Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
9077 results(48 / 364)
The Landscape of Maine’s Urban Environmental Programming
2025Gallagher, Daisy · · United States (Maine)
This project explores how community-based urban environmental programming instills loyalty, care, and reciprocity for the environment in participants. It focuses on place-based opportunities like urban agriculture and community gardening as a means for urban residents to connect with nature. The study aims to address the gap in environmental programming within urban environments, particularly in the continental United States.
CommunityFood educationUrban–rural linkageLiving labs of agriculture in innovation districts
2025Laura Martins de Carvalho, Zilma Borges, Janaina Mitsue Kimpara · PARC Pesquisa em Arquitetura e Construção · Global
This case study analyzed two agricultural living labs, VivAgriLab in France and AgroLab Uniandes in Colombia, to understand their adaptation possibilities for Brazilian university campuses. VivAgriLab effectively integrates civil society with academic research for ecological and food transitions. AgroLab Uniandes facilitates knowledge integration and high-tech solutions, but raises concerns about accessibility and scalability for small-scale farmers, potentially widening the gap between advanced and traditional practices.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyClimate changeRooftop Garden, A Way for Food and Nutrition Security for The Semi-Urban City of Pabna, Bangladesh
2025Taslima Arzu, Md. Ariful Kabir Sujan, S.M. Symon Bappy, Rupam Mitra, Suparna Das Toma, Vulon Prosad · Plant Science Archives · Bangladesh
This study surveyed 62 household and rooftop garden owners in Pabna City, Bangladesh, to examine the benefits of rooftop gardening. Findings indicate that rooftop gardens reduced household waste by an average of 887.1g and met 41% of fertilizer demand by using biodegradable waste. Participants reported improved psychological well-being (83.9%) and increased vigor (77.4%), with anxiety and depression reduced or neutral. Rooftop gardening generated an average yearly income of 14,750 BDT, with a net income of 1293.5 BDT, and provided 387.5 kg of fruits and vegetables for household consumption, proving to be a profitable activity.
DIYCompostElderlyHealthUrban Planning for Regional Food Equity
2025Sullivan, Miriam Caroline · DigitalCommons - CalPoly (California State Polytechnic University) · United States
This project explores how urban planners can create regional food equity, defined by six dimensions: nutritional adequacy, affordability, cultural relevance, social and spatial equity, and popular agency in the food system. It includes a research paper on historic context, current trends, and case studies, followed by guidance for policy and plan creation. The project also analyzes three food systems plans—San Diego (2024), Chicago (2010), and Austin-Travis County (2024)—evaluating them against the outlined criteria, and delves into urban agriculture and community gardens as methods for improving regional food equity.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomics"Buruan SAE" (Urban Farming) in Bandung as a Local Indigenous Initiative Rooted in Sundanese Culture to Support Urban Food Systems and Business Sectors
2025Pius Sugeng Prasetyo, Theresia Gunawan · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Indonesia (Bandung)
The Buruan SAE initiative in Bandung, Indonesia, integrates indigenous Sundanese practices with modern urban farming to strengthen urban food systems. This community-driven program uses organic methods and waste recycling, showing contributions to food security, improved nutrition, economic opportunities, and environmental benefits like reduced carbon footprints and enhanced biodiversity. The initiative also supports local businesses by supplying fresh produce.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleClimate changeCan school gardens contribute to resilient communities from a scientific and eco-social perspective in early childhood education?
2025Lourdes Aragón Núñez, Beatriz Erdozain Manzano · Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education · Spain
Diagnostic research using a questionnaire with 45 closed-ended and 9 open-ended questions was conducted in 21 urban schools in Spain that use gardens in early childhood education. The study assessed the resilience level of school gardens across environmental, economic, social, and curriculum dimensions. Results indicate school gardens are valuable for transforming urban environments and creating resilient communities, generally showing a medium level of resilience, with weaknesses identified in environmental and social dimensions.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeBiodiversitySustainable Foods and Consumption
2025Songül Kesen, Eda Elgin Kılıç · Özgür Yayınları eBooks · Global
Sustainable food is a concept integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions to ensure food system sustainability. It aims to reduce environmental impacts, ensure food security, and promote healthy nutrition, often associated with plant-based diets. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) models have potential to strengthen local food systems and environmental sustainability by encouraging local community participation in agricultural production.
CSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsEstimating Urbanization’s Impact on Soil Erosion: A Global Comparative Analysis and Case Study of Phoenix, USA
2025Ara Jeong, Dylan S. Connor, Ronald I. Dorn, Yeong Bae Seong · Land · Global
This study modeled the impact of urbanization on soil erosion across global cities using modern erosion data and cosmogenic nuclide 10Be analysis. It found that urbanization accelerated soil erosion by approximately 7–19 times in environments with mean annual precipitation below 1500 mm, and by 23–72 times in wetter urban centers. A century-long expansion of Phoenix, USA, accelerated soil erosion by about 12 times, supporting the urban cycle of soil erosion theory.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeUrban–rural linkageHow do urban agriculture initiatives communicate on farming across society? An exploration of awareness, responsibility, and pride messages on social media
2025İlkay Unay‐Gailhard, Robert J. Chaskin, Mark A. Brennan · Agriculture and Human Values · United States
This study explored how urban agriculture initiatives communicate about farming by analyzing social media messages related to awareness, responsibility, and pride. Based on 28 interviews with professionals and data from four Instagram accounts in Pennsylvania and Illinois, the research found that urban agriculture dialogues encourage discussions on healthy eating and critical assessment of industrial agriculture. Instagram messages frequently emphasize responsibility and pride, but rarely address the economic aspects of farming.
CommunityFood educationDigital agricultureCommunity farming in Northern Ireland: Definitions and impacts
2025Jonathan H. Hanson, C Lynn Collins, Tiziana O'Hara, Matthew Williams · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United Kingdom
This study explored community farming in Northern Ireland, defining it as a collaborative transformation process at the intersection of land, community, and enterprise. Using Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology over two years, it quantified the cumulative impacts of nine diverse community farming projects. The overall SROI ratio was 3.52:1, with 90% of the value being social, 8% environmental, and 2% economic.
CommunityCSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCultivating a care-full urbanism: learning from land-based organizing in New Orleans
2025Maggie Hansen · Landscape Research · United States
This paper examines urban cultivation as a tool for sustained political engagement in New Orleans, focusing on four community-based initiatives active over the last ten years. Drawing on literature, mission statements, interviews, and site visits, it demonstrates the importance of engaging with local history, culture, and ecology in reshaping economic, social, and ecological systems through urban agriculture and stewardship.
CommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsThe Pengembangan Desain Pemberdayaan Pemulung oleh Motivator Ketahanan Pangan dalam Program Pertanian Perkotaan di Yayasan Swara Peduli Indonesia Jakarta
2025PUTRI MAISAROH, Dede Kuswanda, Yana Sundayani · Jurnal Ilmiah Kebijakan dan Pelayanan Pekerjaan Sosial (Biyan) · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This qualitative study used Participatory Action Research (PAR) to develop and refine an empowerment design for scavengers in an urban agriculture program. Conducted at Yayasan Swara Peduli Indonesia in Jakarta, Indonesia, data was collected through Focus Group Discussions, semi-structured interviews, observation, and literature review, with primary data from foundation administrators, farmer group members, and food security motivators. The research found that the empowerment design can be implemented, and the presence of food security motivators can increase scavengers' consistency in maintaining the agricultural cycle sustainably, addressing challenges faced by the foundation.
WelfareFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityFood educationPeran Ibu-Ibu TP-PKK Desa Senggigi sebagai Agen Perubahan melalui Program Urban Farming Terintegrasi
2025Suprayanti Martia Dewi, Sri Maryanti, Sisca Cicilia, Kisman Kisman, Febrian Humaidi Sukmana, Dwi Noorma Putri, Reni Apriani · Jurnal Gema Ngabdi · Indonesia
This community service activity aimed to enhance the capacity and social role of Senggigi residents, especially the TP-PKK women of Senggigi Village, as agents of change through the implementation of urban farming based on an Integrated Farming System (IFS). Carried out in Senggigi Village, West Lombok Regency, Indonesia, activities included socialization, training in horticultural cultivation (eggplant, chili, tomato, water spinach, pakcoy), poultry raising, and catfish farming through budikdamber and independent ponds, accompanied by intensive mentoring. During the mentoring process, significant social transformation was observed, reflected in increased motivation, commitment, and solidarity among members, alongside the development of technical cultivation skills and the initiative of TP-PKK women in implementing urban farming activities to improve family food security.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareFood educationResearch on Urban Agriculture Scene Innovation Driven by Generative AI
2025Tong Wu · Scientific and Social Research · Global
This study analyzed the impact of generative AI on the intelligent transformation of urban agriculture from theoretical and technical perspectives. Generative AI was shown to be applicable in production optimization, marketing innovation, and farmer education, enhancing resource utilization efficiency and industrial sustainability. However, its widespread application faces challenges such as agricultural data silos, model adaptability, cost, and talent shortages, requiring collaborative support from policies, technologies, and talent.
Governance failureDigital agricultureEconomicsPolicyFood educationPotential of Rooftop and Vertical Gardens in Promoting Urban Plant Diversity and Ecosystem Services
2025Drakhshanda Saeed, Areena Sohail, Mahnoor Munir, Khush Bakht · Physical Education Health and Social Sciences · Global
This study qualitatively reviewed 15 peer-reviewed studies published from 2015 to 2025 to evaluate the potential of rooftop and vertical gardens in providing ecosystem services and promoting urban plant diversity. Rooftop gardens primarily support pollinators, stormwater retention, thermal regulation, and spontaneous colonizers, fostering horizontal habitat connectivity. Vertical gardens, despite fewer species, provide essential vertical stratification, shade micro-niches, and air filtration, enhancing multi-dimensional habitat diversity. Design and management factors were found to strongly influence ecological outcomes.
BiodiversityPollinatorsClimate changeOrganic cycleMODEL FOR IMPROVING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF FOOD INDUSTRY AND URBAN FARMING BUSINESS COMMUNITY (STUDY CASE OF KEDAIREKA IRT-UM GRANT)
2025Any Setianingrum, Randhy Nugroho, Lily Deviastri, Intan Tri Annisa, Ariel Nian Gani, Muhammad Rofi'i, Ely Nurhayati, Ade Hilman Juhaeni, Supartoto Supartoto · Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia
A model was formulated to increase the competitiveness of YARSI University's fostered partners (CheekMe Mie Sehat, Kuliner Warteg Kalkul Bahari, and Kelompok Tani Mustika community) who faced business stagnation. Activities, including training and non-training, were conducted from November to December 2024. Based on pre-test and post-test analysis, participation in these activities and interventions led to an increase in the competitiveness of the fostered partners.
EconomicsCommunitySpaces for Buen Vivir in the City? Urban Agroecology and Decolonial Processes in Bogotá
2025Birgit Hoinle · Global Environment · Colombia (Bogotá)
This study explores the relevance of Buen Vivir (good living) for urban spaces and its practical manifestations in urban-gardening contexts in Bogotá, Colombia. Based on eighteen months of fieldwork inspired by participatory action research, it shows how urban agroecological initiatives create spaces for Buen Vivir within urban areas. The study discusses the potential and limitations of such projects, which contribute to balanced nature-society relations and decolonise urban spaces.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyUrban–rural linkageHydrochemical Characterization and Water Pollution Indices of Groundwater in Urban Farming Areas: The Case of the Municipality of Man, Western Côte d'Ivoire
2025YAO, Kouadio Assemien François, OUEDRAOGO, Moussa, BROU, Konan Richmond, COULIBALY, Léréyaha, OUATTARA, Ismaïla, N'CHO, Odon Clément, YAO, Koffi Blaise · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Côte d'Ivoire
Nine groundwater samples were collected in March 2025 from urban farming areas of the Man municipality, western Côte d’Ivoire, to assess their physicochemical and metallic quality. Analysis revealed high concentrations of major ions and nitrites (up to 101.7 mg/L) in the groundwater, exceeding WHO standards. Extreme pollution by cadmium, iron, and zinc was confirmed, with an overall contamination degree of 793.6. These groundwaters are unsuitable for human consumption and require regular monitoring and sustainable water resource management.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycle‘This city is not for me’—farmers’ differentiated experiences of, and responses to, reorganisation of urban marshlands in Kigali
2025Karolin Andersson · Gender Place & Culture · Rwanda (Kigali)
This qualitative study in Kigali, Rwanda, examined the socially differentiated implications for urban farmers of reorganizing urban cultivated marshlands. The study found that marshland reorganization and closure reproduce farmers’ vulnerabilities, shaped by gender, age, health/ability, and education. It demonstrated a largely exclusionary pattern in the city’s urban greening agenda, contradicting authorities' stated ambitions.
Equity & displacementPolicyCommunityWelfareStrategi Untuk Membangaun Kemandirian Ekonomi Masyarakat Dikelurahan Pamulang Timur
2025Styo Budi Utomo, Dean, Syifa, Nurul · Jurnal ABDIMAS Tri Dharma Manajemen · Indonesia
This research aimed to formulate an effective strategy for building the economic independence of the community in Pamulang Timur Village, Indonesia. A participatory method and SWOT analysis were used to identify local potential, problems, and solutions. The results showed that Pamulang Timur Village has several economic potentials, including the trade sector, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and urban agriculture.
CommunityEconomicsWelfareLeveraging and combining resources for sustainable urban agriculture development in major Vietnamese cities
2025Thi Tuyet To, Thi Ngoc Anh Tran · Advances in Modern Agriculture · Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City)
This review paper discussed leveraging and combining resources for sustainable urban agriculture development in major Vietnamese cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City. It synthesized, analyzed, and evaluated the individual effects and collaborative interactions of diverse resources with urban development, presenting the main benefits and challenges in optimizing resource utilization. Strategies for establishing a sustainable, adaptable, and efficient urban agricultural system were also suggested.
PolicyEconomicsCommunityClimate changePeningkatan Kesadaran Ketahanan Pangan Melalui Implementasi Urban farming pada Siswa SD Negeri Mekarsari, Jatinangor
2025Novi Mayasari, Indra Firmansyah, Muhammad Rifqi Ismiraj, Asri Wulansari · Farmers Journal of Community Services · Indonesia (Jatinangor)
This activity aimed to increase awareness of food security through the implementation of urban farming among 4th-grade students at Mekarsari State Elementary School in Jatinangor, Indonesia. It was conducted in three stages: education, hydroponic urban farming practice, and game-based evaluation. The results showed improved student understanding of food security and urban farming concepts, successful hydroponic practice, and 100% student satisfaction.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceThe effect of place-based nature interventions on human health: A systematic review
2025Dustin Fry, Jalayna Antoine, Kylan Simpson, Ava-Clare Steed, Charles C. Branas, Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Kristin Mmari, Michelle C. Kondo · Environmental Research · Global
A systematic review of 98 longitudinal studies, selected from 18,831 citations, examined the effects of place-based greening interventions on human health. The studies varied widely in quality, with few randomized designs and many failing to address confounding adequately. Findings suggest community-engaged park projects improved physical activity, vacant lot greening reduced violent crime, but school garden projects inconsistently improved diet, and new trails did not appear to improve physical activity.
HealthCommunityAn Analysis of Current Status and Needs for Developing Educational and Experiential Content at Eco-Cycle School Farms Mainly Concerning Elementary School Teachers
2025Han-Na Chu, Young-Bin Jung, Y. Barry Chung, Seung-Won Han, Jae-Soon Kim · Korean Journal of Human Ecology · South Korea
This study surveyed 396 elementary school teachers and administrative staff in South Korea to assess the status and needs for eco-cycle school farm content. Among 323 teachers, 41.2% operated gardens, with "lack of space" (50.5%) being the main reason for non-operation. Teachers desired more diverse garden forms and higher budgets (KRW 600,000-1,000,000), and showed high demand for education on energy conservation and resource circulation.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversity3 Food banks, food diversion, and other responses
2025Dennis Raphael · Policy Press eBooks · Global
This chapter documents the growth of charitable non-governmental responses to food insecurity in Canada and the UK, including food banks and community gardens. It argues that these responses are problematic because they fail to address the economic and political causes of food insecurity. Further failures include the stigma experienced by food bank users and the false belief that food insecurity is being resolved.
Governance failureCommunityWelfareFood sovereignty & justicePolicy