Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
1626 results(63 / 66)
HIERARCHICAL BAYESIAN SCALING OF SOIL PROPERTIES ACROSS URBAN, AGRICULTURAL, AND DESERT ECOSYSTEMS
2008Jason P. Kaye, Anandamayee Majumdar, Corinna Gries, Alexander Buyantuyev, Nancy B. Grimm, D. Hope, G. Darrel Jenerette, Weixing Zhu, Lawrence A. Baker · Ecological Applications · United States (Phoenix)
A study in a 7962-km2 area around Phoenix, Arizona, USA, used a hierarchical Bayesian model to predict soil organic carbon (oC), inorganic carbon (iC), total nitrogen (N), and available phosphorus (avP) storage. Both Bayesian and traditional approaches indicated that oC, N, and avP were higher in mesic residential and agricultural areas than in deserts or xeric residential areas. Cultural variables like impervious surface cover, tree cover, and turfgrass cover were significant predictors, and an estimated 1140 Gg of oC and 130 Gg of N had accumulated in human-dominated soils.
Organic cycleClimate changeFaecal bacterial indicators removal in various wastewater treatment plants located in Almendares River watershed (Cuba)
2008Tamara García–Armisen, Josué Prats, Yociel Marrero, Pierre Servais · Water Science & Technology · Cuba (Havana)
The Almendares River in Havana, Cuba, receives wastewater from over 200,000 inhabitants, resulting in very poor microbiological water quality downstream due to high faecal bacterial indicators (FBIs). This water is used for urban agriculture and recreation, despite not meeting microbiological standards. This study compared FBI removal in three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs): a conventional facility, a constructed wetland (CW), and a solar aquatic system (SAS). Natural systems (CW and SAS) showed approximately two log units higher FBI removal efficiency than the conventional plant. The large conventional WWTP was found to have a negative impact on the river's microbiological quality.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityClimate change석유에너지 위기와 대안식량체계
2008김종덕 · 환경사회학연구 ECO · South Korea
This paper points out that the current global food system, which has heavily relied on low-cost oil energy, faces problems in food production, processing, and transportation due to surging crude oil prices, leading to food export controls and riots, and escalating global food conflicts and instability. The global food system is vulnerable to oil energy crises and negatively impacts food safety, security, environment, local economies, and food culture. Therefore, the paper emphasizes the need for alternative food systems like organic farming, urban agriculture, and community-supported agriculture that reduce reliance on oil energy.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsCSA & TeikeiUrban–rural linkageAlternative water sources for agricultural production in Beijing
2008Ji WenHua, Cai Jianming, R. van Veenhuizen · · China (Beijing)
This paper describes the water balance between water resources and water use in Beijing, China, which faces severe water shortage. It discusses efforts by the Beijing government to relieve water pressure and identifies agriculture as the biggest water user. The paper suggests that finding alternative water sources like wastewater and rainwater is important for urban agriculture development.
PolicyClimate changeUrban–rural linkage현대 건축 및 도시설계에 있어서 지속가능한 커뮤니티의 개념과 적용에 관한 연구
2008곽동화, 이정미 · 한국디지털건축인테리어학회 논문집 · Global
This study clarified the concept of sustainable community in contemporary architecture and urban design, examining various application modes such as rural ecovillages and urban demonstration projects. It summarized design elements for sustainable communities, including symbiosis with nature, permaculture, and resource-saving technology. Design methods identified included strategic planning, visioning, and community action planning.
CommunityClimate changeSpatial Planning for Agricultural Production for Making the Beijing City as a Good Living Place
2008Fengrong Zhang · 资源科学 · China (Beijing)
Beijing faces water and land resource deficiencies while increasing its focus on environmental protection and ecological conservation. This paper proposes four agricultural development zones tailored to Beijing's urban spatial structure and socioeconomic development, aiming to leverage urban agriculture's sightseeing, landscape, and ecological functions. It notes that this spatial planning prioritizes public benefits over farmers' economic benefits, making market-based realization difficult and necessitating direct government subsidies to farmers.
PolicyUrban–rural linkageClimate changeCommunityPreliminary Discussion on the City Rooftop Garden
2008Peng Yi-jun · Anhui nongye kexue · Global
This discussion examined the necessity and construction methods of rooftop gardens, along with the key considerations and challenges during their development. It also covered their developmental history, current status, and future prospects.
DIYCommunityClimate changeField trials identify more native plants suited to urban landscaping
2008S. Karrie Reid, Lorence R. Oki · California Agriculture · United States (California)
In California, there is a growing need for landscape plants requiring fewer water and chemical inputs. A program at UC Davis screened ten unused or underused California native plants for low water tolerance in open-field conditions during summer 2006. No significant differences were found in summer growth or physical appearance across four irrigation levels. Six species maintained a favorable appearance throughout the season and are now undergoing further assessment in demonstration gardens across seven climate zones.
CommunityClimate changeBiodiversityThe food security environment nexus in urban agriculture in Harare.
2008R. Machiridza, Emmanuel Manzungu · University of Zimbabwe Institutional Repository (University of Zimbabwe) · Zimbabwe (Harare)
Perceptions of urban agriculture in Harare, Zimbabwe, shifted from prohibition before 1980 due to environmental concerns to de facto government policy after independence due to increasing urban poverty. Land was initially allocated to co-operatives primarily for political support, creating tension between political patronage and environmental protection. Critics argue that authorities only accepted urban agriculture's reality two decades post-independence, driven by its potential for poverty reduction and economic development.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsClimate changeAgricultura urbana na Vila Fanny, Curitiba, PR: Agroecologia fomentando uma atividade transdisciplinar de educação ambiental.
2007Michelle Melissa Althaus Ottmann, Áurea Portes Ferriani, Ricardo Serra Borsatto, Homero Cidade Júnior, Cláudio Ferraz Oliver, Eduardo Feniman, Lourival de Moraes Fidelis, Nilce Nazareno da Fonte · REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE AGROECOLOGIA · Brazil
Since August 2006, an urban agriculture, landscaping, and horticulture program has been developed with children attending the Casa da Videira NGO in Vila Fanny, Curitiba, Brazil. Weekly transdisciplinary sessions have shown preliminary results including increased children's interest in environmental topics, proposals for solutions, and changes in family attitudes. Qualitatively, the program has improved the visual appearance of the area and fostered team cohesion.
Food educationCommunityHealthClimate changeUrban Agriculture i den hållbara staden
2007Anna Eklund, Camilla Björk · · Nicaragua (Managua)
This diploma work, a case study in Managua, Nicaragua, explored how urban agriculture can improve the life situation of urban populations. The study found evidence that urban agriculture can be a key strategy for the urban poor, securing food access, improving public health and the environment, increasing income possibilities, and strengthening social belonging.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsClimate changeWelfareSustainable practices that allow the recycling of solid waste and wastewater in urban marketgardening
2007Ma. Neftalí Rojas-Valencia, Ma. Teresa Orta de Velásquez, Víctor Franco · Linnaeus Eco-Tech · Mexico (Mexico City)
This study investigated the efficiency of applying organoponic techniques to urban crops in Mexico City, utilizing organic compounds, recyclable solid waste, homemade organic fertilizers, and treated wastewater. Three wastewater disinfection methods were tested: Ozone, APT, and a combination. Results showed that Ozone not only disinfected wastewater but also contributed oxygen and nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Ozone also reduced infection risk by eliminating pathogenic microorganisms and increased plant growth.
Organic cycleClimate changeDIYSTUDY ON THERMAL ENVIRONMENT AND BEHAVIOR OF VISITORS AT A LARGE ROOFTOP GARDEN ON A COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN SUMMER
2007Hiroyuki Akagawa, Katsuyuki FUKUMI, Takayuki Kubota, Hideki Takebayashi, Masakazu Moriyama · Journal of Environmental Engineering (Transactions of AIJ) · Global
This study investigated the thermal environment and visitor behavior at a large rooftop garden on a commercial building during summer. Findings indicated that resting places in tree shade were "non-Hot" under high solar radiation, though SET* was higher than in shaded open spaces due to wind speeds around 1m/s. The rooftop garden featured well-shaded footpaths that provided "non-Hot" conditions for most of the afternoon. Tree shade was desirable on fine days, while open spaces were preferred on cloudy days. SET* was identified as the most appropriate index for evaluating the relationship between human behaviors and the thermal environment.
HealthClimate changeCool green water wise streets ... saving money while giving stormwater, energy, comfort and quality of life benefits
2007S Fjell · Rainwater and Urban Design · Global
This paper presents the concepts of "Cool Streets," "Green Streets," and "Water Wise Streets" to mitigate urban heat islands and create sustainable urban environments. Cool Streets reduce heat absorption, Green Streets promote improved air quality, stormwater management, and urban agriculture through vegetation. These multidisciplinary design approaches can achieve cost-effective Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) outcomes, and the concept has been implemented in Pentridge Village, Coburg, Victoria, Australia.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeBiodiversityEconomicsWhat is the Deal with Local Food Systems: Or, Local Food Systems from a Regional Science Perspective
2007David W. Hughes, Daniel Eades, Kenneth L. Robinson, Carlos E. Carpio, Isengildina, Olga, Cheryl Brown, Hughes, David W., Eades, Daniel C., Robinson, Kenneth L., Carpio, Carlos E., Isengildina, Olga, Brown, Cheryl · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Global
This paper critiques the current literature on local food systems, which are promoted for local economic growth and reduced environmental impact, but often lack rigorous analysis from a regional science perspective. Using the Porter Diamond framework, it discusses how regional science can analyze local food systems as an economic development tool and assesses their potential environmental benefits.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood miles & supply chainClimate changePrecision application of water for peri-urban horticulture
2007Viola Devasirvatham, P. S. Cornish · International Journal of Water · Australia
Peri-urban horticulture in Australia requires irrigation for year-round vegetable production. Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) offers higher water use efficiency and crop yields, with the potential to reduce environmental risks from drainage and runoff. However, SDI has potential disadvantages, including poor germination or crop establishment and uneven wetting patterns. Research is needed to solve these problems and enable environmentally acceptable vegetable production.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsClimate changeOrganic cycleAttitudinal Shifts and Food Security Gains in Urban Dakar's Community Gardens Campaigns
2007Mariama Diop, Toumani Sène · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Senegal (Dakar)
This study evaluated the impact of community gardens on food security and sustainable agricultural practices in urban Dakar. Participant surveys indicated a significant shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices, with over 70% of participants adopting at least one new gardening technique. The study highlights the potential for community gardens to improve food security and foster environmental stewardship among urban dwellers.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationClimate changeEl riego con aguas de mala calidaden la agricultura urbana. Aspectosa considerar. I. Aguas salinas o alcalinas
2007F Ortega Sastriques, Rosa Orellana Gallego · Revista ciencias técnicas agropecuarias · Global
In many cities, the high price and limited availability of potable water necessitate considering irrigation with poor quality water, such as saline or alkaline waters, in urban agriculture. This paper considers aspects of irrigation with poor quality water, including risks like contamination.
