Research & reports

Brian R. Stockwell, I. Layden, Zebedee Nicholls, Jennifer Carter · Australasian Journal of Environmental Management · Australia

A four-year action research project in Australia's Pumicestone catchment developed and implemented the FarmFLOW framework to address rural diffuse pollution in peri-urban agricultural catchments. This framework was designed for catchments with diverse land uses. The project achieved its target of 30% of producers adopting all recommended best management practices, and over 80% began adopting new practices to reduce off-site nutrient movement by 2011. This resulted in social and economic benefits for producers and a reduced risk of chronic algal blooms in receiving waters.

Ashley Courtney, Brendan McShane, Ella Wiles · · North America; Europe

This research explored how low-income urban agricultural (UA) projects in North America and Europe can be strategically supported for sustainability. The authors analyzed UA projects using the 5 Level Framework and the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development, along with Leverage Points, to understand their current reality. The study produced strategic recommendations and guidance for UA projects to foster a societal shift towards sustainability.

여화선, 서주환, 정예슬 · 디자인지식저널 · South Korea (Seoul)

This study explored the definition of urban design and the value of urban agriculture, examining trends in South Korean urban agriculture and the current status in Seoul. Analysis of advanced international cases revealed that urban agriculture abroad has developed based on legal frameworks, features diverse facilities and programs, and is utilized for urban environmental preservation. Based on these advanced cases, the study concluded that expanding agricultural facilities, establishing urban agriculture portals, providing education for farming and garden management, and developing local government plans reflecting urban characteristics are necessary to revitalize urban agriculture.

Kgosi Khumalo, Siyabonga Xaba, Mpho Motshekga, Thabo Tshabalala · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · South Africa (Johannesburg)

This systematic review examined eco-friendly urban gardening practices for youth in Johannesburg slums, analyzing 34 studies from multiple databases. The review found a trend towards community-led initiatives combining horticulture with sustainable living education. These practices positively impacted household food insecurity, reducing it by an average of 20%, and enhanced youth engagement in environmental stewardship.

Paul. A. de Graaf · · Netherlands (Rotterdam)

This research offers a top-down perspective on Rotterdam's urban landscape to identify spatial opportunities for urban agriculture. It defines promising urban agriculture types based on international best practices and local expert judgment, then formulates criteria for opportunities based on spatial, environmental, and social demands and benefits. The study aims to support bottom-up urban agriculture projects by mapping these opportunities and demonstrating their potential through design case studies, linking them to urban sustainability and resilience.

Sersnova Sersnova · · Latvia (Riga)

This study concerns small-scale urban agriculture and the transformation of family gardens in Riga, Latvia. Urban agriculture has gained recognition globally in recent decades due to its economic, social, cultural, and environmental benefits.

Gillean M. Denny · · United Kingdom

This study investigated the ability of urban agriculture (UA) to decrease food-related greenhouse gas emissions, using a life cycle analysis of tomatoes, produce surveys in East Anglia, and household surveys of 183 UA-practicing households. It found that UA participation can reduce an individual's tomato consumption emissions from 52.4 kg CO2e/yr to 11.2 kg CO2e/yr. This reduction amounts to 44% from a non-UA, low-emission diet and 78% from a supermarket diet.

Qiang Li · Ecological Economy · China

This paper discusses urban agriculture in China, noting its increasing prevalence in developed and developing countries and its role in urban food supply and ecological systems. It argues that urban agriculture holds significant strategic value in alleviating crises related to energy, food, and ecology, which have emerged due to rapid urbanization in China since the 21st century. To foster its development, the paper suggests establishing a highly integrated and convenient support system for urban agriculture, based on enterprises providing production factors and technical services.

Raul Alberto Marino Zamudio · · Global

Global cities are major consumers of resources, and their uncontrolled expansion blurs rural-urban boundaries, impacting agricultural production essential for food security. This article examines the causes of the global food crisis and proposes strategies for cities and communities to achieve food security and environmental sustainability. These strategies involve urban agriculture in various forms and scales, and the management of urban solid waste for fertilizer and renewable energy production.

Guan Hai-ling · Science Technology and Industry · China (Taiyuan)

This paper examines the achievements and current status of urban agricultural development, technology, and innovation in Taiyuan. It proposes countermeasures for urban agricultural scientific and technological innovation in a low-carbon economy, including establishing a training system, supporting research institutions, increasing investment, and strengthening external exchanges and cooperation.

Shuyi Lu, Mostafa Oraei, Aaron Sangha, Kingson Wong · cIRcle (University of British Columbia) · Canada

This project outlines the components of a rainwater harvesting (RWH) system and five filtration methods, then analyzes two North American RWH projects. It concludes with a triple-bottom line analysis and recommendations for implementing an RWH system in the new Student Union Building (SUB) at the University of British Columbia, which aims for LEED Platinum Certification by 2014. The RWH system is intended to significantly lower water consumption by collecting, filtering, and storing rainwater for uses like irrigating a rooftop garden and flushing toilets.

Lorena Rocca, Giovanni Donadelli, Sonia Ziliotto · DergiPark (Istanbul University) · Italy (Padua)

The "Small steps of Agenda 21" project in the "J. Mirò" nursery school in Padua, Italy, engaged children in participatory planning for their school garden. Children actively improved the garden, fostering awareness of community discussion and participation. The project demonstrated that children improved their sense of inclusiveness and responsibility.

杜受祜, 金小琴 · 西南民族大学学报：人文社会科学版 · China (Chengdu)

This study analyzes and evaluates the ecological security of urban agriculture in Chengdu, China, from 2000 to 2011, using a constructed evaluation index system. Results show that urban agricultural ecological security in Chengdu fluctuated between 2000 and 2007, then improved after 2008 under urban agricultural development. Overall, the ecological security of urban agriculture in Chengdu is trending positively.

Christoph Kasper, Undine Giseke, Silvia Martin Han · · Morocco

As part of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research's "Future Megacities" research program, the Urban Agriculture Casablanca (UAC) project investigates the extent to which urban agriculture can contribute to sustainable city design. This project aims to integrate the provision of open space within integrated and sustainable urban growth in Casablanca, Morocco. Based on an action research approach, integrated case studies in peri-urban spaces and four pilot projects were implemented, identifying synergy potentials between the city and agriculture in connection with other relevant sectors of the social and economic system.

Carolin Mees, Edie Stone · · United States (New York City)

In New York City, community gardens were established by resident groups in the 1970s, contributing to recreation, food security, and sustainable urban development. Their number has fluctuated over the past 30 years, with approximately 600 gardens existing today, over 300 of which are on public land. Recently, in response to climate change and economic crisis, elements like beehives and rainwater harvesting have been legalized and used to maximize food production and conserve water. This chapter will use qualitative data analysis, secondary literature discussion, and participant observation to evaluate the employment and function of these garden components and how the city's community gardens contribute to a sustainable city.

Jan-Eelco Jansma, W. Sukkel, E.S.C. Stilma, Alex C. van Oost, A.J. de Visser · · Netherlands (Almere)

This case study in the Dutch city of Almere calculated that 6,200 hectares of conventional farming land (or 8,100 hectares for organic production) are needed to produce approximately 20% of the daily food basket for 350,000 future citizens. Local production reduces greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 27,000 tonnes/year, a relatively small reduction as most products are already produced in the Netherlands. The study emphasizes that other aspects, such as food basket composition, local food distribution system redesign, consumer behavior, and fossil energy use reduction, must be considered for reducing food miles, fossil energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Heather Burns, Weston Miller · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States (Portland)

The Learning Gardens Laboratory (LGL) in Portland, Oregon, a partnership between Portland State University and Oregon State University, develops garden-based education programs to advance sustainable food systems and sustainability education. LGL's pedagogical principles, drawn from permaculture and ecological design, include interdisciplinary and place-based learning. The paper discusses these principles in relation to LGL's educational programs, highlighting the Beginning Urban Farming Apprenticeship and Lane Middle School Garden-Based Education programs.

Kevin Wonch · Hope College Digital Commons (Hope College) · United States (Detroit)

This study examines urban farming in Detroit, a city experiencing rapid decline with a population under a million, limited access to fresh food stores, and extensive vacant land. While arguing for modern urban farming as a foundation for sustainable practices and positive development, it notes that some political and business analysts question its ability to make a significant impact on the city’s future.

杨卓翔 YANG Zhuoxiang, 高阳 GAO Yang, Zhao Zhi, 李双成 LI Shuangcheng · Acta Ecologica Sinica · China (Shenzhen)

An emergy analysis compared the emergy input structure, production efficiency, environmental load, and sustainability of three farms (Biling Modern Agricultural Technology Park, Xili Orchard, and Shanhai Farm) in Shenzhen, China. Xili Orchard showed a high reliance on renewable resources, the lowest environmental load ratio, and the highest emergy indices for sustainable development. Shanhai Farm had a low reliance on renewable resources, the highest environmental load ratio, and was assessed as having the lowest sustainable development capacity.

Jillian Thompson, Christopher C. Obropta · · United States (Newark)

In 2009, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program, funded by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, implemented stormwater management education and best management practices (BMPs) in Newark, New Jersey. The initiative aimed to reduce combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges. Through this effort, a formerly vacant lot was transformed into a community garden featuring a 1,550-gallon cistern and a rain garden, with educational training provided to ex-offenders and sixth-grade students.

Raúl Puente-Asuero · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global

This chapter provides a critical and propositional analysis of the integration of agricultural production into contemporary urban metabolism. It positions urban agriculture as a strategic green infrastructure capable of mitigating the dysfunctions of the diffuse city model. The text analyzes how urban agriculture acts as a mechanism for urban resilience, allowing the city to recover lost ecosystem functions, improve social cohesion, and reduce its ecological footprint through food sovereignty and on-site organic waste management.

Takanori Kuronuma, Saori Hashimoto, Ryuta CHIMURA, Haruaki YOKOKAWA, Kazunori Sakamoto, Hitoshi Watanabe · Journal of the Japanese Society of Revegetation Technology · Japan

This study investigated the annual changes in lightweight soil in a thin substratum rooftop garden planted with Zoysia grass. No annual changes were observed in grass growth or soil physical properties. Soil organic matter tended to increase after construction, and nutrient salt content was comparable to golf course green soil diagnostic standards. However, nutrient salt levels in unused lightweight soil were significantly higher than after construction and decreased annually. No difference in nutrient salt content was confirmed with or without additional fertilization, suggesting the need for fertilization management tailored to the unique rooftop environment.

Guo Hua, Guozhu Ren · JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING STUDIES · Global

This paper attempts to define the role of urban agriculture in building resilient cities. It also analyzes how urban agriculture can make cities more resilient to potential crises in emergencies or sudden events, as well as under normal circumstances, such as climate change and oil peak.

Katrin Bohn, André Viljoen · · Global

This paper focuses on urban agriculture as a major component of CPUL (Continuous Productive Urban Landscape). The CPUL City concept aims to make urban spaces more productive and desirable for citizens by planfully introducing continuous productive urban landscapes, including urban agriculture, into cities. The CPUL City concept proposes that urban agriculture can contribute to more sustainable and resilient food systems while also adding beneficially to the spatial quality of the urban realm.

William E. Fry, M. T. McGrath, Abby Seaman, Thomas A. Zitter, A. McLeod, Giovanna Danies, Ian M. Small, Kevin Myers, Kathryne L. Everts, Amanda J. Gevens, Beth K. Gugino, Sara B. Johnson, Howard S. Judelson, Jean B. Ristaino, Pamela Roberts, Gary A. Secor, K. W. Seebold, K. Snover-Clift, A. Wyenandt, Niklaus J. Grünwald, Christine D. Smart · Plant Disease · United States

The 2009 tomato late blight pandemic in the eastern United States resulted in significant crop losses for many home gardeners and organic producers. This event led to widespread questions regarding its causes and differences from previous epidemics.