Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
1961 results(75 / 79)
PROMOTING COMMUNITY GARDENING TO LOW-INCOME URBAN PARTICIPANTS IN THE WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN PROGRAMME (WIC) IN NEW MEXICO
2006Shawn Teresa Flanigan, Roli Varma · Community Work & Family · United States (New Mexico)
This study investigated the effectiveness of methods used by nutrition educators to promote the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) community garden project in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. A survey of 257 clients from five clinics found that less than 30% of clients had been exposed to the project, and caseload was unrelated to the promotion methods used. However, clients exposed to any method of promotion were more likely to garden than those not exposed, and importantly, clients reported eating more vegetables after being exposed to the project.
CommunityWelfareHealthFood educationMetromorphosis: Documenting Change
2006Mark Tranel, Larry Handlin · Journal of Urban Affairs · United States (St. Louis)
This study investigated the impact of community gardens on revitalization in urban neighborhoods in St. Louis, United States. The research used GIS software to collect 1990 and 2000 Census data for 3-block radii around the study gardens, focusing on indicators of resident quality of life and neighborhood conditions. Using difference of differences to measure change, the findings indicated that Garden Impact Areas improved in these indicators.
CommunityHealthEconomicsA AGRICULTURA URBANA EM UBERLÂNDIA (MG)
2006Sidivan Aparecido Resende, João Cleps · Caminhos de Geografia · Brazil
This research examines agricultural activities in the urban area of Uberlândia (MG), Brazil, aiming to understand their role and importance in development, specifically in local supply and food security. Defining urban agriculture as rural activities occurring near or within cities, the study seeks to recognize the reality and importance of these activities in Uberlândia's urban environment by comprehending rural-urban interactions.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageAGRICULTURA URBANA- EXPERIÊNCIA DA UFRRJ
2006Edilene Lagedo Teixeira, Janailton Coutinho, Adriano Costa da Silva, Andréa Soares, Camila Silva de Oliveira, Carla Gomes dos Santos, Beatriz Ribeiro Guimarães · REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE AGROECOLOGIA · Brazil
This study, conducted in 2003 by UNISOL REGIONAL and UFRRJ, aimed to develop an organic, condiment, and medicinal garden through social education activities. A socioeconomic survey of the community revealed urgent problems with water scarcity, mosquitoes, and rodents. While two garden beds and 12 planters were built to encourage self-sustaining urban agriculture, the abstract does not explicitly state the success or failure of achieving self-sustainability or addressing the identified community problems beyond the construction itself.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood educationOrganic cycleEconomicsGrounded Visualization: Integrating the Analysis of Qualitative and Quantitative Data through Grounded Theory and Visualization
2006LaDona Knigge, Meghan Cope · Environment and Planning A Economy and Space · United States
This paper conceptualizes and demonstrates an integrated analytical method for using qualitative and quantitative data through geographic information systems (GIS) and ethnography. It proposes that visualization, approached from the analytical base of grounded theory, can construct an iterative, reflexive, contextual, and conceptual analysis strategy. Knigge's work on community gardens in Buffalo, New York, is used as a substantive example of these proposed methods.
CommunitySquaring Farm Security and Food Security in Two Types of Alternative Food Institutions*
2006Julie Guthman, Amy Wilson Morris, Patricia Allen · Rural Sociology · United States (California)
Survey and interview research conducted in California during 2004–2005 examined the extent to which CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) and farmers' markets address food security. Managers of these institutions generally supported the idea of improving food affordability and most made efforts to do so, though these efforts varied with institutional capacity. Some managers tempered their interest in supporting food security goals with concerns such as the primary need to support farmers.
CSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWelfareCommunity Seeds: Building Community through Gardening
2006Kristin McGee · Deep Blue (University of Michigan) · United States
"Community Seeds" is a handbook providing basic information on gardening and starting community garden projects for community members, church members, young people, and schools. It covers definitions, getting started with community gardening, basic gardening skills like design, composting, and vegetable gardening, and how gardening can build community through farm-to-school programs, community supported agriculture, and marketing produce. The handbook also lists Internet and reading resources.
CommunityFood educationCSA & TeikeiDIYUtilização do sistema de avaliação do potencial de uso urbano das terras no diagnóstico ambiental do município de Santa Maria - RS
2006Fabrício de Araújo Pedron, Ricardo Simão Diniz Dalmolin, Antônio Carlos de Azevedo, Everton Luís Poelking, Pablo Miguel · Ciência Rural · Brazil (Santa Maria)
This study conducted an environmental diagnosis in urban areas of Santa Maria, Brazil, using the Urban Land Use Potential Assessment System (SAPUT) to identify land use conflicts. Remote sensing and geoprocessing techniques were employed. The identified problems of improper land use are related to the fragility of geological material and soil resources, with up to 33% of the area being used beyond its potential due to inadequate use for construction and urban agriculture.
Governance failureUrban–rural linkagePolicyClimate changeTesting the recommendations of the Washington State Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan: the Moses Lake case study.
2006Donna B. Johnson, Lynne T. Smith · PubMed · United States (Washington)
The city of Moses Lake, Washington, a town of about 15,000 people, was chosen as a pilot site to test the conceptual approaches and recommendations of the state's Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan. An advisory committee used local policy and environment inventory data to develop a Healthy Communities plan, launching three initiatives: a trail system, breastfeeding facilities, and a community garden. Records of cumulative actions demonstrated the project's continued activity and productivity, with environmental changes and long-term health outcomes to be monitored.
CommunityHealthEffects of a Gardening Program on the Academic Progress of Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade Math and Science Students
2006Adelaide Ellen Pigg, Tina M. Waliczek, Jayne M. Zajicek · HortTechnology · United States (McAllen, Texas)
A study of 196 elementary students in McAllen, Texas, compared the academic progress of students participating in a school garden program with those receiving traditional classroom instruction. No statistically significant differences were found in science achievement scores, indicating similar benefits for both groups. However, students receiving traditional math instruction showed more improved math achievement scores compared to those in the garden program.
Limited or null effectFood educationReport on the Environmental Benefits and Costs of Green Roof Technology for the City of Toronto
2005Banting Doug, Doshi Hitesh, Li James, Missios Paul · Munich Personal RePEc Archive (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich) · Canada (Toronto)
This report presents findings on the municipal-level benefits of implementing green roof technology in Toronto, Canada. Quantifiable monetary benefits included stormwater flow reduction (including impact on combined sewer overflow), air quality improvement, reduced direct energy use, and reduction in the urban heat island effect. Other benefits like aesthetic improvement, increased property values, use as amenity spaces, food production, and increased biodiversity were identified but could not be quantified in this report, requiring further work.
Climate changeBiodiversityFood educationCommunity Supported Agriculture (CSA) in the Midwest United States: A regional characterization
2005Erin M. Tegtmeier, Michael Duffy · Iowa State University Digital Repository (Iowa State University) · United States
A survey of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations across the Midwest United States characterized their operations and profitability. The study presented the characteristics and profitability of these CSA operations.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureUpdating a fresh food access guide for a low literacy audience
2005Goldsmith, Leah · Occidental College Scholar (Occidental College) · United States (Los Angeles)
Low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, and immigrant communities in Los Angeles often experience unjust access to fresh, healthy foods. Project CAFE published the "Los Angeles Fresh Food Access Guide" in 2002 to inform residents of fresh food resources like farmers' markets and community gardens. This study conducted research on language and formatting to make information easy to understand, aiming to revise the guide for a lower literacy audience. The revised guide will include updated food resource information and new content focusing on the linkages between food and health.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceGale Woods Farm Curriculum Directory
2005Courtney Tchida · University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy (University of Minnesota) · United States (Minnesota)
This report develops an educational curriculum for teachers to use at Gale Woods Farm and in classrooms. Gale Woods Farm, a 410-acre educational farm in Minnetrista, Minnesota, aims to connect people to their food source through sustainable farming methods. The curriculum focuses on creating awareness of farming, food production, and agricultural practices emphasizing environmental stewardship.
Food educationCommunityCSA & TeikeiAgricultura urbana en la ciudad de méxico y su área conurbada: situación y perspectivas
2005R. Robles · Revista Agraria · Mexico (Mexico City)
This paper provides an overview of urban agriculture in Mexico City and its conurban area, contrasting production models in developing and developed countries. It reviews the main urban, suburban, and peri-urban production systems and discusses public policies for promoting urban agriculture. The study concludes that no specific policy has been designed to promote urban agriculture in Mexico.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyPeri-urban agricultureSchool garden : senior capstone project
2005Christela Castro · Digital Commons - CSUMB (California State University, Monterey Bay) · United States (California)
The School Garden Project in Monterey County, California, was designed to address childhood obesity, which affected 21.3% of children in the county, with 50.6% of those being Hispanic. The project specifically targeted Hispanic children to tackle this issue.
Food educationHealthCommunityGLOBAL FRAMING
2005Sidney Tarrow · Cambridge University Press eBooks · United States (New York City)
During New York City's fiscal crisis, abandoned lots led to urban decay. A community garden movement emerged in the late 1970s, with groups like "Green Oasis" and "Green Guerillas" transforming derelict lots into gardens. This movement gained support from city, state, and federal governments, including financial aid and assistance from Cornell University's Cooperative Extension Service.
CommunityUBC Food Systems Project : development at UBC
2005Amanda Brown, Antonin van der Lely, Camilo Cortes, Eileen Leung, Fung Lam, Liz Overton, Muneera Hussain · cIRcle (University of British Columbia) · Canada
The UBC Food Systems Project evaluated the effects of campus development on creating a sustainable food system at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Researchers identified barriers and opportunities in UBC's Official Community Plan (OCP) and Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP), then proposed "The Edible Campus" urban agricultural strategy. This strategy included six actions like demonstration gardens and food production on buildings, with recommendations for future viability studies.
Food educationCommunityPolicyThe Effect of Community Gardens on Property Crime Rates in Inner City Houston
2005M.R. Gorham, Tina M. Waliczek · HortScience · United States (Houston)
This study aimed to determine if a relationship existed between reported property crimes and the presence of inner city community gardens in Houston, Texas. Property crime data from 1995 through 2004 were obtained from the Houston Police Department, and crime rates within a 1/8-mile radius surrounding community gardens were compared to the property crime rate for the entire police beat. The abstract does not state the study's results.
CommunityHealthPolicyGreat Opportunities in Urban Agriculture: Planning for Teaching in Non-Traditional Programs
2005Kerry Martens · The Agricultural education magazine · United States (Connecticut)
This paper recounts the author's personal experience in a regional suburban agricultural education program in Connecticut, detailing how it changed their career goals and led them to become an agriculture teacher. The author reports acquiring transferable skills, such as record-keeping and working within a budget through a portfolio-based SAE project. The experience concludes that large, suburban agricultural education programs offer great opportunities.
Food educationPeri-urban agricultureExpanding Our Understanding of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): An Examination of Member Satisfaction
2005K. Brandon Lang · Journal of Sustainable Agriculture · United States
This study tested eleven hypotheses on member satisfaction in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) using survey data from 204 members of 5 mid-Atlantic CSAs during the 2000 growing season. Results indicated that satisfaction positively correlated with supporting alternative agricultural practices, frequency of CSA visits, years of membership, and the likelihood of shares meeting produce needs. Being vegetarian, female, older, or a working member were additional predictors of satisfaction.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsTending Cultural Landscapes and Food Citizenship in Toronto's Community Gardens
2004Lauren Baker · Geographical Review · Canada (Toronto)
Toronto's community gardens, numbering over 100, are sites of place-based politics linked to the community food-security movement. These gardens reflect the city's cultural landscape and serve as a strategy to regenerate the local food system and provide access to healthy, affordable food. Three case studies illustrate the complexities of "food citizenship" and the role gardeners play in transforming urban spaces.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyLeisure Spaces as Potential Sites for Interracial Interaction: Community Gardens in Urban Areas
2004Kimberly J. Shinew, Troy D. Glover, Diana C. Parry · Journal of Leisure Research · United States (St. Louis)
A study focusing on African American and White gardeners in St. Louis, United States, examined whether urban community gardens are perceived as spaces where people of different races can successfully integrate. The study also sought to examine race and its relationship to perceptions, motivations, and benefits of community gardening.
CommunityHealthFood educationThe Planner in the Garden: A Historical View into the Relationship between Planning and Community Gardens
2004Laura Lawson · Journal of Planning History · United States
This historical review of US community garden programs since the 1890s reveals an ambivalent relationship between community gardens and the planning profession. While praised for serving environmental, social, and individual objectives, community gardens are largely ignored in long-range planning due to being perceived as opportunistic and temporary. This highlights unresolved tensions between professional planning and civic concerns, and between comprehensive planning and local interventions.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomicsOASIS: Organic Vegetable Production Teaching Endeavor and Community Supported Agriculture Venture
2004Constance L. Falk, Pauline Pao, Christopher S. Cramer · HortScience · United States (New Mexico)
In January 2002, the OASIS organic vegetable garden was initiated on the New Mexico State University campus as a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) venture. The project aims to provide students with experiential education in organic production and business management, investigate the feasibility of small-scale organic drip irrigation in the Chihuahuan desert, and demonstrate the CSA model. In its first two years, the 2/3-acre project grew about 230 varieties and generated $32,000 in revenue, with 32 members in the first year and 69 in 2003.
Food educationCommunityCSA & TeikeiOrganic cycle