Contamination & food safetyClimate changeEconomicsEl riego con aguas de mala calidad en la agricultura urbana. Aspectos a considerar. II. Aguas residuales urbanas Irrigation with low quality in urban agriculture: points to regard. II. Urban waste water
2007F Ortega Sastriques, Rosa Orellana Gallego · · Global
Due to high prices and limited availability of drinking water in many cities, urban agriculture will require the use of alternative water sources. Groundwater and surface currents near cities are typically polluted, and this paper points out aspects to consider for safe irrigation using sewage water.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleClimate changeCities farming for the future : urban agriculture for green and productive cities
2006R. van Veenhuizen · Issue Lab (Candid) · Global
This publication defines urban agriculture as growing plants and raising animals for food within and around cities, along with related processing and marketing. It notes increased attention from development organizations and authorities in developing countries due to urban agriculture's role in poverty alleviation, food security, waste management, and greening. The work presents the "state of the art" of sustainable urban agriculture development, indicating progress since earlier major publications.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyEconomicsClimate changeThe Effect of Land Use on Soil Health Indicators in Peri‐Urban Agriculture in the Humid Forest Zone of Southern Cameroon
2006Adolphe Monkiédjé, Michael Spiteller, D. Fotio, Premasis Sukul · Journal of Environmental Quality · Cameroon (Yaounde)
This study evaluated the effect of different land uses on soil health indicators in peri-urban agricultural areas of Yaounde, Cameroon, by comparing five tilled sites with native forest land. While most cropped land showed higher levels of many soil health indicators, cultivation of crops like corn and sugarcane significantly impacted native soil quality. Specifically, phenol oxidase, microbial biomass C/organic C, and microbial biomass C/microbial biomass P were negatively affected, indicating negative management impacts on soil health.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleClimate changeContemporary agri-ecological systems and their contribution to community resilience: reconnecting people and food, and people with people
2006Christine King · Proceedings of the 50th Annual Meeting of the ISSS - 2006, Sonoma, CA, USA · Global
This paper reports on research exploring how alternative agricultural approaches, such as Organic Agriculture, Biodynamics, Permaculture, CSAs, Farmers Markets, and Community Gardens, contribute to more resilient agri-ecological systems and communities. These systems are reviewed in relation to key concepts from ecological systems thinking, including ecological resilience, biodiversity, and holism. The paper discusses how these systems contribute to more sustainable and resilient communities through community development processes like relationship building, genuine participation, inclusiveness, resource mobilization, and creating space for knowledge sharing.
CommunityCSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityClimate changeUtilização do sistema de avaliação do potencial de uso urbano das terras no diagnóstico ambiental do município de Santa Maria - RS
2006Fabrício de Araújo Pedron, Ricardo Simão Diniz Dalmolin, Antônio Carlos de Azevedo, Everton Luís Poelking, Pablo Miguel · Ciência Rural · Brazil (Santa Maria)
This study conducted an environmental diagnosis in urban areas of Santa Maria, Brazil, using the Urban Land Use Potential Assessment System (SAPUT) to identify land use conflicts. Remote sensing and geoprocessing techniques were employed. The identified problems of improper land use are related to the fragility of geological material and soil resources, with up to 33% of the area being used beyond its potential due to inadequate use for construction and urban agriculture.
Governance failureUrban–rural linkagePolicyClimate changeThe Advantages of a Rooftop Garden and Other Things
2006Robin Vande Zande · International Journal of Art & Design Education · Global
This article outlines important concepts for teaching young people about regeneration design and the future of our changing environment. Three regeneration principles adhered to by city planners, architects, and product designers—smart growth, sustainable development, and new urbanism—are highlighted as a common thread in restructuring efforts for cities and buildings to be aesthetically, economically, and ecologically healthier places for human and non-human life.
DIYClimate changeBiodiversity中国上海市における都市農業の持続可能性
2006莉莉 木南, 章 木南, 美華 朱 · Institutional Repositories DataBase (IRDB) · China (Shanghai)
This research aims to analyze the sustainability of urban agriculture in Shanghai, China, from the aspects of economic efficiency, sociality, and environmental conservation. These aspects will be evaluated using a questionnaire survey method targeting residents on urban agriculture.
EconomicsCommunityClimate changePeri-urban agriculture