbanity and rurality can reduce food insecurity and better integrate the most vulnerable populations, contributing to sustainable development.
Climate changeEconomicsHealthWelfareUrban–rural linkageSustainability of livelihoods through Urban Agriculture: Gender dimensions in Accra, Ghana
2011Olufunke Cofie · · Ghana (Accra)
This study examined the gender dimensions of livelihood sustainability through urban agriculture among vegetable producers in and around Accra, Ghana. Responses from 92 male producers and 8 female producers were analyzed, revealing a mean age of 39.4 years for males and 49.8 years for females, indicating females were older. The mean years of schooling were 6.4 for males and 7.1 for females. Urban agriculture significantly contributed to livelihoods, with farm size and access to credit identified as important determinants of income from urban agriculture.
EconomicsCommunityWelfareInformation needs and use among urban farmers in Kampala district in Uganda
2011Helen M. Byamugisha, Robert Ikoja-Odongo, George William Nasinyama · Library and Information Research · Uganda (Kampala)
A qualitative and quantitative study was conducted in Kampala City, Uganda, involving 380 urban farmers and 36 focus group respondents, to investigate the information needs and use among urban farmers. Results indicated that urban farmers' information needs were as varied as their diverse agricultural enterprises, and information use depended on the type of farming enterprise and activity undertaken. The study recommends that agricultural information dissemination in Kampala City should be based on urban farmers' enterprise groups and their specific information needs.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsFood educationThe Impact of Government/NGO Support Services on Performance of Crop Production and In Urban Farmers’ Livelihood: A Case of Accra, Ghana
2011Abigail A. Aryeh-Adjei, P. Atengdem · Annals of Humanities & Development studies · Ghana
This study in Ashaiman Municipality, Greater-Accra region, Ghana, investigated the impact of Government/NGO support services on urban farmers' crop production and livelihoods. Surveying 104 urban vegetable farmers, it found that 88 farmers with access to support services from entities like the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Pro Credit Bank observed improved crop production, whereas 16 without access did not. A significant difference was also identified between access to these services and various livelihood outcomes for urban farmers.
PolicyEconomicsWelfareReference and inspiration of successful experience of urban agriculture in developed countries on China
2011Zeng Shu-qin · Guangdong nongye kexue · Global
This paper conducted a comparative analysis of successful urban agriculture experiences in six developed countries: the United States, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Singapore. It examined typical cases from these countries, focusing on their development characteristics, organizational forms, production characteristics, marketing and logistics, functions, and supporting policies. The successful experiences of these nations offer reference and inspiration for the development of urban agriculture in China.
PolicyEconomicsCommunityAgriculture urbaine comme réponse au chômage à Kinshasa, République Démocratique du Congo
2011Dieudonné E. Musibono, E.M. Biey, M. Kisangala, Camille Ipey Nsimanda, B.A. Munzundu, V. Kekolemba, J.J Palus · VertigO · Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
Urban agriculture in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, serves as a palliative solution for social survival constraints such as a lack of remunerative salaries and sustainable jobs. However, poorly supervised urban farmers cultivate along busy roads, exposing vegetables to various contaminations, including lead. This practice highlights issues with site selection and supervision.
Contamination & food safetyWelfareEconomicsPolicyCurrent State, Problem and Some Cases of Kleingartens Established by Private Organizations
2011Masao Makiyama, Mami Inoue · JOURNAL OF RURAL PLANNING ASSOCIATION · Global
This study examined kleingartens (stay-type allotment gardens) established by private organizations, finding an increasing number of such gardens. Case studies revealed that privately established kleingartens tend to have higher use fees compared to government-established ones. Furthermore, problems identified include the reduction of administrative and maintenance expenses, location conditions, and the succession of managers.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomics‘INSTEAD OF BEGGING, I FARM TO FEED MY CHILDREN’: URBAN AGRICULTURE – AN ALTERNATIVE TO COPPER AND COBALT IN LUBUMBASHI
2011Nyumbaiza Tambwe, Michael Rudolph, Ran Greenstein · Africa · Democratic Republic of Congo (Lubumbashi)
A study was conducted in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, from November 2004 to March 2005, on 100 farming households that adopted urban agriculture as an alternative livelihood after the collapse of a mining company. Data collected through semi-structured interviews, in-depth questions, and observation revealed that despite practicing urban agriculture, the living conditions of 75% of households declined, and 20% stabilized their living conditions but could not completely alleviate poverty. Only 5% of farmers achieved food security.
Economic viabilityWelfareEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceGrowing Greener Cities
2010FAO · Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Global
FAO's programme on urban and peri-urban agriculture, presenting a framework to support city food production for food security, jobs, environment and nutrition.
PolicyCommunityHealthEconomicsBuilding Integrated Agriculture: Utilising Rooftops for Sustainable Food Crop Cultivation in Singapore
2010Astee L. Y., Kishnani N. T. · Journal of Green Building · Singapore
Examines the commercial viability of building-integrated rooftop farming on Singapore's public housing estates, modeling that nationwide adoption could sharply raise domestic vegetable output while cutting imports and carbon emissions.
EconomicsPolicyUrban agriculture, poverty, and food security: Empirical evidence from a sample of developing countries
2010Zezza A., Tasciotti L. · Food Policy 35(4):265-273 · Global
Using household survey data from 15 developing countries, this seminal study analyzes urban agriculture's contribution to poverty reduction and food security among the urban poor, finding it is mostly own-consumption oriented and offers modest but real welfare benefits.
WelfareEconomicsPolicySustainable urban agriculture: stocktake and opportunities
2010Leonie Pearson, Linda Pearson, Craig J. Pearson · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Global
This paper reviews research on urban agriculture, focusing on its social, economic, and environmental sustainability dimensions. It proposes three elements and three scales for urban agriculture, highlighting legal, social, and economic constraints and opportunities. The analysis suggests future research priorities include identifying principles for resilient cities and trialling innovative institutional mechanisms.
PolicyEconomicsCommunityClimate changeEdible landscaping - integration of vegetable garden in the landscape of a private property.
2010Rodica Sima, Ioana Micu, Dănuţ Maniutiu, N. Sima, Vasile Lazăr · Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca Horticulture · Global
Edible landscaping integrates food-producing plants into ornamental settings, enhancing gardens with unique decorative components and offering health, aesthetic, and economic benefits. This approach considers both the aesthetic value and food production benefits of edible plants. Integrating vegetables into private property landscapes can provide a source of healthy fresh food and add aesthetic value through the cultivation of unusually colored or shaped varieties.
DIYHealthEconomicsHavana’s changing urban agriculture landscape: A shift to the right?
2010Charles French, Mimi Larsen Becker, Bruce E. Lindsay · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Cuba (Havana)
This study examined urban agriculture in Havana, Cuba, using secondary data and interviews with 11 urban gardeners. It found that while agrarian reforms after 1991 led to the growth of private urban gardens and cooperatives, Cuba's integration with the global economy and adoption of free-market principles have since forced dramatic adjustments in the urban agriculture sector. This shift presents challenges to the sector's original role in food security.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsCommunityPost-Colonial Migration: Virtual Culture, Urban Farming and New Peri-Urban Growth in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 1975–2000
2010Geoffrey Ross Owens · Africa · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
This article, using ethnographic and historical approaches, examines unplanned peri-urban settlements on Dar es Salaam's northern and western fringe, Tanzania, between 1975 and 2000. These districts were established by educated urban professionals who used urban farming as an economic diversification strategy. The study found that these settlements contributed to the reproduction of socio-economic inequality, attracting additional economically influential urban in-migrants after 1991.
Equity & displacementPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsCommunityWelfareTo Build Up Partnership between Agriculture and Food
2010Sumiko Abe · Journal for the Integrated Study of Dietary Habits · Global
This report examines the weakening relationship between agriculture and food, leading to market failures, reduced competitiveness, and information deficiencies, with processed foods and supermarket purchases dominating. It focuses on direct sales and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) as methods to realize "eating habits of volitional selection." These regional markets foster trust and traceability, contributing to food safety, and the study introduces examples from 12,000 direct sales stores, female farmer enterprises, and the Pal System Consumers Cooperative Union.
CSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsFood miles & supply chain