Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
11393 results(84 / 456)
SCHOOL GARDEN IN THE SUBJECT OF GEOGRAPHY FOR STUDENTS OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 29 OF MAXIXE
2024Teófilo Etelvino do Amaral, Carlitos Luís Sitoie · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Mozambique (Maxixe)
A school garden project was implemented at Escola Secundaria 29 de Setembro da Maxixe in Mozambique, integrating it into the geography curriculum. Research found that geography teachers only taught theoretical content, lacked practical understanding of the geographical relationship with local agricultural production, and did not value food from home gardens. Students and their parents also had no knowledge of vegetable gardens and preferred processed foods, which exacerbated hunger when they lacked money. The school garden was suggested as a means to produce healthy food and generate family income.
Food educationFood sovereignty & justiceHealth“We Can Come in Together and Garden”: A Mixed Methods Study of School Connectedness in a Middle School Garden Project
2024Heidi L. Hollingsworth, William D. Giblin · Journal of Research in Childhood Education · Global
This mixed methods study investigated the impact of a middle school garden project on 6th-graders’ school connectedness. Surveys of 46 middle school students indicated that most had home gardening experience and enjoyed the school garden activities. However, pre-post results did not show increased school connectedness following the garden unit, as ratings were moderately high both before and after. Interviews with 25 participants revealed that the garden project facilitated home-school, student-student, and student-teacher connections, serving as a context for engagement and enjoyment for students.
Limited or null effectFood educationCommunityJoining the ideational and the material: transforming food systems toward radical food democracy
2024Stephen Leitheiser, Rubén Vezzoni · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Global
This paper presents a conceptualization of radical food democracy (RFD), linking diverse economies with diverse citizenship. Diverse economies scholarship, while valuable for theorizing alternative food networks (AFNs), has been criticized for essentializing the autonomy of alternative economic practices, risking the confusion of emancipatory social change with market-embedded products and the displacement of negative impacts. The paper argues that realizing RFD requires both experimenting with new economic practices that create food economies alternative to capital accumulation and cultivating new political subjects capable of universalizing these struggles.
Economic viabilityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyEducation Outside the Classroom in Norway: The prevalence, provision, and nature of uteskole
2024Gabriele Lauterbach, Mads Bølling, Ulrich Dettweiler · International Journal of Educational Research · Norway
A national survey was conducted in Norway on the prevalence, provision, and nature of "uteskole" (education outside the classroom). Out of 2671 schools contacted, a total of 869 schools (32.53%) provided valid data, including additional phone surveys. The results revealed that 87.6% of schools in Norway, from grades 1 to 10, practice uteskole, with 68.7% doing so for at least half a day every second week.
Food educationCommunityCultivating Publicness Through Urban Agriculture: Learning from Aarhus and Rotterdam
2024Melissa Anna Murphy, Pavel Grabalov · The Geojournal library · Europe
A study of urban agriculture initiatives in Aarhus, Denmark, and Rotterdam, the Netherlands, explored how municipalities facilitate urban agriculture and its performance in public spaces. It identified four public service trajectories: increasing access and animation, contributing to social services, producing and distributing food, and building communities. The study found that food production and social services may be little suited for urban spaces requiring high public access, although benefits can reach a broad public if localized and facilitated appropriately.
Limited or null effectCommunityPolicyHealthPromising Nature-Based Solutions to Support Climate Adaptation of Arizona’s Local Food Entrepreneurs and Optimize One Health
2024Yevheniia Varyvoda, Taylor Ann Foerster, Joona Mikkola, Matthew M. Mars · Sustainability · United States (Arizona)
This multi-method study in Southern Arizona, USA, explored the adoption of nature-based solutions (NbS) by local food entrepreneurs (LFEs) for climate adaptation. The findings revealed that existing NbS were primarily introduced through learning-by-doing practices, which were constrained by economic and technological resource limitations. Priority adaptation pathways identified for NbS included funding, financing, and knowledge co-creation, with LFEs likely to adopt NbS based on their ability to address climate issues and generate revenue.
Economic viabilityClimate changeEconomicsHealthCommunityCommunity agroecology. Facilitation of the cultivation of medicinal plants and family phytotherapy
2024Luis L. Vázquez · Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Research · Global
This article discusses community agroecology, focusing on the cultivation of medicinal plants in agroecological family and community gardens. It highlights that the use of these plants for treating symptoms and diseases is a common practice. The integration of family and community self-management of medicinal plants into primary care services contributes to sustainability in health management.
CommunityHealthDIYKit joaninha:
2024Andréa Nunes Moreira, Camila Torres Valgueiro Ferraz, Doyglas Rafael Sales Marques, Jarbas Florentino de Carvalho, Jane Oliveira Perez · Revista Semiárido De Visu · Brazil (Petrolina)
This study aimed to present efficient and low-cost methods for preserving ladybugs, excellent predators of agricultural pests, to horticulturists in Petrolina, Brazil. "Ladybug Preservation Kits" containing seed mixes and explanatory materials were distributed to 10 community gardens, and "Knowing Ladybugs Kits" with ladybug specimens were also distributed to 2 gardens. The survey identified 17 community gardens in Petrolina, and the activities received excellent receptivity, contributing to knowledge building about natural enemies.
BiodiversityFood educationCommunityA Systematic Review on Urban Farming Food Business in Indonesia
2024Syarifuddin Syarifuddin, Mahir Pradana, Pablo Farías, Hanifah Putri Elisa, Adrianza Putra · WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on SYSTEMS archive · Indonesia
This study conducted a bibliometric analysis to chart the evolution of urban agricultural research trends and the links between scientific concepts in Indonesia from 2008 to 2022. Based on data collected from the Scopus database using the keyword "urban farming," 169 publications related to Indonesia were identified. The number of urban farming-related articles has fluctuated over the last 10 years, and the expansion of keyword-based research establishes a connection between agribusiness and social entrepreneurship as scientific notions.
EconomicsPolicyBotanical extracts for insect management: lessons from participatory research in peri-urban horticultural systems of central Argentina
2024María Amparo Gaona Flores, Martín Videla, Gerardo Serra, Luis Narmona, Jorge Gabriel Barbero, Milene Rocío Barcenilla, Evangelina Beatriz Argüello · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Argentina
This study evaluated botanical insecticides as a technological device for synthetic input substitution in peri-urban horticultural systems of central Argentina. A Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework was used to assess the performance of garlic extracts (GE) for pest and natural enemy regulation in lettuce crops in conventional and agroecological contexts. Through three PAR cycles, GE effectiveness on aphids, thrips, and natural enemies was observed, and context-specific adaptations were noted: GE was useful near harvest in conventional systems and highlighted biodiversity's relevance for system redesign in agroecological systems.
Peri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleBiodiversityCommunityEffects of spatial and temporal crop changes on bird diversity in peri‑urban agricultural lands
2024Myung‐Bok Lee, Daojian Chen, Fangyuan Liu, Fasheng Zou · Basic and Applied Ecology · China (Guangzhou)
This study investigated how spatial and temporal crop changes relate to bird diversity and traits in small peri-urban agricultural lands in Guangzhou, a sub-tropical city in China. Bird and crop data were collected approximately bimonthly from December 2021 to October 2022. Both overall crop diversity (alpha diversity) and seasonal crop changes (beta diversity) were positively associated with bird Shannon-Wiener diversity. Woody vegetation cover positively affected all three bird diversity indices, while plant/seed-eating bird abundance was negatively associated with alpha crop diversity, and ground-foraging bird abundance was positively associated with beta crop diversity.
BiodiversityPeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkagePemenuhan Pangan Berkelanjutan melalui Pemanfaatan Lahan Pekarangan sebagai Adaptasi Baru Urban Farming di Kota Bandung
2024Tomi Setiawan, Moch Farizy A. Pratama · Jurnal Pengabdian Sosial · Indonesia (Bandung)
This study implemented training and assistance activities for sustainable food supply through the utilization of home gardens as a new adaptation of urban farming in Bandung City. The results showed that community members were very enthusiastic about implementing sustainable food supply activities through garden utilization. Urban farming activities are accepted by the community due to increasing food demand in urban areas.
DIYFood educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceReinventing Urban Agriculture in Algerian Urban Policies: Stakeholders' Visions and Operational Strategy
2024Meriem Korchi, Ouassila Bendjaballah · Indonesian Journal of Social Science Research · Algeria
This study assessed urban actors' perspectives on urban agriculture in Annaba, Algeria, and mapped agricultural activities to integrate them into urban policy. Interviews with decision-makers and farmers, combined with spatial analysis, revealed that while there is interest in urban agriculture, it is not effectively integrated into institutional and legal frameworks. Agricultural plots in cities are often reserved for future urban development.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceReview of the Benefits of Green Roofs
2024Consultant Engineer, 107B El. Venizelou str., 73132, Chania, Crete, Greece, John Vourdoubas · International Journal of Current Science Research and Review · Global
This review emphasizes the multiple environmental, economic, energy, and social benefits of green roofs installed on urban buildings. Green roofs are reported to remove atmospheric pollutants, release oxygen, mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce building energy consumption, improve rainwater management, and promote urban agriculture. Their construction is financially subsidized in several countries due to these benefits, which contribute to urban sustainability and resident well-being.
Climate changePolicyCommunityBiodiversityAgricultura Urbana en la Finca Aranjuez: Análisis de Investigaciones Agroecológicas (2016-2020)
2024Josue Bejarano Chumacero, Manuel Horacio Jiménez Huamán · AGRO - ECOLÓGICA · Bolivia
This study reviewed 16 research papers on urban agriculture conducted at the Aranjuez Occupational Therapy Farm in Sucre, Bolivia, between 2016 and 2020. The review focused on agroecological practices in horticulture (37%), cereals and forages (31%), fruit growing (19%), and livestock production and soil improvement (13%). Findings indicate these practices contribute to local food security and sustainable agroecological approaches, with harvested products used by the therapy center itself. The study also highlighted both advances and limitations in adopting sustainable agricultural technologies in urban and peri-urban settings.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityOrganic cycleENSEÑANZA DE LA SOSTENIBILIDAD: LAS FUNCIONES PEDAGÓGICAS DE LOS HUERTOS ESCOLARES
2024Benatti, Lia P. · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Global
This paper explores school gardens as pedagogical tools beyond food provision, noting that in visited schools, gardens do not meet dietary needs due to limited space. They offer opportunities for agroecology and environmental education, depending on educators' integration efforts. Despite logistical challenges, gardens promote healthy eating habits, though effective management often falls to individual teachers. The paper also proposes a framework for garden design to foster therapeutic, social, and knowledge-building experiences.
Food educationCommunityHealth“We never even touched plants this way”: school gardens as an embodied context for motivating environmental actions
2024Deborah Dutta, Sanjay Chandrasekharan · Environmental Education Research · Global
This study, based on a year-long facilitation of a school terrace-garden in a metropolitan city, outlined how situated and embodied interactions can foster an understanding of diverse ecological practices. It indicated that multi-modal sensorimotor experiences and the possibility of sharing these with others motivate children to expand their sphere of environmental activities beyond the site of learning. Students extended their care-based interactions with the garden to their communities and broader ecological issues.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityClimate changeA sustainable livelihood pathway for urban carrot gardening in Ghana
2024Ebenezer Osei Jones, G. Henneh, Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum, Fred Ankuyi, Pascal Benson Atiglah, P.A. Abowen · SVU-International Journal of Agricultural Sciences · Ghana (Mampong)
This study investigated the adoption of carrot cultivation practices in urban areas and their impact on sustainable livelihoods, surveying 384 carrot farmers in the Mampong municipality, Ghana. Farmer training showed a significant positive influence on farmers' ability to obtain seeds from reliable sources and measure planting depth. Regression analysis revealed that post-harvest practices and distance to market significantly predict the sustainable livelihoods of the farmers.
EconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareTHE REQUALIFICATION OF THE URBAN SPACE OF DELLY IBRAHIM IN ALGIERS BY PERI-URBAN AGRICULTURE
2024Bacha Nesrine, Hadj Mohamed Naima · International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science · Algeria (Algiers)
Algerian cities face uncontrolled urbanization, with Algiers experiencing a reduction in agricultural area per inhabitant from 0.82 hectares in 1962 to 0.18 hectares in 2010. This study, using historical analyses, interviews, and field observations, assessed the integration of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in Delly Ibrahim to restore ecological and economic balance and enhance local food security. Findings indicate that UPA can play a crucial role in mitigating negative urbanization effects by preserving agricultural land, ensuring secure local food supplies, and promoting environmentally friendly development.
Peri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyDeveloping the Feast for the Future Program through a Community Visioning Process
2024Kristen Speakman, Nicole Neault, Ventura Lovato, Katie Cueva, Ivanka Szabo, Rebecca Wallis, Jennifer Richards, Allison Barlow · Progress in community health partnerships · United States
Three tribal communities in the Southwestern United States partnered with the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health to develop culturally relevant plans for the "Feast for the Future" program, addressing community concerns about obesity. Using a community visioning process, Community Advisory Boards from each community identified opportunities, challenges, goals, and visions, leading to the development of seven program components including Edible School Gardens and Community Gardens. A community-based participatory action research process was critical to this development.
CommunityFood educationHealthSes ve Özellikleri Konusunda Okul Dışı Ortamlarda Yapılan Etkinliklerin Ortaokul Öğrencilerinin Fen Konularına Olan İlgilerine ve Fen Öğrenme Motivasyonlarına Etkisi
2024Melis Temel Mumcu, Aykut Emre Bozdoğan · Gazi Journal of Education Sciences · Turkey
This quasi-experimental study investigated the effect of out-of-school learning activities, including a field trip and school garden activities, on 50 6th-grade students' science interest and motivation in Çorum during the 2022-2023 academic year. Findings showed a significant increase in science interest and motivation for the experimental group, while the control group showed no significant difference. Experimental group students also expressed positive views, stating the activities were enjoyable and boosted their interest.
Food educationCommunityCo-designing infrastructures
2024Sarah Bell, Charlotte Johnson, Tse‐Hui Teh, Kat Austen, Gemma Moore · · United Kingdom (London)
This chapter explores co-design in developing urban infrastructures, presenting a six-step "Bottom-Up Infrastructure" model. The method was applied to a rooftop garden on a London social-housing estate, intended to function as drainage infrastructure. The case study revealed the potential for co-design, but also highlighted significant constraints on implementation in cities where communities possess limited power and resources.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageCidades e suas agriculturas: avaliação de benefícios da agricultura urbana e periurbana para as pessoas
2024Adriana de Paula Cavalcante Fraga, Ana Moraes Coelho, José Geraldo Barreto Monteiro de Andrade, Jéssica Castro Chryssafidis, Maíra Bombachini Silva, Maria Luiza Sevilha Seraphico de Assis Carvalho, Mariana Nicolletti, Nathan Debortoli, Samuel Santos de Souza Pinto · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil
This study identified and analyzed the perceived benefits of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) among participants in four Brazilian territories: Distrito Federal, Manaus/AM, Natal/RN, and Osasco/SP. Using a mixed methodological approach, the research revealed a wide diversity of benefits, including food production, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and health and well-being promotion. The findings highlight UPA's potential to address typical urban problems and suggest opportunities for integrating these benefits into public policies, requiring appropriate governance arrangements.
CommunityHealthClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunity building through collaborative food production and consumption: A case study of Grow Free in South Australia
2024Jungho Suh, A. W. Graham · Community Development · Australia (South Australia)
This study explores the agri-social characteristics of "Grow Free," a grassroots initiative in South Australia that promotes sharing free seeds, seedlings, fruits, and vegetables, which grew to approximately 230 participants by 2022. Based on 50 survey responses and 17 interviews, the research found that diverse non-governmental organizations and residential households participate, with many households also linked to other grassroots initiatives. Grow Free facilitates collaborative food production and consumption at a local scale, fostering community building and resilience through food sharing.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceFood lossPerancangan Urban Farming Mengatasi Global Warming Pada Bangunan Suzuya Kota Lhokseumawe
2024Iqbal Rifa’i Berutu, Soraya Masthura Hassan, Dela Andriani · Jurnal Syntax Fusion · Indonesia (Lhokseumawe City)
This abstract discusses how buildings significantly contribute to global warming and environmental degradation throughout their life cycle. It highlights issues such as environmentally unfriendly material selection, energy-inefficient designs, carbon emissions during construction, and habitat damage. The abstract concludes that a more sustainable approach in architecture and construction is necessary to mitigate these negative impacts.
Climate changeDIYOrganic cycle