Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Urban expansion and food security implications: A three-decade analysis of land use change in Kinondoni district, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (1993-2023)
2026Adili Y. Zella · African Journal of Social Issues · Tanzania
This study analyzed land use and land cover (LULC) changes in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, between 1993 and 2023 using multi-temporal Landsat satellite imagery. The analysis revealed that built-up areas expanded by 1,433%, from 124.20 ha in 1993 to 1,905.14 ha in 2023. Concurrently, cultivated land decreased by 96.6%, from 172.90 ha to 5.88 ha, representing a loss of 167.02 ha. The near-complete elimination of cultivated land in Kinondoni District indicates a critical threat to local food production capacity and urban food security.
Environmental trade-offsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageClimate changePolicyFeeding the city: The role of rural–urban migrants in enhancing food security in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
2026Agnes G. Kapinga, Baraka F. Lenga · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
A qualitative case study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, using semi-structured interviews with 31 migrant farmers and seven key informants, revealed that migrant farmers contribute to urban food security through diverse crop cultivation and livestock keeping, enhancing food production and income generation. However, migrant farmers face major constraints including insecure land tenure, flooding, water scarcity, high input costs, and limited institutional support. City authorities institutionalize the marginalization of migrant farmers by treating urban agriculture as an informal and temporary activity, despite their critical contributions.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityUrban–rural linkagePolicyThe Role of Urban Gardening in the Maintenance of Rural Landscape Heritage in a Large City: Case Study of Brno Metropolitan Area, Czech Republic
2026Jaromír Kolejka, Eva Novakova, Jana Zapletalova · Land · Czech Republic (Brno)
This study identified remnants of ancient rural agricultural landscapes within Brno, Czech Republic, and attempted to explain their location, state, and the role of natural factors, land ownership, and residents' personal and recreational interests. By comparing current aerial photographs with cadastral maps from the 1820s–1830s, 34 such segments were identified, with half (17 cases) still preserving traditional small-scale land division. These remnants were generally preserved in locations unsuitable for construction due to slope, unsuitable building subsoil, and poor soil. Urban gardening contributes to their preservation but also to their destruction, with 17 cases showing complete re-division, construction of recreational facilities, and overgrowth due to poor care.
CommunityUrban–rural linkageExtraction of Open Spaces and Identification of Suitable Rooftops for Urban Agriculture: Contribution of Geospatial Technologies for Sustainable Planning
2026Asmaa Moussaoui, Ouijdane Lahyan, Hajar Sbiki, Imane Sebari, Kenza Ait El Kadi · The international archives of the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences/International archives of the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences · Global
This project aimed to extract vacant spaces and rooftops suitable for urban agriculture using geospatial technologies. For vacant space extraction, three classifiers were tested, with the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier achieving the highest accuracy at 75% precision. For rooftop extraction, object-based classification using SVM, the Footprint Building Extraction-USA deep learning model, and Mapflow's building model were tested, with the latter two achieving F-Factor values above 77%.
PolicyUrban–rural linkageDigital agricultureTemperature Assessment of Urban Rooftop Farming for Cooling Effect to Buildings Significant Determinant of Micro-Climate Change and Urban Heat Island Effects.
2026K. C. Sahu · International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research · Global
This study, conducted in Bhubaneswar city, India, assessed the cooling effect of urban rooftop farming on buildings and their surroundings. By comparing temperatures in buildings with and without rooftop gardens, the research found that rooftop farming reduces the temperature in building rooms and adjacent areas. This cooling effect contributes to mitigating micro-climate change and urban heat island effects, thereby lowering cooling expenses for urban inhabitants.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageCommunityFood Green Cities for Urban Sustainability (Book)
2026Ambika P. Adhikari, Keshav Bhattarai, Drona Rasali, Sunil Babu Shrestha · UNM’s Digital Repository (University of New Mexico) · Global
This book explores the role of urban agriculture, forestry, and sustainable practices in ensuring food security and addressing climate change and urbanization challenges. It emphasizes urban greening and sustainable land use as strategies for creating livable cities and mitigating environmental degradation. The book compiles research, practical solutions, and transferable strategies applicable to developing countries.
Urban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityFood sovereignty, capitalism and migrant workers
2026Sinem Kavak, Lorenza Arango, Doi Ra, Zeynep Ceren Eren Benlisoy, Carlo John Arceo, George T. Mudimu, Daren Shi-chi Leung, Adwoa Yeboah Gyapong, Mnqobi Ngubane · The Journal of Peasant Studies · Global
Migrant workers often remain marginal in food sovereignty discourse and practice despite their central role in the global food system. The emphasis on localization within food sovereignty often overlooks trends towards semi-proletarianization within small peasant and worker households, and a more inclusive food sovereignty agenda must address migrant workers' access to land.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageEconomicsShrinking agriculture in the arid landscapes of the Cholistan Desert: a geospatial assessment of urban expansion and its implications for the sustainable future of Multan City, Pakistan
2026Muhammad Hussain, Saima Shaikh, Zahir Ahmad, Ihsanullah, George Kontakiotis, Andreas Dittmann · Ecological Questions · Pakistan (Multan City)
This study analyzed urban expansion patterns and their impact on agricultural land in Multan City, Pakistan, using remotely sensed data from 1990 to 2020. The built-up area increased from 75 km² in 1990 to 299 km² in 2020, representing an annual increase of 9.5%. This growth converted approximately 31% (100 km²) of fertile agricultural land into built-up areas, with predictions of further increases of 54% by 2030 and 67% by 2040.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageClimate changeIntegrating vertical and urban farming into sustainable food systems: a comprehensive review
2026Thulisekari Prasanna, Guda Bhargavi, Murugesan Mohana Keerthi · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Global
This comprehensive review synthesizes literature on vertical and urban agriculture within sustainable food systems, identifying production models and technical advancements. Empirical evidence indicates these systems can improve water/land-use efficiency, yield stability, and reduce post-harvest losses. However, significant challenges persist, including high capital and energy prices, inadequate crop diversification, technical complexities, and regulatory constraints, impacting their economic viability.
Economic viabilityUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyDigital agricultureA review on urban horticulture: An innovative approach for smart cities
2026Davendra Kumar, Krishan Pal, Ashish Kumar · International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research · Global
This review discusses urban horticulture as a viable method to address challenges arising from rapid urbanization, population growth, food crisis, and climate change. It notes that by 2050, 40.76% of India's population is projected to live in urban areas, increasing pressure on urban resources and rural agricultural production. Urban horticulture is presented as a sustainable way to reduce agricultural pressure and combat food crisis.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsUrban–rural linkageApresentação do Dossiê – V ELAUP e I LAGRURAL
2026Flamarion Dutra Alves, Juan David Delgado Rozo · Revista Campo-Território · Colombia (Bogotá)
The 5th Latin American Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Meeting (ELAUP) and the 1st Latin American Rural Geography Seminar (LAGRURAL) took place in Bogotá, Colombia, from November 25 to 28, 2025. The central theme of the event was 'Contemporary Ruralities and the Challenges of Food Security in Latin America'. The event was organized by the Geography Department of the National University of Colombia in partnership with the Federal University of Alfenas and the Network of Agrarian Studies.
Urban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceUtilization of Developer's Corporate Real Estate Resources for Agricultural Production Contributing to National Food Security: A Conceptual Study
2026Nur Afiqah Auni Kamaruzzaman, Rohaya Abdul Jalil, Maimunah Sapri, Zafirah AB. Muin, Siti Radiaton Adawiyah Zakaria, Fatin Afiqah Md Azmi, Norhidayah Md Yunus, Nurul Hamizah Jamalludin, Nurul Azreena Nabila Khairul Anuar · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science · Malaysia
This conceptual study proposes temporarily utilizing developers' corporate land banking assets in Malaysia for fast-yield agricultural production to enhance national food security. It addresses the challenge of reduced arable land due to urbanization and speculative land banking by suggesting strategic repurposing of underutilized developer-owned land. The study uses a literature-based approach to identify factors influencing the practicality of temporary agricultural activities on corporate land.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageUrban agrivoltaics enhance crop resilience and food-energy synergies in a changing climate
2026Caroline Merheb, Joshua S. Caplan, Pralad Phuyal, Jordan Macknick, Nicholas C. Davatzes, Sujith Ravi · npj Urban Sustainability · Global
This study evaluated ground-based agrivoltaics in an urban context. It demonstrated that while early-season yields may decline due to light reduction in temperate climates, productivity rebounds during periods of extreme heat, extending harvest windows and enhancing crop resilience.
Limited or null effectClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageOpen Space and Mental Well-Being: Reimagining Urban Environments for Psychological Health
2026Vidhyashree H, Harshita D · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This paper investigates the relationship between open spaces and mental well-being, focusing on the psychological, social, environmental, and physiological impacts of access in urban settings. Through analysis of existing literature, case studies, and interdisciplinary perspectives, findings suggest that open spaces significantly improve mental well-being by reducing anxiety, depression, mental fatigue, and social alienation while promoting community engagement, physical activity, and emotional resilience.
HealthCommunityUrban–rural linkageEveryday Urbanism in Lithuanian towns: the case of old community gardens in Grigiškės and Plungė
2026Adomas Gedvilas, Dovilė Krupickaitė · Journal of Architecture and Urbanism · Lithuania
This paper examines old community gardens in Grigiškės and Plungė, Lithuania, as examples of Everyday Urbanism, using literature, data, maps, and interviews. The study found that these gardens, established informally on vacant land during the socialist period, are not officially recognized and their future development may differ due to varying local government attitudes. This highlights the need for a more flexible approach to their preservation and integration into urban planning.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageThe Origins, Definition, and Operational Framework of Community-Supported Agriculture
2026Magdalena Raftowicz, Mirosław Struś · · Global
This chapter presents the origins, definition, and operational framework of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) in selected countries of the "old" European Union and Central and Eastern European states. It demonstrates that, due to differing historical experiences, the classical CSA model has not gained sufficient recognition in post-communist countries, unlike its success in Western Europe, the United States, and Japan.
CSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageA systematic review of the barriers to urban agriculture at a global scale
2026Chris Blythe · OSF Preprints (OSF Preprints) · Global
This systematic review aims to explore the barriers to urban agriculture at a global scale. Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in systematic reviews concerning urban agriculture's health benefits, motivations for participation, and sustainability elements. This study will focus on the challenges and obstacles in implementing urban agriculture.
Governance failureUrban–rural linkagePolicyEconomicsCommunityAssessment of Carbon Dioxide Reduction and Air Quality Improvement through Rooftop Farming in Urban Areas
2026K. C. Sahu · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · Global
This study assessed carbon dioxide reduction and air quality improvement through rooftop farming in urban areas over five years (2021-2025). It observed lower CO2 concentrations in rooftop farming areas compared to non-vegetated urban areas, where CO2 levels were recorded at 449 ppm in the township. Dense plant growth on rooftops reduced CO2 by absorption during photosynthesis, contributing to fresher air and improved environmental quality.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageUrbanisation and sustainable farming in smallholder farming communities of the Northern region of Ghana: A policy narrative
2026Adan Iddrisu · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Ghana
This policy brief explored the causes of farmland loss and its effects on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana due to rapid urbanization. Using data from focus group discussions, findings revealed that loss of farmland reduces productivity, increases household food security vulnerability, and threatens the livelihoods of farmers.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsSupply chains, marketing channels, and distribution networks
2026Sylvie Ayimpam · · Congo (Kinshasa)
This chapter maps the multi-scalar supply chains feeding Kinshasa's markets, detailing how small retail functions as a nodal point. It traces historical and contemporary provisioning of local foodstuffs via road and river routes into urban wholesale hubs, examining peddlers, brokers, and 'ghost markets' that circumvent taxation. Distribution in Kinshasa is characterized by hybrid, shifting chains of intermediation combining logistical improvisation, social brokerage, and regulatory avoidance.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justicePotentially Toxic Elements in Foods Consumed in Uganda: Occurrence, Dietary Exposure, and Public Health Risks
2026Gabson Baguma, Gadson Bamanya, Allan Gonzaga, Hannington Twinomuhwezi, Barnabas Mubangizi, Eric Niringiyimana · Pollutants · Uganda
This review synthesized literature on the occurrence of cadmium, chromium, nickel, lead, and arsenic in foods consumed in Uganda. Contamination was concentrated in mining-influenced agricultural areas, wastewater-irrigated farms, municipal dumpsites, industrial corridors, and urban food markets, with vegetables, cereals, livestock products, fish, and street-vended foods exhibiting the greatest contamination burdens. Lead and cadmium most frequently exceeded WHO/FAO, Codex Alimentarius, and Ugandan food safety limits, and children consistently showed higher dietary exposure than adults.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageAssessing the links between climate change resiliency and food security in northwestern region of Bangladesh
2026Abhi Sarker, Salman Ibn Yasin, Bikash Chandra Ghosh, Gershom Endelani Mwalupaso, Asma Akter, Emmanuel Kiprop, Liu Z, Farjana Eyasmin, Geng Xianhui · Agricultural Economics (Zemědělská ekonomika) · Bangladesh
This study examined the impact of climate resilience on food security among 498 farming households across 16 villages in extreme climate zones of northwestern Bangladesh. Using a climate resilience index and a binary logistic model, the findings indicate a positive association between climate resilience and food security. Urban households showed greater resilience (38.7% food secure) than rural ones (32.8% food secure).
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageRural–Urban Differences in Odonata Diversity and Population Dynamics across Agricultural Landscapes of the Eastern Gangetic Plains
2026Sneha Kumari Bharati, A. Pattanayak, Sidh Nath Prasad Yadav ‘Deen’ · Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology · Global
This study compared odonate diversity and population dynamics in rural (Manpur) and urban (Gaya city) agricultural landscapes of the Eastern Gangetic Plains from March 2022 to February 2024. The rural landscape supported 24 odonate species, while the urban landscape supported 17, showing only moderate similarity (SSI = 0.571) between the two assemblages. This indicates a lower diversity of odonates in urban agricultural areas compared to rural ones.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityUrban–rural linkageEdible architecture: seasonal green intervention through atmospheric design of tropical growing spaces
2026F. X. Teddy Badai Samodra, Rizky Nathania, Triono Bagus Saputro, Ike Phiri, Seonghwan Yoon · Frontiers in Built Environment · Global
This study proposed the concept of edible architecture, using plants as architectural elements for spatial flexibility, to address reduced green spaces and increased carbon footprints from urbanization. Through literature reviews, secondary data, location analysis, and design exploration with study models, it suggests that a refitable approach to edible landscapes allows modification based on needs and seasons, creating dynamic spaces. Integrating atmospheric design could lead to potential annual energy savings of 67,500 kWh/year in roof-based structures.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageBiodiversityLand-market drivers of peri-urban land transformation in Mpingu and Malingunde extension planning areas, Lilongwe District, Malawi
2026Jabulani Nyengere, Frank Tchuwa, Harineck Mayamiko Tholo, Allena Laura Njala, Chawanangwa Mwakisalu, Lucius Malalu, Chikondi Chisenga, Patson Nalivata, Weston Mwase, Msaiwale Kathewera, Brenda Matewere, Lackson Jamu, Jones Kanjira, Macdonald Chabwera, D. J. Kachamba, Andrew Jamali, Takudzwa Musekiwa, Clement Nyirenda, Henry Kadzuwa, Precious Masuku, Agnes Mwangwela · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · Malawi (Lilongwe)
In Mpingu and Malingunde Extension Planning Areas of Lilongwe District, Malawi, the drivers of peri-urban land transformation were investigated using land use and land cover maps for 2004, 2014, and 2024, alongside household survey data from 279 farming households. Spatial analysis revealed substantial landscape transformation over two decades, with natural woodland declining by approximately 66%, cropland expanding by approximately 459%, and built-up settlement areas increasing by approximately 127%. A multinomial logit model analysis found that land markets, spatial accessibility, and institutional conditions were the primary drivers of land transformation.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkage