Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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1545 results(9 / 62)
Urban Farming in Vacant Land for Sustainable Development: A Systematic Review
2025Liu Shan, Mohd Johari Mohd Yusof, Mohammad Mujaheed Hassan, Gao Lihui · ALAM CIPTA International Journal Of Sustainable Tropical Design & Practice · Global
This systematic review assessed the contribution of urban farming in vacant land to sustainable development. It showed that over the last decade, research in this area has focused almost exclusively on sustainability, published mainly in the United States and some European countries. Food security and improved nutrition were the most discussed topics, followed by urban sustainability, while quality was least mentioned. Although there is a substantial basis for positive benefits, gaps remain in quantitative assessments and in-depth case studies on sustainable contributions.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCooling benefits of Urban agriculture to inhabitants—mapping cooling potential of allotments in European functional urban areas
2025Grzegorz Budzik, Marta Sylla, Catharina J.E. Schulp · Journal of Environmental Management · Europe
The cooling potential of allotments across European Functional Urban Areas (FUAs) was assessed. Allotments provide cooling services to 4.1 million people within FUAs, including 1.7 million in Germany. Each square kilometer of allotments cools an average of 8,221 people, with the cooled area being, on average, 2.8 times larger than the allotment size. Urban agriculture was 23% more efficient than peri-urban agriculture, but only 5% of allotments cooled areas with the highest heat risk.
Climate changeCommunityHealthՙՙUrban Agriculture and Sustainable Communities՚՚: An Analytical Study of Urban Agriculture as a Tool for Achieving Food Security and Sustainability in Modern Cities
2025dalia shalaby eldamaty, Ahmed Mahmoud Nagi · التصميم الدولية · Global
This analytical study discusses urban agriculture as a tool for food security and sustainable development in cities. It reviews the benefits of urban agriculture, including improved environmental quality, enhanced local economy, and increased social interaction. The research analyzes successful global experiences and provides recommendations to promote urban agriculture, such as developing supportive policies and strengthening community partnerships.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsPolicyCommunity“Eco School Project” Program to Create an Environmentally Friendly School Garden at UPTD SDN Cinini Sumbermulya Village Indramayu
2025Yusrina Nafilah, Idah Hamidah, Eva Yuliana · ENGAGEMENT Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Indramayu)
The "Eco School Project" is a program aimed at creating an environmentally friendly school garden at UPTD SDN Cinini Sumbermulya Village in Indramayu, Indonesia. This program functions as an educational tool, inviting students to be directly involved in environmental conservation efforts to understand the importance of preserving nature and implementing environmentally friendly behavior in daily life. Collaboration among the school, students, parents, and the surrounding community is essential for the sustainability and success of this initiative.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeSustainable Peri-Urban Agriculture: Innovations and Practices at IIHS Campus, Kengeri
2025Sheetal Patil, Simi John, Pooja Sagar, Narmada A. Khare, Kruthika Ganesh · · India
This book explores the integration of regenerative urban agriculture within sustainable cityscapes, using the IIHS Kengeri Campus in India as a case study. The campus functions as a 'living lab' for sustainable soil and water management, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and urban food production. By experimenting with interdisciplinary approaches, the book highlights innovative models for food and water security in rapidly urbanizing environments.
Peri-urban agricultureClimate changeEconomicsBiodiversityhydro ponos - Die vertikale Farm auf dem Flakturm im Augarten Eine Symbiose zwischen Bestand und Neubau
2025Grassl, Philipp · reposiTUm (TU Wien) · Europe
The diploma thesis "hydro ponos" at the Vienna University of Technology addresses a new type of agriculture in Vienna's urban context. The project proposes a hydroponic system in a vertical farm, choosing the vacant Flakturm (anti-aircraft tower) in Augarten as the construction site. The study suggests a solution for the city by utilizing the existing Flakturm as a storage and supply element and adding a new timber skeleton structure as an extension.
Digital agricultureUrban–rural linkageClimate changeEconomicsMicrogreens and Their Role in Sustainable Urban Food Systems
2025Acharya, Sumit, Nayak, Priti Smita, Pramanik, Kartik · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This article highlights microgreen cultivation as a solution for sustainable urban and peri-urban horticulture, addressing challenges from urbanization and demand for nutrient-dense foods. Microgreens are young seedlings harvested within 7–21 days, offering high concentrations of nutrients. They are suitable for urban environments due to minimal resource requirements, rapid growth, low water usage, and high yield, contributing to food security, reduced carbon footprints, and ecological balance by minimizing chemical inputs.
Urban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsExploring the significance of treated wastewater reuse in urban agriculture and resilient cities: a bibliometric analysis
2025S. Louis, Johanes A. Belle, Zachariah Haruna Mshelia, Tinashe Lindel Dirwai · Water Reuse · Global
This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 960 articles from the Scopus database published between 2008 and 2024 to explore trends in treated wastewater (TWW) reuse in urban agriculture. The analysis found that wastewater reclamation and treatment had the weakest strength and fewest occurrences, indicating a research gap in the use of TWW for urban agriculture.
Climate changeOrganic cyclePolicySmart Irrigation Systems Using AI to Optimize Water Usage
2025Belghachi Mohammed · Advances in environmental engineering and green technologies book series · Global
Smart irrigation systems, integrating AI, machine learning, sensors, and IoT, aim to revolutionize agricultural water management by optimizing water usage tailored to crop needs and environmental conditions. While these systems offer benefits such as water conservation and improved yields, their implementation faces significant challenges including high costs, the need for technical expertise, data management complexities, and connectivity issues. Future prospects focus on advanced AI models, better sensors, renewable energy, and policy support to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of these systems.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceNBS for social innovation
2025Mais Jafari, Rolf Morgenstern, Jonas Runte · · Germany
This chapter analyzed the co-creation pathway of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) in the Dortmund Living Lab, focusing on urban gardening, food forests, and biodiversity. It critically illustrated missing dimensions that hinder innovation, such as business opportunities, legal frameworks, and planning conditions. These identified gaps indicate challenges in governance and implementation for social innovation through NBS.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyBiodiversityClimate changeRegenerative pedagogies: ecology and circularity of timber at Mudchute City Farm
2025Fereday, George, Tang, Bo · London Met Repository (London Metropolitan University) · United Kingdom
This case study examined the integration of regenerative pedagogy in undergraduate architectural education through annual timber structures workshops at Mudchute City Farm, London, over a six-year period. Second-year students learned regenerative design principles focused on climate change, local ecology, and adaptive timber reuse, fostering circular and regenerative design skills. The program prepares students for future architectural challenges, including reducing carbon emissions and increasing biodiversity.
Climate changeBiodiversityFood educationPotential for urban agriculture: Expert insights on sustainable development goals and future challenges
2025Margarethe Karpe, Jeremías Lachman, Lili Wang, L.F.M. Marcelis, E. Heuvelink · Sustainable Production and Consumption · Global
A Delphi survey with 108 experts explored urban agriculture's potential contributions to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under a scenario of 30% urban food self-sufficiency. Experts identified SDG 7.2 (renewable energies) as a key challenge due to high energy use, and agreed that none of the evaluated SDG targets for urban agriculture will be met by 2030. They also noted a lack of regulations and public policies for innovative agricultural systems.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyUrban Farms as Social and Resiliency Spaces in San Juan, Puerto Rico Following Hurricane Maria
2025Ana Zepeda, Maria C. Ortíz-Rivera, Clare Cannon, Amanda Crump · The Professional Geographer · United States
This research, conducted in San Juan, Puerto Rico in July 2019, investigates how women experienced the impacts of Hurricane Maria on their urban farms (huertos urbanos). Findings show that while many women enjoy urban farming and it provides fresh produce, almost all women farmers experienced a decline in volunteer participation a few years after the farms' establishment and even more so after Hurricane Maria. Despite this, many women described the urban farms as very important for community food cultivation and gathering.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeHealthUrban farms as green infrastructure for urban heat mitigation
2025Katherine Klink · Urban Climate · United States
This study examined whether an urban farm in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, could mitigate urban heat, using six years of hourly temperature measurements. Mean monthly temperatures at the farm did not differ significantly from nearby tree-covered green spaces. However, mean monthly minimum temperatures at the farm in July and August were approximately 1 °C cooler than the broader urbanized area, with no significant differences in maximum temperatures. These findings suggest the urban farm can potentially reduce the nocturnal urban heat island effect without worsening the daytime effect.
Climate changePendekatan Arsitektur Biofilik pada Perancangan Perpustakaan Hybrid di Kabupaten Luwu Utara
2025A.R. Taufiq Satria Azhar, Irnawaty Idrus, Citra Amalia Amal, Muhammad Syarif, A. Syahriyunita Syahruddin, Siti Fuadillah A. Amin · Journal of Muhammadiyah’s Application Technology · Indonesia
This study explored the application of biophilic architecture concepts in the design of a hybrid library in North Luwu Regency, Indonesia. A descriptive comparative method, using literature review and case analysis, identified biophilic design elements such as natural materials, natural lighting, and cross-ventilation. The research found that the hybrid library fully implemented biophilic concepts, particularly in specific areas like reading rooms, lobbies, and rooftop gardens.
BiodiversityClimate changeUrban Farming Sebagai Strategi Inovasi Manajemen Publik di Kutai Kartanegara
2025Desie Andreastuti, Bimantara Nur Alim · Journal Ilmu Sosial Politik dan Pemerintahan · Indonesia (Kutai Kartanegara)
This study analyzed urban farming as an innovative strategy in public management in Kutai Kartanegara. Using a qualitative methodology based on a literature review, it identified the opportunities, challenges, and impacts of urban farming implementation. The findings indicate that policy support, training, and stakeholder involvement are key to success, demonstrating a collaborative model among government, community, and the private sector to achieve social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
PolicyEconomicsCommunityClimate changeSustainable Practices in Urban Health
2025Richa Joshi, Jagneet Kour, Raino Bhatia · · Global
This chapter will investigate sustainable practices, including green infrastructure like urban forests and community gardens, to improve urban environments and address intertwined challenges. It will examine how green infrastructure enhances air and water quality, creates recreational spaces, and fosters community well-being. The chapter will also explore integrating environmental policies with public health initiatives through sustainable urban planning to create resilient communities with equitable access to green spaces, enhanced public transportation, and clean energy.
HealthCommunityPolicyClimate changeAnalysis of External Factors Affecting the Rumah Anggur Ardo Nursery Business Using PESTEL and Porter's Five Forces
2025Tresia Manalu, Nadya Stefania Hutauruk, Sri Rahayu Sinaga, Riza Indriani · Jurnal Ecoment Global · Indonesia (Medan)
This descriptive qualitative study analyzed external factors affecting the Rumah Anggur Ardo nursery business in Medan, Indonesia, using PESTEL and Porter's Five Forces frameworks. Findings indicate a relatively favorable competitive environment, with urban farming as a hobby presenting a main opportunity. However, significant challenges include high rainfall damaging seedlings and the absence of material support from the government.
Governance failureEconomicsDIYPolicyClimate changeEnhancing Post-Disaster Food Security Through Urban Agriculture in the Context of Climate Change
2025Yanxin Liu, Victoria Chanse, Fabricio Chicca · Land · New Zealand (Wellington)
This study evaluated the role of urban agriculture (UA) in enhancing post-disaster food security in Wellington, New Zealand, a region highly prone to earthquakes. It calculated vegetable self-sufficiency by mapping potential productive land, estimating vegetable yields, and assessing post-disaster food demands across multiple scenarios. Potential productive land accounted for 0.3% to 1.5% of the total area, primarily distributed in the eastern part of the city. Results indicate that Wellington's vegetable self-sufficient rates through UA range from 3% to 75%, with higher rates for displaced and vulnerable populations. Realizing this potential will require stronger policy support and integration with urban planning and disaster preparedness.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityEconomicsEffect of urban agriculture on the quality of urban life: A review
2025Babatunde S. Adedotun, Martin Binde Gasu, Ismail A. Oyerinde, Dele Sunday Ogundahunsi, Oluwatoyin David ADEDOTUN · The Journal of Agriculture and Development · Global
This research conducted an extensive literature review on the correlation between urban agriculture and the quality of life of urban residents, synthesizing 20 peer-reviewed scholarly papers published between 2010 and 2022 from databases like Scopus. Urban agriculture was shown to offer economic benefits, community engagement, health improvements, environmental benefits, and cultural connections, but also presented negative externalities such as resource exploitation, contamination, and ecosystem disruption.
EconomicsCommunityHealthClimate changeThe influence of payments and time payments: Preconditions to implement nature-based solutions in Austrian cities
2025Ulrike Pröbstl‐Haider, Magdalena Feilhammer, Alice Wanner · Cities · Austria
This paper analyzed opportunities and barriers for implementing nature-based solutions (NBS) in Austrian cities. A survey of 1055 urban residents investigated conditions under which NBS reduce particulate matter, NO2, and air temperature. Results highlighted the relevance of design types like green corridors and community gardens, and the importance of direct and time payments, indicating that a €45 payment with a 10-minute walking distance to home was acceptable if high environmental benefits were achieved.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsClimate changeRethinking Urban Planning in a Post-Pandemic World: Reverse Globalization, Resilient Cities, and the Case of New York City
2025Yingqi Zhu · Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Studies · United States (New York City)
This study analyzes innovative urban planning responses in New York City following the COVID-19 pandemic, examining the intersection of reverse globalization and resilient city theory. It investigates how NYC's adaptive initiatives, such as the Open Streets program and upscaling urban agriculture, improved local autonomy, flexibility, and community resilience. The research assesses how decentralized, neighborhood-scale solutions and participatory governance systems can address urban vulnerabilities and promote long-term sustainability, offering planning lessons for other global cities.
PolicyCommunityUrban–rural linkageClimate changeThe Contribution of Urban Agriculture to the Sustainable Development of Cities
2025Katarina Đurić, Mirjana Lukač Bulatović, Mihaela Kavran, Rajna Duletić, Nikola Puvača · Journal of Agronomy Technology and Engineering Management (JATEM) · Global
This paper argues that urban agriculture can serve as a significant tool for achieving sustainable urban development during intensive urban growth. Applying methods of analysis, synthesis, and descriptive research, it systematizes the economic, environmental, and social benefits provided by urban agriculture, including community gardens. The paper also highlights the most significant challenges currently faced by urban agriculture.
CommunityEconomicsClimate changeThe development of RBL-STEM learning materials to improve students' environmental literacy in solving urban farming problems using locating metric coloring and STGNN
2025Khusnul Hotimatus Agustina, Dafik Dafik, Arika Indah Kristiana · World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews · Global
This research and development study focused on creating RBL-STEM learning materials to improve students' environmental literacy in solving urban farming problems. The developed learning tools, including assignment designs, worksheets, and tests, met a 93.8% validity requirement. A trial with 35 students showed the RBL-STEM resources were effective (95.22%) and practical (95.82%), leading to increased environmental literacy levels based on pretest and posttest results. The study identified high, medium, and low proficiency levels and validated findings through statistical and image analysis, N-Vivo, and word cloud.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeCambio climático con análisis multifuncional: Infraestructura Verde como solución basada en la Naturaleza
2025Julián Briz Escribano, Isabel de Felipe Boente · Revista española de estudios agrosociales y pesqueros/Revista española de estudios agrosociales y pesqueros · Spain
This study addresses various climate change-related functions and climate issues, particularly in urban areas. A holistic analytical method for green infrastructure is proposed as a nature-based solution, based on its structure, behavior, and functioning. Dimensions emerging with climate change and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), such as urban agriculture and agrifitness, are identified, and the situation in Spain is described.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkagePolicyBiodiversity