Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Urban Microfarms: Hot or Cold Spots for Plants and Soil Biodiversity?
2026Joimel S., Grard B., Chenu C., Auclerc A., Bernard M., Mondy S., Dewulf L., Lelièvre M., El Mekdad F., Vieublé Gonod L. · European Journal of Soil Science · France (Paris)
Study of 12 urban microfarm plots in the Paris region found high intra- and inter-site variability in soil biological properties, with microfarm soils hosting lower bacterial diversity than forests or cultivated soils. Both ground-level and rooftop microfarms were surveyed.
BiodiversityOrganic cycleRemediation of Contaminated Soils Using Organic Waste and Waste Products in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of Technologies, Adoption and Challenges
2026· Soil Systems · Sub-Saharan Africa
Reviews remediation of contaminated soils in Sub-Saharan Africa using organic waste and waste-derived products as sustainable, cost-effective amendments amid soil contamination driven partly by urban expansion.
CompostOrganic cycleOptimalisasi Pemanfaatan Ecoenzym dalam Budidaya Hortikultura Urban Farming Untuk Mendukung Ketahanan Pangan Keluarga pada KWT Kota Pala Desa Dauh Peken Tabanan
2026Pratiwi Pratiwi, Pradnya Dewi, Ananda Wiguna, Wahyu Utami, Sintya Dewi, Pasaribu Pasaribu, Galih Cahayaningsih · Cakrawala Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Global · Indonesia
A community service program in May 2026 involved 20 members of the Kota Pala Women Farmers Group in Dauh Peken Village, Tabanan Regency, Indonesia. The program aimed to improve their capacity to utilize eco-enzyme in horticultural cultivation, as previous utilization was suboptimal due to limited knowledge. Participants' knowledge of eco-enzyme use increased from 52.50% to 88.00%, and application skills improved from 41.30% to 86.50%, with a 90.00% technology adoption success rate on 60 demonstration plants.
CommunityDIYOrganic cycleFood educationCase study on biological and chemical soil properties during the transition from intensive agriculture to an organic food forest
2026Hermann Ketterl, Tobias Heinrich · Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg (OTH Regensburg) · Global
This case study monitors soil properties as a function of time since conversion from intensive agriculture to an organic food forest, which was planted in several sections over five years. Classical soil microscopy was used to assess bacterial and fungal abundance, and the resulting videos were analyzed using image analysis.
Organic cycleBiodiversityCommunityThe Role of the Srikandi Tani 09 Women Farmers Group in Fulfilling the Right to a Healthy Environment
2026Nurdiyana Diyana, Suanto Suanto, Roni Rustandi, Trisakti Handayani, Sri Rumiati · JUSTISI · Indonesia
This qualitative descriptive study in South Tangerang City, Indonesia, analyzed the role of the Srikandi Tani 09 Women Farmers Group (KWT) in realizing the right to a healthy environment. Based on interviews, observations, and documentation from five active members, findings indicate KWT Srikandi Tani 09 actively raises environmental awareness, manages limited land for urban agriculture, and processes organic waste. Success factors include participatory leadership and collaboration, while challenges involve limited land, funding, and public awareness.
CommunityOrganic cyclePolicyWelfareWastewater reuse in urbanperi-urban agriculture of Dakar: Salmonella species contamination in water and market garden produce
2026Ndiaye Awa, Diallo Ibrahima, Dieng Amadou, Ba Ibrahima, Sembene Mbacke · African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology · Senegal
This study in Dakar, Senegal, assessed Salmonella contamination in irrigation water and lettuce across three urban agricultural sites. Sites using wastewater (Pikine and Patte d’Oie) showed high Salmonella prevalence in water (70-90%) and vegetables (20-80%), while a tap water site (Lendeng) had no contamination. Market-sourced lettuce also tested positive (28.57%), indicating public health risks from untreated wastewater use.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleEffects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of lettuce (Lactuca Sativa L.) in rooftop garden
2026Monika Kundu, Rezowana Nizam, Suraya Parvin, Nigar Afsana, Konika Kundu, P. A. Bithy, Mohammad Mahbub Islam · Bangladesh Journal of Botany · Bangladesh
A pot experiment in a rooftop garden investigated the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on lettuce growth, yield, and antioxidant properties. Treatments with cowdung, alone or combined with vermicompost and biochar, increased plant height, leaf number, and shoot weight compared to control and inorganic fertilizer. Antioxidant compounds increased with organic fertilizers but decreased with inorganic fertilizers, suggesting organic fertilizers improve lettuce yield and quality in rooftop gardens.
DIYOrganic cycleHealthРоль органічного сільського господарства у забезпеченні продовольчої безпеки
2026О. І. Дребот, О. В. Мельников · The Scientific Issues of Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University Series pedagogy · Global
This article examines the contribution of organic agriculture to food security, identifying its role in maintaining soil fertility, supporting biodiversity, and increasing agricultural system resilience to climate change. The study also notes limitations, including lower yields, higher certification costs, and limited economic accessibility of organic products. It concludes that organic agriculture is an important element of an integrated food security model.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeOrganic cycleTECHNICAL GUIDANCE HOUSEHOLD ORGANIC WASTE FERTILIZER PRODUCTION TO SUPPORT URBAN FARMING ON ANTHROPOGENIC LAND FOR THE DASAWISMA GROUPS
2026La Ode Rustam, Darwis Darwis, Rian Arini, Abdi Abdi · Mitra Mahajana Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Kendari City)
An Internal Community Partnership Program in Mandonga Village, Kendari City, Indonesia, provided technical guidance to the Gunung Sakura and Bunga Sakura Dasawisma Groups on converting household waste into organic fertilizer for urban farming on degraded land. The program achieved an 80% outcome attainment rate, with participants reaching 100% comprehension in identifying organic waste components and acquiring skills to produce solid organic fertilizer within 14-21 days. This fertilizer aims to restore soil fertility and support urban farming sustainability.
CompostDIYCommunityOrganic cycleAgrotechnology and Sustainable Agricultural Innovation
2026A. R. (Alin) Adawiah, S. (Sumini) Sumini, R. A. (Rahil) Rifqah, M. (Muhammad) Syafi’ie, S. (Sari) Susanti, P. (Poppy) Khairunnisa, S. Anggraini, S. (Samsul) Bahri, P. A. (Pajri) Yudha, M. (Meli) Roslianti · Neliti · Global
This book provides an overview of agrotechnology and sustainable agricultural innovation, covering topics such as environmentally friendly agricultural production systems, cultivation innovation, post-harvest technology, agricultural mechanization and automation, precision agriculture, biotechnology, organic agriculture, urban farming, climate change adaptation, and policies. It states that the agricultural sector is a vital pillar for providing food and supporting economic, cultural, and environmental sustainability.
Digital agricultureOrganic cycleClimate changePolicyHow Local Governments Link Green Economy and Eco-Edu Tourism?
2026Joli Apriansyah, Evi Satispi, Mawar Mawar, Kurniasih Mufidayati, Lusi Andriyani · Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan Humaniora · Indonesia (South Jakarta)
In Kelurahan Cikoko, South Jakarta, a qualitative case study investigated how eco-edu tourism operationalizes the green economy agenda along the Ciliwung River. The initiative transformed neglected riverbanks into public eco-edu spaces with urban farming plots and environmental programs, strengthening community participation and generating micro-economic benefits. Identified constraints included coordination burdens, limited financing, and vulnerability to shifting political priorities.
CommunityFood educationPolicyOrganic cycleFermented plant juice for sustainable lettuce production in urban farming
2026Quirante Zandra Anciano · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Philippines (Zamboanga Peninsula)
An experimental study in the Zamboanga Peninsula investigated the economic feasibility of hydroponic lettuce production using Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ). Estrosa and Olmetie lettuce varieties showed optimal performance, with undetectable nitrate levels in Estrosa and Green Wave, and all varieties remaining within international safety limits for nitrate. Cadmium was not detected.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureOrganic cycleـ- SUSTAINABLE FEATURES IN EDUCATION: Ecological Retrofitting Of Existing Campuses
2026Manal Emhemed Mu Chalgham, Halil Semih Eryıldız · Al-Farooq Journal of Sciences · Turkey (Istanbul)
This case study focuses on Okan University's Tuzla Campus in Istanbul, which already has sustainable features. The research proposes ecological retrofitting measures like edible landscaping, rainwater harvesting, and waste management to improve environmental performance and create an interactive learning environment. Analysis revealed major weaknesses in underutilized green spaces, inefficient natural ventilation, and lacking water/waste management systems, which the proposed retrofits aim to address.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleTillage-Induced Changes in Soil Structure and Pore Space Distribution.
2026Durga Bastola · Murray State's Digital Commons (Murray State University) · United States (Kentucky)
This study evaluated the effects of contrasting tillage intensities on soil structural characteristics and pore space distribution across six agricultural systems at Pullen Farm in Murray, Kentucky. Soil samples were collected from low-disturbance no-till systems and high-disturbance conventional tillage systems to determine bulk density, total porosity, and soil water-holding capacity. Results showed that no-till systems maintained significantly lower bulk density and greater total porosity, while conventionally tilled systems exhibited increased bulk density and reduced pore space. This indicates that tillage-induced disturbance directly modifies soil structure and pore continuity, leading to reduced pore space and impaired water dynamics.
CommunityOrganic cycleA scoping review of temperate food forestry research: key themes, methodological considerations and research priorities
2026Anna M. Roodhof, Lieke Moereels, Isabelle van der Zanden, Giulia Bongiorno, Alejandra Hernández Guzmán, Jeroen Kruit, Madelon Lohbeck, Sietze J. Norder, Suzy Rebisz, Bastiaan Rooduijn, Jordy van Eijk, Heitor Mancini Teixeira · Agroforestry Systems · Global
This scoping review aims to facilitate future food forestry research by organizing existing empirical research and research agendas on food forestry in temperate regions. The study integrated fragmented literature, primarily due to inconsistent terminology, around nine key research themes. Overall, three clusters of research gaps were identified, centering on questions pertaining to food production, multifunctionality, and knowledge legitimization processes in food forests.
CommunityPolicyBiodiversityOrganic cycleSoil Fertility Management Training for Urban Women Farmers Using PUTK and PUPO: A Participatory Rural Appraisal Approach in KWT Roay Lestari, Indonesia
2026Anita Dwy Fitria, Dwi Wijayanti, Kusuma Agdhi Rahwana, Missi Hikmatyar · ABDIMAS Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia
This community service program in KWT Roay Lestari, Indonesia, aimed to improve soil fertility management skills among urban women farmers using simple soil and fertilizer testing tools. A Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach was applied, involving active farmer participation in training and field practice. Pre- and post-training questionnaires showed an increase in participants’ knowledge by over 80% and an initial-final knowledge increase of over 50%. Soil analysis revealed moderately fertile soil with slightly acidic pH, moderate phosphorus, low potassium, and low organic matter, leading to recommendations for the application of 20–25 tons/ha of manure, 20 ml/L of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, and 3 tons/ha of lime. The program effectively enhanced farmers’ capacity to independently manage soil fertility in urban farming systems.
DIYFood educationCommunityOrganic cycleLearning Grassroots Regenerative Circularity: Food Forest Pedagogies of Praxis
2026Kensington Food Forest, Kensington Circular Economy Precinct Community Group, Nícolas Guerra-Tão, Corey Ferguson, Alexandre da Silva Faustino, Ana Lara Heyns, Zheng Chin, Stephanie Ochona, Benjamin Cooke · Australian Journal of Environmental Education · Australia (Melbourne)
Research conducted with the Kensington Circular Economy Precinct Community Group in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia, examined the Kensington Food Forest, an urban ecological site within public housing estates. This study co-created indicators to capture the ecological, social, and pedagogical values generated by grassroots initiatives, showing how communities learn with their environment and each other. The findings position regenerative circularity as an embodied, relational, and pedagogical praxis.
CommunityBiodiversityOrganic cycleFood educationTrace metal extractability and bioaccessibility in urban soils
2026María Roo, Cecilia Herbón, Juan Pedro Martín‐Sanz, María Teresa Barral, Remigio Paradelo Núñez · Journal of Soils and Sediments · Spain (Santiago de Compostela)
This study analyzed the chemical extractability and bioaccessibility of five trace metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr) in 55 urban soils from Santiago de Compostela, Spain, across various land uses. The availability of trace metals in these soils was found to be very low. Plant-available and bioaccessible Cu and Zn were higher in urban garden soils compared to other uses, supporting hypotheses that Cu, Pb, and Zn originate from anthropogenic pollution.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cyclePhysicochemical Characterization of Surface Waters under Lettuce and Rice Cultivation in the City of Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire
2026Bahi Aristide Armand, Ohou-Yao Marie Jeanne, Kouamé Leonard Kouadio, Sahiri Grâces Kérène, Akpètou Lazare, Akessé Djamatché Paul, Koné Oumar, Dongui Bini Kouamé · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · Côte d’Ivoire (Daloa)
This study characterized the physicochemical quality of surface waters at 30 sampling points in lettuce and rice cultivation areas in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire, from January 2024 to January 2025. Physicochemical analyses revealed spatial variability in water quality parameters, with marked fluctuations influenced by agricultural activities. The findings indicate that surface waters are exposed to contamination from farming practices, domestic activities, and rapid urbanization.
Contamination & food safetyHealthClimate changeOrganic cycleEVALUACIÓN DE LA SUSTENTABILIDAD DE HUERTOS URBANOS DEL MUNICIPIO DE PUEBLA, PUEBLA, MÉXICO
2026Héctor Bernal-Mendoza, Daniel Jiménez-García, Natyeli Matus Angulo, Miguel Ángel Escalona Aguilar · Agroecología · Mexico (Puebla)
This study evaluated the sustainability of 18 urban gardens in Puebla, Mexico, from 2020 to 2021. The MESMI methodology was applied using 14 indicators across economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Two alternative systems were identified: transitional to conventional and transitional to agroecological, with the latter showing the highest values in 7 indicators and thus concluded to be the most sustainable.
CommunityEconomicsOrganic cycleClimate changeFruit-waste biochar for immobilizing potentially toxic elements in contaminated agricultural soils and reducing vegetable-related human health risks: A systematic review.
2026Nelson Joseph Msacky, Amelia Alfred, Oscar Punguti, Edson Protas, Iddi Mapande, Novatus, Shukrani Phillip, January G Msemakweli · Open MIND · Global
This systematic review aims to synthesize current scientific evidence on the effectiveness of fruit-waste-derived biochar in immobilizing potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in contaminated agricultural soils. It will evaluate how fruit-waste biochar reduces metal bioavailability, plant uptake, and associated human health risks from vegetable consumption. The review also seeks to identify which fruit wastes are used as biochar feedstocks and which biochar properties and production conditions influence immobilization performance, noting that existing research is fragmented.
Contamination & food safetyCompostOrganic cycleHealthPeri-urban agricultureLeveraging circular nutrients to improve the sustainability of peri-urban agriculture
2026Angelica Mendoza Beltrán, Susana Toboso‐Chavero, Juan David Arosemena Polo, Adriana Lucia Romero Lestido, gara villalba · npj Urban Sustainability · Spain (Barcelona)
This study investigates the spatial and temporal effects of nutrient circularity strategies in peri-urban agriculture (peri-UA) using a regionalized life cycle assessment tool, focusing on the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona. It examines how nutrient recovery from municipal waste impacts climate change, eutrophication, resource depletion, and water consumption. The research finds that applying compost with current waste management infrastructure can reduce the carbon footprint of peri-UA areas by up to 85%.
Organic cycleClimate changePeri-urban agricultureOptimization of the Urban Food-Energy-Water Nexus: A Micro-Supply Chain and Circular Economy Approach
2026Marwen Elkamel, Luis Rabelo · Sustainability · United States (South Florida)
This paper presents a mathematical programming model to optimize the design and sustainability performance of the urban food–energy–water (FEW) nexus. The model incorporates a micro supply chain and addresses the supply-demand balance within existing and future FEW systems using cost and carbon footprint indicators. It is applied to an urban agriculture network in South Florida, integrating renewable energy technologies, combined heat and power units, reclaimed wastewater and stormwater, and electric vehicles. The optimization process identified effective infrastructure investment, resource allocation, and technology configurations to support circular economy and sustainability.
EconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleKajian Kinerja Kelompok Tani dan Manfaat Pertanian Perkotaan di Wilayah Kota Bogor
2026Sukma Aprilia Islami, Tati Budiarti, Afra Donatha Nimia Makalew · Jurnal Lanskap Indonesia · Indonesia (Bogor City)
This study in Bogor City, Indonesia, identified agricultural landscapes in six districts and around farmer groups' gardens, analyzing environmentally friendly urban agriculture practices and benefits. Data from 40 farmer groups and Sentinel-2 image analysis showed South Bogor had the largest agricultural land (10.70%) and Central Bogor the smallest (0.04%). While farmer groups adopted environmentally friendly systems, the application of technologies faced challenges related to cost and technical knowledge.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleClimate changeEkosistem Restorasyonu ve Doğa Temelli Çözümlerle Gıda Sistemlerinin Güçlendirilmesi
2026Çiğdem Coşkun Hepcan · · Global
This study examines how ecosystem restoration and Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) can transform food systems. It highlights that ecosystem degradation threatens essential services, and NbS offer an integrated approach to restoring degraded ecosystems by enhancing soil fertility, improving water retention, and reducing pollution. Integrating NbS into various ecosystems provides a holistic strategy for strengthening ecological integrity and food system resilience, contributing to climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and disaster risk reduction.
BiodiversityClimate changeOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justice