Research & reports

Svetlana Hristova-Vladi · Postmodernism Problems · Bulgaria

The book "Urban Agriculture for Improving the Quality of Life. Examples from Bulgaria," edited by Donna Pickard, explores the real versus potential effects of urban agriculture on the welfare of urban and nearby communities. This multidisciplinary study analyzes the interplay between urban agriculture practices and quality of life through social, educational, economic, spatial, and ecological aspects. It also delves into the historical dimension of urban agriculture in Bulgaria, including examples from Sofia in the 1930s.

Mekonnen Amberber Degefu, Fantu Kifle · Climate Services · Ethiopia

This study examined the impacts of climate variability on vegetable production among 156 randomly selected vegetable farmers along the little Akaki River in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Climate data from 1996 to 2020 and farmer perceptions revealed high coefficients of variation for monthly and annual precipitation. Farmers perceived increased floods/rainfall (44.9%), drought frequency (13.5%), temperature (89.7%), and decreased vegetable productivity (86.5%). High precipitation and temperature variability negatively affect vegetable productivity, with nonadaptation (36.5%) also reported as an adaptation option.

Lena Katharina Mietz, Bárbara Civit, Alejandro Pablo Arena · Environmental & Socio-economic Studies · Argentina (Mendoza)

This study investigated vegetable consumption patterns, interest in vegetable production, opinions on urban agriculture, and barriers in the metropolitan city of Mendoza, Argentina. Using quantitative research methods and a citizen survey, the results showed strong interest from citizens in urban agriculture, but also identified barriers such as lack of time and resources.

Oekan S. Abdoellah, Indri Wulandari, Kinanti Indah Safitri, Nafa Destri Fianti, Rahma Maulia Fadli Basagevan, Mega Nurul Aini, Rosalina Ilmi Amalia, Mahardhika Puspa Arum Suraloka, Gemilang Lara Utama · Sustainability · Indonesia (Bandung)

Commercialization of urban agriculture (UA) in the Great Bandung region has led to the displacement of small-scale farmers and reduced access to local food, exacerbating food insecurity among low-income residents. Subsistence farmers (48.91%) earned only 7.14% to 14.64% of the 2023 minimum wages, and food insecurity prevalence was predominantly observed after UA practices. The study also found a surplus of vitamin A among urban farmers, while inadequacies in other nutritional aspects were prevalent.

Cynthia Nneka Olumba, Eberechukwu Johnpaul Ihemezie, Chukwudi Charles Olumba · Climate and Development · Nigeria

This study aimed to understand urban farmers’ perceptions of climate change and the adaptation constraints they encounter in Anambra Metropolis, Nigeria. Household survey data using structured questionnaires showed that most urban farmers perceived climate change through effects such as increased weed infestation, drying up of streams/rivers, and decreased soil moisture. Principal adaptation constraints were diverse, falling within broader institutional, information, and financial categories. The study revealed that the socioeconomic conditions of urban farmers in developing countries pose a threat to urban agriculture's potential to mitigate climate change.

Catherine Campbell · EDIS · United States (Florida)

This publication provides an overview of commercial urban agriculture in Florida, detailing the size, production methods, and market channels used by urban farms. It also discusses urban farmers’ perceptions regarding the barriers, opportunities, and needs for their operations. The publication was written by Catherine G. Campbell and published in May 2023.

Annisa Annisa Tiara Salsabilla, Rachmawati Novaria · MASIP Jurnal Manajemen Administrasi Bisnis dan Publik Terapan · Indonesia (Sidoarjo)

This study aims to assess the contribution of Urban Farming programs run by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in improving food sustainability in urban environments. Qualitative and field survey methods were used, with data obtained from MSMEs that have implemented the Urban Farming program. The results showed that the program can contribute to food sustainability. Additionally, the program has the potential to create jobs and increase MSME income.

Maria Sulimma · Ecozon European Journal of Literature Culture and Environment · Global

This article examines "feminist gentrifier memoirs," specifically Anne Elizabeth Moore’s Gentrifier (2021) and Vikki Warner’s Tenemental (2018), focusing on gardening practices. It explores the writers’ conflicted positions in gentrifying neighborhoods and their complicity in processes of displacement and real estate speculation, despite benefiting from urban sustainability measures like urban farms and gardens. The texts engage with complex emotions arising from their white privilege and homeownership.

Tong Jee Goh, Shirley S. Ho · Environmental Communication · Singapore

This study examined the relationships among technological optimism, biospheric values, attention to media content on urban farming risks and benefits, and norm-activation constructs in predicting the intention to consume urban farm produce. A cross-sectional survey in Singapore (N=1209) found that technological optimism and biospheric values influenced attention to media content. These variables, in turn, influenced personal norms and consumption intention through the norm-activation constructs.

Marek Hekrle, Jan Macháč, Lenka Dubová · Resources · Czechia

This study investigated how ecosystem services (ES) provided by the community garden 'Žížala na Terase' in Czechia are affected during crises related to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased food prices. Results indicated that the importance of social interaction and educational ES significantly decreased in the COVID-19 scenario. Conversely, the role of community gardens as places for recreation increased. In the food self-provisioning scenario, provisioning ES increased at the expense of recreational ES. Economic assessment further showed that cultural ES were the most monetarily valued, followed by provisioning ES.

Ruslan Zaporozhchenko, Denys Shymansky · SOCIOПРОСТІР · Ukraine (Kharkiv)

The Kharkiv Green Urban Tour 2023, held in April-May 2023, aimed to reveal the “green” practices of Kharkiv residents during the war, specifically the continuation of growing and distributing home-grown vegetables and fruits in the context of urban farming. This study, conducted as part of the FUSILLI international research project, seeks to provide a clearer understanding of how residents of an urbanized city engage in improvised farming, adapt to the military situation, and reproduce green practices while helping others.

Sofyan Halim · KANGMAS Karya Ilmiah Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Jakarta)

A community service activity was conducted in Meruya Selatan Village, Kembangan District, West Jakarta, on March 7 and 14, 2023. The activity aimed to motivate local farming groups to use hydroponic methods, provide practical guidance on simple financial management systems, and build resilient groups for urban agriculture. Participants from the farming groups benefited from the activity and suggested its continuous and improved implementation.

M. Noor Salim, Darwati Susilastuti, Meita Novia, Elli Sulistyaningsih · International Journal of Science and Society · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This study analyzed the simultaneous and partial effects of competitiveness variables, measured by production, capital, and labor, on digital technology strategies and their impact on the income of urban farming MSMEs in Jakarta City, Indonesia. Using OLS Multiple Regression, the survey found that products, capital, and labor simultaneously have a positive effect on digital technology strategy, but product competitiveness has no real effect. Capital and labor competitiveness play a positive role in determining digital technology, and digital technology strategies positively impact farmers' income.

Anggita Chairiah, Adriansyah Dhani Dharmawan, Joseph Rahail, Norma Sartika Dewin, Dimes Akbar Perdana · PESIRAH Jurnal Administrasi Publik · Indonesia

This descriptive qualitative study in Kampung Sayur Bausasran, Indonesia, investigated the current state of urban farming on limited land and the community-based empowerment of a farmers' group. The study found that the Gemah Ripah farmers group played a significant role in achieving local food security in urban areas like Bausasran. It also concluded that microgreens cultivation, combined with e-commerce marketing, can be an innovative agricultural product to address land scarcity issues.

Hotmaidah Hasibuan, Silvia Ardina Siregar · Bioedunis Journal · Indonesia

A qualitative study was conducted in Indonesia at UIN SYAHADA Padangsidimpuan, involving a random sample of 20 out of 42 biology education students, to describe the fostering of bioentrepreneurship. Data collected via online questionnaires showed a high interest in entrepreneurship among students of the Tadris Biology Study Program after attending an urban farming entrepreneurship class, based on an average score of 5 indicators.

Diah Retno Dwi Hastuti, Abd. Rahim · Agro Ekonomi · Indonesia (Makassar)

This study in Makassar City, Indonesia, analyzed the impact of social and regional differences on the household income of 165 urban farmers using an econometric model. It found that social variables like wife's education and farmer group membership, along with regional differences, significantly affected farmers' household income, which derived from both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. However, farmer's age and household size had no significant effect on income.

Mahyuddiin · KnE Social Sciences · Indonesia (Makassar)

This qualitative study analyzed the network structure of sustainable urban farming development policies in Makassar City, Indonesia, using observations, interviews, and documentation with stakeholders. The findings indicate that the network structure is not fully effective due to erratic, uneven, and unclear contact between actors, and a lack of binding written agreements in the trust dimension. However, information sharing and resource exchange dimensions are progressing well.

Arun Kafle, James Hopeward, Baden Myers · Land · Global

This paper assesses the potential economic, social, and environmental contributions of urban agriculture (UA) based on five key features: area, purpose, crop value, mechanisation level, and market mechanism. A review of 15 past studies, including those from Adelaide, Australia, and the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, revealed that most UA research focuses on social benefits and cost savings. Few studies investigate economic viability, employment potential, or greenhouse gas reduction opportunities, indicating a need for a systems approach and diverse real-world case studies.

María Angélica Vargas, Diego Armando Osorio, Leonela Narváez, Verenice Sánchez Castillo · Perspectiva austral. · Colombia (Florencia)

This exploratory study in Florencia, Caquetá, aimed to identify factors affecting the adoption of urban agriculture practices. Data was collected through surveys and interviews with Mr. José. The research analyzed farmers' perceptions of urban agriculture products and provided recommendations to promote adoption and improve impact on the local population.

Sarabeth Buckley, Catherine L. Connolly, Jonathan I. Levy, Pamela H. Templer, Jacqueline Ashmore, Luís Carvalho, Nathan Phillips, M. Patricia Fabian · Sustainable Cities and Society · Global

This study quantified changes in CO2 emissions, energy use, and financial cost when ventilation upgrades and rooftop garden installations are done simultaneously, with the potential to enhance plant growth from exhausted CO2. Researchers measured indoor CO2 concentrations (maximum 2210 ppm, median 840 ppm, 33% of daytime above 1000 ppm) and estimated ventilation rates (4 L/s). Model calculations showed that while increasing ventilation to recommended levels (7 L/s) would increase CO2 emissions, energy, and cost by 1-4%, rooftop garden installation benefits could counterbalance this, leading to a net decrease of 23-46% in CO2 emissions, 12-13% in energy use, and 12-16% in cost.

Seongeun Lee, Seongmin Shin, Hansol Lee, Mi Sun Park · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Global

A systematic review of urban agriculture (UA) case studies identified conditions enabling and constraining UA development across different country income groups. For high-income countries, a lack of farmers' knowledge and urban development are significant challenges to UA implementation. Common requirements for all income levels include motivation, labor, policy, social capital, and arable land.

Odera Chukwumaijem Okafor, Pamela Ogochukwu Mgbenwelu · Trends in Agricultural Sciences · Nigeria

This study investigated the impacts of urban agriculture on the environment of Awka, Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria, using a multi-stage sampling process and analyzing data with descriptive statistics and Spearman's Correlation Coefficient. Findings showed that urban agriculture significantly contributes to the well-being of some city residents by providing revenue, employment, food security, and poverty reduction. The study concluded that urban agriculture should be viewed as a lucrative commercial activity.

Agnes Naipospos, Raia Azzura · Journal of Sustainable Development and Regulatory Issues (JSDERI) · Indonesia

Indonesia faces a reduction in vegetable supply due to rapid urban development, and urban farming can be a solution to meet food needs, reduce household expenses, and increase farmer income. Using a normative juridical approach, this study indicates that Indonesia needs an urban farming program, but its current implementation is not optimal. Therefore, the Indonesia Masterplan for Future Urban Farming (IM-for-FUF) is introduced as an innovation expected to better support the implementation of the green economy.

Emelie Larsson, Katarina Giritli Nygren · Journal of Risk Research · Global

This study analyzed strategy documents and municipal website information to examine how municipalities frame urban gardening as a risk-reduction strategy, using critical discourse analysis. It identified two discourses: an eco(no)logical risk discourse addressing ecological risks within a capitalist market logic, and a social risk discourse focusing on gardening for work training. The findings reveal that top-down urban garden initiatives highlight contemporary inequalities in urban spaces.

WUR GTB Gewasgezondheid Bodem en Water, C. van der Salm, WUR GTB Tuinbouw Technologie, David Katzin, E. van Os, M.G.M. Raaphorst · · Algeria

In this study, a greenhouse was designed for optimal production in the coastal area near Algiers. Data showed two main options for optimal production of tomatoes and similar products: winter production in a heated greenhouse or summer production with air-conditioning and CO2 injection. Estimated production is fairly similar for both seasons, but summer production costs are 30% higher. While investment costs for the summer production scenario are higher, running costs are lower due to less additional water and energy needed in summer.