Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2056 results(66 / 83)
Decolonizing Methodology in an Arnhem Land Garden
2014Michael Christie · · Australia
This study describes a government consultancy into the feasibility of a remote Aboriginal community garden in Galiwin'ku, Arnhem Land, Australia. Researchers collaborated with Yolgu knowledge-authorities to develop a "transdisciplinary research methodology" that integrates academic and Aboriginal knowledge practices. The project aimed to establish a garden with a non-Indigenous gardener to address high unemployment and food prices, but faced challenges in communicating with the government without compromising Yolgu methodologies.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareHealthFeeding 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 & justiceHealthFood security and environmental health
2014Karen Rideout · Environmental Health Review · Global
The NCCEH (National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health) has conducted presentations and workshops since 2008 to explain the concept of food security within the context of public and environmental health practice. They have illustrated the relevance of food security to public health, explored ways to identify and mitigate potential health risks of food security projects like urban agriculture, and identified intersections between food security advocacy and public health protection.
HealthFood sovereignty & justicePolicySocial LCA Scenarios: Engaging producers and consumers in new domestic oyster value chains in Denmark
2014Arne Wangel · · Denmark (Copenhagen)
This paper discusses efforts to develop a Social LCA methodology to account for social impacts in the life cycle of existing products. It specifically shifts focus to the design phase of products and services yet to be constructed by start-ups and community groups. A maritime gardening project concerning the growing, harvesting, and eating of native oysters in the harbor of Copenhagen is presented as an example of urban farming initiatives.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthFinancial and economic aspects of urban vegetable farming
2014George Danso, Lesley Hope, Pay Drechsel, Danso, G., Hope, L., Drechsel, Pay · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Ghana
This chapter explored the financial and economic aspects of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Ghana. It conducted cost-benefit analysis comparisons of farm finances across common rural, peri-urban, and urban farming systems. Substudies also attempted to quantify societal benefits and cost externalities related to soil nutrient depletion, pesticide use, and urban malaria.
EconomicsPeri-urban agricultureHealthHeavy metal content of selected African leafy vegetables planted in urban and peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya
2014A. N. Mutune, M. A. Makobe, Mary Abukutsa‐Onyango · African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology · Kenya (Nairobi)
This study analyzed heavy metal content in 10 common African leafy vegetables and their rhizosphere soils from 25 sites along Nairobi Rivers, Kenya. While soil metal concentrations were generally within WHO/FAO permissible levels, except for some cadmium instances, all metals except copper in vegetables exceeded recommended limits at a few sites. This indicates potential heavy metal absorption from industrial and domestic effluent.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureEffects of Horticultural Activities Program Focusing on Four-season Ornamental Rooftop Garden to be Released on Preschoolers’ Creative Thinking
2014Myungil Jeong, EuSook Jea, Sang Mi Lee, BuYoung Yi · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
This study investigated the effect of a 15-week horticultural activity program using a four-season ornamental rooftop garden on the mental development and intelligence quotient (IQ) of 47 preschoolers (26 experimental, 21 control) from May to September 2013. Both groups showed significant improvement in mental development, with the experimental group showing greater improvement. While IQ also improved in both groups, the change was not statistically significant, possibly due to the study's duration.
Food educationHealthCity pig farm
2014Ulf Hackauf · Repository hosted by TU Delft Library (TU Delft) · Global
This paper explores urban pig farming as a specific form of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA). It uses a design-based research strategy, drawing on the 'City Pig' study (2009) from Delft University of Technology, to identify the potential benefits of urban pig farming and assess how un-built design projects can inform future real projects. A significant limitation is that the study concerns virtual, un-built design proposals.
Urban–rural linkageFood miles & supply chainCommunityHealthLocal 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.
PolicyHealthEconomicsCommunityCombining Realism with Rigour: An Evaluation of a National Kitchen Garden Program in Australian Primary Schools
2014Heather Yeatman, Karen Quinsey, James Dawber, Wendy Nielsen, Deanne Condon‐Paoloni, Simon Eckermann, Darcy Morris, Pam Grootemaat, David L Fildes · Evaluation Journal of Australasia · Australia
An evaluation of a national kitchen garden program in Australian primary schools was conducted across 28 initiative and 14 comparison schools. The program achieved overall improvements in students' food choices (t=2.26, p=0.024) and kitchen lifestyle behaviours (t=2.35, p=0.019). Female students and those from provincial schools showed statistically greater improvements in food choices, with girls scoring higher than boys (t=6.19, p<0.001).
Food educationHealthCommunity-supported agriculture from the perspective of health and leisure
2014Bernadett Kis · Annals of Leisure Research · Hungary
Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is a relatively new concept in Hungary, with only five or six "share CSAs" established. This paper presents how the French variation of CSA (AMAP) was adopted in Szeged, Hungary, and how this vegetable community functions, along with its leisure and health impacts on the author. The author's CSA membership is interpreted from a health and leisure perspective, connecting it to health promotion and Blackshaw's 'liquid leisure' concept.
CSA & TeikeiHealthCommunityAchtergrondstudie: 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.
DIYHealthA Scoping Review of Heavy Metal Contamination in Urban Market Vegetables and Biomarker Evidence of Consumer Exposure in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: An African Perspective, 2014
2014Abdirahman Osman Warsame, Fadumo Abdi Mohamud, Ahmed Hassan Ali · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa)
This scoping review synthesized evidence on the association between heavy metal contamination in vegetables sold in Kinshasa's urban markets, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and human biomarkers of consumer exposure. Available evidence consistently showed that vegetables, particularly leafy greens, from Kinshasa markets contained elevated levels of lead and cadmium, often exceeding international safety limits. However, studies directly linking vegetable contamination with human biomarkers are notably scarce, suggesting a potential exposure pathway but not establishing definitive causation.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageHarmony 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 Content of Copper in Soils of Allotment Gardens in Zielona Góra, Poland
2014Barbara Walczak · Ochrona Środowiska i Zasobów Naturalnych · Poland (Zielona Góra)
This paper presents the total and phytoavailable copper content in allotment garden soils in Zielona Góra, Poland. Soil samples from eight garden plots and two neighboring areas showed total copper content ranging from 2.58 to 16.23 mg·kg⁻¹ and phytoavailable copper from 0.2 to 3.85 mg·kg⁻¹. The total copper content met the requirements of relevant Polish directives on heavy metals in soils and soil quality standards.
HealthCommunityThe 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.
CommunityHealthEconomicsMore Livable Urban Space for Children: Practices around the World
2014Okşan Tandoğan · MEGARON / Yıldız Technical University Faculty of Architecture E-Journal · Global
This study compiles a literature review on global efforts to create more livable physical environments for children, focusing on urban open spaces like home surroundings, school gardens, and playgrounds. It emphasizes the importance of these spaces for child development, socialization, and behavior formation. The review includes Child Friendly City initiatives and other practices related to streets, school gardens, playgrounds, and children's transportation.
Food educationCommunityHealthPolicy 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 educationHealthCommunityGrowing Roots: Gardening as a means to mitigate urban poverty and its symptoms
2014Maeve Bassett · Fordham Research Commons (Fordham University) · Global
Urban gardens are advertised as a solution to limited food access in impoverished areas, but they are not productive enough to globally affect food production and the environment. However, for surrounding communities, urban gardens are cheap and effective solutions for many problems associated with poverty and food deserts, such as obesity, education, social interactions, income supplementation, health issues, dangerous neighborhoods, and refugee assimilation.
Limited or null effectWelfareHealthCommunityEconomicsRefugees Connecting with a New Country through Community Food Gardening
2014Neil Harris, Fiona Nicole Rowe Minniss, Shawn Somerset · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · Global
A cross-sectional study conducted semi-structured interviews with twelve African humanitarian migrants participating in a campus-based community food garden. The study explored how involvement in the garden supported their connectedness with their new country. Thematic analysis revealed three important benefits: land tenure, reconnecting with agriculture, and community belonging.
CommunityWelfareHealthFood 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.
PolicyEconomicsHealthCommunityGrowing an Urban Oasis: A Qualitative Study of the Perceived Benefits of Community Gardening inBaltimore,Maryland
2014Melissa N. Poulsen, Kristyna R. S. Hulland, Carolyn A. Gulas, Hieu M. Pham, Sarah L Dalglish, Rebecca K. Wilkinson, Peter J. Winch · Culture Agriculture Food and Environment · United States (Baltimore)
This qualitative study explored the perceived benefits of community gardening in Baltimore, Maryland, through in-depth and focus group interviews with community gardeners. Gardeners reported benefits at multiple levels, including psychological benefits and a connection with nature individually, trusting relationships and shared learning at the neighborhood level, and reclaiming city space and improving the food environment at the community level.
CommunityHealthFood educationBiodiversity