Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
1545 results(55 / 62)
Establecimiento de indicadores de calidad física, química y biológica de suelos urbanos de Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba
2013Juan Miguel Moreno Alvarez · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Cuba (Ciudad de La Habana)
This doctoral thesis aimed to establish a system of urban soil quality indicators for Havana, Cuba, under different land-use scenarios (agricultural, parks/gardens, wooded areas, idle/underutilized spaces). Researchers selected 35 urban soils in Havana, described their morphological profiles, and determined physical, chemical, and biological properties. Eight variables were selected as soil quality indicators using principal component analysis, and a soil quality index, including one for heavy metals, was defined and evaluated for different uses. The studied soils, heavily affected by human activity, were classified as Urbic or Garbic Technosols and showed high heterogeneity in properties.
Organic cyclePolicyClimate changeKnowledge assessment on the effects of climate change due to keeping livestock in urban and peri-urban areas of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
2013Shogo Mlozi · International NGO Journal · Tanzania
This paper assesses the knowledge of livestock keepers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, regarding the climate change effects of their activities. Over two-thirds of respondents did not believe solid waste, liquid waste, and pollution from livestock would affect future climate risks. However, they did perceive chemical pollution and land degradation from urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) livestock keeping as having climate change effects.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changePeri-urban agricultureFood educationOrganic cycleReinvigorating Waikiki: Multi-Sensory Architecture for Urban Agriculture
2013Yukihiro Yamaguchi · ScholarSpace (University of Hawaii at Manoa) · United States
This research aimed to enhance Waikīkī's image with sustainable planning and design, focusing on visitors' perceptions. While visitors' images of Waikīkī were primarily positive, the region faces environmental problems including inadequate recycling, transportation, and agriculture/aquaculture issues. The project proposes a new sustainable solution incorporating urban agriculture with an international event, Expo Hawai‘i 2020, to address these environmental challenges.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeThe Potential--and Limitations--of Urban Farming
2013Marc van lersel · · Global
Agriculture faces the 21st-century challenge of feeding a growing, urbanizing population while minimizing negative environmental impact. Urban farming has been presented as a potential solution to perceived problems with conventional agricultural production, but its effectiveness as a comprehensive solution is questioned.
Limited or null effectUrban–rural linkageClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceIl ruolo delle aree non urbanizzate nei contesti metropolitani: scenari di adattamento ai cambiamenti climatici
2013Daniele La Rosa, Francesco Martinico, Riccardo Privitera · TERRITORIO · Italy
This study discusses how non-urbanized areas in metropolitan contexts can be reconsidered for new land uses, combining peripheral urban agricultural production with environmental protection for climate change adaptation and ecosystem service production. Through a review of urban planning instruments in Mascalucia, a new land-use scenario for non-urbanized areas was proposed using a land suitability model that combined land cover and fragmentation analysis.
PolicyClimate changePeri-urban agricultureBiodiversityCultivating new meaning in the urban landscape : increasing food security and social capital through urban ecology : research article
2013Dominique Rossi Breetzke, Christina Breed · Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir kunsgeskiedenis · South Africa (Pretoria)
This paper explores using abandoned urban land for allotment community gardening in Sunnyside, Pretoria, South Africa, through a case study along the Walker Spruit. It tests the hypothesis of increasing food security and social capital through urban ecology design. Findings suggest that allotment culture and permaculture can reconnect people with urban nature, proposing a design concept to unite neighborhoods and provide social and biophysical services sustainably.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthClimate changeReconceptualising gardening to promote inclusive education for sustainable development
2012Susan B. Johnson · International Journal of Inclusive Education · United Kingdom
This paper argues that a reconceptualized approach to school gardening in the UK could promote inclusive education for sustainable development. It examines the potential for children aged 5-14 to develop ecological knowledge, action competence, and environmental engagement skills through gardening. The paper suggests a curriculum framework and provides a bean crop exemplar, but it does not present empirical findings or results from an implemented program.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeBiodiversityCapacity building in the field of climate change adaptation - first experiences from a rural research and development project in Germany.
2012Eva Foos, Thomas Aenis, Julia Jahnke · GERICS Climate Service Center Germany (University of Oldenburg) · Germany
This paper discusses initial experiences from a German R&D network (INKA BB) developing capacity building programs for climate change adaptation in agriculture and horticulture. It uses two urban agriculture/gardening examples as case studies to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of development processes. The authors advocate for "learning chains" that enable lifelong learning and an action-oriented, participatory approach to foster mutual learning among partners from research and education.
Climate changeFood educationPolicyThe Application of Urban Climate Research in the Design of Cities
2012Chen Yu, Wong Nyuk Hien · Advances in Building Energy Research · Global
This chapter reviews worldwide research on urban greenery, discussing three main types: public green areas, rooftop gardens, and vertical landscaping. It examines these from both a systematic and thermal benefit perspective. The chapter provides general guidelines for strategic landscaping in cities to mitigate environmental issues.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeImplementing a Rainwater Sustainable Control in Sahel-Feedback from "Niayes" Zone of Dakar
2012Sylvestre Dasylva · Journal of environmental science & engineering · Senegal (Dakar)
This paper discusses rainwater management in the "niayes" zone of Dakar, Senegal. This area is characterized by agricultural depressions with typically high groundwater levels, but a recent drop has turned some into runoff-gathering sites, used for urban agriculture among other services. However, two acute problems are observed: hydrological drying due to insufficient rainwater refill and urbanization of these bottom-lands. Furthermore, decreasing pluviometry exacerbates nuisances like floods and malaria.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeUrban–rural linkagePolicyPeri-urban agricultureUrban agriculture and sustainable urban development
2012· · Global
This paper discusses the unsustainable uni-directional flow of food and nutrients from rural areas to cities, which are then discharged as waste, causing pollution and nutrient depletion. Citing historical examples from Rome and London, and contemporary observations of sewage plumes in coastal cities worldwide, it highlights how valuable nutrients are lost to the sea. The paper argues that creating sustainable cities requires re-evaluating nutrient flows between urban and rural areas and understanding urban metabolism.
Organic cycleClimate changeUrban–rural linkageDevelopment status and strategy of urban agriculture in Guangzhou
2012Shengzhong Chen · Guangdong nongye kexue · China (Guangzhou)
This study analyzed the development conditions, process, characteristics, and barriers of urban agriculture in Guangzhou City. It showed that while urban agriculture in Guangzhou has formed functions such as production, technology demonstration, ecological barriers, and leisure services, it faces internal and external development barriers including a decline in agriculture's status, expansion of urban land, labor shortages, and environmental pollution. These barriers hinder the healthy and sustainable development of urban agriculture.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageClimate change단지 내 조경요소로서 도시농업 활성화를 위한 작물지표 도출 및 생태면적률 개선방안
2012강현정, 김세용 · 한국주거학회 학술발표대회 논문집 · South Korea
Modern cities prioritize development, leading to environmental deterioration. The biotope area ratio may not adequately reflect spatial utilization and plant growth conditions in multi-unit dwellings. While urban agriculture holds potential for environmental reform, a systematic framework and clear guidelines for its practical application are currently lacking. This study aims to derive crop indices for revitalizing urban agriculture and propose development directions for the biotope area ratio.
Governance failureClimate changePolicyCommunityChapter 38 The CPUL City Toolkit: planning productive urban landscapes for European cities
2012Katrin Bohn, André Viljoen · · Germany (Berlin), United Kingdom (London)
This chapter reviews the evolving Continuous Productive Urban Landscape (CPUL) City concept in the context of Berlin and London, exploring ways to integrate sustainable food systems into the urban fabric. The CPUL City Toolkit provides an overview of key steps for planning and implementing urban agriculture as part of coherent productive urban landscape strategies. The toolkit introduces four methods of action: Action U+D, Action VIS, Action IUC, and Action R.
PolicyCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEvaluation of growing media for annual herb production in green roof modular trays
2012Mary Margaret Fischer · OpenSIUC (Southern Illinois University Carbondale) · United States
This study evaluated commercial and vermicompost-blended green roof media for annual herb production in shallow modular trays on a university roof in Southern Illinois, Carbondale, during two experiments in 2011. The commercially available media generally produced more significant results for shoot growth parameters in sweet basil, Thai basil, and parsley. Partial shade also showed significant effects on shoot-to-root ratio in the first experiment, while most basil variables were insignificant in the second.
DIYClimate changeBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceAddressing rural diffuse pollution in peri-urban agricultural catchments using the FarmFLOW framework: a study in the Pumicestone catchment
2012Brian R. Stockwell, I. Layden, Zebedee Nicholls, Jennifer Carter · Australasian Journal of Environmental Management · Australia
A four-year action research project in Australia's Pumicestone catchment developed and implemented the FarmFLOW framework to address rural diffuse pollution in peri-urban agricultural catchments. This framework was designed for catchments with diverse land uses. The project achieved its target of 30% of producers adopting all recommended best management practices, and over 80% began adopting new practices to reduce off-site nutrient movement by 2011. This resulted in social and economic benefits for producers and a reduced risk of chronic algal blooms in receiving waters.
Peri-urban agricultureClimate changeCultivating the Social Field : Strategically moving Urban Agricultural Projects towards Sustainability
2012Ashley Courtney, Brendan McShane, Ella Wiles · · North America; Europe
This research explored how low-income urban agricultural (UA) projects in North America and Europe can be strategically supported for sustainability. The authors analyzed UA projects using the 5 Level Framework and the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development, along with Leverage Points, to understand their current reality. The study produced strategic recommendations and guidance for UA projects to foster a societal shift towards sustainability.
CommunityEconomicsClimate changePolicy디자인 유형화에 따른 도시농업 활성화를 위한 사례연구
2012여화선, 서주환, 정예슬 · 디자인지식저널 · South Korea (Seoul)
This study explored the definition of urban design and the value of urban agriculture, examining trends in South Korean urban agriculture and the current status in Seoul. Analysis of advanced international cases revealed that urban agriculture abroad has developed based on legal frameworks, features diverse facilities and programs, and is utilized for urban environmental preservation. Based on these advanced cases, the study concluded that expanding agricultural facilities, establishing urban agriculture portals, providing education for farming and garden management, and developing local government plans reflecting urban characteristics are necessary to revitalize urban agriculture.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsClimate changeEco-Friendly Urban Gardening Practices in Johannesburg Slums: A Systematic Review
2012Kgosi Khumalo, Siyabonga Xaba, Mpho Motshekga, Thabo Tshabalala · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This systematic review examined eco-friendly urban gardening practices for youth in Johannesburg slums, analyzing 34 studies from multiple databases. The review found a trend towards community-led initiatives combining horticulture with sustainable living education. These practices positively impacted household food insecurity, reducing it by an average of 20%, and enhanced youth engagement in environmental stewardship.
CommunityWelfareFood educationClimate changeChapter 42 Room for urban agriculture in Rotterdam: defining the spatial opportunities for urban agriculture within the industrialised city
2012Paul. A. de Graaf · · Netherlands (Rotterdam)
This research offers a top-down perspective on Rotterdam's urban landscape to identify spatial opportunities for urban agriculture. It defines promising urban agriculture types based on international best practices and local expert judgment, then formulates criteria for opportunities based on spatial, environmental, and social demands and benefits. The study aims to support bottom-up urban agriculture projects by mapping these opportunities and demonstrating their potential through design case studies, linking them to urban sustainability and resilience.
PolicyClimate changeCommunitySMALL-SCALE URBAN AGRICULTURE.TRANSFORMATION OF FAMILY GARDENS IN RIGA
2012Sersnova Sersnova · · Latvia (Riga)
This study concerns small-scale urban agriculture and the transformation of family gardens in Riga, Latvia. Urban agriculture has gained recognition globally in recent decades due to its economic, social, cultural, and environmental benefits.
CommunityEconomicsClimate changeChapter 27 Urban agriculture and seasonal food footprints: an LCA study of tomato production and consumption in the UK
2012Gillean M. Denny · · United Kingdom
This study investigated the ability of urban agriculture (UA) to decrease food-related greenhouse gas emissions, using a life cycle analysis of tomatoes, produce surveys in East Anglia, and household surveys of 183 UA-practicing households. It found that UA participation can reduce an individual's tomato consumption emissions from 52.4 kg CO2e/yr to 11.2 kg CO2e/yr. This reduction amounts to 44% from a non-UA, low-emission diet and 78% from a supermarket diet.
Climate changeFood miles & supply chainDIYEconomicsUrban Agriculture: Crisis of Urbanization,Strategic Value and Support System
2012Qiang Li · Ecological Economy · China
This paper discusses urban agriculture in China, noting its increasing prevalence in developed and developing countries and its role in urban food supply and ecological systems. It argues that urban agriculture holds significant strategic value in alleviating crises related to energy, food, and ecology, which have emerged due to rapid urbanization in China since the 21st century. To foster its development, the paper suggests establishing a highly integrated and convenient support system for urban agriculture, based on enterprises providing production factors and technical services.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyEconomicsDe la acrópolis a la agrópolis: estrategias en busca de una seguridad alimentaria y sostenibilidad ambiental
2012Raul Alberto Marino Zamudio · · Global
Global cities are major consumers of resources, and their uncontrolled expansion blurs rural-urban boundaries, impacting agricultural production essential for food security. This article examines the causes of the global food crisis and proposes strategies for cities and communities to achieve food security and environmental sustainability. These strategies involve urban agriculture in various forms and scales, and the management of urban solid waste for fertilizer and renewable energy production.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeOrganic cycleStudy on Taiyuan Urban Agricultural Technology and Innovation in the Era of Low-carbon Economy
2012Guan Hai-ling · Science Technology and Industry · China (Taiyuan)
This paper examines the achievements and current status of urban agricultural development, technology, and innovation in Taiyuan. It proposes countermeasures for urban agricultural scientific and technological innovation in a low-carbon economy, including establishing a training system, supporting research institutions, increasing investment, and strengthening external exchanges and cooperation.
Digital agricultureClimate changeEconomics