Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
3315 results(55 / 133)
Review: Potensi Pengembangan Pertanian Perkotaan oleh Lanjut Usia untuk Mendukung Ketahanan Pangan
2021Reni Nurjasmi · Jurnal Ilmiah Respati · Global
This review examines the potential of urban agriculture by the elderly to support food security. While urban agriculture could produce 180 million tons of food globally per year, representing 10% of total global food production, it is currently insufficient to meet urban food needs, with urban food supply still heavily reliant on rural areas and imports. With an increasing urban elderly population, empowering seniors through urban agriculture technologies like vertical farming is proposed as an opportunity for food security.
Limited or null effectElderlyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsAn examination of adaptations of direct marketing channels and practices by Maryland fruit and vegetable farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic
2021Grace H. Bachman, Sara N. Lupolt, Mariya Strauss, Ryan David Kennedy, Keeve E. Nachman · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States (Maryland)
This study investigated the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Maryland fruit and vegetable farmers and their adaptations of direct-to-consumer marketing channels. Interviews with 20 farm owners/managers revealed that Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), farmers' markets, and pick-your-own channels provided high stability and financial security. Distribution channels incorporating online marketplaces with prepacked pre-orders were a notable strength for highly adaptive farmers. Common challenges included increased administrative workload, concerns about raising food prices during a crisis, and environmental concerns regarding additional packaging.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityPendampingan Dan Pelatihan Peningkatan Ketahanan Pangan Dengan BUDIKDAMBER Desa Palur Kecamatan Mojolaban Kabupaten Sukoharjo
2021Tri Widianto, Lukman Ahmad Imron P · WASANA NYATA · Indonesia (Sukoharjo)
In Palur Village, Mojolaban District, Sukoharjo Regency, Indonesia, 17 community members received 4 months of training and assistance on "Budikdamber" (fish cultivation in buckets) starting October 25, 2020. This activity involved practicing an aquaponics system combining catfish farming and water spinach hydroponics in limited land, aiming to enhance food security and promote economic self-reliance among participants. Following the training and assistance, participants were able to improve food security through Budikdamber.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsAnálise de viabilidade financeira da produção orgânica de morangos para comercialização local
2021Naiane Modri Fuzinatto, Jaciney Aparecida Danielli, Daniela Preschlak, Augusto Fischer · Revista em Agronegócio e Meio Ambiente · Brazil
This study presented a proposal for organic strawberry cultivation in urban spaces for a small producer and evaluated the financial viability of local sales. Through a qualitative and quantitative case study in Santa Catarina State, results indicated social and environmental benefits from adopting urban strawberry cultivation under an organic production system. Furthermore, the entire investment could be recovered in just over two years, representing a medium-term return on investment.
EconomicsOrganic cycleClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban wastewater for agriculture : farmers’ perspectives from peri-urban Bengaluru
2021Seema Purushothaman, Sheetal Patil, Raghvendra S. Vanjari, A. R. Shwetha · · India (Bengaluru)
A participatory assessment in Byramangala, Bengaluru, explored farmers' perspectives on using wastewater (domestic sewage with industrial effluents) for irrigation. The study found that farmers were adapting to a heavily polluted environment, which resulted in restricted crop choices, lower produce prices, health impacts, and socio-cultural consequences. Despite concerns about water quality, farmers prioritized health-imparting agriculture and were keen to continue farming, but their preference for treated wastewater was overshadowed by its potential diversion for urban use.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthClimate changeEconomicsFeeding the Cities
2021Nancy Karanja, Mary Njenga · · Kenya (Nairobi)
The urban agriculture efforts of Alice Wairimu and her husband Michael Macharia, who migrated to Nairobi, Kenya, are presented. They raised livestock but lost a cow during political unrest and sold the rest for hospital bills. They also attempted wastewater farming on government-owned land, which was repossessed in 2010. Subsequently, they used their meager savings to rent land nearby and continue practicing urban agriculture.
Governance failureCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceLes infrastructures vertes comme outils d’adaptation au changement climatique et de reconquête de la biodiversité
2021Emmanuelle Virey, Tolga Coskun · Cahiers ESPI2R · Europe
Green infrastructure refers to an interconnected network of natural or semi-natural areas whose proper functioning generates benefits for human societies and strengthens their resilience. It can simultaneously produce multiple benefits such as improved stormwater management, creation of cool islands and species habitats, job creation in urban agriculture, economic valuation of real estate, and new nature experiences. Green infrastructure allows for the reinvention of urban landscapes and a reconsideration of our intimate relationship with living things.
Climate changeBiodiversityEconomicsHealthThe role of urban vegetable production in Jos (Nigeria) as a source of livelihood
2021Solomon Wuyep, Isaac Tebogo Rampedi, AP Ifegbesan · African Journal of Food Agriculture Nutrition and Development · Nigeria (Jos)
This study assessed the role of urban vegetable production as a source of livelihood for 94 small-scale farmers in Jos, Nigeria, by randomly selecting 40% of urban vegetable farmers and using questionnaire-administered interviews with a mixed-method approach. Results indicated that vegetable farming provides 84% part-time and 5% full-time employment opportunities and reduces food insecurity among participants. However, lack of credit facilities, seasonal variations, and high costs of farm inputs and equipment were identified as serious problems, and small-scale urban farming also entailed negative environmental impacts that could undermine long-term sustainability.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareBeyond feeding the city : The multifunctionality of urban farming in Vancouver, BC : [infographic]
2021Noelle Morrow, Megan Kadzirange, V. Smith, Nirusha Thayaal, Ngaire Barraclough · Open Collections · Canada (Vancouver)
This infographic is based on the article "Beyond feeding the city: The multifunctionality of urban farming in Vancouver, BC" by Valley, W., & Wittman, H. (2019). It is an undergraduate student work resulting from a collaboration between the Making Research Accessible initiative (MRAi), researchers, and ASTU 100 students at UBC. The lead author of the original article reviewed the student work, and their revisions were incorporated.
CommunityBiodiversityHealthEconomicsIs ‘Growing Better’ ripe for development? Creating an urban farm for social impact
2021Peter Gittins, Leigh Morland · The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation · United Kingdom
This case study explored the business model and growth challenges of 'Growing Better', a micro-social enterprise urban farming facility in the Leeds City Region, UK, which provides a supportive working environment for people with mental health issues. Findings suggested that the potential for growth lies with the social entrepreneur's ability to harness external stakeholder support. However, any venture development should also inform the effective utilization of resources through operations management.
WelfareCommunityEconomicsA 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 & justiceEconomicsHealthPolicyA Comprehensive Review of Biomethanation of Urban Food Waste in Nairobi City County, Kenya
2021Hope Baxter Chamdimba, Isaiah Omosa, Simon M. Wandera · Journal of Energy Environmental & Chemical Engineering · Kenya (Nairobi)
This review analyzed urban food waste in Nairobi City County, Kenya, which accounts for 64% of recoverable municipal solid waste, totaling 29.4 thousand tons annually. The study found that food waste has a biomethane potential of 508.45 ml CH4 /g VS, suggesting that the city's food waste could yield 10.5 million m3 of methane and 1.38 MW of electricity. While food waste is increasingly used for animal feed and composting, its application for energy recovery via anaerobic digestion is limited by a lack of source separation. Biogas is shown to be more economical than liquefied petroleum gas, but long-term methane generation requires supportive policies.
Food lossOrganic cycleEconomicsPhenomenon of Urban Agriculture and Its Role in Shaping Sustainable Cities
2021Kateryna Dorofieieva, Kristīne Vugule · Landscape architecture and art · Global
This paper conducted complex research on the phenomenon of urban agriculture and its pioneering practices as a tool to combat problems related to ecology, economy, and human physical and mental well-being, arising from urban sprawl, land distribution, and modern city functioning. Selective case study and relevant literature analysis were applied as main research methods. The research results were compiled into a summarizing table highlighting core data and supporting conclusions and suggestions for planning and management of urban agriculture structures.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsHealthHuertos urbanos: como estrategia de transición hacia el desarrollo urbano sostenible
2021Diego Armando Masaquiza Moposita, Juan Carlos Santillán Lima, Carlos Roberto López-Paredes · Dominio de las Ciencias · Global
This review aimed to compile and update information on urban gardens and their effects on sustainability, socioeconomic, and agri-food impacts. Databases including Sciencedirect, Google-scholar, Scopus, and NCBI were reviewed, emphasizing articles from the last five years. The review describes the origin and importance of urban gardens, their environmental, economic, and agri-food effects, and the benefits families receive from their production, contributing to food security and improved lifestyles.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsClimate changeCommunitySocial entrepreneurship in obesity prevention: A scoping review
2021Audrey Chia, Junyu Ong, Anjali Bundele, Yee Wei Lim · Obesity Reviews · South Korea
A scoping review of social ventures in obesity prevention identified 512 social ventures across 32 countries, with 93% originating from developed countries, including urban farming among their intervention areas. Social ventures developed diverse business models with multiple revenue streams, offering financially self-sufficient approaches. However, the review did not provide detailed data on specific successful cases or the scale of economic viability for these ventures.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsPolicyWaste to resource: use of water treatment residual for increased maize productivity and micronutrient content
2021Tariro Gwandu, Lynsay I. Blake, Hatirarami Nezomba, Jairos Rurinda, Stephen Chivasa, Florence Mtambanengwe, Karen L. Johnson · Environmental Geochemistry and Health · Sub-Saharan Africa
An eight-week greenhouse experiment in Sub-Saharan Africa evaluated the short-term benefits of applying aluminum-based water treatment residual (Al-WTR) with compost and inorganic phosphorus fertilizer on maize productivity. A co-amendment of 10% Al-WTR and 10% compost significantly increased maize shoot biomass (3.92 ± 0.16 g) compared to the control (1.33 ± 0.17 g). Adding phosphorus fertilizer to this co-amendment further doubled the yield and increased maize uptake of zinc, copper, and manganese.
CompostOrganic cycleEconomicsAgricultura na aglomeração urbana de Presidente Prudente - SP
2021Claudinei da Silva Pereira · GEOUSP Espaço e Tempo (Online) · Brazil (Presidente Prudente)
This paper analyzed agricultural production in Presidente Prudente, Brazil, from two essential dimensions: urban morphology and socioeconomic conditions. A typology for urban agriculture analysis was constructed by mapping the incidence of agriculture and applying questionnaires to commercial producers. The study demonstrated the different functions that agricultural practice performs for individuals and cities.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justicePolicySustainable Social Entrepreneurship Models for Urban Agribusiness Initiatives in Johannesburg
2021Michael Rudolph, Madimetja Antony Mello, Evans Muchesa · Journal of food security · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This study aimed to develop a sustainable social entrepreneurship model for urban farming initiatives in Johannesburg. Through a literature review and qualitative interviews with experts, findings highlighted several important challenges that limited urban smallholder farmers' ability to ensure the financial viability and sustainability of their farming initiatives. These challenges included limited accessibility to farming land, markets, funding, and knowledge regarding setting up and managing small agri-businesses.
Economic viabilityEconomicsCommunityPolicyFood educationWillingness to pay for urban agriculture in Oslo
2021Geir Wæhler Gustavsen, Helge Berglann, Elisabeth Jenssen, Signe Kårstad, Divina Gracia P. Rodriguez · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Norway (Oslo)
This study used a contingent valuation survey to assess Oslo citizens' attitudes and willingness to pay for four types of urban agriculture: urban community gardens, urban gardens for work training, education, and kindergartens, aquaponics, and vertical production. While urban agriculture provides services like enhanced food security and biodiversity, its value is often hard to quantify for policymakers. The survey results indicated that Oslo citizens are willing to increase their tax payments to contribute to the further development of urban farming in Oslo.
EconomicsCommunityPolicyFood educationFarm Type and High Tunnel Management: Connections between Farm Characteristics and High Tunnel Outcomes in Indiana
2021Analena Bruce, Elizabeth Maynard, Julia Valliant, James Farmer · HortTechnology · United States (Indiana)
An analysis of survey and interview data examined how farm characteristics affect the outcomes of growing specialty crops in high tunnels in Indiana. Three farm types (alternative food and agriculture enterprises, mixed enterprise, and side enterprise) adopted distinct approaches to high tunnel integration and management. Alternative food and agriculture enterprise farmers, who made high tunnels central to their business, showed higher capacity use and greater financial return compared to mixed and side enterprise farmers who invested less time and labor.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFeeding Cities Through Urban and Peri-Urban Aquaculture
2021Dilip Kumar, Sukham Munilkumar · · Global
This article discusses Urban and Peri-urban Aquaculture (UPA) as a means to address urban food security, given the projected increase in urban populations. It states that urban households involved in UPA are generally more food secure, and UPA increases the availability of fresh, healthy, and affordable food. UPA also contributes to income and employment, particularly for women and migrants, and offers opportunities to use urban organic wastes, wastewater, and collected rainwater productively.
Urban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsOffsetting the cost of community-supported agriculture (CSA) for low-income families: perceptions and experiences of CSA farmers and members
2021Stephanie Jilcott Pitts, Leah C. Volpe, Marilyn Sitaker, Emily H. Belarmino, Amari Sealey, Weiwei Wang, Florence Becot, Jared T. McGuirt, Alice S. Ammerman, Karla L. Hanson, Jane Kolodinsky, Rebecca A. Seguin‐Fowler · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · Global
This study interviewed 24 CSA farmers and 20 full-pay CSA members about their perceptions and experiences with cost-offset Community-Supported Agriculture (CO-CSA) models and specific cost-offset mechanisms, to understand the potential of CO-CSA for low-income households. Both farmers and members prioritized ensuring access to healthy food regardless of income level and generally favored member donations for funding CO-CSA. However, a commonly mentioned barrier was the potential time burden on CSA farmers for administering cost-offset programs, raising questions about economic viability.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsWelfareASPECTOS DAS PRÁTICAS DE AGRICULTURA URBANA EM CATALÃO-GO
2021Cláudio José Bertazzo, Guilherme Papini da Silva, Gabriela Ferreira de Souza · Para Onde!? · Brazil (Catalão)
A theoretical and practical study, including field visits and surveys, was conducted to understand urban agriculture (AU) practices in Catalão, Goiás, Brazil. The study aimed to identify AU's particularities and quantify what, how, and for what purpose produce was grown. Findings indicated that AU is a reality, widespread in the territory, and has the potential to provide access to safe and nutritious food for citizens with yards or small cultivation spaces.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsScience's Role in Stimulating West Bengal's Agricultural Performance
2021M. S. Swaminathan · · India
This study examines the agricultural situation in West Bengal, noting that livestock ownership is more egalitarian than land ownership and that the region has abundant fish ponds. It emphasizes the importance of adopting integrated pest management procedures to prevent pesticide pollution in fish cultivation water. The abstract also states that socially underprivileged communities gaining access to agricultural and homestead land through land reforms is a significant step in eliminating poverty.
PolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceCultivating the city for ecosocialism
2021Salvatore Engel‐Di Mauro, George M. Martin · · Global
This chapter examines urban cultivation across diverse global contexts, finding that global South cities often experience declining food production due to displacement by financiers and landowners. It notes that urban cultivation is frequently associated with unacknowledged pollution problems, and its overall ecological impacts are not necessarily positive. Furthermore, urban food production, with the exception of Cuba, does little to reduce social inequality and can sometimes exacerbate it.
Environmental trade-offsFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyClimate change