Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
235 results(1 / 10)
Urban community gardening for food security and climate resilience: Perspectives from gardeners in Johannesburg, South Africa
2026Johannesburg urban agriculture research collective · AIMS Press Urban Ecology & Sustainability Series · South Africa
Empirical study of household and shared community gardens in Johannesburg's underserved urban neighborhoods; demonstrates food security, nutrition, income, and climate resilience benefits of citizen-led urban farming.
CommunityWelfareBarriers to urban agriculture in Africa: a bibliometric and content co-occurrence analysis of the literature
2026hawamkwela@yahoo.com MKWELA, Emiliana Assenga · Cogent Food & Agriculture · Africa
A bibliometric analysis of 504 journal publications from January 2020 to December 2024 and a content co-occurrence analysis were conducted to understand barriers to urban agriculture in Africa. Four research clusters emerged, including 'policy neglect or opposition in urban agriculture'. Content analysis revealed that vegetable production in urban agriculture is negatively affected by wastewater use, heavy metal contaminated soil, limited access to productive factors, and policy neglect or opposition.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityUrban Agriculture as a Survival Strategy: Food Security, Inequality, and Community Development in Enugu State, Nigeria
2026Oshaba Patience Chizoba, Chinedu Augustine Igwenagu · Path of Science · Nigeria
A survey of 222 households and interviews in Enugu State, Nigeria, showed that urban agriculture (UA) is a critical coping strategy for food availability. However, UA perpetuates gendered inequalities as a "patriarchal bargain," where women's expanded reproductive labor does not necessarily lead to improved economic empowerment. Furthermore, UA strongly promotes bonding social capital but does not foster bridging social capital with formal institutions, thereby undermining its transformative potential.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityWelfareEconomicsIntersectando a agricultura urbana, o meio ambiente e a educação:
2026Rogers Hansine, Christine Bonnin, Inês Raimundo, Madal Artur, Cândida Bila · Revista Tamoios · Mozambique
The SYNERGI project, implemented from March 2023 to September 2025, aimed to promote urban community involvement in co-creating Socially Inclusive Edible Urban Green Infrastructure (IVUCs) in Maputo and Xai-Xai, Mozambique. The project successfully established IVUCs in six selected schools, increasing food production and educational opportunities. The project highlights the need for better institutional frameworks to support green infrastructure development.
Governance failureCommunityFood educationBiodiversityPolicySpatial Distribution, Productivity and Socio-Economic Impact of Urban Agriculture in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria
2026N. I. Odeh, I. K. Samaila, O. C. Odeh · Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Science Research · Nigeria (Jos)
This study assessed urban agriculture (UA) in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria, using geospatial mapping, surveys, and yield trials. Greenhouses accounted for 76% of UA, with vegetables dominating production at 72%. Yield trials showed hydroponics increased bell pepper yield by 4.3 times and sack farming increased yam yield by 3.1 times compared to open-field cultivation. A micro-economic analysis indicated hydroponics and sack farming were financially viable, but open-field yam farming had a negative Net Present Value (NPV) of −₦101,594, confirming its financial non-viability in urban contexts.
EconomicsCommunityPeri-urban agricultureDigital agriculturePublic perceptions on the role of urban green space development and management in Gondar City, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia
2026Getaneh Bizuayehu, Kassahun Gashu, Belete Debebe · Sustainable Futures · Ethiopia
This study investigated public perception of the economic, social, and environmental roles of urban green space (UGS) development and management in Gondar City, Ethiopia, using household surveys and semi-structured questionnaires. Most participants strongly agreed that UGS provides raw materials (54.5%), creates employment (54.5%), attracts businesses (53.5%), aids food production (51.8%), and increases government revenues (51.7%). Socially, UGS was strongly agreed to improve healthy lifestyles (64.3%) and promote mental health (60.1%). Environmentally, strong agreement was found for UGS reducing climate change impacts (89%), improving urban forests (78%), and mitigating urban heat island effects (75.3%). Chi-square tests showed most demographic, socio-economic, and biophysical factors were not significantly associated with these perceived roles.
EconomicsCommunityPolicySocio-Economic Dimensions of Urban Agriculture in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Farmer Characteristics, Cultivation Practices, and Operational Constraints
2026Gwamzhi Ponsah Emmanuel, Kabati Danjuma Madaki, Abadu Afinli Manasseh, Murna Joy Tikuna Dawarga, Sabaina Oluwakemi Gabriel, Pwajok David Jang · International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews · Nigeria (Jos)
This study examined the socio-economic dimensions of dry-season market gardening (fadama) in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria, through interviews with 65 farmers, site reconnaissance, and observation. The farmer population was diverse, with 63% lacking formal land ownership, and intensive year-round cultivation of temperate vegetables was observed. Ten operational constraints were identified, including pest and disease pressures reported by all respondents, land tenure insecurity, expensive fertilizer supply (20-30% of costs), and a near-total absence of formal policy recognition and extension support.
EconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHousehold Perception and Mode Choice in Urban Agriculture: Evidence from Machakos County, Kenya
2026Stephanie Akeyo Nyapela, Everlyn Chitechi Wemali · East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology · Kenya (Machakos County)
A cross-sectional mixed-methods study in Machakos County, Kenya, from June to September 2024, surveyed 388 households to identify urban agriculture (UA) modes and assess household perception's influence on UA adoption. Results showed 46% of households engaged in UA, primarily home-based with cost-effective techniques, and household perceptions significantly affected UA adoption. Positive perceptions influenced the adoption of mixed crop and animal farming systems, but not animal-only practices.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPeri-urban agricultureA Green(er) Roof over the Head: Reflecting on Strategies Targeting Homelessness with Urban Agriculture for Cape Town, South Africa
2026Louis Lategan, Charné Erasmus · REAL CORP Repository (University of Southampton) · South Africa (Cape Town)
This qualitative study, using semi-systematic literature reviews, explored strategies targeting homelessness with urban agriculture (UA) in Cape Town, South Africa. The research found that very few published case studies link UA and homelessness in developing contexts, and information on such strategies in Cape Town remains limited despite its substantial homeless population. In the global South, UA approaches largely prioritize food security, poverty alleviation, and entrepreneurship.
Equity & displacementWelfareCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban Sack Farming: Economic and Environmental Implications in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria
2026Chimka Owhorkaire Emenike, Ajoku Bright Chika · Iconic Research and Engineering Journals · Nigeria
A study was conducted in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, involving 204 participants in urban sack farming. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed that urban sack farming offers economic benefits such as reduced household food costs, increased profitability, job generation, and enhanced savings. It also contributes to environmental advantages like reduced pollutants, water efficiency, and soil conservation, serving as a viable livelihood strategy for urban residents, particularly in densely populated and economically disadvantaged areas.
EconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceCommunitySocio-economic Factors Influencing Marketing Practices and Opportunities for the Smallholder Pig Farming Enterprise in the Cape Metropole District, South Africa
2026R.M. MATHOBELA, O.C. Chikwanha, C.L.F. Katiyatiya, A.H. Molotsi, M.C. Marufu, P.E. Strydom, C. Mapiye · Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir landbouvoorligting/South African journal of agricultural extension · South Africa
A survey of 160 pig farmers in five suburbs of the Cape Metropole District, South Africa, analyzed the impact of socio-economic factors on marketing practices and challenges. Key challenges included slow pig growth rates (54% of respondents), scarcity of production inputs (25%), and difficulty finding marketing information (20%). The study found that women, older farmers, and those with less experience or education were more likely to face challenges and fail to adopt sustainable marketing practices.
Economic viabilityEconomicsCommunityWelfareEntrepreneurial risk factors affecting decision-making and income generation in urban agriculture for households: a case of farmers in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
2026S.Z Ndwalane, J.M Thamaga-Chitja, T.O Ojo · Urban Transitions · South Africa (Pietermaritzburg)
In Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, data was collected from 78 farmers to evaluate the impact of entrepreneurial risk on decision-making and income generation in urban agriculture. Results indicated that factors such as age, education, water quality, production risk, market price risk, and psychological capital significantly influenced household participation in urban agriculture and decision-making. The study concluded that farmers lacked motivation, which affected their income-generating capacity.
EconomicsCommunitySocio-economic contributions and challenges of urban agriculture practice in Ethiopia
2026Ashagrie Gibtan, Wondwosen Abera, Mekuria Delelegn, Molla Maru, Adamu Teferi · Journal of Urbanism International Research on Placemaking and Urban Sustainability · Ethiopia
A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in five urban centers of Ethiopia, involving 385 urban agriculture practitioners, to assess the socio-economic contributions and challenges of urban agriculture. The study analyzed data using descriptive statistics and a multiple linear regression model. It found that urban agriculture significantly contributes to enhancing food security and incomes for practitioners, but also revealed that finance, technologies, water, and land are hindering factors for its practice in Ethiopia.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityWomen in urban and peri-agriculture: sustaining livelihoods in the Cape metropolitan area
2026Human Sciences Research Council · Human Science Research Council SA · South Africa
This article explores how urban women participate in urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA), the constraints they face, and the policy support they need, using evidence from a sample of farming projects around the Cape Metropolitan Area. Urban women farmers primarily access land through social networking and work collectively. Almost all projects engage in in-kind donations to schools and HIV/AIDS patients, with women-only projects distributing 25% of their output as social responsibility.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsPolicyPeri-urban agricultureIntegrating Biophilic Design and Productive Green Infrastructure as Urban Renewal Strategy for Mixed Use Development in Lagos Island
2026F. I. Alagbe, B. J. Adewumi, Mathew Dayomi, O. A. Ibitoye · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Lagos)
This study investigated the integration of biophilic design and productive green infrastructure (PGI) in mixed-use developments on Lagos Island, Nigeria, as an urban renewal strategy. Data from 303 architects, urban planners, and real estate developers revealed that while ecological regeneration opportunities exist, the area faces limitations from high density and inadequate infrastructure. Respondents showed moderate to high awareness of biophilic principles, and PGI incorporation was linked to perceived gains in social interaction, biodiversity, and economic value.
CommunityBiodiversityPolicyPeri-urban agricultureThe various face(t)s of urban agriculture: evidence from secondary towns in Ethiopia
2026Amare Molla Dinku, Goedele Van den Broeck · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Ethiopia
This qualitative study explored the technical, institutional, and commercial aspects of urban agriculture (UA) in two Ethiopian secondary towns, Dessie and Kombolcha, through 68 key informant interviews and 11 focus group discussions. It found that nearly 90% of local leafy vegetables are sourced via UA, but insecure land rights, limited policy support, and informal trading systems hinder its impact. Informal markets also cause post-harvest losses, disproportionately affecting women.
Governance failureCommunityPeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsURBANE:One Health approaches to support agroecological transformation of peri-urban farming; Deliverable D8.3, Report on the co-creation of sustainable business models and initial results of their implementation
2026M.; id_orcid 0000-0002-0118-4484 Simataa, R.I.; id_orcid 0009-0004-4345-5467 Primus, H.; id_orcid 0000-0002-0447-5914 Romijn, Rianne Valkenburg, J.C.C.M.; id_orcid 0000-0003-1190-6417 Huijben · TU/e Research Portal · Benin
Deliverable D8.3 of the URBANE project designed a co-creation workshop methodology for agroecological business models with the University of Abomey Calavi (UAC) and Eindhoven University of Technology. This methodology was applied in a multi-actor workshop in Benin to co-design sustainable innovation System Business Models (SysBMs) for local agrifood contexts. The main outcome is a workshop design template, including instructive videos, documented in a facilitator's handbook.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityVertical gardening undergirds household food security: evidence from Nairobi's Kibera informal settlements
2025Otieno J.A., Omia D.O., Amwata D.A. · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · East Africa (Kenya)
Evidence-based study demonstrating how vertical gardening (particularly sack farming) in Kibera's informal settlements underpins household food security. Shows how stacking soil-filled sacks vertically enables vegetable production in space-constrained environments, serving as a solution to chronic hunger.
CommunityFood educationFood lossOrganic cycleBeyond the blueprint: Rethinking governance and sustainability in Cape Town's community gardens
2025Kanosvamhira T. · Journal of Urban Affairs · Cape Town, South Africa
While external support from nonprofits and government agencies matters for garden survival, poorly managed support can undermine local ownership and autonomy. The case study shows how governance failures threaten the sustainability of community gardens.
PolicyCommunityTypology of peri‐urban farming in the southeastern fringe of Nairobi city: A spatial and socioeconomic approach
2025Ahogle et al. · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Kenya (Nairobi)
Typology of peri-urban farming in southeastern Nairobi. Analyzes production technologies: open field (24.9%), multi-storey gardens (16.4%), moist-bed gardens (11.9%). Institutional land is largest available (54.2%). Spatial and socioeconomic analysis reveals diversity and adaptability of urban-peri-urban systems.
CommunityEconomicsGreening African Cities for Sustainability: A Systematic Review of Urban Gardening's Role in Biodiversity and Socio-Economic Resilience
2025African Urban Gardening Research Network · National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI/PMC) · Sub-Saharan Africa
Systematic review of 47 peer-reviewed studies across sub-Saharan Africa (2000–2025) showing urban gardens support ecological functions including pollination, soil fertility, and microclimate regulation.
BiodiversityCommunityWelfareFood educationGreening African Cities: Urban Agriculture as a Climate Adaptation Strategy
2025Olawole, M., Green, J., Mwangi, E. · Springer Environmental Science & Technology · Africa
Review of 45 urban agriculture case studies across 12 African countries showing urban farming reduces urban heat island effects by 2-3°C and improves air quality while providing food security for 200+ million residents.
CommunityDeterminants of urban agriculture and green infrastructure integration in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia
2025Ermias Debie, Demsew Mengistie · Discover Sustainability · Ethiopia
This study investigated the determinants of Urban Agriculture (UA) and Green Infrastructure (GI) integration in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected through surveys and analyzed using binary and ordinal logistic regression models. Findings revealed that a lack of awareness and lower education levels, such as no formal and primary education, significantly hinder the integration of UA and GI practices. Conversely, larger residential spaces and household sizes positively influence integration levels, with each additional household member increasing the score by 0.236 units for consumption needs, and each unit increase in residential site size raising the score by 0.004 units due to space availability.
CommunityPolicyFood educationArchitecture for Spatially Just Food System Planning with and for Urban Youth South Sudanese Refugees in Kenya
2025Katie Schofield, Jacqueline Fanta, William Kolong Pioth, Alissa Cook, Samuel Owuor, Cherie Enns · Youth · Kenya
This youth-led study, involving 40 South Sudanese urban refugees (aged 19-32) in Kenya, mapped food supply chains and identified barriers to procuring, growing, and selling food. Findings indicate that improving the quality of life and food security for refugee youth is complex. Without education and improved livelihoods, including urban agricultural opportunities, their health and wellbeing will continue to be negatively affected.
Equity & displacementWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityInformal Land Delivery System and Access to Land for Urban Agriculture in Ilorin, Nigeria
2025Ola Akeem Bayonle, Raheem Wasiu Mayowa · Bioresources and Environment · Nigeria
This study in Ilorin, Nigeria, examined the role of informal land agents in supporting urban agriculture using a cross-sectional survey of 73 informal agents and 303 urban farmers. It found that most agents were male, aged 20-39, and land was primarily acquired through direct contact with owners (72.6%), with location being the main price factor (78.2%). A strong positive correlation was identified between informal land delivery systems and access to agricultural land, indicating these agents bridge gaps in the formal system.
PolicyEconomicsCommunity