Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
3241 results(73 / 130)
A PROBLEM-BASED APPROACH OF COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE WITHIN SHORT FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS BASED ON A WESTERN TRANSDANUBIAN SURVEY
2018Károly Kacz, Ádám Varga · Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural and Agribusiness Economists · Europe
A survey in the Western Transdanubia region investigated major problems in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) within short food supply chains, involving farmer organizations and consumers. The analysis identified the insufficient market power of CSA organizations as the most influential factor. This finding suggests a significant constraint on the effectiveness of CSA models in the region.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceAgriculture urbaine et périurbaine (AUP) et économie des ménages agri-urbains à Dakar (Sénégal)
2018Ayinde BA, Nicola Cantoreggi · International Journal of Environment Agriculture and Biotechnology · Senegal (Dakar)
This study focused on the commercial dimension of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in the Dakar region, Senegal, involving 214 market gardeners across three production areas. Results showed that UPA, specifically urban market gardening, constitutes a full-fledged commercial activity with monetary income significantly higher than Senegal's minimum wage. This almost exclusively commercial orientation allows agri-urban households to cover their food and non-food expenses inherent in urban living.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureAGRICULTURA URBANA E PERIURBANA E OS CONFLITOS DA ESPECULAÇÃO IMOBILIÁRIA EM ALFENAS-MG
2018Rodrigo Clemente GOIS, Flamarion Dutra Alves, Evânio dos Santos Branquinho · Geografia (Rio Claro) · Brazil (Alfenas)
This article aims to characterize urban and peri-urban agricultural activities in Alfenas, Brazil, and analyze the encroachment of real estate speculation on these properties. It notes that Alfenas has seen an increase in residential developments occupying areas previously used for livestock and agriculture. The study suggests organic farming as a viable alternative to mitigate socio-environmental problems arising from this encroachment.
Economic viabilityUrban–rural linkageEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePemahamam siswa SMP Pusaka Desa Sindang Jaya, Kecamatan Ciranjang, Kabupaten Cianjur tentang pertanian hidroponik
2018Marina Silalahi, Lauresius Sihotang, Sunarto Sunarto, Fajar Adinugraha, Adisti Ratna Puri · · Indonesia (Cianjur)
A survey was conducted among 21 students at Pusaka Junior High School in Cianjur, Indonesia, to assess their understanding of hydroponic farming. Students knew the definition, methods, maintenance, and production of hydroponic plants, but literally interpreted that media like sand could not be used. While many students had experience with hydroponic farming, they claimed it was more expensive than conventional farming.
Economic viabilityFood educationDIYEconomicsA sustainable food-system?
2018Annie Svensson · · Sweden
This research investigated the economic sustainability of 14 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in Sweden through interviews. The study found that Swedish CSA farms had difficulties covering labor costs and suffered from inefficiency, indicating weak economic sustainability. The study did not identify specific approaches or business models that were more conducive to higher profitability.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityHORTA COMUNITÁRIA NA COMUNIDADE INDIGENA DO GUARIBA
2018Clétina Inês de Brito Rodrigues, Rafael Pereira Barros, Iraci Fideles, João Victor de Brito Rodrigues, Genilson Tabosa Wanderley, Glicia Luiza nunes · Fórum de Integração Ensino, Pesquisa, Extensão e Inovação Tecnológica do IFRR - e-ISSN 2447-1208 · Brazil
This project aimed to encourage the Guariba indigenous community in Brazil to produce vegetables through a community garden, promoting food access and security, work opportunities, and income generation. Activities included environmental and social education, entrepreneurship, and healthy eating practices. The project involved over 20 participants and resulted in the construction of a community garden and training for community members and student interns.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsFood educationEvaluation of effect of human urine fertilizer in the cultivation of corn in Camagüey
2018Dania de la Caridad González Gort, Arelys Valido Tomés, Roberto Vázquez Montes de · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Cuba (Camagüey)
A study on "The New Hope" farm in Camagüey, Cuba, evaluated human urine as a fertilizer for corn cultivation under family farming conditions. Family-collected human urine, stored for six months and applied in dilution, was compared to a mineral fertilizer and an unfertilized control using a randomized block design with 18 sample plants per treatment. Results showed that human urine yielded equivalent results to mineral fertilization, with no significant differences, but both differed from the unfertilized treatment, concluding that urine is an economic alternative for family farming.
Organic cycleDIYEconomicsDefining alternative food networks: A systematic literature review.
2018Rosario Michel‐Villarreal, Martin Hingley, Ilenia Bregoli · Lincoln Repository (University of Lincoln) · Global
This systematic literature review aims to clarify the concept of Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) by conducting a thematic analysis of academic definitions. The literature indicates a lack of clarity regarding AFNs, which are often defined by what they are not, rather than what they are. The study seeks to address this knowledge gap and contribute to theory and empirical development.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsIndigenous and Scientific Knowledge in the Farming System: A Case of Urban Agriculture in Kageshwori-Manohara Municipality
2018Kanhaiya Sapkota · Tribhuvan University Journal · Asia
This study, based on a survey of 105 households in the Kangeshwori-Manohara low-lying Area, aimed to analyze contradictions and the interface between scientific and local knowledge on urban agriculture. Farmers transitioned from traditional to intensive, market-oriented agriculture, adopting a wider range of improved farming techniques for economically viable and sustainable production, indicating some link between scientific and indigenous knowledge.
CommunityEconomicsOrganic cycle都府県が策定した都市農業振興基本計画の比較
2018肇 石原, Hajime Ishihara · Institutional Repositories DataBase (IRDB) · Japan
This paper compared urban agriculture promotion basic plans formulated by six prefectures, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Aichi, as of October 2017. The analysis revealed policy challenges concerning the scope of inheritance tax deferment, the lending and borrowing of agricultural land in urbanization promotion areas, and the participation of non-farmers in agriculture. It concluded that the national government urgently needs to address these issues, and local governments should propose systems tailored to local conditions.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsEating Our Way to Sustainability? Leisure, Food and Community Economic Development
2018Jennifer Sumner · Sustainability · Global
This article reviews and synthesizes literature on food, leisure, sustainability, and community economic development to answer whether we can eat our way to sustainability. It begins with John Loxley's approach to community economic development and links the concept of sustainability with McMurtry’s civil commons. The article examines examples of food-related leisure activities like community gardens, CSAs, gleaning, and community kitchens, concluding that sustainability can be achieved if we choose activities that also enable others to eat.
CommunityEconomicsCSA & TeikeiClimate changeLOS BENEFICIOS PARA LA SALUD, MEDIO AMBIENTE Y ECONOMÍA FAMILIAR DE LA AGRICULTURA URBANA
2018Doris Laury Beatriz Dzib Moo, Gerardo González García, Analuisa González Dzib · · Global
This paper proposes urban gardens for Colonia Lindavista in Tabasco, Mexico, to demonstrate the benefits of urban agriculture. The project aims to raise awareness and secure institutional support, highlighting the advantages of daily consumption of organic vegetables for health and family economy. This initiative seeks to increase the resilience of the Colonia Lindavista community, which was chosen as a pilot site starting in January 2017.
HealthEconomicsClimate changePeri-urban agricultureAgricoltura urbana come strumento di sviluppo sostenibile. Uno studio di caso: gli orti urbani a São Paulo (Brasile)
2018Giulia Giacchè, Wania Rezende Silva · ARCHIVIO DI STUDI URBANI E REGIONALI · Brazil (São Paulo)
This article investigates the role of urban agriculture (UA) in reconfiguring urban spaces and promoting sustainable cities. A survey conducted in two urban gardens in São Paulo, Brazil, found that UA's individual and collective practices contribute to sustainable urban development by reducing social, economic, and environmental inequalities.
CommunityEconomicsClimate changeImproving Urban Food Security in African cities: Critically Assessing the Role of Informal Retailers
2018Jane Battersby, Vanessa Watson · Figshare · Africa
Recent research in African cities indicates that urban agriculture is not as important a food source for low-income households as often believed. Most African urbanites source their food from retail outlets, suggesting that solutions to urban food insecurity need to consider urban food marketing and distribution structures, rather than solely supporting food production through urban agriculture. This chapter reviews evidence supporting the argument that urban agriculture is not a primary food source for the poor.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWelfareECF FARMSYSTEMS: a Circular Economy Business Model Case
2018Alexis Figeac · Repositorio institucional da Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (University of Santiago de Compostela) · Global
ECF is a small-to-medium sized enterprise operating an aquaponic urban farm, demonstrating a co-product recovery business model where circularity is retained within its own operations. The aquaponics system enables resource-efficient food delivery on a B2B basis and achieves significant socio-environmental impact by displacing food miles. However, fish feed sustainability challenges need addressing for greater circularity, and aquaponics faces competitiveness issues due to support for traditional farming and planning hurdles in urban communities.
EconomicsOrganic cycleClimate changeAvanços e desafios das hortas comunitárias urbanas de base agroecológica: uma análise do município de Sete Lagoas
2018Daniel Calbino, I. Borges, Luis Antonio Andrade Rosas, C.T. Abreu, Fernanda Anziliero Gonçalves · COLÓQUIO - Revista do Desenvolvimento Regional · Brazil
This case study in Sete Lagoas, Brazil, discusses the advances and challenges of agroecological urban community gardens, which have a history of approximately 33 years. Research findings indicate that public policy enables income generation for producers, increased supply, and food security in the region. However, the study highlights the need for greater support to address producers' limited technical knowledge and the importance of more supportive interpersonal relationships.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyDescriptive Census Survey of Community Gardens Supported by The Big Garden
2018Abigail R Hughes · Graduate Medical Education Research Journal · United States (Omaha)
This project aimed to provide The Big Garden, an Omaha, NE-based nonprofit, with survey data on the growth, needs, and capacity of its supported community gardens over five years. A census survey was distributed to all gardens in their network to collect data on characteristics, production practices, support needed, community involvement, programming, barriers, facilitators, impact, and capacity. The collected data, analyzed using descriptive statistics, is intended to inform the organization's future planning.
CommunityEconomicsDesafios das práticas agroecológicas no contexto do associativismo em hortas comunitárias no município de Sete Lagoas – MG
2018Angelina Moreira Melo, Daniel Calbino, Yuri Gomes Figueiredo, Fabiola Paulino da Silva, E. R. de O. Carvalho · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil
This empirical work, based on participatory research, analyzed the social relations between producers of the Vapabucu community garden in Sete Lagoas, Brazil, and municipal public support organs. Research results indicate that while agroecological knowledge has advanced significantly in the technical dimension of agronomic production, the social relations among producers still show contradictions inherent to agroecological assumptions.
Governance failureCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleUrban community gardens, commons, and social reproduction: revisiting Silvia Federici’s Revolution at Point Zero
2018Salvatore Engel‐Di Mauro · Gender Place & Culture · Global
This study discusses two concerns regarding urban community gardens' political potential, suggesting caution. It notes that the community in urban community gardens can be reactionary and capitalism-friendly, potentially impeding the collectivization of social reproduction if it remains largely women's work. Additionally, urban gardeners, primarily women, people of color, and the elderly, may face exposure to toxic substances and increased care work needs due to health effects.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyHealthEconomicsUrban Farming in Philadelphia
2018Kaitlyn Lawrence · Digital Commons - Ursinus (Ursinus College) · United States (Philadelphia)
This study aims to understand urban farming in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by investigating who farms as a business, what they grow, their methods, and reasons for involvement. Recognizing that the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not track urban farmers, the research intends to develop an understanding of the collective identity of Philadelphia's urban farmers to help them better serve their communities.
CommunityEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceA AGRICULTURA URBANA E SUAS FUNCIONALIDADES EM MONTES CLAROS, MG: PROPOSTAS DE EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA MULTIDISCIPLINAR
2018Cristh Ellen Ferreira Pinheiro, Hélder dos Anjos Augusto, Cledinado Aparecido Dias, Fábio da Silva Gonçalves, Marcelo Oliveira · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil (São Paulo)
This study in Montes Claros, MG, Brazil, investigated the reality of urban farmers commercializing vegetable production to propose multidisciplinary extension and research actions. It identified agricultural production regions, the main functions of urban agriculture from the farmers' perspective, and the difficulties faced by these producers. The analysis highlighted the need for multidisciplinary approaches due to the identified demands, implying challenges in economic viability.
Economic viabilityEconomicsFood educationCommunitySustainability of Urban Community Gardens in Gweru -Zimbabwe: The Case of Senga Area
2018Henry Mabika · Research & Reviews: Journal of Social Sciences · Zimbabwe
This paper examines the sustainability of urban community gardens in the Senga area of Gweru, Zimbabwe, which have adopted a participatory approach. Residents are beneficiaries, the council is the landowner, and Care International provides technical and resource assistance. Data was collected through questionnaires from a convenient sample of residents and interviews with management from Care and Gweru city council. The project's sustainability is attributed to employment creation, food security, compatibility with household work, and a ready market for fresh produce.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCo-Creating community gardens on untapped terrain – lessons from a transdisciplinary planning and participation process in the context of municipal housing in Vienna
2018Rita Mayrhofer · Local Environment · Austria
A case study of the Roda-Roda pilot project in Vienna, Austria, demonstrated that community gardening can develop and persist even without favorable conditions for grassroots community gardens. Using an action research approach, an interdisciplinary project team implemented a spatial and socio-economic framework with a top-down approach, providing a stable basis for participatory community-building. This enabled gardeners to gain knowledge, skills, and self-confidence to run a garden and create a well-functioning local community.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsUrban agriculture and stokvels
2018Yolisa Wendy Sonti · · South Africa
A study of 152 stokvel members in South Africa's Nelson Mandela Bay Area investigated the possibility of using stokvels in urban agriculture. Findings revealed that stokvel members are aware of agricultural activities but do not use their stokvel funds for urban agriculture. However, there is interest among stokvel members in utilizing their funds for urban agriculture.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityWelfarePemberdayaan Masyarakat Melalui Program Urban Farming Organik di Kabupaten Bekasi Sebagai Program CSR PT. Pertamina EP Tambun Field
2018Adi Firmansyah · · Indonesia (Bekasi)
A qualitative descriptive study in Bekasi Regency, Indonesia, investigated the impact of an organic urban farming program initiated by PT. Pertamina EP Tambun Field on agricultural behavior and institutionalization. The program led to changes in farming techniques from conventional to organic, and shifts in actor interactions, rules, values, norms, and resource management. These changes fostered institutionalization, strengthening the social, economic, and ecological benefits of organic farming.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleEconomicsPolicy