Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
3623 results(95 / 145)
Know Food, Know Peace?
2017Emily Holmes · · Global
This chapter explores the potential of community-based agriculture as a practice of peace and active non-violence. Community-based agriculture encompasses various methods of growing food for local communities, including urban community gardens, urban farms, and small, biodiverse rural farms. These forms of agriculture are distinguished from conventional, industrial, or monocultural practices by their commitment to sustainable and organic growing methods, and their dedication to local communities.
CommunityCSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkage"L’agriculture urbaine", entre concept scientifique et modèle d’action
2017Maud Chalmandrier, Marine Canavèse, Yves Petit‐Berghem, Élisabeth Rémy · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Global
This study, using case studies of public action and gardeners' relationships with urban soil, argues that the concept of "urban agriculture" smooths over inherent tensions to promote its development as an action category. This approach tends to minimize differences in meaning among actors regarding their cultivation practices and, critically, relegates the crucial question of urban soil quality and its suitability for food crops to a secondary concern.
Contamination & food safetyPolicyCommunityHealthBack to Solidarity-Based Living? The Economic Crisis and the Development of Alternative Projects in Portugal
2017Britta Baumgarten · Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (RCAAP Project by FCT) · Portugal
In Portugal, the impact of the 2011 socio-economic crisis on alternative projects, including urban gardening groups, in both urban and rural areas was analyzed. The study used data from an analysis of internet pages and a questionnaire on the impact of the socio-economic crisis on Rede Convergir projects in 2015. The findings strengthen the argument that the crisis had an adverse effect on resilience projects, supported by case studies from other crisis-affected countries and empirical observations in Portugal.
CommunityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageWhy forest gardening for children? Swedish forest garden educators' ideas, purposes, and experiences
2017Ellen Almers, Per Askerlund, Sofia Kjellström · The Journal of Environmental Education · Sweden
This qualitative study in Sweden explored forest garden educators' ideas and experiences in a three-year project with primary school children, using interviews and observations. It found that educators aimed to provide children with opportunities to feel belonging, experience self-regulation and systemic dependence, co-create with non-human organisms, and imagine place transformation. The study discusses four pedagogical features of forest gardens.
Food educationCommunityBiodiversityFarm to School Intensity Levels: A Systematic Review and Proposed Measurement Tool
2017Erin Vernoni, Jessica Price, Shoko Kumagai · · Global
A systematic review of quantitative peer-reviewed Farm to School (FTS) research found ambiguity and variability in FTS inputs. This makes it difficult to generalize outcomes for policymakers. The study proposes a pre-tested intensity measurement tool to standardize research in this area.
Methodological critiqueFood educationCommunityPolicyHealthProposition 12: Increase access to a variety of locally relevant recreational facilities and green spaces
2017Ann Forsyth, Emily Salomon, Laura Smead · · Global
Green spaces and recreational facilities offer various health benefits, including urban cooling, opportunities for physical fitness and ecological education, improved water and air quality, refuge from traffic and noise, and enhanced mental health. An analysis of 10 British studies on green exercise found that as little as five minutes of outdoor activity was sufficient for mental health improvements. While increased recreational activity is less consistently linked to the built environment, with other factors like cost and personal preferences being more significant, access to recreational facilities can still provide opportunities for recreation.
HealthFood educationCommunityTHE ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF ROOFTOP GARDEN FOR BETTERMENT OF LOCAL URBAN HABITAT IN MALAYSIA
2017Maryanti Mohd Raid, Muhammad Uzair Azizan, Khadijah Hussin, Megat Mohd Ghazali Megat Abd Rahman · Journal of Technology Management and Business · Malaysia
This article analyzed the environmental benefits of rooftop gardens as part of urban greenery systems in Malaysia. An in-depth interview with seven experts revealed a consensus that rooftop gardens can effectively address several urban environmental issues. However, the study emphasized that the function and purpose of the rooftop garden must be considered during design and construction to fully achieve its objectives, whether for recreation or environmental purposes.
BiodiversityClimate changePrevalence of pathogenic and antibiotics resistant Escherichia coli from effluents of a slaughterhouse and a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Dakar
2017Amadou Diallo Alpha, Bibbal Delphine, Tall Lô Fatou, Mbengue Mbaye, Moustapha Sarr Mohamed, Diouf Moussa, Sambe Yacine, Kérourédan Monique, Alambédji Rianatou, Yaya Thiongane, Éric Oswald, Brugère Hubert · African Journal of Microbiology Research · Senegal (Dakar)
This study in Dakar, Senegal, detected and characterized pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli from slaughterhouse wastewater and municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents. Researchers screened 268 E. coli isolates from the slaughterhouse and 272 from the WWTP for genetic markers, and 40 isolates from each site for antimicrobial resistance. While pathogenic and resistant E. coli were found in raw slaughterhouse wastewater, the final treated water from the WWTP, used for urban gardening, did not contain E. coli, indicating low sanitation risks after treatment.
HealthOrganic cycleSchool garden as a teaching resource to strengthen the mathematical reasoning of students in the primary basics of the educational institution la chorrera municipio de capitanejo, santander
2017Jose Grabiel Silva Triana · Universidad Industrial de Santander · Colombia
This project aimed to develop mathematical skills in third and fifth-grade students at La Chorrera Educational Institution in Capitanejo, Santander, Colombia, using a school garden strategy. The school garden allowed students to experience daily tasks with a pedagogical purpose, reinforcing mathematical concepts like perimeter and area. The project utilized the "Escuela Nueva" methodology, providing individual activities for students to achieve various mathematical concepts within their school context.
Food educationPerformance study of sprinkler irrigation system in Sudan
2017Hosham S. Yousif, El-Syed I. Gaber, Goma A. Bakeer, Abbas E. Rahma, Fathi G. EL-Ebabi · مجلة الدراسات الأفريقية · Sudan (Khartoum)
Sprinkler irrigation has been gaining popularity in Sudan since the mid-1990s, primarily adopted in urban and peri-urban farming in Khartoum state for fodder and vegetable production. The method is mainly used due to its high efficiency and flexibility in applying small depths of water. Water conservation, particularly for farmers using groundwater for irrigation, is another motive for its spread.
Peri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleActors’ motivations
2017Judith Schicklinski · · Global
This study examines individual motivations for commitment to sustainability issues, including urban food production, across different cities globally. It notes that legal frameworks can be a motivating factor, such as land development plans designating agricultural use. While quantitative data suggests food self-sufficiency is not a major motive in any region, qualitative data indicates its increasing importance in the Global South.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyMapeo de la agriricultura urbana y periurbana en el área metropolitana Santa Rosa-Toay: aproximaciones metodológicas para la lectura territorial
2017P. V. ERMINI, M. R. DELPRINO, B. GIOBELLINA · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Argentina (Santa Rosa-Toay)
In the Santa Rosa-Toay metropolitan area of Argentina, urban and peri-urban agriculture is noted for its scarce recognition in urban development policies and food security policies. Despite the region's urbanization, the absence of political recognition as a metropolitan area has hindered planning and management of land use and occupation according to its potential and limitations. This study developed and applied a methodological proposal to generate information on urban and peri-urban agricultural activities, integrating a spatial perspective with participatory procedures.
Governance failurePeri-urban agriculturePolicyHealthFood sovereignty & justiceHydrochars from Biosolids and Urban Wastes as Substitute Materials for Peat
2017María Luisa Álvarez, Gabriel Gascó, César Plaza, Jorge Paz‐Ferreiro, Ana Méndez · Land Degradation and Development · Global
This study compared peat, hydrochars from biosolids (HSL) and urban wastes (HUW), and their 50% volume mixtures with peat, as potential substrates. Ryegrass was grown in these mixtures, and hydrophysical and biochemical properties were analyzed. Treatments with biosolids hydrochar (HSL) and its mixture with peat (PT + HSL) increased ryegrass dry weight production by 184% and 216% respectively, compared to peat.
Organic cycleCompostThe cost of sustainability in higher education: staff and student views of a campus food culture
2017Amy Shaw, Teresa Capetola, Justin Lawson, Claire Henderson‐Wilson, Berni Murphy · International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education · Australia (Melbourne)
This study investigated the sustainability of the food culture at Deakin University's Burwood campus and identified barriers to increasing its sustainability. An online survey of 697 staff and students from the Faculty of Health and a paper-based survey of 10 campus food outlets were conducted. The findings revealed that while sustainability considerations are important to staff and students, cost is the main issue and a significant barrier to developing a more sustainable food culture and making healthy food choices.
CommunityFood educationEconomicsRelying on urban gardens for survival within the building of a modern city in Colombia.
2017Colleen Hammelman · CABI eBooks · Colombia
In Medellín, Colombia, displaced women utilize urban gardens as a survival strategy amidst food insecurity and tenuous support from local government. Urban planning permits these gardens under the guise of supporting displaced families, but also for preserving open space and halting the growth of informal settlements. This chapter provides a clear example of how urban planning impacts the critical survival strategy of growing food.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareCommunityPolicyAnalyse De La Performance Productive De L’agriculture Urbaine Dans Le District d’Abidjan
2017Kouakou Kouakou Paul-Alfred · European Scientific Journal ESJ · Cote d’Ivoire (Abidjan)
This study assessed the productive performance and technical efficiency determinants of urban agriculture in the Abidjan District, Cote d’Ivoire. The analysis of the production frontier revealed that producers' technical efficiency ranged from 21% to 97%, with an average of 76%. Key determinants significantly impacting technical efficiency included the legal status of occupied space, education level, irrigation water quality, access to credit, and the nature of the main activity. The study suggests improving efficiency through strengthened training and technical support for producers and integrating urban agriculture into district development plans.
EconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceThe contribution of smallholder irrigated urban agriculture towards household food security in Harare, Zimbabwe.
2017Never Mujere · CABI eBooks · Zimbabwe (Harare)
This case study in Harare City, Zimbabwe, examined an urban irrigated agriculture project's contribution to household food security and poverty alleviation, including crop types, productivity, and farmer challenges. It found that while urban irrigated smallholder agriculture contributes to livelihoods, numerous socio-economic factors impede greater participation. Furthermore, some participants withdrew due to security threats from perceived political affiliations.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsPolicyDesign Procedure and Criteria Used in Vertical Gardens and Green Roof Constructions
2017A. N. Sarkar · · Global
This paper discusses design procedures and criteria for vertical gardens (living walls) and green roofs. Vertical gardens are suitable for urban areas, offering uses like urban agriculture, while green roofs provide ecosystem services such as mitigating urban heat island effects and improving biodiversity. Both technologies are recognized globally for environmental benefits, with a thriving industry and extensive research, particularly in Europe.
DIYClimate changeBiodiversityRemarkable 3-in-1 Pakis-Stem Green Roofs for Saving Thermal Flat Rooftop
2017Danny Santoso Mintorogo, Wanda Widigdo, Anik Juniwati · Advanced Science Letters · Global
This research investigated pakis-stem blocks as a growing medium for green roofs, evaluating their 3-in-1 function as a lightweight growing medium, an easy-to-form urban farming system, and an eco-friendly external roof insulation. Measurements on rooftop surface and room thermal behavior showed that pakis-stem green rooftops reduced surface dry-bulk temperature by 16.4°C and ambient room dry-bulk temperature by approximately 7°C at noon compared to conventional rooftops. The surface and ambient room air temperature differences between pakis vegetative green rooftops and miana scrub green rooftops were approximately 7°C and 3°C, respectively.
DIYClimate changeIn This Issue: Food Systems Resilience
2017Duncan Hilchey · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Global
This combined spring and summer issue of JAFSCD highlights the growing interest in food systems resilience, presenting various strategies such as supporting critical organizational and physical infrastructure along with social capital, incubating new farmers, protecting farm landscapes, using season-extending technology, and supporting labor. It also emphasizes adapting to climate change and creating stronger connections between farmers and residents in need who are in close geographic proximity. The issue includes columns on Latinx/Hispanic issues in food systems work, the role of "freedom farmers" in the civil rights movement, and the under-appreciated contribution of urban agriculture to communities.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageEconomicsSustainable Development Through Urban Agriculture
2017Eric R. R. Weaver · Digital Commons - University of South Florida (University of South Florida) · Global
This document compiles three publications advocating urban agriculture as a solution for UN Sustainable Development Goals. The first publication examines stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) modeling for urban agriculture. The second highlights agriculture's role as a driver for planetary systems impacts, and the third proposes a new definition for urban agriculture due to existing ambiguities.
Climate changeCommunityPolicyEconomicsReview study of source retention of rainwater as a means of peak discharge reduction an urban environment
2017Jackie W.Y. Ng · DR-NTU (Nanyang Technological University) · Singapore
The objective of this study is to propose water retention features to reduce peak urban runoff at source during storm events in an urbanized area. The report focuses on applications in a decentralized area with a centralized system. The three main proposed features are water towers, rooftop gardens (planter tanks), and permeable pavements, intended for implementation in residential housings such as HDB public housings. The study aims to determine how much water can be delayed during high rainfall, and computations and reasoning for these features are discussed.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageLandscape: from common good to human right
2017Laura Menatti · International Journal of the Commons · Global
This paper analyzed how the concept of landscape relates to notions of the common good, commons, and common pool resources (CPRs). Through theoretical research supported by practical examples like community gardens, it argued that landscape can be defined as a common good and can include commons and collective management of common pool resources. This analysis led to the possibility of defining the "right to landscape," arguing that landscape is a domain where human rights can be claimed and a right to which human beings are entitled.
CommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceGrowing a School Garden
2017Julie Rosenthal, Anissa M. Martin-Conyers, Michelle Albritton · · Global
A vacant lot across from an urban professional development school was converted into a school garden through collaboration among community organizations, school staff, students, and university personnel. Teachers integrated gardening activities into language arts and science instruction, and teacher candidates facilitated a literacy unit on plant life. This project exemplified a PDS-University partnership.
Food educationCommunityThe Impact of Urbanization on the Vegetation of Yaounde, (Cameroon)
2017Clement Anguh Nkwemoh, Mesmin Tchindjang, Roland Ngwatung Afungang · International Journal of Innovative Research and Development · Cameroon (Yaounde)
A study in Yaounde, Cameroon, investigated the impact of rapid urban expansion on vegetation cover using maps, images, questionnaires, and interviews. The findings revealed a significant depletion of flora due to settlement expansion. Forest degradation was attributed to the demand for construction materials, fuelwood, woodworking, and the need for space for urban agriculture, among other factors.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityUrban–rural linkage