Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
2539 results(96 / 102)
The Child in the Garden: An Evaluative Review of the Benefits of School Gardening
2008Dorothy Blair · The Journal of Environmental Education · United States
An evaluative review of U.S. literature on children's gardening found that quantitative studies showed positive outcomes in science achievement and food behavior. However, these studies did not consistently demonstrate improvements in children's environmental attitude or social behavior, and validity and reliability issues reduced general confidence in the results. Qualitative studies documented a wider range of desirable outcomes, but teacher enthusiasm varied based on support and horticultural confidence.
Methodological critiqueFood educationHealthCommunityExtreme Local Food: Two Case Studies in Assisted Urban Small Plot Intensive Agriculture
2008Lenore Newman · · Global
This 2008 paper examines barriers to urban agriculture expansion in North America—poor urban soils, lack of knowledge, zoning restrictions, and personal time constraints—through two case studies of assisted urban small-plot intensive farming in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, British Columbia. In both cases, entrepreneurs installed and tended small plots on participants' land, selling the harvest at local farmers' markets or sharing it directly with the landowners. The paper notes that both projects had strong educational components and engaged a diverse demographic, and that having one farmer tend multiple plots could help address concerns about the carbon footprint of small-plot farming raised elsewhere in the literature.
CommunityFood educationEconomicsGröna upplevelser för alla
2008Ann Hallén · · Sweden
A landscape-design thesis proposing a school garden for Jallaskolans upper secondary school outside Uppsala, Sweden, which had requested a garden for students including those with special needs. Based on a site inventory, literature review and visits to other educational and therapeutic green spaces, the author produced a plan scheme intended to stimulate the senses and serve a habilitating function for all visitors. The work stops at the design proposal stage and does not report construction or measured outcomes.
Food educationCommunity주말농원 참여자의 현황 및 재배작목 다양화에 대한 요구도 분석
2008김영, 김은자, 이상영, 이승주 · · South Korea
A South Korean study (2008) surveyed allotment (weekend farm) garden participants on their cultivation status and demand for herb crops, alongside interviews with garden plot proprietors, and reviewed program trends run by organizations serving allotment gardens. Participants cultivated roughly ten crop species on average, with seed and seedling purchases mainly dependent on the landowner and crop selection made jointly by spouses; 5.7% of participants were currently or had previously cultivated herbs, while 62% had not because they did not know how. Reported herb uses were medicine/beauty (22.0%), spices (22.0%), and enjoyment (29.0%), with future interest at 34.0%, 39.0%, and 31.7% respectively; 78.3% of participants said they had considered or would consider growing herbs if the landowner supplied plants, and expressed interest in guidance on planting, management, and post-harvest use. The study found that introducing new crops was more feasible among participants with more than four years of farming experience and relatively advanced cultivation skills, and concluded that crop and soil-management choices, seedling provisioning, education tailored to participants' skill levels, and rental arrangements were essential to sustaining and expanding allotment garden participation.
CommunityFood education“Growing Wellness”: The Possibility of Promoting Collective Wellness through Community Garden Education Programs
2008Michelle Lee D’Abundo, Andrea M. Carden · Community Development · United States
A Community Garden Education Program created to combat obesity in a low-income community in eastern North Carolina, United States, was examined through observations conducted throughout the program and two focus groups held at the end of its first phase. The focus groups found that the administrators' initial program goals, centered on obesity reduction, differed from participants' own goals, which centered on wellness and community development. Participants also reported improved food sustainability as a result of the program.
Food educationHealthCommunityThe Effects of School Gardens on Students and Schools: Conceptualization and Considerations for Maximizing Healthy Development
2007Emily J. Ozer · Health Education & Behavior · United States
While thousands of school gardens exist in the United States with anecdotal evidence of enhancing student learning, rigorous research on their effects and sustainability factors is limited. This review conceptualizes school gardens as systemic interventions for promoting student health and well-being and strengthening the school environment. It summarizes existing literature, provides a conceptual framework, and suggests further research to inform practice.
Food educationHealthCommunityAgricultura urbana na Vila Fanny, Curitiba, PR: Agroecologia fomentando uma atividade transdisciplinar de educação ambiental.
2007Michelle Melissa Althaus Ottmann, Áurea Portes Ferriani, Ricardo Serra Borsatto, Homero Cidade Júnior, Cláudio Ferraz Oliver, Eduardo Feniman, Lourival de Moraes Fidelis, Nilce Nazareno da Fonte · REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE AGROECOLOGIA · Brazil
Since August 2006, an urban agriculture, landscaping, and horticulture program has been developed with children attending the Casa da Videira NGO in Vila Fanny, Curitiba, Brazil. Weekly transdisciplinary sessions have shown preliminary results including increased children's interest in environmental topics, proposals for solutions, and changes in family attitudes. Qualitatively, the program has improved the visual appearance of the area and fostered team cohesion.
Food educationCommunityHealthClimate changeGrowing young minds
2007Lindsey Cox · SecEd · United Kingdom
This article by Lindsey Cox examines how school gardens can contribute to pupils' engagement with healthy eating. It suggests that learning about the origin of food through school gardens is important for fostering healthy eating habits among students.
Food educationMeeting Youth Where They Live: Participatory Approaches to Research with Marginalized Youth Engaged in Urban Agriculture
2007Caroline Keenan · Children Youth and Environments · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
This study explored the potential of urban agriculture projects to improve the lives of marginalized youth in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It employed various participatory research approaches, emphasizing the importance of engaging young participants to ensure their voices and experiences are heard.
Food educationWelfareCommunitySpaces to play/playing with spaces: young people, citizenship and Joan Littlewood
2007Nadine Holdsworth · Research in Drama Education The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance · United Kingdom
This article examines Joan Littlewood's cultural innovations beyond traditional theatre, focusing on her local projects in the 1960s that promoted cultural democracy and active citizenship. During redevelopment around Theatre Royal, Stratford East, Littlewood transformed discarded spaces into temporary structures, playgrounds, mini inner-city farms, and planting schemes. These activities emphasized children's access to cultural activity, social encounter, and creative play, and explored their interaction in the public realm and responsibility for animating spaces.
CommunityFood educationUrban–rural linkageCommunity Gardens in Western Kenya: Engagement, Nutrition Education, and Sustainability Assessment
2007Kanini Muthoni · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Kenya
This study used mixed-methods, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews, to assess community gardens in rural Western Kenya. Engagement levels in the gardens ranged from 75% to 80%, with vegetable cultivation being a key theme in nutrition education. The study found that effective community engagement and targeted nutrition education significantly contribute to the sustainability of these projects, especially in promoting sustainable food production.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceSchool farming and school feeding in Nakuru town, Kenya: Practice and potential
2007Dick Foeken, Samuel Owuor · Leiden Repository (Leiden University) · Kenya (Nakuru)
A survey was conducted in June 2006 among primary and secondary schools in Nakuru town, Kenya, to examine school farming and school feeding practices. Data on school characteristics, school farming activities, and school feeding practices were collected using a structured questionnaire. The study showed that school farming is very common in Nakuru town, with almost all schools engaged in flower gardening and tree growing, over half practicing crop cultivation, and some keeping livestock.
Food educationWelfareCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceChanges in Understanding Environmental Health Risks Linked Participatory Education and Action Research Among Senegalese Farmers
2007Nita Chaudhuri, Daryl Cole, D S Niang · Epidemiology · Senegal (Dakar)
A Participatory Education and Action Research (PEAR) process was conducted with 3 farmers in periurban Dakar, Senegal, and surveyed 55 farmers using pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. Post-intervention, farmers showed a clearer understanding of environmental impacts like water contamination and pesticide runoff, and perceived a broader range of health risks linked to urban agriculture. Observations also indicated reduced pesticide container litter in the fields.
HealthFood educationCommunityPeri-urban agricultureFarming the City
2007Peta Christensen · Local-Global: Identity, Security, Community · Global
This article discusses the development of community gardens as a means for neighborhoods to foster ownership, pride, connection to food, and friendships. Community gardens are presented as accessible spaces appealing to diverse populations, suitable for educational workshops and celebrations. The text also explores the concept of building city gardens to enhance urban beauty.
CommunityFood education突出优势,建设具有北方特色的观光果园——关于辽宁省果树科学研究所发展观光果业的设想
2007于德林, 高丽红, 武俊峰, 刘凡 · 北方果树 · China
This article discusses leisure agriculture, which originated from urban agriculture. Leisure agriculture is guided by ecology, aesthetics, economics, and sustainable development theories, developing and allocating agricultural resources. It creates tourist destinations with good ecological environments and special atmospheres, focusing on themes such as sightseeing, scientific and technological demonstrations, popular science education, and ecological environmental protection. This transforms traditional extensive agriculture into modern agriculture that integrates refinement, systematicness, intensification, and education.
Food educationUrban–rural linkageEconomicsFactors Influencing Postsecondary Education Enrollment Behaviors of Urban Agricultural Education Students
2007Levon T. Esters · Career and Technical Education Research · United States
A study identified factors influencing the postsecondary education enrollment behaviors of students who graduated from an urban agricultural education program in the United States. Students reported that parents or guardians had the most influence on their enrollment decisions, with mothers or female guardians having slightly more influence. Interest in agriculture, personal factors, and job opportunities also influenced decisions, while non-enrolling students cited a lack of interest and personal factors.
Food educationEnvironmental Education in a Culturally Diverse School
2007Donna Tangen, Ruth Fielding‐Barnsley · Australian Journal of Environmental Education · Global
This study evaluated the effects of school gardening on English as Second Language (ESL) students' learning about good nutrition in a culturally diverse school. Data collected indicated positive gains in student learning and increased feelings of belonging to the school community. The study suggested that teacher attitudes significantly influence ESL student engagement in environmental education, and garden-enhanced lessons provided effective experiential learning that supported in-class nutrition education.
Food educationCommunityHealthJovenes Junto con Ancianos para un Mejor Mañana : JJAMM Food Network
2007· · United States (Lawrence)
The JJAMM Food Network was launched in Lawrence, MA, in summer 2006 to address three community needs: health, education, and employment. The program enabled elders and teenagers to learn nutrition, fitness, gardening, and money management, grow crops in community gardens, and sell produce to local restaurants. Although initial funding was challenging, the U.S. Department of Agriculture granted funding for 2007, fostering intergenerational interaction and relationship building.
CommunityElderlyFood educationEconomicsWelfareThe design of children activity yard of community garden
2007Yang Hu · Shanxi Architecture · Global
This paper briefly introduces community gardens and children's gardens, presenting the design principles for children's activity yards. Based on the psychological and behavioral characteristics of children of different ages, it discusses key considerations for designing children's gardens for various age groups and analyzes specific issues to address at each design point.
CommunityFood educationAn integrative and holistic approach to implementing curriculum for a school garden
2007Elizabeth Janette Newmeyer · CSUSB ScholarWorks (California State University, San Bernardino) · Global
The purpose of this project was to develop a curriculum guide that would allow teachers to effectively and efficiently utilize a school garden to teach required standards while promoting peace among students. To develop this, a thorough review of literature in school gardening, peace curriculum, and curriculum design was used.
Food educationCommunityAttitudinal Shifts and Food Security Gains in Urban Dakar's Community Gardens Campaigns
2007Mariama Diop, Toumani Sène · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Senegal (Dakar)
This study evaluated the impact of community gardens on food security and sustainable agricultural practices in urban Dakar. Participant surveys indicated a significant shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices, with over 70% of participants adopting at least one new gardening technique. The study highlights the potential for community gardens to improve food security and foster environmental stewardship among urban dwellers.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationClimate changeEvaluation Public Participation in of Urban Agriculture and Planning in Amagasaki-City Analysis based on 2005 Sonoda City Citizens Survey
2007Jyuichi Yamazaki, Takayuki UCHIHIRA · JOURNAL OF RURAL PLANNING ASSOCIATION · Japan (Amagasaki-City)
This study considered the role of urban farmland and the possibility of its maintenance and practical use from the viewpoint of living environment formation and community improvement, through an analysis of a citizen questionnaire conducted in February 2006 in the Sonoda district of Amagasaki-city. The paper particularly focused on male participation in civic agriculture planning awareness and the possibility of civic support for farmland maintenance.
CommunityPolicyFood educationUrban–rural linkageRe-Creating Awareness of Traditional Leafy Vegetables in Communities
2007Voster Ineke H.J, Jansen van Rensburg Willem, Van Zijl J.J.B, Venter Sonja L · African Journal of Food Agriculture Nutrition and Development · South Africa
In South Africa, traditional leafy vegetables have been labeled as weeds since the 1960s, leading to a negative perception and unwillingness to use them. Awareness activities in six communities, including training sessions in seven schools and eight community gardens, aimed to improve the status of these crops. These activities resulted in increased awareness of their poor conservation status, appointment of seed keepers, and a noticeable increase in demand for seeds and production training.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthAPLICACIÓN DE MÉTODOS PARTICIPATIVOS PARA LA DIVERSIFICACIÓN DE CULTIVOS EN LA AGRICULTURA URBANA
2007Loracnis Hernández, María de los A Pino, Elein Terry · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Cuba (San José de las Lajas)
This study in San José de las Lajas, La Habana province, aimed to apply participatory methodologies to support traditional extension methods in urban agriculture and address farmers' problems with access to seed diversity and management knowledge. Three Agrobiodiversity fairs allowed producers to select preferred varieties of plantain, tomato, chili, and pepper, with FIAT-01 plantain, Amalia tomato, and Comandante Largo pepper being highly selected. A second stage focused on farmer schools and peasant experimentation for beans, which increased varietal diversity and promoted the dissemination and adoption of new varieties.
CommunityBiodiversityFood educationCARACTERIZACIÓN DE LA DIVERSIDAD DE CULTIVOS CON VISTAS A LA ADOPCIÓN DE NUEVAS ESPECIES Y/O VARIEDADES DE FLORES DE CORTE EN DIFERENTES SISTEMAS PRODUCTIVOS DEL MUNICIPIO SAN JOSÉ DE LAS LAJAS
2007Ania Yong, Eduardo Calves, Bárbara Benítez · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Cuba (San José de las Lajas)
A diagnostic study was conducted to characterize crop diversity in gardens, plots, and patios in the North, South, and Jamaica districts of San José de las Lajas, Cuba. The main crops established in the different production systems were vegetables, followed by fruit trees and flowers. Knowledge regarding cut flower production technologies was found to be insufficient, and surveys revealed that 80% of producers were over 60 years old.
CommunityElderlyFood education