Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
11393 results(85 / 456)
Habitat diversification associated with urban development has a little effect on genetic structure in the annual native plant Commelina communis in an East Asian megacity
2024Nakata Taichi, Naoyuki Nakahama, Nobuko Ohmido, Atushi Ushimaru · Ecology and Evolution · Japan (Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe)
In Japan's Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe megacity, the genetic diversity and structure of 24 Commelina communis populations were investigated across diverse habitat types, including rural agricultural land, urban agricultural land, urban park land, and urban roadsides. The establishment of diverse habitat types through urbanization was found to have no impact on C. communis genetic diversity and little impact on its genetic structure. This is likely due to the plant's high selfing rate and ability to adapt to urban conditions.
BiodiversityUrban–rural linkageSustainable nature‐based solutions require establishment and maintenance of keystone plant‐pollinator interactions
2024Nicole E. Rafferty, Christopher T. Cosma · Journal of Ecology · Global
A literature search on nature-based solutions (NBS), including urban greenspaces and agriculture, found that 0%–3% of papers considered pollinators or pollination, with 12.5% in agricultural NBS papers. The study emphasizes that NBS success depends on resilient pollinator communities and calls for identifying keystone plants and pollinators to promote NBS functioning under future climatic conditions. It advocates for phylogenetic trait-based analyses to understand keystoneness.
BiodiversityPollinatorsOrganic cyclePersonal and Socio-economic Characteristics of Farmers in Peri-Urban Area of Raigad District, India
2024Sanjay S. Waghmode, P M Mandavkar, Anand Suryavanshi, D D Sawant, S. S. Gitaje · Asian Research Journal of Agriculture · India (Raigad)
A study in the peri-urban area of Raigad District, India, surveyed 100 farmers using an ex-post facto research design and personal interviews. Findings showed that 62% of farmers were aged 40-58, 36% had secondary education, and 78% had a medium family size. Additionally, 60% had medium farming experience, 33% had marginal land holdings, and 36% were engaged in agriculture.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsCommunityThe Future of Urban Agriculture: Vertical Farming and its Potential
2024Dr. Nadeem Aslam · Frontiers in Agriculture · Global
This paper explores the future of urban agriculture, focusing on vertical farming as a promising innovation that uses controlled environments to grow crops in stacked layers. It examines the potential benefits, technological advancements, and challenges of vertical farming. The analysis suggests that vertical farming could reshape urban food systems, enhance sustainability, and contribute to urban resilience.
Digital agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageThe Case for Agricultural Education in Urban Schools
2024Carina Rose Layfield · Teaching and Learning Anthropology · Global
This student essay examines a senior thesis project from Barnard College's urban studies program, advocating for the use of container farms to expand urban agricultural education in career and technical education settings. The author reviews their research process, results, and argument regarding the essential role of Perkins Act funding for such programs.
Food educationDIYPolicyUrban Agriculture and Food Security
2024Aashna Sinha, Kailash Bisht, Digvijay Singh · · Global
This article explores vertical hydroponic farming, noting its benefits like reduced space and water use, and enhanced robustness with Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms (PGPMs). However, it also demonstrated that the system's ecological impact is significantly affected by growing media, pots, electricity use, and transportation. The study suggests potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and abiotic resource decline by using fiber as growing medium and paper containers.
Environmental trade-offsDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsOrganic cycleImpact of zinc on arbuscular mycorrhizal-mediated nutrient acquisition in urban horticulture
2024Miles P.A. Bate-Weldon, Jill L. Edmondson, Katie J. Field · iScience · Global
This study investigated the effect of urban environmentally relevant concentrations of zinc in soils on nutrient exchange between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and pea plants using radio-isotope tracing. It found that at higher zinc concentrations, the transfer of phosphorus from fungi to plants and carbon from plants to fungi dramatically decreased. The results suggest that while urban horticulture has potential for food production, the unchecked presence of contaminants like zinc in urban soils may critically hinder its realization.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleClimate changeMultifunctional approach in ecosystem-centred urban planning and urban living labs in landscape conservation
2024Anna Ternell, Bosse Lagerqvist, Anders M. Nilsson, Mauricio Sagastuy Klie, Martin Berg, Martin Andre-Bae Pedersen, Maciej Lasocki, Márta Kreidlmayer, Csaba Oláh, Zoltán Szekér, Sándor Némethy · Ecocycles · Global
This study investigated the integration of ecosystem-centred urban planning and multifunctional land use into landscape conservation strategies to foster sustainable and resilient urban environments. A mixed-methods approach combined a comprehensive literature review, case study analysis from various European cities, and the development of a conceptual framework and a novel urban metabolism model. The results demonstrated how urban agriculture and ecosystem-centred planning can be effectively utilized to enhance landscape conservation and urban sustainability.
PolicyClimate changeOrganic cycleCommunityMapping wild food foraging locations reveals urban green space preferences and avenues for edible city solutions
2024Anjoulie Brandner, Karolina Taczanowska, Brenda Maria Zoderer, Christoph Schunko · Urban forestry & urban greening · Austria (Vienna)
A survey of 458 respondents in Vienna, Austria, analyzed urban wild food foraging locations and preferences for urban green spaces (UGS). 1239 foraging locations were identified across 9 UGS types, with forest and meadow landscapes, parks, and UGS mosaics being most utilized. Foragers' major concerns were contamination from traffic and dogs.
Contamination & food safetyCommunityBiodiversityHealthPolicyTingkat Partisipasi Masyarakat dalam Program Urban Farming di Kampung Samtama, Jakarta Pusat
2024Isna Rahmawati, Yuwanda Nila Ariyani, Aliyah Fitriani · Desa-Kota · Indonesia (Jakarta)
A study in Kampung Samtama, Central Jakarta, Indonesia, surveyed 58 residents to assess their participation level in an urban farming program. Participation was measured across planning, implementation, utilization of results, and evaluation stages. The findings indicated a high overall community participation level (78.25), with the utilization of results stage scoring highest and the evaluation stage scoring lowest among all stages.
CommunityFood educationPolicyPresencia y aportaciones de la pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) en los huertos familiares de Oaxaca
2024Yolanda Donají Ortiz-Hernández, Marco Aurelio Acevedo-Ortiz, Fernando Elí Ortiz Hernández, María Elena Tavera Cortés · · Mexico (Oaxaca)
A study in Oaxaca, Mexico, documented the selection process of pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) in family gardens. It was observed that women establish and care for pitahaya in family gardens, while both men and women are involved in commercial gardens. Women and/or producers select, exchange, propagate, and cultivate pitahaya stems to achieve better prices and profits. The findings suggest that pitahaya can be established alongside other agricultural crops to promote product diversification and provide economic benefits to families.
DIYCommunityEconomicsCreating and sustaining urban green spaces in Africa under phenomenal urbanisation: residents’ perspectives on home gardens in Wa, Ghana
2024Bernard Afiik Akanpabadai Akanbang, Millicent Awialie Akaateba, Prosper Issahaku Korah · Discover Cities · Ghana (Wa)
This exploratory cross-sectional survey in seven rapidly growing neighborhoods in Wa, Ghana, administered 285 questionnaires to residents to understand motivations, challenges, and constraints of home gardening. Results showed 56% of respondents had gardens, primarily motivated by beautification (56.1%) and food production (52.3%). Limited space (49%) and busy schedules (34%) were identified as main barriers. The study found that while garden ownership aligned with the autonomy need, the relationship need, which correlates with environmental motivations, was notably low among residents. This indicates a limited effect of environmental awareness on home gardening motivation in the surveyed population.
Limited or null effectCommunityPolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageThe Role of ICT Initiatives in Enhancing Urban Agriculture: A Case Study of Bengaluru Smart City
2024R Mithun, S Roopadarshini · International Journal of Social Service and Research · India (Bengaluru)
This qualitative study in Bengaluru, India, investigated how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives can enhance urban agriculture's productivity, sustainability, and inclusivity. Data was collected through stakeholder interviews, extensive field observations, and a comprehensive review of pertinent literature. Findings indicated that ICT initiatives have transformative potential in addressing key challenges encountered in urban agriculture in Bengaluru, such as limited access to information, inadequate market linkages, and constrained financial resources. Specifically, ICT was found to optimize crop management practices, foster stronger market connections, facilitate financial access, and promote social inclusivity within urban agricultural systems.
Digital agricultureEconomicsCommunityPolicyDeterminantes de la comercialización de productos de la agricultura urbana en Bogotá: estudio de caso del cabildo indígena Mhuysqa de Bosa
2024Diana Carolina Martínez Quiroga, Juan Carlos Barrientos Fuentes, Cristian Fernando Camargo Muñoz · Magazine Portal Bibliotech Digital (Universidad Nacional de Colombia) · Colombia (Bogotá)
This study identified and analyzed the determinants of urban agriculture product commercialization, using the Mhuysqa indigenous cabildo of Bosa in Bogotá, Colombia, as a case study. Data were collected through documentary research, garden observations, surveys of 33 gardeners, and interviews with four experts. Results showed that urban agriculture in the cabildo is multifunctional, with a low surplus for sale (< 30%). Key determinants of commercialization included objective setting and fulfillment, supply volume, quality, and frequency, specialized technical production capacities, product presentation and freshness, collection and transport costs, payment methods, and fixed buyers, with the cabildo's explicit intention to market surplus products being a crucial factor.
EconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceThe Agro-environmental Footprint on the Peri-urban Landscape
2024Letizia Pace, Jacopo Mughini Gras · River Publishers eBooks · Global
This chapter defines the peri-urban agricultural landscape as a "third territory" between urban and rural areas, characterized by traditional agriculture coexisting with emerging buildings. This landscape, located between urban borders and low-density rural areas, is fragmented with green patches surrounded by settlements, making it vulnerable to urban expansion and undermining a unique landscape image.
Peri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkageUrban Gardening as Food Commons: METU Garden
2024Ayşen Çerşil, Esin Kömez Dağlıoğlu · İDEALKENT · Turkey
This study examines urban gardening as a form of food commoning, focusing on collective food production in urban gardens. It explores the role of common spaces and the social dynamics of urban gardening groups for urban food production, using the METU Garden (ODTÜ Bostanı) as a case study. The research aims to relate the social structures and spatial qualities of METU Garden to food commons theories and frameworks.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsInvestigating consumers’ experiences with community supported agriculture: Convergent parallel design methods
2024Yuanyuan Huang, Yuhan Wang, Y. Pan · PLoS ONE · China
This study investigated the experiences of current Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members in China, focusing on factors influencing their retention intentions. Using a convergent parallel mixed methods approach, it analyzed quantitative data on retention factors and qualitative data from member interviews. Findings indicate that convenience, product quality, and positive interactions are pivotal factors contributing to members' intentions to continue their CSA memberships.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsThe new insertion of urban agriculture in the production of the city
2024Gustavo [UNESP] Nagib · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · France (Paris)
Research conducted in Greater Paris between 2018 and 2021 examined ephemeral urban agriculture (UA) initiatives in eco-districts during construction phases. This qualitative study, using fieldwork and observation, found that temporary UA occupations serve as incubators for new initiatives, fostering the emergence of associations and companies. UA is integrating into a new urbanism that anticipates long-term agricultural practices, bringing together various stakeholders.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsFood educationVermicompost (Traditional Methods) is an Important Component of Agricultural Productivity and an Efficient Tool for Environmental and Economic Sustainability
2024Muniya Naik M, Chandra Mohan K, K Janardhana, C. Aruna, Rama Mohan M, R. Uday Kiran · International Journal of Biological and Environmental Investigations · Global
This paper investigates the production, economics, and sustainability of vermicompost, an organic fertilizer made by vermicomposting organic waste with earthworms. Vermicomposting is presented as a sustainable waste management and organic agriculture option that can be economically profitable, depending on consumer awareness, distribution, and production scale. It contributes to sustainability by reducing landfill waste and promoting soil health.
CompostOrganic cycleEconomicsClimate changeUrban soil infiltration rates on different land use types in southwest Nigeria: actual versus model estimates
2024Ayodele O. Adelana · LAUTECH Journal of Engineering and Technology · Nigeria
This research quantified urban soil infiltration rates at 88 locations in Akure metropolis, southwest Nigeria, and assessed the effectiveness of Horton and Green-Ampt infiltration models. While Akure's urban soils showed high infiltration rates, both models poorly compared to measured rates, consistently underestimating urban soil infiltration. The models' largely below-average performance suggested that projections from them are less reliable for urban soils.
Climate changeTransformasi kebun hidroponik konvensional menjadi energy-efficient smart urban farming berbasis IoT
2024Indar Sugiarto, Astri Yogatama, Setyono Yudo Tyasmoro · Jurnal Inovasi Hasil Pengabdian Masyarakat (JIPEMAS) · Indonesia (Surabaya)
A hydroponic garden at KRPL Tambakrejo in Surabaya, Indonesia, was dysfunctional due to water supply difficulties, rat infestations, limited electricity, and suboptimal marketing. Through a community development initiative, the conventional hydroponic garden was transformed into an IoT-based, solar-powered smart hydroponic garden. This transformation resulted in a minimum annual profit of IDR 4,032,000, significantly reduced electricity consumption, enabled internet-based monitoring, and eliminated rat pests.
CommunityDigital agricultureEconomicsClimate changeIdentificación de elementos transformadores en territorios de borde
2024Fabián Adolfo Aguilera-Martínez, Fabián Alonso Sarmiento-Valdés, Juan José Castiblanco-Prieto · Ediciones Comunicación Científica eBooks · Colombia (Bogotá)
This 2024 interdisciplinary study examined transformation dynamics in urban fringe territories, focusing on Bogotá, Colombia, with cases in Guatemala and Costa Rica. Using participatory methodologies, it identified community participation, environmental management, territorial planning, and social empowerment as key transformative elements. Community workshops and projects like "Nuestra Casa, Nuestra Huerta" demonstrated the importance of collaborative design, public space recovery, and urban agriculture for sustainable urban fringe transformation.
Peri-urban agricultureCommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceAS DINÂMICAS SOCIOESPACIAIS E AS REPRESENTAÇÕES DA RURALIDADE EM GOIATUBA (GO)
2024Amanda Silva Almeida, Antônio Ananias Nogueira Netto · Espaço em Revista · Brazil
This 2024 study in Goiatuba, Brazil, investigated the spatial configuration and manifestations of rurality, analyzing the implications of rural modernization. Using bibliographic research, secondary data analysis, field work with interviews, and participant observation, it found a high presence of rural elements in Goiatuba, including urban agriculture, traditional foods, and animal husbandry, which are important for local identity. The study also noted the municipality's economic importance in the agrarian sector, particularly sugar-energy, with a significant flow of workers between city and countryside.
Urban–rural linkageCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceGIS-Based Digital Twin Model for Solar Radiation Mapping to Support Sustainable Urban Agriculture Design
2024Matteo Clementi, Valentina Dessì, Giulio Maria Podestà, Szu-Cheng Chien, Barbara Ang Ting Wei, Elena Lucchi · Sustainability · Italy (Milan)
This study proposes an open-source Digital Twin model based on a geographical information system (GIS) for optimizing solar radiation mapping in urban agriculture design. The model considers complex microclimatic variables in urban environments and integrates available open data with in-situ measurements to develop a set of maps for urban farmers and designers. Initially tested on a neighborhood in Milan, Italy, the model's replicability and effectiveness were verified.
Digital agricultureClimate changeUrban–rural linkageLand cover changes and management effectiveness of protected areas in tropical coastal area of sub-Saharan Africa
2024Jeffrey Chiwuikem Chiaka, Gengyuan Liu, Hui Li, Wen Zhang, Mingwan Wu, Zhaoman Huo, F. Gonella · Environmental and Sustainability Indicators · Sub-Saharan Africa
This study evaluated land cover change and its drivers using spatial and statistical analysis in 22 designated protected areas (PAs) across the tropical coastal regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Results indicated that food production is prevalent in these protected areas regardless of their designation, and forest loss occurred in most PAs, suggesting weak conservation. Population density was the most significant driver of land cover change, and only 15 out of 22 protected areas showed an increase in their total ecosystem service value.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeBiodiversity