Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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2066 results(61 / 83)
Urban farming theme restaurant
2014Freeman Wu · · United States (Chicago)
This graduation project proposes an urban farming theme restaurant located in an abandoned industrial area in South Chicago. The design strategy focuses on using urban farming to activate the vacant site. The proposed building is an urban farming themed restaurant.
CommunityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageThe Historical Development of the School Garden Movement in the USA
2014Green Hope, River Edge, New Jersey 07661, USA., Hye Jin Keum · Journal of people, plants, and environment · United States
The philosophical background and historical development of the school garden movement in the USA were examined. The movement demonstrated a process of formation, decline, and revival. It began to diminish after World War I and was pushed to extinction by technological advancements in the 1950s, before resurging from the 1990s to address childhood obesity, nature-deficit, and improve academic achievements.
Limited or null effectFood educationHealthPolicyParadise Transplanted
2014Pierrette Hondagneu‐Sotelo · Boom · United States (Los Angeles)
This article recounts the history of a central Los Angeles community garden, primarily used by women from Southern Mexico and Central America, which served as an informal support network and a place to grow culturally significant plants. The essay then details the significant upheaval that occurred after a local nonprofit took over and invested in the garden, implying a negative impact on the existing community.
Equity & displacementCommunityWelfareEconomicsFeeding the City. Foodsheds and Urban Agriculture in San Diego
2014Claudia Mattogno, Manuela Ricci, Bruno Monardo, Pietro Antonio Valentino, Anna Laura Palazzo · IRIS Research product catalog (Sapienza University of Rome) · United States (San Diego)
This paper explores recent policies and planning practices for urban agriculture (UA) in the United States, particularly in California, focusing on its potential for urban revitalization and social inclusion. It examines strategies for agricultural re-use and rezoning of vacant urban areas within the context of 'healthy food access'. The experience in San Diego, CA's City Heights neighborhood demonstrates the potential of UA to combine social inclusion with physical and economic redevelopment.
PolicyEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthOutput and cost savings of community gardens in San Jose, California (132.7)
2014Susan J. Algert, Aziz Baameur · The FASEB Journal · United States (San Jose, California)
A study in community gardens in San Jose, California, from Spring to Summer 2012, evaluated a method for quantifying crop yields and cost savings. Eighty-three community gardeners completed a background survey, and a representative subset of 10 gardeners measured produce output from their plots over a four-month growing season. Results indicated that community gardens produced 0.75 lbs of vegetables per square foot, exceeding conventional agricultural practices at 0.60 lbs/sq ft. Gardens averaged 2.55 lbs per plant and resulted in $435 in cost savings per plot for the season.
CommunityEconomicsDIYRemaking Pittsburgh: Permaculture soundscapes
2014Jeremy Woodruff · Journal of sonic studies · United States (Pittsburgh)
This essay explores the contribution of sound art to progressive ecology groups in Pittsburgh, focusing on the installation "Gongburgh: Steeltown Forests" developed at the Hazelwood Food Forest (HFF). The composition, using sounds from the urban garden, gamelan, and steel factories, aimed to create social connections and promote the HFF through a sustainable music-making experiment. It highlights novel similarities and differences between these sounds and their social organization, raising political questions for the garden and listeners.
CommunityBiodiversityClimate changePeople, Plants, and Fungi: Examining the Ecological and Social Landscapes of the Swan Creek Park Food Forest
2014Renee Meschi · Sound Ideas (University of Puget Sound) · United States (Tacoma)
This research examined the plants, fungi, and people of Tacoma's Swan Creek Park Food Forest (SCPFF) in the United States. The study investigated the site's history, including indigenous plant use by the First People of Cascadia, Native American food sovereignty projects, and the influence of immigration waves. It concluded with recommendations for ethical development and cultural sensitivity at the SCPFF.
CommunityBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceHeirloom & landraceGrowing Together Separately: An Analysis of the Influence of Individualism in an Alternative Educational Setting
2014Jessica L. Warren · Scholarship @ Claremont (The Claremont Colleges) · United States (California)
This thesis examines the influences of individualism within a school garden program at a Southern California continuation high school during the spring semester of 2014. The program involved high school students, college interns, and co-directors. It found that alternative educational settings, even when challenging individualism, incorporate some aspects of it due to influences from the larger school system.
Food educationCommunityMetodologia desenvolvida pelo Centro de Referência em Agricultura Urbana e Periurbana (Ceraup) no ensino do cultivo de uma horta escolar agroecológica
2014Márcio Aleksandro Daniel, Ednaldo Michellon, Aline Midori Takemura, Jéssica Brasau da Silva, Willian Scanacapra · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil
The Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Reference Center (CERAUP) in Brazil implements a school garden project for students aged 6 to 12, funded by MEC/Proext. This project teaches vegetable cultivation and the importance of agroecological foods, fostering teamwork and learning in subjects like mathematics, chemistry, and geography. The project has been ongoing for over a year, with agronomy and pedagogy interns participating under the guidance of agronomists.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cyclePeri-urban agricultureImpact of marketing channels on perceptions of quality of life and profitability for Wisconsin's organic vegetable farmers
2014Erin Silva, Fengxia Dong, Paul D. Mitchell, John Hendrickson · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · United States (Wisconsin)
A survey of Wisconsin-certified organic vegetable farmers investigated the relationships between farm characteristics, marketing strategies, and farmers' perceptions of profitability and quality of life. The data indicated that farmers selling into farmers' markets and through community-supported agriculture (CSA) were more likely to be dissatisfied with their profitability. Conversely, farmers selling into wholesale markets and restaurants/institutions were significantly more likely to be dissatisfied with their quality of life.
Economic viabilityEconomicsCSA & TeikeiUrban–rural linkageLocal food networks as catalysts for food policy change to improve health and build the economy
2014Richard C. Sadler, Godwin Arku, Jason Gilliland · Local Environment · United States (Flint)
This study examined local food networks (LFNs) and a food policy council (FPC) in Flint, Michigan, a post-industrial city facing food access issues. Participant observation with stakeholders revealed support for community gardens, farmers' markets, and urban agriculture. Based on the synthesis of stakeholder opinions, policy recommendations were developed to aid in the continued planning of the LFN.
PolicyHealthEconomicsCommunityThe Civic Life of Food Production
2014Jeanne Simonelli, Stephanie Paladino · Culture Agriculture Food and Environment · United States
This issue focuses on the movement to reintegrate food production into the civic, moral, and economic life of communities. Specifically, it highlights a qualitative study on the perceived benefits of community gardening in Baltimore, Maryland. The study explores the benefits to individuals, neighborhoods, and the city, suggesting these can be used as urban planning tools for developing healthy urban environments.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCSA & TeikeiUrban–rural linkageExploring Extension Involvement in Farm to School Program Activities
2014Matthew Benson · Journal of Extension · United States
An online survey of Extension professionals in eight US state Extension systems examined their involvement in farm-to-school program activities. On average, professionals were involved in one activity, primarily supporting school or community garden programs, but expressed interest in participating in an average of four activities. The study found that all Extension program areas are currently involved and interested in supporting farm-to-school initiatives through various activities.
Food educationCommunityUrban Food Corridors - Cultivating Sustainable Cities
2014Becky L. Jacobs · eYLS (Yale Law School) · United States (Detroit)
Detroit, Michigan, has become a leader in urban agriculture, with an estimated 1500 to 2000 gardens supported by individuals and businesses, including the Cadillac Urban Gardens. Various organizations and public-private coalitions promote sustainable local agriculture in the city. Knoxville, Tennessee, proposed creating an "urban food corridor" in 2012 to improve food access, health, and stimulate economic development by connecting land, farming, processing, distribution, sale, and composting.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyAchtergrondstudie: voorbeelden van ruimte in relatie tot gezond gedrag, redzaamheid en sociale verbanden
2014C. Bottenheft, Willeke van Staalduinen · TNO Repository · United States (New York City)
This study is a background research presenting examples of space in relation to healthy behavior, self-reliance, and social connections. It covers a scoping review process and addresses various topics including community gardens in New York, green buildings, neighborhood walkability, geographical access to tobacco and fast food, and social capital in walkable neighborhoods.
CommunityHealthHome Gardening: An Effective Cancer Therapy
2014Mike Fillon · JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute · United States (Birmingham)
A feasibility study for "Harvest for Health," an at-home gardening intervention, was conducted in 2011 with 12 adult and child cancer survivors in Jefferson County, Alabama. This year-long pilot study measured how cancer survivors responded to the intervention, specifically its effects on their diet and exercise behaviors, health-related quality of life, biomarkers of successful aging, intestinal health, and physical functioning. Participants, supported by master gardeners, planned and planted three gardens for fall, spring, and summer, engaging in harvesting and rotation.
DIYHealthHarmony Park: A Decision Case on Gardening on a Brownfield Site
2014Ashley S. Harms, DeAnn Presley, Ganga M. Hettiarachchi, Chammi P. Attanayake, Sabine Martin, Steven J. Thien · Natural sciences education · United States (Kansas City)
This case study examines the decision faced by Mr. John Holloway in Harmony Park, Kansas City, MO, regarding establishing a community garden on a vacant brownfield site in 2009. Concerns arose about soil contaminants on the site, leading to a dilemma about the potential harm versus benefits of gardening in a food desert. The case requires students to evaluate environmental, agronomic, human health, social, and economic issues related to urban soil contamination.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthThe Potential of Urban Agriculture in Montréal: A Quantitative Assessment
2014Daniel Haberman, Laura A. Gillies, Aryeh Canter, Valentine Rinner, Laetitia Pancrazi, Federico Martellozzo · ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information · Canada
This study used multiple land use scenarios to assess different spaces in Montréal, including residential gardens, industrial rooftops, and vacant land, that could be allocated to vegetable production. Results indicated that implementing hydroponics on industrial rooftops could easily satisfy Montréal's vegetable demand, though these operations are generally costly. Utilizing only vacant space also has the potential to meet the city's demand with lower operating costs.
Economic viabilityEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageThe Impact of Selected Socioeconomic Factors on Residents’ Perceptions of Benefits of Community Gardens
2014Nii O. Tackie, Nakia C. McCallum, Leonard Githinji, Desmond G. Mortley, Goppal P. Reddy, Jannette R. Bartlett, Prosper K. Doamekpor, Togo M. Traore · Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development · United States (Alabama)
This study assessed the impact of selected socioeconomic factors on residents' perceptions of community garden benefits in Macon County, Alabama. Data from a convenience sample of 217 participants, collected via questionnaire, showed that at least 73% agreed with nutritional, health, and community benefits. Age, education, and annual household income had statistically significant effects on these perceptions.
CommunityHealthEconomicsPolicy Statement 20137: Improving Health and Wellness through Access to Nature — American Public Health Association
2014Louise Chawla · Children Youth and Environments · United States
In 2013, the American Public Health Association issued a policy statement on "Improving Health and Wellness through Access to Nature." The statement reviews extensive evidence that contact with nature is a health-promoting experience in itself. Access to green spaces is associated with lower rates of heart disease, stroke, obesity, stress, and depression, as well as improved endocrine and immune system function, with low-income groups showing particularly significant benefits in reducing health disparities.
PolicyHealthCommunityFostering healthy diets in children through vibrant school gardens
2014Ann Y. Robinson, Hannah C. Lewis · Iowa State University Digital Repository (Iowa State University) · United States (Des Moines)
Six schools in Des Moines, United States, served as testing grounds for using school gardens as an educational, community-building, and health-enhancing tool. FoodCorps members collaborated with teachers, staff, students, and parents to demonstrate how school gardens could enrich their lives.
Food educationHealthCommunityAmerindian Agriculture in an Urbanising Amazonia (Rio Negro, Brazil)
2014Laure Emperaire, Ludivine Eloy · Bulletin of Latin American Research · Brazil (Rio Negro)
Indigenous agricultural systems in the periurban Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brazil, have transposed from forest contexts to periurban areas, maintaining multi-plot cultivation and traditional knowledge. However, this agriculture faces challenges from modern urban agriculture values. Its ecological and cultural relevance relies on new market integration and partnerships.
Peri-urban agricultureCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageAlternative Food Projects, Localization and Neoliberal Urban Development
2014Pascale Joassart‐Marcelli, Fernando J. Bosco · Métropoles · United States (California)
This article explores the growth of local food practices in urban southern California, focusing on farmers' markets. While alternative food initiatives like farmers' markets are often seen as resistance to capitalist pressures, this research provides evidence that they have become increasingly popular among affluent and white urban residents. This finding challenges the claim that local food fosters democracy and justice, indicating that these initiatives can reproduce neoliberal urban agendas and reshape cities along lines of race and class.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceAn Approach to Assessing Multicity Implementation of Healthful Food Access Policy, Systems, and Environmental Changes
2014Laura Oliven Silberfarb, Sonja Savre, Gayle Geber · Preventing Chronic Disease · United States (Hennepin County)
Hennepin County assessed the extent to which 41 cities were engaged in making policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes to increase residents' access to healthful food. Results revealed that some cities, particularly those with higher resident demand for healthful food, are making nationally recommended PSE changes, such as sponsoring farmers markets. However, cities moved more slowly to make changes in areas with perceived negative cost consequences or lesser public demand, such as parks and recreation vending.
Economic viabilityPolicyHealthCommunityEconomicsBringing Food Back Home: Revitalizing the Postindustrial American City Through State and Local Policies Promoting Urban Agriculture
2014Elizabeth Berg · Scholars' Bank (University of Oregon) · United States
State and local policies promoting urban agriculture contribute to revitalizing postindustrial American cities. Urban food systems encompass aspects of producing, processing, marketing, distributing, and consuming food, providing a multiplicity of benefits and services for local residents. These benefits include improved access to outdoor recreation, economic vitality, health and wellbeing, landscape beautification, and environmental restoration.
PolicyEconomicsHealthCommunity