Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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3465 results(5 / 139)
The Community-Environment-Health Nexus: Connecting Community-Led Climate Action to Health Co-Benefits
2026Wendelboe-Nelson C., Lyon K., Alex E., Malden S., Williams A. J., Thompson C. W. · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 英国・スコットランド・エディンバラ
A retrospective analysis of 32 community-led climate action projects funded through the Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) and its GreenLight programme (2024–2025), spanning energy, transport, food, circular economy and green space, none with a formal health evaluation framework. Data extracted from final reports covered 3,195 direct participants. Although health was not an objective, 21 of the 32 projects (66%) reported secondary health and wellbeing outcomes. Projects with direct nature contact showed the strongest co-benefits: nine of ten high-nature-contact projects reported health benefits, against two of eight low-contact projects. Following community-garden workshops, 94% of participants reported increased willingness to engage in future community activities and 76% reported improved mental wellbeing. The authors propose a "Community-Environment-Health Nexus" (CEHN) framework for how community-led environmental action generates synergistic health co-benefits.
HealthCommunityClimate changePolicySistema de irrigação inteligente baseado em IoT para agricultura urbana e cultivo doméstico
2026Adriano Barbella Arvatti, Cristina Miss de Jesus, Paulo Eduardo Batista de Oliveira, Paulo Roberto Galindo Filho, Paulo Rogério Marques Véspera, Rafael Hiroshi Braz da Silva, Vinicios de Oliveira Gomes · Revista fisio&terapia. · Global
This study developed an IoT-based smart irrigation system to optimize water management in urban and domestic agriculture. A quantitative field survey of 87 respondents revealed that 52.9% cited lack of time as the main obstacle to maintaining residential cultivation. A low-cost functional prototype using an Arduino Nano microcontroller was developed, and its Proof of Concept demonstrated the technical feasibility and stability of the local closed-loop firmware, ensuring automated activation based on critical thresholds.
Digital agricultureDIYThe Role of Urban Planning Decisions in the Formation of Food Deserts: From Structural Causes to Justice-Oriented Holistic Strategies
2026Büşra Gül KARACA, Duygu GÖKCE · Kent Akademisi · Global
This study comprehensively examined 26 scientific studies published between 2008 and 2025 from a spatial perspective, demonstrating that food desert formation is a multi-layered structural problem directly related to spatial planning processes and urban planning decisions, rather than individual socioeconomic deficiencies. The literature review revealed that food deserts are systematically produced by planning-based practices such as single-function zoning decisions, single-centered urban development models, and the absence of urban agriculture in legislation, not solely by a lack of physical access. Access disadvantages persist, particularly in peripheral neighborhoods and areas with high concentrations of low-income groups, and a significant gap exists in developing applicable policies for medium-sized cities due to the literature's focus on metropolitan areas.
Equity & displacementPolicyHealthEconomicsWelfareFood Sharing in Athens
2026Jennifer Lyons, Anna Davies · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Greece (Athens)
The CULTIVATE project developed "The Toolshed," an assessment tool to document and understand the sustainability impacts of food sharing initiatives (FSIs). This report provides estimated sustainability impacts for Athens, combining insights from CULTIVATE’s automated Food Sharing Map and sustainability impact assessment (SIA) data submitted by FSIs. These estimations span environmental, economic, and social pillars of sustainability, noting that the presented impact indicators are only a subset of the total impacts these initiatives create.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsApresentação do Dossiê – V ELAUP e I LAGRURAL
2026Flamarion Dutra Alves, Juan David Delgado Rozo · Revista Campo-Território · Colombia (Bogotá)
The 5th Latin American Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Meeting (ELAUP) and the 1st Latin American Rural Geography Seminar (LAGRURAL) took place in Bogotá, Colombia, from November 25 to 28, 2025. The central theme of the event was 'Contemporary Ruralities and the Challenges of Food Security in Latin America'. The event was organized by the Geography Department of the National University of Colombia in partnership with the Federal University of Alfenas and the Network of Agrarian Studies.
Urban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justice<b>HORTA ESCOLAR COMO INSTRUMENTO DE EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL: UMA ANÁLISE DOS FUNDAMENTOS PEDAGÓGICOS E DIMENSÕES FORMATIVAS</b>
2026Thiago Correia · INTERNATIONAL INTEGRALIZE SCIENTIFIC · Global
This qualitative bibliographic research investigates the school garden as a pedagogical tool for ecological knowledge and critical individual formation within environmental education. It analyzes theoretical-methodological foundations, discussing school gardens as spaces for non-formal and experiential learning, their interface with the curriculum, and contributions to ecological sensitivity. The research indicates that school gardens serve as fertile pedagogical territories for interdisciplinarity, care, and transforming human-nature relationships.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityImpact Study of the Community Project in Purok 21, Barangay Mintal, Davao City
2026Matias Jr. Mercado, Glessie Jean Langtad, Martin Corador · International Journal of Sustainability and Advanced Integrated Research · Philippines (Davao City)
This study evaluated the perceived impact and overall success of the Holy Cross of Mintal (HCM, Inc.) community extension program in Purok 21, Mintal, Davao City, Philippines. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design, utilizing surveys from 150 respondents and in-depth interviews with 15 participants, was employed. Findings revealed a very high level of perceived program impact (M = 4.66) and overall success (M = 4.65) across five program dimensions: Education, Livelihood, Feeding, Urban Gardening, and Catechism. All dimensions significantly predicted success, with the Feeding program being particularly impactful, and qualitative results highlighted themes such as spiritual strengthening, improved health, knowledge development, environmental awareness, and economic empowerment.
CommunityFood educationWelfareSchool Gardens in Vanuatu—Promoting Local Traditional Knowledge and Agricultural Resilience
2026Matthias Kowasch, Pierre Metsan, Adeline Mweleul, Helena Tischler · Geo Geography and Environment · Vanuatu
This paper investigates how school gardening contributes to the re-valorization of local knowledge and the decolonization of the educational system in Vanuatu. An empirical study in five secondary schools on Efate and Tanna islands, combined with curriculum analysis and participatory observation, revealed that most students regularly work in school gardens, cultivating various crops using mixed cropping and fallow land. Students are familiar with the yam seasonal calendar, but while sustainability topics are in curricula, discussions of traditional worldviews are lacking. School gardening enhances agricultural resilience, connection to land, kastom, and food sovereignty, leading to recommendations for stronger inclusion of local knowledge, field trips, and collaboration with kastom schools.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeVertebrate Diversity in School Gardens
2026Ina Schanz, Martin Remmele · International explorations in outdoor and environmental education · Global
This chapter addresses the initiation of scientific skills while experiencing vertebrates in school gardens and provides concrete suggestions for proactive action to protect the vertebrate fauna. School gardens offer important refuges for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish in urban environments, thus promoting the development of species literacy. Species literacy is considered a key predictor for the development of positive attitudes towards nature and nature conservation in the sense of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 “Life on Land”. Learners develop scientific skills by identifying birds through observation, recording amphibian development at a pond, or experimenting with nesting aids. They can also take a protective role by improving habitats for reptiles when planting hedges or creating cairns.
BiodiversityFood educationCommunityDevelopment of Carbon Pools and Enzyme Activities in Constructed Urban Soils
2026Pasquale Napoletano, Maha Deeb, Sara Perl Egendorf, Brooke Singer, Zhongqi Cheng, Erika Di Iorio, Anna De Marco, Claudio Colombo, Peter Groffman · European Journal of Soil Science · Global
This study tracked the development and dynamics of organic matter pools over 21 months in constructed soils (1/3 compost, 2/3 fine glacio-fluvial sediments) with eight different vegetation treatments. Time and vegetation were the main drivers influencing soil parameters. A high diversity "All" treatment significantly enriched mineral/sand-associated organic carbon (MSOC) and nitrogen (MSON) by 15% and 12% respectively, compared to a non-vegetated "Bare" treatment. The presence of sunflower was associated with low values of nitrate-N, particulate organic N, hot-water extractable carbon, and β-glucosidase.
CompostOrganic cycleClimate changeCoaching in urban spaces
2026James Farrell, Jackee Holder · · Global
This chapter explores how urban environments influence coaching practices, identifying both challenges like noise and safety, and opportunities for enhancing wellbeing and creativity. It proposes a typology of urban coaching spaces based on greenery levels, each offering distinct affordances. The chapter also addresses ethical and practical considerations, arguing that urban coaching can strengthen place attachment, support mental health, and encourage pro-environmental behaviors.
CommunityHealthConceptualizing indigenous food sovereignty in Aotearoa New Zealand
2026Nikki Renall, L. Te Morenga · Global Perspectives on Nutrition · New Zealand
This study, guided by Kaupapa Māori research principles, explored how the revitalization of mahinga kai practices (traditional foodways) in Aotearoa New Zealand can advance wellbeing, socioeconomic equity, and food sovereignty for Māori. Conducted in two phases, the research identified three themes explaining how mahinga kai enhances Māori wellbeing: reclaiming mātauranga, reconnecting to ancestral whenua, and restoring Papatūānuku. Food sovereignty was understood as an adaptive system where cultural meaning lies in how food is produced, shared, and sustained within Māori values and knowledge systems, leading to the development of "The Mahinga Kai Framework: Enacting Food Sovereignty."
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityHealthWelfareUtilization of Developer's Corporate Real Estate Resources for Agricultural Production Contributing to National Food Security: A Conceptual Study
2026Nur Afiqah Auni Kamaruzzaman, Rohaya Abdul Jalil, Maimunah Sapri, Zafirah AB. Muin, Siti Radiaton Adawiyah Zakaria, Fatin Afiqah Md Azmi, Norhidayah Md Yunus, Nurul Hamizah Jamalludin, Nurul Azreena Nabila Khairul Anuar · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science · Malaysia
This conceptual study proposes temporarily utilizing developers' corporate land banking assets in Malaysia for fast-yield agricultural production to enhance national food security. It addresses the challenge of reduced arable land due to urbanization and speculative land banking by suggesting strategic repurposing of underutilized developer-owned land. The study uses a literature-based approach to identify factors influencing the practicality of temporary agricultural activities on corporate land.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkagePlant and Pollinator Diversity and Protection in School Gardens
2026Stefan Jarau · International explorations in outdoor and environmental education · Global
This chapter introduces the co-evolution of flowering plants and pollinating animals, highlighting their adaptations and the challenges of observing these interactions in human-made environments. It suggests that school gardens can serve as important sites for biodiversity conservation by providing habitats for diverse flowering plants and pollinators. Additionally, school gardens can engage students, fostering their interest and motivation to study natural wonders, and the chapter offers suggestions for promoting plant and pollinator diversity and using these interactions for educational purposes.
Food educationBiodiversityPollinatorsScalable biochar-enriched agriculture model assessing financial viability of the sustainable temporary use for brownfields: the Špitálka case
2026Ladislava Grochová, Marek Litzman, Veronika Solilová, Helena Dvořáčková · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · Czechia
This study used a simulation model to assess the financial viability of temporary urban agricultural projects on brownfield sites, specifically social farming and community garden models, at the Špitálka brownfield site in Brno, Czechia. The analysis found that carbon offsets were economically marginal, but a strategic combination of labor and establishment subsidies was crucial for financial survival. The Community Garden model showed higher self-sustainability potential (BCR > 1.0), while the Social Farming model required nearly 100% subsidy to break even (NPV = 0).
EconomicsCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeEffect of Applying the Outdoor Learning Process on Concept Understanding and Scientific Attitude
2026Istanti Yuli Astuti, Djukri Djukri · Journal of Science Education Research · Global
This quasi-experimental study investigated the effect of outdoor learning on concept understanding and scientific attitude in 64 Grade X students at SMA Negeri 1 Jetis, Indonesia. Students in the experimental class (X1) engaged in outdoor learning in a greenhouse and school garden, while the control class (X2) did not. The results showed that the outdoor learning process significantly improved students' concept understanding of Spermatophyta sub-material, with a medium improvement category (N-Gain Score of 0.7513).
Food educationUrban agrivoltaics enhance crop resilience and food-energy synergies in a changing climate
2026Caroline Merheb, Joshua S. Caplan, Pralad Phuyal, Jordan Macknick, Nicholas C. Davatzes, Sujith Ravi · npj Urban Sustainability · Global
This study evaluated ground-based agrivoltaics in an urban context. It demonstrated that while early-season yields may decline due to light reduction in temperate climates, productivity rebounds during periods of extreme heat, extending harvest windows and enhancing crop resilience.
Limited or null effectClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageImpact of homestead gardening on dietary diversity in Tongan adults
2026E. Mitchell, S. Patolo, T. Tukia, L. Pomana, B. Dixson, S. Underhill, S. Burkhart · Proceedings of The Nutrition Society · Tonga
A survey in October 2024 of 363 Tongan adults involved in homestead gardening across four islands investigated dietary diversity. While 79% of participants achieved a dietary diversity score of 5 or higher, a negative significant association was found between dietary diversity and both garden participation length and knowledge of nutrient composition for iron and vitamin C. No statistical significance was found between dietary diversity and garden location by island, but an effect by district location was observed.
HealthCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceDiscovering Soil Diversity
2026Birgitta Goldschmidt · International explorations in outdoor and environmental education · Global
This chapter presents a basic course in soil science to help teachers and students understand and manage soil in school gardens. The basics of soil science, evaluating and improving one's own soil, and managing it with knowledge and appreciation can be learned in school gardens. Methods such as composting, careful tillage, mulching, green manuring, favorable crop rotation, and minimal compaction can keep soil fertile and vibrant in the long term.
Food educationCompostOrganic cycleO contato com a natureza como elemento do desenvolvimento infantil: reflexões sobre o papel da escola na contemporaneidade
2026Cássia Rocha Santos, Eliene Gomes Pires da Silva, João Ricardo Costa Rocha, Fabiano Euclides Mendes · Revista fisio&terapia. · Global
This article analyzes the importance of children's contact with nature for their holistic development, emphasizing the school's role as a mediator. Based on bibliographic and documentary research, it discusses how urbanization and other social changes have reduced children's natural experiences, limiting physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. The study concludes that school-facilitated contact with nature, through practices like school gardens, significantly contributes to holistic child development.
Food educationCommunityHealthAporte de la implementación de huertos urbanos en el cantón Babahoyo, provincia de los Ríos
2026Daniela Elizabeth Vera Ochoa, María Paulina Brito Ochoa · INNOVA Research Journal · Ecuador
This study in Babahoyo canton, Los Ríos province, Ecuador, evaluated the contribution of urban garden implementation to food security, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion using a mixed-methods approach. Results showed that 72% of households increased food variety and 65% reduced food expenses. Additionally, 38% of producers sold surpluses for complementary income, 61% practiced composting, and 58% used effective irrigation methods.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthUSE OF CHABAZITIC ZEOLITE TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF SUCCULENT PLANTS BENEFICIAL TO BEE FAUNA
2026Domenico Prisa, Martino Campanile · EPRA International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Economic Research · Global
This controlled pot experiment evaluated chabazitic zeolite as a soil amendment for Crassula cv. Frosty, monitoring plant growth, physiological indicators, and nectar characteristics over a growing cycle. Zeolite-amended substrates significantly improved water retention, nutrient availability, vegetative growth, chlorophyll content, and water use efficiency. Zeolite-treated plants showed significantly greater flowering intensity, increased nectar volume, and higher sugar concentration, leading to higher bee visitation rates.
PollinatorsBiodiversityAn assessment of participation in climate smart agricultural practices among urban women farmers in Mbarara city Western Uganda
2026Kidist Abebe Mersha, David Osiru, Wycliffe Tumwesigye, Rebecca Kalibwani · Discover Sustainability · Uganda (Mbarara City)
This study assessed the participation in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices among urban women farmers in Mbarara City, Western Uganda, and the factors influencing it. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 150 women farmers and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Multivariate Probit model. Results indicated that 74.15% of women farmers had adopted at least one CSA practice, with most being low or medium adopters. Age, membership in social groups, farming experience, farm size, income, access to credit, access to weather information, and marital status positively influenced participation, while family size had a negative effect.
Climate changeCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsSpatially explicit modelling of socio-spatial determinants of solid waste generation in Dar es Salaam’s informal settlements, Tanzania
2026Victoria M. Mwakalinga, Shafii S. Samli · City and Environment Interactions · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
This study quantified the socio-spatial determinants of household solid waste generation in Mbagala Kuu Ward, a peri-urban informal settlement in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Household survey data (n=115) were integrated with GIS-derived indicators and analyzed using a Spatial Lag Gamma Generalised Linear Model. Households generated an average of 5.94 kg day⁻¹ of waste, with only 47% formally collected. Commercial areas generated over 5 times more waste than residential areas, while urban agriculture and open spaces generated 40-50% less.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsClimate changeEl docente como promotor de una cultura productiva en el marco del PTMS para la escuela del futuro
2026Yenis Katiuska Pereira, Romelia Rodríguez · Revista Multidisciplinar Ciencia y Descubrimiento · Global
This study addressed the limited development of agroecological practices and weak productive culture at Argelia Laya Primary School. Its objective was to analyze the role of teachers as promoters of a productive culture through the implementation of the All Hands to the Soil Program (PTMS). Using a qualitative approach with Transformative Participatory Action Research, findings revealed that teacher leadership fostered agroecological awareness, participatory organization, the establishment of a school garden, and strengthened school–family–community relationships. The study concludes that PTMS is an effective pedagogical strategy for strengthening school productive culture and consolidating the teacher's role in sustainable development.
Food educationCommunity