Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
1500 results(59 / 60)
发展都市农业 优化生存环境——兼谈对发展太原都市农业的认识
2001王雪梅 · 山西农经 · China (Taiyuan)
This paper discusses the "comprehensive urban diseases" resulting from urbanization, such as population concentration, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation, which threaten human health and well-being. It notes that as cities increasingly move away from nature, urban residents long for rural landscapes, prompting a call for green industries to return to cities. "Urban agriculture" has thus emerged in some large cities in China as a response to these challenges and a path towards sustainable urban development.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeCommunityAgricultural Uses of Municipal, Animal, and Industrial Byproducts
2001CAST · · United States
This comprehensive report, written by a twelve-member task force, considers the changing role of agriculture in urban settings. The report frames "urban agriculture" within historical and contemporary American society, depicting geographic, demographic, and economic changes in rural and metropolitan life. Policy issues such as land preservation, alternative market opportunities, sprawl, taxation, and food security are examined.
PolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageUrban agriculture and sustainable cities.
2000Tjeerd Deelstra, Herbert Girardet, N. Bakker, Marielle Dubbeling, S. Gündel, U. Sabel-Koschella, H. de Zeeuw · · Global
This text describes humanity's transformation into an urban species by the end of the 20th century, with large cities becoming the primary habitat. It notes that global urban populations expanded from 15% to 50% of the total population within one century, while the total population grew from 1.5 billion to nearly 6 billion. The text highlights the unprecedented size of modern cities, citing that by 1990, the 100 largest cities housed 540 million people.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceThe Myth of the Urban Peasant
2000Simon Clarke, Elena Varshavskaya, Сергей Алашеев, Marina Karelina · Work Employment and Society · Russia
This paper examines the "myth of the urban peasant" in Russia, which suggests urban households survive economic collapse through subsistence agriculture. Based on official and survey data analysis, it shows that while many urban households grow food, those with low incomes are least likely to do so, and subsistence production complements rather than replaces paid employment. Furthermore, those who grow their own food work long hours for little return, spending no less on purchased food than those who grow nothing.
Limited or null effectEconomicsCommunityWelfareUrban–rural linkage특집 : 지역사회와 농업구조의 변화 / 도시근교농업의 복합산업화와 공간 활용
2000유병규 · · Global
This paper argues that peri-urban agriculture faces difficulties in maintaining its agricultural production function alone due to external factors such as rising land prices, urban development, the IMF crisis, and WTO agricultural renegotiations. It proposes that to revitalize peri-urban agriculture, a multi-industrialization strategy is needed, emphasizing not only agricultural production but also the spatial concept of "rural areas" by incorporating secondary and tertiary industry concepts. Specifically, the paper suggests that multi-industrialization strategies within the spatial concept of urban-integrated rural areas, such as the creation of "urban agricultural villages," are essential for the maintenance and development of agriculture.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageMexico city: the integration of urban agriculture to contain urban sprawl.
2000Pablo Torres Lima, Luis Marino Santana Rodríguez, B. I. García Uriza, N. Bakker, Marielle Dubbeling, S. Gündel, U. Sabel-Koschella, H. de Zeeuw · · Mexico (Mexico City)
This record describes the geographical and climatic characteristics of the Mexico City Metropolitan Zone (MCMZ). The MCMZ covers an area of 7,860 km² and includes the Federal District and 54 municipalities. Mexico City is located in the center of the Mexican highlands at an average altitude of 2,238m, with main soil types including litosols, andosols, and feozem.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyLocal food and land-use in Washington County, Oregon
2000Joshua J. Cousins · · United States (Oregon)
This qualitative study examined local food networks in Washington County, Oregon, focusing on small-scale agricultural landscapes and farmers selling through farmers markets or CSAs. It explored farmers' concerns about urbanization, farmland preservation, and their difficulties participating in local food networks. The research concluded that local food sold through alternative venues can help preserve and develop specific farm sites.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkageA Case Study on Resident's Awareness of the Meaning and Role of Edible Landscape
2000Isami Kinoshita · Journal of The Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture · Japan
This study analyzed residents' awareness of edible plant cultivation on their properties and the formation of edible landscapes in public spaces, in relation to childhood experiences and memories. The findings showed that childhood experiences influenced the formation of edible landscapes on private properties, which held multiple meanings, but the attribution of meaning to edible landscapes in public spaces was weak, highlighting resident involvement as a challenge.
Governance failureCommunityFood educationUrban–rural linkageSofia: urban agriculture in an economy in transition.
2000A. Yoveva, B. Gocheva, G. Voykova, B. Borissov, A. Spassov, N. Bakker, Marielle Dubbeling, S. Gündel, U. Sabel-Koschella, H. de Zeeuw · · Bulgaria (Sofia)
This abstract describes Bulgaria's geographical location, surface area, and general natural conditions favorable for agriculture. Bulgaria is located on the Balkan peninsula and covers 111,000 square kilometers. Climatic data provided include average winter temperature of 1.6°C, summer average of 21°C, mean annual temperature of 10°C, and mean annual rainfall of 813.6 mm.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsLa paz: urban agriculture in harsh ecological conditions.
2000P. Kreinecker, N. Bakker, Marielle Dubbeling, S. Gündel, U. Sabel-Koschella, H. de Zeeuw · · Bolivia (La Paz)
This abstract describes the geographical and administrative context of La Paz, Bolivia, and its suburb El Alto. La Paz is situated at 3,600-3,800 meters above sea level, with El Alto located at 4,000-4,100 meters. The city lies in a basin with suburbs extending into the surrounding hills and mountains.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeManaging Hawaii's Forests: A Conjoint Analysis of Lei Plant Material Sources
2000Gary R. Vieth · · United States (Hawaii)
This article examines conditions to encourage Oahu hula dancers, who gather forest plant materials for lei, to switch to alternatives like community gardens or commercial purchase. Some hula teachers expressed willingness to switch if alternatives were attractive, while others did not. The study suggests that policies making alternatives more appealing, such as reducing labor in community gardens or lowering commercial prices, may be more cost-effective than trying to change user preferences.
CommunityUrban–rural linkageResearch Article: Managing Hawaii's Forests: A Conjoint Analysis ofLeiPlant Material Sources
2000Gary R. Vieth, Linda J. Cox, Margaret Josephson, James R. Hollyer · Environmental Practice · United States (Hawaii)
This article examines conditions to encourage hula dancers on Oahu, Hawaii, to switch from forest gathering for lei plant materials to alternatives like community gardens or commercial purchase. Some hula teachers expressed willingness to switch if alternatives were attractive, while others did not. The study suggests that policies making alternatives more appealing, such as reducing labor in community gardens or lowering commercial prices, may be more cost-effective than trying to change user preferences.
CommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageCommunity gardens and sustainable land use planning: A case‐study of the Alex Wilson community garden
1999Seana Irvine, Lorraine Johnson, Kim Peters · Local Environment · Canada
This case study provides an analytical account of the Alex Wilson Community Garden in Toronto, Canada, examining the connections between ecological restoration and community gardening. The garden, opened in June 1998, reflects Alex Wilson's work by linking these two enterprises to nurture relationships between people, communities, and the landscape. Its design reconstructs the natural and cultural history of southern Ontario with native plant species, aiming for a positive impact on local biodiversity. The participatory planning process involved various stakeholders and utilized planning tools like conservation easements.
CommunityPolicyBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageFarming in the shadow of the city: changes in land rights and livelihoods in peri-urban Accra
1999Daniel Maxwell, Wordsworth Odame Larbi, Grace Mary Lamptey, Sawudatu Zakariah, Margaret Armar‐Klemesu · Third World Planning Review · Ghana (Accra)
This paper compares four cases within peri-urban Greater Accra, Ghana, to assess the impact of rapid urban sprawl on the surrounding area. The study examines cases including land loss to housing, protection of agricultural land from urban sprawl, environmental degradation due to urbanization, and commercialization of peri-urban agricultural production from changing market demand. The paper also reviews the perspective that rapid peri-urban growth leads to the destruction of agricultural livelihoods without necessarily replacing them with alternative economic activity.
Equity & displacementPeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageThe changing nature of the peri‐urban zone in Africa: Evidence from Dar‐es‐Salaam, Tanzania
1999John A. G. Briggs, Davis Mwamfupe · Scottish Geographical Journal · Tanzania (Dar-es-Salaam)
Drawing on recent evidence from Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, this paper suggests that a combination of structural adjustment measures and the eased economic crisis in the 1990s changed conditions, resulting in the increasing commodification of land in the peri-urban zone. This shift transformed the peri-urban zone into an area of investment and economic opportunity, rather than survival, leading to the increasing exclusion of poorer urban groups. Furthermore, confusion arising from current Tanzanian land law, particularly tensions between customary and statutory law, complicates the situation.
Equity & displacementPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageComplémentarité entre agriculture urbaine et agriculture rurale
1999Paule Moustier · Agritrop (Cirad) · Africa
Case studies conducted in Africa on urban household food supply systems evaluated the relative roles of urban and rural agriculture. These studies highlighted a strong complementarity between urban and rural sources in terms of products and periods, linking these observations to differences in production and marketing systems. To stabilize urban food supply in quantity and quality, support programs for farmers and traders should target both urban/peri-urban and rural areas in a differentiated but articulated manner.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceFarmers' markets offer new business opportunities for farmers
1999Gail Feenstra, Christopher Lewis · California Agriculture · United States (California)
A survey of farmers' market managers in California indicated that farmers' markets provide growers with opportunities to expand their businesses through new market venues, value-added products, and connections with agritourism. Rural markets offered strong community support and tourist links, while small-town markets showed the most new vendors and room for growth. Metropolitan markets, though harder to access, yielded the highest gross sales and increased demand for value-added products.
EconomicsCSA & TeikeiCommunityUrban–rural linkageAppropriate Technologies for Effective Management of Industrial and Domestic Waste Waters: The Decentralised Approach
1999J.B. van Lier, G. Lettinga · Water Science & Technology · Global
This paper discusses integrated environmental protection and resource conservation (EP&RC) concepts for managing industrial and domestic wastewaters, particularly in water-scarce regions. EP&RC aims for minimal consumption of energy, chemicals, and water, and maximal reuse of treated wastewater and residues, transforming wastes into resources for water, fertilizers, and soil conditioners. Anaerobic treatment is presented as a core technology for mineralizing organic compounds, stimulating urban agriculture near large cities by linking environmental protection and agricultural practices.
Organic cycleClimate changeUrban–rural linkageFeeding Africa's growing cities into the 21st century: the potential of urban agriculture
1998Tony Binns, Kenneth Lynch · Journal of International Development · Africa
This paper addresses the escalating demand for fresh foodstuffs in rapidly urbanizing Sub-Saharan Africa, where urban agriculture is a widespread activity. Based on a literature survey and empirical evidence from Kano and Dar es Salaam, it presents a framework for analyzing urban agriculture. The study proposes policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the future sustainability of urban agriculture.
Food sovereignty & justicePolicyUrban–rural linkageEconomics关于“都市农业”的概念功能及其发展战略与对策建议
1998安晓宁, 王全辉 · 调研世界 · Global
This study examines the scientific concept of "urban agriculture." Urban agriculture first emerged in developed countries and regions such as Europe, America, and Japan in the first half of the 20th century, then rapidly spread to other developed areas. Its English term (Agriculture in countryside) originally referred to agriculture within metropolitan areas, specifically certain agricultural practices in developed nations.
PolicyUrban–rural linkageUrban agriculture in the metropolitan zone of Mexico City: changes over time in urban, suburban and peri-urban areas
1998H. Losada, H. Martínez, J. Vieyra, R. Pealing, R. Zavala, J. Cortés · Environment and Urbanization · Mexico
This paper describes the scale and nature of agricultural production in urban, suburban, and peri-urban zones of Mexico City and how these have adapted to changing urban demands for food, wood, and recreation. Agricultural producers have successfully adapted their products and production methods, including building on traditional systems, despite environmental deterioration from urban development and lack of government support. These producers have also devised new ways to use degraded land and large volumes of waste.
EconomicsPolicyClimate changeUrban–rural linkageThe Potential for Recreational Use of Farmland by Urban Residents
1998Ren Azuma · Journal of Rural Problems · Japan; Europe
This paper examines the potential for recreational use of farmland by comparing dual land use policies between Japan and Europe (mainly the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands). While Europe has not considered allotment gardens as dual farmland use, Japan is promoting them for both recreation and agricultural production through new legislative measures. Additionally, small-scale caravan sites using farmland are exempt from strict planning controls in many European countries to promote recreational use, but Japan lacks an equivalent. In conclusion, the paper suggests that Japan needs to introduce or further expand dual farmland use policies for recreation and agricultural production in these three policy areas.
PolicyCommunityUrban–rural linkageTHE CHARACTER OF FARMLAND POSSESSION AND USE FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF SETTLEMENT LOCATION : A study on farmland conservation in rural region from the viewpoint of settlement location Part2
1998Hiroshi AIZAWA, Daisuke Watanabe, Yohtaro ARIMA, Naoko Suzuki · Journal of Architecture and Planning (Transactions of AIJ) · Global
This paper analyzed the relationship between farmhouse management conditions and land possession, and agricultural land use design problems for regional agricultural development. Findings indicate that nuclear farmhouses in suburban and plain areas tend to acquire concentrated land, while those in hilly and mountainous areas do not efficiently possess farmland. It is necessary to improve farmland possession and use by lending inferior farmland from small farmers to nuclear farmhouses. In suburban areas, farmers show little intention to lend land for allotment gardens, requiring eased regulations and support measures. In hilly and mountainous areas, farmers' intentions to lend land are linked to management conditions and possession forms, reconfirming the need for regional zoning planning.
PolicyUrban–rural linkageCommunityThe View of "Permaculture-City" Considered from the Permaculture Theory and Practices
1997Koji ITONAGA · Journal of the City Planning Institute of Japan · Global
This paper describes alternative urban designs, including permaculture, eco-village movements, cohousing, community gardens, and city farms. Based on data gathered from international conferences and research in Australia, America, and Europe, the author proposes "Permaculture-City" as a restructured city model. This model integrates habitation with food production areas and eco-villages.
CommunityOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageLocational Character of Allotment Gardens and Landowners' Attitudes. A Case of Ichinomiya City in Aichi Pref.
1997Yasunari Miyake, Yasuo Matsumoto · JOURNAL OF RURAL PLANNING ASSOCIATION · Japan (Ichinomiya City)
This study examined the future of allotment gardens in Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture, by interviewing 20 landowners regarding land ownership and land use. Allotment distribution expanded into marginal urban regions, with new allotments concentrating in frontier areas. While most landowners were satisfied and intended to maintain allotments, those in urbanization promotion areas faced financial difficulties due to high taxes and motivation for land use conversion, indicating that allotment management will fail in these areas.
Economic viabilityCommunityUrban–rural linkageEconomics