Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2056 results(61 / 83)
Perception and acceptance of agricultural production in and on urban buildings (ZFarming): a qualitative study from Berlin, Germany
2015· Agriculture and Human Values · Germany (Berlin)
A qualitative study from Berlin examining public perception and acceptance of agricultural production in and on urban buildings (ZFarming).
CommunityPolicyHealthHeavy metal accumulation in vegetables grown in urban gardens
2015· Agronomy for Sustainable Development · Global
Vegetables grown in urban gardens, especially near roads, accumulate heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, posing health risks through consumption and highlighting an environmental and safety downside of growing food in cities.
HealthFecal contamination in irrigation water and microbial quality of vegetable primary production in urban farms of Metro Manila, Philippines
2015Garcia B., Dimasupil M., Vital P., Widmer K., Rivera W. · Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B · Philippines (Metro Manila)
Many irrigation water, soil, and vegetable samples from urban farms in Metro Manila tested positive for E. coli, documenting fecal contamination and associated food-safety risks in urban agriculture.
HealthInvestigating the association between urban agriculture and food security, dietary diversity, and nutritional status: A systematic literature review
2015Warren E., Hawkesworth S., Knai C. · Food Policy · Global
A systematic review of studies quantifying urban agriculture's link to food security, dietary diversity, and nutrition finds the evidence base weak and inconsistent, showing that empirical support for its effectiveness in easing food-security challenges remains limited.
HealthWelfarePolicyHeavy Metal Contamination of Soil, Irrigation Water and Vegetables in Peri‐Urban Agricultural Areas and Markets of Delhi
2015Arti Bhatia, Shivdhar Singh, Amit Kumar · Water Environment Research · India (Delhi)
A study in Delhi, India, investigated heavy metal contamination (cadmium, lead, zinc, copper) in irrigation water, soil, and vegetables from four peri-urban and one wholesale site. Most samples from peri-urban areas exceeded safe limits for lead and cadmium. Vegetables from the wholesale market showed only higher lead concentrations. Among peri-urban vegetables, only okra exceeded the safe limit for cadmium, while several wholesale vegetables (potato, coriander, chilies, pea, carrot) exceeded the limit for lead regarding health risk.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureGreen infrastructure as life support: urban nature and climate change
2015Sheryn D. Pitman, Christopher B. Daniels, Martin Edward Ely · Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia · Australia
A literature review conducted between 2012 and 2014 for the South Australian Green Infrastructure Project established the diverse benefits of Green Infrastructure. These benefits include temperature modification, improved human health, enhanced community liveability, effective water management, increased economic prosperity, biodiversity conservation, and extensive urban food production. The paper primarily focuses on Green Infrastructure's contribution to climate adaptation and protection.
Climate changeHealthBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceSustenance and sustainability: maximizing the impact of school gardens on health outcomes
2015Jaimie N. Davis, Mackenzie R Spaniol, Shawn Somerset · Public Health Nutrition · Global
A review of thirteen school garden programs for children (kindergarten to 8th grade) found methodological limitations: three studies lacked control groups, and none were randomized. While six of eleven programs showed increased vegetable intake and seven of eight showed increased preference for vegetables, four programs had no effect on intake. More research is needed to understand long-term dietary improvements.
Methodological critiqueFood educationHealthThe Well-Being of Allotment Gardeners: A Mixed Methodological Study
2015Jo Webber, Joe Hinds, Paul M. Camic · Ecopsychology · United Kingdom
A mixed-methods study surveyed 171 allotment gardeners in the United Kingdom to investigate the relationships between allotment gardening, feeling connected to nature, and well-being. Allotment gardeners' eudaimonic well-being and quality of life in the environmental domain were significantly higher than population means reported in the literature. However, the study found no association with subjective well-being.
HealthCommunityCultivating Community Collaboration and Community Health Through Community Gardens
2015Jacqueline Lanier, Julie Schumacher, Kerri Calvert · Journal of Community Practice · Global
This study used a mixed-method approach, including site visits and a web-based post-survey, to identify the perceived benefits of community gardens for organizations, volunteers, and served populations. It explored how a local coalition supports organizations in using community gardens to build social capital and foster community health and collaborations. The results indicate that community gardens are a strategy for creating sustainable positive change by building social capital and fostering community health through collaboration.
CommunityHealthThe Impact of an Environmental Educational Program of a School Garden on Pupils with Intellectual Disabilities—A Comparative Approach
2015Alexandros Stavrianos, Alexia Spanoudaki · Open Journal of Social Sciences · Greece
This research investigated the impact of a school garden environmental education program on 10 pupils diagnosed with mild to moderate intellectual disability in two Special Education Primary Schools in Greece. Using semi-structured interviews and descriptive statistical analysis to compare two groups of pupils, the study found that students who participated in the program were more familiar with environmental concepts and possessed skills directly linked to Environmental Education than their non-participating peers. Additionally, participating pupils perceived outdoor activities as part of the formal learning process, unlike their peers.
Food educationCommunityHealthPollution assessment of organochlorine pesticides in urban agricultural soils of Jilin City, China
2015Jingjing Zhang, Jingshuang Liu, Rui Yu, Qiang Liu, Yang Wang · Human and Ecological Risk Assessment An International Journal · China (Jilin City)
This study analyzed 50 surface soil samples from urban vegetable fields in Jilin City, China, for thirteen organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Based on soil quality standards, DDTs and chlordanes were categorized as light pollution, while HCHs showed no pollution for most samples. The study concluded that despite the presence of various OCPs residues, the soils are still safe and suitable for agricultural production.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPolicyClimate changeNutrition Education Influences Vitamin A-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Child Caregivers Towards the Production of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato in Uganda
2015Josephine Nabugoomu · Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences · Uganda (Kampala)
This controlled cohort intervention study in Kampala, Uganda, assessed the effect of nutrition education on orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) production and vitamin A-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices of 457 child caregivers. Respondents who received nutrition education had better knowledge of vitamin A and OFSP as a source of vitamin A, and more positive attitudes towards health and child health practices (p<0.05). They also showed significantly higher consumption of vitamin A-rich foods.
Food educationHealthPeri-urban agricultureCommunityFighting insecurity: Experiments in urban agriculture in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro
2015Lea Rekow · · Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
This paper describes key initiatives in urban agriculture within Rio de Janeiro's favela communities, which are experiencing displacement and destabilization due to rapid urbanization policies. These initiatives aim to create resilient and productive spaces, particularly addressing food and nutrition security amidst socio-economic and security landscape changes.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareThe contribution of allotment gardening to health and wellbeing: A systematic review of the literature
2015Chris Genter, Anne Roberts, Janet Richardson, Mike Sheaff · British Journal of Occupational Therapy · Global
A systematic review of 10 selected papers investigated the contribution of allotment gardening to health and wellbeing. Thematic analysis of qualitative and quantitative findings revealed five themes: stress relief, healthier lifestyle, social opportunities, contact with nature, and self-development. The review suggests that allotment gardening impacts health and wellbeing, recommending it as occupational therapy and a health-promoting occupation.
HealthCommunityThe Effects of School Gardens on Children's Science Knowledge: A randomized controlled trial of low-income elementary schools
2015Nancy M. Wells, Beth M. Myers, Lauren Todd, Karen Barale, Brad Gaolach, Gretchen Ferenz, Martha Aitken, Charles Henderson, Caroline C. Tse, Karen Ostlie Pattison, Cayla Taylor, Laura Connerly, Janet B. Carson, Alexandra Z. Gensemer, Nancy Franz, Elizabeth C. Falk · International Journal of Science Education · United States
A randomized controlled trial in 25 low-income elementary schools across four US states (n=3,061 students aged 6-12) examined the effect of a school garden intervention on science knowledge from Fall 2011 to Spring 2013. While science knowledge increased more in the intervention group than in the control group, overall scores remained poor and gains were very modest. A dose-response relationship was observed, where more robust intervention implementations correlated with stronger treatment effects.
Food educationHealthCommunityEffects of Urban Agriculture Program on the Formation of Family Unity and Intimacy
2015Haeseon Chu, Eujean Jang, Chun‐Ho Pak · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea
This research investigated the effects of an urban agriculture experience program on family unity, intimacy, and recognition of urban agriculture. The participated group showed a significant increase in family cohesion, unlike the control group, indicating agricultural experiences affected family cohesion. Participants also showed significantly increased recognition of urban agriculture and reported decreased stress, increased family unity, intimacy, and dialogue after the program.
CommunityHealthFood educationBrooklyn Farmer
2015Andrew Koval · Educational Media Reviews Online · United States (New York City)
The 27-minute documentary film "Brooklyn Farmer" (2014) covers organic urban rooftop farming as a business. The film offers perspectives on the cost of farm labor's exposure to pesticides versus the increased cost of organic vegetables, citing aesthetics, supply chain reduction, and human health as benefits of urban farming. While noted for its informative text and enhanced production value, a stated limitation is that it should have featured farmers in a more traditional vegetable production capacity to provide a diversity of opinion concerning the market.
DIYEconomicsHealthFood educationCommunity gardening and social cohesion: different designs, different motivations
2015E.J. Veen, B.B. Bock, W. van den Berg, A.J. Visser, J.S.C. Wiskerke · Local Environment · Global
This paper studied seven community gardens with varying organizational designs, objectives, and gardener motivations to investigate their influence on social cohesion. It found that in all cases, people interacted, got to know each other, and mutual help was widespread, concluding that community gardens contribute to social cohesion regardless of participants' primary motivations. Social aspects also provided added value for those primarily motivated by growing vegetables.
CommunityHealthResearch Trend Analysis on Characteristics and Social Condition of Domestic Homeless for Self-supportive Community Garden Programs
2015Sook Mee Lee, In Ho Kim · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea
This study analyzed research trends concerning the characteristics and social conditions of domestic homeless populations in South Korea, focusing on community garden programs for self-support. It suggests that integrating community gardens into supportive housing could offer comprehensive services to the homeless, including physical and mental health care, improved sociality, job training, and communication spaces for rehabilitation.
CommunityWelfareHealthGoing, Doing, Gardening: School Gardens in the Underrepresented Communities of Lake Worth, Palm Springs, and Greenacres, Florida
2015Amy Wagenfeld, Erica Whitfield · Children Youth and Environments · United States (Florida)
In January 2010, the School District of Palm Beach County, Florida, received a grant to install school/community gardens to reduce obesity and increase access to fresh produce among minority communities, primarily Hispanic children and families. A 42-item survey measured the gardens' usability, curricular integration, movement/exercise capacities, and health benefits. Findings indicated that participating in garden programs positively influenced students' and teachers' lives.
Food educationHealthCommunityWelfareRadiometric study of heavy metal levels in sediments from areas of fishing, therapeutic and environmental interest and in urban soils from different cities in Cuba
2015Díaz Rizo, Óscar, Olivares Rieumont, Susana, D'Alessandro Rodríguez, Katia, López Pino, Neivy, Arado López, Juana Orquídea, Gelen Rudnikas, Alina, Díaz Arado, Óscar, Lima Cazorla, Lázaro, García Céspedes, Damaris, González Hernández, Patricia, Arencibia Carballo, Gustavo, Padilla Cabal, Fátima, Echevarría Castillo, Frank, Hernández Merlo, M., Casanova Díaz, A., Corrales Martínez, Y., Reyes, H., Viguri Fuente, Javier Rufino, Ródenas Palomino, Carmen, Santana, J. L. · UCrea (University of Cantabria) · Cuba
This 2015 study in Cuba used X-ray Fluorescence and Low Background Gamma Spectrometry to analyze heavy metal and radioactive element concentrations in marine/river sediments and urban soils. It found heavy metal contamination in coastal sediments of Guacanayabo Gulf and possible selenium contamination in the Sagua River estuary. The study also reported heavy metal concentrations in urban soils of Havana, Moa, Las Tunas, and Cienfuegos, including contamination levels in urban agricultural farms.
Contamination & food safetyHealthAgroecological urban agriculture from the perspective of health promotion
2015Silvana Maria Ribeiro, Cláudia Maria Bógus, Helena Akemi Wada Watanabe · · Brazil (São Paulo)
This paper systematizes the experience of the "Colhendo Sustentabilidade" project, implemented in Embu das Artes, São Paulo metropolitan region, from 2008 to 2011, analyzing it from a Health Promotion perspective. Data was obtained through workshops and interviews with participants, public service technicians, and project team members. Conclusions revealed that agroecological urban agriculture serves as a health-promoting tool by contributing to individual and community empowerment, creating favorable health environments, and multiplying knowledge on income generation, health, and environment.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceVancouver community gardeners perceptions on soil health and contamination
2015Jason Murillo, Environmental Health BCIT School of Health Sciences, Bobby Sidhu · BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal · Canada (Vancouver)
An online survey of 101 community gardeners from 23 community gardens in Vancouver, Canada, investigated perceptions of soil health and contamination. The study found no association between soil testing and garden location, nor between garden location and gardeners' confidence in soil safety. Despite potential health concerns from contaminated soil, community gardeners refrained from soil testing and remained confident in their soil's safety, indicating a gap in safety standards.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthGrowing Together: Poverty Alleviation, Community Building, and Environmental Justice through Home Gardens in Pacoima, Los Angeles
2015Bhavna Shamasunder, R Mason, Luke Ippoliti, Laura Robledo · Environmental Justice · United States (Los Angeles)
A community-based research project in Pacoima, Los Angeles, examined 36 families who received home gardens, training, and support in 2013. Following families through one planting cycle, data showed the potential for home gardens to contribute to household food budgets, increase home pride, motivate community involvement, and provide green spaces. This project aims to address the research gap on home gardens' benefits and challenges.
CommunityWelfareHealthFood educationUrban Market Gardening and Rodent-Borne Pathogenic Leptospira in Arid Zones: A Case Study in Niamey, Niger
2015Gauthier Dobigny, Madougou Garba, Caroline Tatard, Anne Loiseau, Maxime Galan, Ibrahima Kadaouré, Jean‐Pierre Rossi, Mathieu Picardeau, Eric Bertherat · PLoS neglected tropical diseases · Niger
An extensive survey of urban rodents in Niamey, Niger, investigated the presence and distribution of rodent-borne pathogenic Leptospira species. Leptospires were not detected in the core city, but L. kirschneri was found in Arvicanthis niloticus and Cricetomys gambianus, rodent species restricted to irrigated cultures within the city. This study indicates the importance of market gardening in the maintenance and circulation of leptospirosis within Sahelian cities.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agriculture