Research & reports

Yogita Yogita, Ashutosh Kumar, Robin Kumar, Subhash Chander Verma, Abhay Saini, J. C. Das, Rajnish Kumar, Manjul Jain · Journal of Scientific Research and Reports · Global

This review discusses various sustainable practices in urban horticulture, including vertical gardening, hydroponics, aquaponics, rooftop gardening, composting, and rainwater harvesting. It analyzes the benefits and limitations of these strategies, highlighting their effects on urban ecology, climate resilience, socio-economic well-being, and environmental conservation. The review concludes with recommendations for policy integration, technological innovation, and public participation to enhance the sustainability of urban horticulture.

Luh Kadek Pande Sri Astrini, Suluh Dewanto · Agricultural Power Journal · Indonesia

This study analyzed the adoption of verticulture technology within sustainable horticultural systems in major Indonesian production centers, including West Java, East Java, and North Sumatra. Using a descriptive quantitative approach with secondary data, field surveys, and semi-structured interviews, results showed verticulture enhances land-use efficiency by up to 85%, reduces water consumption by 60%, and decreases reliance on synthetic chemical fertilizers by 70%. The technology also contributes to production stability and food security, achieving an average return on investment within 3.5 years.

André Luiz dos Santos, Bruno Teixeira Lima, Leonardo Cabral Ramos, Lucas Bellio Buldrini, Lucas Ferreira de Queiroz, Henrique Silva, Paulo César da Silva Emanuel, Gustavo Caravita de Andrade · DELOS Desarrollo Local Sostenible · Global

This work presents AquaGarden, an automated irrigation system with soil temperature and humidity monitoring, developed using an ESP32 microcontroller and physical sensors. Collected data is sent to a FlutterFlow mobile application connected to Firebase for cloud storage and remote management. The system aims to facilitate garden cultivation through automation, optimizing water usage and reducing manual intervention, allowing real-time monitoring and remote irrigation control.

Olivier Parfait Bissemb, Rosette Christelle Ndjib, Patrice Brice Mvogo Ottou, Jacques Bruno Ngotta Biyon, Zenabou Ndiang, Georges Maxime Lamy Lamy, Eric Ngansop Tchatchouang, Ivant Stevy Nganmo, Jean Lagarde Betti, Richard Jules Priso · Journal of Environmental Protection · Cameroon (Douala)

This study assessed floristic diversity and agricultural practices around five stormwater drains in Douala, Cameroon, identifying 67 species from 24 families. Floristic diversity, measured by the Shannon-Weaver index (H'= 0.99) and low evenness (E = 0.23), indicated an unbalanced plant community dominated by a few cultivated and ruderal species. The analysis also revealed significant homogenization between drains, suggesting common agricultural practices and environmental pressures in these polluted environments.

Agustin Windianingsih, Wiwin Wiwin, Tanti Febrianti · Journal of Finance and Business Digital · Global

This research investigated the potential of urban agriculture to overcome food crises and impact food security. Using a mixed-methods approach (quantitative and qualitative), the study found that people practicing urban farming are supported in terms of urban farming skills, food security, creation of green open spaces, entrepreneurial opportunities, fulfillment of nutritional needs, enjoyment of fresh crops, creation of community bonds, educational benefits, and awareness for mental health and the environment.

Imran Ali Lakhiar, Haofang Yan, Tabinda Naz Syed, Chuan Zhang, Sher Ali Shaikh, Md Rakibuzzaman, Rahim Bux Vistro · Horticulturae · Global

A systematic review of soilless farming (SLF) systems globally identified their role in enhancing horticultural resilience in urban and peri-urban settings. SLF offers advantages like water conservation and increased yield, but faces significant challenges. High setup costs, substantial energy demands, and the requirement for specialized technical expertise continue to limit its widespread adoption.

Sandra Mallet, Baptiste Colin, Thomas Zanetti, Marc G. Dumont, Annette, Groux · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · France (Bordeaux)

The TransUrba project investigates how different temporalities of action in urban space can be articulated by studying temporary urbanism initiatives. Through an analysis of three areas in France (Bordeaux, Lyon, and Lille metropolitan area), the project aims to understand how temporary urbanism is implemented, its innovative features, its impact on urban space, and how local public action can strengthen transitional urbanism.

Nihat Karakuş · Journal of Agricultural Production · Turkey (Antalya)

This study quantitatively assessed the cooling effect of an urban agricultural area (a citrus orchard) in Antalya, Turkey, using Land Surface Temperature (LST) data from Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS satellite imagery on July 30, 2024. The mean surface temperature of the urban agricultural zone was 42.69 ± 1.26 °C, which was, on average, 1.46 °C colder than adjacent urban districts within a 600 m buffer zone. The cooling impact extended effectively up to 270 meters from its boundary, with effects ranging from 0.06 °C to 1.65 °C, diminishing statistically significantly with distance (p < 0.001; R² = 0.93).

Purva Tavri · · India (Durg)

This chapter reframes the circular economy as a 'lived inheritance,' drawing from childhood practices like repair, reuse, frugality, and food respect in Durg, India. It critiques 'isomorphic mimicry' of imported models and advocates for reverse learning from communities. Using the 5Ws & H method, it demonstrates how vernacular circularity, including repair cultures, Ikra housing, terracotta cooling, leaf-plate economies, and community gardens, advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

Assyifa Fauzia, Evi Frimawaty, Hadi Susilo Arifin · RISALAH KEBIJAKAN PERTANIAN DAN LINGKUNGAN Rumusan Kajian Strategis Bidang Pertanian dan Lingkungan · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This study aimed to provide recommendations for community-based urban agriculture sustainability in Cempaka Putih District, Central Jakarta, facing challenges like limited land and environmental changes. Using SWOT analysis and FGDs with stakeholders, the findings indicate that strategies can be implemented through agricultural technology and strengthened collaboration. However, the study implies that supporting policies, incentives, investment facilitation, and continuous infrastructure and assistance are currently lacking for implementation.

Janine Edradan, Asraf K. Lidasan, Christian Jay M. Sabanal, Pedro Serna, Faith Molina, Xesca Michaela P. Delos Reyes, Tricksy S. Cabuyadao, Angelo Rellama Agduma, Kier Celestial Dela Cruz, Krizler C. Tanalgo · Biotropica · Philippines

This study investigated differences in the predation rate of lepidopteran larvae across El Niño phases within an urban-agricultural landscape in Southcentral Mindanao, the Philippines. Predation rates were considerably higher in the pre-El Niño phase (mean 18.24%) than during the peak of the El Niño phase (mean 6.41%) and showed a slight, yet statistically insignificant, rise in the post-El Niño phase (mean 9.48%). Although predation by arthropods on herbivorous preys remained predominant during all periods, vertebrate predation was related to the warmer and drier conditions of El Niño associated with the 2023 ENSO.

Madeleine Pries, Walther Zeug, Daniela Thrän · Cleaner and Responsible Consumption · Germany (Leipzig)

A Holistic and Integrated Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (HILCSA) was applied to a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative in Leipzig, Germany, supplying seven fruits and vegetables to schools, comparing it to a conventional food market. Based on 82 indicators, the CSA showed 63% fewer sustainability risks and a positive contribution to SDGs, with replacing conventional supply for 200 pupils avoiding 1 ton of CO2 equivalents annually. However, the CSA had significantly lower yields than conventional production, despite similar water, land, and energy uses per hectare, and spent mushroom substrate caused the highest upstream impacts.

Tibor Farkas, Róbert Barna, Gábor Koncz · European Countryside · Hungary

Allotment gardens in Hungary play a significant role in agriculture, society, environmental preservation, household economy, and sustainable development. The Hungarian government's allotment garden development program in 2018, 2019, and 2021 received 540 applications, and this study assessed their current status, characteristics, results, impacts, and future needs through an online questionnaire administered in 148 settlements. The most important future goal for applicants was found to be the development of various infrastructures, such as roads and ditches, and the creation of public utilities, including electricity and water supply.

Ahmad zanganeh, ُSara Abbasi, Tajulddin Karami · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Iran

In Zanjan City, Iran, recent rapid urban development has led to the conversion of agricultural lands and surrounding green spaces into gray urban infrastructures like roads, parking lots, and buildings, resulting in a significant reduction of green open spaces. This land transformation poses current challenges and threatens the city's future. This study explores the critical role of urban green infrastructure in enhancing Zanjan's sustainability and resilience, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic planning to address ecological, economic, and social challenges from unbalanced development.

Juliane Forßmann, Simon Goebel · Zeitschrift für Flüchtlingsforschung · Germany

An urban gardening project in a residential facility for up to 230 refugees in Germany aims to counteract precarious living conditions. While the garden offers a low-threshold space for knowledge exchange on resource-saving cultivation, biodiversity, and health promotion, this paper also reflects on the project's limits.

Rita de Cássia Lisboa Ribeiro, Cecília Rocha, Andhressa Araújo Fagundes · Urban Planning · Brazil

An integrative literature review investigated the potential of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) to promote food security in Brazil. CSA can ensure a decent income for family farmers, reducing social vulnerability, and shows significant potential for promoting food sustainability due to its strong influence from agroecology. However, CSA faces a significant limitation in the elitization of this movement, reflecting historical social inequalities where only a relatively small portion of the population can afford healthier food.

N Suhana, Smitha Baby · Archives of Current Research International · India

This study in the Central region of Kerala, India, assessed the entrepreneurial potential of urban and peri-urban agri-enterprises across multiple dimensions. Using Principal Component Analysis, it identified strategic growth orientation and green innovation as key pillars, with marketing competence being the most significant dimension and ecological sustainability having the least impact. The Entrepreneurial Potential Index (EPI) showed that 66% of enterprises had a medium potential, and value-addition firms had the highest EPI, while aquaponics had the lowest.

Sota Takagi, Miki Saijo, T. Ohashi · International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science · Japan

This study identified potential Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) participants in Japan and validated existing theories on CSA participation through a quantitative analysis of 2484 Japanese consumers using choice experiments and Latent Class Analysis. Five distinct consumer segments were identified, with "Food Education and Learning Opportunities" and "Contribution to Environmental and Social Issues" being key drivers for participation across all segments. Factors related to "Variety of Ingredients" were less influential.

Sukma Aprilia Islami, Tati Budiarti, Afra Donatha Nimia Makalew · Jurnal Penyuluhan · Indonesia (Bogor)

A study surveyed 40 farmer groups in Bogor City, Indonesia, to assess their perceptions of urban agriculture implementation, benefits, constraints, and sustainability. Findings indicated that urban agriculture in Bogor is generally practiced on limited land, primarily producing vegetables, with implementation efforts rated good (index 0.80) and constraints moderate (index 0.53). Farmer groups strongly perceived the benefits of urban agriculture (index 0.84), especially in social aspects like education and social interaction. The sustainability of urban agriculture was rated good (index 0.76).

Morrell, Daniel · Figshare · Global

This paper examines a systemic shift in agriculture from input-intensive monocultures and dominant meat production to regenerative, organic, and agroecological systems, including urban agriculture. It analyzes the potential of reducing conventional meat reliance to free up land for ecological restoration and aims to restore soil organic carbon levels from 6-8 tonnes/hectare to 40-50 tonnes/hectare. The research quantifies potential global CO2 sequestration through soil carbon enhancement, land use change, and blue carbon initiatives, advocating for urgent policy reforms.

Amjad Aljuhani, Rahaf Baghdadi, Wafaa Alzahrani, Deemah Aljuhani · · Saudi Arabia

This study examined the feasibility of vertical farming in Saudi Arabia, using mathematical optimization to identify optimal locations. A mixed-integer linear programming model, developed with AIMMS software, incorporated infrastructure compatibility, water availability, and energy consumption. Results identified seven optimal locations across five cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Tabuk, and Khamis Mushait—ensuring efficient lettuce production at minimized costs. However, challenges such as high energy requirements and initial investment costs persist.

Zhongxue Zhou, Fangze Zhao, Bingjie Song · Ecological Indicators · China

This study proposed the concept of agricultural comprehensive ecological effects (ACEE), developed an evaluation framework, and applied it to the Xi'an metropolitan zone, China. A key finding was the observed decrease in the comprehensive ecological effects of agriculture when transitioning from grain planting to urban agriculture due to unsuitable agricultural practices in urbanizing areas. This decline occurs because modern agricultural practices in urbanizing areas are ecologically detrimental compared with natural ecosystems.

Khwairakpam Nicholas, Anjali Joshi, Muthuprasad Thiyaharajan, Natalya Krishnambika · Biological Agriculture & Horticulture · India

A study in the Imphal-West district of Manipur, India, surveyed 200 households using a mixed-method approach to document home garden structure, composition, and services. Findings showed 60% of households engaged in home gardening, with an average garden size of 0.069 hectares. These home gardens provided an average annual economic yield of INR 18,700 and a 0.1 hectare garden stored 10.6 tons of carbon in trees and soil.

Kit Hoe Chan · DR-NTU (Nanyang Technological University) · Singapore

This thesis explores the architecture, applications, and challenges of Internet of Things (IoT)-based urban farming systems, focusing on their role in enhancing agricultural productivity in densely populated environments. IoT integrates smart sensors, data analytics, and automation for real-time monitoring and precise control of crop environments, optimizing resource use and increasing yield consistency. The study highlights how IoT supports resilient, resource-efficient, and scalable smart-city agriculture, with future potential for AI-based predictive analytics and blockchain-enabled traceability.

Marco Focacci, Isabella De Meo, Alessandro Paletto, Fabio Salbitano · Agroforestry Systems · Italy

A study analyzed urban plans, national laws, and regional legislation in Italy, along with interviews with decision-makers, to examine the occurrence of Urban and Peri-urban Agroforestry (UPAF). Findings showed that 4 out of 140 Italian cities intentionally included agroforestry in voluntary green plans, and 12 cities had incidental UPAF elements in compulsory documents. This indicates agroforestry is present but not widely incorporated, with grass-root organizations and knowledge hubs being crucial for its promotion.