Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
6072 results(56 / 243)
Growing utopia – undoing risk through self-sufficiency and urban gardening?
2024Elin Montelius · Journal of Risk Research · Sweden
This paper analyzes the utopia of self-sufficiency as a response to risk and uncertainty, particularly focusing on the growing interest in gardening and cultivating vegetables in Sweden. Using intersectional risk theory, it examines how narratives of self-sufficiency function to address ecological risk and uncertainty, and how utopian narratives can contribute to undoing risk.
DIYCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceSoil quality in the urban gardens of Barcelona (Spain)
2024Cosimo Dondini, Xavier Úbeda, Giacomo Certini, Marcos Francos · Journal of Soils and Sediments · Spain (Barcelona)
This study analyzed soils from ten urban gardens in Barcelona, Spain, with a special focus on possible contaminants. Irrigation water was also analyzed, and some of the waters contained a high concentration of salts and nitrites, which are listed as a pollutant. While three tests for heavy metals did not attest to significant pollution, other toxic elements not considered in this study could come from road transport gases or the port of Barcelona. Overall, the soil quality was concluded to be suitable for growing vegetables.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleHealthCommunitySubsistence to commercial: urban farming transformation builds food security and social empowerment
2024Ilham Nur Hanifan Maulana, Chandra Dinata, Aditya Chisabul Amali, Ditania Arya Dewi · JRTI (Jurnal Riset Tindakan Indonesia) · Indonesia (Malang)
This qualitative case study in Sukun Village, Malang City, Indonesia, investigated urban farming's potential for diverse food security and community empowerment through commercialization. Data was collected via in-depth interviews with 15 stakeholders, participatory observations, and document analysis. Findings indicate that urban farming contributes to micro-food security by providing fresh produce, fostering social solidarity, and increasing household incomes through cooperative models and agrotourism, also highlighting its integration with educational tourism for economic sustainability.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceINTRODUCTION TO GRASS JELLY CULTIVATION THROUGH THE URBAN FARMING CONCEOT FOR FAMILY WELFARE AND EMPOWERMENT GROUP OF RW IX, GRIYA BHAYANGKARA
2024Puji Lestari Tarigan, Edi Purnomo Sasongko, Haidar Fari Aditya, Wanti Mindari, Ramadhani Mahendra Kusuma, Fitri Wijayanti · Journal of Community Service · Indonesia (Sidoarjo)
This community service activity in RW IX, Griya Bhayangkara, Sidoarjo, East Java, introduced the cultivation of green grass jelly using urban farming methods like polybags and pots to PKK groups. The aim was to highlight the plant's benefits for digestion, blood sugar, and cancer prevention, and its potential for household-scale processing. The activity, which included lectures and practical sessions, resulted in the distribution of grass jelly plants for care and harvesting, with the PKK group finding them interesting and beneficial for various food preparations.
DIYCommunityWelfareFood educationGrowing Your Own Food and Dietary Quality: Results from a Survey
2024Larissa S. Drescher, Carola Grebitus · EuroChoices · Europe
This study investigated the link between growing one's own food and dietary quality, using the Healthy Food Diversity Index, Berry-Index, and a produce consumption indicator. It found that growing food at home and in community gardens is associated with the highest fruit and vegetable consumption, while not growing any food is associated with the lowest produce consumption. Overall, the results indicate that growing food is linked to higher dietary quality values, suggesting potential health benefits from home and community gardens. The negative association between not growing food and diet quality highlights a need to promote food-growing programs.
DIYCommunityHealthPemanfaatan Limbah Organik Pertanian Sebagai Media Tanam Pertanian Perkotaan (Urban Farming) Dalam Membangun Kemandirian Pangan di “Kampung Wisata Terpadu” Desa Mulyoagung, Kecamatan Dau, Kabupaten Malang
2024Tri Wahyu Nugroho, Aulia Luqman Aziz, Hery Toiba, Ahmad Imron Rozuli, Suyadi Suyadi · JAPI (Jurnal Akses Pengabdian Indonesia) · Indonesia (Malang)
This community service activity in Mulyoagung Village, Malang, Indonesia, aimed to empower the local economy through urban farming by utilizing organic waste such as cocopeat and polybags as growing media. The program successfully enabled the community to adopt urban farming concepts, proving its effectiveness in addressing shrinking agricultural land and strengthening the local economy. However, it is also noted that sources of materials, human resources, and market access are among the obstacles causing urban farming failures.
Economic viabilityOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityClimate Change Adaptation through Urban Agriculture Food Barn in Tambakrejo, Semarang City
2024Muhammad Sholeh, Deby Luriawati Naryatmojo, Saptono Putro, Andri Sumihar Simbolon · Jurnal Abdimas · Indonesia (Semarang)
In Tambakrejo, Semarang City, Indonesia, an urban farming initiative supported by SAKA Energi Muriah Limited and Semarang State University aimed to enhance food security and climate change adaptation. The program involved community empowerment, training, and implementation of urban farming models like vertical pipes and hanging pots. This initiative successfully provided alternative food sources, especially during floods, and increased community awareness of food security and the environment.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityFood educationA Systematic Review of Korean Studies on the Health Effects of Care Farming
2024Minah Baek, Eunseo Jeong, Eunjeong Kang · Academy of Urban Health · South Korea
This systematic review analyzed 19 domestic studies on the health effects of care farming in South Korea, noting an increase in research since 2020 across diverse fields. Horticultural therapy was the most common intervention, with insect, forest, and urban gardening showing positive effects on stress, depression, and cognitive and emotional functions. Recommendations included increased attention from healthcare researchers, standardization of practices, and policy support.
HealthWelfareElderlyCommunityUrban Agriculture and Food Security in Development Planning
2024Paul Teng · Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development · Global
This paper examines urban agriculture's role in national planning, particularly concerning global food security challenges as urban populations grow. It notes that urban and peri-urban agriculture, ranging from community gardens to commercial farms, has seen rapid technological development and private investment, especially since the early 2020s. Beyond economic and food security benefits, urban agriculture also offers environmental and social advantages for cities aiming to reduce their carbon footprints.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityDigital agricultureYield Operations: (Re)Fitting Urban Agriculture in Existing Green Spaces for Economic and Other Benefits
2024Joshua Zeunert · UNSWorks (University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia) · United States
To investigate the economic potential of urban agriculture in existing public green spaces, gross economic returns per hectare from horticultural crops were calculated from eight sources and fourteen growing approaches. Findings showed returns ranging from $22,249 to $360,000 USD per hectare annually, with several small urban agriculture businesses achieving gross returns of $150,000-$300,000 per hectare. The study concludes that urban agriculture in existing public green spaces offers opportunities to increase economic viability, alongside additional benefits like job creation, local food availability, education, training, health, and environmental improvements.
EconomicsCommunityPolicyCultivating a Sustainable Tomorrow: Community Gardens and Food Security in the City of Santa Clara
2024Brandon, Chrislyn · Scholar Commons (Santa Clara University) · United States (Santa Clara)
The City of Santa Clara faces significant challenges in ensuring equitable access to food for its residents amidst rising living costs and economic disparities. Enhancing support for residents' food security needs through increased knowledge sharing and resource provision in community areas is an efficient strategy to reduce hunger rates and create welcoming community spaces that support sustainability. This initiative addresses two key focus areas in Santa Clara's Climate Action Plan.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeHealthIdentificação de armadilhas cromotrópicas para manejo de insetos pragas com seletividade aos inimigos naturais
2024Gustavo Aceti de Avila, Giovanni Vonsowski Guarido, Luis Vitor Fornacciari, Arthur Almenara Rosendo, Fernando Teruhiko Hata, Carlos Alexandre Zanutto, Ednaldo Michellon, William Mário de Carvalho Nunes · Contribuciones a las Ciencias Sociales · Brazil
A participatory experiment using different colored Moericke-type flight interceptor traps was conducted in the Vila Esperança community garden in Maringá, Brazil, to identify the most effective colors for managing pests while being selective towards natural enemies. Dark blue, light blue, and yellow traps showed the best pest/natural enemy ratios (3.19, 3.01, and 1.01, respectively) and captured the most pest insects. These colors are recommended for use as they reduce pest insect populations while avoiding the capture of beneficial insects.
CommunityBiodiversityGrowing together or growing apart? A study of food donation community garden programming during the COVID-19 pandemic
2024Moses Wanyakha, Nancy Grudens‐Schuck, Ann M. Oberhauser · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States (Iowa)
This study investigated resilience and vulnerabilities in fresh produce donation partnership programs to food pantries in Iowa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings revealed a significant decrease in labor hours during the pandemic years of 2020–2021, attributed to government policies and social distancing requirements. Volunteer shortages, donation inconsistency, and exclusionary community practices appeared to be inherent vulnerabilities of volunteer-based food donation programs.
Limited or null effectCommunityWelfareFood lossPolicyParticipatory action research with wheat landrace producers and community supported agriculture groups; a case from Turkey
2024Mesut YILDIZ, Tayfun Özkaya · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Turkey
This participatory action research was conducted with five community-supported food groups formed by consumers in İzmir province, Turkey, and associations/groups producing wheat landraces in Çanakkale, Balıkesir, and Kars provinces. The research aimed to identify common problems that reduce the separation between wheat production and consumption and to determine how to increase the use of wheat landraces and their products.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageHeirloom & landracePEMANFAATAN URBAN FARMING TOGA DAN PENGELOLAAN MENJADI PRODUK UNGGULAN DESA
2024Muhammad Nurul Fadel, Intan Adevia Rosnarita, Bintari Tri Sukoharjanti, Riana Rahmawati, Muhamad Khudzaifi, Emma Jayanti Besan, Hasriyani Hasriyani, Galih Kurniawan · Jurnal Abdimas Indonesia · Indonesia
A community service activity in Indonesia aimed to educate residents on the benefits and uses of TOGA (family medicinal plants) urban farming. The method involved education and discussion to enhance community experience and knowledge in applying TOGA urban farming, including cultivation and utilization, and discussing the importance of natural ingredients and TOGA as an alternative treatment for minor illnesses. The findings indicate increased productivity and empowerment among residents regarding TOGA urban farming, alongside heightened empathy and awareness among pharmacists and pharmaceutical personnel in providing education.
DIYFood educationCommunityHortas urbanas: desafios e potencialidades para o desenvolvimento sustentável de Cachoeiro de Itapemirim - ES
2024Adriana Rezende Bighi, Regiane Carla Bolzan Carvalho, Camille Rezende Sartorio, Maurício Novaes Souza · Mérida Publishers eBooks · Brazil
This study examines the role of urban gardens in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil, exploring their economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Urban gardens mitigate environmental degradation, promote biodiversity, and have the potential to generate employment and income opportunities for local residents, while reducing food costs. Through the efficient use of local resources like idle land and organic waste, these gardens yield significant environmental benefits, including reduced pollution and improved air quality, and foster sustainable agricultural practices.
CommunityEconomicsBiodiversityClimate changeMANAJEMEN RISIKO RANTAI PASOK INTERNAL HORTIKULTURA SAWI (Studi Kasus: Buruan SAE “Mang Odedâ€, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat)
2024Legenda Samuel Pardede, Tomy Perdana, Dhany Esperanza, Endah Djuwendah · Jurnal Agristan · Indonesia (Bandung)
This qualitative case study investigated the internal supply chain risk management for mustard greens (sawi) at the "Buruan SAE Mang Oded" urban farming group in Bandung City, Indonesia. Using the House of Risk method, the study identified 23 risk events and 23 risk agents within the supply chain, with 14 priority risk agents requiring control. The findings indicate significant challenges in managing the internal supply chain, suggesting that the current system faces numerous risks that hinder efficiency and effectiveness.
Economic viabilityCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPELATIHAN PEMBUATAN PESTISIDA NABATI UNTUK MENDUKUNG KAMPUNG ORGANIK SARI MAKMUR KOTA MAGELANG MENUJU DESA SENTRA ORGANIC FARMING
2024Muzayyanah Rahmiyah, Eka Nur Jannah, Fuad Hilmy · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Bumi Raflesia · Indonesia (Magelang)
In Magelang City, Indonesia, residents of Sari Makmur Organic Village cultivate vegetables in their home gardens, but pests and diseases pose a problem. This activity aimed to enhance residents' knowledge and skills in making plant-based pesticides from papaya leaves through counseling and demonstrations. Additionally, yellow traps were installed in the fields.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationDIYGrowing ‘tools for conviviality’: Exploring the transformative potential of urban gardening initiatives in Indian cities
2024Deborah Dutta, Amrita B. Hazra · Southern African journal of environmental education · India
This qualitative study in Indian cities explored the varied motivations, constraints, and possibilities that inspire urban gardening practices. Based on interviews with practitioners, it argues that community gardening can be an important way to motivate people to re-establish connections with ecosystems. However, the study concludes that sustained transformations in urban spaces and food systems require supportive public policies, infrastructure, and social acceptability.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeOota Kathegalu: Tracing the food stories of Bengaluru, India
2024Marthe L. Derkzen, Maitreyi Koduganti, Sheetal Patil, Parama Roy · · India (Bengaluru)
Bengaluru has transitioned from a "Garden City" to a "Global Technology Hub," resulting in food production being pushed out and productive lands converted to residential and commercial uses. This urbanization has led to rising land values, sharpening inequalities, and recurrent water insecurity. In response, new forms of urban farming, such as kitchen gardens and community farms, have emerged to mitigate space constraints and meet local food aspirations. This chapter will use participatory mapping, interviews, film, and photography to explore how Bengaluru residents from diverse backgrounds perceive food as cultural connections, community feelings, and environmental resilience.
Equity & displacementCommunityDIYFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageEvaluation of the Sustainability of Urban Agriculture in the Use of Yard Land in the City of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
2024Retno Lantarsih, Suhartini Suhartini, Anu Gupta · HABITAT · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)
This study evaluated the sustainability of the Pekarangan Pangan Lestari Program (P2L) in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, across ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Multidimensional scale analysis showed the social dimension was "quite sustainable" at 62.63%, while the ecological (48.69%) and economic (33.38%) dimensions were in the "less sustainable" category. The social dimension had the greatest impact on the P2L Program's sustainability.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityClimate changeGo Green: Memberdayakan Masyarakat Rawa Buntu Serpong Dengan Menanam Sayuran dan Rempah-rempah
2024Eko Sudarmanto, Triana Zuhrotun Aulia, Indra Gunawan Siregar, Lena Erdawati, Isrok Isrok, M Wahid Saputra, Yuana Fasya Purnamasari · Solusi Bersama · Indonesia
The "Go Green" program, part of Universitas Muhammadiyah Tangerang's community service, aimed to address environmental issues and strengthen food security in Rawa Buntu, Indonesia. It promoted gardening in home yards and vacant land, encouraging community participation in cultivating vegetables and herbs. The program concluded that community involvement in gardening positively impacts the environment, strengthens the local economy, and fosters more sustainable food security.
CommunityFood educationEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceResidents' preferences for urban agriculture in Shanghai
2024Shengyi Du, Katsuya Tanaka · Heliyon · China (Shanghai)
A discrete choice experiment with 756 Shanghai residents investigated preferences for urban agriculture (UA). Respondents generally supported UA, favoring facilities with environmentally friendly production, farming activities, and dining options, and preferring regularly scheduled educational activities. Residents preferred nearby UA facilities but not necessarily directly in front of them, with stronger preferences observed among highly educated populations, those with primary/secondary school students, and those with agricultural work experience.
CommunityFood educationEconomicsUrban–rural linkageStrategi Peningkatan Kemandirian Energi melalui Pemanfaatan Panel Surya untuk Hidroponik dan Akuaponik di SDI As Salam dan SMPIT As Salam Kota Malang
2024Putu Hadi Setyarini, Sisca Fajriani, Tri Nurwati, Mochammad Roviq, Dian Inayati · Jurnal Surya Masyarakat · Indonesia (Malang)
A community service activity at SDI As Salam and SMPIT As Salam in Malang, Indonesia, integrated solar panels into hydroponic and aquaponic systems to enhance energy independence. The Participatory Rural Appraisal approach involved training, installation workshops, and farming assistance. The use of solar panels reduced electricity costs, supported student learning about renewable energy, and improved the sustainability of urban farming in schools.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeUnderstanding factors affecting non-participants’ interest in community-supported agriculture
2024Maula Fadhilata Rahmatika, Agus Suman, Wildan Syafitri, Sri Muljaningsih · Regional Sustainability · Indonesia
This study examined potential customers' interest in Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Indonesia using the UTAUT2 model, surveying 1200 respondents. The model explained 44.4% of customer intentions, identifying performance expectancy (0.292) as the decisive factor. Hedonic motivation (0.262), social influence (0.259), and facilitating conditions (0.086) also positively influenced interest in CSA participation.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsPolicyCommunity