Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Mapping the climate in the urban fabric. The first step for farming the city
2025Matteo Clementi, Valentina Dessì, Mariana Pereira Guimarães · TERRITORIO · Global
The bize_UrFarm research explores urban agriculture's potential to integrate into urban and building metabolism by utilizing water, soil, and waste, and to strengthen urban green infrastructure. This research introduces building surfaces as a resource for urban agriculture, challenging the previous view of them as impediments in urbanized contexts.
Climate changeCommunityOrganic cycleBiodiversityLarval habitat diversity, physicochemical characteristics and their effect on the larval density of malaria vectors in the city of Accra, Ghana
2025Abdul Rahim Mohammed Sabtiu, Isaac Amankona Hinne, Isaac Kwame Sraku, Daniel Kodjo Halou, Richard Tettey Doe, Simon K. Attah, Fred Aboagye‐Antwi, Yaw A. Afrane · Malaria Journal · Ghana (Accra)
A study in Accra, Ghana, investigated mosquito larval habitats and their impact on Anopheles gambiae s.l. larvae density, conducting surveys at 15 locations during 2022's dry and rainy seasons. Of 727 potential habitats, 65.34% were positive for Anopheles larvae, with drainage ditches being the most common type. Irrigated urban farming sites showed the highest abundance of An. gambiae s.l. larvae, particularly during the rainy season, indicating that urban farming contributes to increased mosquito breeding habitats.
Environmental trade-offsHealthPeri-urban agricultureEdible tourism landscapes: co-designing agro-tourism experiences for cultural sustainability
2025Hang Yu · Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change · East Asia
This study in a culturally significant agricultural region in East Asia explored how edible tourism landscapes can be collaboratively developed by local communities and visitors using a participatory co-design approach. The results indicate that co-designed edible landscapes significantly enhance sensory engagement and foster a deeper tourist connection to local food heritage. Local residents reported increased cultural pride and agency, and the site transformation yielded ecological benefits like improved biodiversity.
CommunityBiodiversityMULTI-TEMPORAL SATELLITE DATA AND SPECTRAL INDICES FOR ASSESSING SPATIAL CHANGES IN URBAN FARMLANDS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
2025Dauda Rotimi Awoniran, Temitayo Abayomi Adeseye, Shakirulah Olayemi Agboola, Shade Babalola · Sustainability Science and Resources · Nigeria (Lagos)
This study examined agricultural land use change in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria, between 1984 and 2024 using Landsat satellite images and spectral indices. Findings indicated that farmlands in the study area declined by 13.03% between 1984 and 2013, and by 21.79% between 2013 and 2024. Between 1984 and 2013, 89.48% of farmlands were converted to other land uses, and between 2013 and 2024, 73.51% were converted. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) results also indicated a deterioration in the environmental condition of urban farmlands.
Limited or null effectUrban–rural linkagePolicyClimate changeENVIRONMENT, EDUCATION, AND COMMUNITY: Exploring the Drivers of Volunteer Stewardship in Community Pollinator Gardens
2025Riegel, Cameron · Maryland Shared Open Access Repository (USMAI Consortium) · United States (Baltimore)
This study investigated the motivations driving voluntary participation in urban community pollinator garden stewardship among residents of Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with volunteer gardeners and analyzed using a qualitative case study approach. Analysis revealed that gardeners are primarily motivated by environmental concerns, specifically an interest in and desire to give back to birds, an interest in trees and native plants, and a desire to interact with the urban natural environment. Social factors also shaped motivations but proved less influential than environmental factors in driving participation among most gardeners.
CommunityBiodiversityPollinatorsFood educationCloud-based platforms for monitoring and managing climate-smart urban farming systems
2025Marieke van Daalen, Joris Meijer, Lisanne Koopmans · International Journal of Cloud Computing and Database Management · Global
This review examined the evolution, applications, and benefits of cloud-based platforms in climate-smart urban agriculture systems, synthesizing pre-2024 literature. It demonstrated how cloud-enabled monitoring supports energy optimization, adaptive climate control, greenhouse gas mitigation, and early stress detection in plants. The article also discussed data interoperability issues, cybersecurity concerns, and adoption barriers in low-resource settings. Findings suggest that cloud-integrated platforms enhance decision accuracy, promote sustainable water management, and strengthen resilience to climate variability.
Digital agricultureClimate changePlanning for People with People: Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions in Participatory Land-Use Planning, Co-Design, and Co-Governance of Green and Open Spaces
2025Katarína Slobodníková, Attila Tóth · Land · Slovakia
This study examined the approaches and methods of civic initiatives (CIs) implementing Green Infrastructure (GI) and Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) in Slovakia. Analysis of seventeen case studies showed that many CIs engage in NBS activities such as creating or enhancing parks, green public spaces, and community gardens, and restoring natural and semi-natural areas. Knowledge creation and awareness-raising are also central strategies, with the transformation of derelict areas into multifunctional public spaces emerging as a notable practice.
CommunityPolicyFood educationCivic Voices for Greener Cities: How Public Concern Shapes Sustainable Urban Agriculture in China
2025Prinia, Hill · PhilPapers (PhilPapers Foundation) · China
A new study by Feng et al. investigated how public environmental concern (PEC) enhances agricultural sustainability across 235 Chinese cities between 2011 and 2022. This research suggests that the collective voice of citizens influences urban sustainability.
PolicyCommunityClimate changeContrasting Prosumption Models: Experiences, Benefits and Continuation in Allotment Gardens and Community-Supported Agriculture in Switzerland
2025Stefan Galley, Stefan Mann, Patrick Bottazzi · Societies · Switzerland
A survey of Swiss allotment garden (AG, n=201) and community-supported agriculture (CSA, n=250) members revealed how prosumers perceive the benefits of their activity and how these experiences shape their likelihood to continue. AGs enhance production-related individual benefits, while CSAs foster positive experiences around consumption activities. AG continuation is driven by experienced health and food-related benefits, whereas CSAs rely on the communal and organizational involvement of their members.
CommunityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsUrban Horticulture Program Through Smart-farm DIY
2025Nam-Gyeong Gim · Asia-pacific Journal of Convergent Research Interchange · Global
This study developed an efficient hydroponic smart-farm program for urban elementary school students, focusing on its applicability in a classroom environment. Through school environmental analysis and program development using household items and upcycled materials, the study confirmed that urban schools, despite operational disadvantages, have potential for small-scale smart-farm operation. The developed program demonstrated applicability with low-cost, recyclable materials.
DIYFood educationCommunityDiseño de estanterías rotativas verticales hidropónicas con sistema NFT para hortalizas
2025Augusto Cáceres Núñez, Sergio Delgado Bernedo · Veritas · Global
This project designed an automated hydroponic vegetable cultivation system using NFT in vertical rotating shelves, incorporating a PLC, EC and pH sensors, and a PID control system. A Simulink simulation demonstrated the PID control system's proper behavior, ensuring stable and efficient shelf rotation. The automated system optimizes space, improves operational efficiency, reduces manual intervention, and facilitates urban agricultural management, with the design deemed viable for automated urban agriculture.
Digital agricultureDIYClimate changeDrivers of nocturnal and diurnal pollinating insect declines in urban landscapes
2025Emilie E. Ellis, S. Campbell, Jill L. Edmondson · Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences · Global
A large-scale assessment across three cities found up to a 43% reduction in species richness of bees, hoverflies, and nocturnal moths in urban horticultural sites along urbanization gradients. These declines are driven by taxon-specific landscape changes like reduced tree canopy and semi-natural habitat. Moths and hoverflies were particularly sensitive to urbanization compared to bees, indicating a wide range of pollinators are under threat in urban landscapes.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityPollinatorsClimate changeUrban–rural linkageCultivo de hortalizas en agricultura urbana. Invernaderos integrados en edificios
2025Abella Alemany, Agèric, Casals Missio, Joan, Macarulla Martí, Marcel, Pintó Espín, Laia, González Atero, Ramiro, Arcas, Verónica, Gassó Domingo, Santiago, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier · UPCommons institutional repository (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) · Global
Urban agriculture is gaining prominence globally for promoting environmental sustainability, food security, and social cohesion in cities. While urban cultivation is not new, a recent innovative approach involves integrating agriculture into urban infrastructure, particularly utilizing building rooftops as underutilized spaces with significant potential.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeDIYUrban Agriculture as a Social Strategy in Achieving Food Security: Case Study of Yogyakarta City
2025Amandita 'Ainur Rohmah, Falik Wardana, A. Riyan Rahman Hakiki, Sidharta Adyatma · PAKIS (Publikasi Berkala Pendidikan Ilmu Sosial) · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)
A qualitative approach using a literature review was employed to identify the role and contribution of urban agriculture in Yogyakarta City and analyze innovations and social strategies for achieving food stability. The literature review indicates successful implementation of urban agriculture in Yogyakarta City through two flagship programs, Kampung Sayur and Lele Cendol, and that various community innovations allow for the development of an integrated urban farming system.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyNutrient and Trace Elements in Suburban Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) Sap, Syrup, and Soils from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
2025Justin B. Richardson, Eric Vukicevich, Eric C. Sirkovich · Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology · United States
Soils, sap, and maple syrup were collected from four artisanal maple syrup producers in four suburban areas across the northeastern United States to assess nutrient and trace element concentrations. Soil arsenic and lead concentrations approached or exceeded EPA limits. Sap and syrup arsenic, cadmium, nickel, lead, and zinc concentrations reached or exceeded FDA limits for food.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthEconomics"It's From a Fresh Perspective": Children's Reflections on Participation in Ecological Research and Action
2025Susan Jagger · The Canadian Journal of Action Research · Global
This paper points out the limited research on the experiences of young learners in participatory action research (PAR) in environmental education. It shares the reflections of the Eco Research Organization, a group of grade six researchers, and their adult co-researcher, Susan Jagger, on their engagement in PAR in a longitudinal study of their school garden and nature in their community.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityClimate-smart crop production can support household food and nutrition security in urban communities in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe
2025Blessing Nyamasoka‐Magonziwa, Esther Simango, Hatirarami Nezomba · Frontiers in Agronomy · Zimbabwe (Chitungwiza)
This study evaluated climate-smart crop production practices by urban farmers in Chitungwiza District, Zimbabwe, and their effects on household diets. Mixed methods research, including focus group discussions with four farmer groups and interviews with 107 households in 2022, classified only 23% of farmers as climate-smart. While climate-smart crop production positively influenced household diets, with climate-smart households having a significantly higher Household Dietary Diversity Score (3.3 vs. 2.9; p=0.02), there were no significant differences in maize yield between climate-smart and non-climate-smart farmers (2.10 t/ha vs. 2.27 t/ha, respectively, in the 2020/2021 season).
Limited or null effectClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityAssessing stakeholder engagement and partnership approaches in community donation gardens
2025Moses Wanyakha, Nancy Grudens‐Schuck · International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development · United States
This qualitative study reviewed data from 32 counties in Iowa over five years to assess stakeholder participation in Master Gardener community garden donation programs. The analysis found that while these programs engage many stakeholders, the involvement of food pantry patrons in the planning process was low. This low patron involvement limits the programs' ability to effectively serve the community and achieve sustainability and efficacy in providing fresh produce.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood educationWelfarePolicyEconomic and Environmental Benefits of Green Cultivation
2025S. GopalaSundara Raj, Halavath Tharunkumar, R. P. Srivastava, Mukesh Kumar Singh, Manindra Nath Upadhyay · Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology · Global
This study explores the economic and environmental benefits of green cultivation, encompassing organic farming, community-supported agriculture, and sustainable land use. Economically, it offers increased profitability, improved market opportunities, and enhanced food security, while environmentally, it supports biodiversity, improves soil health, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Case studies from Spain and Egypt demonstrate the effectiveness of these sustainable farming methods.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsClimate changeBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyMeasuring soil, making territory: Developing eDNA and other soil biodiversity indicators in Finland as a struggle over scales of governance
2025Jelena Salmi, Anna Krzywoszynska · Environmental Science & Policy · Finland
A discourse analysis of 103 governance and grey literature documents in Finland examined the politics of soil biodiversity indicators. The study found that eDNA is the preferred scientific basis for soil biodiversity governance in Finland due to alignment between scientific and policy groups. However, land workers' organizations criticize eDNA methods, arguing they risk obscuring local specificity and creating environmental and social injustice, potentially alienating land management groups.
Governance failurePolicyBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceChanges in Macroinvertebrate Community Structure Associated with Land Use in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia
2025Cristian Granados Martínez, Meyer Guevara-Mora, Eugenia López‐López, José Rincón Ramírez · Water · Colombia
This study evaluated aquatic macroinvertebrate community structure in the Ranchería River, Colombia, across conserved, urban/agricultural, and mining zones during the dry season (January–March 2021). Urban/agricultural zones showed the lowest richness (35 genera) and were characterized by disturbance-tolerant species, particularly Melanoides. Land use types constituted the primary driver of community structure, with a 24.1% pure effect, exceeding physical, chemical, and land cover variables.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageKolaborasi Antar Pemangku Kepentingan dalam Pengembangan Urban Farming di Surabaya
2025Kurnia Dewi, Yusuf Hariyoko, Hasan Ismail · Presidensial · Indonesia (Surabaya)
A qualitative descriptive study investigated stakeholder synergy in urban farming programs in Surabaya, Indonesia. Data was collected through interviews, documentation, and observation involving the DKPP, agricultural extension officers, farmer groups, and the local community. Strong commitment, competence, awareness, and continuity were identified as driving factors for successful implementation, but challenges include declining active farmer groups and limited facilities.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsEVALUATING THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY GARDENS ON SOCIAL EQUITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH: A CASE STUDY OF CARAMEL CONNECTIONS FOUNDATION'S (CCF) SEEDS OF JOY COMMUNITY GARDEN
2025Pinder, Elizabeth · CSUSB ScholarWorks (California State University, San Bernardino) · United States (California)
This study evaluated the impact of the Caramel Connections Foundation (CCF) Seeds of Joy Community Garden in Ontario, California, on social equity, public health, and community engagement. Using a mixed-methods design, secondary data from program records, surveys, and focus groups were analyzed. The findings suggest that the garden enhances social cohesion and contributes to health equity by addressing food insecurity and increasing access to nutritious food, green space, and educational programs.
CommunityHealthWelfareEDUTOURISM URBAN FARMING UNTUK MEWUJUDKAN DESA WISATA KELAN TANGGUH DAN PRO-LINGKUNGAN
2025Dewa Putu Oka Prasiasa, I Ketut Widnyana, P E P Ariati, I Made Wijaya · Prosiding Seminar Ilmiah Nasional Implementasi Iptek. · Indonesia (Bali)
In Kelan Tourism Village, Bali, an integrated aquaponics biofloc urban farming model with drip irrigation for tilapia and vegetable gardens was implemented as edutourism. This initiative aimed to address the economic underperformance of culinary tourism due to external vegetable purchases despite available land. The implementation led to increased understanding and skills among target groups, students, and tourists regarding the urban farming model, and improved income for culinary businesses by reducing vegetable purchase leakages.
Food educationCommunityEconomicsDIYAdapting urban areas to rising temperatures: Strategies to reduce heat and vulnerability in a warming world
2025Sergi Ventura, J.R. Armengol Miró, David Camacho-Caballero, Enric Casellas, Ricard Segura-Barrero, Alberto Martilli, gara villalba · Urban Climate · Spain (Barcelona)
This study used the Pseudo Global Warming method and WRF model to assess urban heat adaptation strategies in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona. Three strategies were evaluated: increasing rooftop albedo, implementing irrigated sedum green roofs, and increasing peri-urban agriculture and urban parks. While increasing rooftop albedo provided the greatest daytime cooling (−1.75 °C), and green roofs and peri-urban agriculture showed moderate regulation, none of the strategies fully counterbalanced the projected 6 °C temperature increase by 2100, indicating a limited capacity of these adaptations under severe warming scenarios.
Limited or null effectClimate changePeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkageBiodiversity