Research & reports

· Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Global

Investigates how cultural ecosystem service experiences in urban community gardens relate to management practices and agrobiodiversity, finding experiences vary among gardeners and correlate with local ecological knowledge.

· Journal of Scientific Research and Reports · Global

Comprehensive analysis of urban agriculture's potential, challenges, and socio-economic impacts. Examines successful citizen-driven models and barriers to scaling.

· Food Education Research · Multiple

Empirical study examining how community garden participation impacts children's food education and eating habits. Analyzes spillover effects on family food choices.

Turner · Geographical Research · Global South

Explores motivations, practices, and political contexts of rooftop gardening in the Global South, examining how socioeconomic conditions and policy environments shape urban agricultural initiatives.

de Jong · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Global

Examines how urban farms' business models transition over time, incorporating long-term sustainability into core strategies. Analyzes progression from startup to enterprise settings.

· Urban Forum · South Africa

Documents how small-scale urban farming through short food value chains in Johannesburg functions as an 'invisible' economy not captured in official statistics. Direct community sales reduce middlemen while improving farmer incomes and local food security. Highlights gaps in statistical and policy frameworks.

· Latin American Perspectives · Cuba

Discusses urban agriculture in Cuba through the lenses of food security and food sovereignty.

Kanosvamhira T. P. · Area · South Africa (Cape Town)

Analyses how the state institutionalises Cape Town's community gardens along neoliberal lines. Argues state support cultivates neoliberal subjectivities and regulates production, diminishing the gardens' potential to advance food justice in historically disadvantaged communities.

Emilia C. Zamora-Moncayo, Bernarda Herrera, June Larrieta, Aimée DuBois, Georgina Miguel Esponda · Qualitative Health Research · Ecuador

A participatory case study of Huertomanías, an urban garden initiative founded in Ecuador in 2015 that provides work, income and social inclusion to people with severe mental health problems. Twelve participants took part in cognitive mapping, a photovoice project and interviews. Thematic analysis identified four domains of impact within the garden — autonomy (financial and personal), interpersonal and environmental relations, mental health, and family dynamics — plus external factors (family support, public policy and healthcare services) that shape recovery. The context is that employment access for this group is largely disregarded in Ecuadorian policy planning because of labour-market discrimination. As a qualitative study with 12 participants, it does not measure symptom change or job retention.

Zhe Zhu, Faith Ka Shun Chan, Gang Li, Mengxia Xu, Meili Feng, Yong‐Guan Zhu · Soil & Environmental Health · China

This review examines urban agriculture in China, identifying three forms: small-scale, capital-intensive, and tourism-type, each with benefits and challenges shaped by local context and government policies. Despite benefits like improved community cohesion and environmental sustainability, urban agriculture in China faces significant limitations including land availability, capital shortage, market access, and insufficient governmental support. Strategies and four recommendations are proposed to address these challenges.

Dong Wang, Peiyuan Xu, Bo-Wen An, Qiuping Guo · Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution · Global

This paper introduces a conceptual framework for urban green infrastructure (UGI) to integrate ecological principles, urban planning, and adaptive management for resilient urban landscapes. UGI aims to enhance ecological connectivity, restore ecosystem functions, and provide habitats, emphasizing multifunctionality, connectivity, diversity, and accessibility. Global case studies demonstrate UGI's effectiveness in biodiversity conservation and its contribution to sustainable urban development through ecosystem services. Challenges for UGI include funding constraints, institutional fragmentation, and equity issues, requiring innovative financing, community involvement, and policy innovations.

Abbey Palmer, Phillip Warsaw, Aaron J. McKim, R. Bud McKendree, Marion Nettleton, Tiffany Marzolino, Haley Brasier · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States

This study evaluated a land-based learning program in northern Michigan, involving two schools, two teachers, their students, food-service directors, local farmers, and a university extension educator. The program delivered farm-to-school content through 20 instructional sessions, leading students to identify and implement interventions to increase local food in school lunches. Findings indicate that this framework offers similar benefits to traditional farm-to-school programs, with added flexibility and educational advantages.

Evandro dos Santos Taborda, Vera Lúcia Simão, Joel Cezar Bonin · Cadernos Cajuína · Brazil

This descriptive and qualitative literature review, conducted from April 8 to May 10, 2023, analyzed 20 theses and dissertations from databases like Periódicos Capes, Google Scholar, and Scielo Brasil. It is part of a master's research investigating transdisciplinary and eco-formative pedagogical practices with high school students using a community garden in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The study suggests that continuing such practices in high school can strengthen the connection between education and society, offering integrated learning opportunities.

Debora Sihombing, Yayat Sukayat · MIMBAR AGRIBISNIS Jurnal Pemikiran Masyarakat Ilmiah Berwawasan Agribisnis · Indonesia

PT Tanikota Agribudaya Edulestari, an urban agriculture company, has not yet achieved profitability despite business diversification and technology application. This qualitative study analyzed elements of organizational dynamics to identify obstacles faced by the company in its business operations. Results showed that 22 out of 32 sub-variables did not align with organizational dynamics indicators, including organizational goals, member orientation, task-activity balance, conflict resolution, coordination, decision-making, and member participation, indicating that the company's organizational dynamics still face challenges in business operations.

Muhammad Yusuf, Ainun Nurin Sharvina, Agus Setiawan · Seminar Nasional Teknik Sipil · Indonesia

Kampung Keputih Tegal, Indonesia, located very close to a final waste disposal site, contributes significantly to the city's waste containment. This qualitative descriptive study, using observation and interviews, aimed to formulate a village improvement concept based on sustainable development and community participation. The research resulted in concepts and strategies for sustainable and livable development, including design ideas such as urban farming and rainwater harvesting.

Gustavo Alves de Melo, Luiz Gonzaga de Castro Júnior, Eduardo Gomes Carvalho, Maria Gabriela Mendonça Peixoto, Samuel Borges Barbosa, Patrícia Guarnieri dos Santos, André Luiz Marques Serrano, Lucas Oliveira Gomes Ferreira, José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade Guerra · DYNA · Brazil

This descriptive, quantitative study used structural equation modeling to investigate the relationship between various Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) variables in Southeastern Brazil. The study confirmed that socioeconomic characteristics positively influence CSA performance. Limitations included data collection methods and difficulties from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Amal Ibourk, Lauren Wagner, Deb Morrison, Syrena Young, Justin Milledge · Science and Children · Global

This article describes a fifth-grade climate change action project involving building a community garden, aligned with science standards. Students learned about monarch butterfly migration, life cycles, and greenhouse gases by planting milkweed. The article offers educators ideas and suggestions for implementing such a project within a school community.

Indah Nur Fitriandini · J-IKA · Indonesia (Bogor)

This descriptive quantitative study, conducted at BBP2TP in Bogor, Indonesia, surveyed 1,066 Zilenial generation respondents who received BBP2TP urban agriculture information literacy. The study aimed to determine the level of urban agriculture information literacy, the Zilenial generation's interest in farming, and the influence of information literacy on this interest. Results indicated a significant influence of information literacy on the interest in farming, suggesting that adequate urban agriculture information literacy is necessary to increase farming interest among the Zilenial generation.

Clara Pantoja Bohórquez, Karen Johanna Martínez Grisales, Jessica Paola Rincón Vivas, Linda Vanessa Boada Arias · Convergencia Revista de Ciencias Sociales · Colombia (Bogotá)

This qualitative multiple case study in Bogotá, Colombia, explores the role of women in seven community urban farming initiatives and their collective resistance practices. It found that women pursue food sovereignty, transform relationships with nature, and re-signify public space. Women play a significant role in community self-management, with high recognition of their knowledge and practices, and their networks of affection and intergenerational exchange strengthen female autonomy and leadership.

Eduardo Torres, Orientadora: MSc, Ana Maria Ferreira de Gomes, Efraim Lagos · Revista fisio&terapia. · Brazil

This research implemented Environmental Accounting as an educational tool at Pedro Aguirre high school in Manicoré, Brazil, to raise awareness about ecological issues and promote sustainable practices. Sustainable practices introduced included selective waste collection, educational signs, and the creation of a community garden. The methodology included exploratory and descriptive research with qualitative and quantitative analysis of students’ environmental education knowledge and the effectiveness of implemented practices.

Karen Haas, Sharon P. Simson, Nancy C. Stevenson · · Global

Horticulture is a leisure pursuit for hundreds of thousands of older adults who enjoy tending flower and vegetable gardens or indoor plant collections. For an increasing number of older adults, gardening is an essential therapeutic activity that helps in maintaining health, aids in rehabilitation from chronic diseases and impairments, or slows the effects of dementia.

Wahyu Halya Aprilia Putri, Renita Dwi Lestari, Prasmita Dian Wijayanti · Manfaat Jurnal Pengabdian Pada Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia (Semarang City)

Residents of RW 05 Jomblang, Semarang City, Indonesia, are increasingly concerned about plastic waste. As a solution, MBKM students implemented a program utilizing used plastic bottles as planting media in hydroponic techniques. This program reduced waste, supported sustainable agriculture by minimizing land and water use, and raised community awareness about eco-friendly urban farming. Evaluations showed tangible results, such as pakcoy plants being distributed to participants, suggesting significant benefits for the community.

Can Xu · Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences · Global

This study demonstrates advancements in sustainable urban planning through an an AI-driven decision support system. Experimental results show solar panel efficiency at 25%, rainwater harvesting capacity at 600 liters per square meter, and 3 square meters of community garden space per resident. The system also provided 1.5 bike-sharing stations per 1000 residents, exceeding market averages in several areas.

Neşe Börü · International Journal of Leadership in Education · Turkey

This case study investigated school principals' practices and barriers to sustainable development in Turkish K-12 schools under centralized management, using semi-structured interviews. The findings highlighted the need for leadership skills, collaboration with external bodies, public education, reward systems, and school budgets under a centralized management approach. The research identified that the centralized management system itself presents a barrier to sustainable development efforts in these schools.

Bart Neuts, Steven Valcke, Clio Lambrechts, Vincent R. Nijs, Jan Van Praet · · Europe

This study describes a participatory inquiry conducted in the summer of 2021 at St Godelina’s Abbey in Bruges, Belgium, where visitors co-created 4,784 scenarios for the heritage site's future development. A panel of 40 experts further explored these scenarios, leading to an architectural design that integrates a community garden, orchard, and other elements. The process is presented as a best practice for citizen participation in redeveloping cultural sites, though limitations include significant data collection and analysis efforts, making it impractical for smaller initiatives.