Research & reports

Nicole Taylor, Jan Wright, Gabrielle O’Flynn · Sport Education and Society · Australia

This paper, utilizing data from a larger study, investigated how 24 generalist primary and secondary specialist Health and Physical Education (HPE) teachers in Australia conceptualize school gardens within their teaching. It examined the diverse meanings and values teachers associated with gardening as a practice for environmentally healthy citizens. The study aims to provide conditions for critically thinking about gardening and its positioning within HPE, noting a lack of understanding regarding teachers' conceptualizations despite the rapid uptake of school gardening programs.

Marco Boffi, Linda Pola, Natalia Fumagalli, Elisabetta Fermani, Giulio Senes, Paolo Inghilleri · Frontiers in Psychology · Global

This study presents an interdisciplinary co-design method for community gardens, applying attention restoration theory (ART) to understand older people's experiences in natural environments. Six focus group meetings with older people in Milan, Italy, informed the co-design of a restorative area in an Ortica district community garden. Results classified participants' main needs into ART factors: "compatibility" (multifunctional garden), "fascination" (contact with nature), and "being away" (escape from nursing homes), with the designed garden incorporating biophilic principles to address these needs.

Byoung-Kwon Lee, Hyung Kwon Yun, In-Kyoung Hong, Young-Bin Jung, Sang Mi Lee · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global

This study investigated the effect of companion planting using marigold, zinnia, spearmint, and basil on the growth and quality of cherry tomatoes. Plant growth in companion planting plots significantly increased compared to monoculture, but there was no interaction effect among companion plants, planting ratio, and type. While sugar content and vitamin C content were higher than the control, no statistically significant difference was found.

Margaret Robertson · · Global

Chapter 13 examines how food is grown, from smallholders and pastoralists to small farmers and industrialized agriculture, addressing issues of ecosystem health, human health, food waste, and the impact of meat diets. It also discusses the importance of pollinators. The chapter then explores finding space for food in cities, including in schools, yards, urban farms, community gardens, and on public lands.

Femke Beute, Maria Beatrice Andreucci, Annamária Lammel, Zoe G. Davies, Julie Glanville, Hans Keune, Melissa Marselle, Liz O’Brien, Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo, Roy Remmen, Alessio Russo, S. de Vries · Research Repository (University of Gloucestershire) · Global

This paper discusses the role of diverse urban green spaces, such as urban forests, parks, and urban farming locations, in the mental and physical health of urban residents. It notes that green spaces vary in characteristics like scenic beauty and vegetative composition. The paper highlights that urbanization and climate change are pressuring urban green spaces, necessitating in-depth knowledge on how different green space types and characteristics influence mental health for informed design and planning.

Fulgentius Rodney, Joko Priyono · Jurnal Sains Teknologi Urban Perancangan Arsitektur (Stupa) · Indonesia

This project in the West BSD area of Indonesia aims to reduce community stress and provide new green spaces in a future CBD area with limited green infrastructure. It proposes a self-sustaining urban farming model where residents grow, care for, and harvest crops for sale or restaurant use, with seeds replanted for new yields. The "Back To Nature: Community Garden" project applies biophilic design to create communal spaces for activities like planting, working, and gathering, fostering interaction among people and with nature.

Jessica Cuevas-Castilleja, Armando Martínez-Luz, Marcelo Adán López-Arzate, Itzel Arlette Ramírez-García, Gustavo Mora‐Aguilera, Norma Ávila-Alistac · Revista mexicana de fitopatología(en línea)/Revista mexicana de fitopatología · Mexico (Mexico City)

This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on productive activities and the level of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) application among 108 urban agriculture farmers and extensionists in six areas of Mexico City. A digital survey in 2020 revealed that the sanitary emergency reduced extension services, though they continued with digital technologies. During the peak of COVID-19, 14% of farmers declined to sow the summer-fall season, and up to 75% reported 20% losses due to the epidemic. The main pest control strategies were mechanical (67%) and chemical (52%), indicating an intuitive understanding of IPM benefits despite farmers being unaware of its principles.

Enrico Buscaroli, Ilaria Braschi, Chiara Cirillo, Agnès Fargue‐Lelièvre, Giuseppe Carlo Modarelli, Giuseppina Pennisi, Isabella Righini, Kathrin Specht, Francesco Orsini · Food Control · Global

This paper addresses the potential underestimation of food safety risks in urban agriculture (UA), which can lead to regulatory gaps, despite positive perceptions of UA. It reviews literature on UA food safety assessments, identifying indicators and developing a framework for evaluating food safety risks in UA initiatives. The framework uses business surveys and food analyses to calculate a food safety index for UA businesses and city regions.

A. Firmansyah Sumardjo · Journal of Hunan University · Indonesia (Bekasi)

This study analyzed the impact of family empowerment on farmer adaptation to the market for urban farming products in Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. Using participatory action research, data from observations, interviews, and focus group discussions revealed that market demand for organic products drove communities to engage in innovative organic urban farming. Males were involved in land preparation and marketing, while females focused on plant maintenance and harvest processing. The study found that family empowerment, combined with urban farming innovation, leads to business sustainability.

Kate Lohrey, Patricia Talarczyk · Journal of Student Research · Global

An experiment over six weeks investigated the impact of traffic noise pollution on plant growth in urban community gardens. Plants exposed to traffic noise showed significantly reduced average height (65.6 mm vs 104.2 mm) and weight (0.85 g vs 1.31 g) compared to those in natural noise conditions. The study found a statistically significant deteriorating effect of traffic noise on plant growth.

Hikma Ellya, Nurlaila Nurlaila, Nukhak Nufita Sari, Rila Rahma Apriani, Ronny Mulyawan, Febriani Purba, Saida Fithria · LOGISTA - Jurnal Ilmiah Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Banjarbaru)

A community service activity was conducted in Banjarbaru City, Indonesia, to assist in introducing Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) as a yard plant. The activity involved one-day counseling for 59 participants, including chairpersons of farmer women groups, and planting assistance for several farmer women groups. Residents of Banjarbaru showed great enthusiasm for cultivating Brazilian spinach due to its edibility, ease of propagation and cultivation, and aesthetic form.

Karen Besterman‐Dahan, Nora B. Arriola, Sarah Bradley · Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition · United States (Tampa)

A community garden program for veterans in mental health programs at a Veterans’ Administration Hospital in Tampa, Florida, was implemented to evaluate veteran outcomes including food security and nutrition. Evidence suggests these programs can provide a safe space for veterans and positively impact their food security and fruit and vegetable intake.

Miguel A. Altieri, Clara I. Nicholls · Magna Scientia UCEVA · Global

This reflection explores agroecology as a sustainable development alternative for a post-COVID-19 agricultural system, revitalizing peasant agriculture and enhancing urban agriculture. An agroecology-based system can minimize future food supply disruptions by improving links between small-scale food production and local consumption. Agroecology is presented as a strategy for autonomy and resilience, addressing global challenges like climate change and food insecurity.

Maya Andini, Ova Candra Dewi, Annisa Marwati · International Journal of Built Environment and Scientific Research · Global

This study investigated the effects of urban farming in limited spaces during the pandemic on people's health and well-being, using literature review and case studies. Urban farming was found to be beneficial for maintaining people's health and well-being, in addition to supporting food security and benefiting the surrounding environment.

Sabina Malik · Digital Scholarship - UNLV (University of Nevada Reno) · United States

This study evaluated the impact of school gardens on student nutrition knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, physical activity, and student connection to gardens in the Clark County School District. It also identified stakeholder perceptions of best practices for parent engagement. A mixed-methods quasi-experimental design compared students with no garden exposure, a new garden, and a well-established garden, finding increases in nutrition knowledge.

Norma Angélica ÁLVAREZ-TORRES, Omar VELARDE-ANAYA, Mario Balvanedo RODRÍGUEZ-ARENAS, Sara TORRES-ÁLVAREZ · Journal of Technology and Innovation · Global

This project developed a low-cost automated greenhouse prototype, installable on rooftops or gardens, with an electronic control system and user interface for use by children, youth, and adults at the "Manitas que hablan" institution. Through surveys, experiments, and observation, the study demonstrated the feasibility of collaborative work in developing a prototype for seed germination and crop harvesting. It also highlighted the importance of supporting the social sector by promoting urban gardens for the integration of children and young people.

Livia Windiana, Desiana Nuriza Putri, Dina Amalia, Annisa' Melliana Rahmah · VIABEL Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu-Ilmu Pertanian · Global

This community service study aimed to analyze household vegetable consumption frequency and income (savings) from aquaponics application. Using a qualitative approach, survey methods, and income analysis, the study found a 9.5% increase in household vegetable consumption frequency among respondents, reaching 100% daily consumption after the activity. Additionally, household food income or savings from aquaponics application amounted to Rp. 126,000/month from harvested vegetables and catfish.

Rini Fitri, Suryani Suryani · Jurnal Ilmiah Respati · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This paper discusses urban agriculture as a solution for elderly individuals to engage in physical activity and reduce depression in limited yard spaces in DKI Jakarta, Indonesia. It highlights that urban farming activities, such as cultivating vegetables, secondary crops, and horticulture, are undertaken by housewives and the elderly. The practice of urban agriculture encourages seniors to express their capabilities, supporting their identity and autonomy, and aims to outline these activities for the elderly.

Ilona Liliána Birtalan, Ágnes Neulinger, György Bárdos, Adrien Rigó, József Rácz, Szilvia Boros · British Food Journal · Global

This study qualitatively examined the influence of local food communities, specifically Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) participation, on health-related adaptivity and self-management practices. Based on semi-structured interviews with 35 participants, the findings suggest that local food communities can influence health in themes such as awareness of product origins, enhanced food-management capability, expanding applicability and usability of the food environment, and strengthening one's food-related self-image.

Shwan Mohammed, P. K. Nyade, Mohamad Abdulhamid, I. O. A. Hodgson · Water Science · Ghana (Accra)

This study assessed urban water quality parameters of the Nima Creek in Southeastern Accra, Ghana, sampling water from six locations. The results showed high enrichment of nutrients (ammonia, nitrate, phosphate) and elevated levels of BOD, COD, and grease at sites receiving solid and liquid wastes. Physicochemical parameters like conductivity, TSS, and TDS also exhibited elevated values, indicating significant contamination that poses challenges for sustainable urban agriculture.

Tarsila Lampert, Joana Costa, Osvaldo Santos, Joana Sousa, T. Ribeiro, Elisabete Freire · PLoS ONE · Global

This systematic review synthesized literature on physical and mental health outcomes associated with community gardening, focusing on quantitative studies. Eight eligible studies were reviewed, with seven rated as good methodological quality. The review found that community gardeners had significantly better outcomes than non-gardening neighbors in life satisfaction, happiness, general health, mental health, and social cohesion.

Hoda Fakour, Shang‐Lien Lo, Nathan Thadeo Yoashi, Angelbetter Marselian Massao, Nelson Naboth Lema, Fezile Bethusile Mkhontfo, Patrick Chris Jomalema, Nasra Shabani Jumanne, Bright Hubert Mbuya, James Travor Mtweve, Moslem Imani · Agriculture · Taiwan (Tainan)

A study in Tainan city farms, Taiwan, quantified and analyzed microplastics (MPs) in farmland soils. MPs were found in all soil samples at depths ranging from 12–117 items/m2. Farms adjacent to suburban roads had approximately three times more MPs than enclosed farms. Fragment and fibers were the main forms, with low-density polyethylene being the dominant polymer, originating from historical land use, plastic mulch, and fruit protection foams.

Grace Mwajuma, Juma Kisimba, Neema Mwamakula · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Tanzania

This intervention study assessed subsurface clay pot irrigation versus traditional hand-watering basins in 12 primary school vegetable gardens in Tanzania's Dodoma Region. Clay pot irrigation significantly increased mean water use efficiency by 65% and marketable amaranth yield by 42%. Tomato yield showed a positive but non-significant trend, and qualitative feedback indicated reduced labor burden for students.

Sandra Austin · Education 3-13 · Ireland

This qualitative study aimed to describe how school gardens are used and valued in Irish primary schools, using site visits and interviews with program drivers. Schools utilize gardens imaginatively for children's development, with key factors driving success. Teachers value gardens as learning arenas, spaces for pastoral care, and focal points for school and community involvement.

Anne Debertin · · United States

This research studied how equity can exist at the intersection of regenerative and biophilic design strategies within an affordable housing model. Three case studies from Minneapolis, Santa Monica, and El Paso were examined using Terrapin’s Fourteen Patterns of Biophilic Design and the Living Building Challenge design guide. The analysis revealed that equity can operate through "place" (a Living Building Challenge imperative) and "connection to natural systems" (a Terrapin pattern). The study concluded that place and connection to natural systems have the potential to act as conduits to human and planetary equity.