Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
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Farmers’ and Consumers’ Beliefs About Community-Supported Agriculture in Australia: A Qualitative Study
2006Emma Lea, Jodi Phillips, Madeleine Ward, Anthony Worsley · Ecology of Food and Nutrition · Australia (Victoria)
This qualitative study interviewed 20 consumers and 12 farmers in Victoria, Australia, to examine their knowledge, perceived benefits, and barriers regarding Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). The study found that knowledge of CSA was limited among both groups. Consumers perceived fresh food as a benefit but cited lack of produce choice as a barrier, while farmers saw financial benefits but were concerned about risk-sharing.
Limited or null effectCSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsLA AGRICULTURA URBANA Y CARACTERIZACIÓN DE SUS SISTEMAS PRODUCTIVOS Y SOCIALES, COMO VÍA PARA LA SEGURIDAD ALIMENTARIA EN NUESTRAS CIUDADES
2006Loracnis Hernández · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Global
This work examines how urban agriculture emerged and developed globally and in Cuba, and how it can be a primary means to solve problems related to increasing quality of life and food security in cities. It also aims to deepen participatory methods as tools to characterize and train rural communities on the technological management of their productive systems and how to enhance agricultural biodiversity utilization.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityFood educationContemporary agri-ecological systems and their contribution to community resilience: reconnecting people and food, and people with people
2006Christine King · Proceedings of the 50th Annual Meeting of the ISSS - 2006, Sonoma, CA, USA · Global
This paper reports on research exploring how alternative agricultural approaches, such as Organic Agriculture, Biodynamics, Permaculture, CSAs, Farmers Markets, and Community Gardens, contribute to more resilient agri-ecological systems and communities. These systems are reviewed in relation to key concepts from ecological systems thinking, including ecological resilience, biodiversity, and holism. The paper discusses how these systems contribute to more sustainable and resilient communities through community development processes like relationship building, genuine participation, inclusiveness, resource mobilization, and creating space for knowledge sharing.
CommunityCSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityClimate changeAgriculture urbaine et subsistance des ménages dans une zone de post-conflit en Afrique centrale
2006André Mfoukou-Ntsakala, Michel Bitémo, Niko Speybroeck, Guido Van Huylenbroeck, É. Thys · Ghent University Academic Bibliography (Ghent University) · Congo (Brazzaville)
This study analyzed the technical and socio-economic specificities of urban agriculture and its role in household subsistence in a post-conflict region in Central Africa. It was based on a 2002 survey of 710 randomly selected households in Brazzaville, Congo. About one-third of Brazzaville households engage in urban agriculture, with 29.5% in crop production and 8.8% in animal production, predominantly aviculture. The 1997 conflict negatively impacted urban agricultural production, especially animal production, and urban agriculture is dominated by subsistence and poor households. While crop production is mainly for subsistence, animal production is more income-driven, and constraints like input provision, theft, and soil degradation limit productivity.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceFood, Culture and Survival in an African City
2006Thomas Cousins · The International Journal of African Historical Studies · Tanzania (Mwanza)
Karen Coen Flynn's ethnography of Mwanza, Tanzania, explores experiences of deprivation and survival strategies, including urban farming, in this rapidly expanding city. Using a large number of qualitative interviews, the study examines changing consumption patterns, household organization of labor and kinship regarding food, and the gendered character of household labor. It also considers how street children and adults secure survival, presenting a typology of survival strategies.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareCommunityExploring the Allotment Gardens and Its Implication - Case Study on Kleingarten in German, Dacha in Russia and Civic Garden in Japan-
2006Duk‐Byeong Park, Sang-Duk Lee, Hye-Hyun Lee, Min‐Soo Lee, Myun-Ju Jang · Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning · Global
This study explored the situation and implications of allotment gardens through case studies of Kleingarten in Germany, Dacha in Russia, and Civic Garden in Japan. Allotment gardens were shown to be important for urban residents to gain recreation and health from agricultural activities. While allotment gardens in the three countries developed according to their historical and social contexts, their basic rationales were to provide recreation areas for supporting people's health and preserving green spaces in urban areas.
CommunityPolicyHealthUrban–rural linkageUrban agriculture in less developed countries
2006Mengjie Xu · Urban Problems · Global
This paper summarizes the types and characteristics of urban agriculture (UA) in less developed countries (LDCs), distinguishing it from UA in developed countries. It elucidates both the positive and negative effects of UA in LDCs, including impediments arising from its negative impacts. The study discusses the necessity of developing UA in LDCs and details measures to regulate its development, highlighting governance challenges.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityUrban–rural linkageMaraîchers à Khartoum : entre intégration et marginalisation étude des capacités intégratrices de l'agriculture urbaine
2006Alice Franck · Revue internationale des études du développement · Sudan
This study of market gardeners in Khartoum, Sudan, reveals limitations in the integrating capacity of urban agriculture. Uncontrolled urbanization in the capital creates intense competition for property, restricting the potential integration of farm-workers in the downtown area. This activity is strictly commercial and primarily carried out by a migrant population.
Equity & displacementEconomicsCommunityUrban–rural linkageContinuous Productive Urban Landscapes: Designing Urban Agriculture for Sustainable Cities
2005André Viljoen, Katrin Bohn, Joe Howe · Architectural Press / Routledge · Global
A pioneering work proposing the concept of 'Continuous Productive Urban Landscapes (CPUL)' that integrates urban agriculture into urban spatial planning. It frames urban agriculture as green infrastructure linking food-producing sites with other open spaces into a continuous linear landscape across the city, and has become a theoretical starting point for productive green infrastructure and edible-city research.
CommunityBiodiversityFood educationEconomicsBuilding Relationships, Accessing Resources: Mobilizing Social Capital in Community Garden Contexts
2005Troy D. Glover, Diana C. Parry, Kimberly J. Shinew · Journal of Leisure Research · Global
This study aimed to understand how social relationships formed within community garden settings assist community garden leaders in accessing resources. Findings suggest that "leisure episodes" are particularly important for building strong ties, which are a common source of social capital. These episodes therefore serve as the social lubricant for social capital production, aiding the preservation and advancement of grassroots associations.
CommunityEconomicsHealthASPECTOS METODOLÓGICOS A TENER EN CUENTA PARA LA IMPLEMENTACIÓN DEL FITOMEJORAMIENTO PARTICIPATIVO EN AGRICULTURA URBANA
2005María de los A Pino, María E Dominí, A. Ramírez, Loracnis Hernández, Marı́a Rosa Ponce, Eduardo Calves, Z. Terán, Ania Yong, H. Ríos · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Cuba
This study demonstrated the feasibility of applying participatory plant breeding as a means for urban farmers to access agricultural diversity, through experimentation with participatory methodologies in an urban context. Local actors from the municipalities of San José de las Lajas and Arroyo Naranjo were also involved, leading to the establishment of a working methodology and an increase in diversity for tomato, bean, plantain, and lettuce crops. Training was also provided on the management of these crops, biofertilizers, and artisanal conservation of this diversity.
CommunityFood educationBiodiversityHeirloom & landraceCommunity Gardening Impact Measurement in Accra's Urban Food Security Initiatives: A Scholarly Review of 2005 Literature Context
2005Nkawkaw Afriyie, Kofi Adziri, Yaw Asare, Amoako Gyamfi · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Ghana
A thematic analysis synthesized existing studies on community gardening impact measurement in Accra, Ghana, focusing on methodologies. While varied methods were reported, a notable theme emerged regarding the mixed results and challenges in accurately gauging the impact of community gardening on urban food security indicators, such as vegetable consumption rates among participants. This review underscores the importance of empirical data for understanding the effectiveness of urban agricultural interventions, but highlights methodological inconsistencies.
Methodological critiqueCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsAspectos socioculturales en la eficiencia productiva del ganado menor en el municipio de Florencia, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba
2005Ángela Borroto, Águeda C. Arencibia, J.L. López, Liliam J. Leyva, Carlos Mazorra, Gladys E. Dopico, R. Maurelo, A. Caraballoso · Redalyc (Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México) · Cuba
A two-year study in Florencia, Cuba, examined 32 randomly selected backyard producers involved in urban agriculture. While 90% applied scientific techniques to animal feed, only 10% kept records, and no sustained work was done with animal species in existing associations. Productive results were encouraging, but achieved with low productive efficiency, and sustainable management methods for breeding and waste were unknown in practice.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceEcological Stewardship as Applied Spirituality
2005John Thelen Steere · The Journal of Bahá’í Studies · Global
This essay defines community-based environmental stewardship as an emerging practice encompassing habitat restoration, land conservation, resource management, and the creation of parks and community gardens. It explores the significance and spiritual dimensions of environmental stewardship, examining its relationship to Bahá’í teachings.
CommunityBiodiversityFood educationThe Pull of the Earth: Participatory Ethnography in the School Garden
2005Laurie Thorp · · Global
This book explores participatory ethnography in the school garden, covering themes such as locating the author and the other, the grace of a garden, a place for connection, wonder, how the garden grows, a journey in one place, the Pizza-Earth reunification, and a methodology of letting go, getting lost, and finding one's way.
Food educationCommunityContested Desires: The Edible Landscape of School
2005Catherine Burke · Paedagogica Historica · Global
This paper explores the "edible landscape" of schools in the UK context, examining the historical and pedagogical significance of food and drink production and consumption within educational institutions. It notes that early accounts viewed children's association with food as potentially chaotic and a marker of social class differences. However, schools also served as important sites for food production and consumption as a form of pedagogy from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries.
Food educationCommunityPolicyUne agriculture multifionctionnelle dans le projet urbain : quelle reconnaissance, quelle gouvernance ?
2005Isabelle Duvernoy, Françoise Jarrige, Paule Moustier, José Serrano · Agritrop (Cirad) · Global
This article examines the integration of agriculture into urban projects, focusing on how the recognition of agriculture's multifunctionality changes project governance. Based on case studies in different countries, it shows that decision-making becomes more complex with the emergence of new stakeholders and consultation procedures. The study details how multifunctional urban and peri-urban agriculture is recognized, the legitimacy of local public action, its translation into urban planning, and the involvement of agricultural professionals in urban open space planning.
PolicyUrban–rural linkageCommunitySchool-based community gardens: re-establishing healthy relationships with food
2005Shawn Somerset, Richard Ball, Melanie Flett, Rebecca Geissman · · Australia (Queensland)
This study surveyed primary schools in the Logan region of south-east Queensland, Australia, finding that 24% had functioning vegetable gardens. Face-to-face interviews with teachers explored the origins and functions of these school-based community gardens. The research suggests these gardens offer an opportunity to integrate nutrition, physical activity, and environmental sustainability into curricula.
CommunityFood educationHealthWelfareUrban Agriculture: Small, Medium, Large
2005Gil Doron · Architectural Design · Global
This paper by Gil Doron explores urban agriculture's potential ecological, economic, and social benefits for city dwellers. It notes that horticulture, often overlooked by architects, exists at various scales in most cities globally, from window boxes to large farms. The author suggests urban agriculture could be a significant design revolution.
CommunityEconomicsClimate changeHealthPolicyParticipatory rural appraisal of dairy farms in the north west province of Cameroon
2005P. H. Bayemi, M. J. Bryant, David Puewoh Pingpoh, H Imele, Jean Claude Mbanya, Tanya Tanya, D. Cavestany, J Awoh, A Ngoucheme, D Sali, F Ekoue, H. NJAKOI, E.C. Webb · CentAUR (University of Reading) · Cameroon
A Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) was conducted in dairy farms of the North West Province of Cameroon to understand prevailing dairy systems, identify problems, and set priorities for research and development to improve production. The research team visited farmers' groups and conducted farm and village walks, noting direct observations. Results showed five small-scale dairy production systems (transhumance, improved extensive, semi intensive, zero grazing, and peri-urban) exist in the region, with agriculture well integrated into dairying. Main constraints, in order of importance, included poor marketing opportunities, limited grazing land, poor reproductive management, inadequate knowledge in processing and milk preservation, and limited health control.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsCommunityCaracterización de los agricultores, biodiversidad y tecnologías de cultivos en el Consejo Popular Norte y Sur del municipio de San José de las Lajas, Provincia La Habana
2005Loracnis Hernández, María de los A Pino, Eduardo Calves, María E Dominí, A Ramírez, Z. Terán · Cultivos Tropicales · Cuba
This study executed the first diagnostic phase of a participatory plant breeding project in urban agriculture in the municipality of San José de las Lajas, Havana Province. The research characterized farmers, biodiversity, and crop technologies in the Norte and Sur Popular Councils.
CommunityBiodiversity"Urban versus rural" no longer matches reality: An early public agro-residential development in periurban Santiago, Chile
2004Madaleno I.M., Gurovich A. · Cities · Chile (Santiago)
Using periurban Santiago's La Pintana district as a case study, this paper demonstrates that the urban–rural dichotomy is inadequate for capturing agro-residential realities, where cooperative smallholder farming coexists with urban uses in what the authors call a living ecocity laboratory.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsSocial Capital in the Lived Experiences of Community Gardeners
2004Troy D. Glover · Leisure Sciences · Global
This 2004 global narrative inquiry explored a community garden as a social context for social capital among gardeners. The study found that social capital can be both a benefit and a cost, depending on an individual's position within the social network. This suggests a potential for inequitable or corrupt application of social capital within community garden groups.
Equity & displacementCommunityEconomicsCommunity Gardens as a Platform for Education for Sustainability
2004Linda Corkery · Australian Journal of Environmental Education · Australia (Sydney)
This paper discusses the role of community gardens in fostering community development and neighborhood improvement in Sydney's Waterloo Public Housing Estate, arguing they also serve as a valuable educational platform for sustainability. Based on interdisciplinary research, the findings affirm the importance of community gardens for public housing tenants and present the gardens and their associated activities as an effective platform for education for sustainability.
CommunityFood educationLivelihoods in conflict: disputes over water for household-level productive uses in Tarata, Bolivia.
2004Rocío García Bustamante, John Butterworth, M. Flierman, Daniel Herbas, Melvin Hollander, S. van der Meer, P. Ravenstijn, Magaly Reynaga, Gustavo Zurita · · Bolivia (Tarata)
In 2002, Tarata, Cochabamba, Bolivia, experienced violent conflicts over the right to use water from the Laka Laka dam for urban agriculture. The dam was intended for large-scale irrigation and domestic use, but not urban productive uses, leading to disputes when the urban population sought water for homestead cultivation. Although 5% of the reservoir yield was allocated for urban supply, its poor quality prevented drinking use, prompting the community to organize for its use in irrigating small plots, despite opposition from irrigation farmers.
Governance failureCommunityUrban–rural linkagePolicy