Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Intensification or marginalization: peri-urban agriculture for mitigating urban heat island effects in summer
2026Zhuoran Yan, Wenbo Li, Lingxue Yu, X W Li, Kun Bu, HuanJun Liu · npj Urban Sustainability · China (Changchun)
This study investigated the summer impact of peri-urban agriculture (PUA) on surface urban heat island (SUHI) mitigation across China using time-series satellite observations and a coupled land-atmosphere model for Changchun City. It found that PUA management changes with urbanization pressure, and widespread agricultural marginalization near cities significantly impacts SUHI during summer. Larger cities derive less thermal benefit from PUA, although an agricultural intensification scenario showed a limited average cooling effect of 0.07–0.16 °C on urban cores.
Limited or null effectPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeUrban–rural linkageGeo-AI Ensemble Modeling Framework for Assessing Groundwater Contamination Under Anthropogenic Pressures in an Extensive Peri-Urban Agricultural Aquifer to Support Sustainable Groundwater Management
2026Mohamed Haythem Msaddek, Mohsen Ben Alaya, Lahcen Zouhri, Yahya Moumni, Bilel Abdelkarim · Water · Global
This study developed a Geo-AI ensemble modeling framework to assess groundwater contamination dynamics in peri-urban agricultural aquifers. Applied to the Manouba aquifer in Tunisia using 295 samples from 85 wells (2005-2025), the spatial analysis revealed severe contamination expanded from 7% of the study area in 2005 to 55% in 2025. Urban expansion and agricultural intensification were found to reduce recharge, increase pollutant loading, and accelerate contaminant accumulation.
Contamination & food safetyClimate changePeri-urban agriculturePolíticas alimentares, agricultura familiar e justiça climática na Amazônia rumo à COP30
2026Jaqueline Lopes Pereira, Bárbara Lellis de Sá Frizo, Denise Miguel Teixeira Roberto, Gabriela Rigote, Clara Ribeiro Camargo, Fabrício Muriana, Gabriela Mariano Mendonça, Maurício Alcântara, Roberta Moraes Curan, Dirce Maria Lobo Marchioni, Aline Martins de Carvalho · Revista de Saúde Pública · Brazil (Belém)
This study analyzed the sustainability of the food system in the Belém Metropolitan Region, Brazil, focusing on public institutional purchasing policies in 2022. Municipalities allocated 31 million reais to the National School Feeding Program, with 43.5% from family farming, exceeding the legal target. The Food Acquisition Program saw the Abril Vermelho settlement sell 28 tons of food, prioritizing permanent crops and agro-ecological practices.
PolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changePeri-urban agricultureMapping the InvisibleLandscape of Pesticides andAdjuvants in Peri-Urban Agricultural Waterways of the Megacity Shanghai
2026L Cao, Jingsheng Wang, Yanbin Zhao (1549129), Shuping Zheng, Ruike Pan, Ruiqi An (19738761), Xuhui Yue, Yifan Wang (380120), Jianan Li (290570), Yan Liu (25061), Jie Wang (16762), Peng Wang (34436), Yangmei Mo, Ning Pan (186987), H. Z. Shi, Jiayin Dai (218672), Kun Zhang (108291) · Figshare · China (Shanghai)
An integrated assessment of agrochemical contamination in Shanghai's peri-urban agricultural surface waters across 193 sites revealed exceptionally high chemical diversity and mixture complexity. 91 pesticides and 263 formulation adjuvants were widely detected, with adjuvants showing comparable detection frequencies and response intensities to pesticides, indicating they are a major, underappreciated component of agrochemical pollution. In vivo zebrafish embryo assays showed that representative pesticides and adjuvants induced adverse developmental effects at environmentally relevant concentrations, identifying peri-urban agriculture as a critical source of complex agrochemicals.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthDesign and Implementation of an Autonomous IoT-Based Irrigation System for Water Optimization in Peri-Urban Agriculture: Case Study of Green Village (DRC)
2026Kadima Muamba Donatien, Kabaubabo Kalombo Jean- Jacques, Mavula Kikwe Alexis, Kako Gbolo Etienne · International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (IJISRT) · Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
Peri-urban agriculture in the Democratic Republic of Congo heavily relies on natural rainfall, leading to yield decreases of up to 50% and a lengthening of the crop cycle from 21 to 45 days during the dry season. This study proposes the design and implementation of an autonomous IoT-based irrigation system to optimize water use at Green Village, Kinshasa. The proposed solution aims to enable real-time adaptive irrigation, reducing water loss and stabilizing production.
Limited or null effectDigital agriculturePeri-urban agricultureClimate changeEconomicsWastewater 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 cycleCULTIVO PROTEGIDO E HIDROPONIA NA AGRICULTURA BRASILEIRA: ambientes controlados, automação e produção sustentável em pequenas áreas
2026Carlos Luiz Vieira · · Brazil
This study analyzes protected cultivation and hydroponics in Brazil as technologies enabling full control of environmental variables and eliminating dependence on climate seasonality. These technologies demonstrate 80-95% reductions in water consumption, 300-500% increases in productivity compared to open fields, and complete elimination of agrochemical residues. However, the study also points out implementation challenges for these technologies, concluding they are fundamental for food security in contexts of accelerated urbanization, water scarcity, and global climate change.
Economic viabilityDigital agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureUrban Modern Agriculture Development in Major Chinese Cities: A Multidimensional Evaluation and Contextual Typology
2026Yan Gao, Shaowen Zheng, Yating Cao, Zhengwei Cao · Land · China
This study developed a multidimensional evaluation framework to assess urban modern agriculture (UMA) development across 36 large- and medium-sized cities in China from 2019 to 2023. Findings indicate UMA development has a relatively stable hierarchical structure, with leading cities maintaining advantages while most remain in middle and lower tiers with limited upward mobility. Four contextual city types were identified: balanced development, economically efficient, resource-constrained, and agricultural-potential cities, reflecting differences in socioeconomic and environmental capacities.
PolicyEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkageA scoping review of the impact of urbanization on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa
2026Alemseged Gerezgiher Hailu, daniel girmay, samuel ataklti · Discover Food · Sub-Saharan Africa
This scoping review analyzed 155 sources (2009–2024) on urbanization's impact on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Findings showed rapid urban expansion converted 30% of peri-urban agricultural land in some regions, increasing dependence on imported staples, and low-income households spend 60–80% of income on food. A policy gap was identified, with only 12% of countries having supportive policies and 19% of cities designating land for farming.
Environmental trade-offsFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeHealthCity soils, city souls: Urban Agriculture Contribution (New European Bauhaus Online Satellite Event 2026)
2026Pierre Chopin, Anton Parisi, Paola Clerino, Agnès Fargue‐Lelièvre, Carnel Megbleto, Lia van Wesenbeeck, Anna Kirstgen, Paris Pencharz, Charlotte Liborio-Cornet, Marta Sylla, Tomasz Kowalczyk, Gati András, Nadira Berbić, Iva Bedenko, Michele D'Ostuni, Penny Zafiraki, Odysseas Sekkas, Tina Katika, C. Kennard · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Europe
This presentation compiles insights, case studies, and strategic models from the "City Soils, City Souls: Urban Agriculture Contribution" workshop, an official New European Bauhaus satellite event. It merges findings from the Horizon Europe FOODCITYBOOST project and other EU initiatives to outline data-driven, community-led strategies for combating urban sprawl, revitalizing peri-urban land, and building circular food systems in European cities.
CommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureUsage de pesticides interdits et non homologués en maraîchage périurbain à Kinshasa : cas de Kimwenza et Ndjili Cecomaf
2026Réné Kasende Disashi, Belloty Mundadi Ngeteke, Dorcas Sola Tabitha, Prescilia Mabubu Pembe, Fanny BAKOMBA KIKOBO, Denise OKITO WIKANU, Esther MPIANA MUKANIA, Sarah Kinsona Bombili, Esther Kimpala Karuna, Clément Munganga Kilingwa, Rosie Mubindukila Nzamba · European Scientific Journal ESJ · Congo (Kinshasa)
A study conducted from June 10 to July 20, 2025, in peri-urban market gardens of Kimwenza and Ndjili Cecomaf in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, surveyed 68 market gardeners on the use of prohibited and unauthorized pesticides. The findings revealed an alarming reliance on informal supply channels, with six out of 27 identified pesticides being formally prohibited. Despite 94.3% of gardeners acknowledging risks, only 9.6% used full protective equipment, and 32.7% took no precautions.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthPolicySpatial 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 agricultureHeat exposure and agricultural workers' health: A global systematic review with implications for Peri-urban and semi-urban Southeast Asia
2026Nu Quy Linh Tran, Cordia Chu, Hai Phung, Son Nghiem, Han Le, Tuyet-Hanh Tran, Dung Phung · Urban Climate · Global
This global systematic review analyzed 97 studies from 27 countries on heat exposure and agricultural workers' health. The majority of studies (54.6%) were from North America, with Africa, South America, and Asia significantly underrepresented. Common health outcomes included self-reported heat-related illnesses (27.8%) and kidney issues (20.6%), but cardiovascular health, mortality, and mental well-being remain significantly understudied. In Southeast Asia, urbanization increases heat risk for peri-urban agricultural workers, as these zones often lack infrastructure, healthcare, and regulatory protections, exacerbating exposure to extreme heat, particularly from the urban heat island effect.
Environmental trade-offsHealthClimate changePeri-urban agricultureFruit-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 agricultureExfoliating microplastics intensifies heavy metal uptake and physiological stress in wastewater-irrigated chili plants
2026Hajra Kanwal, Qudrat Ullah, Waqas Haider, Mujahid Farid, Zaki Ul Zaman Asam, Muhammad Zubair, Abdulrahman Alasmari, Sarah Owdah Alomrani, Muhammad Munir, Shafaqat Ali · Open MIND · Global
This study investigated the interactive effects of contaminated wastewater with cadmium, mercury, lead, and polyethylene microplastics from exfoliating personal care products on chili plants (Capsicum annuum). Plant growth parameters were reduced by 71–82% at high wastewater and microplastic levels, accompanied by significant losses in photosynthetic pigments and soluble proteins. Oxidative stress markers increased by 124–230%, and heavy metal uptake was significantly increased, facilitated by microplastics.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthIntegrating 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 agricultureCrop Diversification in Kaluvankulam: Replacing Paddy with Flower Crops under Pollution Stress
2026Pari Diwahar, Chandran. S, Paramasivan SatheeshKumar · International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology · India (Madurai District, Tamil Nadu)
This study in Kaluvankulam, Madurai District, India, assessed the adaptability of treated municipal wastewater for marigold irrigation, where paddy yields have declined. Analysis of treated wastewater showed oil and grease and chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels exceeded permissible irrigation standards. Soil analysis revealed elevated phosphorus, potassium, and iron concentrations, indicating nutrient accumulation.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeBiodiversityHousehold 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 agricultureApresentação 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 & justiceAI-Powered Direct Farm-To-Consumer Marketplaces in Pune's Peri Urban Agriculture
2026Dr. Akbar Ahmed Sayyed, Mr. Huzef Aslam Patel · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · India (Pune)
A study of 200 farm-gate entrepreneurs in Pune's peri-urban agriculture found that AI-driven "Demand Aggregators" and Blockchain-verified traceability increased farmer realization by 35% and reduced "Farm-to-Fork" transit time from 48 to 6 hours. Farmers in clusters like Saswad, Mulshi, and Narayangaon previously lost 30–40% of value due to logistical delays and intermediary margins. Predictive harvest forecasting allows farmers to pre-sell 70% of their yield.
Digital agriculturePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceFlorianópolis e municípios vizinhos: do rural ao urbano ao rural no urbano
2026Nazareno José de Campos · Revista Campo-Território · Brazil (Florianópolis)
This article examined the strong urbanization process in Florianópolis and neighboring municipalities in Brazil. Using various bibliographies, information, empirical analysis, cartographic instruments, and practical activities such as visits to production areas, it showed that despite the transformation of rural areas into urban spaces, rural elements persist within urban areas, supplying regional and national markets for agricultural and livestock products. Despite extensive urbanization, the rural presence remains within the urban fabric, characterizing what is known as urban and peri-urban agriculture.
Urban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsPLANNING FOR THE PERIURBAN: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE AGRARIAN PARK OF THE BAIX LLOBREGAT
2026Giorgia Tucci, Willy Müller · Contesti Città territori progetti · Spain (Barcelona)
The Parc Agrari del Baix Llobregat (PABL) is a leading European example of managing peri-urban agricultural systems in complex metropolitan areas of the Barcelona region. The park has established a multilevel governance framework that coordinates regulatory protection, agricultural production, and spatial development. The study emphasizes the importance of governance continuity in stabilizing agro-ecological practices, reinforcing short supply chains, and preventing land speculation.
Peri-urban agriculturePolicyCommunityEconomicsSpatially explicit modelling of socio-spatial determinants of solid waste generation in Dar es Salaam’s informal settlements, Tanzania
2026Victoria M. Mwakalinga, Shafii S. Samli · City and Environment Interactions · Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
This study quantified the socio-spatial determinants of household solid waste generation in Mbagala Kuu Ward, a peri-urban informal settlement in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Household survey data (n=115) were integrated with GIS-derived indicators and analyzed using a Spatial Lag Gamma Generalised Linear Model. Households generated an average of 5.94 kg day⁻¹ of waste, with only 47% formally collected. Commercial areas generated over 5 times more waste than residential areas, while urban agriculture and open spaces generated 40-50% less.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsClimate changeIrrigation Water Management and Variability Drive Yield Outcomes in Peri-Urban Vegetable Systems: A Socio-Technical and Biophysical Analysis in Burkina Faso
2026Kpade O. L. Hounkpatin, Amadou Keïta, Jérôme Tondoh, Djéneba Djamila Traoré, Nouroudine Morou Hamadou, Aymar Y. Bossa, Yacouba Yira, Jean Hounkpè, Traoré Hortense Kagambèga, Olayemi Ursula Gaba, Djigbo Félicien Badou, Sarah Konaré · Water · Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)
This study in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, investigated factors leading to the abandonment of sprinkler irrigation systems and the impact of irrigation water variability on vegetable yields at two market gardening sites. Over 80% of 50 surveyed farmers stopped using sprinkler systems within two years due to equipment failures and lack of support. Variability in manual water application was linked to crop productivity variability, with uneven application identified as a major constraint at one site.
Economic viabilityEconomicsClimate changePeri-urban agriculture