Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
3623 results(45 / 145)
“It’s Not Only Our Task”
2023Krista Willman · ACME · Finland (Tampere)
This article explores the "operational space" of urban community gardening (CG) from the viewpoint of city officials in Tampere, Finland. Two rounds of interviews with eight officials and discourse analysis were used, and the operational space, shaped by administrative policies and practices, was found to be rather rigid and narrow. Five main discourses aimed to enable urban gardening but were restricted to strategic, limited, and instrumental levels, as political-strategic aims contradicted administrative practices, and cautiousness and unclarity in the administrative-political culture led to institutional ambiguity.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyControlled Environment Agriculture and Its Ability to Mitigate Food Insecurity
2023Aubrey Lynn Garcia, M.A.C. Griffith, George Paul Buss, Xiusheng Yang, John L. Griffis, Sarah E. Bauer, Ankit Singh · Agricultural Sciences · Global
This review investigates Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) as a potential solution for food security, discussing its rationale, growth factors, and technologies. While indoor farming systems like vertical farming enhance urban access to food, the cost of CEA remains high, though it is decreasing due to technological advances.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsSocial gastronomy initiatives in Copenhagen, Denmark for food security, sustainability and health
2023Charlotte Siiger · European Journal of Public Health · Denmark (Copenhagen)
The "Green Sustainable Communities" project in Copenhagen, Denmark, developed social gastronomy methods to empower lower socio-economic households with sustainable, healthy, and affordable cooking practices. Interventions included community meals, gardening, and food courses, utilizing surplus fruits, vegetables, and affordable legumes. These initiatives promoted affordable, climate-friendly, and healthy diets, increasing social wellbeing and improving nutrition.
CommunityHealthFood educationWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceToward a sustainable Wyndham: An agriculture-led action for the food security of Wyndham, Australia
2023Jialing Xie · · Australia (Wyndham)
Wyndham, one of Australia's fastest-growing communities, faces increased urbanization and pressure on its socio-ecological environment, leading to growing food insecurity. This paper aims to explore agriculture-based resilient community development to achieve food security in Wyndham. Through a critical review of relevant literature and case studies on implementing a pilot site design approach, the paper presents necessary actions for urban farming practices at their current scale and reviews opportunities and barriers to scaling up these practices under future risks like climate change and sea-level rise.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityPolicyEconomicsHousing and Food Production: Resident and Grower Perceptions of Peri-Urban Food-Production Landscapes
2023Shannon Davis, Guanyu Chen, Naomi Darvill · Land · New Zealand
In Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand, surveys explored perceptions of peri-urban residents and food producers regarding food growing in the peri-urban zone. Over 90% of residents expressed positive views towards local food production, though they raised concerns about environmental and health impacts, particularly water quality, and limited access to local food. Conversely, food producers reported less positive experiences due to various operational issues in the peri-urban zone.
Peri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkagePolicyCommunityStrengths and Weaknesses of Non-chemical Weed Management Strategies in Small-scale Vegetable Production
2023Mahbuba Ferdous · Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research · Australia (Armidale)
This case study investigated non-chemical weed management strategies in a small-scale vegetable garden in Armidale, Australia, through observation and an in-depth, unstructured interview with the garden's convener. Growers primarily used mechanical and cultural methods, including mulching, hand weeding, tillage, and grazing, to manage weed infestation. While mulching with wood chips and hand weeding were considered more effective in minimizing weed competition during critical crop development periods, they could not reach a satisfactory level. Further improvements by integrating several approaches simultaneously are needed for more effective and economical weed control.
Limited or null effectCommunityOrganic cycleDIYContribution of peri-urban land use and agriculture to entropy and food of mega-cities: On sustainability, planning by control theory and recycling of organics
2023Ernst‐August Nuppenau · PLoS ONE · Global
This article proposes an ecological economics orientation for peri-urban development, focusing on land use planning, local food, and entropy. Based on a mathematical model and control theory, it presents an operational concept to minimize negative externalities within a given population, aiming to assure space for urban agriculture and enable organic matter recycling. It notes that current unhealthy developments and market-oriented city expansions have limited the scope for peri-urban farming, advocating for regional planning based on organic matter recycling.
Peri-urban agriculturePolicyOrganic cycleClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceKentsel Gıda Planlaması için Çıkarımlar: Gıda'nın Kent-Bölgesi'ni Tanımlamak (Inferences for Urban Food Planning: Defining City-Region of Food)
2023Ayşegül YARIŞ, Emel Karakaya Ayalp · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
The current agri-food system is undergoing an unsustainable transition, with Urban Food Planning emerging as a holistic approach for sustainable transition. This paper explains and translates the "City-Region Food System (CRFS) Toolkit," developed in partnership with FAO, RUAF, and participating cities. It examines the toolkit's roadmap and approach for building more sustainable and resilient urban food systems through two case studies in West Africa. The research concluded that the CRFS Toolkit defines limited tools for building sustainable urban food systems and excludes the relationship with spatial disciplines.
Environmental trade-offsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeUrban–rural linkageHow learning gardens foster well-being and development through the promotion of purposeful play in early childhood and beyond
2023Elizabeth J. Pope, Sallie A. Marston, Moses Thompson, Scott A. Larson · Theory Into Practice · Global
A literature review explored how learning gardens foster well-being and development through purposeful play in early childhood and beyond. Drawing on frameworks from self-determination theory, cognitive psychology, and developmental psychology, school gardens were shown to provide opportunities for purposeful play, supporting children's well-being, cognitive and identity development, and positive emotional experiences. Reported benefits in the literature include satisfying basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, increased positive emotions, opportunities for cognitive and emotional renewal, and tangible evidence of student effort.
Food educationHealthCommunityHeavy metal contamination of vegetables in urban and peri-urban areas. An overview
2023Gerhard Fischer, F. Fischer · Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas · Global
This overview, based on the ScienceDirect database, addresses heavy metal (HM) contamination in vegetables from urban and peri-urban areas. It notes that HMs like Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr, and As accumulate to toxic levels in the soil-plant-consumer continuum, causing health damage to consumers and physiological alterations in plants. Leafy and solanaceous vegetables accumulate the most HMs, while cucurbits and legumes are least affected.
Contamination & food safetyHealthClimate changeUrban soils. Principles and practice, by Andrew W. Rate (Editor)
2023Remigio Paradelo · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Global
The book "Urban soils. Principles and practice," edited by Andrew W. Rate, provides abundant information on the properties and functioning of urban soils, covering topics such as their genesis, spatial variability, functions, contamination, and remediation techniques. The book also details general soil science concepts and serves as a potential textbook. It notes that urban soils exhibit higher spatial variability than naturally formed soils, driven by human decisions.
Organic cycleHealthUnderstanding vulnerability and resilience of urban food initiatives in Morocco
2023Patrizia Pugliese, Cosimo Rota, Fatima Zohra Sabrane, Marie Reine Bteich, E.J. Veen · · Morocco
A mixed-methods study of four urban agriculture initiatives in Morocco found that while all cases struggled with certain perturbations, some were able to turn them into more hopeful situations, whereas others could lead to new perturbations or increased vulnerability. The study concluded that the outcomes were highly case-specific and related to existing resources, highlighting the complex and fluid nature of these initiatives.
Governance failureCommunityClimate changePolicyAccessibility Analysis of Urban Green Space: The Case of Erbil City
2023Serkan Kemeç, Salar Hassan Abdalkarim · Iconarp International J of Architecture and Planning · Iraq (Erbil)
This study, conducted in Erbil City in 2017 and 2020, measured the accessibility of public urban green spaces using network analysis with GIS. It found that for community parks, 68% of the population had access within 5 minutes travel time, while for mini parks, 22% had access within a 5-minute walk. This was the first known investigation into public green space accessibility in Erbil.
CommunityPolicyEvaluación del desempeño productivo de la lechuga (Lechuga Batavia) fertilizada con diferentes cantidades de Lombicompostaje
2023Juliana Marcela Santos Calderón, Julián David Coral Sanabria, Olga Ximena Aguilar Galvis · Innovando En La U · Global
This study investigated the effect of different amounts of vermicompost (0%, 20%, and 40%) on Batavia lettuce cultivation. It found that 20% vermicompost accelerated germination on the first day (P0.05). By day 40, 20% vermicompost influenced plant height and leaf number, resulting in an average height of 5.44 cm and 7.2 leaves by day 46 (P<0.05). These findings suggest that 20% vermicompost is the most recommended amount for Batavia lettuce.
CompostDIYOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceFood sovereignty and peri-urban horticulture
2023Benjamin Felix Richardson · · New Zealand (Auckland)
Auckland's urban sprawl threatens to significantly raise the price of fresh fruits and vegetables across the country, worsening chronic food security issues. Food production has become detached from the food security and food sovereignty of Aotearoa's people. The severity of this issue is driving calls for reform, and a conflict exists between humanity's agricultural subsistence and the destabilizing demands of financial extraction, where crucial productive hubs can be lost permanently.
Economic viabilityFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood Production in the Cities of Tomorrow. The Results of International Questionnaire Surveys
2023Małgorzata Burchard‐Dziubińska · Comparative Economic Research Central and Eastern Europe · Global
This study aimed to gather information on the practical experience of young urban residents using urban horticulture and agriculture products, determine their readiness to practice such production independently in the future, and identify environmental benefits (ecosystem services) related to urban horticulture and agriculture indicated by respondents. A comparative study was conducted with students from 29 countries, including Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Poland, and seven EU countries. The collected data were used to compare approaches to urban horticulture and agriculture and their produce across different countries and cultural backgrounds.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityClimate changeConceptual Framework for Urban Farming (UF) Cost Components: The Application of Iceberg Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Model
2023Puteri Sidrotul Nabihah Saarani, Siti Nur Aishah Mohd Noor, Zailawati Khalid2, Asniza Hamimi Abdul Tharim, Asmalia Che Ahmad, Norhafizah Abdul Rahman, Mohamad Haizam Mohamed Saraf · International Journal of Business and Technology Management · Malaysia
This paper aimed to develop a conceptual framework for Life Cycle Cost (LCC) in the context of smart urban farming through an in-depth literature review. Employing the Iceberg Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model, the conceptual framework for Smart UF LCC components was divided into acquisition cost and hidden cost. This framework assists in decision-making by providing a holistic view of the costs involved in a project or investment.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareDigital agricultureGREEN as model urban gardening in school
2023Hanif, Nayudin · UiTM Institutional Repositories (Universiti Teknologi MARA) · Malaysia
An experimental study at the Indonesian School of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, introduced the "GREEN" urban gardening model to 34 high school students. The model, implemented through Project Based Learning, significantly improved students' knowledge scores from 64.85 to 76.77 and was found to effectively promote biodiversity, food, and learning experiences. Students perceived the model as engaging and user-friendly, contributing to enhanced activities and nutritional intake through fruits and vegetables.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityHealthPassive Cooling Techniques in Historical Building Versus Contemporary Bio Mimic Concepts: An Overview
2023Nchiye Yahaya Andrew, Joy Nanlop Uwa, Abel Odion · American journal of civil engineering and architecture · Global
This review paper provides an overview of passive cooling techniques, focusing on bio-mimicry design approaches adopted in global building design and construction. It highlights examples such as the East Gate Office building in Harare, which uses termite mound concepts, and the Vancouver Convention Center, which employs rooftop gardens for indoor temperature balance. The paper is limited to bio-mimic design approaches and suggests they offer significant solutions for building energy efficiency.
Climate changeBudidaya Ikan Nila Merah (Oreochromis SP.) Dengan Teknik Yumina Dan Bumina Sebagai Bisnis Yang Menguntungkan Bagi Masyarakat
2023Arfiana Dita Arum Sari, Dita Atasa, Yana Yana, Asep Syaefuddin, Dewi Suryani, Rhomi Ardiansyah · Faedah Jurnal Hasil Kegiatan Pengabdian Masyarakat Indonesia · Global
The Sustainable Urban Agriculture Practitioner (PPB) division of SEAMEO BIOTROP's internship activities focused on Red Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) cultivation using Yumina and Bumina techniques, suitable for urban areas. The activities encompassed seeding, maintenance, and treatment, aiming to provide knowledge, understanding, and skills for proper red tilapia cultivation to the community.
DIYFood educationEconomicsCommunity“Tur pilnīgi cita pasaule”: vides jautājumi Lucavsalas dārzkopju stāstos
2023Una Smilgaine · Aktuālās problēmas literatūras un kultūras pētniecībā rakstu krājums · Latvia (Riga)
This article explores the environmental issues reflected in the experience stories of 16 gardeners and locals on Lucavsala island, Riga, collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, audio recordings, and photography in 2021. Gardeners expressed environmental awareness through narratives about the island's geography, gardening practices, and environmental quality, with acquiring and managing a garden being a prominent theme. Despite mentions of waste, the environmental quality of Lucavsala was generally judged to be relatively high, with fresh air, peace, and quiet being important indicators.
CommunityWelfareClimate changeSistemas alimentarios urbanos y su gobernanza, ¿una alternativa viable para Venezuela en el marco de los sistemas agroalimentarios sostenibles?
2023José Anido · Agroalimentaria · Venezuela
This exploratory review study examined the viability of urban food systems and their governance in Venezuela, based on secondary sources. While identifying available resources like educational infrastructure and a renewed legal framework, the study highlighted significant limitations. These include increasing deforestation, deteriorating potable water services for urban agriculture, migration of skilled populations, decline in public funding for science and technology, opaque official information, and scarcity of financing for new developments.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsClimate changeA citizen science report—Tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) in allotment gardens in Graz, Styria, Austria
2023Julia Reichl, Christina Proßegger, Bernhard Eichholzer, Pamina Plauder, Maria Sophia Unterköfler, Karin Lebl, Alexander Indra, Hans‐Peter Fuehrer · Parasitology Research · Austria
In allotment gardens and a second location in Graz, Styria, Austria, citizen scientists collected adult Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and eggs, which underwent morphological examination and DNA barcoding. A total of 217 eggs and 14 adult specimens were found, indicating that Aedes albopictus is already breeding in Graz. However, continued monitoring efforts are needed to determine if stable populations can survive there.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityCindy
2023Michelle Fishburne · · Global
This abstract describes a personal reflection on the sudden shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, which began on a Friday the thirteenth. The speaker mentions feeling isolated and the need for children to be together. They describe a two-week period of no instruction, during which they helped their mother and visited the school garden. The abstract then recounts the announcement of online learning and a subsequent teacher-only trial week.
Food educationCommunityFostering Sustainable Communities: Vital Role of Local Authorities in Urban Agriculture Practices in Strata Housing
2023Nurulanis Ahmad, Zarita Ahmad, Siti Nadiah Mohd Ali, Nor Aini Salleh, Fatemah Khozaei · Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal · Global
This study assessed the role of local authorities in urban agriculture practices within strata housing, addressing environmental pressures from urbanization. Through semi-structured interviews with City Council Y's COB Manager, findings indicated that local authorities can promote urban agriculture by creating policies and regulations and allocating public resources and funding. The study concluded that urban agriculture in strata housing contributes to resilient urban environments.
PolicyCommunity