Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2091 results(46 / 84)
Urban agriculture and buddhist concepts for wellbeing: Anuradhapura sacred city, Sri lanka
2019Wasana De Silva · International Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics · Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura)
This research examines urban agriculture in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, arguing it forms a 'performing system' that connects people with the city's topography and promotes wellbeing. It explores how daily life, intertwined with agriculture and irrigation around reservoirs and paddy fields, fosters spiritual experiences and contributes to a healthy and sustainable city, drawing on phenomenology, anthropology, and Buddhist philosophy.
HealthCommunityClimate changeContemporary commons: Sharing and managing common-pool resources in the 21st century
2019Anna Šestáková, Jana Plichtová · Human Affairs · Global
This paper analyzes the relevance of Elinor Ostrom's design principles for managing common-pool resources to new forms of sharing in the 21st century, such as community gardens and car-sharing. The findings suggest that while Ostrom's framework requires adaptation for urban and digitalized environments, some of her original principles remain relevant.
CommunityPolicyAgricultura urbana: Creación de un Restaurante Gourmet
2019Romero López, Iván Fernando · · Colombia (Bogotá)
This article proposes creating a gourmet restaurant in Bogotá, Colombia, to address food security and generate income for urban farmers in low-resource communities like Comuna 4 of Altos de Cazuca. The restaurant would purchase fresh produce weekly from local cultivators, supporting employment, innovation in cultivation infrastructure, and providing organic, quality products to customers. This initiative aims to improve commercialization for urban farmers who currently only support children's nutrition programs.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureDevelopment policies and urban agriculture policies
2019Isabela Laís Tavares, Gisela da Cunha Viana Leonelli · Revista dos Trabalhos de Iniciação Científica da UNICAMP · Global
This study investigated the position of urban agriculture within development policies and legislation for urban and regional planning. Through legal analysis of legislation from supranational to municipal levels, it was shown that urban agriculture can be a tool in city planning to reduce vacant lots and buildings not fulfilling their social function. However, the research revealed that despite a diverse range of legislation for urban agriculture development, these laws are not fully interconnected and often operate as parallel initiatives.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityUrban Agriculture as Livelihood Strategy
2019Ashenafi Tilahun Hailie · IGI Global eBooks · Global
This chapter assessed the benefits of urban agriculture in a study area, using qualitative and quantitative analysis aligned with a sustainable livelihood framework. Findings indicated that urban agriculture is sustained by sex indiscrimination, migrant dominancy, poor educational status, and agricultural background. While assets like land access and fertile soil were promising, skills, knowledge transfer, labor ability, and good health were found insufficient. Identified vulnerabilities included population explosion, absence of good governance, frequent natural calamities, land tenure insecurity, and seasonality of prices.
Governance failureCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceWelfarePolicyAgricultura urbana e as Iniciativas de Resistência Popular
2019José Luiz Lourenço Ribeiro, Liz Cristiane Dias · RELACult - Revista Latino-Americana de Estudos em Cultura e Sociedade · Global
This paper examined the contribution of urban agriculture to creating alternative territories built from a non-hegemonic and popular perspective. Based on a theoretical literature search, it was revealed that when urban agriculture is organized by excluded individuals or those not integrated into the normalized urban lifestyle, these initiatives transform into territories of resistance whose primary function is to escape social vulnerability and protect marginalized popular culture.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityWelfareCharacteristics and Challenges for the Development of Nature-Based Adult Day Services in Urban Areas for People with Dementia and Their Family Caregivers
2019Jan Hassink, Lenneke Vaandrager, Yvette Buist, Simone R. de Bruin · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · Global
A global study characterized nature-based adult day services (ADSs) for people with dementia (PwD) in urban areas and identified challenges. Interviews with 17 ADS providers revealed five types of services: social entrepreneurs, nursing homes, social care organizations, community gardens by citizens, and hybrid initiatives. General challenges included the availability of green urban spaces and acquiring funding. Specific challenges varied by type, including a lack of commitment among nursing staff in nursing homes, difficulty finding knowledgeable volunteers for community gardens, and work culture differences in hybrid models.
Governance failureCommunityHealthWelfareCreating the Urban Farmer’s Almanac with Citizen Science Data
2019Kathleen L. Prudic, J. Keaton Wilson, Michelle C. Toshack, Katharine L. Gerst, Alyssa Rosemartin, Theresa M. Crimmins, Jeffrey C. Oliver · Insects · Global
This study introduced web-based citizen science programs to assist urban growers in managing insect biodiversity on city farms, a complex task given the estimated 30% of the global urban population engaged in food production. The programs aim to connect growers with relevant data and experts for informed insect management decisions. It suggests that combining citizen science volunteers with urban farmers can clarify ecosystem services, reduce insecticide use, and promote non-chemical alternatives.
CommunityBiodiversityPollinatorsThe revival of urban agriculture: an opportunity for the composting stream
2019Marjorie Tendero, C. Guyot · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Global
This article discusses the booming urban composting sector, driven by urban agriculture's new outlets for organic materials. Individual or collective composting offers a decentralized solution with positive impacts on the environment and neighborhood social relations. Its success requires material availability in common spaces, communication systems, support for residents' initiatives, and consideration of technical, ecological, agricultural, economic, and social aspects.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityEconomicsClimate changeAssessing Urban Ecosystem Services
2019Marise Barreiros Horta, Maria Inês Cabral, Iva Pires, Laura Bachi, Ana Luísa Luz, Geraldo Wilson Fernandes, Maria Auxiliadora Drumond, Sónia Maria Carvalho Ribeiro · IGI Global eBooks · Global
This chapter summarizes different participatory approaches for assessing ecosystem services (ES) in urban areas across three countries. In Belo Horizonte, Brazil, a conceptual framework for vacant lots ES assessment was presented. In Leipzig, Germany, a combination of site surveys, interviews, and remote sensing was utilized for a comparative study between two forms of urban gardening. In Lisbon, Portugal, the study provided social insight into horticultural parks based on interviews. Overall, these studies demonstrate the potential benefits of utilizing ES assessment approaches on urban landscapes, particularly for better understanding the interactions between people and nature in urban sites.
BiodiversityCommunityPolicyUrban Agriculture in Harare: Socio-Economic Dimensions of a Survival Strategy
2019David Rider Smith · · Zimbabwe (Harare)
Urban agriculture in Harare, Zimbabwe, is extensive in private gardens and public open spaces, serving as a widespread survival strategy. It contributes to mitigating hunger, achieving household food security, alleviating poverty during economic restructuring, and improving the urban environment. Despite its importance as a food and income source, the rising cost of food places many families under severe pressure.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsCommunityCreating an Edible Landscape: Policy & Ordinances, Best Practices, Sustainability, Budget, and Plant Data
2019Natalie Greytak, Mishka Bartholow, Jessica Dryke, Madison S. Powell, Miranda Olson, Emily Jane Davis, Claire Prendergast, Courtney Schlegel, Claire Kalenberg, Cecily Lindner, Kayleen McQuillan, Maddy Servais, Abigail Wege, Hannah Berg, Nabeela Khan, Soyeon Jung, Jui-Chi Lee, Staci Gallahue, Brad A. Yentzer, Michelle Bascom, Stephanie Druziako, Andy Monnens · · Global
This record comprises reports completed by students enrolled in FScN 4732: Food & Nutrition Management, taught by Dr. Len Marquart in spring 2019. The reports cover topics including policy and ordinances, best practices, sustainability, budget, and plant data related to creating an edible landscape.
PolicyCommunityParticipation of Poor Town Community as Agro-Entrepreneur Towards Urban Agriculture
2019Mohammad Amizi Ayob, Nurul Aida Yaakob, M. Nursalwani · Canadian social science · Global
This study investigated the level of participation of poor town communities, primarily homeless individuals, in urban agriculture entrepreneurship, involving 79 respondents. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used. Results showed that implementing urban agriculture requires the right attitude, knowledge, and perception. However, the chi-square test revealed no significant value on socioeconomics towards urban agriculture within the poor town community.
WelfareCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceThe Growing of Plants by Children—The School-Garden
2019· Cornell University Press eBooks · Global
The main idea in this chapter is that "the love of plants should be inculcated in the school." Knowledge of plants and horticulture extends beyond mere information, taking children outdoors and increasing their engagement with life. The chapter concludes by outlining types of school gardens, including those for ornamenting grounds, establishing collections, providing instruction, and serving as test grounds for new varieties.
Food educationCommunityReconocimiento y caracterización de la Flora Arvense encontradas en Huertas urbanas asistidas por EL Jardín Botánico de Bogotá José Celestino Mutis
2019Uvianeth Castañeda Maldonado · · Colombia (Bogotá)
The recognition and characterization of arvense flora (weeds) found in urban gardens assisted by the Bogotá Botanical Garden in Bogotá, Colombia, were conducted. A catalog of arvense recognition for the Capital District was developed, representing 36 species of weeds belonging to 15 families of the Magnoliopsida class. This catalog includes photographic records, field observations, and information on pollinator presence, serving as an important consultation tool for the district's flora.
CommunityBiodiversityPollinatorsThe plurality of urban agriculture models
2019Mathilde Martin-Moreau, David Ménascé · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Global
The global resurgence of urban agriculture since the early 2000s manifests in diverse forms, ranging from high-tech controlled environments to low-tech intensive organic micro-market farming. These models are implemented in both developed and emerging economies, adapting to various local contexts like community gardens, rooftops, and vertical farms.
CommunityDIYAquaponics: a positive impact circular economy approach TO feeding cities
2019Steven Beckers · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Belgium (Brussels)
The Abattoir Farm in Brussels, Belgium, established in 2015 on the roof of Foodmet, is BIGH's first full-scale production site. This project utilizes an aquaponic production system, linking fish-farming tanks to greenhouses for growing plants, recreating a natural ecosystem in an artificial environment. The system produces minimal waste, requires limited energy inputs, and delivers positive environmental impacts, while providing city consumers with year-round access to quality, locally sourced products such as tomatoes, fish, herbs, and berries.
EconomicsCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceTHE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND URBAN AGRICULTURE
2019Cvijetin Živanović, Miroslav Nedeljković · AKADEMSKI PREGLED · Global
This paper focuses on agricultural urbanism, using urban agriculture as a sustainable approach to food production, preparation, processing, and distribution in cities. Analytical methods like analysis, abstraction, and specialization, along with synthetic methods including synthesis, concretization, and generalization, were employed. The results indicate that, in most cases, industrialization and its growing social problems are the primary causes of disturbed human behavior, broken community ties, disrupted traditions, and increased crime and fear among people.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageClimate changeBuilding on the inherent strengths of green space environments: Promoting trust, democracy, and resilience among ethnically diverse groups
2019August John Hoffman · Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community · Global
This quasi-experimental study examined the psychosocial and ecological impact of community service activities utilizing green space environments, such as community gardens, labyrinths, and urban forestry programs, on individual perceptions of community service learning programs and associated democratic processes. Sixteen volunteers subjectively reported their experiences, including appreciating living things, experiencing kinship with plants and animals, and a sense of belonging to nature, through engagement with various green spaces. Participants were interviewed on how these experiences shaped their views on the importance of nature and green spaces in urban settings and influenced their personal perceptions of belongingness and connectedness to both their communities and nature.
CommunityHealthWarranting the Need for Community Gardens: Improving Food Security and Community Health in Urban Areas
2019Rachel Helling · · Global
This study is a Teaching and Learning Department capstone project that warrants the need for community gardens in low-income communities.
CommunityHealthWelfareDiversidad de especies arbóreas en escenarios de la agricultura urbana en el municipio de Pinar del Río
2019Lisandra Hernández Guanche, Yoerlandy Santana Baños, Armando Acosta Hernández, Armando del Busto Concepción · Revista Cubana de Ciencias Forestales: CFORES · Cuba
A study was conducted in the Vial Colon organoponics system in Pinar del Rio municipality, Cuba, to determine the diversity of arboreal species. Inventories were performed in each organoponics system to count individuals per species, followed by taxonomic identification and calculations of absolute frequency and abundance. The research identified 37 arboreal species belonging to 26 botanical families, with Fabaceae being the most represented and Persea americana Mill. and Moringa oleifera Lam. being the most abundant.
BiodiversityCommunityGrowing Food in the City: Urban Agriculture in Quito, Ecuador, through a Feminist Lens
2019Laine Young · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Ecuador (Quito)
This preliminary research brief explores the potential of using intersectional experiences and feminist political ecology to assess urban agriculture (UA) programming in Quito, Ecuador. It suggests this approach can influence increased access to nutritious food for marginalized people, promote equality and inclusion, and improve urban environments.
CommunityWelfareFood sovereignty & justicePolicyModelo de agricultura familiar urbano como estrategia de integración social y desarrollo sustentable en la institución agrícola Guacavia
2019Nury Katherine Da Graca Vega, Jessica Johana Roman Torres · · Colombia
This work was carried out within the framework of a research project focused on developing an urban family agriculture model as a strategy for social integration and economic development for less favored strata in Cumaral municipality, Colombia. Urban family agriculture is presented as a social development proposal that links individual needs with the use of urban spaces, fostering sustainable ecological, economic, cultural, and social activities.
CommunityWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsA Case Study on the Farming Experience to Spread the Value of Urban Agriculture
2019Kim Gokmi, Ahn Jia · The International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology · Global
This study aimed to analyze the significance and types of urban agriculture, examine domestic and foreign cases, and seek development directions for urban agriculture. It notes that urban agriculture is taking hold in the West due to concerns over global warming, food safety, and urbanites seeking health and relaxation. The research plans to present development measures and conduct follow-up research for safe food.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEstrategia educomunicativa para la visibilidad de los procesos de agricultura urbana de la Huerta Guerreros y Guerreras Unidos en acción de la Localidad de Suba - Bogotá
2019Rubén Darío Peña Chacón, Viviana Alejandra Vergel Rojas · · Colombia (Bogotá)
This project implemented an educommunicative strategy through a communication piece to promote the visibility and recognition of the "Guerreros y Guerreras Unidos en Acción" urban garden in Fontanar del Río, Suba, Bogotá. The garden strengthens social fabric, offers cultivation activities and urban agriculture training, and aims to share knowledge on good practices for organic food cultivation for self-consumption and as a business option. The goal is to make the garden's urban agriculture processes and organic products visible in Bogotá, demonstrating how environmental actions can foster social cohesion, good food practices, business opportunities, and coexistence.
CommunityFood educationEconomicsFood sovereignty & justice