Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
3241 results(83 / 130)
La agricultura urbana como fenómeno de progreso local : experiencias en la ciudad de Bogotá
2017Izquierdo Acosta, Daniel Francisco · · Colombia (Bogotá)
This study examined five urban agriculture experiences in Bogotá, Colombia, focusing on productivity (species richness and market prices), resource use and management (water, energy, land, waste), and human organizational forms. The research aims to make these contexts known to farmers and academia, providing insights for better implementation of urban agriculture.
Food sovereignty & justiceFood educationCommunityEconomicsUnderstanding the organization of sharing economy in agri-food systems: evidence from alternative food networks in Valencia
2017Isabel Miralles, Domenico Dentoni, Stefano Pascucci · Agriculture and Human Values · Spain (Valencia)
This study investigated the organization of sharing economy initiatives in agri-food systems by conducting a comparative case study across 18 alternative food networks (AFNs) in Valencia. It compared AFN organization in terms of leadership, bureaucracy, shared resources, and participants’ engagement, identifying five sharing economy models: consumer groups, commercial community gardens, and network-based, privately owned, and publicly owned self-consumption community gardens. These models displayed notable differences in their origins, participants’ goals, and constraints.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceThe socio-economic profile of urban farming and non-farming households in the informal settlement area of the Cape Town Metropole in South Africa
2017Jan Willem Swanepoel, Van Niekerk J.A., Luc D’Haese · Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir landbouvoorligting/South African journal of agricultural extension · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study analyzed the socio-economic profile of households in the informal settlement area of the Cape Town Metropolitan area, South Africa, focusing on poverty and food security. It examined average household size (4.32 members), average age of household head (50 years), gender (more female-headed households), education (40.1% with some secondary education), ethnic group (mostly African), and income sources (mainly formal salaries). The findings indicate a need to investigate additional income sources to improve household income and food security.
EconomicsWelfareCommunityGreen business opportunity of coffee ground waste through reverse logistics
2017Indrianawati Usman, Paundra Viveka Nanda · J for Global Business Advancement · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This research explores the possibility of utilizing coffee grounds from coffee shops in Surabaya, Indonesia, through green concepts and reverse logistics, using an exploratory case study with interviews. It found that individual coffee shops cannot recycle their own grounds due to small amounts and lack of resources. The study concludes that third parties are needed to recycle coffee grounds into valuable products like fertilizer for urban farming communities, presenting a green business opportunity model.
Organic cycleCommunityEconomicsEffects of Sustainable Home-Yard Food Garden (KRPL) Program: A Case of Banten in Indonesia
2017Eka Rastiyanto Amrullah, Ani Pullaila, Akira Ishida, Haruka Yamashita · Asian Social Science · Indonesia (Banten)
In Banten, Indonesia, the effects of the Sustainable Home-Yard Food Garden (KRPL) program on participants' household income were evaluated. The program was shown to contribute to dietary diversification through the harvest of various fresh vegetables and resulted in reduced expenditure on fresh vegetables and/or increased household income. OLS regression results indicated that participants with more pots and/or more vegetable varieties tended to enjoy gardening, were not passively motivated, grew vegetables for sale, and resided in the more developed northern part of Banten.
DIYEconomicsHealthPeri-urban agricultureMapping urban agriculture in Portugal: Lessons from practice and their relevance for European post-crisis contexts
2017Cecília Delgado · Moravian Geographical Reports · Portugal
This article analyzes 29 urban agriculture (UA) initiatives in Portugal, finding that UA primarily involves allotment gardens, urban farms, and short food chains, focusing on vegetables and fruit. It predominantly occurs on public and institutional land, championed by municipalities and civil society. UA is a recent metropolitan phenomenon that expanded rapidly after the 2008 economic crisis, organizing activities around food production, processing/distribution, and capacity building.
CommunityEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceRELEVANSI PENGEMBANGAN PERTANIAN KOTA DI SURABAYA
2017Putu Rudy Satiawan · Jurnal Penataan Ruang · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This paper discusses the relevance of urban agriculture development in Surabaya, Indonesia. It argues that urban agriculture can create positive synergy as an alternative for efficient and effective use of city resources, revitalizing idle and public lands. Citing Havana's experience where urban agriculture transformed a crisis into productivity, the paper aims to explore the possibility of Surabaya embracing urban farming as an economic and socio-cultural development alternative, emphasizing the commitment of citizens and government.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyEconomicsUrban and peri-urban crop farming in Central Uganda: Characteristics, constraints and opportunities for household food security and income
2017Immaculate Mugisa, Bernard Fungo, S. O. Adur, O. Ssemalulu, A. Molly, Jackie Atim, W. Nakyagaba, T. Kizza, Ruth Kabanyoro, Godfrey Sseruwu, B. Akello · African Journal of Plant Science · Uganda
A household survey of 297 farming households in Kampala, Wakiso, and Masaka districts, Central Uganda, investigated urban and peri-urban crop farming characteristics and trends. Cropping activities contributed an average of 40% to household income, with major crops including vegetables, maize, and bananas. Sixty percent of households practiced irrigation and fertilizer application, and 64% recycled waste, with 75% of those converting kitchen waste into manure.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityChallenges for the revitalisation of peri-urban agriculture in Spain: Territorial analysis of the Madrid and Oviedo metropolitan areas
2017Nerea Morán Alonso, Ícaro Obeso Muñiz, Agustín Hernández Aja, Felipe Fernández García · Moravian Geographical Reports · Spain
This paper analyzed the evolution of peri-urban agriculture in Spain's Madrid and Oviedo metropolitan areas to identify revitalization opportunities. Using aerial images and cartographic bases, the study found that peri-urban agriculture has suffered from urban occupation and internal changes in crops and agricultural uses, experiencing a process of decline. Innovative initiatives are explored as potential revitalization opportunities.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsCommunityFactors Influencing Household Income in Poor Urban Slum Settlements in Bangladesh
2017Sanzidur Rahman · PEARL (University of Plymouth) · Bangladesh
This study examined socio-economic factors influencing monthly household income in poor urban slum settlements across four secondary cities in Bangladesh, based on a census survey of 33,049 households. Using a Tobit model, it found that education, public sector employment, business, self-employment, homestead land ownership, family size, female occupation, and urban agriculture significantly increased income. Conversely, households with female heads, unemployed heads, and children under 5 earned significantly less income.
EconomicsWelfareCommunityThe Role and Importance of Agricultural Biodiversity in Urban Agriculture
2017Gudrun B. Keding, Céline Termote, Katja Kehlenbeck · · Kenya
Trees offer multiple benefits to urban agriculture, providing both production and service functions, and their integration into urban gardens enhances efficient resource use. In Kenya, traditional leafy vegetables were often replaced by introduced varieties, though producing perishable goods close to urban markets offers advantages. However, commercial production may lead to the dominance of exotic species and loss of indigenous ones. Urban gardens supported abundant and diverse wild flora, comparable to unmanaged plots. Rapidly growing urban populations seek food, income improvement, and cultural retention.
BiodiversityUrban–rural linkageEconomics도시농업 활동이 친환경 식단에 미치는 영향
2017강미영, 김영희, 김용현, 진종현, 이민희, 허무룡 · · South Korea
This study conducted in South Korea investigated the influence of urban farming activities on changes in eco-friendly diets. Urban farming participants were often office workers living in apartments with 4-person families, and tended to have over 10 years of rural experience in childhood. They participated in activities for 1-2 hours on weekend mornings once a week for over 3 years. Eco-friendly food education influenced crop yields, and difficulties with weed removal and the need for eco-friendly farming education were noted. Participants reported satisfaction with the type and quality of harvests, changes in diet, reduced food costs, and health benefits.
HealthFood educationCommunityDIYEconomicsConstructing the “Greener, Greater” City
2017Lindsay K. Campbell · Cornell University Press eBooks · United States (New York City)
This chapter analyzes why urban forestry was prioritized in New York City's PlaNYC mayoral initiative while urban agriculture was overlooked. It examines the networks, public-private partnerships, elite ties, and bureaucratic structures involved in PlaNYC, revealing that certain voices were heard while others were ignored in the sustainability planning process. The analysis highlights issues of governance and equity in urban nature planning.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityEconomicsUrban agriculture and the reassembly of the city: lessons from Wuhan, China.
2017S. S. Horowitz, Liu JuanJuan Liu JuanJuan · CABI eBooks · China (Wuhan)
This chapter, focusing on a case study of intra-urban agriculture in Wuhan, China, mapped the dynamic relations between actors, institutions, processes, and spaces. Theoretical and practical challenges to growing food within Chinese cities were identified, and ways for state and non-state actors to collaborate in reassembling intra-urban agriculture to maximize its social, ecological, and economic contributions were suggested.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyEconomicsBiodiversityPeran Pertanian Urban Pada Kesejahteraan Petani Muslim Pada Empat Kelompok Tani Di Surabaya Ditinjau Dari Perspektif Islam
2017Trisna Setia Permana, Moh. Qudsi Fauzy · Jurnal Ekonomi Syariah Teori dan Terapan · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This descriptive qualitative case study in Surabaya, Indonesia, examined the role of urban farming in the welfare of Muslim farmers across four farmer groups, from an Islamic perspective. The study found that urban farming positively contributed to material welfare by creating job opportunities, self-employment, small businesses, and increasing income for group members. Furthermore, it supported non-material welfare through producing halal commodities, generating usury-free income, implementing honest and fair marketing principles, and engaging in community development activities like counseling and training.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsFood educationOrdering urban agriculture: farmers, experts, the state and the collective management of resources in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
2017Gabin Korbéogo · Environment and Urbanization · Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)
This article explores how land tenure, water flows, and water quality are legally, politically, and socially framed in urban agriculture in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Urban agriculture serves as a revenue source and a socio-political arena involving state representatives, experts, and farmers. Public authorities monitor legal standards for water use and hygiene, while farmers strive for efficient resource use, sometimes challenging official norms. These competing interests lead to conflicts over resource use or rule legitimacy, which are negotiated through institutional or informal bargaining.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceUnderstanding the complexity of agriculturalurban relationships through a systemic approach. The case of BoboDioulasso, West Africa
2017Ophélie Robineau, Christophe‐Toussaint Soulard · Natures Sciences Sociétés · Africa
This article highlights the agri-urban system concept for understanding the complexity of city-agriculture relationships, using a West African city as a case study. It aims to develop a framework for analyzing these relationships at the territorial scale of the city and its region. Three groups of city-agriculture interactions are distinguished: spatio-historical interactions, interactions between the current urban system and agriculture, and interactions within the urban agrarian system.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsPolicyWho engages in urban and peri-urban agriculture in the condensed urban slums of Bangladesh?
2017Haruka Yamashita, Akira Ishida · Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics · Bangladesh
This study identified factors affecting urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) decision-making among poor urban slum dwellers in Bangladesh, using a logit regression model with secondary household data. In Jessore, households with more family members (without children under five), some savings, owned or rent-free housing, and 1-60 days of waterlogging were more likely to engage in UPA. In Tongi, households with owned or rent-free housing, longer residency, less than four months of waterlogging, or reliance on neighbors were more likely to engage in UPA. The findings indicate that UPA engagement factors vary across urban settings.
Urban–rural linkageWelfareEconomicsThe case for citizen science in urban agriculture research
2017Georgia Pollard, Philip Roetman, James Ward · Kobra (Universitätsbibliothek Kassel) · Australia (South Australia)
While urban agriculture is seen as a sustainable approach to improving food security, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the financial accessibility of urban food production for all households. If urban agriculture remains primarily a middle-class discretionary activity, its role in city-wide food security improvement will be limited. This paper demonstrates that citizen science offers an effective approach to investigate the inputs (labor, costs, water use) and outputs (produce yields, value) of urban food gardens, using the Edible Gardens project in South Australia as an example.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityHealthDIYDeterminants of Diversification and Farm Performance of Urban Farmers
2017Shingo Yoshida, Hironori Yagi · JOURNAL OF RURAL PLANNING ASSOCIATION · Japan (Tokyo)
This study conducted a questionnaire survey targeting existing farmers in Tokyo to investigate the determinants of diversification and farm performance among urban farmers. Results showed some differences between mass-marketing farmers, direct-marketing farmers, and indirect-marketing farmers in terms of farm size, customer relationship capability, farm objectives, and farm performance.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkageDinâmicas e potencialidades
2017Delgado, Cecília · Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (RCAAP Project by FCT) · Europe
This study analyzed a set of gardens in Vienna and Lisbon, plus 29 relevant experiences in Portugal, to verify the argument that women are protagonists in urban agriculture. The results demonstrate a favorable evolution towards a greater presence of women in gardens, women's hegemony as process managers and facilitators, and their emergence in social entrepreneurship projects.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsSistemas alimentarios sostenibles. Potencial de la agricultura urbana para pequeños empresarios del cantón Machala
2017Dra. C. Andreína Inés González Ordóñez, MSc. David Zaldumbide, MSc. Javier Solano · · Ecuador (Machala)
This research analyzes the potential of urban agriculture for small entrepreneurs in Canton Machala, El Oro Province, Ecuador, using a documentary review of related literature. Urban agriculture is identified as having economic, social, and environmental benefits, including improved food and nutrition, reduced ecological footprint, and strengthened social fabric. Its implementation can enhance living conditions by providing healthy food, additional income, and improved environmental quality.
EconomicsCommunityHealthClimate changeA systemic methodology to characterize peri-urban agriculture for a better integration of agricultural stakes in urban planning
2017Esther Sanz Sanz, Claude Napoléone, Bernard Hubert, Aruna Popuri · · Global
Existing urban planning documents inadequately consider the specificities of peri-urban agriculture as an economic activity requiring arrangements not always adapted to an urban vision of agricultural spaces. This paper proposes a systemic methodology to characterize peri-urban agricultural spatial units, aiming to provide an inventory of peri-urban agricultural areas tailored to urban planning practitioners' constraints. The approach seeks to focus public action on areas where it is most likely to be efficient within a territorial project.
Governance failurePeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsFlowers
2017Dan McKanan · · Global
Rudolf Steiner's economic teachings and "threefolding" social theory influenced the development of green banking and community-supported agriculture (CSA) starting in the 1970s. Steiner advocated for "fraternal" cooperation within the economic sphere, inspiring cooperative enterprises and later contributing to social entrepreneurship and B-corps. This philosophy also led biodynamic farmers to establish CSAs, where consumers share farm costs and risks.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityUrban farming and its importance for environmental sustainability
2017Mohd. Ramzi Mohd. Hussain, Norul Hafizah Yusoff, Izawati Tukiman · · Global
This paper aims to discuss the literature framework of the growing demand for urban farming activities within the city environment and how they benefit the concept of environmental sustainability. It describes the advantages of urban farming activities from environmental, economic, and social perspectives that contribute to urban sustainability, evaluating the benefits and potential of implementing urban farming within limited urban spaces.
CommunityClimate changeEconomicsUrban–rural linkage