Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
3275 results(44 / 131)
COMMUNITY VOICES ON THE URBAN FARMING MOVEMENT DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A REFLECTIVE STUDIES
2022Ayuni Kusumawati, Gabe Arif Ditama Sinaga, Yani Kurniawan, Nur Aisyah Aminy, Hafida Ruminar · Agricultural Social Economic Journal · Indonesia (Malang)
This critical reflection study investigated the perspectives on urban farming implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malang City, Indonesia, with 30 participants from Lowokwaru, Sukun, and Blimbing Districts. The research aimed to identify factors affecting urban farming's success in supporting food security. Findings indicated that growing interest, urban farming contests, social activities, farmer group communities, and government and community roles contributed to the success of urban farming in the area.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyScience Learning from the School Garden through Participatory Action Research in Nepal
2022Kamal Prasad Acharya, Chitra Budhathoki, Milan Acharya · The Qualitative Report · Nepal
Nepal's NORHED/Rupantaran project implemented participatory action research through school gardening to explore how basic level students (grades five to eight) and science teachers could foster agency in the school science curriculum. Qualitative research found that school gardening activities were helpful and productive for science teaching and learning. The findings offer new insights for policymakers to transform the school science curriculum and highlight the often-neglected collaborative knowledge production through school gardening in a contextual environment.
Food educationCommunityPolicyComparative study of domestic and international mandatory policies on three-dimensional greening - Shenzhen as an example
2022Zihao Chen, Lin Guo, Zilong Zhang · Highlights in Science Engineering and Technology · China (Shenzhen)
As urbanization accelerates in China, urban green space is becoming increasingly insufficient. This study analyzed Shenzhen's current three-dimensional greening policies and compared them with those of advanced foreign cities. The findings revealed three problems in Shenzhen's policies: a small scope of application, a lack of planning elements, and a low degree of compulsion. The paper proposes improvement solutions and optimization suggestions based on the governance experiences of other cities to address these shortcomings.
Governance failurePolicyClimate changeCommunityGreen Guerillas, Seed Bombs, and Granite Gardens
2022Setha Low · · Global
This chapter examines environmental sustainability and the greening of public spaces in Paris and New York City, tracing the history and impact of interventions like community gardens, urban agriculture, and sustainable parks. These initiatives contribute to ecological sustainability by fostering stronger communities, supporting social reproduction, and promoting environmental justice. The study highlights how human ecological planning and ecosystem services assessments provide scientific strategies for enhancing sustainability in public space design.
CommunityBiodiversityOrganic cyclePolicyCLAVES PARA LA GOBERNANZA DE LOS HUERTOS URBANOS COMUNITARIOS: APRENDIZAJES DEL PROYECTO RU:RBAN EN LA CIUDAD DE A CORUÑA
2022Matias Pino Cabeza · Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental · Spain (A Coruña)
This research aimed to identify useful instruments and resources for the governance of community urban gardens. It involved a literature review and an analysis of A Coruña's participation in the European Ru:rban project, which transfers Rome's urban garden management model. Data on A Coruña's participation was collected through interviews with involved actors, event attendance, and document review, and the analysis concluded that the best governance model for community urban gardens is based on collaboration between organized users and the local government.
CommunityPolicyDifferent Perspectives Surrounding Urban Agriculture
2022Susan Anne Mansel Fitzgerald · · Cuba
This chapter reviews various perspectives on urban agriculture in Havana, Cuba, focusing on farm types, food access, and cultural expressions. It highlights that research also addresses the hierarchies and power struggles surrounding urban agriculture sites and their integration into land-management systems. The study advocates for understanding the rhythms of everyday life to deepen insights into these sites.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyCommunityEconomicsThe Place of Greening: Comparing Civic Engagement Scenes of Urban Natures across Danish Cities
2022Anders Blok, Amanda Krog Juvik, Anna Helene Kvist Møller, Jonas Skjold Raaschou-Pedersen, Jakob Laage‐Thomsen · City and Community · Denmark
This study mapped the group styles, spatial intergroup networks, and cultural-political value landscapes of 130 urban green communities across the four largest cities in Denmark using digital methods. The results showed that civic greening groups are neither neighborhood-based endeavors nor hubs of social movement mobilization, but rather geographies of co-engagement that span cities while also forging new senses and practices of place.
CommunityBiodiversityPolicyAllotment gardens: Psychosocial benefits and conflictual community aspects
2022Arnaud Sapin, Philippe Bodénan, Thierry Lebeau, Ghozlane Fleury‐Bahi · Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology · France
A qualitative study in Nantes, France, interviewed 28 allotment garden users to examine psychosocial impacts. While highlighting benefits like psychological well-being, physical health, self-development, and social bonding, the study found these were balanced by various conflicts reported by participants. Lexicometric analysis confirmed that positive and negative social aspects are significantly associated and must be considered jointly.
Equity & displacementCommunityHealthPolicyA STUDY ON EFFECTS FROM GREEN ROOFS AND GREEN FACADES: ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND IMPACT ON URBAN ENVIRONMENT, VIEWED ON EXAMPLE OF SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
2022Ekaterina S. Shafrai · Architecton Proceedings of Higher Education · South Korea (Seoul)
This study examines the use of green roofs and facades in Seoul, South Korea, linking their widespread adoption to climatic features, systematic municipal support, and promotion of urban farming. It notes their practical, ecological, aesthetic, and social functions, with complex effects depending on building type and climatic factors. The study also highlights that direct adoption of this experience in Russia is not feasible due to climatic differences.
CommunityClimate changePolicyA work-in-progress politics of space
2022Shawn Bodden · City · Hungary (Budapest)
This essay reflected on the everyday political work of community projects to open up space for new possibilities of living with difference within hostile political environments, drawing on Doreen Massey's ideas of space. Through the case of the Auróra community center in Budapest, Hungary, and its members' community garden project, it examined the mundane and local techniques community groups use to construct better possible futures. The analysis suggested the importance of analyzing the situated and ongoing "terms of engagement" through which people open up, or close down, better possible spaces and ways of living with difference.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyDeterminants of Sustainable Growth of SMEs in Developing Countries: The Case of Ethiopia
2022Gemechu Abdissa, Abebe Ayalew, Anna Dunay, Csaba Bálint Illés · Economies · Ethiopia
This study investigated the determinants of sustainable growth for SMEs, including those in urban agriculture, in Ethiopia using primary data from 194 employees. Findings indicate that political instability, corruption, and COVID-19 are significantly harming the growth and long-term sustainability of Ethiopian SMEs.
Economic viabilityEconomicsPolicyA Typology for Green Infrastructure Planning to Enhance Multifunctionality Incorporating Peri-Urban Agricultural Land
2022Werner Rolf · · Global
This work introduces a typology for spatial planning to integrate peri-urban farmland into Green Infrastructure, aiming to develop multifunctional open space networks. The typology, based on an inter- and transdisciplinary approach and evidence synthesis, suggests that peri-urban farmland has potential to address urban challenges like biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation.
Peri-urban agriculturePolicyBiodiversityClimate changeBANGKOK’S URBAN SPRAWL: LAND FRAGMENTATION AND CHANGES OF PERI-URBAN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION AREAS IN THAWI WATTHANA DISTRICT
2022Alisara Menakanit, Vudipong Davivongs, Prapassara NAKA, Nath PICHAKUM · Journal of Urban and Regional Analysis · Thailand (Bangkok)
This study investigated land use changes and landscape fragmentation in prime vegetable production areas within Thawi Watthana district, Bangkok, Thailand. A GIS database was used to analyze land use proportions, changes in vegetable production areas, and land configurations from 1976 to 2015. The results showed that vegetable production areas decreased at a rate of 20.38 ha/y, despite the district being designated as an agricultural area in Bangkok's land use planning policies. Fragmentation of the vegetable production matrix increased due to expanded road networks and contiguous roadside urban development.
Limited or null effectPeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsProspects of Agribusiness as Supporting Food Security in the Semarang City
2022Ali Umar Dhani, Hani Werdi Apriyanti · Untag Business and Accounting Review · Indonesia (Semarang)
This mixed-methods study in Semarang City, Indonesia, investigated the potential of urban agricultural agribusiness to support national food security. Analyzing primary and secondary data, the research identified potential for agribusiness development. It concluded that agribusiness development should align with the national agricultural master plan, Semarang City's potential mapping, and its medium-term and long-term development plans.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicyRevitalization of brownfields in shrinking cites exemplified by the urban farm in Dessau a Green Innovation area as a part of the BMBF project GIAGEM
2022Antonia Lippert, Karina Pallagst, Patricia Hammer · Ra Ximhai · Germany (Dessau)
This bachelor thesis examines the revitalization of urban brownfields in shrinking cities, using the "Urban Farm Dessau" project as an example. It defines brownfields, revitalization, and urban farming, and details the GIAGEM project which develops alternative solutions for brownfield revitalization meeting bio-economic requirements. The "Urban Farm Dessau" project in Dessau-Roßlau is analyzed through a preliminary study and evaluated using a criteria grid, forming the basis for recommendations on its transferability to other cities.
CommunityPolicyClimate changeMapping Gendered Ecologies: Engaging with and beyond Ecowomanism and Ecofeminism ed. by K. Melchor Quick Hall and Gwyn Kirk
2022Priya R. Chandrasekaran · NWSA Journal · Global
This review discusses "Mapping Gendered Ecologies: Engaging with and beyond Ecowomanism and Ecofeminism," a fifteen-chapter anthology edited by K. Melchor Quick Hall and Gwyn Kirk. The collection explores the power of ecofeminism and ecowomanism, revealing obscured relationships and ideas, and outlining pathways for socio-ecological healing and sustainability. It is recommended for scholars and collaborators in various fields, including environmental studies, women and gender studies, and urban studies.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyComparing happiness associated with household and community gardening: Implications for food action planning
2022Graham Ambrose, Kirti Das, Yingling Fan, Anu Ramaswami · Landscape and Urban Planning · United States (Minneapolis-St. Paul)
An exploratory study in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, USA, directly compared happiness (net affect, average happiness, and meaningfulness) associated with household versus community agricultural gardening, surveying 118 household and 55 community gardeners. For both groups, gardening's net affect ranked among the top five daily activities. Community gardeners reported statistically higher net affect and peak meaningfulness while gardening compared to household gardeners. Community gardeners' net affect correlated negatively with family-companionship and positively with neighbor-companionship. Female and low-income household gardeners reported higher gardening net affect than their counterparts.
CommunityHealthPolicyValuing the Benefits and Enhancing Access: Community and Allotment Gardens in Urban Melbourne, Australia
2022Aisling Bailey, Jonathan Kingsley · Land · Australia (Melbourne)
This qualitative study explored perceptions of benefits and challenges in six urban community and allotment gardens in Melbourne, Australia, through semi-structured interviews with 23 participants. Findings identified perceived benefits and demographic patterns, but also highlighted challenges to participation due to insecurity around ongoing land access. The gardens were perceived to contribute to social and environmental wellbeing.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyHealthEconomicsTechnology Readiness Index of Agricultural Extension Officers in Bandung City, Indonesia, towards Digitalization of the “Buruan Sae” Program
2022Parman Sukarno, Rahmat Yasirandi, Rio Guntur Utomo, Muhammad Al Makky, Ridha Muldina Negara, Sri Rezeki · Jurnal Agritech · Indonesia (Bandung)
This study aimed to determine the technology readiness of Agricultural Extension Officers (AOE) in Bandung City, Indonesia, regarding the digitalization of the "Buruan Sae" urban farming program. Using the Technology Readiness Index (TRI) Model, the AOE population achieved a value of 3.365, categorizing them as a Medium Technology Readiness group. The study found that 37.5% were "Explorers" who would quickly adopt technology, and no "Laggards" were present, indicating a general acceptance of technological change.
Digital agriculturePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceThe urban farmland system for city planning that coexists with "agriculture"
2022Hiroshi Kurose · Toshi keikaku hokokushu/Toshi keikaku houkokushuu · Japan (Hiroshima)
This paper examines the necessary perspectives for local governments to introduce the productive green space system, using Hiroshima City's 2020 implementation as a case study. It reviews the current state of urban agriculture and inheritance issues in Hiroshima, clarifies the requirements for productive green spaces and their relationship with agricultural cooperatives, and discusses future directions for city planning that coexists with agriculture.
PolicyUrban–rural linkageEconomicsPotensi dan Strategi Pengembangan Usaha Tani Perkotaan dalam Meningkatkan Akses Pangan yang Berkelanjutan di Kecamatan Gunung Putri, Kabupaten Bogor
2022Nia Kurniawati Hidayat, Ahyar Ismail, Hastuti Hastuti, Fitria Dewi Raswatie · Jurnal Ilmu Pertanian Indonesia · Indonesia (Bogor)
An urban farming program was initiated in Gunung Putri District, Bogor Regency, and qualitative descriptive methods, Likert scale, and SWOT analysis were used to identify development strategies, analyze public perceptions, and formulate strategies. While urban farming showed potential across technical, social, institutional, commercial, financial, and environmental aspects, obstacles included respondents' time, usable land, capital, supportive institutions, and limited marketing information. The most significant weakness identified was product marketing.
Limited or null effectCommunityPolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceAgricultura urbana en barbecho. Concepciones en la planificación urbana chilena
2022Ana Zazo Moratalla, Alejandro Orellana-McBride, Claudia Cerda-Inostroza · · Chile
A study investigated how Chilean urban planning has conceived productive agriculture within urban limits, analyzing the evolution of territorial planning instruments in five Chilean cases. While agriculture was once conceived as an urban use, changes in Chilean legislation have led to this activity being conceived as transitory and in fallow, inevitably transforming into other more profitable urban uses.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageEconomicsGreen City or Urban Countryside?
2022Imen Bendjemila, Salah Chaouche · Prostor : znanstveni časopis za arhitekturu i urbanizam · Algeria
This study investigated urban growth and urbanization in N'Gaous, Algeria, over the last 60 years, using an analytical approach and Geographic Information Systems to assess the agronomic potential of soils. It found that N'Gaous experienced significant urban sprawl, with its land area expanding over ten times and population increasing more than six times, leading to serious issues for peri-urban orchards. The study quantified and monitored the agricultural potential consumed by construction, highlighting the negative impact of urban expansion on agricultural land.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkageEconomicsPolicyFeminism and the Urban Practice: Three Lines of Analysis
2022Larissa Siqueira Chaves, Giovanna Simokado Magalhães, Soraya Nór · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil
This article reflected on the potential of feminism in urban development as a practice of counter-hegemonic architectures. Through a cartography of central Florianópolis, it was shown that only ten streets in the city center were named after women, revealing that patriarchal patterns are fixed in the territory. Women in urban agriculture are presented as individual and collective body-territories that construct a counter-hegemonic praxis in urban spaces and social movements, politically building alternatives that foster care, reproduction of life, reconnection with nature, protection of popular traditions, as well as gender issues and the right to the city.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyWelfareAgricultura urbana, relações e desenvolvimento: um olhar sobre Maputo, Moçambique
2022Axel Prestes Dürrnagel, Matias Siueia Júnior, Simone Prestes Dürrnagel · Boletim GeoÁfrica · Mozambique
In Maputo, Mozambique's capital, urban agriculture is at a critical point, with accelerated urban growth and climate change impacts increasingly compromising agricultural spaces. A qualitative case study focusing on farmer associations in the urban district of KaMavota indicated that horizontal relationships among farmers enable information sharing and social capital creation. Conversely, vertical relationships between farmers and the government primarily promote knowledge exchange and competencies related to agricultural extension and land rights allocation.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyClimate change