Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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985 results(1 / 40)
Employing a Community-Involved Process to Incorporate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education into Community-Supported Agriculture Sites
2026Bree Bode, Sarah Mott, Jacob M. Cutler, Marci Scott · Health Promotion Practice · United States (Michigan)
In Michigan, this project used a community-involved process—listening sessions, brainstorming, and shopper surveys—to build SNAP-Ed nutrition education for community-supported agriculture (CSA) sites that accept SNAP benefits. Key lessons were that educators need autonomy to tailor activities to their local context and that strong relationships between nutrition educators and CSA staff are essential. These lessons informed a resource called the CSA Food Navigator Playbook.
WelfareFood educationCommunityAbstract MPTU17: A Culturally Tailored, Fully Cost-Offset Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program To Improve Food Security And Diet In New York City
2026Madison LeCroy, Olivia Alleyne, Rhyden Dowd, Gareth Stacke, Gizan Denoon, Faven Araya, Yomaha Gordon, Kimberly Charles, Perla Chebli, Chau Trinh-Shevrin, Stella Yi · Circulation · United States (New York City)
This pilot evaluated the East Flatbush Produce Program, a 100% cost-offset, culturally tailored community-supported agriculture (CSA) program co-developed with community partners and a local rooftop farm in Brooklyn, New York, serving Afro-Caribbean and Latine residents with high food insecurity. Participants received weekly culturally tailored vegetables plus bilingual nutrition education; weekly pickup attendance was 62% and 71% at the two sites and mid-point satisfaction was high (96% would recommend). The authors conclude the program demonstrated the feasibility and community acceptability of a cost-offset CSA.
WelfareHealthCommunityUrban Care Farming to Enhance Quality of Life Among Older Adults
2026Chen, C., Lam, J., Shi, Z., Akksilp, K., Aw, S., Chong, M.F.F. · JMIR Research Protocols · Asia
Randomized trial (n=137) of 24-week urban care farming program for older adults in Singapore. Measures quality of life, cognitive function, psychosocial well-being, and inflammatory biomarkers.
ElderlyWelfareHealthCommunityUrban 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.
CommunityWelfareFood safety, power, and produce gleaning in California: insights from community food recovery networks
2026Chiarella C., Lamoureaux Y., Pires A., Surls R., Bennaton R., Van Soelen-Kim J., Grady S., De Melo Ramos T., Koundinya V., DiCaprio E. · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · California, USA
Examines produce gleaning within California's community food recovery networks, focusing on food safety and power dynamics in redistributing would-be-wasted produce.
Food lossCommunityWelfareTaming the green gentrification cycle? Evidence from street greening in Vienna
2026· Urban Geography · Austria (Vienna)
Mixed-method analysis (1991–2021) of Vienna street-tree greening and its link to tenure commodification and exclusionary displacement, showing greening drives a gentrification cycle except where housing is heavily decommodified—pinpointing when greening policy backfires.
PolicyWelfarePromoting health and inclusion of people with refugee backgrounds through horticulture: A mixed-methods systematic review
2026Louise Emma O'Connor, Sarah Jay · Social Science & Medicine · Global
A mixed-methods systematic review searching four databases for research published between 2015 and 2024 on horticulture and the health and inclusion of people with refugee backgrounds; 20 peer-reviewed studies were included and integrated using a 'best-fit' framework synthesis. Horticultural activity is reported to support mental, physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, cognitive and economic wellbeing, and to enhance social inclusion through social connections, social capital, collective identity and intercultural exchange. With only 20 studies, mostly qualitative, the review does not quantify effect sizes or identify the conditions under which these benefits do or do not occur.
WelfareCommunityHealthFood is Medicine in Action: Dietary and Food Security Outcomes of a Health Care–Based Community-Supported Agriculture Program
2026Kathryn Colasanti, Flavio Di Stefano, Jae Gerhart, Alison Shores, Katelyn Smoger · Health Promotion Practice · Global
This study explored the dietary intake and food security impacts of a healthcare-based Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program with dual referral pathways, collecting 164 pretest-posttest surveys. Findings showed increased fruit and vegetable intake and improved household food security after program participation. However, no correlation was found between changes in food security status and length of participation, nor was there a significant relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and length of participation.
CSA & TeikeiHealthWelfareNIÑEZ, DIVERSIDAD FUNCIONAL Y AGROECOLOGÍA: APRENDIZAJES EN UN HUERTO URBANO INCLUSIVO DE CHILE
2026Josué Martínez-Lagos, Homero Barría Ojeda, Gabriel Peña Peña · · Chile
This study documented an agroecological urban gardening intervention at the Teletón Institute in Puerto Montt, Chile, focusing on children with functional diversity. An inclusive urban garden and workshop program integrated educational and therapeutic processes. Results showed that 71% of participants identified at least ten vegetable species, 64% understood their life cycles, 79% progressed in functional and autonomy dimensions, and 93% perceived the garden as promoting well-being.
Food educationHealthCommunityWelfareSoldiers of the Soil: Subsistence
2026Emmanuel Destenay · Cambridge University Press eBooks · United States
In February 1918, the US Bureau of Education established the United States School Garden Army, an initiative that encouraged children nationwide to engage in local gardening. This program aimed to increase domestic food production, allowing the US to supply food to its allies and other dependent nations. Children participating in the program contributed to food production as unpaid labor, while also learning self-reliance, dietary moderation, and the concept of sacrifice.
Food educationCommunityWelfareACTIVITIES OF AGRICULTURAL LABOR SQUADS OF PUPILS IN THE PSKOV PROVINCE IN 1915-1916 (BASED ON THE MATERIALS OF THE REGIONAL PERIODICAL PRESS)
2026V.V. KARPOVA · History of Everyday Life · Russia
This study, based on regional periodical press, traces the activities of pupil labor squads in Pskov province during 1915-1916, which provided charitable assistance to peasant families during World War I. Field squads had limited reach due to small numbers and insufficient funding, but gardening squads organized in 1916 gained popularity, cultivating public and school gardens to increase vegetable production for hospitals.
Food educationCommunityWelfareThe 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 cyclePolicyWelfareBuilding Capacity for Food Justice: The Multifaceted Benefits of an Urban Home Gardening Intervention
2026Taylor Swenski, Jocelyn Smith Carter, Marjorie Kersten, Elizabeth Berkeley, K. Varner, Howard Rosing · Ecology of Food and Nutrition · United States (Chicago)
The "Grow Your Groceries Home Garden" intervention program, implemented in Chicago, United States in 2022, aimed to improve food access in food-insecure communities. A longitudinal investigation over two annual cycles surveyed 46 participants, complemented by focus groups with 9 participants, to evaluate food access, cost savings, health, and socioemotional outcomes. While results on improved gardening confidence over time emerged non-significant, participants reported increased food access, cost savings, healthier eating, stress reduction, and strengthened relational bonds.
Limited or null effectHealthWelfareCommunityFood educationHORTA COMUNITARIA RESH
2026Cláudio Yuri Rodrigues da Silva, Danilo de Souza Sobreira Filho, Leonardo de Mendonça · Revista Brasileira de Cannabis · Brazil
The "Horta Terapêutica Integrada a Atividades Sensoriais e Ecopsicologia" project by Brazil's Association for Socio-Historical Reparation (RESH) aims to address structural social and environmental problems such as food insecurity, social exclusion, and the psychosocial impacts of social vulnerability. This project proposes establishing a RESH Community Garden of approximately 150 m² for organic and medicinal food production, aiming to promote food sovereignty, social justice, and a culture of care benefiting mental health. Its methodology is based on agroecological practices, sensory activities, and ecopsychology principles, inspired by the Manguinhos Community Garden's consolidated experience.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareUrban 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 & justiceCommunityWelfareEconomicsAgricultural Functions of Town in Conditions of Low Indicators of Natural Resource Potential
2026A. I. Danshin · Geografičeskaâ sreda i živye sistemy · Russia
This study aimed to identify the agricultural functions of small towns, including their role in providing additional income, in regions bordering Belarus with low natural resource potential and living standards. The current state of agricultural production in small towns was studied based on systematic observations and statistical information verified during 2023–2024 expeditionary studies. Findings revealed that residents use personal utility plots due to traditions, low incomes, insufficient store assortments, and to assist children in other regions.
EconomicsWelfareDIYCommunity-Based Urban Agriculture as a Strategy for Sustainable Food Security: Evidence of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
2026Retno Wulandari, F. LAYLAVOIX F., Dela Mustika · Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology) · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)
This study in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, examined the role of women farmer groups in optimizing urban home yard utilization for food security through a community-based urban farming approach. Using a quantitative descriptive analysis with 48 respondents, findings indicated that women farmer groups play a moderate role as learning hubs, cooperative platforms, and production units. Key factors influencing their role include age, farming experience, participation levels, leadership, agricultural extension support, and government involvement.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareMigration, participation and the making of homes narrations from a "refugees welcome" community garden in Germany
2026Berliner, Susanne · · Germany
An ethnographic inquiry into a "refugees welcome" community garden in Germany offers power-critical reflections on social encounters, participation, inequalities, and the dynamics between 'the host' and 'the newcomer' in home-making. The study enhances understanding of how people with refugee biographies shape their surroundings and how communities navigate social heterogeneity. Specifically, it highlights inequalities and power dynamics within the context of home-making.
Equity & displacementCommunityWelfareBiodiversityFood security approach: community experience in urban agriculture, El Mirador community, Usme Locality (Bogotá, 2021)
2026Sonia Patricia Lizarazo Hernández, Lamprea Zona Martha, Cardona Castaño Juan Camilo · Huellas · Colombia (Bogotá)
This research aimed to document the community's experience with urban agriculture from a food security perspective in the El Mirador community, Usme locality, Bogotá, Colombia, in 2021. Workshops, field visits, and collaborative activities were conducted in community-created gardens, and information was analyzed using a participatory approach. Participants highlighted that food security offers economic and well-being opportunities for families, and urban agriculture has become a mechanism for integration and coexistence.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsWelfareModelo de Emprendimiento Colaborativo para Adultos Mayores en el Ecuador
2026Wilmer Gustavo Gualotuña Pachacama, Viviana Alexandra Brito Moya, Xiomara Gabriela Zambrano Quimbiulco, Patricia Estefania Aguaiza Loja · Revista Conectividad · Ecuador
This study proposes and validates a collaborative entrepreneurship model to promote social inclusion and integral well-being for older adults in Pichincha province, Ecuador. Through a survey of 2,941 older adults and a pilot experience with 40 participants in Cutuglagua, activities for developing and marketing urban garden kits were implemented. Results showed visible improvements in strengthening social networks, increasing self-esteem, developing entrepreneurial competencies, and a greater perception of older adults regarding social activities.
ElderlyCommunityWelfareEconomicsCommunity Gardens as a Strategy to Address Food Insecurity: A Community-Based Qualitative Study
2026Agaezi Sonya · Community Medicine & Public Health Care · Global
This qualitative study explores community gardens as a strategy to address food insecurity, which disproportionately affects low-income and marginalized communities. Community gardens are presented as local spaces that may enhance access to nutritious foods and promote social connection and cultural continuity.
CommunityWelfareHealthCultivando inquietudes nos mantenemos vitales: una experiencia de participación de personas con deficiencia visual grave en un huerto urbano
2026N. Bueno Pulido · RED Visual Revista Especializada en Discapacidad Visual · Global
This 2026 study describes an activity for older adults with severe visual impairment or blindness, affiliated with ONCE, who moved from rural areas to cities and experience loneliness. Recognizing their nostalgia for rural life and gardening, the project connected them with community urban gardens managed by neighborhood and environmental associations. The activity, part of the "Somos vitales" initiative, involved three sessions focused on active collaboration, interaction, and sharing, aiming to revitalize participants and foster new connections.
CommunityElderlyHealthWelfareEmpowering Communities Through Sustainable Urban Agriculture: A Case Study of Farmer Training Program for Resettled Refugees
2026Joonmo Kang, Euijin Jung, Cheryl Holmes, Benjamin Carpenter, Kristin Selby · Journal of Community Practice · United States (Kansas City)
A case study was conducted on New Roots, a farmer training program for resettled refugees and immigrants in Kansas City, USA. The research team participated in the program for a year before interviewing farmers and staff to gain insights into the program's impact. Findings revealed that farmers were drawn to New Roots for its flexibility, perceived benefits for mental well-being, and opportunities for social connection. The program was shown to offer a path to independence and cultivate a sense of community among participants.
CommunityWelfareFood educationThe Narratives of Community Garden Beneficiaries of Gawad Kalinga ERH Village: A Social Behavioral Change Evaluation
2026Joshua Eusebio Jr · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Philippines (Bacolod City)
This study assessed the social and behavioral changes of Project Kauswagan, a youth-led community garden initiative in Gawad Kalinga ERH Village, Bacolod City, Philippines, implemented from May 2024 to March 2025. Data from focus group discussions with key community leaders revealed six major themes, including empowerment, formation of community habits, shifts in attitudes toward sharing and collaboration, and positive impact on food security. The project strengthened collaboration and enhanced food accessibility for marginalized groups, particularly women.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareFood educationDIYClimate change impact on urban food gardens: implications for adaptation strategies and food and nutrition security in townships in Pietermaritzburg Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
2026Nthabeleng Tamako, Joyce Chitja · Agriculture & Food Security · South Africa
This study examined the impact of climate change on urban food gardens in Sobantu and Mpophomeni townships in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Face-to-face interviews with 103 randomly selected participants revealed that climate change disproportionately affects resource-limited urban farmers, leading to erratic rainfall, pests, and natural disasters. Elevated temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and new pests and diseases significantly impact food gardens, affecting seed and crop selection and contributing to food insecurity.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareUrban–rural linkage