Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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9077 results(46 / 364)
Urban Agriculture Technical Advisory
2025Ivanjack, Katherine Rose, Preciado, Kylie J · DigitalCommons - CalPoly (California State Polytechnic University) · United States (California)
This senior capstone project aims to explore the potential of urban agriculture to address critical challenges in sustainability, food security, and community development within California cities. The project highlights practical and innovative approaches to urban farming that can be adopted or adapted to suit the unique needs of urban areas across the state.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityClimate changeAdaptive trait divergence of annual plants in response to urban habitat diversity in a megacity
2025Nakata Taichi, Naoyuki Nakahama, Nobuko Ohmido, Atushi Ushimaru · Journal of Ecology · Japan (Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe)
This study investigated the effects of urban habitat diversity on plant trait diversification in the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe megacity, Japan, using a common garden experiment with seeds from 23 Commelina communis populations from rural agricultural lands, urban agricultural lands, parks, and roadsides. Urban habitats generally exhibited higher soil pH and land surface temperature. Urban populations, particularly those from roadsides, showed distinct traits such as increased plant height, larger plant height/width ratio, fewer shoots and leaves, and/or larger leaves compared to rural populations. QST-FST comparisons and trait-environment relationships strongly suggest that local adaptation to hot, shaded, and/or eutrophic urban environments drove the observed trait divergence among various urban populations.
BiodiversityUrban–rural linkageClimate changeSocial Capital as a Catalyst for Community Empowerment: Evidence from KWT Srikandi Mrican, Indonesia
2025Aulia Nishful Laila, Sugito Sugito · Jurnal Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Media Pemikiran dan Dakwah Pembangunan · Indonesia
A qualitative research methodology investigated the role of social capital in the empowerment of urban agriculture within the Srikandi Women’s Farmers Group (KWT) in Mrican, Sleman, Indonesia. The study revealed that the effective utilization of social capital significantly contributes to the success of empowerment initiatives within KWT Srikandi. Social networks are robustly established both internally among KWT Mrican members and externally through collaborations with academic institutions, government entities, and the private sector, though challenges persist, including limited expansion of partnership outreach and the necessity for improvements in facilities and infrastructure.
CommunityEconomicsPolicyThe Significance of Hobby Gardens in Urban Agriculture: A Bibliometric Mapping of Thematic Structures and Future Potentials
2025Deniz Çağla Bal, Independent Reseacher, Osman Kaan Inan, Yusuf Çakmakçı · International Journal of Innovative Approaches in Agricultural Research · Global
This study aims to reveal the intellectual structure, main themes, and research trajectories of academic literature on hobby gardens using bibliometric analysis and scientific mapping methods. Analyses of articles from the Scopus database covering 1989–2025 show that the unifying element of hobby gardening is based on the concepts of “gardening” and “human.” The main driving force of the field was determined to be social and human dynamics such as “leisure time” and gender, indicating that hobby gardening research focuses on its role in human well-being, social life, and community interaction rather than a technical or agricultural focus.
DIYFood educationCommunityHidden Nutritional Deficiencies in Urban Diets across Pakistan
2025Muqadas Bhatti · International annals of health sciences · Pakistan
Urbanization in Pakistan has led to significant dietary shifts, causing hidden nutritional deficiencies, particularly among adolescents. Urban diets are characterized by increased consumption of fats, sugars, and processed foods, alongside reduced intake of fiber, carbohydrates, and essential micronutrients, exacerbating malnutrition. Vulnerable groups like female adolescents and pregnant women face heightened risks. Community-level interventions are urgently needed to combat these deficiencies.
HealthFood educationCommunityThis is God’s land: Moral economies, spirituality, and insurgent land seizures in Zimbabwe’s urban peripheries
2025Johannes Bhanye, Abraham R. Matamanda, Ruvimbo Shayamunda · Discover Global Society · Zimbabwe
In Lydiate informal settlement in peri-urban Zimbabwe, Malawian migrants mobilize insurgent practices, including informal land seizures, spiritual claims, and communal strategies, to access land for farming. Access to land for urban and peri-urban farming remains a significant hurdle, especially for marginalized migrants. Migrants invoke divine ownership narratives, Nyau cult practices, and witchcraft deterrence as tactical tools for defending seized land.
Equity & displacementPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyWelfareEconomicsHealthFood sharing in Dublin
2025Lyons, Jennifer, Davies, Anna, Gallagher, Daisy · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Ireland (Dublin)
This report provides sustainability impact scenarios for Food Sharing Initiatives (FSIs) in Dublin city. Combining CULTIVATE’s Food Sharing Map and Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) data submitted by FSIs, it offers low, average, and high estimations of the sustainability impacts created by FSIs. The impact indicators presented are only a subset of total impacts, and estimations will become more accurate as more FSIs submit SIA data.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCultivating Eco-Urban Diplomacy through Urban Farming: Comparative Insights from Jakarta–Tokyo and Surabaya–Kitakyushu Sister Cities
2025Azka Madihah, Aliifah Ghassanii · Atlantis highlights in social sciences, education and humanities/Atlantis Highlights in Social Sciences, Education and Humanities · Asia
This study examined eco-urban diplomacy through urban farming and environmental horticulture in Jakarta-Tokyo and Surabaya-Kitakyushu sister-city partnerships. Jakarta-Tokyo collaboration promoted participatory urban farming and rooftop greening, raising Tokyo's vegetable self-sufficiency from 4.27% to a potential 11.73%. Surabaya-Kitakyushu cooperation achieved a threefold mangrove expansion and 20% waste reduction, but financial constraints, communication gaps, and land insecurity persist, risking exclusion of marginalized groups.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyHealthEconomicsBiodiversityCommunity-based groups for reducing occupational deprivation among asylum seekers, refugees, and other forcibly displaced populations: A scoping review
2025Méabh Bonham Corcoran, Salam Jabbour, Frédérique Vallières, Sarah Quinn · Journal of Occupational Science · Global
This scoping review analyzed 15 studies from 2000 to 2023 to identify community-based groups that reduce occupational deprivation for asylum seekers, refugees, and other forcibly displaced populations. These groups included community development projects (n=5), community gardens (n=4), sports-based groups (n=3), and community creative art groups (n=3). They demonstrated an ability to enhance a sense of belonging and well-being for these populations by engaging them in diverse occupations alongside local community members.
CommunityWelfareHealthUrban Agriculture and Food Systems: A Tool for Sustainable Development
2025Temitope Ruth Adeyemi, A. Patrick Henry, David Adetayo Olorunjuwon, Olajide Isaac Oyedele · International journal of research and scientific innovation · Global
This paper defines urban agriculture as food production, processing, distribution, and sale within urban, suburban, and peri-urban areas for various purposes, and the food system as encompassing all related value-adding activities. It highlights that urban agriculture and food systems provide social, economic, community, and health benefits, addressing food security challenges. The paper concludes that urban agriculture is a tool for sustainable city development, encouraging policymakers to map initiatives for planning purposes.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthPolicyPenerapan Prinsip Permakultur Desain Melalui Elemen Arsitektural pada Bangunan Vertical Harvest Farms, USA
2025Aprilia Shyntia Dewi, Muchlisiniyati Safeyah · Sinektika Jurnal Arsitektur · United States
This qualitative descriptive study analyzed the application of permaculture design principles through architectural elements at Vertical Harvest Farms, USA, using secondary data. The research found that Vertical Harvest Farms largely incorporates permaculture design principles through architectural elements, such as greenhouse-based materials adapted to local climate and optimal spatial arrangement. However, regarding mass typology, the farm was found to be less compliant with the permaculture design principle of "Design from Pattern to Detail."
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeDIYDigital agricultureUrban–rural linkageThe islands and the city: peri-urban agriculture, food production, and sustainability in the chinampas of Xochimilco (Mexico City)
2025F. Xavier Medina, José Antonio Vázquez–Medina, Marco Covarrubias · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · Mexico (Mexico City)
This chapter discusses the factors linking food production, social and environmental problems, and future challenges in the chinampas of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage wetland area in Mexico City's peri-urban zone. It examines strategies implemented by stakeholders and their effects to envision future scenarios for sustainable food systems. The insularity of the chinampas imposes a particular character on agri-food production and the life of inhabitants, highlighting existing social and environmental problems.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityStrategic Spatial Opportunities for Local Food Distribution: Urban Accessibility of Community Gardens in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
2025Andreas Wesener, Shannon Davis, Guanyu Chen · Urban Planning · New Zealand (Christchurch)
This study explored strategic spatial opportunities for improving access to and distribution of locally produced food, using urban community gardens in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand, as a case study. GIS analysis was used to examine spatial accessibility to urban community gardens and associated socio-demographic factors, in comparison to commercial food outlets. The results indicated that the method is useful for examining spatial accessibility, and that urban community gardens in Christchurch are mainly located in more deprived areas, with walkable access provided to about one-fifth of the city’s total population.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyA produção de alimentos na agricultura urbana em tempos de insegurança alimentar: uma experiência com hortas no município de Palmas, Tocantins- Brasil
2025Francisco Pereira de Sousa, Clareana Maria Guimarães Franco, Cássio Bruno Sá de Souza, Débora de Paula Brito Fogaça, Marcos Paulo Parente Araújo, Maíra Santiago Pires Parente, Henrique D. Silva, Dirlley Douglas Alves de Oliveira · Caderno Pedagógico · Brazil
A qualitative and quantitative study in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil, aimed to understand the interfaces of the Palmas City Hall's community garden project. Based on ethnographic research, action research, and field study, the results showed that this local practice enhances community participation in urban garden planting in northern Palmas. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and is a viable tool for minimizing food insecurity and hunger reduction. However, the project requires structural adjustments, promotion of public and private partnerships, and support from universities and civil society for healthy sustainability.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfarePolicyUse of Lighting Technology in Controlled and Semi-Controlled Agriculture in Greenhouses and Protected Agriculture Systems—Part 1: Scientific and Bibliometric Analysis
2025Edwin Villagrán, John Javier Espitia, Jader Rodríguez, Linda Gomez, Gina Marcela Amado Saavedra, E.J. Baeza, Cruz Ernesto Aguilar-Rodríguez, Jorge Flores-Velázquez, Mohammad Akrami, Rodrigo Gil, Luis Alejandro Arias · Sustainability · Global
This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of artificial lighting technologies in greenhouses and protected agriculture, examining scientific publications from the Scopus database between 1974 and 2024. It found a significant increase in research over the last two decades, with the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and China leading in scientific output. Key trends include the use of specific light spectra (red and blue) and the integration of LED systems with digital sensors, though adoption in developing countries like Colombia remains in early stages.
Digital agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsThe “Character Garden” program as an environmentally based character education innovation in elementary schools
2025Elan Elan, Riefki Fiestawa, Risbon Sianturi, Qonita Qonita, Pidi Mohamad Setiadi · Journal of Community Service and Empowerment · Indonesia (Tasikmalaya City)
The "Character Garden Program" was developed in Indihiang District, Tasikmalaya City, Indonesia, to integrate character education through school garden-based learning. Using a Participatory Action Research approach, 39 teachers from seven elementary schools participated in training and module development. Teachers' understanding of character education integration significantly increased (pre-test 61.05 to 77.24, p < 0.001), and students showed increased responsible behavior (2.61 to 3.40) and mutual cooperation (2.63 to 3.36).
Food educationCommunityURBAN AGRICULTURE AND VERTICAL FARMING: HYBRID MODELS FOR FOOD PRODUCTION, RESOURCE EFFICIENCY, AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
2025Faran Muhammad, Muneeba, Muhammad Bilal · Gomal Journal of Agriculture and Biology · Global
This paper explored hybrid approaches to urban agriculture combining vertical farming and rooftop gardening. Experimental pilot hybrid systems installed in certain metropolitan regions showed significant improvements in yield per unit area, water-use efficiency, and energy-use efficiency compared to normal rooftop gardens. Qualitative assessments highlighted positive community-level outcomes, including greater dietary diversity, better comprehension of sustainable food habits, and a rise in wellness and health perception.
DIYCommunityHealthClimate changeDigital agricultureKompetensi Penyuluh Pertanian Dalam Pengembangan Urban Farming di Tiga Kota Provinsi Sumatera Barat
2025Pitra Neli, Hery Bachrizal Tanjung, Devi Analia · Jurnal Niara · Indonesia (Sumatera Barat)
This quantitative study, conducted from April to June 2024 in Padang, Padang Panjang, and Bukittinggi cities in West Sumatra, investigated the competencies of agricultural extension workers in urban farming development. A census of 36 extension workers supporting urban farming since 2016 revealed that their competency level was moderate (38.9%), with innovation mastery, regional potential understanding, urban agribusiness potential understanding, and farmer needs understanding also falling into the moderate category. Formal education, attitude, and skills were found to significantly influence extension workers' competence in urban farming development.
CommunityPolicyIdentificação e georreferenciamento de espaços adequados à agricultura urbana e periurbana em Mossoró-RN
2025Johnny Jean, Nildo da Silva Dias, Nildo da Silva Dias, Alison Rocha de Aragão, A. JEAN, Patrícia Lígia Dantas de Morais, Rogério Taygra Vasconcelos Fernandes, Leonardo Angelo Mendonça, Vânia Christina Nascimento Porto, Khadidja Dantas Rocha de Lima · OBSERVATÓRIO DE LA ECONOMÍA LATINOAMERICANA · Brazil (Mossoró)
This study aimed to identify and georeference suitable spaces for urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in three neighborhoods of Mossoró, Brazil: Nova Betânia, Sussuarana, and Vingt Rosado. The research found that out of 1,300 hectares in these neighborhoods, 944.1 hectares are suitable for UPA. However, the study identified a lack of public policies to incentivize UPA in these areas.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageClimate changeDeliberative methods for cultural ecosystem services
2025Luna Khirfan · · Canada (Waterloo)
This chapter introduces three deliberative methods for cultural ecosystem services, based on empirical experimentation. One method, a conventional charrette, sought to understand and overcome barriers to community gardening at four community gardens in the Region of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The study identified barriers to community gardening.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomicsPlant facilitation in rooftop agriculture: disentangling plant interactions for sustainable crop production on extensive green roofs
2025Adriano N. Roberto, Andrés G. Rolhauser, J. Scott MacIvor, Marney E. Isaac · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · Canada (Toronto)
This study investigated plant facilitation in rooftop agriculture in Toronto, Canada, testing whether live Sedum could improve bush bean performance on 48 extensive green roof (EGR) modules under high and low watering regimes. Water availability had a greater influence on bean performance than planting design, with beans grown with artificial Sedum under high watering showing the highest yield, while performance declined significantly under low water, particularly with live Sedum. Contrary to hypotheses, live Sedum did not consistently facilitate bean performance, suggesting potential competitive interactions may have outweighed any stress-ameliorating effects. These findings indicate water management is the main management variable for crops on EGRs.
DIYCommunityBiodiversityClimate changeDesign and evaluation of a solar powered smart irrigation system for sustainable urban agriculture
2025Mahmoud A. Abdelhamid, Tarek Kh. Abdelkader, Hassan A. A. Sayed, Zhao Zhang, Xiaohui Zhao, Mohamed F. Atia · Scientific Reports · Global
This study aimed to advance sustainable urban agriculture by designing and evaluating a solar-powered smart rooftop irrigation system for peppermint cultivation. The smart system reduced water and energy consumption by 28.1% compared to conventional irrigation, and also achieved a notable reduction in CO2 emissions from 0.252 kg CO₂/m²/year to 0.181 kg CO₂/m²/year. Economic analysis demonstrated a payback period of 5.6 years, highlighting its financial viability.
Digital agricultureClimate changeDIYThe effect of Ethiopia's land certification program on rural and peri-urban farmers' land tenure security; evidence from Tigray
2025Tesfay, Hailay, Machethe, Charles · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Ethiopia (Tigray)
This paper examines the effect of Ethiopia's land certification program on the land tenure security of rural and peri-urban farming households in the Tigray region. Analyzing cross-sectional data from 500 respondents using logistic regression, the study showed that the program's effect is significantly influenced by the geographic location of farm households. The program produced better results for rural farmers than for peri-urban farmers, with certified households in rural areas being less likely to experience a change in their land tenure (less secure land tenure) compared to certified farmers in peri-urban areas.
Governance failurePeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsCommunityDIÁLOGOS DO SABER: A CO-CONSTRUÇÃO DE CONHECIMENTO ENTRE UNIVERSIDADE E AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR NA HORTA COMUNITÁRIA POVO UNIDO, JUAZEIRO/BA
2025Rita Regina Marques Costa, Denes Dantas Vieira, Vivianni Marques Leite dos Santos, Deise Cristiane do Nascimento · · Brazil (Juazeiro)
This qualitative and quantitative field study analyzed the interaction between university extension and community-based family agriculture at the Povo Unido Community Garden in Juazeiro, Brazil. Conducted between March and May 2025, the research involved semi-structured questionnaires and dialogues with 47 farming families to understand their perceptions of knowledge exchange and interaction with educational institutions. Results showed consensus on the importance of university extension, but farmers pointed out challenges such as limited time for discussion and effective inclusion of participants with lower educational attainment.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood educationPolicyWelfareUrbanization-Triggered Industrial Development in Kenya’s Peri-Urban Areas and Its Implications on Food Security: The Case of Kiambu County
2025James S. Kaba, Joseph Mutungi, Gladys Rotich · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science · Kenya
This study examined the implications of urbanization-triggered industrial development on food security in Kiambu County, Kenya, neighboring Nairobi. Through mixed qualitative and survey-based data collection and analysis from 400 respondents including farmers, agricultural workers, urban planners, and government officials, the study found an 85% increase in farmland conversion to industries over the last 20 years. This industrialization contributed to a decline in food production, as reported by 65% of respondents who left farming for industrial jobs. Land-use transformations have resulted in fewer farms involved in agriculture and the replacement of old food systems.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkage