Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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2406 results(5 / 97)
Improving the efficiency and sustainability of the food system
2026Saksham Nagpal, Gaganpreet Kaur · · Global
This paper reviews factors defining the efficiency and sustainability of the global food system, examining resource, energy, and economic efficiency across the food chain. It emphasizes the necessity of improving greenhouse gas emissions, water use, soil health, food distribution, and farmer profitability for sustainability. The paper discusses methods such as precision agriculture, smart supply chain management, and alternative production like urban agriculture, highlighting the crucial role of policies and governance in promoting sustainable practices.
Climate changeEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceAnalysis of food security and the strategic role of women: A comparative study of rural and suburban areas in Indonesia
2026Natta Sanjaya, Suci Iriani Sinuraya, Matheus Gratiano Mali, Anton Purwadi, Aenur Rif'an · Multidisciplinary Science Journal · Indonesia
This qualitative comparative study in Sleman Regency and Magelang Regency, Indonesia, analyzed food security conditions and the strategic role of women using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and document studies. Magelang Regency demonstrated superior food availability but faced significant challenges in economic access due to poverty, while Sleman Regency excelled in food access but experienced vulnerability in local availability due to massive agricultural land conversion. Women's roles differed according to regional context, with on-farm activities predominant in rural Magelang and off-farm roles including home-garden utilization in suburban Sleman.
Peri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityConnecting People to Nature through Food
2026Shannon Bull, Hailey Gunther, Jessie Pilarcek, Natalie Maurer · Fisher Digital Publications (St. John Fisher College) · Global
This synthesis project, developed from the Cardinal Experience course, explores connecting people to nature through the lens of food. It examines four key areas: food insecurity, sustainability and stewardship, community gardens, and the cultural and social dimensions of food. The project's final deliverable is a comprehensive informational brochure illustrating how these themes intersect to foster a stronger connection between people and nature.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceHealthBeyond the Plot: Systematic Literature Review of Landscape Approach and Systems Thinking Towards Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Farming
2026Pooja Boddupalli, Steffen Nijhuis, N. M. J. D. Tillie · Sustainability · Global
This systematic literature review investigated how landscape-based approaches (LbAs) and systems thinking (ST) have been concurrently applied to analyze and design urban agriculture and farming (UAF) initiatives. Screening 92 records, the study identified 12 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025, reflecting the nascent state of this interdisciplinary approach. The findings revealed limited integration of spatial analysis with systems thinking across scales in current scholarship.
Methodological critiqueFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeBiodiversityPolicyStrategi Adaptasi Petani Perkotaan Melalui Pemanfaatan Media Hidroponik di Kota Semarang
2026Ivan Adidharma Riswandaputra, Nugroho Trisnu Brata · Jurnal Ekologi Masyarakat dan Sains · Indonesia (Semarang)
This study in Semarang City, Indonesia, analyzed the utilization of hydroponic systems by urban farmers engaged in commercial cultivation. Hydroponics serves as an adaptive strategy to address land scarcity, enhancing spatial efficiency, increasing cultivated plant numbers, and improving crop quality. However, implementing hydroponic systems faces challenges including relatively high initial investment costs, the need for meticulous and consistent maintenance, and consumer markets that differ from conventional agriculture.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceSystemic operative framework to support the integration of urban agriculture and socio-ecological resilience in informal settlements: A dynamic urban metabolism approach to food security
2026Alejandra Acevedo-De-los-Ríos, Anna Dyson, Damien Claeys, Úrsula Cárdenas‐Mamani · Ecological Modelling · Peru (Lima)
This study developed a four-stage diagnostic-to-simulation framework to integrate urban agriculture (UA) and socio-ecological resilience in informal settlements, calibrated for Ciudad de Gosen, Lima, Peru (6300 inhabitants). Simulation results indicate that rooftop and unbuilt-land cultivation can meet household vegetable and fruit demand, biodigestion can supply 17–52% of energy needs, and greywater reuse can sustain approximately 77% of irrigation. Governance reforms and land tenure security were identified as primary accelerators for UA adoption and improved food security.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyClimate changeReframing Agricultural Extension in Urban Sustainability: The Role of Extension Agents in Strengthening Women-Led Urban Farming Institutions
2026Unang, Tedi Hartoyo · Indonesian Journal of Advanced Research · Indonesia (Bekasi City)
This study used a descriptive quantitative approach to examine how agricultural extension contributes to institutional development in KWT Sahabat Sampah, a women-led urban farming group in Bekasi City, Indonesia. Data were collected from all 35 members via structured questionnaires, field observation, and interviews with the extension agent. Results indicated that extension support was consistently rated high across six dimensions, especially facilitation, and institutional development indicators were strong, but economic sustainability remained constrained. A significant association (ρ = 0.678, p < 0.01) was found between extension intensity and institutional development.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicyModificações na Paisagem: Impactos sociais e climáticos
2026Henrique Freitas Ferreira Reis, Ana Lorena Demarques Moura, Maria Rita Scotti Muzzi, Eleonora Sad de Assis · RCMOS - Revista Científica Multidisciplinar O Saber · Brazil (Belo Horizonte)
This work analyzed the relationship between urban densification and microclimatic impacts, focusing on the Confisco neighborhood in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, which is susceptible to heatwaves, landslides, and food insecurity by 2030. A systematic literature review of 33 sources evaluated the feasibility of implementing green roofs as a nature-based solution to mitigate climate extremes and promote food security through urban gardens. Results indicate green infrastructure reduces surface temperatures by up to 10.46°C and retains up to 90% of stormwater runoff, while socially strengthening psychosocial resilience and food sovereignty among low-income families.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityGentrificación y la etnogénesis de la colonialidad: su antagonismo en la interculturalidad en la Cuidad de Cayambe
2026Eduardo José Terán Duque · Revista Multidisciplinar Epistemología de las Ciencias · Ecuador (Cayambe)
This article examines sociocultural issues in indigenous communities in Cayambe, Ecuador, caused by gentrification. The study, using situated ethnography, cultural cartography, life stories, and body biographies, found that urban renewal for higher-income residents marginalizes ancestral practices like community gardens and leads to the loss of community autonomy and traditions. Regressive ethnogenesis renders indigenous existence invisible and produces epistemic violence, reducing collective activities to social entertainment.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceThe Origins, Definition, and Operational Framework of Community-Supported Agriculture
2026Magdalena Raftowicz, Mirosław Struś · · Global
This chapter presents the origins, definition, and operational framework of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) in selected countries of the "old" European Union and Central and Eastern European states. It demonstrates that, due to differing historical experiences, the classical CSA model has not gained sufficient recognition in post-communist countries, unlike its success in Western Europe, the United States, and Japan.
CSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageKonsep Integrated Urban Farming System (IUFS) sebagai model pertanian perkotaan berkelanjutan
2026Luqman Darmawan, Edeng Hidayat, Asep Najmudin, Intan Meylan · Composite Jurnal Ilmu Pertanian · Indonesia (Bandung)
This study implemented and analyzed an Integrated Urban Farming System (IUFS) model on a limited 100 m² land area in Sukapura Village, Bandung City, Indonesia. Using descriptive-analytical and limited experimental methods over one production cycle, the IUFS model integrated hydroponics, Nile tilapia aquaculture, and local chicken farming. Results indicated that the hydroponic system achieved high and stable vegetable productivity, with tilapia pond water substituting liquid organic fertilizer without reducing crop yield. The tilapia and chicken subsystems demonstrated good growth performance and improved feed efficiency, forming an effective nutrient cycle overall.
Urban–rural linkageOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeSocio-economic contributions and challenges of urban agriculture practice in Ethiopia
2026Ashagrie Gibtan, Wondwosen Abera, Mekuria Delelegn, Molla Maru, Adamu Teferi · Journal of Urbanism International Research on Placemaking and Urban Sustainability · Ethiopia
A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in five urban centers of Ethiopia, involving 385 urban agriculture practitioners, to assess the socio-economic contributions and challenges of urban agriculture. The study analyzed data using descriptive statistics and a multiple linear regression model. It found that urban agriculture significantly contributes to enhancing food security and incomes for practitioners, but also revealed that finance, technologies, water, and land are hindering factors for its practice in Ethiopia.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityPENGEMBANGAN EDUWISATA KETAHANAN PANGAN BERBASIS PENATAAN RUANG MIKRO DI KAMPOENG KAUMAN HERITAGE BANYUMAS
2026Fadhilah Siti Aniisah Haryono, Diajeng Sekar Shaliha, Eva Priyanti, Feri Setiyanto · Migunani Nusantara Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia
This community service activity in Kampoeng Kauman Heritage, Sudagaran Village, Indonesia, aimed to develop a food security edutourism model integrating conservation, education, and economic functions. Using architectural and civil engineering approaches, a micro spatial layout was designed with urban farming systems, dividing the area into cultivation and education zones. The implementation of hydroponic and conventional bed systems served as realistic agricultural transition education for replication by the community on limited land, with Crystal Guava used as an economic icon.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsSCHOOL GARDENS AS A TOOL FOR TRANSFORMATION
2026PAULA CRISTINA BOUFLEUHER VERGUTZ, Mario Ramão Villalva F’ilhi, Davi José Nicaretta Boufleuher · Revista Gênero e Interdisciplinaridade · Global
This article argues that school gardens, specifically the Organic School Garden project, serve as a strategic initiative for Environmental Education (EE) in Early Childhood. Using an Action-Research methodology, the project aims to address Food and Nutritional Security (FNS) laws by producing fresh food and promoting food autonomy. It concludes that this approach empowers children as agents of change, teaching them sustainable food practices.
Food educationFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityClimate changeGreen St. Louis Machine
2026Emilia A. Belciak, Taylor Sinclair Bowman · IntechOpen eBooks · United States (St. Louis)
This chapter presents the Green St. Louis Machine program as a case study of community-centered sustainability education in St. Louis, integrating urban agriculture, food justice, and STEAM learning. The authors conducted a qualitative document analysis of various sustainability frameworks and the program's website. The program uses hands-on cultivation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement to teach students about sustainable systems, ecological resilience, social wellbeing, and economic opportunity.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWhere have all the farmers gone? Spatial–temporal transformations of peri-urban agriculture in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona
2026Johannes Langemeyer, Gabriele Gervasi, Sergi Ventura Caballé, Gara Villalba Méndez · Ecology and Society · Spain (Barcelona)
This study examined the spatial-temporal transformations of peri-urban agriculture in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona from 2003 to 2015, combining spatial analysis of land use changes with qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews and workshops. Results reveal that the significant decline of peri-urban agriculture is driven by a complex interplay of real-estate speculation, land fragmentation, infrastructure development, evolving land use policies, and ecological pressures from land abandonment and environmental protection. Despite efforts to preserve agricultural spaces, the decline of peri-urban farming remains significant.
Governance failurePeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePandemic impacts on experiences of food gardening in New Zealand: Implications for food wellbeing during Covid-19 lockdown
2026Emma L. Sharp, Cavadino Alana, Kah Melanie · Wellbeing Space and Society · New Zealand
An online survey of 266 food gardeners in New Zealand investigated changes in food gardening experiences during the Covid-19 lockdown. Approximately two-thirds of participants reported gardening for mental or physical wellbeing during lockdown, prioritizing wellbeing over healthy food production compared to before lockdown. Growing culturally relevant food increased in importance for Māori and Pacific Island participants.
HealthCommunityDIYFood sovereignty & justicePlastic debris facilitates the survival of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens in an urban agricultural environment
2026Michael J. Ormsby, Luke Woodford, James Joseph Mwesiga, Winnie Ernest, Dativa J. Shilla, Daniel Abel Shilla, Richard S. Quilliam · Environmental Pollution · Africa
This study investigated plastic debris as a reservoir for multidrug-resistant (MDR) enteric bacterial pathogens at two peri-urban agricultural sites in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Analysis of 140 environmental samples (soil, water, vegetation, plastic debris) showed higher concentrations of culturable pathogens on plastic debris, with presumptive E. coli loads of ~1 × 10^3 CFU per piece. Plastic debris harbored a greater proportion of MDR strains, including E. coli and K. pneumoniae resistant to critically important antimicrobials, indicating that plastic waste facilitates the survival of MDR pathogens and poses health risks.
Contamination & food safetyHealthFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureUrbanisation and sustainable farming in smallholder farming communities of the Northern region of Ghana: A policy narrative
2026Adan Iddrisu · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Ghana
This policy brief explored the causes of farmland loss and its effects on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana due to rapid urbanization. Using data from focus group discussions, findings revealed that loss of farmland reduces productivity, increases household food security vulnerability, and threatens the livelihoods of farmers.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsThe potential roles of vertical urban agriculture to promote the right to food in Brazil
2026Felipe Jardim, Eduardo Alberto Manjarrés Trelles, Caren Freitas de Lima · Revista de Direito da Cidade · Brazil
This study investigated the role of vertical urban agriculture in promoting the right to food in Brazil, considering the food system crisis as a problem affecting the right to the city. An inductive method with a qualitative approach, including literature review, documental research, and case studies from Japan, Singapore, Germany, the USA, and Brazil, revealed that vertical urban agriculture has "cons" when appropriated as a profitable system with restricted access products, and "pros" such as occupying vacant urban land and being produced by or supporting poor families.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsDigital agricultureStrategi Pemberdayaan Petani Melalui Program Urban Farming di Kelompok Wanita Tani Guyup Rukun Sonopakis Lor, Ngestiharjo, Kasihan, Bantul, Yogyakarta
2026Tanaya Niscala Hanan Armi, Agus Wartapa, Siti Nurlaela Nurlaela · Jurnal Sains Agro · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)
A study analyzing the implementation of an urban farming program in the Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) Guyup Rukun in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, found that implementation in various farmer groups still faces obstacles such as low member participation, weak group institutionalization, and suboptimal program sustainability. SWOT analysis placed KWT Guyup Rukun in the Growth Strategy quadrant, and QSPM analysis identified increasing member capacity through training, cultivation assistance, processing, and institutional strengthening as a priority strategy.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsPractical Application of Ethical Research Principles: Developing and Implementing Grassroots Food Security Research With the Yarrabah Aboriginal Community
2026Judith Maher, Derlene Gray, Kirby Murtha, Muriel Bond, Kora Uhlmann, Kristen Tulloch, Sarah Burkhart, Tricia King, Lynne Stuart · Health Promotion Journal of Australia · Australia
This paper describes the development and implementation of a home gardening project with the Yarrabah Aboriginal Community in Australia, which aimed to promote food security, health, and wellbeing. The research team demonstrated how ethical principles, including spirit and integrity, responsibility, respect, reciprocity, equity, and cultural continuity, were practically integrated into the project, which unfolded in an iterative, nonlinear fashion prioritizing community connections.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityWelfareOptimalisasi Kemandirian Pengelolaan Usaha Kelompok Tani Sumber Rejeki Melalui Pendekatan Logical Framework Analysis (LFA)
2026Novitha Sarika, Fitria Naimatu Sadiyah, Ina Fitria Ismarlin · JAKT Jurnal Agroteknologi dan Kehutanan Tropika · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)
The Sumber Rejeki Farmer Group in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, has developed a dried Javanese chili processing business in an urban farming area but faces challenges in managing the business independently. This qualitative descriptive study, using Logical Framework Analysis (LFA), revealed that the main problem faced by the group is a low level of independence in business management, caused by dependence on middlemen, lack of standard production SOPs, weak institutional management, limited ability to independently determine product selling prices, and insufficient understanding of business legality. Proposed optimization efforts include developing production SOPs, digital marketing training, structured division of member tasks, and assistance with obtaining business registration and household industry food production permits.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePendampingan Kelompok Tani dalam Budidaya Hidroponik di Kota Surabaya, Indonesia
2026Firli Alya Rahma, Tri Budiarto, Agief Julio Pratama, Henry Kasmanhadi Saputra · JURNAL PENYULUHAN PEMBANGUNAN · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This study in Surabaya, Indonesia, investigated hydroponic cultivation among two farmer groups, Kelompok Tani Anggrek (19 members) and Kelompok Tani Sawi (14 members). It found that the farmer groups were not yet optimal in hydroponic cultivation due to a lack of understanding, minimal assistance, and improper use of fertilizers and seeds. However, knowledge among the farmer groups increased by 51.52% due to extension activities, and most respondents agreed that hydroponics is a suitable solution for food security and that assistance had a positive impact.
Limited or null effectFood educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceBuilding Resilience to Food Insecurity in Bulawayo City, Zimbabwe: Lessons for Best Practice
2026Thulani Dube, Bright Chisadza, Nkululeko Mpofu, Abel Mungure, Nancy N Manase · Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition · Zimbabwe (Bulawayo)
A study in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, investigating urban food insecurity resilience strategies through 200 household surveys, found that 50.5% of households experienced food insecurity, primarily driven by hyperinflation and unemployment. Current interventions, including urban agriculture, showed mixed effectiveness due to fragmented coordination and rural-biased programming, indicating governance challenges.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyCommunityEconomics