Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
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Preliminary Evaluation of the Morphophysiological Performance of Three Indonesian Garlic Varieties under Urban Lowland Conditions
2026Erna Siaga, Benyamin Lakitan, Fitra Fadhilah Rizar, Susilawati · Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology) · Indonesia
This study evaluated the growth of three Indonesian garlic varieties (Lumbu Sembalun, Lumbu Kuning, Lumbu Hijau) intercropped with yard-long beans as a living shade crop at Sriwijaya University's Greenhouse from July to November 2025. Lumbu Hijau and Lumbu Kuning showed superior growth characteristics, including higher germination and more vigorous early vegetative growth, compared to Lumbu Sembalun. Specifically, Lumbu Hijau exhibited significantly greater shoot length, leaf number, relative chlorophyll content, bulb diameter, and total fresh biomass four weeks after planting.
DIYClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceConstraints to Urban Agriculture for Sustainable Food Production in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State
2026Okorogba, Victory A., Amadi, N.S. · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Port Harcourt)
A descriptive survey in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria, identified constraints to urban agriculture for sustainable food production. The study, involving 46 female and 30 male urban farmers, found that poor infrastructural resources, poor environmental conditions, and limited intellectual skills of urban farmers hinder the achievement of sustainable urban agriculture.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsSpatial Distribution, Productivity and Socio-Economic Impact of Urban Agriculture in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria
2026N. I. Odeh, I. K. Samaila, O. C. Odeh · Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Science Research · Nigeria (Jos)
This study assessed urban agriculture (UA) in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria, using geospatial mapping, surveys, and yield trials. Greenhouses accounted for 76% of UA, with vegetables dominating production at 72%. Yield trials showed hydroponics increased bell pepper yield by 4.3 times and sack farming increased yam yield by 3.1 times compared to open-field cultivation. A micro-economic analysis indicated hydroponics and sack farming were financially viable, but open-field yam farming had a negative Net Present Value (NPV) of −₦101,594, confirming its financial non-viability in urban contexts.
EconomicsCommunityPeri-urban agricultureDigital agricultureEnhancing Urban Consumers' Loyalty to the Community-Supported Agriculture Organic Farms via SNSs
2026Quang-An Ha, Thi Hong Nhung Nguyen · · Global
This conceptual research explores the role of farmer-to-consumer (F2C) know-how exchange via SNSs in enhancing urban consumers' loyalty to Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) organic farms. Utilizing the MOA theoretical framework, the study identifies key drivers of F2C know-how exchanges and their impacts on consumer loyalty intentions. It suggests that leveraging social capital and mutual trust through SNS-based knowledge exchange can contribute to more resilient and sustainable local organic agriculture.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsDigital agricultureFood Green Cities for Urban Sustainability (Book)
2026Ambika P. Adhikari, Keshav Bhattarai, Drona Rasali, Sunil Babu Shrestha · UNM’s Digital Repository (University of New Mexico) · Global
This book explores the role of urban agriculture, forestry, and sustainable practices in ensuring food security and addressing climate change and urbanization challenges. It emphasizes urban greening and sustainable land use as strategies for creating livable cities and mitigating environmental degradation. The book compiles research, practical solutions, and transferable strategies applicable to developing countries.
Urban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityPEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT MELALUI BUDIDAYA IKAN DALAM GALON SEBAGAI SOLUSI KETAHANAN PANGAN DI DESA CISALAM, KECAMATAN BAROS, KABUPATEN SERANG
2026Rini Yanuarti, Muhammad Niswan, Rizka Fasliana, Sindi Abeliana, Suci Sri Rachmawati · Journal of Maritime Empowerment · Indonesia (Serang)
A community empowerment program in Cisalam Village, Serang Regency, Indonesia, provided knowledge and education on fish cultivation in gallons (BUDIGALON) and water spinach planting. This initiative aimed to address food shortages and promote healthy living due to the community's reliance on rain-fed rice fields. An evaluation showed that participants' knowledge and understanding of these practices increased by an average of 63%.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityFood educationEVALUACIÓN DE LA SUSTENTABILIDAD DE HUERTOS URBANOS DEL MUNICIPIO DE PUEBLA, PUEBLA, MÉXICO
2026Héctor Bernal-Mendoza, Daniel Jiménez-García, Natyeli Matus Angulo, Miguel Ángel Escalona Aguilar · Agroecología · Mexico (Puebla)
This study evaluated the sustainability of 18 urban gardens in Puebla, Mexico, from 2020 to 2021. The MESMI methodology was applied using 14 indicators across economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Two alternative systems were identified: transitional to conventional and transitional to agroecological, with the latter showing the highest values in 7 indicators and thus concluded to be the most sustainable.
CommunityEconomicsOrganic cycleClimate changeHeat exposure and agricultural workers' health: A global systematic review with implications for Peri-urban and semi-urban Southeast Asia
2026Nu Quy Linh Tran, Cordia Chu, Hai Phung, Son Nghiem, Han Le, Tuyet-Hanh Tran, Dung Phung · Urban Climate · Global
This global systematic review analyzed 97 studies from 27 countries on heat exposure and agricultural workers' health. The majority of studies (54.6%) were from North America, with Africa, South America, and Asia significantly underrepresented. Common health outcomes included self-reported heat-related illnesses (27.8%) and kidney issues (20.6%), but cardiovascular health, mortality, and mental well-being remain significantly understudied. In Southeast Asia, urbanization increases heat risk for peri-urban agricultural workers, as these zones often lack infrastructure, healthcare, and regulatory protections, exacerbating exposure to extreme heat, particularly from the urban heat island effect.
Environmental trade-offsHealthClimate changePeri-urban agricultureFruit-waste biochar for immobilizing potentially toxic elements in contaminated agricultural soils and reducing vegetable-related human health risks: A systematic review.
2026Nelson Joseph Msacky, Amelia Alfred, Oscar Punguti, Edson Protas, Iddi Mapande, Novatus, Shukrani Phillip, January G Msemakweli · Open MIND · Global
This systematic review aims to synthesize current scientific evidence on the effectiveness of fruit-waste-derived biochar in immobilizing potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in contaminated agricultural soils. It will evaluate how fruit-waste biochar reduces metal bioavailability, plant uptake, and associated human health risks from vegetable consumption. The review also seeks to identify which fruit wastes are used as biochar feedstocks and which biochar properties and production conditions influence immobilization performance, noting that existing research is fragmented.
Contamination & food safetyCompostOrganic cycleHealthPeri-urban agricultureBEHAVIOURAL DETERMINANTS OF URBAN FARMING ADOPTION IN MALAYSIA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY USING THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOUR
2026Hamed Faghiri, Zulkornain Yusop · International Journal of Innovation and Industrial Revolution · Malaysia
This qualitative study investigated the behavioral intentions of urban citizens towards urban farming in Malaysia, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework. Semi-structured interviews with 50 participants from major urban centers in Peninsular Malaysia revealed that positive attitudes, such as valuing food freshness, health benefits, and environmental impact, strongly motivate participation. Subjective norms are shaped by family support, community inspiration, and the growing visibility of urban farming, while perceived behavioral control depends on factors like space, time, and access to knowledge and technology. Participants with higher self-efficacy and greater community involvement showed more willingness to engage in urban farming.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsFood educationCultivating the margins: Urban farming, social solidarity, and spatial justice in Indonesia
2026Moh. Solehatul Mustofa, Kemal Budi Mulyono, Nina Farliana, Dwi Cahyaningdyah · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Indonesia
This qualitative study examined urban farming practices in seven major Indonesian cities, using participant observation, 52 in-depth interviews, and seven focus group discussions with urban farmers. Findings indicate that the resilience and sustainability of urban farming are shaped by collective affective infrastructures, social solidarity, and non-commodified community relations, rather than solely economic motivations or formal policies. Urban farming produces social, ecological, and symbolic value beyond market outcomes, contributing to food security, community resilience, and spatial justice.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyDoes gardening make us feel better? Assessing the motivations and perceptions of urban gardeners in Bogota, Colombia
2026Laura Rojas-Pardo, Tereza Pilařová, Kindah Ibrahim, Patrick Van Damme, Vladimír Verner · Local Environment · Colombia (Bogotá)
This study assessed the self-reported motivations for urban homegardening in Bogota, Colombia, through thematic content analysis of 119 semi-structured interviews. Three main motivations were identified: enjoyment, food self-provision, and social connection, which were associated with gardeners' socioeconomic strata and garden location. Enjoyment was a significant factor for over 70% of respondents in central and northern areas, while aesthetic appeal and economic constraints were prominent in the southern periphery, with only lower socioeconomic strata reporting economic reasons for gardening.
HealthFood educationCommunityEconomicsLeveraging circular nutrients to improve the sustainability of peri-urban agriculture
2026Angelica Mendoza Beltrán, Susana Toboso‐Chavero, Juan David Arosemena Polo, Adriana Lucia Romero Lestido, gara villalba · npj Urban Sustainability · Spain (Barcelona)
This study investigates the spatial and temporal effects of nutrient circularity strategies in peri-urban agriculture (peri-UA) using a regionalized life cycle assessment tool, focusing on the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona. It examines how nutrient recovery from municipal waste impacts climate change, eutrophication, resource depletion, and water consumption. The research finds that applying compost with current waste management infrastructure can reduce the carbon footprint of peri-UA areas by up to 85%.
Organic cycleClimate changePeri-urban agricultureEmpowering Communities Through Sustainable Urban Agriculture: A Case Study of Farmer Training Program for Resettled Refugees
2026Joonmo Kang, Euijin Jung, Cheryl Holmes, Benjamin Carpenter, Kristin Selby · Journal of Community Practice · United States (Kansas City)
A case study was conducted on New Roots, a farmer training program for resettled refugees and immigrants in Kansas City, USA. The research team participated in the program for a year before interviewing farmers and staff to gain insights into the program's impact. Findings revealed that farmers were drawn to New Roots for its flexibility, perceived benefits for mental well-being, and opportunities for social connection. The program was shown to offer a path to independence and cultivate a sense of community among participants.
CommunityWelfareFood educationOptimization of the Urban Food-Energy-Water Nexus: A Micro-Supply Chain and Circular Economy Approach
2026Marwen Elkamel, Luis Rabelo · Sustainability · United States (South Florida)
This paper presents a mathematical programming model to optimize the design and sustainability performance of the urban food–energy–water (FEW) nexus. The model incorporates a micro supply chain and addresses the supply-demand balance within existing and future FEW systems using cost and carbon footprint indicators. It is applied to an urban agriculture network in South Florida, integrating renewable energy technologies, combined heat and power units, reclaimed wastewater and stormwater, and electric vehicles. The optimization process identified effective infrastructure investment, resource allocation, and technology configurations to support circular economy and sustainability.
EconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleCommunity nature spaces
2026JD Brown · · Global
Based on experiences from the pandemic, this study highlights the importance of shared nature spaces in urban areas, particularly community gardens. For those without mobility or private nature spaces, these areas provided primary social and health support. Community-led design, land security, infrastructure support, proximity to homes, and time flexibility are identified as essential ingredients for successful community nature spaces.
CommunityHealthPolicyKajian Kinerja Kelompok Tani dan Manfaat Pertanian Perkotaan di Wilayah Kota Bogor
2026Sukma Aprilia Islami, Tati Budiarti, Afra Donatha Nimia Makalew · Jurnal Lanskap Indonesia · Indonesia (Bogor City)
This study in Bogor City, Indonesia, identified agricultural landscapes in six districts and around farmer groups' gardens, analyzing environmentally friendly urban agriculture practices and benefits. Data from 40 farmer groups and Sentinel-2 image analysis showed South Bogor had the largest agricultural land (10.70%) and Central Bogor the smallest (0.04%). While farmer groups adopted environmentally friendly systems, the application of technologies faced challenges related to cost and technical knowledge.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleClimate changeFood sovereignty, capitalism and migrant workers
2026Sinem Kavak, Lorenza Arango, Doi Ra, Zeynep Ceren Eren Benlisoy, Carlo John Arceo, George T. Mudimu, Daren Shi-chi Leung, Adwoa Yeboah Gyapong, Mnqobi Ngubane · The Journal of Peasant Studies · Global
Migrant workers often remain marginal in food sovereignty discourse and practice despite their central role in the global food system. The emphasis on localization within food sovereignty often overlooks trends towards semi-proletarianization within small peasant and worker households, and a more inclusive food sovereignty agenda must address migrant workers' access to land.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageEconomicsA fenntartható városi infrastruktúra szerepe az életminőség javításában = The role of sustainable urban infrastructurein improving the quality of life
2026Róbert Nagy · Repository of the Academy's Library (Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences) · Global
This systematic literature review analyzed 33 Scopus-indexed studies published between 2020 and 2026 on sustainable urban infrastructure investments. It concluded that Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) and urban energy infrastructure significantly contribute to improving mental health, mitigating urban heat island effects, and reducing household energy costs. However, the review also identified structural barriers to BGI adoption, including capital shortages and lack of institutional coordination.
Climate changeHealthBiodiversityCommunityAprender com a Terra: a horta como prática pedagógica em Educação Ambiental e Alimentar na Educação Infantil
2026Vívian Ariane de Oliveira Costa, Raíssa Aline Pereira, Mariana Azevedo Rabelo, Paula Montenegro Euzébio, Angela Liberali Pinheiro, Gabriella Ribeiro · Revista Brasileira de Educação Ambiental (RevBEA) · Brazil
This article reports on a school garden implemented in Early Childhood Education at Cirandinha School, in partnership with the Poços de Caldas Botanical Garden Foundation, after in-person classes resumed post-COVID-19. Using a qualitative and descriptive approach, the experiment aimed to promote critical environmental education and healthy habits. Results indicated active participation by children, increased autonomy, and environmental awareness, showing the garden as an integrative resource linking school, family, and community.
Food educationCommunityHealthBiodiversityWilding Practices Through Design: Playful Encounters for Reframing Control in Multispecies Cohabitation
2026Erik Andersson, Martín Ávila, Nelly Mäekivi · Revista Diseña · Sweden (Stockholm)
This article explores how design interventions can reintroduce elements of 'wildness' into urban environments to foster multispecies interaction. Using prototypes as habitat elements for newts in a Stockholm allotment garden, the study found these interventions provoked human curiosity, connected to gardening traditions, and increased multispecies activity. The authors argue that design should prioritize attunement, ambiguity, and divergence to support new forms of cohabitation in urban life.
BiodiversityCommunityPerceived sustainability impacts of converting to community‐supported agriculture
2026Lukas Egli, Jana V. Schmidt, Hanna‐Sofie Haf, Mirco Zech · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Global
This exploratory quantitative survey assessed farmers' perceived sustainability impacts of converting to Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA). While most perceived impacts were positive, adverse impacts were anticipated regarding climate and water, such as increased water usage from vegetable production. Farmers in CSAs with medium to high member participation perceived significantly higher biodiversity impacts and more positive sustainability impacts for members.
Environmental trade-offsCSA & TeikeiClimate changeBiodiversityEconomicsFeeding the Capital, Governing the Soil: Turning Policy and By-laws into Action for Urban Agriculture in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania
2026Baltazar Namwata · Journal of Agriculture and Agronomy (JAA) · Tanzania (Dodoma)
This mixed-methods study assessed the implementation of urban agriculture (UA) policies in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania, surveying 300 urban farmers. Findings revealed low farmer awareness of city planning (15.9%) and UA regulations (24.4%), limited access to extension services (25.4%) and credit (24.0%), and unreliable water sources for many (45.5%). The study concluded that supportive national policy recognition has not translated into effective local implementation, farmer awareness, reliable service delivery, or practical enforcement.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityA University–School Partnership Model for Sustainability Teacher Training: Integrating School Gardens into Basic Education
2026Yadeneyro de la Cruz Elizondo, Reyna Nirvana Montiel Rodríguez, Rosa María Arias Mota, Nancy Domínguez González, María de los Ángeles Chamorro Zárate · Sustainability · Mexico (Veracruz)
In Veracruz, Mexico, a university-school partnership model for teacher training in integrating school gardens into basic education was evaluated. A mixed-methods design involved a diagnostic survey of 71 teachers and subsequent training workshops for 34 teachers. Results showed high teacher motivation despite limited institutional infrastructure, and training strengthened pedagogical capacities. However, the integration of school gardens into formal curricula remains limited due to structural constraints and insufficient teacher preparation.
Governance failureFood educationCommunityPolicyExfoliating microplastics intensifies heavy metal uptake and physiological stress in wastewater-irrigated chili plants
2026Hajra Kanwal, Qudrat Ullah, Waqas Haider, Mujahid Farid, Zaki Ul Zaman Asam, Muhammad Zubair, Abdulrahman Alasmari, Sarah Owdah Alomrani, Muhammad Munir, Shafaqat Ali · Open MIND · Global
This study investigated the interactive effects of contaminated wastewater with cadmium, mercury, lead, and polyethylene microplastics from exfoliating personal care products on chili plants (Capsicum annuum). Plant growth parameters were reduced by 71–82% at high wastewater and microplastic levels, accompanied by significant losses in photosynthetic pigments and soluble proteins. Oxidative stress markers increased by 124–230%, and heavy metal uptake was significantly increased, facilitated by microplastics.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealth