Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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7626 results(58 / 306)
For a more holistic vision of the links between agriculture and cities
2024Christine Aubry, Nicolas Rouget, Giulia Giacchè, Joëlle Salomon Cavin · Territoire en mouvement · Global
At the IGU Congress in Paris in July 2022, two parallel sessions were held on urban agriculture. One was titled "Urban agriculture in the South and North: shaping practices and generating the urban fabric," and the other was "Towards an agrarisation of the city? The integration of agricultural practices into the generation of neighbourhoods." For both sessions, urban agriculture (UA) was designated according to a specific definition.
CommunityUrban–rural linkagePolicyA EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA COMO ESTRATÉGIA PARA O ENFRENTAMENTO DA VULNERABILIDADE SOCIAL
2024Talita Gonçalves Posser, Damiana Machado de Almeida, Vânia Medianeira Flores Costa, Sabrina Nascimento Borba, Paula Balardin Ribeiro Aragão, A C Carvalho · Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental · Brazil (Santa Maria)
This study reports on actions developed by the extension project "Actions to combat social vulnerability: work and income for women in Vila Maringá/RS" by the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) in Brazil. In 2018, using a participatory methodology and public funds, the project conducted cooking workshops, a mini-course on integral food use, a lecture on medicinal plants and spices, and built a community garden. Participants generally evaluated the project positively and frequently requested new workshops and training.
CommunityFood educationWelfareSwale
2024Mary Mattingly · arte :lugar :cidade. · United States (New York City)
"Swale" was a 5,000 square-foot floating edible landscape built on a barge that traveled to public piers in New York City, allowing visitors to harvest perennial fruits and vegetables free of charge. It circumvented public land regulations, where picking plants was illegal, by utilizing the "common law" of the water. The project questioned urban land use, food systems, and the possibility of establishing a commons, directly leading to the New York City Parks Department opening its first land-based "foodway" in the Bronx in 2017.
CommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban Agriculture and the Right to the City: A Practitioner’s Roadmap
2024Arild Eriksen, Deni Ruggeri, Esben Slaatrem Titland · The Geojournal library · Norway (Oslo)
This essay discusses the motivations for co-creating urban agriculture in public spaces from the perspective of an architect and urban farmer/beekeeper practicing bottom-up, participatory design in Oslo. It critiques the current aesthetics of impermanence and temporality in urban agriculture and questions the idea that the joy and freedom it brings should be enhanced by future development and policy. The essay presents a rich collection of stories about regeneration, change, and collective action and cultivation, rather than a replicable model.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyHealthFood sovereignty & justiceFrom School Gardens to Community Oases: Fostering Environmental and Social Resilience in Urban Spaces
2024Ioanneta Dimouli, Dimitra Koumparou, Spyros K. Golfínopoulos · Geographies · Greece (Acharnes)
This case study in Acharnes, Greece, examined a local initiative that transforms schoolyards into community gardens, involving teachers, pupils, parents, grandparents, and neighbors. The research collected data from 85 participants, including parents, guardians, and school staff, using a questionnaire to explore their perceptions, with a focus on interactions with non-human beings like pollinators. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and Kendall’s tau correlation, and the survey results revealed that these new urban green areas were "embraced" by both the school and the local community.
CommunityFood educationBiodiversityPollinatorsA study on prevalence of hand discomfort among the gardeners
2024Divya Martolia, Ritu Gupta, Naresh Kumar Chhuneja · Journal of Community Mobilization and Sustainable Development · India (Ludhiana)
In Ludhiana city, India, a study investigated the prevalence of hand discomfort among 150 male gardeners from educational institutions, community gardens, and nurseries. Findings revealed that the comfort level for most respondents using gardening hand tools ranged from moderate to low, with increased pain and discomfort reported after using certain tools. The Cornell Hand Discomfort questionnaire showed that the majority experienced slight to moderate pain and discomfort in different hand regions, which interfered with their work performance.
Limited or null effectHealthCommunityThe development process of urban agricultural networks to ensure urban food security in Hat Yai City, Songkhla Province, Thailand
2024Orathai Paiyarat, Uthaithip Jiawiwatkul · International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development · Thailand
This qualitative study examined the development process, results, and influencing factors of the Hat Yai urban agricultural network for food security in Hat Yai City, Songkhla Province, Thailand. Data was collected from 31 participants through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and group discussions. The study identified a three-stage development process: network formation, seeking cooperation, and learning and integration, with results reflected at individual, group, and network levels linked to sustainable development. Negative factors affecting the development process included the nature of Hat Yai urban residents in a developing country context, resource inadequacy, and public policy.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsUrban Agriculture Embedded in a Food Systems Approach: The Baltimore Story
2024Sarah Buzogany, Abby Cocke, Holly Freishtat, Yeeli Mui, Mariya Strauss, Sylvia Kelly · Urban agriculture · United States (Baltimore)
Baltimore, United States, has developed urban agriculture policies over the last decade, integrating them into a food systems approach to sustainability. Policy development covered zoning, permitting, land leasing, and soil regulations. However, challenges were encountered regarding staffing, funding, resident engagement, and differing city agency priorities, especially concerning land access. The experience highlights the importance of mainstreaming food policy into urban planning.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePemberdayaan Masyarakat KWT Mblimbing Berseri Kota Blitar berbasis Penerapan Iptek IoT Kontrol Nutrisi dan Monitoring Lingkungan
2024Adimas Ketut Nalendra, M. Mujiono, Samudi Samudi · Kontribusi Jurnal Penelitian dan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Blitar)
This program in Blitar City, Indonesia, focused on empowering the KWT Mblimbing Berseri women farmers' group through training and cultivation assistance for melon urban farming using polybags and drip irrigation. The implementation of IoT technology contributed to reduced pesticide use and nutrient savings, while also creating direct marketing opportunities via social media. These efforts led to increased farmer profits and the provision of fresher products to consumers.
CommunityDigital agricultureEconomicsCharacterization of urban agriculture and farmers’ climate change adaptation: the case of Urban Wa, Ghana
2024Godwin K. Naazie, Isaac Agyemang, Anthony Mwinilanaa Tampah-Naah · Discover Sustainability · Ghana (Wa)
This study investigated the characteristics of urban agriculture and farmers' climate change adaptation in Wa township, Ghana. Mixed methods, including surveys of 362 urban households and 12 key informant interviews, were employed. Urban agriculture was found to be characterized by the production of animals like chickens, sheep, and goats, and crops such as maize, yam, beans, cabbage, and pumpkin, with land acquired through purchase or from relatives and friends. A strong relationship between residential class and urban farming type, and a moderate relationship between residential class and land acquisition type, were observed.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityBBM Gardens: Experiences of a social organization's social garden experiment
2024Szilvia Nyers · Szociális Szemle · Hungary
The Budapest Bike Maffia, a grassroots initiative in Hungary's capital, uses social gardening as a tool to foster sustainable relationships between vulnerable groups and their environment. This initiative aims to rebuild social relations, promote economic well-being, and encourage adaptation to environmental challenges within an urban context. Through urban agriculture, they cultivate trust and a network of relationships among society members.
CommunityWelfareFood educationEconomicsEvaluation of Urban Farming System Sustainability in Central Province of Jakarta, Indonesia
2024Rini Fitri, Achmad Yozar Perkasa, Hinijati Widjaja, Olivia Seanders, Reza Fauzı · Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This research evaluated the sustainability of urban farming development in Petamburan, Central Jakarta, using a descriptive qualitative methodology and Multi Dimension Scaling (MDS) approach. While urban residents generally have knowledge and support for urban agriculture, the analysis of four dimensions (ecological, economic, social, technological) indicated that urban farming in Petamburan is not sustainable. The sustainability index was very low, categorized as destructive and unsustainable across ecological (14.55%), economic (13.85%), social (13.94%), and technological (13.43%) dimensions.
Limited or null effectUrban–rural linkageCommunityEconomicsClimate changeAlways Been (English)
2024Yarrow Koning, Sofía Abreu · Occasional Paper Series · United States (Florida)
This abstract describes a nature journaling session held in a community garden as part of an LGBTQ+ youth summer day camp in Florida in summer 2022. The session took place shortly before new anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including the "Don't Say Gay" law, went into effect, which are intended to erase LGBTQ+ people and histories from schools and highlight the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ educators and youth.
Governance failureCommunityFood educationWelfareExploring Floristic Diversity, Propagation Patterns, and Plant Functions in Domestic Gardens across Urban Planning Gradient in Lubumbashi, DR Congo
2024Yannick Useni Sikuzani, Bernard Kisangani Kalonda, Médard Mpanda Mukenza, Jonas Yona Mleci, Alex Mpibwe Kalenga, François Malaisse, Jan Bogaert · Ecologies · DR Congo (Lubumbashi)
This study analyzed the spatial structure, plant diversity, propagation strategies, and ecological functions of domestic gardens across three distinct neighborhoods—planned, unplanned, and residential—in Lubumbashi, DR Congo. The study identified 232 taxa across 68 families, with exotic species predominating in all neighborhoods (80%), especially in unplanned areas (82.25%). This dominance of exotic species highlights a potential for ecological imbalances and emphasizes the strong human influence on domestic gardens in Lubumbashi.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityCommunityUrban–rural linkageParticipatory Development Communication Strategy of an Urban Farming Program in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
2024Shinta Prastyanti, Retno Wulandari, Adhi Iman Sulaiman · Palabra Clave · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)
This study in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, examined participatory development communication strategies in urban farming programs using observations, interviews, and focus group discussions. Findings indicate that while the communication strategy embodies community empowerment, the initiative has not been adopted by all community members. Additionally, harvests are limited to daily needs and have not significantly improved group members’ income.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyURBAN AND PERI-URBAN AGRICULTURE IN BRAZILIAN CAPITALS: WHAT DOES RECENT ACADEMIC PRODUCTION REVEAL?
2024M. Kühn, Geisa Zanini Rorato, Bruno César Euphrasio de Mello, Carolina Cristófoli Falcão, Rodrigo Vitória Alves · MIX Sustentável · Brazil
This article presents the results of a systematic literature review on Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (UPA) in Brazil. The study indicated a quantitative increase in academic articles on UPA and a concentration of cited cases in cities in southern and southeastern Brazil. Qualitatively, the analysis revealed that UPA initiatives are primarily located intra-urban, often in common/public places, and operate within a community system, focusing on vegetable production for self-consumption.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityCommuniTee’s (SP24.C)
2024SP24.C, CommuniTee’s · Bucknell Digital Commons (Bucknell University) · United States
CommuniTee’s partnered with the Lewisburg Community Garden (LCG) and the Donald Heiter Community Center (DHCC). At the LCG, they completed three service projects: painting a sign, stabilizing 93 fence posts, and starting a pollinator garden. CommuniTee’s sold 229 t-shirts, generating a net profit of $1,614.64 for the DHCC. Additionally, they raised $1,213.04 through five fundraising events and an advocacy campaign, with a total of $2,827.68 to be donated to the DHCC.
CommunityFood educationWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceLambeth plots: Two mapping projects highlighting existing and potential city spaces for food growing
2024Janie Bickersteth, J. F. S. Ferro, Marjorie Landels, Stephanie Robson · · United Kingdom
Incredible Edible Lambeth (IEL) is undertaking two mapping projects in Lambeth, UK, to identify and make available hidden food production niches. Six walking trails highlight existing food growing in community gardens and green spaces, distributed to pharmacies, GP surgeries, and schools. The 'Lambeth plots' project, in collaboration with Arup, combines GIS analysis with citizen-led mapping to reveal food growing potential across the entire borough.
CommunityPolicyHealthDigital agricultureEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
2024MATHEWOS ANSHISO · National Academic Digital Repository of Ethiopia · Ethiopia
A study was conducted in Hosanna Town, Central Ethiopia Region, to assess urban-rural land linkages (URLLs) and the livelihood of peri-urban farming communities. This cross-sectional study used quantitative data from household questionnaires and qualitative data from key informant interviews. The results showed strong urban-rural land linkages in Hosanna Town, with peri-urban farming communities engaged in crop production and livestock rearing. However, these communities face challenges including land degradation, water scarcity, and market access.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsCommunityA RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE FORMATION OF THE MICRODISTRICT SYSTEM IN THE CITY OF PERM
2024С. С. Волков, Mihail Tarantin · Moscow Economic Journal · Russia (Perm)
This study retrospectively analyzed the formation of the microdistrict system in Perm, Russia. The analysis examined each microdistrict using indicators such as the year of incorporation into city limits, historical development prerequisites, and current status within the city structure. The study resulted in the construction of a map of Perm microdistricts in their conditional historical boundaries and an analysis of spatial and temporal transformations of the urban structure.
PolicyCommunityMain problems in urban agriculture and leverage points to drive it towards sustainability: a review
2024Juan Camilo Fontalvo-Buelvas, María Teresa Pulido Silva, Miguel Ángel Escalona Aguilar · Bitácora Urbano Territorial · Global
A bibliographic review identified that the main deficiencies in urban agriculture are inadequate management practices, a lack of organization, and absent or inefficient public policies. The study suggests that agroecology as a management system, policies for land access and sustainable financing, and dissemination processes are key leverage points for driving urban agriculture towards sustainability.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageCulinary tourism on the edge of Kali Code: Strategies for the development and empowerment of Kampung Surokarsan
2024Mutiara Cininta, Hari Saptaning Tyas · ARTEKS Jurnal Teknik Arsitektur · Indonesia
This study aims to devise strategies for structuring culinary tourism in Kampung Surokarsan, Indonesia, a densely populated area where the "Code Hijau Asri" farmer group uses urban farming to enhance welfare. Despite a new embankment offering views of Kali Code's banks, residents have not yet utilized the area for tourism. Using field observations, interviews, literature review, and SWOT analysis, the study formulated a tourism strategy based on the 5A approaches (Attractions, Activities, Accessibility, Facilities, Accommodation), leveraging the urban farmer community and residents skilled in culinary businesses and Brazilian spinach cultivation. The strategy focuses on area entrance legibility, activity zoning, and showcasing attractions like sunset views and urban village ambience.
CommunityEconomicsWelfareUrban Agricultural Territories as Components of the Architectural Landscape of Ho Chi Minh City
2024To Ngoc Mai Nga, G.E. RUSANOV, В. И. Волков · Zhilishchnoe Stroitel stvo · Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City)
Urban agriculture (UA) is considered a strategic factor for the integrated sustainable development of Ho Chi Minh City, but the urban land fund for agricultural purposes in this city is insignificant. The concept of a Continuous Productive Urban Landscape (CPUL) is proposed as an important direction for territorial development, which can increase the sizes of urban green landscapes used for urban agriculture. The article presents the main components of these landscapes in Ho Chi Minh City.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyCommunityMotivations for women’s participation in urban agriculture: a multivariate probit model analysis
2024Tayech Lemma, Mala Sharma · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Ethiopia
A survey of 272 women in Hossana town, Ethiopia, using a multivariate probit model, identified food security and economic reasons as primary motivations for participating in urban agriculture. Factors such as age, education, marital status, family size, employment, non-urban farm income, farm experience, garden size, credit access, market access, and improved input use significantly influenced participation likelihood.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceHealthKnowledge-Based Identification of Urban Green Spaces: Allotments
2024Irada Ismayilova, Sabine Timpf · AGILE GIScience Series · Global
Allotment gardens, a type of Urban Green Space (UGS), offer environmental, social, and health benefits but are often not recognized as a distinct category in land use maps due to their specific characteristics. This research proposes an identification approach utilizing semantic features such as the presence, density, and height of garden huts, proximity to water bodies and railroads, and the presence of pathways. The three-step workflow, combining a Random Forest classifier, hut extraction, and density-based clustering, accurately identified 78% of allotments in Augsburg and 88% in Wuerzburg.
CommunityPolicyBiodiversity