Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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11393 results(64 / 456)
Civic Voices for Greener Cities: How Public Concern Shapes Sustainable Urban Agriculture in China
2025Prinia, Hill · PhilPapers (PhilPapers Foundation) · China
A new study by Feng et al. investigated how public environmental concern (PEC) enhances agricultural sustainability across 235 Chinese cities between 2011 and 2022. This research suggests that the collective voice of citizens influences urban sustainability.
PolicyCommunityClimate changeContrasting Prosumption Models: Experiences, Benefits and Continuation in Allotment Gardens and Community-Supported Agriculture in Switzerland
2025Stefan Galley, Stefan Mann, Patrick Bottazzi · Societies · Switzerland
A survey of Swiss allotment garden (AG, n=201) and community-supported agriculture (CSA, n=250) members revealed how prosumers perceive the benefits of their activity and how these experiences shape their likelihood to continue. AGs enhance production-related individual benefits, while CSAs foster positive experiences around consumption activities. AG continuation is driven by experienced health and food-related benefits, whereas CSAs rely on the communal and organizational involvement of their members.
CommunityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsUrban Horticulture Program Through Smart-farm DIY
2025Nam-Gyeong Gim · Asia-pacific Journal of Convergent Research Interchange · Global
This study developed an efficient hydroponic smart-farm program for urban elementary school students, focusing on its applicability in a classroom environment. Through school environmental analysis and program development using household items and upcycled materials, the study confirmed that urban schools, despite operational disadvantages, have potential for small-scale smart-farm operation. The developed program demonstrated applicability with low-cost, recyclable materials.
DIYFood educationCommunityDiseño de estanterías rotativas verticales hidropónicas con sistema NFT para hortalizas
2025Augusto Cáceres Núñez, Sergio Delgado Bernedo · Veritas · Global
This project designed an automated hydroponic vegetable cultivation system using NFT in vertical rotating shelves, incorporating a PLC, EC and pH sensors, and a PID control system. A Simulink simulation demonstrated the PID control system's proper behavior, ensuring stable and efficient shelf rotation. The automated system optimizes space, improves operational efficiency, reduces manual intervention, and facilitates urban agricultural management, with the design deemed viable for automated urban agriculture.
Digital agricultureDIYClimate changeDrivers of nocturnal and diurnal pollinating insect declines in urban landscapes
2025Emilie E. Ellis, S. Campbell, Jill L. Edmondson · Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences · Global
A large-scale assessment across three cities found up to a 43% reduction in species richness of bees, hoverflies, and nocturnal moths in urban horticultural sites along urbanization gradients. These declines are driven by taxon-specific landscape changes like reduced tree canopy and semi-natural habitat. Moths and hoverflies were particularly sensitive to urbanization compared to bees, indicating a wide range of pollinators are under threat in urban landscapes.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityPollinatorsClimate changeUrban–rural linkageCultivo de hortalizas en agricultura urbana. Invernaderos integrados en edificios
2025Abella Alemany, Agèric, Casals Missio, Joan, Macarulla Martí, Marcel, Pintó Espín, Laia, González Atero, Ramiro, Arcas, Verónica, Gassó Domingo, Santiago, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier · UPCommons institutional repository (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) · Global
Urban agriculture is gaining prominence globally for promoting environmental sustainability, food security, and social cohesion in cities. While urban cultivation is not new, a recent innovative approach involves integrating agriculture into urban infrastructure, particularly utilizing building rooftops as underutilized spaces with significant potential.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeDIYUrban Agriculture as a Social Strategy in Achieving Food Security: Case Study of Yogyakarta City
2025Amandita 'Ainur Rohmah, Falik Wardana, A. Riyan Rahman Hakiki, Sidharta Adyatma · PAKIS (Publikasi Berkala Pendidikan Ilmu Sosial) · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)
A qualitative approach using a literature review was employed to identify the role and contribution of urban agriculture in Yogyakarta City and analyze innovations and social strategies for achieving food stability. The literature review indicates successful implementation of urban agriculture in Yogyakarta City through two flagship programs, Kampung Sayur and Lele Cendol, and that various community innovations allow for the development of an integrated urban farming system.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyNutrient and Trace Elements in Suburban Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) Sap, Syrup, and Soils from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
2025Justin B. Richardson, Eric Vukicevich, Eric C. Sirkovich · Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology · United States
Soils, sap, and maple syrup were collected from four artisanal maple syrup producers in four suburban areas across the northeastern United States to assess nutrient and trace element concentrations. Soil arsenic and lead concentrations approached or exceeded EPA limits. Sap and syrup arsenic, cadmium, nickel, lead, and zinc concentrations reached or exceeded FDA limits for food.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthEconomics"It's From a Fresh Perspective": Children's Reflections on Participation in Ecological Research and Action
2025Susan Jagger · The Canadian Journal of Action Research · Global
This paper points out the limited research on the experiences of young learners in participatory action research (PAR) in environmental education. It shares the reflections of the Eco Research Organization, a group of grade six researchers, and their adult co-researcher, Susan Jagger, on their engagement in PAR in a longitudinal study of their school garden and nature in their community.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityClimate-smart crop production can support household food and nutrition security in urban communities in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe
2025Blessing Nyamasoka‐Magonziwa, Esther Simango, Hatirarami Nezomba · Frontiers in Agronomy · Zimbabwe (Chitungwiza)
This study evaluated climate-smart crop production practices by urban farmers in Chitungwiza District, Zimbabwe, and their effects on household diets. Mixed methods research, including focus group discussions with four farmer groups and interviews with 107 households in 2022, classified only 23% of farmers as climate-smart. While climate-smart crop production positively influenced household diets, with climate-smart households having a significantly higher Household Dietary Diversity Score (3.3 vs. 2.9; p=0.02), there were no significant differences in maize yield between climate-smart and non-climate-smart farmers (2.10 t/ha vs. 2.27 t/ha, respectively, in the 2020/2021 season).
Limited or null effectClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityAssessing stakeholder engagement and partnership approaches in community donation gardens
2025Moses Wanyakha, Nancy Grudens‐Schuck · International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development · United States
This qualitative study reviewed data from 32 counties in Iowa over five years to assess stakeholder participation in Master Gardener community garden donation programs. The analysis found that while these programs engage many stakeholders, the involvement of food pantry patrons in the planning process was low. This low patron involvement limits the programs' ability to effectively serve the community and achieve sustainability and efficacy in providing fresh produce.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood educationWelfarePolicyEconomic and Environmental Benefits of Green Cultivation
2025S. GopalaSundara Raj, Halavath Tharunkumar, R. P. Srivastava, Mukesh Kumar Singh, Manindra Nath Upadhyay · Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology · Global
This study explores the economic and environmental benefits of green cultivation, encompassing organic farming, community-supported agriculture, and sustainable land use. Economically, it offers increased profitability, improved market opportunities, and enhanced food security, while environmentally, it supports biodiversity, improves soil health, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Case studies from Spain and Egypt demonstrate the effectiveness of these sustainable farming methods.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsClimate changeBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyMeasuring soil, making territory: Developing eDNA and other soil biodiversity indicators in Finland as a struggle over scales of governance
2025Jelena Salmi, Anna Krzywoszynska · Environmental Science & Policy · Finland
A discourse analysis of 103 governance and grey literature documents in Finland examined the politics of soil biodiversity indicators. The study found that eDNA is the preferred scientific basis for soil biodiversity governance in Finland due to alignment between scientific and policy groups. However, land workers' organizations criticize eDNA methods, arguing they risk obscuring local specificity and creating environmental and social injustice, potentially alienating land management groups.
Governance failurePolicyBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceChanges in Macroinvertebrate Community Structure Associated with Land Use in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia
2025Cristian Granados Martínez, Meyer Guevara-Mora, Eugenia López‐López, José Rincón Ramírez · Water · Colombia
This study evaluated aquatic macroinvertebrate community structure in the Ranchería River, Colombia, across conserved, urban/agricultural, and mining zones during the dry season (January–March 2021). Urban/agricultural zones showed the lowest richness (35 genera) and were characterized by disturbance-tolerant species, particularly Melanoides. Land use types constituted the primary driver of community structure, with a 24.1% pure effect, exceeding physical, chemical, and land cover variables.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageKolaborasi Antar Pemangku Kepentingan dalam Pengembangan Urban Farming di Surabaya
2025Kurnia Dewi, Yusuf Hariyoko, Hasan Ismail · Presidensial · Indonesia (Surabaya)
A qualitative descriptive study investigated stakeholder synergy in urban farming programs in Surabaya, Indonesia. Data was collected through interviews, documentation, and observation involving the DKPP, agricultural extension officers, farmer groups, and the local community. Strong commitment, competence, awareness, and continuity were identified as driving factors for successful implementation, but challenges include declining active farmer groups and limited facilities.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsEVALUATING THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY GARDENS ON SOCIAL EQUITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH: A CASE STUDY OF CARAMEL CONNECTIONS FOUNDATION'S (CCF) SEEDS OF JOY COMMUNITY GARDEN
2025Pinder, Elizabeth · CSUSB ScholarWorks (California State University, San Bernardino) · United States (California)
This study evaluated the impact of the Caramel Connections Foundation (CCF) Seeds of Joy Community Garden in Ontario, California, on social equity, public health, and community engagement. Using a mixed-methods design, secondary data from program records, surveys, and focus groups were analyzed. The findings suggest that the garden enhances social cohesion and contributes to health equity by addressing food insecurity and increasing access to nutritious food, green space, and educational programs.
CommunityHealthWelfareEDUTOURISM URBAN FARMING UNTUK MEWUJUDKAN DESA WISATA KELAN TANGGUH DAN PRO-LINGKUNGAN
2025Dewa Putu Oka Prasiasa, I Ketut Widnyana, P E P Ariati, I Made Wijaya · Prosiding Seminar Ilmiah Nasional Implementasi Iptek. · Indonesia (Bali)
In Kelan Tourism Village, Bali, an integrated aquaponics biofloc urban farming model with drip irrigation for tilapia and vegetable gardens was implemented as edutourism. This initiative aimed to address the economic underperformance of culinary tourism due to external vegetable purchases despite available land. The implementation led to increased understanding and skills among target groups, students, and tourists regarding the urban farming model, and improved income for culinary businesses by reducing vegetable purchase leakages.
Food educationCommunityEconomicsDIYAdapting urban areas to rising temperatures: Strategies to reduce heat and vulnerability in a warming world
2025Sergi Ventura, J.R. Armengol Miró, David Camacho-Caballero, Enric Casellas, Ricard Segura-Barrero, Alberto Martilli, gara villalba · Urban Climate · Spain (Barcelona)
This study used the Pseudo Global Warming method and WRF model to assess urban heat adaptation strategies in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona. Three strategies were evaluated: increasing rooftop albedo, implementing irrigated sedum green roofs, and increasing peri-urban agriculture and urban parks. While increasing rooftop albedo provided the greatest daytime cooling (−1.75 °C), and green roofs and peri-urban agriculture showed moderate regulation, none of the strategies fully counterbalanced the projected 6 °C temperature increase by 2100, indicating a limited capacity of these adaptations under severe warming scenarios.
Limited or null effectClimate changePeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkageBiodiversityPengembangan Lahan Hijau melalui Pendekatan Partisipatif dan Edukatif dalam Mendukung Kualitas Urban Farming Kelurahan Ubung, Kota Denpasar, Provinsi Bali
2025Komang Adelia Trisnadevy, Ida Bagus Gde Agung Yoga Pramana · Jurnal Abdi Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia
A community-service report on a participatory, educational intervention addressing challenges in the "sustainable home garden" (Pekarangan Pangan Lestari) programme run by the women farmers' group Kelompok Wanita Tani Jelita in Ubung sub-district, North Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia (an area of 173 hectares). Facing pest damage, limited farming tools, inadequate electricity, and low member participation, the project supplied food- and medicinal-plant seedlings, natural insecticide, and organic and liquid fertiliser alongside education, implemented through observation, programme design, preparation of materials, execution, and evaluation via interviews and mentoring. The activity reported increased participation among group members, improved understanding of cultivation skills, and greater diversity and quality of harvests.
CommunityFood educationCommunity Supported Agriculture
2025Bernd Bonfert · · Global
A brief reference entry describing community-supported agriculture (CSA) as a collaborative grassroots innovation in which farmers and consumers share the costs and outputs of food production. It states that by joining a CSA, consumers agree to cover the costs of a farming operation over a defined period, in exchange for a share of the harvest.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsThe Implementation of Indoor Urban Gardening: A Microgreens Pilot Study in a University Setting
2025Kathryn Chang, Samantha Brink, Annette B. Gadegbeku · Transformative Medicine · United States
A pilot study on implementing an indoor urban gardening cart at Drexel University in the United States. Noting that "food deserts" - areas lacking affordable full-service grocery stores and with a high density of fast-food options - exist not only in communities like Philadelphia but also on college campuses, the student group Microgreens Health Outreach Project (HOP) built and implemented a small, free-standing indoor community garden cart intended for use by Drexel University College of Medicine (DUCOM) students, after consulting DUCOM's Office of Student Affairs and the owners of the Health Sciences Building (HSB) on funding, responsibility, space, and permanence. The cart was installed on the ninth floor of HSB in September 2024. The project found little existing literature on indoor urban gardening and so was unable to effectively compare its construction costs against prior work, instead designing a custom-built cart through internet research and price comparisons; communication, funding, and a supportive DUCOM community were identified as crucial to its success. The study recommends future research into microgreen taste preferences and the effectiveness of shared harvesting and community garden rules.
Food educationCommunityWelfareA Literary Perspective on Guerrilla Gardening as a Tool for Regreening the Planet
2025Dr. S.S. Uma Sundara Sood · INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND ANALYTICAL REVIEWS · Global
The abstract available for this record consists only of publication and indexing information for the journal (International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, IJRAR), including its ISSN numbers and listing bodies, and contains no description of the article's subject, methods, or findings.
CommunityDIYOptimization of Rainwater Harvesting Systems in High-rise Buildings
2025M Itendrakumar · INTERANTIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT · Global
This review article discusses optimization of rainwater harvesting systems in high-rise buildings, addressing water-resource management challenges posed by dense populations and limited land in high-rise structures. It cites, as examples, a "Rain-Power Utilization System" that uses rainwater for both consumption and energy generation (Yu J et al.) and a decentralized rooftop-mosaic system combining rainwater harvesting with urban farming and renewable energy (Toboso-Chavero S et al., pp. 1284-1299).
Digital agricultureClimate changePolicyPemberdayaan Perempuan Melalui Kegiatan Hidroponik untuk Ketahanan Pangan dan Keberlanjutan Pertanian Perkotaan di Kota Tarakan
2025Nurul Chairiyah, Nur Indah Mansyur, Eko Harry Pudjiwati, Nurjannah Nurjannah, Arbain Arbain · ABDINE Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia
This report describes a community service program conducted in Tarakan City, Indonesia, in January 2025, that trained women in hydroponic cultivation (Nutrient Film Technique) of lettuce and mustard greens (sawi) to address food-land loss from urbanization and population growth. Twenty women from the Family Welfare Movement (PKK) group participated, and their average technical-skill score rose by 38 points. Harvested produce was used 50% for household consumption, 30% sold, and 20% shared with neighbors, with economic effects of roughly Rp300,000 per month in household expenditure savings and Rp200,000 per month in additional income.
WelfareFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityEstimating medium-term (40 years) carbon uptake in living biomass from Life Terra’s afforestation and reforestation actions: challenges and recommendations
2025Jorge Palmero-Barrachina, Petr Blažek, Santiago Sabaté, Teresa Sauras‐Yera, Samuel Allasia-Grau, Daniel Nadal‐Sala, Sven Kallen, Tiago de Santana, Emil Cienciala · Frontiers in Forests and Global Change · Europe
This study presents a methodology for estimating potential biomass and carbon accumulation over a 40-year timespan for European afforestation activities, developed for the Life Terra project (LIFE19 CCM/NL/001200). It synthesized data from allometric equations, yield tables, national forest inventories, and national greenhouse gas inventory reports across four European biogeographic regions — Alpine, Atlantic, Continental, and Mediterranean — with the analysis focused mainly on timber plantations due to data availability and reliability constraints. Initial planting densities varied substantially across regions (1,869-7,702 trees/ha) and declined exponentially over time; by year 40, individual tree biomass estimates ranged from 0.08 to 0.20 t/tree with survival rates of 22.0-49.7%, giving stand-level biomass estimates of 54.7-232.6 t/ha. The estimates generally aligned with country-specific literature and IPCC default values but showed considerable site-to-site variation, and the study notes remaining uncertainties related to survival/mortality rates and climate change impacts.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justice