Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
3623 results(90 / 145)
Implication of Urban and Peri-Urban Agricultural Wastewater Irrigation to Malaria Transmission in Kumasi
2018Amina Abubakari, John Asiedu Larbi, Robert Clement Abaidoo · Journal of Tropical Diseases · Ghana (Kumasi)
A 2018 study in Kumasi, Ghana, assessed 7017 health facility data from 77 communities to investigate malaria transmission in areas with wastewater irrigation. It found approximately 3698 malaria cases in wastewater irrigation areas and 3319 in areas without, with a P-value of 0.1914, indicating no statistically significant difference. However, Anopheles spp. mosquito densities were high in furrows, followed by ponds, suggesting that anthropogenic activities related to urbanization and wastewater irrigation may contribute to malaria transmission.
Environmental trade-offsHealthPeri-urban agricultureFrom Urban Agriculture to Urban Food
2018Heidrun Moschitz, Jan Landert, Christian Schader, Rebekka Frick · Nature and Culture · Switzerland (Basel)
A study in Basel, Switzerland, comprehensively analyzed the city's food system to understand the full potential of urban agriculture within it. The analysis involved diverse actors from civil society, policy, and the market, encompassing policy and actor analysis, perceptions on urban agriculture, food flow analysis, and a sustainability assessment. The research project contributed to developing new ideas and activities and created a space for future debates within the city's food system.
PolicyEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceVegetables and Social Relations in Norway and the Netherlands
2018E.J. Veen, Sebastian Eiter · Nature and Culture · Norway
Results from questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews in two Norwegian and one Dutch garden show that growing vegetables and consuming the harvest is a fundamental part of gardening. The social element of meeting other gardeners and feeling part of a community is also true. While gardeners with different socioeconomic backgrounds experience gardening similarly, access to an allotment appears more important for gardeners with disadvantaged personal backgrounds.
CommunityWelfareHealthPolicyInfluence of Social Inequality on Urban Agriculture
2018Kwaku Obosu-Mensah · · Ghana (Accra)
This study examines the influence of social inequality on urban agriculture in Accra, Ghana, focusing on land ownership and cultivation practices. It found that urban residents born or raised in other regions of Ghana are more likely to be middle/upper class, own urban land, and engage in enclosed cultivation. A disadvantage of enclosed cultivation is associated with water supply.
Equity & displacementCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceFortalecer los programas de orientación ambiental del Jardín Botánico de Bogotá en comunidades educativas de Bogotá
2018José Darío Barragán Romero, Johana Andrea Gutiérrez Rivera · · Colombia (Bogotá)
This document illustrates how urban agriculture is being applied in Bogotá, with the assistance of the Bogotá Botanical Garden (JBB), particularly in educational institutions. The objective is for young people to understand the benefits of urban agriculture through educational processes and replicate this information in their homes. The work consists of three parts: a photographic record of the gardens in educational institutions assisted by the JBB, the creation of a list of plant species suitable for cultivation in Bogotá, and a compilation of research related to the JBB on urban agriculture.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityHuertas domésticas y políticas de agricultura urbana: ¿desde el autoconsumo hasta el mercado?
2018Daniel Velandia Díaz · Jangwa Pana · Colombia (Bogotá)
In Bogotá, Colombia, institutional policies were introduced in the early 21st century to strengthen social aspects such as urban agriculture, healthy eating, and community integration. These policies, driven by city administrations, were associated with social inclusion concerns. Government plans from 2004 to 2015 implemented interventions to form urban agriculture networks in several city localities, promoting recognition of prior community experiences and supporting new initiatives.
PolicyCommunityHealthEconomics„Pop-up“ Urban Allotment Gardens - How Temporary Urbanism Embraces the Garden Concept
2018Sara Uršić, Rašeljka Krnić, Anka Mišetić · Sociologija i prostor · Global
In the contemporary urban context, urban gardens are considered key tools for achieving sustainability and smartness. The functions of contemporary urban gardens, such as caring for the environment, rediscovering social interaction, and reconnecting with nature, are part of a new urban paradigm.
CommunityClimate changeThe Smallest Sprouts
2018Katrina Hoch · · Global
Involving children in decisions and preparations for activities, particularly in natural settings, increases their enthusiasm and understanding of the food system. A 2015 systematic review of 13 studies found that participation in school garden programs led to an increased preference for vegetables. School gardens provide individual, interpersonal, and social benefits, engaging children in broader themes such as protecting biodiversity.
Food educationHealthBiodiversityHorizontal flows of nitrogen, potassium, and carbon in urban vegetables gardens of Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
2018Désiré Jean‐Pascal Lompo, Emmanuel Compaoré, Michel Papaoba Sédogo, Martina Melapie, Charles Bielders, Eva Schlecht, Andreas Buerkert · Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems · Burkina Faso (Bobo Dioulasso)
This study investigated nutrient management in six urban vegetable gardens in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, quantifying nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and carbon (C) fluxes and balances. Inputs of N and K significantly exceeded recommended amounts, leading to substantial horizontal annual surpluses of 1013 kg N ha−1, 879 kg K ha−1, and 25 t C ha−1. While total balances for N and K were positive, the total balance for C was negative, indicating an environmental tradeoff due to excessive nutrient input.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleClimate changeUrban–rural linkageAprovechamiento de los residuos sólidos a través del compostaje en la Escuela Tecnológica ITC
2018Fabiola Mejía, Clara Liliana Montero, Lina Marcela Arango, Emily Johanna Bermúdez · Letras ConCiencia TecnoLógica · Colombia (Bogotá)
At the Escuela Tecnológica Instituto Técnico Central (ETITC) in Bogotá, Colombia, a process for utilizing organic waste through composting was implemented. Following an "Urban Agriculture" workshop, organic waste from the ETITC cafeteria was collected and identified. Different mixtures were created to produce compost, which was then used in seedbeds and for transplanting seedlings. This research aimed to demonstrate the potential of using organic waste for compost production.
CompostFood educationOrganic cycleGeneración de un ambiente controlado para semilleros de huertos urbanos con freertos y arduino
2018Joseph González, Itza Morales, Alain Cuenca García, Vladimir Villarreal · Revista de Iniciación Científica · Global
An electronic system was developed to create a controlled environment for urban garden seedbeds within a small greenhouse. This system uses humidity and temperature sensors connected to an Arduino UNO microcontroller, managed by the FreeRTOS real-time operating system. It generates the necessary environmental conditions, including irrigation, heating, and ventilation, to ensure proper seed germination and seedling growth, thereby preventing losses and production delays.
DIYDigital agricultureJames Greenlees’ school garden and the suburban dream in colonial Australia
2018Kay Whitehead · Studies in the History of Gardens & Designed Landscapes · Australia (Adelaide)
The public school at Plympton, although one of the smallest in the suburbs of Adelaide, has a reputation of its own. The headmaster, Mr. J. Greenlees, is an enthusiast in manual training.
Food educationCommunityAgricultura urbana e construção da paisagem: a agricultura urbana como elemento (ou parte constituinte) da construção da paisagem
2018Fernanda Teixeira Gorski · · Global
This paper addresses the use of underutilized urban land for agriculture, noting that such land incurs significant financial and social costs for public infrastructure, maintenance, and cleanliness. It aims to explore how urban agriculture can contribute to building and qualifying the urban landscape.
CommunityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageAquaponic System: A sustainable production form in Family Farming and periurban area
2018Renan Borro Celestrino, Silvia Cristina Vieira · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Global
This study surveyed the implementation cost and presented the step-by-step operation of small-scale aquaponic systems for family agriculture and peri-urban areas. As a descriptive and experimental research, a practical experiment involved feeding 27 kg of fish, with their waste nourishing 144 Crespa Lettuce seedlings. The findings suggest that aquaponic systems tend to be a sustainable alternative due to low implantation costs, practical management, and healthier production from organic plant nutrition and the non-use of chemicals.
Peri-urban agricultureDIYClimate changeResearch Methodology
2018Kwaku Obosu-Mensah · · Ghana (Accra)
This research was planned to study urban agriculture in Accra, Ghana, due to a lack of published work and personal interest. The study is interested in social inequality influencing farm location choice, how new migrants adjust to urban cultivation, and factors compelling government officials to change their attitude towards urban agriculture.
WelfarePolicyCommunityUrban–rural linkageTotal and Bioaccessible Soil Arsenic and Lead Levels and Plant Uptake in Three Urban Community Gardens in Puerto Rico
2018John Misenheimer, Clay Nelson, Evelyn Huertas, Myriam Medina-Vera, Alex Prevatte, Karen D. Bradham · Geosciences · Puerto Rico
Total and bioaccessible arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) levels, and their uptake by 10 commonly grown garden plants, were examined in three urban community gardens in Puerto Rico. Total As ranged from 2 to 55 mg/kg and Pb from 19 to 172 mg/kg in soils. Leaves accumulated higher concentrations of As and Pb than edible flesh, with culantro leaves showing the highest concentrations (3.2 mg/kg dw As, 8.9 mg/kg dw Pb).
Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthOrganic cycleUrban agriculture and its role in the sustainable city - mini review.
2018Antoinette WinklerPrins · CABI Reviews · Global
This mini-review argues that urban agriculture is an essential component of sustainable cities. It states that urban cultivation addresses the core elements of sustainability: economics, environmental issues, and social justice. Therefore, urban agriculture should be considered fundamental infrastructure in the design of future sustainable cities.
EconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justice‘It’s not therapy, it’s gardening’: community gardens as sites of comprehensive primary healthcare
2018Pauline Marsh, Sebrina Brennan, Miriam Vandenberg · Australian Journal of Primary Health · Australia
Researchers at the Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, used a participatory research framework to explore the potential of Community Gardens to function as comprehensive primary healthcare (CPHC) environments. Therapeutic features of Community Gardens and their correlations with CPHC were identified, concluding strong synergies between the aims and activities of Community Gardens and CPHC. Augmenting the therapeutic capacity of these sites requires adequate resourcing, skill development, suitable design, funding, policy support, and innovative partnerships with health professionals.
CommunityHealthPolicyKnowledge and Experience Related to Community Supported Agriculture and Local Foods among Nutrition Educators
2018Rebecca A. Seguin‐Fowler, Jared T. McGuirt, Stephanie Jilcott Pitts, Jennifer Garner, Karla L. Hanson, Jane Kolodinsky, Marilyn Sitaker · Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition · Global
This qualitative study examined nutrition educators' (n=20 in telephone interviews, n=17 in focus groups) experiences, knowledge, and beliefs about local foods. Most educators identified as local food advocates, but few had direct experience with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Variability across seasons, financial issues, and risk of spoilage were identified as challenges of using seasonal, local foods within programming.
CSA & TeikeiFood educationCommunityHealthThe Role of Urban Agriculture on Livelihood in Bariadi Township Simuyu Region Tanzania
2018Magreth Bushesha · Huria Journal of the Open University of Tanzania · Tanzania
This descriptive study examined the role of urban agriculture as a livelihood option in Bariadi township, Simiyu region, Tanzania. Findings showed that horticultural produce was most common, followed by livestock products. Urban agriculture contributed up to 25% of households' income in the township. Major challenges included poor markets, water shortage, land shortage, seed unavailability, lack of capital, and lack of government support.
EconomicsCommunityGlobal urban agriculture; convergence of theory and practice between north and south de Antoinette Winklerprins
2018Martha G. Bell · Espacio y Desarrollo · Global
This abstract introduces urban agriculture (AU) as an ancient practice that has gained significant attention recently from the general public, academics, and municipal authorities. It notes that various sources contribute to this increased focus. The abstract is incomplete, ending abruptly.
CommunityPolicyProhibitive property practices: The impact of restrictive covenants on the built food environment
2018Sugandhi del Canto, Rachel Engler‐Stringer · Policy Press eBooks · Global
Restrictive covenants, a corporate real estate practice, are identified as a significant barrier to establishing new food stores in older neighborhoods globally. These covenants place conditions on land use, such as prohibiting food sales or grocery store development, making it harder to address existing nutrition deserts. Government support is needed to limit these covenants and develop alternative food channels, including urban agriculture.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceHealthTreeHugger as edible landscape
2018Marie Davidová, Ondrej Michalek, Katerina Horak Goryczka · ORCA Online Research @Cardiff (Cardiff University) · Global
This work expands the edible landscape concept from the COLridor I project to the "Non-Anthropocentric Refreshments" event at Maker Faire Prague. It involved preparing a seed bombing picnicking cuisine and installing a QR code mapping game with fast food-oriented prototype recipes. These concepts embed information-generative and self-iterative agendas into urban landscapes using low-tech technologies that leverage personal devices and internet connections.
DIYCommunityUrban agriculture: an opportunity for sustainable development
2018Ada Górna · · Global
This volume presents various issues related to sustainable development within the context of globalization. It collects selected texts discussing theories of development, sustainability, and spatial, industrial, and social policies.
Climate changePolicyThe monitoring of soils on the land areas as information support for the register of soil resources at the local level
2018D.V. Belobrova, Д. А. Шаповалов · Dokuchaev Soil Bulletin · Russia
This study conducted large-scale (1:5000) soil mapping of garden non-commercial partnerships in the Meshchera lowland of Noginsk district, Moscow region. Investigations revealed that initial soils underwent significant transformation since their creation, with soddy podzolic and boggy soils changing into agro-soddy podzolic soils and agrozems due to intensive development and fertilizer use. While these changes reflect increased productivity and quality of allotment soils, the transformed soils are characterized by neutral pH and high/medium mobile phosphorus content, but are poor in exchangeable potassium compared to natural soil profiles.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleCompostCommunity