Research & reports

K. K. Dey, Maria Velez-Climent, P. Soria, Özgur Batuman, Vessela Mavrodieva, Guo Wei, Jun Zhou, Scott Adkins, John D. McVay · New Disease Reports · United States (Florida)

In October 2019, Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) was detected in six of eight symptomatic tomato plants from a 1.6 ha community garden in Alachua County, Florida. The plants also showed symptoms of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), with three samples testing positive for TYLCV. This marks the first report of ToBRFV infecting tomatoes in Florida, USA.

Maria Marciene Costa Da Silva, Maurício Ferreira Mendes, Luciano da Silva Guedes · Geografia em Questão · Brazil

This exploratory research diagnosed horticulture practices in the urban perimeter of Ananás/TO, Brazil, from April to June 2019, using semi-structured interviews and secondary data. It found that urban horticulture in Ananás provides a healthy food alternative for producers and consumers, distributes income, and contributes to social, food, and health development.

Camille Dumat · Aspects in Mining & Mineral Science · Global

This paper discusses the negative environmental and health impacts of mining, such as air and soil pollution, despite its socio-economic benefits. It highlights that urban agriculture, particularly in areas near former mining sites, faces challenges regarding soil quality and the production of unpolluted vegetables due to public concerns about contamination.

Kateryna Dorofieieva, Kristīne Vugule · Landscape architecture and art · Global

This paper conducted complex research on the phenomenon of urban agriculture and its pioneering practices as a tool to combat problems related to ecology, economy, and human physical and mental well-being, arising from urban sprawl, land distribution, and modern city functioning. Selective case study and relevant literature analysis were applied as main research methods. The research results were compiled into a summarizing table highlighting core data and supporting conclusions and suggestions for planning and management of urban agriculture structures.

India J. Ornelas, Kassia Rudd, Sonia Bishop, Desiree Deschenie, Emily Brown, Kevin Lombard, Shirley A.A. Beresford · Health Behavior and Policy Review · United States

This study developed and pilot-tested the Yéego school garden intervention for Navajo elementary school children to address childhood obesity. Formative research with students, caregivers, and school staff informed the intervention, which included a school garden and a yearlong curriculum on gardening and healthy eating. The research highlighted the importance of incorporating Diné culture, traditional growing practices, and traditional food preparation, as well as aligning the curriculum with state and Diné educational standards.

Ahmed Khadra · IGI Global eBooks · Global

This chapter examines the health effects of climate change, specifically focusing on the global issue of fecal peril caused by intestinal parasites. It suggests that water shortages, driven by climate change, increase pressure on water resources, leading to greater use of urban wastewater for irrigation in urban agriculture. Unsafe management and inappropriate wastewater use are likely to exacerbate the transmission of infectious diseases, including those caused by intestinal protozoa and helminths.

Kayla‐Anne Lenferna De La Motte · Undergraduate Journal of Service Learning & Community-Based Research · New Zealand (Auckland)

This action-learning project at the AUT community garden initiative in Auckland, New Zealand, aimed to improve communication among organizers and with potential volunteers. A user-centered strategy and tools were developed and evaluated through literature review, expert interviews, and thematic analysis. Key themes identified for community gardens were communication, collaboration, and the utility of tools.

Boglarka Z. Gulyas, Jill L. Edmondson · Sustainability · Global North

A systematic review of literature on urban agriculture (UA) in the Global North identified factors determining its success in enhancing city resilience and challenges limiting it. UA's success in increasing city resilience was defined as dependent on five factors: institutional and public support, a sufficient knowledge base, communication and collaboration among actors, and resourcefulness in efficient space and resource use. However, comprehensive assessments of UA's potential are still lacking, suggesting challenges in its effective implementation.

ELIZABETE CRISTINA RIBEIRO SILVA JARDIM · Editora Realize eBooks · Brazil

This research analyzed Brazilian school garden experiences across three document sets, identifying procedures and resources incongruent with stated counter-hegemonic objectives. The study found structural inadequacies for the school space and omissions regarding the protection and safety of farmers and students during activities. It recommends adjustments to location, spatial organization, and material resources for school gardens to ensure the health of food producers.

Iwona Makuch-Pietraś, A. Wójcikowska-Kapusta · Land · Poland

This research investigated the distribution, bioavailability, and total forms of zinc (Zn) in soils from domestic and family allotment gardens across six cities in south-eastern Poland. It found that horticultural treatments had a greater impact on sandy soils, and higher Zn contents were present in humus horizons. High values of concentration and Igeo indices indicated significant Zn pollution in these soils, with bioavailable zinc forms being notably high.

Esteve Gaelle Giraud, Sara El-Sayed, Adenike Opejin · Sustainability · United States (Arizona)

This paper examines the potential of sustainable gardening to enhance Food Well-Being (FWB). It uses three studies of sustainable food gardeners in Arizona, USA, including children and teachers in school gardens, sustainable gardeners and farmers, and gardeners during the pandemic. Results indicate a connection between sustainable gardening and eudemonic well-being, impacting five FWB dimensions (physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social). However, the paper notes that without appropriate policies, funding, and infrastructure, the impact might remain minimal, volatile, and subject to tokenism.

John Taylor, Mamatha Hanumappa, Lara Miller, Brendan Shane, Matthew L. Richardson · Sustainability · United States (Washington, DC)

A public-access geographic information system (GIS) and Tableau dashboards were developed for comprehensive multifunctional urban green infrastructure (UGI) planning in Washington, DC. The dashboards enable stakeholders to identify existing UGI (150 ha) and potential areas for new UGI, including urban agriculture (UA). A total of 2734 ha is potentially suitable for UGI development, with 2575 ha potentially suitable for UA. Of this UA potential, 56% is located in Wards 5, 7, and 8, which are largely food deserts with primarily Black residents experiencing the greatest inequities. The tool allows users to prioritize equitable UGI development using population vulnerability indices.

Mohammad Reza Khalilnezhad, Peiman Golchin · فصلنامه علوم محیطی · Iran

This study is a cross-sectional survey aimed at measuring the participation and support of the academic community for the edible landscape (university green space with edible and medicinal plants) at the University of Sistan and Baluchestan in Iran. A survey of 530 faculty members, staff, and students revealed that "mental health" and "nutrition from food produced in the edible landscape" were the most important motivators for participation. Students, women, and the 20-30 age group showed the highest motivation to participate, and the most popular combination of elements included agricultural space, an orchard with a fountain and stream, a dining area, and a mulberry grove.

Francis Mwanza, Erick Komba, Dominic Kambarage · International Journal of Microbiology · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)

This study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, investigated the occurrence, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic relatedness of E. coli isolates from 156 samples of manure, vegetables, and fish. Of these, 36 samples (23.1%) were positive for E. coli, yielding 48 isolates. A significant finding was that 25 (52.1%) of these isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, and 12 (48.0%) showed multidrug resistance, indicating a potential microbial health risk to humans through contamination.

Innocent Awasom · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Global

Urban and peri-urban agriculture is considered a creative method of food production to address increasing urbanization and food insecurity. Urban food gardens are noted to have the potential to mitigate hunger and food insecurity, offering health, socio-cultural, environmental, and economic benefits.

GM Saifur Rahman, Tahmina Akter · Bangladesh Journal of Zoology · Bangladesh

An entomological study in September 2019 examined 100 houses across five areas of Gazipur City Corporation, Bangladesh, to identify dengue vector breeding grounds. Both Aedes vectors were found in all areas, with Aedes aegypti being dominant. Rooftop gardens and under-construction sites were identified as the most important breeding sites, and the study found a comparatively higher number of Ae. aegypti breeding, indicating a potential for a major outbreak.

Cari Borja · Gastronomica The Journal of Food and Culture · United States (California)

To commemorate 50 years since the founding of Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley, California, in 1971, Alice Waters and University of California President Michael V. Drake planned an event for August 28, 2021, to gather educators, farmers, and others to address climate change. The event was postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 Delta variant cases, but a message was sent supporting the values of public education through the economic stimulus of local organic food procurement. Waters' vision explored possibilities in our relationship to food and community, connection to land, and the broader cultural picture.

Chanie Derso Misganaw · Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries · Ethiopia

This review paper highlights the current lack of urban agriculture practice in Ethiopian towns and emphasizes its significance. Urban agriculture contributes to food self-sufficiency, social goodness, economic profitability, and environmental health, and is stated as the most appreciated means to improve livelihoods, generate income, create job opportunities, and fight against famine, depression, anxiety, and the spread of coronavirus. The paper discusses the types, principles, and prospects of urban agriculture based on updated information.

Virginia R. Sykes, Natalie R. Bumgarner, Stefanie Brooke Keadle, A. Naseema and K.I. Wilson, Francisco Javier Perales Palacios · Horticulturae · United States (Tennessee)

The University of Tennessee Extension and research faculty developed the Home Garden Variety Trial (HGVT) program, a citizen science approach for cultivar evaluation. This collaborative effort involved over 450 individual gardeners in more than half of Tennessee's counties, conducting trials in their own gardens from 2017 over five years. The HGVT program serves as an effective tool to introduce gardeners to new crops and cultivars while providing previously unavailable data to researchers, supporting residential and community food production.

Adugnaw Maru Gezahegn, Fekadu Fufa, Esayas Alemayehu, Abebe Beyene · Journal of Chemistry · Ethiopia (Modjo city)

This study investigated the spatial distribution and speciation of chromium in water, soil, and edible plants in tannery-contaminated areas of Modjo city, Ethiopia. Total chromium in the Modjo River was 20.6 mg L−1 upstream, and soil Cr (III) and Cr (VI) concentrations were found to be higher than guideline values. Chromium concentrations in edible plants were also significantly higher than in control areas, with roots accumulating more chromium than leaves and fruits. It was concluded that water, soil, and edible plants in this area contain chromium concentrations higher than recommended for a healthy environment and human consumption.

Gina K. Alexander, Donald R. Grannum · NASN School Nurse · Global

This article reviews existing literature on the benefits of school gardening. It also describes firsthand experiences to achieve success in school gardens.

Cecilia Herbón, María Teresa Barral, Remigio Paradelo · Applied Sciences · Spain (Santiago de Compostela)

The concentrations of trace elements Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, and As were investigated in 55 urban soils in Santiago de Compostela, northwestern Spain. While most soils showed higher trace element concentrations than regional backgrounds, they were not classified as contaminated according to Spanish regulations. However, geoaccumulation index values indicated low to moderate pollution levels in most soils, with Cu, Pb, and Zn highest in city center green areas, and Cr and Ni linked to parent material lithology.

Christina Ergas · · United States

This chapter explores urban ecovillages in the United States, highlighting challenges faced by ecovillagers in a neoliberal context. It examines cultural conflicts between sustainability and consumer culture, and points out the exclusive, upper-class, white nature of the local food movement in the US. Monetary and time constraints have made local organic food an elite phenomenon, often cited as a first step to gentrification in urban communities.

Zachary Burt, C. Shambu Prasad, Pay Drechsel, Isha Ray · Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development · India (Karnataka)

A preference-ranking model was developed to understand the acceptance of fecal sludge-derived fertilizer (FSF) in Karnataka, India, by modeling farmowners and farmworkers separately. The study found that farmers willing to use FSF prefer to conceal its origins from workers and their caste group, especially caste-adhering, vegetarian farmowners. Workers were open to FSF if it resembled cow manure, revealing that the waste economy in rural India is shaped by unacknowledged caste hierarchies and practices.

Chammi P. Attanayake, Ganga M. Hettiarachchi, Mónica Palomo, Gary M. Pierzynski, Blanca Calderón · ACS Agricultural Science & Technology · United States

The effect of limestone and composted manure on lead (Pb) in vegetables and Pb bioaccessibility was assessed in a contaminated urban garden (total Pb ~200 mg kg⁻¹). Amendments did not affect Pb in vegetables or Pb bioaccessibility. Peeling reduced Pb concentration in radish by half, and removing surface dust reduced Pb in leafy vegetables by 40-50%. Daily Pb intake from consuming lettuce and carrot/beetroot from this garden was approximately 1.5 times higher than the interim reference level proposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.