Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Rethinking the potential of urban agriculture as a climate resilience strategy: Evidence from Accra, Ghana
2025Gideon Baffoe, Philip Antwi‐Agyei · City and Environment Interactions · Ghana (Accra)
This mixed-methods study analyzed the role of urban agriculture (UA) in climate resilience in Accra, Ghana, from the perspective of policymakers. While UA contributes to food security, water use efficiency, and ecological protection, its integration into policy frameworks was found to be limited due to challenges such as weak institutional coordination, competing economic priorities, and governance inefficiencies.
Governance failureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsGrowing Social Spaces: Farming and Food Growing as Part of the Urban Landscape
2025Chris Blythe, Veronica Barry · · United Kingdom
This chapter examines urban farming and growing in the United Kingdom, advocating for a broader definition beyond purely productive practices to include social, political, and environmental interpretations. It explores how physical spaces in four Birmingham examples foster social interaction, drawing on practitioner experience, literature, and user perspectives. The aim is to provide insights into the value of these spaces as social landscapes for urban policy.
CommunityUrban–rural linkagePolicy338 Feasibility of building a community-based gardening initiative
2025Sawsan Salah, Lori A. Francis · Journal of Clinical and Translational Science · United States
This project developed a community garden at a childcare center in Harrisburg, PA, serving a low-income community where 74.6% of residents identified as Black or Hispanic/Latino. A listening session with six community members provided positive feedback and ideas for the garden, which was then installed with four beds. Weekly gardening activities engaged 20-50 children (n=50 total in summer program) for nine weeks, resulting in positive responses from children and staff, demonstrating the feasibility of such an initiative.
CommunityFood educationHealthWelfareIdentifying priority control factors for heavy metal pollution in urban agricultural soils of the Chengdu Plain: An integrated multi-model approach
2025M. J. Ni, Shuai Yan, Ting Li, Zijun Zhou, Xiaojing Liu, Shirong Zhang, Guiyin Wang, Xiaoxun Xu, Yulin Pu, Yongxia Jia, Lan Li · Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety · China (Chengdu)
This study investigated heavy metal (HM) contamination in urban and peri-urban agricultural soils of the Chengdu Plain, China, using an integrated multi-model approach. Four major HM sources were identified, including natural (30.0%), mixed agricultural and transportation (29.5%), metal smelting (19.4%), and atmospheric deposition (21.1%). Risk assessments revealed that Cd and Hg posed the highest ecological risks, and human health risk assessment indicated unacceptable health risks for children, with non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk probabilities reaching 4% and 10% respectively.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageEffectiveness of Facebook groups in enhancing the capacity of rooftop gardeners
2025Khondokar H. Kabir, Jannatul Ferdows, Saifur Rahman, Ataharul Chowdhury, Md. Asaduzzaman Sarker, S.M. Asik Ullah, Mohammed Nasir Uddin, Mohammad Maruf Hasan · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Bangladesh
An online survey of 120 rooftop gardeners in Bangladesh investigated the extent to which Facebook groups support information needs and enhance capacity. Findings indicate that information sharing in Facebook groups assists in planning, acquiring and utilizing resources, carrying out intercultural operations, and determining optimal harvesting and storage practices. Facebook can play a significant role in bridging the information gap among rooftop gardeners and enhancing their skills.
DIYCommunityFood educationDigital agriculturePara além do rural: Hortas Urbanas e Periurbanas como políticas públicas de garantia de segurança alimentar no meio urbano
2025Garcia, Pedro Henrique Lundquist de Souza, Carvalho, Joelson Gonçalves de · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Brazil (São Paulo)
This research, presented at the 10th Conference on Studies of Rural Settlements in July 2025, analyzes the socioeconomic impacts and challenges of urban and peri-urban gardens in Brazil, focusing on a 35-year municipal program in Penápolis, São Paulo. Based on field research and secondary data, preliminary results suggest that production for self-consumption and collective labor strengthen community bonds and reduce food insecurity. The study aims to propose improvements for local public policies.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsLand Use Changes and Implications for Food Production Planning in Peri-Urban Ruiru Sub-County, Kenya
2025Fuchaka Waswa, Duncan Gichabe, Ruth Kahuthıa-Gathu · Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO · Kenya (Ruiru)
This study investigated land use changes in Ruiru Sub-County, Kenya, from 1988 to 2024 using GIS. By 2024, agricultural land had decreased by 45.62%, while urban land use increased by 509%, and bare/rocky areas rose by 133% due to abandoned stone mining. The decline in agricultural land leads to reduced industrial crop areas and a shift to leafy vegetables, with an expected increase in agro-chemical use in intensive peri-urban farming.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agriculturePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeAdaptation of Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) to Urban Environments: Population Dynamics and Habitat Preferences in Zielona Góra (Poland) over 23 Years
2025Olaf Ciebiera, Paweł Czechowski, Federico Morelli, Sławomir Rubacha, Leszek Jerzak · Animals · Poland
This study investigated changes in the population size, distribution, and habitat preferences of the Eurasian magpie in Zielona Góra, Poland, over 23 years. A 2022 survey identified 953 magpie pairs, with an average density of 8.8 pairs/km2 across administrative boundaries (excluding forests) and 27.7 pairs/km2 in strictly urbanized zones. The highest densities were observed in the old town (36.5 pairs/km2) and residential blocks (34.5 pairs/km2), while peripheral areas showed significantly lower densities. Nests were predominantly located in coniferous trees, especially spruces, at a mean height of 11.8 m. Proximity to trash bins, water sources, and tall trees were significant predictors of nest density and placement.
