Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
1966 results(73 / 79)
A farmers' market in a food desert: Evaluating impacts on the price and availability of healthy food
2009Larsen K., Gilliland J. · Health & Place 15(4):1158-1162 · Canada
Evaluates a farmers' market established in a London, Ontario food desert, analyzing its effect on the price and availability of fresh, healthy food and its potential to improve local food access.
WelfareEconomicsHealthReuse of Domestic Greywater for the Irrigation of Food Crops
2009· Water, Air, & Soil Pollution · Global
Irrigates potted lettuce, carrots and peppers with untreated and treated (settling plus slow sand filtration) household greywater over eight weeks and tests edible portions for faecal indicator organisms.
DIYHealthImpact of a school-based food garden on attitudes and identification skills regarding vegetables and fruit: a 12-month intervention trial
2009Somerset S., Markwell K. · Public Health Nutrition · Australia (Queensland)
A 12-month intervention trial introduced a food garden at a state primary school (grades 4-7) in a low socio-economic area, evaluating changes in children's ability to identify vegetables and fruit and their attitudes toward them, against a historical control.
Food educationHealthCultivating health and wellbeing: members' perceptions of the health benefits of a Port Melbourne community garden
2009· Leisure Studies · Port Melbourne, Australia
Ten members of a community garden in Port Melbourne, Australia were interviewed with semi-structured questions exploring their perceptions of the health and wellbeing benefits of participation.
HealthCommunityFactors influencing the concentration of heavy metals in soils of allotment gardens in the city of Wroclaw, Poland
2009Cezary Kabała, T. Chodak, L. Szerszeń, Anna Karczewska, Katarzyna Szopka, Urszula Fratczak · Fresenius environmental bulletin · Poland (Wroclaw)
An analysis of 180 allotment garden soils in Wroclaw, Poland, found that concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Zn (12.5-659 mg Pb kg-1, 38.1-2103 mg Zn kg-1, 12.9-595 mg Cu kg-1) were influenced by industrial pollution sources, organic matter, pH, and macronutrients. Soils in gardens on former housing or industrial areas had significantly higher metal concentrations. Up to 35% of soils in the city zone were excessively contaminated, making them unsuitable for vegetable and fruit production and requiring reclamation.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityThe Impact of Community Gardens on Numbers of Property Crimes in Urban Houston
2009M.R. Gorham, Tina M. Waliczek, Amy Snelgrove, Jayne M. Zajicek · HortTechnology · United States (Houston)
A pilot study in Houston, Texas, investigated the impact of 11 established community gardens on property crime numbers using 2005 crime data. Statistical comparisons between community garden areas and randomly selected city areas showed no statistically significant differences in the mean number of crime occurrences. The presence of a community garden was not found to be a predictor of a lower crime rate for a neighborhood.
Limited or null effectCommunityHealthMulticultural School Gardens: Creating Engaging Garden Spaces in Learning about Language, Culture, and Environment.
2009Amy Cutter‐Mackenzie · ePublications@SCU (Southern Cross University) · Australia
An Australian environmental education non-profit implemented the "Multicultural Schools Gardens" program in disadvantaged schools, using food gardening to teach culture, English as a Second Language, and environment. A combined methods research approach, including student self-research, interviews, and observations, was used to assess learning experiences. At one culturally diverse school with many migrant and refugee families, the program fostered a strong sense of belonging among students and provided opportunities for English language learning and environmental connection.
Food educationCommunityHealthWelfareMulti-Stakeholder Processes for Managing Wastewater Use in Agriculture
2009Alexandra Evans, Liqa Raschid-Sally, Olufunke Cofie · · Global
This chapter presents three case studies in which multi-stakeholder processes were used to improve wastewater management for urban agriculture. Although differences were observed, there were several cross-cutting lessons. A critical factor is the starting point, including an agreed definition of the problem to be addressed, negotiated goals, and a management structure acceptable to all stakeholders. When multi-stakeholder processes are externally initiated, it is essential that project priorities are commensurate with local priorities.
PolicyCommunityHealthOrganic cycleCharacterization and Low-Cost Remediation of Soils Contaminated by Timbers in Community Gardens.
2009Wendy Heiger‐Bernays, Alexa Fraser, Vaughn R. Burns, Kerry Diskin, David Pierotti, K Merchant-Borna, Michael D. McClean, Daniel J. Brabander, H. Patricia Hynes · PubMed · United States
A study characterized urban community garden soils contaminated by timbers, specifically finding elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from railroad ties and arsenic from chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated lumber. Researchers determined the extent of contamination, designed a remediation plan, and assessed the safety of adding city compost as a soil amendment in Boston community gardens. Recommendations for healthful gardening practices were also provided.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthUrban farming in the informal settlements of Atteridgeville, Pretoria, South Africa
2009W. Van Averbeke · Water SA · South Africa (Pretoria)
This study in five informal settlements of Atteridgeville, Pretoria, South Africa, used a pilot study, household survey, and multiple case studies to assess urban farming's contribution to food security and household income. While over half of households participated in urban farming, its contribution to total household income and food security was generally modest. Main constraints included lack of space and limited access to irrigation water.
Limited or null effectCommunityWelfareHealthFood sovereignty & justiceReducing risk from wastewater use in urban farming – A case study of Accra, Ghana
2009Pay Drechsel, Liqa Raschid-Sally, Robert Clement Abaidoo · · Ghana (Accra)
Urbanization in West Africa has led to most domestic wastewater contaminating surface water sources. In Accra, Ghana, vegetables on urban markets are highly contaminated, with about 200,000 urban dwellers consuming street food containing raw vegetables from these sources daily. This research explores on-farm risk mitigation options, finding potential to significantly reduce helminth egg counts and bacterial contamination through improved washing practices.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageÉramos todos tan felices
2009Vicente Araguas · Revista de libros · New Zealand
This kaupapa Māori research explored the motivations and role of Māori community gardens (māra) in health promotion in Aotearoa New Zealand, interviewing seven māra initiative leaders. Findings indicate māra development is driven by a desire to empower Māori collectives and reconnect them with ancestral lands. Māra foster community development, intergenerational connection, and the practice of Māori language and cultural heritage, contributing to social cohesion and collective efficacy.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareUrban agriculture: multi-dimensional tools for social development in poor neibourghoods
2009Éric Duchemin, Fabien Wegmuller, Anne-Marie Legault · Field Actions Science Reports · Canada (Montreal)
This article discusses urban agriculture (UA) initiatives undertaken in Montreal, Canada, for over 30 years, specifically the City-managed Community Gardening Program and six collective gardens managed by community organizations. These UA initiatives have fostered vegetable production and a socialization and education environment, contributing to individual and collective social development in economically disadvantaged districts. The various approaches achieve their established objectives and serve as multi-dimensional tools for the social development of disadvantaged populations.
CommunityFood educationWelfareHealthHorizontal nutrient fluxes and food safety in urban and peri-urban vegetable and millet cultivation of Niamey, Niger
2009Rodrigue V.C. Diogo, Andreas Buerkert, Eva Schlecht · Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems · Niger (Niamey)
This 24-month study investigated nutrient efficiency and food safety in urban and peri-urban agriculture in Niamey, Niger. Nutrient inputs and offtakes were quantified for 10 vegetable gardens and 9 millet fields, and contamination of irrigation water and selected vegetables with fecal pathogens and heavy metals was determined. Above-threshold levels of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli were detected in lettuce irrigated with river water and fertilized with animal manure, and in lettuce irrigated with wastewater, indicating food safety concerns.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleHealthPeri-urban agricultureThe impact of a school garden on nutrition knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of urban youth
2009Erica Rose Menkel Mintzer · · United States
This study evaluated a garden-based curriculum and school lunch program at Common Ground High School in the United States using mixed quantitative and qualitative methods. It found that Common Ground students had more food system knowledge but not more basic nutrition knowledge than comparison schools. While Common Ground students increased fruit and vegetable intake at school over the year, comparison school students ate more familiar vegetables, and Common Ground students ate more unfamiliar vegetables. BMI data showed varied averages between schools and grades, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.0622).
Food educationHealthDevelopment of vegetable farming: a cause of the emergence of insecticide resistance in populations of Anopheles gambiae in urban areas of Benin
2009Anges Yadouléton, Alex Asidi, Rousseau F Djouaka, B. James, Christian Agossou, Martin Akogbéto · Malaria Journal · Benin
A study in urban areas of Benin investigated the impact of rapid vegetable farming development on the emergence of insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae populations, using sociological data, bioassay tests, and biochemical analysis. The expansion of urban agriculture led to improper insecticide use for vegetable pests, exerting strong selection pressure on mosquito larval populations. This resulted in the emergence of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors, with permethrin mortality rates of 76% in Parakou, 23.5% in Porto-Novo, and 17% in Cotonou.
Environmental trade-offsEconomicsHealthClimate changeClosing the Loop: Community Gardening in Boulder, Colorado
2009Colleen O’Holleran · School for International Training Digital Collections (School for International Training) · United States (Boulder, Colorado)
A study in Boulder, Colorado, interviewed thirteen community gardeners to understand their motivations for participation. Gardeners were found to come from diverse backgrounds and participate for various reasons, including the desire to be outdoors, curiosity, resource sharing, a closer connection with food, self-reliance, health commitment, and pride. Despite challenges, gardeners overcome them due to their commitment to cultivating their plots.
CommunityHealthFood educationThe polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations in soils in the Region of Valasske Mezirici, the Czech Republic
2009Daniela Plachá, Helena Raclavská, Dalibor Matýsek, Mark H Rümmeli · Geochemical Transactions · Czech Republic
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination was investigated in urban, agricultural, and forest soil samples from the surroundings of Valasske Mezirici, Czech Republic. While PAH levels in urban/agricultural soils were within the typical range for industrialized areas, forest soils showed elevated PAH concentrations compared to other forest soils in Western and Northern Europe. PAH concentrations were highest in localities at higher altitudes and decreased with increasing distance from the town.
Contamination & food safetyHealthThe green we need: an investigation of the benefits of green life and green spaces for urban dwellers' physical, mental and social health.
2009Allyson Holbrook · Figshare · Global
"The Green We Need" project, commissioned by Nursery and Garden Industry Australia (NGIA), identified 171 articles published since 2000 across 75 academic journals. These articles presented new data on the health, quality of life, and social impacts of urban dwellers' access to green space. The research strongly supported a growing body of international studies since 2000 indicating the human need for nearby green spaces for healthy living, physical and social activity, and a direct relationship between proximity to green space and its use for recreation and daily activities.
HealthCommunityFood educationUrban Community Gardens and Food Security: A Survey of Fresh Produce Consumption in Libyan Coastal Cities 2009
2009Abdullah Al-Shahin · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Libya
A cross-sectional survey using structured questionnaires was conducted in four Libyan coastal cities to assess the impact of urban community gardens on food security. Participants reported significant increases in fresh produce consumption, with 72% of those living within five kilometers of their gardens showing increased fruit and vegetable intake. The study suggests urban community gardens positively impact food security by improving access to fruits and vegetables for residents.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthCollective efficacy in Denver, Colorado: strengthening neighborhoods and health through community gardens
2009Louise Joly · Primary Health Care · United States
This research focus describes three studies exploring the health benefits of gardening as a social activity. The studies investigate how community gardens in Denver, Colorado, contribute to strengthening neighborhoods and health.
CommunityHealthUrban food security in South Africa: Case study of Cape Town, Msunduzi and Johannesburg
2009Bruce Frayne, Jane Battersby, Robert Fincham, Gareth Haysom · · South Africa
This study examines urban food security in South Africa, focusing on Cape Town, Msunduzi, and Johannesburg, and includes a critique of the City of Cape Town's urban agriculture policy. The abstract indicates that the policy was found to have significant shortcomings, particularly concerning local production and access to food. The research highlights various policy issues related to food access, dietary diversity, local production, and local markets within these urban contexts.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsHealthPromoting Healthy Diets through Community Gardens: An Investigation into Their Effectiveness in Reducing Obesity Among Senegalese Adolescents in Uganda
2009Kasaka Kizito, Okumu Mukulu, Sserunkuma Ndegeyi · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Uganda
This mixed-methods study investigated the effectiveness of community gardens in reducing obesity among 200 Senegalese adolescents aged 15-18 in Uganda. Initial analysis suggests that community gardens significantly reduced the proportion of adolescents with obesity by 30%, indicating a positive impact on dietary habits and physical activity levels. While these preliminary findings are promising, further longitudinal studies are needed.
HealthCommunityFood educationWelfareIntroducing urine as an alternative fertiliser source for urban agriculture: case studies from Nigeria and Ghana.
2009Olufunke Cofie, Adeoluwa Olugbenga, Philip Amoah · Urban Agriculture Magazine · Nigeria; Ghana
This study introduces human urine as an alternative fertilizer source for urban agriculture, presenting case studies from Nigeria and Ghana. It suggests that proper collection and use of human urine can improve urban environmental sanitation and reduce crop production costs. The approach integrates agriculture, environment, and sanitation sectors.
Organic cycleEconomicsHealthWastewater Use in Cauliflower Production and Farmer’s Health: An Economic Analysis
2009Shahzad Kouser, Mr. Abedullah, Abdus Samie · The Pakistan Development Review · Pakistan (Faisalabad)
This study, conducted in 2006 with 200 farmers in two peri-urban villages of Faisalabad, Pakistan, estimated the economic values of negative health externalities from wastewater use in cauliflower production. While wastewater use appeared profitable without considering externalities, factoring in health costs strongly discouraged its use. The health externalities for a three-month cauliflower crop on 741 acres amounted to Rs 3.2 million, and for 5,283 acres of vegetables cultivated with wastewater in Faisalabad, the annual total was Rs 90.7 million. The findings indicate a significant economic loss due to wastewater use, suggesting that installing a water treatment plant is a viable option to minimize these external effects.
Contamination & food safetyHealthEconomicsPeri-urban agriculturePolicy