Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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3701 results(54 / 149)
Mathematical and Experimental Science Education from the School Garden: A Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Practice
2022Lidón Monferrer, Gil Lorenzo Valentín, María Santágueda Villanueva · Education Sciences · Global
This literature review analyzed 21 studies to explore the combination of curricular mathematics with experimental science content in school gardens. The review categorized studies by research tools, curricular content, impact, participant ages, project duration, and garden cultivation. The main finding was a lack of a clear research line linking school gardens, experimental sciences, and mathematics, with a scant presence of studies in this interdisciplinary context.
Food educationHealthCommunity Gardens
2022Stephanie Ross · · Global
This paper explores various needs that community gardens seem poised to meet, such as education, community activism, individual growth, and enhancement, offering a balanced assessment of their likely success. It considers large-scale indoor hydroponic farming as a potential remedy for many of the social ills that community gardens address.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood educationWelfareDynamic domain transformation resource scheduling approach: water irrigation scheduling for urban farming
2022Megat Nabil Irwan Megat Amerudin, Siti Khatijah Nor Abdul Rahim, Nasiroh Omar, Mohd Suffian Sulaiman, Amir Hamzah Jaafar, Raseeda Hamzah · IAES International Journal of Artificial Intelligence · Global
This study employed the Domain Transformation Approach (DTA) to solve water irrigation scheduling for urban farming, aiming to handle dynamic uncertainties and avoid non-optimal schedules. The proposed model was tested on three different datasets. Results showed that costs were higher in all instances without utilizing the dynamic DTA, indicating that DTA produced higher quality solutions and is a more effective way of scheduling resources with ad-hoc changes.
EconomicsDigital agricultureDo Radishes and Carrots Grow in a Bunch? Students’ Knowledge about the Growth of Food Plants and Their Ideas of a School Garden Design
2022Felix Hellinger, Dorothee Benkowitz, Petra Lindemann‐Matthies · Education Sciences · Global
Students' knowledge about the growth of food plants and their ideas for school garden design were investigated among 2107 fifth and sixth graders (mean age 12.3 years). About 40% of students believed carrots and radishes grow in underground bunches, and nearly 50% thought kohlrabi also grows underground. Girls performed better than boys, and increasing age and gardening experience had a positive effect on answers.
Food educationClimate changeBiodiversityVertical Transfer of Bacteriological and Parasitological Pollutants from Irrigation Water to Soil and Crops
2022Jihan Faouzi, Imane Bedoui, Sanae Rezouki, Tarik Moubchir, Aimad Allali, Noureddine Eloutassi, Amal Lahkimi · Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology · Morocco (Fez)
This study in Fez, Morocco, compared bacteriological and parasitological contamination in urban, peri-urban, and rural irrigation waters, and their transfer to soil and crops (cardoon and eggplant). Investigated microorganisms included total and thermotolerant coliforms, helminth eggs, Salmonella, and cholera vibrio. Results revealed contamination exceeding national and international standards for both types of coliforms in treated wastewater (TWW), wastewater (WW), Oued Fez water, and upstream well water in both winter and summer. This fecal contamination was found in soils and crops irrigated by urban and peri-urban water. Helminth eggs and cholera vibrio were also present in these waters, soils, and crops, with Salmonella detected in TWW in summer. Only the plot irrigated with Oued Bitit water in the rural zone met standards across all three levels of irrigated water, soil, and plants, and in both periods.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cyclePeri-urban agricultureThe Implementation of the Project "Camp School-Garden" for Indigenous Peoples' Children of the North (Results of Monitoring in 2022)
2022Artur Amirovich Galyamov · Социодинамика · Russia
This article presents preliminary sociological monitoring results from 2022 for the "Camp School-garden" pilot project, aimed at primary education for indigenous children in remote areas of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra. While positive indicators like satisfaction with educational services were noted, the study also identified less positive and negative indicators, including inconsistent internet quality and differing opinions on distance learning organization, which require consideration for future project implementation.
Limited or null effectFood educationCommunityWelfareEffects of Mixed Cropping of Garden Plants with Brassica parachinensis on Remediation of Cr-Polluted Soil in Community Garden
2022Shiyu Cui, Wenbin Liu, Hexian Jin, Yi Qiao, Ying Wang, Dan Liu · Atmosphere · Global
This study investigated the effects of mixed cropping garden plants (Festuca arundinacea, Ageratum conyzoides, Trifolium repens) with Brassica parachinensis on Cr-contaminated soil remediation. While mixed cropping with Trifolium repens resulted in the highest B. parachinensis yield and Cr content below standard in edible parts, mixed cropping with Ageratum conyzoides aggravated Cr pollution in edible parts of B. parachinensis, making it unsuitable for planting.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthOrganic cycleSuccessful scaling of Edible City Solutions to promote food citizenship and sustainability in food system transitions
2022Sara Noemie Plassnig, Marisa Pettit, Kristin Reichborn‐Kjennerud, Ina Säumel · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · Global
This study documents and analyzes scaling practices of co-created Living Labs implementing Edible City Solutions (ECS) in Andernach, Berlin, Havana, Oslo, and Rotterdam. Using a mixed-method approach and applying scaling pathways (up, deep, wide, across, soft), the research presents ongoing scaling stories, experiences, and challenges. The study critically reviews scaling processes and offers eleven recommendations for scaling edible nature-based solutions.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityHealthFood Security & Urban Agriculture - Considerations for Soil Improvements and Crop Planning
2022Aaron Sedivy · Lincoln (University of Nebraska) · Global
This document outlines the benefits of urban agriculture, such as energy conservation, rainwater remediation, and therapeutic uses, and its contribution to food security pillars: availability, access, utilization, and stability. It suggests special considerations for improving urban soils and designing an evolving food crop production plan.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthClimate changeCommunityDIYOvercoming divergence: managing expectations from organisers and members in community supported agriculture in Switzerland
2022Claudia Vaderna, Robert Home, Paola Migliorini, D. Roep · Humanities and Social Sciences Communications · Switzerland
This study explored the main challenges faced by eight Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiatives in Switzerland and the pathways used to address them. It was shown that while organizers often have enthusiastic ideas, generating sufficient income for a fair producer salary is difficult, posing a challenge to long-term existence. The members' perspective (254 responses) indicated a divergence between organizers' expectations and members' more pragmatic approach.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsUrban water as an alternative freshwater resource for matching irrigation demand in the Bengal delta
2022Kamonashish Haldar, Katarzyna Kujawa-Roeleveld, Tapos Kumar Acharjee, Dilip Kumar Datta, H.H.M. Rijnaarts · The Science of The Total Environment · Bangladesh
This paper assesses urban water as an alternative freshwater resource for irrigation in the Bengal delta, Bangladesh, where coastal plains face irrigation water shortages. Using the FAO AquaCrop model, it was found that 7.4 million m3 of irrigation water is needed for Boro rice during the dry season, while over 8.2 million m3 of urban water is generated. Mismatches between demand and supply occurred in February and March, suggesting a need for water storage capacities and policy changes to facilitate urban water reuse infrastructure.
Peri-urban agricultureClimate changeOrganic cycleReaping the Fruits of Informal Urbanism: An Ethnography of Tactical Gardening in Limassol, Cyprus
2022Theodoros Kouros · Built Environment · Cyprus (Limassol)
This ethnographic study in Limassol, Cyprus, examines tactical gardening as a form of informal urbanism. It found that, contrary to common perceptions of guerrilla gardening as community-building, these interventions by home and business owners often serve private gain by expanding into public spaces and can exclude other community members from using those public spaces. The research highlights a negative aspect of tactical gardening, where it contributes to the privatization of public areas.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicySustainability Recommendations and Practices in School Feeding: A Systematic Review
2022Emanuele Batistela dos Santos, Dayanne da Costa Maynard, Renata Puppin Zandonadi, António Raposo, Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho · Foods · Global
This systematic review, including 50 studies, examined sustainability recommendations in school feeding policies and practices adopted in schools globally. Frequently cited practices included school gardens and sustainability education activities. Recommendations often focused on purchasing sustainable food, nutrition education, and reducing food waste, highlighting the need for managers to prioritize sustainability education in curricula.
Food educationCommunityPolicyClimate changeChallenges and Sustainability Dynamics of Urban Agriculture in the Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana: A Study of Bolgatanga Municipality
2022Elias Danyi Kuusaana, Isaac Ayurienga, Joyce A. Eledi Kuusaana, Joseph Kwaku Kidido, Ibrahim Abu Abdulai · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Ghana (Bolgatanga)
A study in Bolgatanga Township, Ghana, used field surveys, key informant interviews, and GIS mapping to examine urban agricultural practices. It found that agricultural lands significantly decreased in size and contiguity since 1996 due to urban sprawl, forcing farmers to use segregated plots and undeveloped residential areas which are easily lost to development. The study concluded that urbanization exacerbates food production challenges without policies to protect agricultural lands.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageConnecting to nature through community engaged scholarship: Community gardens as sites for collaborative relationships, psychological, and physiological wellbeing
2022Kumara Ward, Son Truong, Tonia Gray · Frontiers in Psychiatry · Australia
In Australia, a study investigated the impact of the New South Wales Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) Community Greening (CG) program. Mixed-method research was conducted on a community garden development program implemented by the CG team in six sites over a seven-month period. Findings showed that community gardening participants experienced positive changes in physical activity, psychological wellbeing, and motivation for social engagement, with these outcomes facilitated by their relationships with CG team members.
CommunityHealth'Cultivating and fighting at the same time': an immigrants innovative entrepreneurial journey in the agricultural scene in Norway
2022Norma Wong, Marte C. W. Solheim · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · Norway
This case study details Tugushan Alp's entrepreneurial journey in Norway, where he pioneered hydroponic lettuce production in a bomb shelter. Alp faced multiple hurdles, including battling regulatory bodies for a legal premise. Despite these challenges, he achieved success and recognition for his innovative urban farming method.
Governance failureDigital agricultureEconomicsPolicyLa huerta escolar bajo un enfoque agroecológico de sostenibilidad ambiental y el conocimiento nutricional estudiantil
2022Jilmar Gustavo Comas Piñere · GACETA DE PEDAGOGÍA · Global
This article, based on a qualitative documentary design, explores the agroecological school garden as a pedagogical scenario to strengthen learning and address environmental sustainability issues. The study aimed to highlight the importance of the educational process in improving student nutrition and quality of life. It concludes that establishing school gardens as an integral "learning by doing" strategy is crucial across all knowledge areas and educational levels.
Food educationHealthCommunityOrganic cycleInvestigating Farmer Perspectives and Compost Application for Soil Management in Urban Agriculture in Mwanza, Tanzania
2022Shefaza Esmail, Maren Oelbermann · Frontiers in Soil Science · Tanzania (Mwanza)
This study investigated farmer perspectives and compost application for soil management in urban agriculture in Mwanza, Tanzania. Semi-structured interviews with 34 urban farmers revealed concerns about climate change and unpredictable rain, with 82% desiring soil improvements. A field trial showed that organic amendments (poultry manure and food waste compost) improved soil water holding capacity by 14-19% and enhanced microbial biomass 1.7-4 times compared to inorganic nitrogen fertilizer, with comparable crop productivity.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityClimate changeEFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON URBAN HOUSEHOLDS’ FOOD SECURITY STATUS IN Ghana: PRE AND POST LOCKDOWN ANALYSIS
2022Richard Kofi Asravor, Paul Adjei Kwakwa · African Geographical Review · Ghana
This study compared the food security status of urban dwellers in Accra, Ghana, before and after the COVID-19 lockdown, using a sample of 340 respondents. The research found a significant difference, with 36.4% of households being 'High food secure' prior to COVID-19, but 12.35% becoming 'Very low food secure' post-lockdown. The findings indicate a decline in urban household food security following the lockdown.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsThe spatial distribution of urban community gardens and their associated socio-economic status in Tehran, Iran
2022Sina Razzaghi Asl, Anahita Azadgar · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Iran (Tehran)
A study in Tehran, Iran, mapped the spatial distribution and socio-economic attributes of 26 urban community gardens using semi-structured interviews, qualitative analysis, and secondary data from the 2020 Tehran statistical yearbook. The findings revealed a geographical distribution imbalance, with most gardens located in the southern part of the city. Community gardens were mainly placed in areas with lower average land prices, lower median household income, and higher education graduates, indicating an uneven distribution that favors socio-economically disadvantaged areas.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsResilience at the Edge: Strategies of Small-Scale Societies for Long-Term Sustainable Living in Dryland Environments
2022Arlene M. Rosen · Risk, systems and decisions · Global
This paper suggests that modern Western communities can learn from small-scale societies' long-term sustainable living strategies in dryland environments. These societies developed resilience over thousands of years, rooted in Traditional Ecological Knowledge, enabling them to thrive through shifting environmental conditions. While not directly applicable to large cities, their solutions can inform ground-up approaches for smaller urban segments like neighborhood collectives, urban gardening, and water conservation methods.
CommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justicePerformance of Ecologically Friendly Coir Grow Bags for Improving the Plant Root Architecture with Enhancement in Growth and Yield
2022Abhishek C, Soumya T V, V. Ajith · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This study evaluated the effect of coir grow bags as an alternative to plastic grow bags on plant growth and yield. Seedlings of amaranthus, tomato, brinjal, chilli, herbs, medicinal plants, and ornamental plants were transplanted into coir grow bags and synthetic grow bags for comparison. Results showed that plants grown in coir grow bags exhibited higher yield and plant height, along with noticeable improvements in visual plant condition, compared to those in synthetic grow bags.
DIYOrganic cycleClimate changeAuditing the spatial and temporal changes in urban cropland in Harare metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe
2022Lenon Musosa, Munyaradzi Davis Shekede, Isaiah Gwitira, Innocent Chirisa, Daniel Tevera, Abraham R. Matamanda · African Geographical Review · Zimbabwe (Harare)
This study mapped the spatial and temporal distribution of cropland in Harare Metropolitan, Zimbabwe, between 1985 and 2019 using Landsat 5 imagery and the Random Forest classifier in Google Earth Engine. The results revealed considerable fluctuations in the cultivated area over this period, influenced by several factors. The study demonstrates the increasing importance of remote sensing for assessing urban cropland and its contribution to food security.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageCreative practices and the fluctuating interiors of an urban garden community
2022Annette Svaneklink Jakobsen · University of Southern Denmark Research Portal (University of Southern Denmark) · Denmark
This paper analyzes gardening practices and expressions within the "Grow your City" urban garden project in Denmark, focusing on how participants create individual spaces. The project involves hundreds of standardized raised plant beds rented by citizens, who demonstrate significant heterogeneity in personalizing their spaces through planting, decorating, and modifying. The study, based on observations and mappings, explores gardening as a creative practice and a form of participation.
CommunityDIYRoadmap to resource efficient urban agriculture
2022Runrid Fox-Kämper, Specht Kathrin, Caputo Silvio, Hawes Jason K., Lélièvre Agnès, Cohen Nevin, Poniży Lidia · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This roadmap identifies policy recommendations for a desirable future for urban agriculture in 2050, based on policy reviews, interviews, and workshops. It assesses how policy can be developed to create synergies between urban agriculture and cities' food, energy, and water nexus, drawing from existing policies in five city regions in France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The recommendations are based on the most positive outcomes for urban agriculture, cities, and citizens.
PolicyClimate changeEconomics