Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2531 results(53 / 102)
Future research directions
2020Ferne Edwards, Anitra Nelson · · Global
This chapter suggests future research directions in food for degrowth studies, drawing from a collection of case studies and critiques. It offers transdisciplinary theoretical and practical approaches and key research questions, covering topics like household self-provisioning, collective endeavors, networks, and degrowth perspectives on the circular economy and food waste. The chapter proposes research questions related to accessibility, visibility, temporality, spatiality, and various measures.
DIYCSA & TeikeiCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceALLEY ACTIVATION: GENIUS LOCI TO CONSTRUCT A RESILIENT CITY
2020Khilda Wildana Nur · Journal of Architecture and Urbanism · Indonesia (Makassar)
This qualitative study in Makassar, Indonesia, examined the revitalization of urban alleys, which began in 2014 to change negative perceptions and enhance community awareness. Using observation surveys and walk-through analyses, the research found that successful government programs should empower cultural values, with local "genius loci" programs being more recognizable for building belonging and promoting urban resilience. Alley revitalization provided communal space and urban farming harvests, leading to green economy improvements and settlement arrangements.
CommunityUrban–rural linkagePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceComunidade que sustenta a agricultura: segurança alimentar e nutricional na agricultura urbana de Sete Lagoas (MG)
2020Glauco Régis Florisbelo, Angelina Moreira Melo, Alair Ferreira de Freitas, Pinheiro, Daniel Calbino · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil
This study analyzed how the implementation of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in an urban community garden in Sete Lagoas (MG), Brazil, contributed to food and nutritional security for consumers and increased the income of family farmers. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with farmers and questionnaires administered to consumers. The results demonstrated that the CSA strengthened social relations between farmers and consumers, added elements of food and nutritional security, and improved the income of farming families.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsMicrogreen Farming: A Nutrient Dense Crop for Income Generation in Urban Agriculture.
2020Pooja Bhatt, Sonika Sharma · · Global
Microgreen farming is presented as a popular method for income generation in urban agriculture. It is characterized by high nutrient density, a fast turnaround time (10-14 days after germination), year-round cultivation, minimal resource requirements (seeds, soil, water, trays), and a high yield-to-space ratio. Prices for microgreens range from INR 150-250 per 50 grams, indicating good market value for urban farmers.
DIYEconomicsHealthFood sovereignty & justiceUrban agriculture in Asia to meet the food production challenges of urbanization: A review
2020Onyekachukwu Akaeze, Dilip Nandwani · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Asia
This review examined evidence from literature supporting urban agriculture as an option to overcome food production challenges in Asia, where urbanization has adversely affected in-city food production. Rapid disappearance of urban-fringe farmland has made relying solely on rural agriculture inadequate for urban dwellers in Asia. The United Nations Development Program reports that approximately 200 million people are employed in urban farming in Asia, contributing to the food supply of 800 million urban dwellers.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageGreen Roofs in Uppsala : Potential food yield and thermal insulating effects of a green roof on a building
2020Sagnik Sinha Roy · · Sweden (Uppsala)
This paper states that urban agriculture (UA) can be a sustainable solution to the severe vulnerabilities climate change has caused for the global food production system.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageAgricultura urbana e divulgação científica: quando a extensão tem em seu horizonte a mobilização social, a reflexão política e o enfrentamento de problemas sociais
2020Cristiana Guimarães Alves, Bráulio Silva Chaves, Lucas Araújo Dutra Rodrigues · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil
In August 2017, the CEFET-MG Project "Cabana do Pai Tomas. to the Aglomerado da Serra: links between science, technology and education" in Brazil conducted activities to connect science, technology, and education. As part of this project, a ten-module Agroecology Course was offered, providing training to residents of Casa da Cabana, CEFET-MG students, and the general public on knowledge related to urban agriculture, food security, agroecology, the creation and maintenance of urban gardens, and social technologies.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceRECOMENDAÇÕES PARA A VALORIZAÇÃO DA BIODIVERSIDADE LOCAL A PARTIR DAS PLANTAS ALIMENTÍCIAS NÃO CONVENCIONAIS EM HORTAS COMUNITÁRIAS URBANAS
2020Layssa Kmiecik Layssa Kmiecik, André de Souza Lucca · Revista Gestão & Sustentabilidade Ambiental · Brazil (Curitiba)
This qualitative study, focused on the Cajuru Community Garden in Curitiba, Brazil, aimed to propose recommendations for projects promoting native Unconventional Food Plants (PANCs). Using bibliographic, documentary, field research, and surveys, it generated recommendations for communicating PANCs' qualities and for their sustainable cultivation and responsible consumption in urban community gardens.
CommunityBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceCommunion Composed: Fostering Unity Through a Nourished Architecture
2020David Acevedo · Syracuse University Libraries (Syracuse University) · Guatemala
This thesis explores how architecture can have greater agency in unifying people, especially distraught communities, by utilizing food and its inherent social properties. Guatemala is chosen as the zone of exploration for implementing such a collaboration at a ceremonial scale. The approach combines techniques from ecologically efficient urban food production, intimate domestic food consumption, and ceremonial food preparation to create a new edible landscape of socially sustaining architecture.
CommunityUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceKAJIAN FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PILIHAN INOVASI PERTANIAN PERKOTAAN DI WILAYAH JAKARTA SEKITARNYA
2020STP Astrina Yulianti, Yovita Anggita Dewi, Ume Humaedah, Maesti Mardiharini · Jurnal Pengkajian dan Pengembangan Teknologi Pertanian · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This study, conducted in Jakarta and nearby cities from October-November 2016, aimed to identify factors influencing the adoption of urban farming innovations. Using correlation tests, multiple linear regression, and ordinal regression on 14 variables, it found that dissemination channels, perception of urban farming roles, and knowledge and skills significantly influenced the number of innovations applied. Furthermore, the number of applied innovations significantly influenced creativity in modifying innovations.
Food sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsA agricultura urbana na Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), dividida entre desejo dos moradores da cidade e ação pública
2020Amélie Robert, Jean Louis Yengué, A. Fanny, Mikael Motelica‐Heino, Edmond Hien, Alain Sanou · Risco Revista de Pesquisa em Arquitetura e Urbanismo (Online) · Africa
This research, conducted in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, utilized in situ observations, interviews with farmers and decision-makers, and an analysis of planning documents. It found that urban agriculture has experienced a significant increase in surface area and is popular among city residents. However, it is not officially considered in urban planning, revealing divergences in viewpoints between farmers and public decision-makers.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceThe state of the art of school gardens as a pedagogical tool for the new environmental rationale paradigm in Butanta, Sao Paulo, Brazil
2020Beatriz Sinelli Laham, Francisco Melo Aires, Gabriel Akira Teshima Soto, Gustavo Lopumo Arruda · Brazilian Journal of Development · Brazil (São Paulo)
A mixed-methods approach was used to identify knowledge constructed during the implementation, maintenance, and didactic usage of school gardens in 15 municipal schools in Butantã, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Main difficulties identified were human resources, school staff integration, and financial resources, with a demand for specific training, especially for didactic usage. Access to quality soil posed the primary obstacle for garden maintenance, yet a general perception of positive effects on students' behavioral and pedagogical aspects was observed.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justice11. Community Gardens and Gentrification in New York City: The Uneven Politics of Facilitation, Accommodation, and Resistance
2020Justin Sean Myers, Prita Lal, Sofya Aptekar · New York University Press eBooks · United States (New York City)
This study traced the complex and contested relationship between food-producing community gardens and gentrification in three neighborhoods in New York City's outer boroughs. These gardens traditionally emerged in response to long-term attempts by City Hall to displace residents of color. The research examines how community gardeners respond to gentrification and the role of community gardens in facilitating, accommodating, or resisting it, discussing implications for realizing food justice.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCo-Creating Value in Sustainable and Alternative Food Networks: The Case of Community Supported Agriculture in New Zealand
2020Mariarosaria Savarese, Kerry Chamberlain, Guendalina Graffigna · Sustainability · New Zealand
This qualitative study explored how Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in New Zealand create value for sustainability practices from both farmer and consumer perspectives. The research, conducted using focused ethnography, found that CSA is a complex concept involving active consumer participation in economic, social, and environmental values. These interconnected values foster an ecosystem where sustainable food practices are promoted through a "learning by doing" process.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceRooftop Gardening as A Need for Sustainable Urban Farming: A case of Kathmandu, Nepal
2020Sandesh Thapa, Anjal Nainabasti, Sashila Acharya, Neha Rai, Rakshya Bhandari · International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology · Nepal (Kathmandu)
A key informant survey of 52 respondents was conducted in Kathmandu, Nepal, to assess the current status of rooftop gardening. All respondents expressed positive views on rooftop gardening, with rooftop farms covering 5-13% of the area. Significant monetary soft benefits were identified for food production, air quality, stormwater retention, and carbon sequestration. However, traditional methods using plastic bags, pots, and styrofoam were employed for garden maintenance. Constraints were recorded regarding rooftop farming establishment and continuation, indicating a need for proper training for efficient management.
Limited or null effectDIYFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityWhat Makes a CSA a CSA?
2020Zhenzhong Si, Theresa Schumilas, Weiping Chen, Tony Fuller, Steffanie Scott · Canadian Food Studies / La Revue canadienne des études sur l alimentation · Canada; China
A comparative study of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) models in Canada and China was conducted based on interviews and survey results. The study developed a framework to compare CSAs based on initiators’ motivations, economic characteristics, ecological practices, shareholder relations, and community building. It was found that CSAs in both Canada and China are struggling to maintain the movement’s original values and economic viability, moving away from the traditional ‘risk sharing’ approach to more flexible payment mechanisms. However, other original tenets of the CSA model, such as member engagement, are strengthening.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceProyecto de huertos urbanos sociales, de 3,8 hectáreas,en la Casería de los Cipreses, Granada
2020Rogelio Nogales Romero · · Spain (Granada)
This master's thesis outlines the process for creating and implementing a 3.8-hectare urban garden project in Casería de los Cipreses, Granada, Spain. The project aims to transform an abandoned historical site into sustainable, self-managed urban gardens for community building and agro-environmental education. It details the design, social and technical aspects, and the creation of an association to manage the initiative, adhering to municipal legislation and sustainability requirements.
CommunityDIYFood sovereignty & justiceSOSIALISASI URBAN FARMING PETANI PERKOTAAN DI KELURAHAN TAFURE TERNATE DENGAN POLA TANAM MIXED FARMING SAAT PANDEMI DAN NEW NORMAL
2020Rima Melati, Suratman Sudjud, Sarni Sarni · Jurnal Pengamas · Indonesia
This study addressed food security issues in Ternate City, Indonesia, during the Covid-19 pandemic by socializing urban farming with a mixed farming pattern. The socialization involved observation, discussions, and providing horticultural seeds to participating farmers. As a result, participating farmers understood urban farming with mixed farming, with 80% clearing vacant land and 70% planting vegetables from the provided seeds. Farmers still require further guidance on diverse crop maintenance.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationClimate changePekarangan Produktif untuk Pemenuhan Kebutuhan dan Ketahanan Pangan Kota Jakarta
2020Rendy Primrizqi · · Indonesia (Jakarta)
DKI Jakarta faces challenges in meeting food needs for its over 10 million residents due to limited urban food production, making it dependent on other regions. Urban farming is proposed as an alternative, particularly by optimizing the use of house yards in residential areas, which constitute 48.41% of the city. This paper emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and innovative architectural interventions to facilitate urban farming in dense, narrow areas.
Food sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageCommunityDIYFarming Food and Community
2020Theresa J Beardell · Digital Commons @ Connecticut College (Connecticut College) · United States
Sprout is a community garden and direct-to-consumer farm dedicated to building community and empowering individuals through the shared effort of growing and eating good food. Cultivation at Sprout is led by the conviction that good food is produced in a way that is ethical in both its environmental and social impacts.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthOrganic cycleLos techos verdes como innovación para la sustentabilidad en vivienda, ciudad y territorio
2020Beatriz Giobellina · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Global
This chapter explores the concept of green roofs as an innovation for sustainability in housing, cities, and territories, particularly in the context of global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. It suggests revisiting ideas linking environment, development, urban agriculture, and self-sufficiency gardens to address climate change, food security, and health. This chapter is part of the book "Green Infrastructures: from territory to habitable roof."
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityHealthEco-social enterprises: ethical business in a post-socialist context
2020Nadia Johanisova, Lucie Sovová, Eva Fraňková · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · Czech Republic
This chapter examines eco-social enterprises in the Czech Republic, a post-socialist country, using a five-dimensional framework to expand the EU social enterprise definition. The framework includes criteria such as other-than-profit goals, using profits for nature and community, democratic governance, rootedness in place, and non-market production. Research identified a heterogeneous group of entities, including organic farms and community gardens, shaped by varied traditions and ideologies.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justice‘Workable utopias’ for social change through inclusion and empowerment? Community supported agriculture (CSA) in Wales as social innovation
2020Tezcan Mert-Cakal, Mara Miele · Agriculture and Human Values · United Kingdom (Wales)
This article examines Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) projects in Wales as social innovation, exploring their emergence, innovative role, and transformative potential. Based on qualitative data from four different CSA case studies in Wales, the research showed that Welsh CSA cases play distinctive roles in the social economy, satisfying needs for ecologically sound and ethically produced food and empowering individuals at a micro level. However, the paper argues that for CSA initiatives to become 'workable utopias', they need to overcome barriers preventing replication, participation in macro-level policies, and scaling up, particularly concerning economic sustainability and resilience on a small scale.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsAnalysis on the Types of Benefits of Gardens in Urban Areas: Comparison of Korea and Overseas Cases
2020Jiwon Park, Mi‐Ae Jeong · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
An analysis of 63 Korean and 90 overseas articles on urban gardens compared the types of physical and social benefits provided by gardens in urban areas. Community gardens were the most significant type in both Korea and overseas. Due to narrow urban structures, Korea focused on using rooftop, wall, and alley spaces, while overseas focused on promoting health and reducing food inequality through larger allotment and kitchen gardens. Urban gardens were found to have a positive effect on urban biodiversity, providing comprehensive environmental (37.73%) and social (62.27%) benefits.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceUrban agriculture in the city of Cali, Colombia and communication for social change
2020Solon Alberto Calero Cruz, Carmen Cecilia Rivera Gómez · Repositorio Digital Universidad Autonoma de Occidente · Colombia (Cali)
This chapter discusses practical urban agriculture approaches to food sovereignty in Cali, Colombia, focusing on five food production and distribution spheres. It examines how participatory communication influences social change and urban sustainability by analyzing how approaches emphasize or de-emphasize culturally situated experiences. The study summarized the outcomes of an intercultural collective convened to discuss communication processes linked to food production and distribution, aiming to understand the most prominent subjectivities.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicy