Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
226 results(8 / 10)
Spontaneous Urban Agricultural Lands as Potential Green Open Space
2015Kyung-chan Min, Jee-young Kim, yong-hoon Son · Institutional Repositories DataBase (IRDB) · South Korea
A study in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea, investigated 45 spontaneous agricultural lands, primarily around Mt. Gwanak, which often present risks like disaster, pollution, and landscape degradation. Using GIS, satellite images, field surveys, and interviews, the study classified these lands into six types. Three types were well-managed, while three types were in poor condition, indicating governance challenges. The research discusses the causes of these conditions and explores the potential for these lands to become community open spaces.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyBiodiversityClimate changeProjections of Future Summer Weather in Seoul and Their Impacts on Urban Agriculture
2015Jin Hee Kim, Jin I. Yun · Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology · South Korea (Seoul)
This study evaluated daily temperatures for June-September from 2041-2070 in Seoul, projected by the RCP8.5 climate scenario, to understand climate departure implications for urban agriculture. Analysis of climate extremes and their effects on hot pepper growth revealed that while mean temperatures might depart after 2040, extreme events like heat waves and tropical nights already exceed past variability. Applying scenario data to hot pepper cultivation showed that planting and harvest dates are expected to deviate, and the maximum cultivation duration has already deviated from past variability.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeUrban–rural linkage快速城镇化地区“多规合一”的实践与思考——以武汉市黄陂区武湖街为例
2015徐晶, 吴聪 · 中国土地 · China (Wuhan)
This paper analyzes the practice and problems of "multi-plan integration" in Wuhu Street, Huangpi District, Wuhan City, a rapidly urbanizing area dominated by modern urban agriculture. Wuhu Street faces issues such as the disorderly sprawl of construction land and low land use efficiency. The study proposes targeted policy recommendations based on these findings.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageClimate changeEconomicsSpatial Heterogeneity Of Urban Soils: The Case Of The Beijing Metropolitan Region, China
2015· Urban Ecology · China (Beijing)
This article discusses the pivotal role of soil in urban green spaces (UGS) for maintaining urban ecosystem services, including food production, in the Beijing Metropolitan Region. Urban soils serve as large pools of carbon, nitrogen, and other elements, supporting plant growth and biogeochemical cycles. Quantifying soil properties and understanding soil conditions are essential for assessing UGS ecosystem services and detecting pollution.
BiodiversityClimate changeOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkage도시농업을 위한 빗물이용시설 최적 설계용량 산정
2014권경호 · 한국생태환경건축학회 학술발표대회 논문집 · South Korea
This study aimed to support the decision of design volume for small rainwater cisterns for urban farming. Using the STORM Rainfall-Runoff Model, a computer simulation was conducted to determine optimal design capacities under specific unit catchment and farming area circumstances. The findings provide guidance for designing rainwater harvesting facilities for urban agriculture.
Climate changeCommunityDIYSpatial differentiation of urban agricultural ecosystem services—A case study of Xi’an metropolitan zone
2014Haijian Feng, Zhongxue Zhou · Zhongguo shengtai nongye xuebao · China (Xi'an)
This study analyzed the spatial differentiation of urban agricultural functions in the Xi'an metropolitan zone, China, using ArcGIS grid technology at a 0.5 km × 0.5 km scale. Findings showed that production-economic function increased from southwest to northeast and from near-suburban to mid-far-suburban plains, while employment function was lower in the Qinling mountainous area than in plains. Cultural-leisure function exhibited a concentric spatial structure, and ecological function decreased from the urban periphery to the center, with severe fragmentation of ecological function value distribution areas.
BiodiversityClimate changeUrban–rural linkageCurrent State of Development and Strategy Selection of Urban Agriculture in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region
2014Jiang Lu · Nongye jingji yu guanli · China (Beijing)
This study analyzed the current state of urban agriculture development in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, focusing on aspects like leading industry and farmers' income. It found that while the urban agriculture layout was basically formed, significant problems exist. These include resource and environmental crises, a lack of integrated regional planning, imperfect municipal systems, and challenges in upgrading the agricultural industry.
Governance failureEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageClimate changeBuilding a Modern Agricultural Planting Garden in an Urban Area, Restoration of Shenzhen Central Park, Guangdong, China
2014Yan Xu · ScholarWorks@UMassAmherst (University of Massachusetts Amherst) · China
This master project proposes a restoration plan for building a modern agricultural planting garden in an urban area for Shenzhen Central Park, China. The plan is based on field study, literature review, background data analysis, and case studies, addressing challenges such as weak accessibility, lack of social activity, and loss of cultural identity. The proposed multi-functional agricultural planting garden explores the possibility of improving community and urban health through urban agriculture.
CommunityFood educationPolicyClimate changeStudy of Improving the Biotope Area Ratio System for Urban Agriculture Vitalization - Focus on Daylight Condition Analysis-
2014Gunwon Lee, Yunnam Jeong, Byunghak Min, Seiyong Kim · Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society · South Korea
This study investigated improving South Korea's Biotope Area Ratio system for urban agriculture vitalization. The research found that the existing Biotope Area Ratio indicators, which only consider soil depth and permeability, have limitations in managing plant growth for urban agriculture. Focusing on daylight conditions as a critical factor, the study concluded that the current Biotope Area Ratio indicators are insufficient for adequately addressing plant growth in urban agriculture.
Governance failurePolicyClimate changeImpacts of urbanization on urban agricultural landscape——A case study of Chang'an District, Xi'an City
2014Yu Wang · · China (Xi'an City)
This study analyzed the dynamic changes in urban agricultural landscape (arable lands and garden plots) due to urbanization in Chang'an District, Xi'an City, China, using remote sensing, GIS, and FRAG-STAT techniques. Compared to 1999, arable land area decreased and aggregation declined by 2.45% in 2011, while garden plot area increased and aggregation rose by 10.44%. Improved urbanization levels decreased arable land area and increased fragmentation, but correlations with garden plot landscape indexes were insignificant.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkageClimate changePolicyPresent Situation of Protected Horticulture in Hainan and Its Strategy for Sustainable Development
2014Tian Lib · Chinese Journal of Tropical Agriculture · China (Hainan)
This paper summarized the status of protected horticulture in Hainan, China, identifying major problems such as a deficiency of special varieties, unsuitable introduced facility types, lack of a non-nuisance production system, and insufficient capacity for resisting natural disasters and environmental control. To achieve sustainable development, the local government needs to strengthen funding and policy support, enhance farmers' awareness of pollution-free production, and improve management techniques.
Governance failureClimate changeEconomicsPolicy[Estimation on value of water and soil conservation of agricultural ecosystems in Xi' an metropolitan, Northwest China].
2014Wenyan Yang, Zhongxue Zhou · PubMed · China (Xi'an)
This study estimated the water and soil conservation service value of agricultural ecosystems in Xi'an metropolitan, China, from 2000 to 2011, using remote sensing and GIS methods. The total value increased significantly over the period, with cultivated land, forest, and grassland providing higher values than other land uses. The value decreased from south to north and showed a negative correlation with urbanization level, indicating lower values in more urbanized areas.
BiodiversityClimate changeEconomicsTo Develop Urban Agriculture in Small Towns Using the Concept of Ecological Civilization
2013Lijie He · · China
This article analyzes the current situation and problems of urban agricultural development in small towns of China. It identifies severe problems hindering progress, including decreasing agricultural land, severe waste of land resources, serious agricultural pollution, low quality and income of agricultural labor, limited transport capacity, insufficient funding, and a lack of related policies and regulations.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsClimate changeUrban–rural linkage학술논문 : 도시농업 활동가를 위한 옥상농원에 적합한 식물소재 및 식재모델
2013원선이 · 한국화예디자인학연구 · South Korea
The Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research & Extension Services in South Korea created a vegetable garden to provide urban agriculture activists with rational methods for rooftop garden creation and crop cultivation guidelines. Over two years, 201 plant materials were collected and studied, with 170 ultimately selected. Selected edible plants included 48 vegetable species, 9 fruit tree species, and 11 field crop species, while ornamental plants included 40 flower species, 23 herb species, 16 sedum and sedge species, and 23 woody species. Four planting models—box, tunnel, wall, and mobile box types—were also developed based on the growth characteristics and uses of the collected plant materials.
DIYCommunityFood educationClimate changeUrban wastewater and agricultural reuse challenges in India
2013Priyanie Amerasinghe, R. M. Bhardwaj, Christopher A. Scott, Kiran Jella · · India
This study analyzed the current status of wastewater generation, its uses, and livelihood benefits, particularly in agriculture, in India. It was based on national data and case studies from Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Kolkata. A lack of systematic data collection by municipalities makes it difficult to accurately assess wastewater generation or estimate the total urban area under wastewater irrigation.
Governance failureEconomicsClimate changeUrban–rural linkagePolicyGeneral Nexus Between Water and Electricity Use and Its Implication for Urban Agricultural Sustainability: A Case Study of Shenzhen, South China
2013Wen-jiang Li, Linjun Li, Guoyu Qiu · Journal of Integrative Agriculture · China (Shenzhen)
Water and electricity-use patterns in Shenzhen, South China, were analyzed from 2001 to 2009. Water and electricity use per GDP in agriculture was the highest among sectors, indicating inefficiency. Traditional agriculture in Shenzhen will not be sustainable during urbanization and industrialization, except for high-tech intensive agriculture with low water and energy costs, and has been gradually substituted by industry, construction, residential life, and services.
Economic viabilityEconomicsClimate changeAnalysis on Thermal Measuring of Rooftop Farming Garden a Case Study of Julong Residential District in Zhongshan
2013Juan Wu, Ming Xin Liu, Lei Xiao · Advanced materials research · China (Zhongshan)
This study reports on a thermal experiment and energy saving analysis of rooftop farming conducted in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, China, in August 2011. External and internal surface temperatures of roofs with and without greening were measured using the same climate parameters. The experiment results indicate that green roofs with urban farming contribute to modulating air temperature in building interior spaces, showing lower external surface temperatures than normal flat roofs during hot summer days. The vegetated green roof system was found to effectively lower surface temperature by 6 °C and save 18.7% electric power compared to traditional flat roofs.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceKONDISI EKSISTING URBAN FARMING DI DENPASAR BARAT(EXISTING CONDITION OF URBAN FARMING IN WEST DENPASAR)
2013Yohanes Parlindungan Situmeang, Anak Agung Ngurah Mayun Wirajaya, Made Sri Yuliartini · · Indonesia (Denpasar)
In West Denpasar, Indonesia, urban agriculture contributes to food security and provides an alternative for the urban poor. Urban farmers show high interest in cultivating kale, pandan leaves, and lotus flowers, which are recommended due to favorable agro-climatic conditions and high economic value. Optimizing idle land utilization through urban farming is expected to reduce urban land conversion.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsClimate changeThe Urban Agricultural Multistory Cropping and Raising Mode and Facilities in Northern China
2013Ran Li · Anhui Nongye Daxue xuebao · China
A dimensional cropping-raising pattern and a self-contained facility were designed for urban agriculture in northern China, where urbanization causes soil shortage, disease, and pollution, exacerbated by an unpleasant climate. This facility features a ground-underground structure combining a greenhouse and a barton, designed to minimize pollution, eliminate heating supply needs, and double land utilization efficiency compared to normal facilities.
Digital agricultureClimate changeOrganic cycleDevelopment of Urban Agriculture in Xixian New Area
2013Qinyan, Liu · 亚洲农业研究：英文版 · China
This paper analyzed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of urban agriculture in Xixian New Area using the SWOT method. Combining the actual conditions of urban agriculture development in Xixian New Area, it discussed general and specific development modes. It concluded that urban agriculture in Xixian New Area should leverage its strengths, avoid weaknesses, and select suitable development modes and paths.
PolicyEconomicsClimate changeTransferring international commitments to the local level: the case of integrated urban wastewater management in Hanoi, Vietnam
2013Jaap Evers · · Vietnam (Hanoi)
This paper discusses the transfer of international commitments on green sustainable growth to local levels, focusing on integrated urban wastewater management in Hanoi, Vietnam. It highlights the substantial potential of urban and peri-urban agriculture to reuse urban wastewater for nutrient recovery and to serve as environmental service providers within urban sanitation systems. However, it notes that many local policymakers are unaware of the significance and opportunities of this practice.
Peri-urban agricultureOrganic cyclePolicyClimate changeDevelopment status and strategy of urban agriculture in Guangzhou
2012Shengzhong Chen · Guangdong nongye kexue · China (Guangzhou)
This study analyzed the development conditions, process, characteristics, and barriers of urban agriculture in Guangzhou City. It showed that while urban agriculture in Guangzhou has formed functions such as production, technology demonstration, ecological barriers, and leisure services, it faces internal and external development barriers including a decline in agriculture's status, expansion of urban land, labor shortages, and environmental pollution. These barriers hinder the healthy and sustainable development of urban agriculture.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageClimate change단지 내 조경요소로서 도시농업 활성화를 위한 작물지표 도출 및 생태면적률 개선방안
2012강현정, 김세용 · 한국주거학회 학술발표대회 논문집 · South Korea
Modern cities prioritize development, leading to environmental deterioration. The biotope area ratio may not adequately reflect spatial utilization and plant growth conditions in multi-unit dwellings. While urban agriculture holds potential for environmental reform, a systematic framework and clear guidelines for its practical application are currently lacking. This study aims to derive crop indices for revitalizing urban agriculture and propose development directions for the biotope area ratio.
Governance failureClimate changePolicyCommunity디자인 유형화에 따른 도시농업 활성화를 위한 사례연구
2012여화선, 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.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsClimate changeUrban Agriculture: Crisis of Urbanization,Strategic Value and Support System
2012Qiang 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.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyEconomics