Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
1626 results(50 / 66)
大阪府における緑地構成要素の変化に関する地域的特性 : 都市農業振興基本法の施行をふまえて
2016肇 石原, Hajime Ishihara · Institutional Repositories DataBase (IRDB) · Japan (Osaka)
This study analyzed changes in green space components (parks, agricultural land, forests) across Osaka Prefecture, Japan, from 1970 to 2010. While forest area decreased slightly and park area increased, the increase in park area was insufficient to offset the significant reduction in agricultural land. Consequently, the overall green space ratio in Osaka Prefecture showed a declining trend, particularly noticeable in Osaka City and its surrounding areas.
Environmental trade-offsPolicyUrban–rural linkageClimate changeA Study on Passive Sustainable Techniques (PST) in Urban Landscape
2016Anbuchchelvi Kalaiarasan · Indian Journal of Science and Technology · Global
This study aimed to strengthen urban landscapes with green infrastructure using passive sustainable practices to improve urban health and safety. It identified 30 micro-level passive techniques, such as xeriscaping and green roofs, which utilize natural processes and limit active energy use. The research compared the environmental effects of these techniques for existing and proposed urban landscapes, concluding that conserving soil, water, air, energy, and species is key to connecting fragmented landscapes into a unified urban green mass.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeHealthTinjauan Filosofi, Konsep, dan Prinsip Perencanaan Kawasan Sungai Manzanares di Kota Madrid, Spanyol
2016Monika Larasati P E, M.Eng. Ir. Sudaryono · · Spain (Madrid)
This study describes the planning of the Manzanares River area in Madrid, Spain, focusing on its philosophy, concepts, and principles. It notes that the river, once overlooked due to the M-30 highway, is now part of efforts to restore urban ecological elements. The research used a deductive qualitative method with content analysis of relevant literature and texts.
PolicyUrban–rural linkageClimate changeUrbanization, Food Insecurity and Agriculture – Challenges for Social Sustainable Development
2016P. Kanmani, Karthikeyan Parthasarathy · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Global
This paper reviews contemporary thinking on urbanization, food insecurity, and agriculture, identifying urbanization and population increase as key drivers of growing food insecurity. It presents ideas and practices for agricultural sustainability, addressing agro-environmental sources, input systems, socio-economic systems, and farming systems. The paper also explores urban sustainability, including urban social sustainability and urban ecology, highlighting urban farming's role in enhancing urban food security.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeUrban–rural linkageThe Bees among Us: Modelling Occupancy of Solitary Bees
2016J. Scott MacIvor, Laurence Packer · PLoS ONE · Global
This study modeled the occupancy probability of six solitary bee species using nest boxes set along an urbanization gradient over three consecutive years. Native M. pugnata showed decreased occupancy with increasing building footprint, and a similar but not significant pattern was found for native O. pumila. Conversely, introduced M. rotundata and M. centuncularis, along with native M. campanulae, exhibited increased occupancy with rising urbanization.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityPollinatorsClimate changeGrowing green values
2016Kajsa Ignell, Åsa Bugge Marin · · Argentina (Buenos Aires)
A field study was conducted in November and December 2015 at six urban agricultural sites in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The study aimed to map ecosystem services at these sites and assess urban agriculture's potential to strengthen adaptive capacity and resilience in Buenos Aires. The mapping and research showed that urban agriculture provides many ecosystem services, creating a sense of community and other social values, and contributing to urban temperature regulation, added biodiversity, and water infiltration.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityClimate changeSocial Actions Transformed in a Post-Carbon Transition: The Case of Barcelona
2016Jesús Viçens · Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks · Spain (Barcelona)
This chapter investigated which social actions in modern urban neighborhoods aid the transition to a post-carbon society and mitigate global warming effects, examining a neighborhood in Barcelona. Data was collected through eight semi-structured interviews (averaging 70 minutes), and Nonaka and Takeuchi's (1995) knowledge creation model was used for analysis. The study is based on the capacity of communities to support innovative social actions through experiential knowledge creation.
CommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceReuse water and urban horticulture: alliance towards more sustainable cities
2016Douglas Roberto Bizari, Jean Carlos Cardoso · Horticultura Brasileira · Global
This article discusses the potential of using recycled water from treated domestic sewage in urban horticulture as a solution to escalating clean water shortages. While cultural and sanitary impediments exist for large-scale use, and knowledge of treatments is limited, a safe alternative is irrigation for non-edible species like those in floriculture and landscaping. This approach can combine environmental protection with agricultural productivity, support local development, create jobs, and aid environmental protection.
Organic cycleClimate changePolicyUrban Agriculture In Mumbai: Worth Its Weight In Produce?
2016Christiane Joi Allen · Libraries and Cultural Resources (University of Calgary) · India (Mumbai)
This study evaluated the environmental, social, and economic benefits of urban agriculture in Mumbai, India, using Life Cycle Assessment and Cost Benefit Analysis. Results indicate that urban agriculture has lower greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and water consumption but higher eutrophication potential compared to commercial large-scale agriculture.
Environmental trade-offsEconomicsClimate changeHealthOrganic cycleAgricultura urbana familiar en una ciudad media en Chiapas. Implicaciones para la sustentabilidad urbana Family urban agriculture in an average city in Chiapas. Implications for urban sustainability
2016Araceli Calderón Cisneros · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Mexico (Chiapas)
This qualitative study analyzed the role of family urban agriculture in urban sustainability in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico, using open and structured interviews. The visited agricultural systems showed characteristics favoring resilience and sustainability, such as low use of external inputs and recycling of domestic waste. However, a limitation found was that the contribution of own production to family consumption is very low, despite existing food, environmental, and socio-cultural motivations for its continuity.
Limited or null effectDIYOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeSustainable Water Management for Urban Agriculture, Gardens and Public Open Space Irrigation: A Case Study in Perth
2016· Apple Academic Press eBooks · Australia (Perth)
This study conducted a sustainable water management trial in Butler, Perth, Western Australia, for urban irrigation. The trial system incorporated features like untreated fit-for-purpose groundwater, drip irrigation, and soil enhancement, comparing outcomes against controlled areas. The study found that fit-for-purpose irrigation combined with water-sensitive land management could achieve significant water savings and irrigation efficiency for urban agriculture. While untreated groundwater quality can be an issue, the research indicated it can be managed with innovative irrigation techniques.
Climate changeCommunityEconomicsJaques Avenue Bioshelter Report: An Assessment of Needs, Potential Uses and Partnerships in Worcester, MA
2016Joseph H. Hersh · Clark Digital Commons (Clark University) · United States (Worcester, MA)
This report assesses the needs, potential uses, and feasibility for a community bioshelter in Worcester, MA, for Worcester Common Ground, Inc. Approximately twenty-five stakeholder interviews were conducted to gather insights. The findings highlight themes such as prospective partnerships, long-term sustainability, and broader project impacts, recommending an educational orientation for the bioshelter.
CommunityUrban–rural linkageClimate changeEn ny grön våg
2016Emma Stigson · · Sweden
A qualitative study investigating the development of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Sweden utilized literature reviews, interviews, participant observations, and digital media tracking. The findings indicate that CSA is relatively new in Sweden but is becoming more common, with the number of farms increasing over the past 3-4 years and now spread across the country. CSA contributes to ecological, economic, and social sustainable development in Swedish rural areas.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsClimate changeWater: Connecting the Cycle
2016Gundula Proksch · · Global
This chapter discusses the potential of urban agriculture to mitigate water management challenges. While industrial agriculture consumes 70% of accessible water, cities struggle with water security and fail to utilize on-site sources like rainfall. Urban agriculture is presented as a solution to these water challenges by integrating water-efficient strategies with existing urban infrastructure, building systems, and management approaches.
Climate changeOrganic cyclePolicyEconomicsThe Role of the School Garden, and its Importance in the school Building - A field study in the social school service
2016هالة فالح احمد · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Iraq
A field study in Iraq investigated the role and importance of school gardens within educational institutions. The research found that school gardens eliminate desertification, moderate weather, and bring happiness to students and teachers, while their neglect obstructs the teaching process. The study recommends organizing teacher courses on school environment and health, and conducting periodic cleaning and repair campaigns for school gardens and buildings.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeBiodiversityEnergy: Solar-powered Photosynthesis and Greenhouses
2016Gundula Proksch · · Global
This chapter investigates factors for implementing sustainable, energy-efficient urban agricultural operations, focusing on the solar needs of plants, the extension of growing seasons indoors, and passive solar gains for buildings. It provides an overview of greenhouse typologies, cover materials, and lighting systems to optimize energy use and production. Additionally, it examines the potential for photosynthesis and the carbon cycle to utilize building exhaust systems for CO2-rich air and excess heat to support crop cultivation, exploring intersections among nutrient, water, and energy cycles through case studies.
Climate changeOrganic cycleFood miles & supply chainEconomicsPeri-urban agriculture as key driver to sustainability. A planning project in an Alpine city
2016Corrado Diamantini · City Territory and Architecture · Italy
This article discusses the role of peri-urban agriculture in maintaining the identity and sustainability of Alpine cities, which face challenges such as urban sprawl. It emphasizes that peri-urban territories in the Alps can be crucial for sustainable urban development. As evidence, a planning project for the Rotaliana Königsberg territory north of Trento, Italy, is presented, which aims to restore its agro-food vocation through the creation of a vast agricultural park encompassing much of the urbanized area.
Peri-urban agriculturePolicyClimate changeUrban–rural linkageAgricultural Roads in Vancouver
2016Laura Castrejon Violante · Open Collections · Canada (Vancouver)
This paper proposes the concept of an "agricultural road" in Vancouver, reshaping a low-transit street into a multipurpose space for urban agriculture. Defined as a pedestrian-oriented area, it would offer plots for growing food while also achieving sustainable urban development outcomes like social inclusion, recreational space, and greening the urban landscape. The agricultural road aims to reconnect urban life with food by providing a space for growing edible plants and fostering discussion and education.
CommunityFood educationPolicyClimate changeO planejamento urbano e ambiental na construção de cidades sustentáveis: as hortas urbanas comunitárias em Porto, Portugal, e Belo Horizonte, Brasil
2016Alessandra Silva Araújo · URBANA Revista Eletrônica do Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudos sobre a Cidade · Portugal
This research compared factors leading to community garden initiatives in Porto, Portugal, and Belo Horizonte, Brazil, focusing on the influence of urban planning processes. It found differences in how urban planning in both cities incorporates urban agriculture practices. The connections between urban agriculture and urban planning, facilitated by environmental planning practices, were found to be incipient, hindering planning's goal of catalyzing a sustainable city.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyClimate changeBottom-Up and Top Down Approaches for Urban Agriculture
2016Chiara Casazza, Stefano Pianigiani · Civil Engineering and Urban Planning An International Journal (CiVEJ) · Global
Urban agriculture is a complex phenomenon that responds to the common need for sustainable cities in environmental, economic, social, and institutional terms. It encompasses various approaches and intervention typologies, from low-tech to high-tech solutions like community gardens and vertical farms. This field characterizes cities at different scales, including territory, town, neighborhood, building, and house, addressing diverse user exigencies and requirements.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsClimate changeDigital agricultureUrbanisation, Nutrition and Food Security: A Climatological Perspective
2016Tom Beer, Brenda B. Lin, A.E.J. McGill · Water science and technology library · Global
This chapter considers the effects of climate change on food production, with particular reference to urban agriculture and its associated impacts on food security. The value of urban agriculture to the health and nutrition of developing and developed countries is described. The current status of related research by international agencies is outlined, and their omissions are highlighted. Proposals are made as to how these overlooked areas of research might be addressed.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsOn the sustainability of aquaponics
2016Bettina König, Ranka Junge, András Bittsánszky, Morris Villarroel, Tamás Kőmíves · Ecocycles · Global
A literature review was conducted on the social, environmental, and economic impacts of aquaponics. The technology has potential applications in various settings, including commercial or community-based urban food production, industrial-scale production, small-scale farming, and educational systems. However, it is concluded that due to the complexity within markets, value chains, communities, infrastructure, and policy settings, further research and data acquisition are needed to fully assess all sustainability aspects.
Methodological critiqueDigital agricultureEconomicsClimate changeCommunityPlanning tools for strategic management of peri-urban food production
2016LE Wynne, Dana Cordell, Joanne Chong, Becky L. Jacobs · UTS ePRESS (University of Technology Sydney) · Australia (Sydney)
This report, using Sydney as a case study, examines land-use planning on the urban fringe for peri-urban food production. It finds that for many cities, including Sydney, a large proportion of peri-urban food production has already been lost due to conversion to residential and infrastructure uses. The report reviews various planning responses to address threats to peri-urban agriculture.
Governance failurePeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsClimate change都市农业——在城市层面实践“永久农业”思想
2016Tong Zhu · 科研 · China (Tianjin)
This paper briefly describes the meaning and characteristics of urban agriculture and analyzes the practice of "permaculture" ideas in Tianjin's urban agriculture. It argues that urban agriculture can provide public goods and services beyond food, which agricultural production areas cannot offer under a market economy, and can solve many social, economic, and ecological problems arising in urban-rural fringe areas.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsCommunityClimate changeRe-design an open space through the urban farming
2016Rossella Franchino, Nicola Pisacane · Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Civil Engineering · Global
This study proposes urban farming as an effective tool for renewing urban open spaces, considering its environmental, economic, and social possibilities. Through a structured case study on the requalification of a degraded urban area in Southern Italy, a preparatory analysis of local resources was conducted using diachronic and synchronic comparative map studies. This analysis, alongside the study of urban farming models, enabled the development of the project idea.
CommunityEconomicsClimate changeUrban–rural linkage