Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2012 results(49 / 81)
Horta escolar agroecológica no colégio estadual sinésio costa (Riacho de Santana – BA)
2018Antônio Domingos Moreira, Aurélio José Antunes de Carvalho, Márcio Harrison dos Santos Ferreira · Revista Macambira · Brazil
This study describes a project implemented since September 2015 at Sinésio Costa State College in Riacho de Santana, Brazil, using theoretical-practical and participatory methodologies. The project is guided by agroecological and organic systems, recently integrated into the school's Pedagogical Political Project, enabling greater school community participation. Its aim is to propose sustainable alternatives for providing healthy food produced in small spaces.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureAgricultura urbana agroecológica: más de una década de trabajo de Facultad de Agronomía (Udelar) junto a diversos colectivos sociales
2018Beatriz Bellenda, Guillermo A. Galván, Margarita García, Inés Gazzano, V. Gepp, Gabriela Linari, Stella Faroppa · Agrociencia · Uruguay
The Faculty of Agronomy at the University of the Republic in Uruguay has implemented activities since 2002 to promote food production, social organization, and agroecological projects. This study analyzed these efforts over more than a decade using qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, censuses, and surveys. Findings indicated contributions to participant learning, food and nutritional security, healthy food production and consumption, and strengthened collective projects supported by the university.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareObstacles for school garden program success: Expert consensus to inform policy and practice
2018John Diaz, Laura A. Warner, Sue Webb, Debra M. Barry · Applied Environmental Education & Communication · Global
This study used a consensus-driven process to identify central issues impeding the sustained success of school gardens. It outlined practical, logistical, and institutional barriers that need to be addressed to ensure their success in supplementing education.
Governance failureFood educationPolicyCommunityLearning Environment by the Future Society: Development of School Grounds in Lithuania
2018Liutauras Nekrošius, Indrė Ruseckaitė, Edita Riaubienė · Landscape architecture and art · Lithuania
This paper examines the educational function and development of schoolyards in Lithuania, noting that many have been "Forgotten Spaces" despite their potential for urban gardening and environmental education. The study found that most schools, built in interwar and Soviet periods, do not meet contemporary spatial needs. Since 2014, VGTU's Faculty of Architecture has facilitated discussions and alternative visions for school space changes, engaging youth in co-creation and maintenance of their environment.
Food educationCommunityA AGRICULTURA URBANA E SUAS FUNCIONALIDADES EM MONTES CLAROS, MG: PROPOSTAS DE EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA MULTIDISCIPLINAR
2018Cristh Ellen Ferreira Pinheiro, Hélder dos Anjos Augusto, Cledinado Aparecido Dias, Fábio da Silva Gonçalves, Marcelo Oliveira · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil (São Paulo)
This study in Montes Claros, MG, Brazil, investigated the reality of urban farmers commercializing vegetable production to propose multidisciplinary extension and research actions. It identified agricultural production regions, the main functions of urban agriculture from the farmers' perspective, and the difficulties faced by these producers. The analysis highlighted the need for multidisciplinary approaches due to the identified demands, implying challenges in economic viability.
Economic viabilityEconomicsFood educationCommunityHortas escolares em Vancouver, Canadá como parte da “segunda geração” da soberania alimentar
2018Estevan Leopoldo de Freitas Coca, Ricardo Barbosa · Ateliê Geográfico · Canada (Vancouver)
This paper qualitatively analyzed the implementation of school gardens in Vancouver, Canada, as part of the "second generation" of food sovereignty. It highlighted that while these initiatives are implemented in public schools, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are primarily responsible for developing projects that promote local agriculture and food literacy.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceDifferentWays of Environmental Issue Management by Active Citizens: Case Studies from Hungary
2018Adrienn Reisinger, Katalin Bándy · Managing Global Transitions · Hungary
This paper illustrated how active citizens in Hungary manage environmental issues through participation in local or national programs, using three case studies: a school garden program, the banning of a planned incinerator by local civic organizations in Szentgotthárd, and the citizen-managed litter collection campaign TeSzedd. The results showed that citizens can actively shape environmental issues, but the most important factor is their personal concern about these issues.
Food educationCommunityGardening Club has a "flipping" good time
2018David Broyles · VTechWorks (Virginia Tech) · United States (Virginia)
On November 17, 2018, the Carroll News reported on the 4-H Gardening Club in Carroll County, Virginia, which planted peanuts as an experimental crop in their school garden. The report covered their harvesting methods and the success of growing peanuts in Southwest Virginia.
Food educationCommunityA Study on the Curriculum for Urban Agricultural Expert Training in the Direction of Urban Agriculture Development
2018김정식, 한미영 · Global Creative Leader Education & Learning · South Korea
This study aims to examine whether the current urban agriculture expert training curriculum, implemented nationwide in South Korea, is appropriate for training actual urban agriculture experts in light of urban agriculture development directions. The South Korean government has established an urban agriculture manager qualification system to provide explanations, education, guidance, and technology dissemination related to urban agriculture to enhance urban citizens' understanding.
PolicyFood educationImplementación de una huerta escolar como herramienta estratégica para fomentar la investigación
2018Jose Martinez Carbonell · Cultura Educación y Sociedad · Colombia
A qualitative study involving twelve tenth-grade students and their parents at Jose Dadul Agroecological Technique IED in Colombia implemented a school garden as a research tool. The study found limitations during activity implementation, including lack of interest from parents acting as companions, insufficient space and time, and cessation of academic activities. Despite these constraints, it was possible to increase motivation for both parents and students through research and contemporary strategies.
Governance failureFood educationCommunityAn Analysis of Trend on Agriculture and Dietary Life Education in Korea and in Other Countries
2018Jong-woo Kim · · South Korea
This study analyzed domestic and international trends in agriculture and dietary education through a literature review. The findings suggest a need for programs that cultivate awareness of agriculture's link to food, integrate school gardens with dietary habits due to their proven effectiveness in improving eating habits, and develop diverse, locally appropriate agricultural and dietary education programs.
Food educationHealthCommunityLa huerta escolar: estrategia pedagógica apoyada en las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación para el desarrollo de competencias investigativas
2018Vilma Beatriz Tanillama Jiménez · Cultura Educación y Sociedad · Colombia
This article presents results from using a school garden as a pedagogical strategy to improve students' investigative processes at IED Celinda Mejía López in Barroblanco - Magdalena, Colombia. Surveys revealed that a significant percentage of students lacked knowledge of basic school garden elements and research-related aspects.
Food educationCommunityScience in the Garden: A Qualitative Analysis of School-based Agricultural Educators’ Strategies
2018Sarah M. Cross, Sami Kahn · Journal of Agricultural Education · United States
This collective case study investigated how two Ohio school-based agricultural educators use school gardens to teach science, including socioscientific issues (SSI). Qualitative data from semistructured interviews revealed that both teachers utilized applied science teaching methods and expressed frustrations regarding the difficulty of meeting mandated science learning standards. Although controversial topics were often integrated, fidelity to the SSI framework did not appear to be utilized.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeManajemen Strategis Kampung 3G (Glintung Go Green) , Blimbing, Malang, Dari Lokal Menuju Global
2018E S Iriani · · Indonesia (Malang)
This research used a deep interview method with Kampung 3G's management in Blimbing, Malang, Indonesia, to study its transformation from a flood-prone slum to an educational vacation village over five years. The study found that strict policy implementation, including punishments for policy breaches, and citizen engagement in programs like urban farming, led to environmental improvements and changes in citizen character. These changes upgraded citizen income through the emergence of micro-small-medium businesses, and Kampung 3G's programs became a reference for other areas, earning it multiple awards.
CommunityEconomicsOrganic cycleFood educationAnálise da necessidade de escolarização de jovens, adultos e idosos: O estudo de caso na Horta Comunitária Girassol – São Sebastião/DF
2018Tallyrand Moreira Jorcelino, Getúlio Francisco Silva, Jorge Alfredo Cerqueira Streit · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil (São Sebastião/DF)
A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive research was conducted at the Girassol Community Garden in São Sebastião/DF, Brazil. The study aimed to collect educational data from garden members through non-participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentary analysis, intending to contribute to public policy formulation. Main results showed that 62.5% of Girassol Community Garden members had incomplete elementary school, 25% had completed high school, and 12.5% had incomplete high school. The conclusions identified a necessity for access to schooling in youth and adult education segments, and for knowledge relevant to environmental education and the work they develop in the garden.
CommunityFood educationPolicyWelfareHorta Universitária: Plantando Ciência E Reduzindo Desigualdades
2018Livia Marques Brandolt, Vitória Aparecida Porto Lima, Josimar Rodrigues Oliveira, Flaviana Tavares Vieira Teixeira · Revista UFG · Brazil (Diamantina)
In Diamantina, Brazil, the "University Garden: planting science and reducing inequalities" project was implemented at the Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (UFVJM). The project aimed to create a more sustainable university environment through a community garden, involving undergraduate students to reduce retention and dropout rates. Approximately 87.5% of the project team members improved their Academic Performance Coefficient (CRA), suggesting that participation in university projects positively contributes to maintaining or improving academic performance.
CommunityFood educationWelfare12. Green Library of the Neighbourhood
2018Anja Seifert, Stefan Rogge · · Germany (Berlin)
The Bibliothek Tiergarten Sud, a library in central Berlin, has been transforming since 2013 with neighborhood volunteers focusing on a DIY philosophy, including urban gardening, after overcoming financial struggles. With EU funding, the library is establishing itself as a community center, offering diverse activities like a Repair Cafe and gardening information sessions. It also features Germany's first "Leih-Samerei" in a public library, allowing patrons to borrow home-grown seeds from local gardens.
CommunityDIYFood educationSemear para educar: potenciar o empoderamento e a cidadania com um projeto de educação não-formal de adultos
2018A. Silva, Clara Costa Oliveira · RepositóriUM (Universidade do Minho) · Portugal
A community intervention process "Semear para Educar" was implemented with adults, predominantly of Roma ethnicity, within an existing community garden project at a non-governmental institution in northern Portugal. This project utilized participatory action research methodology, aiming to contribute to the integral formation of individuals in this garden and consequently improve their quality of life through non-formal education.
CommunityFood educationHorta escolar com práticas agroecológicas no município de Serra- ES
2018Fernanda Emanuele Silva Costa, Natália Sant’Anna de Medeiros, Iana de Oliveira Carneiro · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil
This project, implemented in 2016 at EEEFM Professora Juraci Machado in Serra, Brazil, established a school garden with agroecological practices. With the help of students, teachers, and the local community, the project cultivated four species of unconventional food plants, four medicinal plants, and two fruit trees, plus two leguminous species for nitrogen fixation. The initiative aims to promote agroecological experiences and has already shown improvements in students' teamwork, cooperation, and appreciation for school spaces.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleHealthDiseño de una herramienta virtual de aprendizaje sobre agricultura urbana: una propuesta de educación ambiental vinculada al programa de Servicio Social Ambiental (SSA) del Jardín Botánico de Bogotá José Celestino Mutis
2018Galvis Rivera, Andrea Natalia · · Colombia (Bogotá)
This paper proposes the development of a virtual educational tool to promote urban agriculture practices among students participating in the Environmental Social Service (SSA) program at the Bogotá Botanical Garden. The proposal follows a diagnostic instrument to characterize students' prior knowledge of urban agriculture, which has been a focus of Bogotá's development plans since 2004 to ensure food security and promote sustainable agriculture. The Botanical Garden leads environmental education processes with community actors and social service students.
Food educationFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityPEDAGOGICAL EXPECTANCES FROM THE PLAYGROUNDS IN THE SCHOOL GARDENS IN CLASSROOM TEACHERS
2018Fikret ALINCAK, Mehmet Ali Öztürk, Tuğba TURAK · The Online Journal of Recreation and Sport · Turkey (Gaziantep)
This study investigated the pedagogical expectations of 25 classroom teachers in Gaziantep, Turkey, regarding playgrounds in school gardens, using open-ended questions and content analysis. The findings revealed that teachers perceived school gardens as inadequate and unsuitable for students' levels, and considered the areas unreliable. Teachers concluded that playgrounds should be wide, have diverse game tools, be educational, and have corrected ground for student safety to support children's development.
Limited or null effectFood educationWho Cares? The Importance of Emotional Connections with Nature to Ensure Food Security and Wellbeing in Cities
2018Kora Uhlmann, Brenda B. Lin, Helen Ross · Sustainability · Global
This paper reviews existing literature on foodscape and biophilia to highlight the need for inter-disciplinary research combining urban agriculture and food literacy. The review suggests that emotional connection with nature benefits human wellbeing and predicts pro-environmental behaviors, and that urban agriculture can improve wellbeing and food security if the next generation has this connection and necessary life skills.
HealthFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceCharacteristics of Users Affecting Edible Plant Demand in Urban Parks
2018Emrah Yalçınalp, Özgür Demirci · Türk Tarım ve Doğa Bilimleri Dergisi · Turkey (Trabzon)
The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the edible plant potentials of three different urban parks in Trabzon, Turkey, by questioning users' approaches. Introducing edible landscapes in urban parks is believed to help urban residents feel closer to nature and contribute to their awareness of ecology and environmental conservation.
CommunityFood educationUrban–rural linkageBiodiversityEffect of youth engagement in vegetable farming on household well-being in Kakamega Town, Kenya
2018A. B. Juma Edwin, Omondi Paul, W. Kareri Raphael · Journal of Geography and Regional Planning · Kenya (Kakamega Town)
This study collected data from 159 urban youth farmers in Kakamega Town, Kenya, to investigate the effect of youth engagement in vegetable production on household well-being. A significant association was found between time spent on the farm and the size of the vegetable plot, with 90.5% of respondents reporting they would continue vegetable production. 34.0% reported vegetable production was 'more than adequate' and 28.9% 'adequate', and urban farming was found to contribute to the greening of the city.
CommunityWelfareFood educationEconomicsScience in the Learning Gardens (SciLG): a study of students’ motivation, achievement, and science identity in low-income middle schools
2018Dilafruz R. Williams, Heather Brule, Sybil S. Kelley, Ellen A. Skinner · International Journal of STEM Education · United States (Portland)
This study examined the Science in the Learning Gardens (SciLG) program with 113 students and three teachers from two low-income urban middle schools in Portland, United States. Longitudinal data from 2015 measured students' motivational experiences in the garden to predict science engagement, learning, grades, and identity. Findings suggest that garden-based activities can support students' engagement and learning in science and foster long-term interest in science.
Food educationCommunityWelfare