Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2012 results(56 / 81)
Agricultura urbana: o desenvolvimento de um projeto social
2017Joice Zagna Valent, Letícia de Oliveira, Vinicius Dornelles Valent · DRd - Desenvolvimento Regional em debate · Brazil
This descriptive study aimed to describe a social urban agriculture project in a community located in Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Through a literature review and a semi-structured interview with the project coordinator, it was shown that urban agriculture possesses social, economic, ecological, and symbolic dimensions beyond food production. The study concluded that various projects developed around urban food cultivation, with main impacts including the promotion of food security, generation of employment and income, environmental management, social integration, and development of human capital.
CommunityFood educationEconomicsHealthWelfareLe jardin partagé : le jardin Auguste Renoir à Paris
2017Fabienne Charraire · · France (Paris)
Shared gardens are a form of small, collective gardens, often urban, inherited from workers' gardens. Their purpose extends beyond mere gardening, serving as places of social life, often with educational and festive aims, open to all. These gardens are typically managed by an association on temporarily or permanently occupied land.
CommunityFood educationLa agricultura urbana como fenómeno de progreso local : experiencias en la ciudad de Bogotá
2017Izquierdo Acosta, Daniel Francisco · · Colombia (Bogotá)
This study examined five urban agriculture experiences in Bogotá, Colombia, focusing on productivity (species richness and market prices), resource use and management (water, energy, land, waste), and human organizational forms. The research aims to make these contexts known to farmers and academia, providing insights for better implementation of urban agriculture.
Food sovereignty & justiceFood educationCommunityEconomicsIntroducing School Gardens to the Omani Context: A Preliminary Study with Grade 7 Classes
2017Neil Taylor, Abdulla Ambusaidi, Rashid Al‐Yahyai, Subhashni Taylor · Eurasia Journal of Mathematics Science and Technology Education · Oman
A pilot school gardening project in Oman, using a mixed-method quasi-experimental design with Grade 7 classes, investigated its impact. Quantitative findings tentatively suggest improved learning outcomes in science skill development. Qualitative findings indicated a positive impact on students' affective domain and, in some cases, encouraged healthier eating habits.
Food educationHealthNature study in practice
2017Dorothy Kass · · Australia
This chapter examines sources related to teaching nature study in schools. A few years before the 1904 syllabus introduction in New South Wales, most teachers were unfamiliar with nature study, and inspectors were skeptical about elementary science in state schools. Richmond Public School offers an example of nature study in practice, though its situation was unique.
Food educationCommunityAroma-Home’s edible stories: An urban community garden performs
2017Susan C. Haedicke · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · France (Paris)
Aroma-Home, an artist-initiated community garden in Villetaneuse, France, transformed a bleak construction site into an urban agricultural commons starting in 2013. Local inhabitants and an artist reclaimed public spaces, creating a community garden that wove together food-growing, storytelling, and place-making through cultural practices around growing, preparing, and sharing food among multi-ethnic participants.
CommunityDIYFood educationUrban Agriculture and Campus Sustainability: Recent Books
2017Stephanie Ritchie · Metropolitan Universities · Global
This selected bibliography compiles recently published books relevant to higher education institutions concerning food, agriculture, and sustainability efforts. It addresses the increasing interest in food production, distribution, consumption, and disposal, and how universities are integrating these concerns into curricula and sustainability initiatives.
Food educationCommunityPolicyEL HUERTO ESCOLAR COMO HERRAMIENTA INNOVADORA QUE CONTRIBUYE AL DESARROLLO COMPETENCIAL DEL ESTUDIANTE UNIVERSITARIO. UNA PROPUESTA EDUCATIVA MULTIDISCIPLINAR
2017Ana María Botella Nicolás, Amparo Hurtado Soler, José Cantó Doménech · Vivat Academia · Global
The school garden is an educational resource that allows students to approach the natural environment by designing interdisciplinary experiences that contribute to the development of basic skills. At the university level, it facilitates collaborative learning and the acquisition of socio-environmental skills. The L'Hort 2.0 project aims to create a virtual environment based on the school garden for ICT content management, linking outside-the-classroom activities with teaching guide content. This project was conducted using an active and collaborative methodology in three phases: preparation and design of the web environment in six areas, development of educational materials, and evaluation of their usefulness in the classroom and effectiveness in the student learning process. The results show high student involvement in the learning process and improved assessment results that better reflect the skills attained.
Food educationCommunityUsing the Cultivating Learning with School Gardens Curriculum in Burundi, Africa
2017Suzanne Smith, K. Anne Wright, Lauren Hrncirik, Mary Katherine Deen · Journal of Extension · Burundi
University faculty and Extension educators implemented the "Cultivating Learning with School Gardens" curriculum in Burundi, Africa, to address food insecurity, youth development, and experiential learning. Washington State University personnel trained Burundian NGO staff via videoconferencing, who then trained teachers in pilot programs at four Burundian schools. First harvests occurred in May 2016, with support from an agricultural consultant.
Food educationWelfareCommunity도시농업 활동이 친환경 식단에 미치는 영향
2017강미영, 김영희, 김용현, 진종현, 이민희, 허무룡 · · South Korea
This study conducted in South Korea investigated the influence of urban farming activities on changes in eco-friendly diets. Urban farming participants were often office workers living in apartments with 4-person families, and tended to have over 10 years of rural experience in childhood. They participated in activities for 1-2 hours on weekend mornings once a week for over 3 years. Eco-friendly food education influenced crop yields, and difficulties with weed removal and the need for eco-friendly farming education were noted. Participants reported satisfaction with the type and quality of harvests, changes in diet, reduced food costs, and health benefits.
HealthFood educationCommunityDIYEconomicsMonitoring Urban Farming Berbasis Pendokumentasian dan Partisipasi Anak dalam Menciptakan Lingkungan Ramah Anak di Wilayah Pegirian Surabaya
2017Idealita Ismanto · · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This qualitative study in Pegirian, Surabaya, Indonesia, explored the role of photography as a medium for children to monitor urban farming and document their living environment. The findings indicate that photography can serve as a reference for documenting environmental changes, enable children and the community to participate in child-friendly environmental activities, and improve family behavior in plant care and environmental maintenance, strengthening family and community relationships.
Food educationCommunityGrowing the community – a case study of community gardens in Lincoln's Abbey Ward
2017Jennifer Jackson · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · United Kingdom (Lincoln)
This qualitative case study examined Green Synergy's community garden initiatives in Lincoln's Abbey Ward, UK, using observation, interviews, a focus group, and a workshop. It explored the social element of community gardening in building connections between social and natural capital. The study found that collaborative creation of green spaces fosters bonding and bridging social capital within communities and challenges narratives of individual and community capacity.
CommunityHealthFood educationPROMOTING POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: A SCHOOL GARDEN NARRATIVE
2017Andile Mji · Commonwealth Youth and Development · Global
This study reports on a program where 118 learners (56.8% female), aged 16-18, participated in starting and tending school gardens. The aim was to determine how an empowering environment built learners' competencies and what lessons they learned, and if their utterances reflected positive youth development attributes. Qualitative data from open-ended interviews revealed that learners changed, learned to share, understood the meaning of working with others, and their utterances were consistent with positive youth development competencies.
Food educationCommunityHealthPeran Pertanian Urban Pada Kesejahteraan Petani Muslim Pada Empat Kelompok Tani Di Surabaya Ditinjau Dari Perspektif Islam
2017Trisna Setia Permana, Moh. Qudsi Fauzy · Jurnal Ekonomi Syariah Teori dan Terapan · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This descriptive qualitative case study in Surabaya, Indonesia, examined the role of urban farming in the welfare of Muslim farmers across four farmer groups, from an Islamic perspective. The study found that urban farming positively contributed to material welfare by creating job opportunities, self-employment, small businesses, and increasing income for group members. Furthermore, it supported non-material welfare through producing halal commodities, generating usury-free income, implementing honest and fair marketing principles, and engaging in community development activities like counseling and training.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsFood educationUrban Agricultural and Sustainability Program at Houston’s Downtown University: Combining New Curriculum, Hands-on Projects, and a Hurricane
2017Lisa Morano, Vassilios Tzouanas · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States (Houston)
The University of Houston–Downtown (UHD) launched an urban agriculture and sustainability program in 2016, engaging undergraduates in hands-on projects like creating aquaponics systems. Qualitative student surveys indicated increased knowledge and impact on career directions. However, the 2017 program plans were disrupted when Hurricane Harvey flooded the school and destroyed student aquaponics systems, necessitating a focus on rebuilding and future resiliency.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeOkul Öncesi Eğitim Kurumlarının Bahçelerinin Peyzaj Tasarımı ve Alan Kullanımlar
2017Sertaç Güngör · Journal of Agricultural Faculty of Gaziosmanpasa University · Turkey (Konya)
This study investigated the current state of gardens in 7 nursery schools in Selçuklu district, Konya city, Turkey, regarding landscape design and space usage. The findings revealed that the nursery school gardens were not used effectively, lacked sufficient green space in their landscape design, and were not properly designed to contribute to children's mental and physical development.
Limited or null effectFood educationHealthCommunityEffect of Urban Agriculture Experience Program on the Mental Health of the Elderly
2017Hyun‐Kyung Kang, Seung Jun Back · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
This study investigated the effect of an urban agriculture experience program on the mental health of seniors over 65, comparing a group participating for over six months with a control group. Using t-tests on stress and depression indices, and physiological disparity, the experiment group showed statistically significantly lower stress scores related to loneliness and health, and much lower depression levels than the control group. Autonomic nervous system analysis also indicated lower stress and normal pulse diversity for the experiment group, suggesting urban agriculture stabilizes sympathetic nerves and activates parasympathetic nerves, increasing stress resistance.
HealthElderlyFood educationCommunitySpecificities of French community gardens as environmental stewardships
2017Ana Cristina Torres, Sophie Nadot, Anne‐Caroline Prévot · Ecology and Society · France
This study used participant observation and semi-structured interviews to explore motivations, practices, and processes in French community gardens, relating them to environmental stewardship. It found that environmental, social, and self-motivations drive gardener participation, fulfilling needs through processes like nature contemplation, environmental education, and renewing social-ecological relationships. French community gardens provide new experiences of nature and foster environmental stewardship by cultivating relational values, offering opportunities for creative conservation.
CommunityBiodiversityFood educationPolicySustainability at work, sustainability at play
2017Jyothsna Latha Belliappa, Alison Byrnes, Prayas Abhinav · · India
The City Spinning project, an urban horticulture and community networking experiment in two Indian cities, demonstrated a low-cost, resource-light model that separates consumption from ownership, aligning with sustainable Product-Service Systems. This project aimed to support urban poor children's nutritional needs and foster social equity by enabling interaction with community members. It also highlighted the importance of safe play spaces for children's development of citizenship competencies, which are often limited to confined playgrounds in most Indian cities.
CommunityFood educationWelfareHealthSurvey Data from Utah Urban Agricultural Workshop
2017Tyson J. Sorensen, Kelsey Hall, David Francis, Joshua Dallin · Digital Commons - USU (Utah State University) · United States (Utah)
A survey was conducted among 42 teachers who attended the Urban Agriculture Workshop in Utah to assess the value of various workshop aspects and measure pre-post gains in knowledge, ability, and importance. The survey also measured attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral controls, and behavioral intention, with demographic data also collected.
Food educationCommunityFostering behaviour change to encourage low-carbon food consumption through community gardens
2017Ju Eun Kim · International Journal of Urban Sciences · United Kingdom (London)
This empirical research evaluated the role of London's community gardens in promoting participants' environmentally friendly food consumption patterns, thereby lowering London's foodprint. An online survey was circulated to 95 community gardens in London, with 48 gardeners responding, complemented by semi-structured interviews. The study confirmed that the timespan of community garden participation is not an absolute indicator of low-carbon food consumption choices, while identifying experiential and social learning as key aspects promoting gardeners' behavioral change.
CommunityClimate changeFood educationHealth“We Always Say: And Then Came The Water…” 1 Flint’s Emergent Latinx Capacity Building Journey During the Government-Induced Lead Crisis
2017Roxanna Duntley-Matos, Victoria Arteaga, Ángel García, Rafael Arellano, Roberto Montes Garza, Robert M. Ortega · Journal of Community Practice · United States (Flint)
This critically intersubjectively engaged ethnography examines emergent Latinx lead crisis rehabilitation efforts in Flint, MI, focusing on the role of education within multicultural struggles for validation. It employs cultural humility, transformative complicity, and empowerment paradigms, emphasizing organizing strategies that respect faith-based, union, and urban gardening histories. The study's popular pedagogical methods promote agency among detained youths from Kalamazoo, who contribute through protest music, testimonies, and commentaries.
CommunityFood educationApplication of Agricultural Extension Principles to Information Dissemination among Extension Workers in Delta State, Nigeria: Implications for Urban Agriculture
2017D. U. Okoedo-Okojie, C.O. Edeoghon · Journals & Books Hosting (International Knowledge Sharing Platform) · Nigeria
This study in Delta State, Nigeria, surveyed 120 extension workers from two research institutes. It found that only farm visits were regularly used for information dissemination, and extension principles focused on farmer needs and problem-solving were commonly practiced. Age, education, and rank significantly influenced the frequency of applying these principles.
Food educationCommunityPolicyLeadership, partnerships, and civic engagement
2017Helena C. Lyson · · United States (California)
This qualitative fieldwork in a large, urban school district in Northern California explored school food reform efforts addressing childhood obesity. Reforms transpired through three processes: sustained involvement of parent-activists, leadership by the school food service director in championing farm-to-school efforts and facilitating partnerships, and widespread community support for funding and implementation. These findings indicate how local social change transformed public school food programs to benefit youth health.
Food educationCommunityHealthPolicyImplementación de agricultura urbana y siembra de micro jardines para afianzar la conciencia ambiental y a su vez generar estrategias comunicativas a través de los procesos de arte de la tierra en el Gimnasio Real de Colombia con niños y niñas del grado tercero de primaria
2017Villarraga Cordoba, María Fernanda · · Colombia
This 8-month project at Gimnasio Real de Colombia implemented urban agriculture and micro-garden planting with third-grade primary students. The aim was to strengthen environmental awareness and generate communication strategies through "Earth Art" processes, including pre-ritual games and performance actions. The report details the process and results of this pedagogical work.
Food educationCommunity