Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
3241 results(95 / 130)
Evaluating the functionality of agricultural systems: social preferences for multifunctional peri-urban agriculture. The “Huerta de Valencia” as case study
2014Inmaculada Marques-Pérez, Baldomero Segura García del Río, Concepción Maroto · Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research · Spain (Valencia)
This paper presented a descriptive approach to the multifunctionality of agricultural systems and described a methodological approach to evaluate social preferences for multifunctional peri-urban agriculture. This approach is based on a review of scientific literature focused on multifunctionality and the goods and services of agricultural systems. The proposed methodology was applied to the "Huerta de Valencia," a rich peri-urban agricultural system with diverse resources, yielding results useful for enriching the political-institutional debate on defining its protection scheme.
Peri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsCommunityApplications Potential of Structural Path Analysis in Urban Agriculture: A Literature Review
2014Harry Kasumba, Tabukeli Musigi Ruhiiga · Journal of Human Ecology · Global
This literature review explored the potential of Structural Path Analysis (SPA) for investigating urban agriculture. The review found that urban agriculture has not yet attracted scholarship using the SPA technique. It also identified that smaller geographical areas often lack applicable databases for SPA, and a critical requirement for SPA is a developed system of continuous record-keeping by participants, which is often absent.
Methodological critiqueEconomicsPolicyResearch on development strategy of urban agriculture based on customer value
2014Long Cheng-zh · Guangdong nongye kexue · Global
This article, based on comprehensive literature research, proposes a framework for an urban agriculture strategic development plan. The framework is rooted in customer value theory, focusing on modern industry competition and strategic theory. It suggests that the strategic approach for urban agriculture should fully activate the entrepreneurial spirit of market participants while maintaining its quasi-public product attributes.
EconomicsPolicyHealthCommunityClimate changeGovernance of agriculture in the cities of developing countries: Local leaders perspectives
2014Suleiman Mkwela Hawa · Journal of Geography and Regional Planning · Tanzania (Dar Es Salaam)
This study assessed the governance of urban agriculture (UA) in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar Es Salaam City, Tanzania, through the perceptions of 24 local leaders. Unstructured interviews focused on leadership quality, infrastructure provision, and farmers' land rights. The leaders generally perceived limited efforts and plans to support UA in the municipality based on these criteria.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsPeri-urban Camel (Camelus dromendarius) Production System in Saudi Arabia: A note
2014Izeldin A. Babiker · Journal of animal research · Saudi Arabia
This study aims to characterize the diversity of camel production systems in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on peri-urban camel production. Socio-economic changes post-petroleum era led Bedouins to settle in urban areas, increasing demand for camel milk from an urbanized population. This stimulated the development of peri-urban camel dairy production, which the study seeks to describe in terms of production orientation, resource endowments, and strategies.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceGrupe solidarne razmjene. Počeci ekonomije solidarnosti u Hrvatskoj/ Community supported agriculture. The beginnings of solidarity economy in Croatia
2014Olga Orlić · Etnološka tribina · Croatia
This paper presents research results on solidarity exchange groups in Zagreb County, Croatia. These groups are described as an alternative form of direct food procurement, primarily organic, from producers. They promote ecological food production, foster equal partnerships between buyers and producers, and build solidarity and trust among people.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceUrban agriculture and poverty alleviation in developing countries
2014Zogo Ndomo, Yannick Emmanuel · Bulletin of animal health and production in Africa · Global
Urban agriculture in developing countries is a vital asset in the livelihood strategies of urban households, having expanded rapidly over the last two decades and contributing to income generation for unqualified workforces. However, the illegal status of urban agriculture has created a governance vacuum, necessitating policy formulation and institutionalized management to secure land for the urban poor and improve food security and the environment. Political leaders have a role in regulating this sector.
Governance failureEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageFactores limitantes en la producción de semillas en la provincia de Cienfuegos
2014Rafaela Soto Ortíz, Michael Peña Smith, Idia Concepción, Islay García Hernández · Revista Científica Agroecosistemas · Cuba (Cienfuegos)
In Cienfuegos province, Cuba, limiting factors and seed production quality were identified through a non-experimental, longitudinal study from 2001 to 2012. The investigation revealed a decreasing trend in seed production levels and genetic erosion at the Company of Several Seeds in Cienfuegos, with basic seed categories declining and producers lacking necessary knowledge. Productive infrastructure, resource availability, climate change impacts, and insufficient knowledge were identified as key limiting factors.
Economic viabilityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceTaste in the Anthropocene: The Emergence of “Thing-power” in Food Gardens
2014Bethaney Turner · M/C Journal · Global
This paper examines the role of taste in relation to food produced in backyard or community gardens. As outlined by Bourdieu, taste is constructed by factors primarily driven by economic position and cultural influences, with the rise of international agribusiness significantly impacting the social shaping of tastes. Food is primarily conceptualized as an economic and symbolic good controlled by humans, and literature on food provisioning choices in food sociology and human geography tends to focus on understanding food purchasing decisions and eating habits.
CommunityEconomicsHealthGearing up to support urban farming in California: Preliminary results of a needs assessment
2014Rachel Surls, Gail Feenstra, Sheila Golden, Ryan E. Galt, Shermain Hardesty, Claire Napawan, Cheryl Wilen · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · United States (California)
Urban agriculture (UA) in California has been slower to gain momentum compared to other urban states, partly due to limited availability of relevant information and technical assistance for urban farmers and municipal decision-makers. A University of California Cooperative Extension project is developing web-based educational resources based on a needs assessment, which includes a literature review, an internal survey of personnel, and community interviews. Preliminary findings indicate challenges in supporting urban farming due to resource constraints and information gaps.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityA RÖVID ELLÁTÁSI LÁNCBAN REJLŐ LEHETŐSÉGEK ÉS VESZÉLYEK MAGYARORSZÁGON
2014Dorottya Szabó, Szabó, Dorottya · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Hungary
This study examines the situation of short supply chains (SSC) in Hungary. It highlights that developing SSC in Hungary is not an easy task, as small farmers typically have weak cooperation and lobbying skills. While traditional direct marketing is common, innovative forms of SSC are rare.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceSeasonal Assessment of Household Food Access in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
2014O. A. Odusina, C. A. Afolami, S. Momoh · · Nigeria (Ibadan)
This study in Ibadan, Nigeria, assessed household food access and diversity across 180 households during harvest and hunger periods using structured questionnaires. Findings indicated significantly better food access during harvest (HFIAS 5.23-7.01) compared to hunger periods (HFIAS 9.75-11.77), though adequate access was maintained in both. Dietary diversity also decreased from an average of 3 food groups during harvest to 2.54 during hunger periods, a significant difference (p<0.01).
WelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceFactors affecting roadside urban agriculture in Zimbabwe: A case study of Harare high density suburb of Mufakose
2014Wisdom Kurangwa, Retseleng Karonga, Kwayedza Muranda Kaseke, Liliosa Pahwaringira · International journal of research in social sciences · Zimbabwe (Harare)
A case study on roadside urban agriculture in Mufakose high density suburb, Harare, Zimbabwe, showed that the majority of respondents were unemployed, aged 41-60, had a high number of dependents, and earned less than $200 per month. This high level of poverty, combined with inadequate home garden space, forced them to practice roadside agriculture to supplement their diet and income.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceManagement models : AMS SUB Roof-Top Garden for productivity and community
2014Brittany Buchanan, Toby Lam, Bonnie Lee, Aldhyan Randy, Natasha Tymo · cIRcle (University of British Columbia) · Canada
This student project, part of the UBC Food Systems Project, researched human resource management strategies for the new Student Union Building (SUB) Rooftop Garden at the University of British Columbia. Through literature review and interviews, four management models were discussed. The group identified a student club model with incentives, potentially led by a directed studies or paid position, as a fitting starting point for motivating students to contribute to food production for campus outlets.
CommunityFood educationEconomicsGenesis and development of urban vegetable farming in Republic of Benin
2014H. Allagbé, Magloire Aïtchedji, Anges Yadouléton · · Benin
This study, conducted from January to December 2013 in three major vegetable farms in southern and northern Benin, assessed the genesis and rapid expansion of urban agriculture. It found that while Christian missionaries initiated early vegetable farming, its current growth is driven by urban unemployment, rural exodus, and the search for balanced diets, increasing farmers' household income. The activity is dominated by young people (21-40 years old), with 75% being permanent gardeners, but farmers improperly used various pesticides, leading to insecticide resistance in malaria vectors.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageWastewater usage in urban and peri-urban agricultural production systems: scenarios from India
2014Prem José Vazhacharickal, Sumita Gupta Gangopadhyay · Kobra (Universitätsbibliothek Kassel) · India
This paper examines urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in India, focusing on wastewater irrigation and its associated human health risks. The study identifies potential health hazards for farmers, laborers, and consumers, including microbial pathogens and helminth (intestinal parasites). While UPA is presented as an option to address urban food demand, the paper emphasizes that "good practice UPA" requires integrated approaches and suitable risk reduction mechanisms to improve safety.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthEconomicsEnhancing Food Security and Economic Welfare through Urban Agriculture in Zimbabwe
2014Ezra Pedzisai, Pedzisai Kowe, C. H. Matarira, Anyway Katanha, Ronald Rutsvara · Journal of food security · Zimbabwe
The contributions of urban agriculture to household food security and income were assessed in Cold Stream, a low-income residential area of Chinhoyi town in Zimbabwe. Twenty questionnaires were administered to urban farmers, five key informants were interviewed, and three fieldworks were carried out. Results showed that urban agriculture is a prominent livelihood for the poor unemployed majority (53%), and while local non-governmental organizations provide inputs and technical advice, there is no government support. Questionnaire results confirmed that farmers are poor, using yields and income primarily for basic necessities. All urban farmers (100%) consume their produce, enhancing food security. A majority (80%) agreed that urban farming makes food cheaper, improving accessibility. About half (48%) also agreed that urban agriculture reduces food insecurity in their rural homes. Challenges include a lack of credit lines for inputs and unfavorable policy arrangements that classify urban agriculture as an illegal activity.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWelfareCommunityPolicyGarden space: Mapping trade-offs and the adaptive capacity of home food production
2014Valérie Dewaelheyns, Frederik Lerouge, Elke Rogge, Liesbet Vranken, Dewaelheyns, Valerie, Lerouge, Frederik, Rogge, Elke, Vranken, Liesbet · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Belgium (Flanders)
This study developed a theoretical model to capture, quantify, and interrelate the most relevant variables and constraints of potential food production in domestic gardens. The model development was fostered by quantitative and qualitative data collection for the Flanders case study, providing insights into current and potential food production in Flemish domestic gardens. While not finalized, the model allows exploration of spatial and temporal constraints of individual domestic gardens for food production, contributing to a better understanding of the adaptive capacity of small-scale multifunctional spaces.
DIYEconomicsUrban–rural linkageEvaluation of Urban Agricultural Land Use Efficiency based on Urban Agricultural Multi-Functionality—a Case Study of Xi'an City
2014Yu Wang · · China (Xi'an)
This paper constructed indicators for urban agricultural land use efficiency by incorporating urban agricultural ecosystem service indexes and evaluating their values in Xi'an city using the DEA method, analyzing temporal and spatial changes. Results showed that economic efficiency of agricultural land use gradually increased from 2010 to 2012, reaching 1 in 2011 and 2012, with social and eco-efficiency both in good conditions, indicating increasingly significant urban agriculture service functions. However, economic efficiency decreased spatially from urban core to suburban and rural areas, while social efficiency remained generally high, and eco-efficiency diminished from the city to surrounding counties.
EconomicsCommunityBiodiversityOrganic cycle加快都市农业发展 促进园区农民增收——乌当区樱桃现代高效农业示范园区建设存在问题及对策
2014Chen Ao Nan · 农民致富之友 · China (Wudang District)
A field survey conducted on agricultural parks in Wudang District, Guizhou Province, China, studied the development status, progress, and existing problems of the Wudang District Cherry Modern High-Efficiency Agricultural Demonstration Park. The findings indicated that while the park's construction progressed rapidly and orderly with some innovations in its operating mechanism, it also faced many problems and difficulties.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityAn investigation into waste heat recovery for usage by a rooftop greenhouse
2014Rohit Kumar Singla, Jeremy Lord, Jorden Hetherington · cIRcle (University of British Columbia) · Canada
This report conducted a triple-bottom line assessment of the environmental, economic, and social feasibility of using waste heat from a microbrewery at the University of British Columbia as an energy source for a rooftop greenhouse. The investigation was based on academic research and ongoing communication with the primary stakeholder. The project was found to be economically viable, with social benefits outweighing drawbacks, and environmentally feasible.
DIYEconomicsFood educationCommunityPotentials of Urban Agriculture in Reflection of “The Thessaloniki Project - Red and Green”
2014Zsuzsanna Fáczányi · YBL Journal of Built Environment · Greece (Thessaloniki)
This paper explores the potentials of urban agriculture by analyzing proposals from "The Thessaloniki Project - Red and Green" and other urban agriculture projects. It discusses a course at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki where MSc students designed urban agriculture forms for a fallow area in Thessaloniki, Greece, considering the local crisis situation. The analysis emphasizes the necessity of community generation through such initiatives.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsManajemen Strategi Pengembangan Pertanian Kota (Urban Agriculture) di Kota Tangerang Selatan
2014Sodak Maharisi, Machfud, Agus Maulana · Jurnal Aplikasi Manajemen · Indonesia (South Tangerang City)
This research aimed to formulate alternative strategies for urban agricultural development in South Tangerang City, which faces challenges related to a lack of resources, especially land. Vision and mission were formulated based on content analysis of stakeholder expectations and industry foresight, while strategy formulation used the IE matrix and balanced scorecard framework. The South Tangerang city government's position in developing urban agriculture was located on cell V, and the best strategy was to continue existing programs and activities, increasing their intensity and creating new types of services.
PolicyEconomicsCommunitySetting the Table for Urban Agriculture
2014Margot J. Pollans · Pace Digital Repository (Pace University) · United States
This article examines the various roles law plays in the cultivation of urban agriculture. It argues that despite growing enthusiasm for urban agriculture, serious equity and ecological concerns exist within the forms of modern urban agriculture, recommending that careful strategic planning should align the implementation of available legal tools to address these concerns.
Equity & displacementPolicyCommunityEconomicsRosemount Urban Agriculture: Wholesale Markets Report
2014Amanda Nichols Hess, Annie Larson, D. D. Gilbertson, Elizabeth Cerny · University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy (University of Minnesota) · United States (Rosemount)
This report and presentation were completed by students enrolled in SUST 4004: Sustainable Communities, taught by Samantha Grover and Amir Nadav in fall 2014.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkage