Research & reports

Sofyan Sufri, Jonatan Lassa · Environmental Hazards · Indonesia (Aceh)

This article examined the barriers and opportunities of the Climate Village Programme (ProKlim) in Aceh, Indonesia. Key stakeholder interviews (N=38) and policy content analysis in three villages within Banda Aceh city revealed hypothetical barriers to CCAM, including the absence of a sustained mechanism for effective flood adaptation, insufficient resources for supporting adaptive urban agriculture practices, lack of community participation, and inadequate integration of scientific and local knowledge into early warning systems. Despite ProKlim being an innovative program, challenges remained, as past disaster events were viewed as distant memories, hindering proactive risk reduction efforts by local authorities and residents.

Resa Ramadhan, Fatimah Azzahra, Syifa Fauziah · JURNAL ILMIAH MAHASISWA AGROINFO GALUH · Indonesia

A quantitative study of Karangmukti Village, Bungursari District, Purwakarta Regency, Indonesia, analyzing the influence of livelihood capital on the livelihood resilience of farming households. The village has been undergoing agricultural land conversion: the agricultural land area was about 206 hectares before the change, roughly 30 hectares were converted in 2025 (mainly for industrial and residential development), leaving about 176 hectares, and further conversion is planned for 2026-2027, which may further reduce the amount of productive agricultural land. Samples of farming households were drawn using the Slovin formula and cluster sampling, with data collected via questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentation, and analyzed using quantitative descriptive analysis and Smart-PLS. The results show that livelihood capital among farming households was at a moderate level, with natural capital as the most dominant component, and livelihood resilience was also categorized as moderate; livelihood capital was found to have a statistically significant positive influence on livelihood resilience.

Guanxin Du, Yu Sun, Hongyan WangShenggao Lu, Baiquan Yan, Huimin Dai, Kai Liu, Keke Xu · PLoS ONE · China

In the urban-agricultural transition zone of Arongqi in China's black soil region, researchers analyzed 32 topsoil samples (0-20 cm) from three subzones — urbanizing zone, peri-urban arable land, and urban zone — for 16 trace metals including Cd, Pb, Zn, As, Hg and Cr, plus soil organic matter. Urbanization did not worsen soil acidification but significantly reduced organic matter, and Cd, Pb, Zn, Ba, Co, Mo, Sr, V and Ag were significantly enriched above background levels, with peri-urban arable land contaminated by Cd, Mo, Sr, V and Ag and the urban zone by Cd, Pb, Ba and Sr. Carcinogenic risk was higher for adults in peri-urban arable land and for children in the urban zone, with oral ingestion and dermal contact as the dominant exposure pathways and Cr and As as the main carcinogenic factors for children; source apportionment attributed the contamination to traffic emissions (27.46%), soil parent material (24.77%), contemporary agriculture (24.54%), urban combustion (11.22%) and historical agriculture (11.22%).

Hedwig Ajeng Grahani · GeoEco · Indonesia

A 2024 systematic survey of 217 urban farming households in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, used Stata 19 for hypothesis testing and SPSS 27 for descriptive statistics, running a multiple linear regression of net urban farming income against 22 variables covering sociodemographics, farm structure, input management, biotic stress and institutional support (R2 = 0.7448). Eleven variables had a significant effect, with farm size the most favorable factor, followed by financial support, seed subsidies and technical aid; gender and family size also showed positive effects. Crop type correlated negatively with income, and biotic stress — particularly pest type and severity — substantially reduced income, while training and market access were not statistically significant.

Abdullah Abdullah, Abdul Haris, Andi Wisneni, Annas Boceng, Maemuna Nontji, Anwar Robbo, Muhammad Munawir Syarif · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Indonesia (Makassar)

A study in Makassar City, Indonesia, evaluated the multidimensional sustainability of urban agriculture (UA) through expert discussions and semi-structured interviews with 23 purposively selected stakeholders including academics, practitioners, urban planners, legislators and government officials. A Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) approach compared sustainability indices from two previous studies, supplemented by prospective and interdependence analyses to identify key leverage factors. Results showed the overall sustainability status of UA in Makassar during 2016-2020 remained "less sustainable," with a multidimensional sustainability index of 43.02%; the ecological (51.84%) and technological (65.09%) dimensions improved to moderately sustainable status, while the economic (46.15%), social (49.81%) and institutional (39.20%) dimensions showed declining sustainability performance. The study proposes three policy directions: strengthening UA planning and management systems, improving institutional coordination among stakeholders, and expanding UA's socio-economic and environmental functions.

Mellania Rima Fajaryah, Hafid Aditya Pradesa, Teni Listiani, Edah Jubaedah · Academia Open · Indonesia (Bandung)

A study of agricultural extension workers in Bandung's "Buruan SAE" urban farming program, Indonesia, examining how competencies align with role demands across job levels. It found consistent gaps where competency achievement fell below importance ratings, particularly in agribusiness management, agro-processing, commercialization, institutional development and technology facilitation, while communication and leadership competencies remained comparatively strong. The gaps grew more complex at higher job levels. Importance-Performance Analysis was used to prioritize competencies, and the study proposes a competency-development framework based on a 70:20:10 learning model.

Mohssen Elbagory, Hassan M. El-Zahaby, EL-Shafeey E. I. EL-Shafeey, Nagwa EL-Khateeb, Alaa El-Dein Omara, Sahar El-Nahrawy, Amal Zayed, Pankaj Kumar, Jogendra Singh · Scientific Reports · India

A field-based comparative study in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, India, compared soil properties, the growth response of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern.), and tissue accumulation of cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc under irrigation with paper mill effluent (PME) versus borewell water as a control. PME irrigation significantly raised soil pH (8.79), electrical conductivity (4.73 dS/cm), organic matter (3.94%) and all six heavy metals (p<0.001); vegetative growth increased, but heavy metal accumulation was pronounced in roots, with bioaccumulation factors for iron and manganese exceeding the hyperaccumulation threshold and root enrichment factors reaching 226.50 for copper and 40.51 for chromium. Dietary risk modeling found that the health risk index from chromium in leaves exceeded the safety threshold in children (HRI=1.05) and approached risk levels for cadmium and chromium in adults, whereas the borewell-irrigated control soil remained within safe agricultural ranges, marking a clear contrast with the contaminated PME-irrigated soil.

Hang Yu, Mohd Yazid Mohd Yunos, Mohd Nazri Saidon, Mohd Amirul Hussain · Landscape Research · China (Shenyang)

This study critically examined how community-led edible landscapes intersect with tensions of urban redevelopment, memory politics, and governance ambiguity in post-industrial Shenyang, China. Using a qualitative case study approach, including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and spatial documentation, findings showed that while edible landscapes can revitalize neglected spaces and evoke industrial memory, they also face instability, informal governance, and socio-environmental risks.

Ibnu Akmal Khuluqi, Muhammad Azhari, Rahmawati Munir · TRANSFORM Journal of Tropical Architecture and Sustainable Urban Science · Indonesia (Bontang Baru)

A qualitative case study in Guyub Rukun RT 18, Bontang Baru, Indonesia, investigated the implementation of urban farming. The study found that urban farming improved local food security, strengthened social ties, and was supported by CSR funds. However, it faced challenges such as limited technology and resources, which were overcome through manual adaptation and cross-sector collaboration.

Much Faisal Syaputra · Jurnal Administrasi dan Kebijakan Publik · Indonesia (Makassar City)

This qualitative case study critically examined the governance structure of Makassar City's Lorong Wisata program, which integrates urban farming for food self-sufficiency. The study found a fragmented governance network dominated by the municipal government's vertical authority, with weak cross-sectoral collaboration, particularly with universities and private actors. Institutional fragility was evident due to the absence of functional task forces, leading to symbolic rather than substantive coordination.

Assyifa Fauzia, Evi Frimawaty, Hadi Susilo Arifin · RISALAH KEBIJAKAN PERTANIAN DAN LINGKUNGAN Rumusan Kajian Strategis Bidang Pertanian dan Lingkungan · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This study aimed to provide recommendations for community-based urban agriculture sustainability in Cempaka Putih District, Central Jakarta, facing challenges like limited land and environmental changes. Using SWOT analysis and FGDs with stakeholders, the findings indicate that strategies can be implemented through agricultural technology and strengthened collaboration. However, the study implies that supporting policies, incentives, investment facilitation, and continuous infrastructure and assistance are currently lacking for implementation.

Xiang Zhou, Nan Wang, Jiaying Shi, Michael Hensel · Humanities and Social Sciences Communications · China (Nanjing)

A study of urban foraging behavior in Nanjing's central urban area, China, revealed significant enthusiasm among residents, linking personal childhood experiences to their foraging motivations. However, environmental pollution was identified as a critical barrier to these activities.

I Putu Gede Didik Widiarta, Dinar Anindyasari, Taufan Purwokusumaning Daru · Jurnal Ekonomi Pertanian dan Agribisnis · Indonesia (Bontang City)

This quantitative study surveyed 220 urban farming respondents in Bontang City, Indonesia, to analyze consumer behavior in adopting livestock waste as organic fertilizer for household agriculture. While knowledge (β=0.58; p<0.01) and environmental impact perception (β=0.47; p<0.05) significantly influenced adoption, major barriers included negative perceptions of livestock waste odor (62%) and limited access to processing technology (45%). These findings highlight significant challenges to the widespread adoption of organic fertilizers from livestock waste in urban areas.

Zhongxue Zhou, Fangze Zhao, Bingjie Song · Ecological Indicators · China

This study proposed the concept of agricultural comprehensive ecological effects (ACEE), developed an evaluation framework, and applied it to the Xi'an metropolitan zone, China. A key finding was the observed decrease in the comprehensive ecological effects of agriculture when transitioning from grain planting to urban agriculture due to unsuitable agricultural practices in urbanizing areas. This decline occurs because modern agricultural practices in urbanizing areas are ecologically detrimental compared with natural ecosystems.

Rico Yanuar Ardiansyah, Hamidah Hendrarini, Wahyu Santoso · Jurnal Ilmiah Sosio Agribis · Indonesia (Surabaya)

A study in Surabaya City, Indonesia, analyzed community participation in urban farming among 50 respondents from three farmer groups from April to June 2025, using Importance Performance Analysis. While urban farming performed optimally in ecological, socio-cultural, educational & tourism, and health aspects, the economic aspect showed the lowest performance and largest gap. This indicates a need for strengthening outcome management, market access, and community economic empowerment to optimize economic contributions.

Alifia Nur’ Annisa, Reo Sambodo · JIGA Journal Innovation in Green Agriculture · Indonesia (Yogyakarta City)

A quantitative survey study in Gondokusuman District, Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, conducted in 2025, analyzed the feasibility of urban farming and its contribution to household income using census sampling. The analysis, including R/C and B/C ratios, found that urban farming had an R/C ratio of 0.49 and a B/C ratio of -0.51. These results indicate that urban farming has not been effective in increasing household income, primarily serving as a supporting activity for household consumption, though it provides indirect benefits by fulfilling food needs and reducing expenditures.

Liu Xinyun, Zhao Jianya, Zhang Yanglan, Wang Shu · Rural and regional development · China (Guangdong)

A study using 2017–2022 panel data in Guangdong Province, China, investigated urban agriculture's (UA) contribution to food self-sufficiency in highly urbanized regions. By categorizing cities by urbanization rate and analyzing spatial-temporal patterns in grain, vegetable, and fruit self-sufficiency, findings showed critically low grain self-sufficiency in high-degree urbanized cities. Despite incremental gains in UA productivity, urban yields for grains and vegetables lagged behind non-urban areas, indicating a limited contribution.

· The MIT Press eBooks · Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), China (Beijing)

This account describes the challenges in building support for Rio de Janeiro's Hortas Cariocas urban farming initiative in 2016. Negotiations among environmental protection officers, education officials, and school administrators generated "fiery discussions" regarding garden placement, teacher training, and incentives. The presence of a foreign professor was used to strengthen arguments for urban farming's benefits.

Muḥammad Iqbāl, Nurmelati Septiana, Ana Fitrotun Nisa · Frontier Agribisnis · Indonesia (Banjarbaru)

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted from May to December 2024 on the Cempaka Berkah group in Cempaka District, Banjarbaru City, Indonesia. This research aimed to analyze communication practices and patterns in the implementation of an urban farming program. The results indicated that active participation by group members led to a generally well-functioning communication process, though it still faced some communication barriers. The dominant communication pattern used by the group was a wheel pattern, where one person served as the information hub.

Tri Astuti, Hasddin Hasddin, Asrul Asrul, J Jasman, Muh. Yani Balaka, Haydir Haydir, Alfian Ishak, Muhamad Idham Handa, Villa Evadelvia Ginal Sambari, Eva Safitri Maladeni · European Journal of Sustainable Development Research · Indonesia (Kendari City)

This study quantitatively investigated the contribution of urban farming to economic growth and environmental sustainability in Kendari City, Indonesia. Urban farming is the third-highest contributor to the city's gross domestic regional product, accounting for 10.66% of total economic output, yet the sector's overall growth fluctuates, and its direct economic impact is underreported. In terms of environmental performance, Kendari's energy consumption and CO₂ emissions exceeded Asian Green City Index thresholds, categorizing the city as "below average" in sustainability.

M Mohan Joseph, Archana T. Anil · Environmental Quality Management · India (Kochi)

This study evaluated spider webs from Cyrtophora cicatrosa and Pholcus phalangioides as biomonitoring tools for heavy metal pollution in urban, industrial, and semi-urban/agricultural areas of Kochi city, India. Analysis of web samples revealed site-specific variations in Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, and Zn concentrations, with high levels of Zn found in Eloor (7558 ppm) and Kizhakkambalam (4947.50 ppm). Zn and Sn were the dominant accumulated metals, indicating significant heavy metal contamination in these environments.

Mengqi Shao, Linjun Xie · Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning · China (Shanghai)

This study explored the dynamics of civil society organization (CSO)-government relationships through community gardens as governance spaces in Shanghai. Through empirical case studies of three community garden projects, it revealed how political, practical, and personal spheres shape the evolving dynamics between CSOs and local governments. The research highlighted CSOs' pivotal role in mediating between the state and local communities, but noted that challenges such as power asymmetries persist.

Banobe, Maryanto · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Indonesia (Kupang)

This study analyzed the economic position and dynamics of the agricultural sector in Kupang City compared to East Nusa Tenggara Province, using data from 2014–2019. Results showed that Kupang City's economic structure is dominated by tertiary sectors, and the agricultural sector has an LQ of 0.07 and a DLQ of 0.85, indicating it is a non-base and non-prospective sector. This confirms a structural economic transformation from the primary sector towards service-oriented sectors.

Tresia Manalu, Nadya Stefania Hutauruk, Sri Rahayu Sinaga, Riza Indriani · Jurnal Ecoment Global · Indonesia (Medan)

This descriptive qualitative study analyzed external factors affecting the Rumah Anggur Ardo nursery business in Medan, Indonesia, using PESTEL and Porter's Five Forces frameworks. Findings indicate a relatively favorable competitive environment, with urban farming as a hobby presenting a main opportunity. However, significant challenges include high rainfall damaging seedlings and the absence of material support from the government.

Haofan Xu, Peng Hu, Hailong Wang, Peter Croot, Zhiwen Li, Cheng Li, Shaowen Xie, Hongyi Zhou, Chaosheng Zhang · Environmental Pollution · China

This study in Gaoming county, China, integrated PMF and K-means clustering to identify sources and contamination patterns of 8 potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in peri-urban agricultural soils. Average concentrations of PTEs were reported, with PMF identifying geogenic, industrial/traffic-related, and agricultural sources. The highest PTE concentrations were found in urbanized zones, confirming significant human impact and underscoring the dual influences of agriculture and urbanization on PTE contamination.