BiodiversityTransforming Derelict Spaces in Tenali into Green Urban Landscapes: A Strategy for Sustainable Urban Regeneration
2025T. JHANSI, Kamaruddin Rani, T. S. Swapna · The Bioscan. · India (Tenali)
This thesis explores the strategy of transforming derelict spaces in Tenali into green urban landscapes for sustainable urban regeneration. The study aims to identify underutilized areas and propose their redevelopment into green urban landscapes such as parks, community gardens, and recreational zones, to enhance the city's ecological footprint, social cohesion, and urban aesthetics. It will provide a framework for transforming these spaces through a comprehensive analysis of existing derelict sites, green space design principles, community involvement strategies, and sustainable urban design approaches.
CommunityPolicyClimate changeProduction of Biofertilizers using Rhizobium Isolated from Phaseolus Vulgaris Root Nodules
2025Azemfack Jules Arnol, Mbouobda Hermann Désiré, Dobgima John Fonmboh, Muyang Rosaline Forsah, Fotso · African Journal of Biology and Medical Research · Cameroon
This study aimed to isolate and characterize Rhizobium bacteria from Phaseolus vulgaris root nodules to produce nitrogen biofertilizer as a chemical fertilizer substitute. Nodules from the University of Bamenda's school garden were used to purify and characterize Rhizobium, which were then used with charcoal powder to produce biofertilizer. Morphological characterization revealed fast-growing, translucent, mucoid, Gram-negative bacteria consistent with Rhizobium, and three concentrations of biofertilizer with a six-month shelf life were produced.
Organic cycleBiodiversityFood educationDeterminants of rooftop gardening knowledge among gardeners: A case study from Dhaka, Bangladesh
2025Sk. Md. Nur-E-Alam, Marcin Feltynowski, Md. Sekender Ali, Mohummed Shofi Ullah Mazumder, Fida Al Hasan · Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Administratio Locorum · Bangladesh (Dhaka)
This study in Dhaka, Bangladesh, aimed to explore the socio-economic characteristics and current knowledge of rooftop gardeners, and to evaluate factors contributing to their gardening knowledge. The research found that gardening space and media contact positively correlate with gardeners' existing knowledge. Access to diverse media can enhance understanding, and having gardening space facilitates technical knowledge sharing and community building among gardeners.
DIYFood educationCommunityHama-cha Field Note (2024–2025): A Non-Planned Engagement in Cultural Sustainability of Urban Agriculture
2025YUKUN, HE, HE, YUZHONG, Kiyoyama, Yohei, Ishida, Shigeyuki, Hama-cha Co-Creation Team · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Japan (Kyoto)
This paper documents a 2024–2025 field practice concerning Hama-cha, a traditional tencha in Kyoto, which faces threats from labor aging and persistent operational difficulties. Researchers encountered challenges in accessing tacit knowledge and identifying clear solutions for labor shortages, despite both farmers and researchers recognizing the problem. The study highlights the ongoing operational difficulties and lack of clear solutions for the economic viability of this traditional urban agriculture practice.
Economic viabilityUrban–rural linkageCommunityElderlyFood sovereignty & justiceTree Species Overcome Edaphic Heterogeneity in Shaping the Urban Orchard Soil Microbiome and Metabolome
2025Emoke Dalma Kovacs, Melinda Haydee Kovacs · Horticulturae · Romania (Cluj-Napoca)
This study in an urban orchard in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, investigated how five Prunus species and soil depth (0–30 cm) affect microbial biodiversity and metabolomic signatures using 225 soil samples. It found significant tree species-specific effects on soil microbial biodiversity, with bacterial biomarkers dominating and apricot tree soils showing the highest microbial activity. Metabolomic analysis identified 247 distinct metabolites, revealing unique organic acid profiles for sour cherry and quinone accumulation for cherry, with depth also influencing microbial communities and metabolite composition.
BiodiversityOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkageCommunity garden coproduction under collectivism
2025Hongmei Lu, Yanliu Lin, Pieter Hooimeijer, Yuelai Liu · Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning · China
This study investigates emerging coproduction transforming neglected vacant lands into community gardens in underserved neighborhoods in China, focusing on how collectivism influences civic engagement. Employing mixed methods including surveys, interviews, and field observations, the research explored how factors like motivation, legitimacy, and challenges manifest in a collective context. Findings revealed that residents prioritize neighborhood well-being over individual benefits, civic initiators use collectivism to legitimize garden land use, and residents frame community gardens as collective endeavors with broad societal benefits.
CommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageCommunityPeri-urban home gardens in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Mexico are fundamental spaces of resistance
2025Vázquez-García, Amparo, Elizondo, Cecilia · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Mexico
Home gardens in San Felipe Ecatepec, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Mexico, are systems with diverse plant species and areas ranging from 600m² to 2500m². This study aimed to identify forms of resistance against neoliberal policies and urban sprawl, finding that home gardens provide healthy, fresh food, create useful spaces, and preserve agrobiodiversity. These gardens are considered spaces of resistance based on traditional knowledge, helping to bolster food sovereignty. The research was conducted during the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Peri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityCommunityAnalisis Keamanan Pangan Sawi Hasil Pertanian Perkotaan dari Kandungan Logam Berat dan Kaitannya dengan Pencemaran Udara di Jakarta Timur
2025Yukarie Ayu Wulandari, Ade Sumiahadi, Dirgahani Putri, Helfi Gustia, Rosdiana · Jurnal AGROSAINS dan TEKNOLOGI · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This study, conducted from March to June 2025 in East Jakarta, investigated heavy metal contamination levels in mustard greens grown through urban agriculture. Mustard green samples were collected from five sub-districts, and lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) content was measured. Results showed that Cd absorption in mustard greens was very low, well below national and international maximum standards, but Pb absorption exceeded both national (0.5 ppm) and international (0.3 ppm) maximum permissible standards. No strong correlation was found between air quality and Cd or Pb content in the mustard greens.
Contamination & food safetyHealthClimate changeUrban–rural linkageCommunity supported agriculture’s perceived positive impacts on mental health and vegetable consumption in Norway and the UK
2025Anna Birgitte Milford, Daniel Keech, Sarah Wangui Muiruri · Agricultural and Food Economics · Europe
This survey study explored differences in organizational models and member characteristics of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Norway and the UK, focusing on factors contributing to member contentment, mental health, and vegetable consumption. Norwegian CSA members participated more actively in cultivation and harvesting and more often prepaid subscriptions than British members. In both countries, CSA membership was perceived to improve members' quality of life, vegetable intake, and physical and mental health, with more active members reporting higher satisfaction and stronger positive effects on vegetable consumption and mental health.
CSA & TeikeiHealthCommunityFood educationOrganising for Political Advocacy—the Case of the Netzwerk Solidarische Landwirtschaft
2025Leonie Guerrero Lara, Baldur Kapusta, Jessica Duncan, Giuseppe Feola · International Journal of Politics Culture and Society · Germany
This article analyzes the German Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) network's political advocacy efforts between 2018 and 2022 to strengthen the movement and induce change in the industrial agri-food system. The study found that the network's organizational structure, or lack thereof, influences advocacy strategies, resources, and group dynamics. It concludes that advocates should consider their movement's organizational structure in relation to advocacy, including tensions around member participation and the visibility of advocacy work.
CSA & TeikeiPolicyCommunityA Smart Plant Monitoring System Using Arduino
2025Arin Shaikh · International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology · Global
This paper presents a Smart Plant Monitoring System using Arduino, designed to automate irrigation and enhance plant care by continuously monitoring soil moisture, temperature, and humidity. The system, comprising an Arduino Uno, sensors, and a water pump, demonstrated a 30-40% reduction in water consumption and improved irrigation efficiency in experimental results. It is proposed for both small-scale urban gardening and large-scale agricultural applications.
Digital agricultureDIYAssessment of performance mesophilic single-stage biogas digester for treating agricultural wastes
2025Isaac Mbir Bryant, Francis Kumi, Christina Fobir · Journal of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (JGhIE) · Ghana
This 24-week study in Ghana assessed the performance of an 8 m3 pilot-scale mesophilic single-stage biogas digester for treating urban agricultural wastes. Operating at 30 °C with various hydraulic retention times (HRTs), the digester used cow dung as inoculum and various plant and animal wastes as substrates. The system produced 3 m3 of biogas (60% CH4) daily, with HRTs of 23 and 26 days showing better removal efficiency for most parameters compared to 20 days.
Organic cycleFloristic Diversity and Cultural Heritage of Aleppo’s Public Park: Toward Sustainable Urban Green Space Management
2025Antonio Andréa Belló, Aline Batch · Trees Forests and People · Syria (Aleppo)
This study documented 257 plant species in Aleppo's Central Public Park, Syria, through systematic field surveys and floristic analysis. Despite conflict, the park exhibited exceptional plant diversity, with Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Poaceae being the most represented families. The findings revealed a dominance of herbaceous species and perennials, and identified five native gymnosperm trees and approximately 7% rare or underrepresented flora, underscoring the need for integrated management strategies.
BiodiversityCommunityVisual Form, Video Duration, and Communication Behavior of TikTok Content on Increasing Generation Z's Knowledge of Urban Farming
2025Komang Tri Asta Pradnya Sulaksana · INDONESIAN JOURNAL OF SMALL SCALE FARMING · Indonesia (Denpasar)
An experimental study conducted in Denpasar City with 96 students showed that the visual form, video duration, and language style of TikTok content increased Generation Z's knowledge of urban farming. Specifically, content combining a long-duration graphic visual form with a conversational language style resulted in the highest knowledge increase. Personal characteristics did not correlate with knowledge increase, but communication behavior, namely exposure to communication media, correlated with knowledge increase.
Food educationDigital agricultureKandang Kambing Ramah Lingkungan pada Lahan Fasum Pondok Maritim
2025Sri Dwiyanti, Farid Baskoro, Miftahur Rohman · JURPIKAT (Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat) · Indonesia (Surabaya)
In Pondok Maritim, Surabaya, Indonesia, an environmentally friendly goat pen (Kakamraling) design was proposed to optimize the use of public land for urban farming through goat husbandry. The pen features a separator system for feces and urine, which are collected and periodically harvested as organic fertilizer and liquid organic fertilizer. This technological intervention is intended to allow residents to increase income from goat farming and the sale of both solid and liquid organic fertilizers derived from the goats.
Organic cycleEconomicsCommunityPemberdayaan Perempuan Melalui Penguatan Ketahanan Pangan: Peran Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) dan Penggiat PKK dalam Pengembangan Komoditas Hortikultura Berbasis Urban Farming di Desa Cemani, Grogol, Sukoharjo
2025Anditya Gilang Rizky Pradana, Muhammad Fariz Yoga Pranata, Bela Tri Wijayanti, Febry Nurhidayati, Aulia Adillah, Dewi Nawang Suprihatin, Dadi Suryadi, Dimar Hantari, Rehino Yanu Seto · Adi Widya Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Sukoharjo)
This community service program in Cemani Village, Grogol, Sukoharjo, aimed to empower women through Women Farmers Groups (KWT) and PKK activists, focusing on food security via urban farming. Activities included socializing superior seed planting, training in horticulture cultivation techniques, and distributing seeds. The program also introduced agrotourism to increase income through harvests and educational tourism. Results showed an increased understanding of sustainable cultivation techniques, but program sustainability requires further training, infrastructure development, routine monitoring, and collaboration among village government, universities, and BUMDes.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsAddressing the Paradox of Food and Health in Mexico: A Landscape Urbanism Approach
2025Rodrigo Calderón, Diana Garcia-Cejudo, Rob Roggema · Land · Mexico (Querétaro)
This study analyzes the paradox of food swamps, food availability, and food's ecological footprint in Querétaro, Mexico, to promote the creation of community gardens. Findings corroborate a soaring number of unhealthy food stores, elevated carbon footprints related to food production, and a community request for urban agriculture, including the regeneration of community public areas. The research proposes designing and implementing community gardens in two marginalized neighborhoods (Tlacote and San Antonio–Bolaños) in Querétaro.
HealthCommunityFood miles & supply chainClimate changePolicyEconomics