Research & reports

Kora Uhlmann, Brenda B. Lin, Helen Ross · Sustainability · Global

This paper reviews existing literature on foodscape and biophilia to highlight the need for inter-disciplinary research combining urban agriculture and food literacy. The review suggests that emotional connection with nature benefits human wellbeing and predicts pro-environmental behaviors, and that urban agriculture can improve wellbeing and food security if the next generation has this connection and necessary life skills.

Jaime Hernández García, Sandra Caquimbo-Salazar · · Colombia (Bogotá)

In Bogotá, Colombia, over 50% of the city has developed through informal practices, with approximately four million people residing in areas of urban or housing informality. This chapter explores the transformation and appropriation of urban spaces in the barrios through urban agriculture initiatives, using examples of food growing spaces in Bogotá. It discusses agricultural practices in the city's informal settlements, highlighting social characteristics and spatial particulars, and advocates for open spaces as potential productive landscapes where spatial transformations can contribute to social, cultural, and nutritional practices.

Shafa Marzidah Abdullah Ayeop, Halmi Zainol, Nur Huzeima Mohd Hussain · Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal · Global

Community gardens are spaces for cultivating vegetables and fruits in urban neighborhoods, offering various social benefits. This paper aims to enhance understanding of the relationship between the social dimension and community gardens. It analyzes established references from previous articles and theses to identify social dimension elements of sustainable development and explore the benefits of community garden implementation for the social dimension.

Zane Vincēviča–Gaile, William Hogland, Māra Stapkēviča, Juris Burlakovs · Linnaeus Eco-Tech · Latvia

This study investigates the transfer of metallic elements in the soil-plant segment of the food chain through laboratory and field experiments. It also includes a quantitative analysis of food samples from Latvia, including fruits and vegetables from Riga city allotment gardens, to identify element composition and potential contamination risks from urban pollution. Results of experiments and analyses revealed the influence of factors such as seasonality, botanical origin, site-specific factors, agricultural practice, and food processing on element transfer.

Nicole Darmon, Pauline Martin, Pascale Scheromm, Florence Ghestem, Paul Marchand, Jean-Noël Consalès, Darmon, Nicole, Martin, Pauline, Scheromm, Pascale, Ghestem, Florence, Marchand, Paul, Consalès, Jean-Noël · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · France

This multidisciplinary study in poor neighborhoods of Marseille, France, investigated whether community gardeners had a larger supply of healthy food, particularly fruits and vegetables, than non-gardeners. Among 21 women gardeners, only eleven harvested during the study month, with an average of 53 g of produce per household member per day. The study found that gardener households purchased significantly more fruit and vegetables (369 g/d per person) than non-gardener households (211 g/d per person), but this difference was due to purchases, not higher quantities produced.

Cécile Le Guern, Liliane Jean‐Soro, Béatrice Bechet, Thierry Lebeau, Dorine Bouquet · Land Degradation and Development · France

Urban allotment gardens in Nantes, France, were found to have soil contamination, with lead (Pb) levels ranging from 100–400 mg kg−1, posing health risks. Local actors collaborated to characterize soil, evaluate sanitary risks, and discuss management options. The most frequent solution was replacing polluted soils with clean soils, while other strategies included on-site management of excavated soil, non-accumulative cropping, or changing land use.

Katherine Mycock · Children s Geographies · Global

This paper explores how mud is used to form gendered and class-based identities among children aged 3–11 years old during outdoor learning. Ethnographic fieldwork was conducted in a school garden and two forest schools during the 2014–2015 school year. The research found that mud kitchens and waterproofs partly governed experiences by creating separations between bodies and mud, though children's encounters sometimes exceeded pedagogical functions, leading to resistances.

Juliana Silva Barbosa, Robson Patrocinio de Souza, Anelise Dias · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)

This report details the implementation and monitoring of a productive yard in the Juliano Moreira Colony, Jacarepagua, Rio de Janeiro, an initiative by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. The project aimed to promote health through improved food and nutritional security, with a farmer selected based on her interest in agroecology. The backyard contributed to food security, increased family income through surplus sales, and propagated agroecology principles in the community.

Pernille Malberg Dyg, Karen Wistoft · Environmental Education Research · Denmark

An exploratory multiple case study in Denmark examined the "Gardens for Bellies" school garden program and its role in student wellbeing. The study indicated that the program promotes student wellbeing through positive emotions from being outdoors and positive social interactions, which seemed to affect self-esteem. While the majority of students experienced wellbeing, it is not documented whether these effects influence long-term wellbeing or planetary care, and not all students thrived in the garden's open space.

St Clair, Rebecca, Hardman, Michael, Adams, David, Armitage, Richard, Barry, Veronica, Larkham, Peter, Sherriff, Graeme · Research Explorer (The University of Manchester) · United Kingdom

This paper reviews the diversity of urban agriculture (UA) activities in England, from small-scale guerrilla gardening to large community projects. It suggests that UA is under-theorized, with previous research focusing on practicalities and activism. The paper highlights UA's problematic contribution to food production and warns of the 'local trap'.

Jonas Aleixo da Silva · · Brazil

This qualitative case study analyzed urban agriculture practices in the Mangueira neighborhood, Grajau-MA, Brazil, through visits, observations, and interviews. The study found that while urban horticulture provided benefits like income and product quality, it faced difficulties including reliance on borrowed land, soil depletion, and the use of agrochemical products, indicating that production was not free from chemical fertilizers.

Beatriz Doris Laury Dzib Moo, Sandra Patricia Dzib Moo, Gerardo González García · · Mexico (Villahermosa)

This study aims to help residents of Colonia Linda Vista in Villahermosa, Tabasco, understand the importance of implementing home gardens, targeting 7,500 inhabitants with a sample of 30 households. The primary objective of this first phase is to assist residents in comprehending the significance of urban gardens as an alternative to improve family nutrition and economy. The introduction of urban gardens is particularly emphasized due to the lack of parks and gardens for the residents in this area.

Jheri-Lynn McSwain · Index of Texas Archaeology Open Access Grey Literature from the Lone Star State · United States (Texas)

This study investigated the feasibility of using community gardens as a supplemental food assistance tool for congregate meal sites and food pantries, through a survey of 83 senior adults and interviews with four nutrition site directors in Shelby County, Texas. The surveyed senior adults reported experiencing food security issues, and nutrition site directors faced challenges in providing fresh vegetables. However, no significant differences were found between life satisfaction and food security by age or education level.

Piotr Krzyk, Bogusława Kwoczyńska · Problemy Drobnych Gospodarstw Rolnych / Problems of Small Agricultural Holdings · Poland (Cracow)

This study quantitatively assessed the conversion of agricultural land to investment purposes in Cracow's Mogiła and Wyciąże neighborhoods from 2010-2013, based on local plans. It also addressed soil quality, heavy metal content, and pH. Analysis of spatial management plans for these areas indicated a systematic decline in the share of biologically active areas.

Amina Abubakari, John Asiedu Larbi, Robert Clement Abaidoo · Journal of Tropical Diseases · Ghana (Kumasi)

A 2018 study in Kumasi, Ghana, assessed 7017 health facility data from 77 communities to investigate malaria transmission in areas with wastewater irrigation. It found approximately 3698 malaria cases in wastewater irrigation areas and 3319 in areas without, with a P-value of 0.1914, indicating no statistically significant difference. However, Anopheles spp. mosquito densities were high in furrows, followed by ponds, suggesting that anthropogenic activities related to urbanization and wastewater irrigation may contribute to malaria transmission.

Madeleine Chow, Valeria Aguirre, Natalie Sanchez, Erol Ikiz · DigitalCommons-IMSA (Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy) · United States (Aurora)

In the Aurora area, 14.8% of residents live in poverty, and 15.9% of Illinois residents rely on food stamps that lead to inadequate nutrition. To address this, "Seedisary" developed the "Seed Shopper," an eco-friendly, seed-infused shopping bag that can be donated to local food pantries or community gardens after use. This product aims to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to residents in low-income neighborhoods and positively impact the environment.

Jendayi Jones · Knowledge@UChicago (University of Chicago) · United States (Chicago)

This project uses interviews and literature research to examine the state of urban agriculture in Chicago and its potential to address nutritional inequity, unemployment, and community building. By analyzing two policy initiatives, two land management organizations, and three interviews, the study aims to identify effective aspects and areas needing improvement in Chicago's urban agriculture setup.

E.J. Veen, Sebastian Eiter · Nature and Culture · Norway

Results from questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews in two Norwegian and one Dutch garden show that growing vegetables and consuming the harvest is a fundamental part of gardening. The social element of meeting other gardeners and feeling part of a community is also true. While gardeners with different socioeconomic backgrounds experience gardening similarly, access to an allotment appears more important for gardeners with disadvantaged personal backgrounds.

Daniel Velandia Díaz · Jangwa Pana · Colombia (Bogotá)

In Bogotá, Colombia, institutional policies were introduced in the early 21st century to strengthen social aspects such as urban agriculture, healthy eating, and community integration. These policies, driven by city administrations, were associated with social inclusion concerns. Government plans from 2004 to 2015 implemented interventions to form urban agriculture networks in several city localities, promoting recognition of prior community experiences and supporting new initiatives.

Jenny Smart, David Tschirley, Francis Smart, Smart, Jenny Cairns, Tschirley, David, Smart, Francis · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Mozambique

Food system transformation and changes in diet quality were assessed in Mozambique amidst rapid urbanization and income growth. Rising incomes and processed food consumption were found to be associated with a worsening of negative dietary factors. Furthermore, urbanization, controlling for income, was more strongly associated with a worsening of negative factors than an improvement in positive dietary factors. However, owning one's own farm had a positive and significant effect on nutrition for urban households, primarily driven by reduced purchases of unhealthy foods.

Arlinda Sheqiri, Parna Rastgo · Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering - A · Europe

A study on the use and value of green school grounds in developing countries was conducted across five schools in Podujevo, Kosovo. The findings revealed that the potential of green school grounds in most studied cases has not been utilized. Opportunities provided by the municipality and environmental NGOs are insufficient, suggesting a need to rethink the design and use of green school grounds in developing countries.

Katrina Hoch · · Global

Involving children in decisions and preparations for activities, particularly in natural settings, increases their enthusiasm and understanding of the food system. A 2015 systematic review of 13 studies found that participation in school garden programs led to an increased preference for vegetables. School gardens provide individual, interpersonal, and social benefits, engaging children in broader themes such as protecting biodiversity.

Harriet Gross · · United Kingdom

This chapter reviews evidence for the positive impact of gardening on the health and psychological well-being of individuals and groups, including therapeutic gardening programs. Gardeners report high levels of life satisfaction, good physical activity, and good psychological and physical health. The chapter also considers whether outdoor activity has a similar or better effect on health and well-being than activity done elsewhere.

Timo Falkenberg, Deepak Saxena, Thomas Kistemann · The Science of The Total Environment · India (Ahmedabad)

A cohort study investigated the contribution of wastewater irrigation to in-household water contamination among urban farming households in Ahmedabad, India, within the context of WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene). Drinking water samples from 204 households were collected four times over 12 months, and E. coli was quantified. Significant positive differences in water quality between point-of-source and point-of-use samples were identified in 78% of households. During the monsoon, the peak of contamination, only 6% of households had access to safe drinking water at the point-of-use. Wastewater irrigation showed an adverse effect on in-household water contamination, with an effect size larger than the mitigation effect of access to sanitation or personal hygiene.

Sky Roberts, Charlie M. Shackleton · Land · South Africa

This study investigated urban community food gardens in four towns in South Africa, using surveys and GIS analysis over three decades. It found that common motivations included cash poverty (37%) and the need to grow food (34%), with reported benefits such as a healthy lifestyle (58%) and food consumption (54%). A significant challenge was theft of garden infrastructure or produce, and there were declines in the number and area of urban community gardens, with only 16% of gardens from the 1980s still operating in the 2000s.