Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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2406 results(83 / 97)
Chapter 38 The CPUL City Toolkit: planning productive urban landscapes for European cities
2012Katrin Bohn, André Viljoen · · Germany (Berlin), United Kingdom (London)
This chapter reviews the evolving Continuous Productive Urban Landscape (CPUL) City concept in the context of Berlin and London, exploring ways to integrate sustainable food systems into the urban fabric. The CPUL City Toolkit provides an overview of key steps for planning and implementing urban agriculture as part of coherent productive urban landscape strategies. The toolkit introduces four methods of action: Action U+D, Action VIS, Action IUC, and Action R.
PolicyCommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEvaluation of growing media for annual herb production in green roof modular trays
2012Mary Margaret Fischer · OpenSIUC (Southern Illinois University Carbondale) · United States
This study evaluated commercial and vermicompost-blended green roof media for annual herb production in shallow modular trays on a university roof in Southern Illinois, Carbondale, during two experiments in 2011. The commercially available media generally produced more significant results for shoot growth parameters in sweet basil, Thai basil, and parsley. Partial shade also showed significant effects on shoot-to-root ratio in the first experiment, while most basil variables were insignificant in the second.
DIYClimate changeBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceUrban Agriculture in DMDP Area: A Case Study of Gazipur, Kaliganj, Rupganj and Narayanganj Upazilas
2012Tazrina Ananya, Yousuf Mahid, Afia Sultana Shanta, Roxana Hafiz · Journal of Bangladesh Institute of Planners · Bangladesh (Dhaka)
This study aimed to determine the suitability of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in the DMDP area of Bangladesh, focusing on Gazipur, Kaliganj, Rupganj, and Narayanganj Upazilas. UPA is considered a key component of survival strategies for poorer populations, contributing significantly to urban fresh food supply, and offering positive impacts such as improved nutrition, enhanced living environments, increased entrepreneurship, and poverty alleviation.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureGender Analysis of the Contribution of Urban Agriculture to Sustainable Livelihoods in Accra, Ghana
2012Adetola I. Adeoti, Olufunke Cofie, O. I. Oladele · Journal of Sustainable Agriculture · Ghana (Accra)
A study in Accra, Ghana, analyzed the gender dimensions of urban agriculture's contribution to sustainable livelihoods among vegetable producers. The study surveyed 92 male and 8 female producers, finding male producers had a mean age of 39.4 years and 6.4 years of schooling, while female producers averaged 49.8 years and 7.1 years of schooling. Farm size and access to credit were significant determinants of income from urban agriculture.
EconomicsWelfareCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceANALISIS SARANA KEGIATAN DALAM SISTEM PEMASYARAKATAN PERTANIAN KOTA SKALA RUMAH TANGGA BERBASIS GAYA HIDUP STUDI KASUS BANDUNG: KOMUNITAS HALAMAN ORGANIK
2012K P Emeraldi, Dwinita Larasati · Product Design · Indonesia (Bandung)
This study analyzed the means of activity within the household-scale urban agriculture popularization system in Bandung City. The analysis results indicate that the means of activity used in the urban agriculture popularization system do not yet support the purpose of the activity itself. This is attributed to a lack of understanding within the community regarding studies that influence contemporary society's life, such as lifestyle studies.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyCan Community Supported Agriculture be an Economically Viable Approach to Sustainable Agriculture
2012Ishani Shrestha · · Global
This thesis examined the economic viability of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms globally. The study found that current share prices of CSA farms do not reflect all production costs, suggesting that CSA might not be an economically viable approach to sustainable agriculture if current pricing strategies continue. A Contingent Valuation survey indicated potential for CSA farms to raise share prices without losing sales and for the U.S. government to benefit from subsidizing sustainable agriculture.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceSupporting the Micmac Farms Through Ethnographic Communication Research
2012Anthony Sutton · DigitalCommons (California Polytechnic State University) · United States (Maine)
This ethnographic communication research supported the Micmac Farms in Presque Isle, Maine, which were established to address food security and community health issues like obesity and diabetes. The study, conducted over three months in summer 2011, identified that administrative power structures, economic constraints, and operational planning issues threatened the farm's efforts to achieve greater economic and food security. The analysis revealed that economic behaviors dominated the data, with grants for the farm centering on economics due to historical farming discourse and business focus.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareWomen in Urban Agriculture: Are the Policies Supportive? The Case of Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
2012BD Mntambo · Huria Journal of the Open University of Tanzania · Tanzania
In Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania, a study examined urban agriculture practices within the policy context, focusing on the experiences and attitudes of women cultivating vegetables in open spaces through an in-depth survey. Findings indicated that women's participation in urban agriculture contributes to food security, increased household income, and poverty reduction. However, a mismatch exists between the benefits of urban farming and current policies, negatively affecting women's participation, as policies are not supportive of urban farmers, particularly women, leading to small-scale cultivation and low income.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceAgricultura urbana agroecológica - estratégia de promoção da saúde e segurança alimentar e nutricional - doi: 10.5020/18061230.2012.p381
2012Silvana Maria Ribeiro, Elaine de Azevedo, Maria Cecília Focesi Pelicioni, Cláudia Maria Bógus, Isabel Maria Teixeira Bicudo Pereira · Revista Brasileira em Promoção da saúde · Brazil
This documentary research reflected on agroecological urban agriculture in relation to health promotion and food and nutritional security, involving local communities. Data synthesis, based on reports, field activity records, participant testimonies, and project coordination interviews, revealed that agroecological urban agriculture contributed to community leadership, popular participation, and the development of food and environmental awareness among social actors. Conclusions identified relevant aspects aligned with health promotion principles, including strengthening intersectorality, local empowerment, individual and collective agency, creating healthy environments, and community mobilization.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityFood educationAgricultura urbana en metrópolis iberoamericanas: estudio de casos en Santiago de Chile y Lisboa, Portugal
2012Isabel María Madaleno, Gladys Armijo · Investigaciones Geográficas Boletín del Instituto de Geografía · Chile (Santiago de Chile), Portugal (Lisboa)
This study compared intra- and peri-urban agriculture in Santiago de Chile and Lisbon, Portugal, two capitals with similar climates. The research utilized satellite images, statistics, and sampling to analyze public policies that support primary sector activities in these urban environments. The objective was to identify similarities and differences in how urban agriculture contributes to social, economic, and environmental sustainability in these cities.
PolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceAGRICULTURA URBANA E ÊXODO RURAL
2012Ana Carolina Vinholi, Pedro Martins · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil (Itajaí)
This article investigates urban agriculture practices in Itajaí/SC, Brazil, to identify their potentials and obstacles for territorial development. Using participant observation and semi-structured interviews, the study concludes that urban agriculture is an expanding phenomenon closely linked to rural exodus. It also serves as a space for the conservation of traditional knowledge.
Urban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsLocal food actions and motivations in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver, CO
2012Samantha R. Lester · Digital Commons - DU (University of Denver) · United States (Denver)
This qualitative study evaluated the local food movement in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver, Colorado, through interviews with community members, restaurant owners, garden members, and organizers. The local food movement was present through various outlets, including a farmer's market, community gardens, and local food stores. Motivations for participation primarily included building community, a growing population able to support local food, and a broader network of people and organizations.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceFood Security-oriented Urban Agriculture Development Typologies:A Case Study of Vegetable Production in Peri-urban Beijing
2012Fan Zi-wen · 地理科学进展 · China (Beijing)
This study analyzed typologies of vegetable production in peri-urban Beijing in pursuit of food security driven by urban agriculture development. It analyzed fresh vegetable supply sources in Beijing, identified disadvantages of longer-distance supply, and summarized five typical urban agricultural development models in peri-urban Beijing's vegetable production, including their background, operation, and management characteristics.
Food sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureHealthAgricultura urbana agroecológica - estratégia de promoção da saúde e segurança alimentar e nutricional
2012Silvana Maria Ribeiro, Elaine de Azevedo, Maria Cecília Focesi Pelicioni, Cláudia Maria Bógus, Isabel Maria Teixeira Bicudo Pereira · Revista Brasileira em Promoção da saúde · Global
This study reflected on how agroecological urban agriculture contributes to local health promotion and food and nutritional security. A documentary research, using reports, field activity records, participant testimonies, and an interview with project coordination, showed that agroecological urban agriculture contributes to community protagonism, popular participation, and the development of food and environmental awareness among involved social actors.
HealthFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityFood Justice, Hunger and the City
2012Nik Heynen, Hilda E. Kurtz, Amy Trauger · Geography Compass · Global
This review essay highlights a growing interest in issues related to food, cities, and inequality within geography. It signals the utility of concepts such as community food security, food sovereignty, and urban agriculture for conceptually linking food, justice, and cities. The essay suggests these concepts are poised to define new sub-disciplinary trajectories.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsAgroecological urban agriculture - strategy for health promotion and food and nutrition security
2012Silvana Maria Ribeiro, Elaine de Azevedo, Maria Cecília Focesi Pelicioni, Cláudia Maria Bógus, Isabel Maria Teixeira Bicudo Pereira · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Global
This documentary research examined agroecological urban agriculture in relation to health promotion and food security movements, involving local communities. Data was synthesized from reports, field records, testimonies, and interviews with a project coordinator. The study found that agroecological urban agriculture contributed to community protagonism, popular participation, and increased feeding and environmental awareness among social actors.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthFood educationA Critique of Localist Political Economy and Urban Agriculture
2012Greg Sharzer · Historical Materialism · Global
This critique examines urban agriculture (UA) in the Global North through the lens of capitalist production, specifically capital centralization and rent. It argues that while UA can occupy market niches, its prospects for replacing large-scale agriculture are limited. The expansion of UA is constrained by rising land values and rent, as evidenced by examples in Detroit, Markham, and Los Angeles.
Economic viabilityEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban 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 changePolicyEconomicsDe la acrópolis a la agrópolis: estrategias en busca de una seguridad alimentaria y sostenibilidad ambiental
2012Raul Alberto Marino Zamudio · · Global
Global cities are major consumers of resources, and their uncontrolled expansion blurs rural-urban boundaries, impacting agricultural production essential for food security. This article examines the causes of the global food crisis and proposes strategies for cities and communities to achieve food security and environmental sustainability. These strategies involve urban agriculture in various forms and scales, and the management of urban solid waste for fertilizer and renewable energy production.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeOrganic cyclePlanning against hunger in a time of abundance: scarcity, affluence, and food security within contemporary Australian urban planning
2012Chris Beer · Australian Planner · Australia
This paper examines how food security is conceptualized in Australian urban planning debates, focusing on urban and peri-urban agriculture and consumer access to healthy food. It argues these dimensions relate to planning's management of risk and freedom within liberal polities. The paper discusses tensions between scarcity, fear, affluence, and normative values in urban planning.
Food sovereignty & justicePolicyPeri-urban agricultureVictory Is a Question of Stamina Send-The Wheat Meat-Fats-Sugar the Fuel for Fighters: United States Food Administration
2012Harry L. Watson · Southern cultures · United States
This text discusses the evolution of food culture in the American South, from World War I-era calls for local food conservation to modern locavore movements. It highlights the current popularity of local food traditions and farmer's markets, while also raising concerns about the health impacts of large-scale industries like North Carolina's hog farming. Historically, the South was known for nutritional diseases alongside its traditional recipes.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban Agriculture: Using Community Systems of Agriculture as a Solution to Homelessness and Unhealthy Food Sources
2012Ian Michael Mearns · University of Washington Tacoma Digital Commons (University of Washington Tacoma) · Global
This paper proposes urban agriculture as a community system, similar to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), to provide homeless citizens with access to food, housing, vocational opportunities, and social resources. It suggests that urban agriculture can address the lack of employment, nutritional food sources, and housing resources that have contributed to increased homelessness over the past decade.
CommunityWelfareHealthFood sovereignty & justiceWelcoming animals back to the city: Navigating the tensions of urban livestock through municipal ordinances
2012W. H. Butler · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States
The reintroduction of livestock into urban areas in the United States creates tensions regarding public health and the urban-rural divide. This paper analyzes municipal codes to identify how communities regulate urban livestock through prohibitions of certain animals, zoning, site-level restrictions, and management requirements. The analysis demonstrates that while no two municipalities approach the urban livestock question identically, each seeks to place limits on raising livestock in urban areas using a combination of regulatory land use tools.
Governance failurePolicyHealthUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceChapter 35 Food, homes and gardens: public community gardens potential for contributing to a more sustainable city
2012Carolin Mees, Edie Stone · · United States (New York City)
In New York City, community gardens were established by resident groups in the 1970s, contributing to recreation, food security, and sustainable urban development. Their number has fluctuated over the past 30 years, with approximately 600 gardens existing today, over 300 of which are on public land. Recently, in response to climate change and economic crisis, elements like beehives and rainwater harvesting have been legalized and used to maximize food production and conserve water. This chapter will use qualitative data analysis, secondary literature discussion, and participant observation to evaluate the employment and function of these garden components and how the city's community gardens contribute to a sustainable city.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsClimate changeUrban Food Supply Under Constrained Land Resources in Beijing: Potential and Optimization
2012Cai Jianming, Guo Hua, Larissa Muller, Margaret Zhou · Journal of Resources and Ecology · China (Beijing)
This study analyzed changes in Beijing's food footprint and food self-sufficiency rate over a 30-year period from 1981 to 2011. During this time, the food footprint grew from 11,800 to 29,400 km2, while the self-sufficiency rate for vegetables dropped from 59.3% to 39.0%, with significant declines also seen for fruit, grain, and edible oil. It was concluded that with proper shifts in farmland use, full utilization of temporary idle land, and the development of rooftop farming, Beijing could increase its vegetable self-sufficiency rate to 60% without significantly reducing the production of other types of local food.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkagePolicy