Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
3402 results(54 / 137)
Milan's private Vertical Forests vs. horizontal urban greening
2021Lucia Di Paola · · Italy
This paper examines Milan's Porta Nuova re-urbanization project (2004-2015), which features Vertical Forest skyscrapers as symbols of urban greening. Activists and resident groups strongly opposed the project, criticizing the privatization of a public park and high rents, arguing it represents a top-down privatization leading to exclusion and gentrification. In response, these groups developed a public community garden in the same neighborhood as an alternative model for democratic horizontal urban greening.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyEconomicsResetting the Evaluation Indicators for School Garden Education Service
2021In-Kyoung Hong, Hyung-Kwon Yun, Young-Bin Jung, Kang‐Sook Lee, Choon-soo Lee · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
This study reset evaluation indicators for school garden education services by surveying 20 experts using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and direct question (DQ) methods from October 12 to 19, 2020. AHP results showed education values were most important (0.544), while environmental (0.062) and economic (0.049) values were relatively low. The lowest sub-indicators were mitigating climate change (0.009) and increasing income (0.036).
Food educationHealthWelfarePolicyImpacts of Agricultural Land Acquisition for Urbanization on Agricultural Activities of Affected Households: A Case Study in Huong Thuy Town, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam
2021Nhung Pham Thi, Martin Kappas, Heiko Faust · Sustainability · Vietnam
This study in Huong Thuy Town, Vietnam, examined the impacts of agricultural land acquisition for urbanization (ALAFU) on 50 affected households. It found that rice cultivation and animal breeding sharply declined, while potted flower plantation grew, becoming the main income for 34% of households. However, all agricultural activities faced challenges due to shortcomings in agricultural land allocation and development plans.
Governance failureUrban–rural linkageEconomicsPolicySustaining Collective Action in Urban Community Gardens
2021Arthur Feinberg, Elena Hooijschuur, Nicole Rogge, Amineh Ghorbani, Paulien Herder · Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation · Europe
This paper presents an agent-based model to explore conditions for sustained participation in urban community gardening projects in Europe, validated with data from Germany and the Netherlands. The study found that not all of Ostrom's Design Principles for collective action lead to higher participation; instead, participation depends on specific combinations of these principles. It also highlights that sanctioning mechanisms are not always beneficial and can be counter-productive in certain contexts for volunteer participation.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyNo Place to Grow
2021Kristan Majors · Educational Media Reviews Online · United States
"No Place to Grow" is a 2019 documentary film (27 mins) that captures the story of a longstanding LatinX community garden, its farmers, neighborhood protests, and negotiations with government officials in the United States. The film depicts the challenges faced by the community garden, leaving viewers disheartened. It is recommended for libraries collecting on community gardens and urban agriculture.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyEconomicsInstitutional and regional features of organized second home development in Russia
2021Alexander V. Rusanov · Population and Economics · Russia
This article studies second home land development in Russia using data from All-Russian agricultural censuses. It identifies two processes: residential dachas in horticultural non-profit partnerships (HNP) with residential, recreational, and agricultural functions, and agricultural dachas (vegetable gardens) in gardening non-profit partnerships (GNP) with only agricultural functions. HNPs show a strengthening of recreational and residential functions, while GNPs are decreasing in scale but remain relevant, especially during crises, due to their unique localization and traditions.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsBarriers, Strategies, and Resources to Thriving School Gardens
2021Amy Hoover, Sarvenaz Vandyousefi, Bonnie Martin, Katie Nikah, Michele Hockett Cooper, Anne Müller, Edwin Marty, Marissa Duswalt-Epstein, Marissa Burgermaster, Lyndsey Waugh, Brie A. Linkenhoker, Jaimie N. Davis · Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior · United States (Greater Austin, TX)
This study surveyed 523 teachers and 174 administrators across 109 schools in Greater Austin, TX, to identify factors contributing to thriving school garden programs. Logistic regression analysis revealed that thriving gardens were significantly more likely to have adequate district and administrator support (12 times), funding and community partners (3-fold), active garden committees (4 times), available curriculum, teacher training, and at least 100 annual student users. The findings suggest that strong administrative support is fundamental for successful school gardens.
Food educationCommunityEconomicsPolicy農家と飲食店,流通事業者の連携による農産物ブランディングの展開 : 国分寺市「こくベジ」プロジェクトを事例として
2021Ryosuke Koda, Susumu Kawahara, 亮輔 甲田, 晋 川原 · Institutional Repositories DataBase (IRDB) · Japan
A case study of the "Koku-Vege" project in Kokubunji City, Tokyo, Japan, investigated agricultural product branding in urban agriculture. The project built upon existing agricultural promotion policies and citizen activities, involving administrative departments skilled in public relations, which fostered broad understanding and empathy for the brand. Continuous communication by agricultural product delivery personnel connecting farmers and restaurants, along with regular government-led events, contributed to changes in restaurant awareness, new relationship building, and expanded brand recognition within the region, demonstrating features that promote intra-regional branding.
CommunityEconomicsPolicyA green new deal for agriculture: for, within, or against capitalism?
2021Benjamin Selwyn · The Journal of Peasant Studies · Global
This article argues that a Green New Deal (GND) for agriculture must actively combat environmental degradation, social inequality, and labor exploitation, rather than merely aiming to restart capitalist economies. It identifies key areas for discussion and political action, including the reorientation of state subsidies, workers' rights, agrarian reform, the decommodification of food, agroecology, urban agriculture, new technologies, and rewilding.
Governance failurePolicyClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsGEOPARK LUMPUR INVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT SIDOARJO EAST JAVA INDONESIA
2021Ahmad Riyadh Umar Balahmar, Eni Rustianingsih, Ilmi Usrotin Choiriyah, Hendra Sukmana, Totok Wahyu Abadi · Umsida Repository (Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo) · Indonesia
This study, based on FGDs and academic texts from the Sidoarjo Regency Government, explores the development of a tourism area in the Sidoarjo mudflow region of Indonesia. It found that mudflow tourism could become a major destination, supported by facilities like geopark galleries, urban forests, and urban farming. Realizing this model requires physical and non-physical infrastructure, along with community socialization on safety and benefits.
PolicyCommunityEconomicsBaltimore County Government Education/Entrepreneurship and Marketing- Community Gardens
2021Unwana I. Udoh, Aditya Deshpande, Bhavin Kothari, Cristián Ortíz, Mohit Jaju, Ridwan Ahmed, Chris Pitts, Christian Lopez, Sherry Chen, Hao Jiang, Njeri Warrington, Hunter Petrik, Stephanie Zheng · University Libraries (University of Maryland) · United States (Baltimore County)
This project, conducted in Baltimore County, was divided into two teams: education/entrepreneurship and marketing. The education/entrepreneurship team assessed residents' awareness of existing community gardens, identified reasons for low participation, and developed gardening educational resources. The marketing team focused on determining optimal locations for community gardens through site selection and marketing strategies, including social media campaigns.
CommunityFood educationPolicyDEVELOPMENT OF AGRIBUSINESS PLACES ON PALU RIVERSIDES
2021Wildani Pingkan S. Hamzens, Meidy Widayanto Moestopo · AGROLAND The Agricultural Sciences Journal (e-Journal) · Indonesia
This research aimed to formulate a sustainable agricultural spatial innovation for the development of agribusiness places on Palu Riversides. Field observation, satellite image map observation, and literature review were used as methods. The results indicated that implementing sustainable agriculture through agribusiness place development in urban areas could utilize open spaces designated as green open space zones on the Palu Riversides, specifically the River Green Area outside the riparian zone and the river overflow runoff area.
PolicyUrban–rural linkageCommunityDesign of Flat With Neighborhood Space With Urban Farming Function In Medan
2021Adela Purba, Nelson Siahaan · International Journal of Architecture and Urbanism · Indonesia (Medan)
This study proposes a flat design in Medan, Indonesia, that integrates neighborhood spaces for urban farming. The design addresses the high density and lack of communal spaces in existing flats by creating green open areas for social interaction and productive urban farming. The design process involved field studies, physical data collection, literature review, and an Ecological Architecture approach to meet user needs and reduce urban environmental problems.
CommunityUrban–rural linkagePolicyHousing Management and Its Relationship with Productive Initiatives Targeted at Low-Income Groups in Rosario (Argentina)
2021Marcelo Salgado, Sabrina Cáceres, Marta Basuino, Nora Gancedo, Claudio Vizia, Sebastián Rodríguez, Laura Gurría · · Argentina (Rosario)
This paper focuses on social housing projects linked with productive undertakings for low-income groups in Rosario, Argentina. It examines experiences such as the Urban Agriculture Program, Rosario Habitat Program, and Housing Cooperatives, which integrate habitat with productive initiatives. The research aims to formulate recommendations for the participatory management of social housing and its articulation with these undertakings, including the promotion of multidisciplinary teams through training workshops.
WelfareCommunityPolicyEconomicsRooftop Gardening a Modern Approach of Production in Urban Areas: A Review
2021Mukesh Choudhary, Abha Rawat · Bhartiya Krishi Anusandhan Patrika · Global
This review examines rooftop horticulture as an innovative solution for urban cultivation, addressing limited space in cities. It provides an interdisciplinary assessment of various development approaches and forms of rooftop horticulture, drawing on existing experiences and offering suggestions for planning sustainable cities. The review notes that some urban rooftop gardens utilize mineral fertilizers and pesticides.
DIYPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeImpact of landscape dynamics and intensities on the ecological land of major cities in Ethiopia
2021Mekonnen Amberber Degefu, Mekuria Argaw, Gudina Legese Feyisa, Sileshi Degefa · ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH · Ethiopia
This study characterized and compared the Spatio-temporal responses of ecological land to urban landscape dynamics in Bahir Dar, Addis Ababa, Adama, and Hawassa cities in Ethiopia for the last three decades (1990–2020). Three sets of Landsat satellite images, field observations, and urban land indexes were used to produce landscape maps and geo-spatial data analysis. Results showed that in all cities, ecological land had changed intensely regarding its quantity and spatial pattern, and the substantial expansion of built-up ecosystems was manifested at the cost of ecological land.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkageClimate changePolicyMitigating the Impact of Human Activities
2021Gail Hansen, Joseli Macedo · University Press of Florida eBooks · Global
Many ecological, political, and economic programs are available to help cities become more sustainable and protect the urban environment. Resilient city planning practices include climate change adaptations, renewable energy technology, reducing urban sprawl, improving urban agriculture and native species use, and using self-sustaining, biophilic buildings. Goals and strategies for implementing these practices rely on citizens accepting responsibility with pro-environmental behaviors that mitigate destructive impacts from development and maintenance practices.
Climate changePolicyCommunityBiodiversityUrban Foodscapes and Greenspace Design: Integrating Grazing Landscapes Within Multi-Use Urban Parks
2021Shannon Davis · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · New Zealand (Auckland)
This article explores the potential contribution of grazing lands within cities of the Global North as a multi-beneficial layer in public greenspace design. While plant-based urban farms and community gardens have seen growth, the integration of grazing lands within urban zones has been largely overlooked. This research considers integrating grazing lands within multi-use greenspace design, undertaking a descriptive critique of Cornwall Park, Auckland, New Zealand, which has provided urban grazing for sheep and cattle since 1903 alongside other land uses.
Urban–rural linkageBiodiversityPolicyCommunitySur la distinction entre commun et collectif
2021Joëlle Zask · Éditions de la Sorbonne eBooks · Global
This paper presents the distinction between “collectif” (collective) and “commun” (common) based on the experience of shared gardens. The author argues that this distinction is essential for thinking about democratic culture and its corresponding laws.
CommunityPolicyA regularização fundiária urbana de Marituba – PA e suas contribuições na agricultura urbana do município
2021Ciria Cristane da Rosa · Wamon - Revista dos alunos do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Antropologia Social da Universidade Federal do Amazonas · Brazil
This study aimed to understand how urban land regularization can contribute to urban agriculture in the municipality of Marituba, Pará, Brazil. It focused on two urban land regularization instruments mentioned in municipal decree n.º 300 of April 14, 2020: the concession of real right of use and the surface right. Based on bibliographic and documentary research, analyzing academic works on "quintais" (backyards) where agricultural activities occur, it found nine localities with rural characteristics mostly within Marituba's urban perimeter, with few properties possessing Rural Environmental Registry (CAR) documents. Urban land regularization could help these social subjects remain on their properties and continue their activities.
PolicyCommunityAgricultura urbana y periurbana en el contexto global y en Colombia
2021Carlos Carranza, Martha Cecilia Vinasco Guzmán · Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia eBooks · Colombia
This paper contextualizes relevant experiences and technical tools for implementing urban and peri-urban agroecological orchards, noting that urban and peri-urban agriculture has positive results in alleviating food insecurity, improving sustainability, and creating jobs. It highlights that Colombia currently lacks government policies to support these processes. The paper aims to transfer knowledge on crops to urban and peri-urban communities to strengthen food security through vegetable production.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyFood educationA AGRICULTURA URBANA EM ANANÁS/TO: SUBSÍDIOS PARA A SEGURANÇA ALIMENTAR E GERAÇÃO DE RENDA
2021Maria Marciene Costa Da Silva, Maurício Ferreira Mendes, Luciano da Silva Guedes · Geografia em Questão · Brazil
This exploratory research diagnosed horticulture practices in the urban perimeter of Ananás/TO, Brazil, from April to June 2019, using semi-structured interviews and secondary data. It found that urban horticulture in Ananás provides a healthy food alternative for producers and consumers, distributes income, and contributes to social, food, and health development.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthPolicyAprender e apoiar a agricultura urbana: estudo de caso do coletivo re-ação agroecológica em Brasília
2021Alexandra Cavalcante Salomão Silva, Sávio Tadeu Guimarães · Programa de Iniciação Científica - PIC/UniCEUB - Relatórios de Pesquisa · Brazil (Brasília)
This study investigated the activities of the urban agriculture project "Coletivo Re-Ação Agroecológica" in idle public spaces in Brasília, using a case study and action research. The research aimed to identify factors that encourage and hinder urban agriculture projects, emphasizing it as a component of sustainable urbanism. Results indicate that urban agriculture should be encouraged by the state through practical and less bureaucratic public policies, and interpretive trails in urban farms support the dissemination of educational information, bringing people closer to nature.
CommunityFood educationPolicyBiodiversityPeran Program CSR PT. Indonesia Power Semarang PGU Dalam Mendukung Pertanian Perkotaan di Kelurahan Kemijen
2021Retno Wulandari, Nana Kariada Tri Martuti, Muh Arif Syamsul, Dhita Prasisca Mutiatari · Jurnal Abdimas · Indonesia (Semarang)
This activity facilitated the construction of a greenhouse for the Kemijen Farmers Group (KT Kemijen) in Kemijen Village, Semarang City, Indonesia, as part of PT. Indonesia Power Semarang PGU's CSR program. The project successfully built one greenhouse (8m long, 5m wide, 3m high) using PDAM water and rainwater harvesting. The greenhouse has provided benefits to the community, enhancing social, environmental, and economic potential.
CommunityFood educationPolicyImplementation and Impacts of Edible Cities : a Nature-Based Solution for Societal Challenges of Urbanization?
2021Martina Artmann, Katharina Sartison · RWTH Publications (RWTH Aachen) · Germany
This study investigated the implementation and impact potential of edible cities in three German case studies (Andernach, Haar, Munich) as part of a project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Edible cities are a concept that utilizes public spaces to provide free food and urban gardening opportunities for citizens.
CommunityPolicyClimate change