Research & reports

Nuriah Yuliati, Eko Nurhadi, Dita Atasa, Stevi Putri Afdolvina Baik · Jurnal Ilmiah Manajemen Agribisnis · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This qualitative study analyzed urban farming business innovation in Surabaya, Indonesia, using the Business Model Canvas (BMC) model across five Women Farming Groups (KWT) and Farmer Groups (Poktan). Findings showed that KWT Guyub Rukun had the lowest revenue, while Poktan Serpis had the highest. The study concluded that low revenue was due to income solely from crop sales and having only one main partner, indicating a limitation in revenue streams for some groups.

Sonia Gatchair · · Jamaica (Kingston)

In Kingston, Jamaica's largest urban space, systematic efforts to stimulate the adoption of commercially viable urban agriculture have lagged. This study examines the facilitators and impediments to commercially viable urban agriculture, arguing that knowledge transfer and the adoption of innovative, technology-driven approaches to farming, financing, and marketing are needed for success.

Adi Nugraha, Raphaël Paut, Ari Ganjar Herdiansah, Susanti Withaningsih, Parikesit Parikesit, Oekan S. Abdoellah · Cogent Food & Agriculture · Indonesia (Bandung)

This study examined the social and economic feasibility of urban farming in Bandung, Indonesia, from the viewpoint of actors, using observations, semi-structured, and in-depth interviews with key informants including urban farmers, community leaders, traders, and government representatives. The findings indicated that urban farming in Bandung is not economically motivated because the practices are not economically profitable for the actors. Instead, social factors such as social collectivity and personal aspirations were found to have propelled the continuity of the urban farming movement.

Anna Rosman, Joseph MacPherson, Marie Arndt, Katharina Helming · Agricultural Systems · Germany

This study investigated the impact of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) structures on farm resilience among CSA farmers in Germany. A mixed methodology was applied, combining a case study with one CSA farmer and a survey of CSA farmers across Germany. The findings indicated that CSA provides mechanisms for improving farm resilience through increased income security, risk protection, market independence, and satisfaction. CSA farmers demonstrated a high level of perceived resilience compared to non-CSA farmers.

Epsar Philip Kopteer, Olakunle Rufus Oladosu, Samuel Adeyemi Samson, Jasini Ali Alwadood, Olaide Monsur Aderoju, Bose Adetutu Ogwurike, Michael Nnaemeka Ihenacho, James Adah John, Philip Okoh Amodu, Nkechinyere Gift Nwagwu, Chikodili Evans Ezurike, Kamila Abba Tukur, Augustine Abah Odeh, Sumaiyat Abdullahi Kpanja, Halimat Ifedolapo Oriola, Vivian Ibrahim, Udya Aniya, Elizabeth Rizga Jackson, Kikelomo Oluwabukola Adebo · World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews · Nigeria (Jos)

This study investigated the economic impact of urban flooding on agricultural activities along the Dilimi River in Jos North LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria, using a 2021 satellite image and GIS analysis. The study found that loss of farmland, hunger and starvation, loss of properties, and high incidence of poverty were perceived as serious economic impacts of floods on farmers. Agricultural land use covered 2.82% of the study area.

Brilliant Adam Ramadhani, Shalahuddin Fathan, Jessica Putri Margaretta, Putri Wahyu Pebrianti, Ika Sari Tondang, Nuriah Yuliati · Kegiatan Positif Jurnal Hasil Karya Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Surabaya)

The Urban Farming Group "Keputih Bersemi" in Keputih, Surabaya, faces challenges in optimally selling and distributing its produce, such as pak choi and lettuce, due to conventional marketing methods. The majority of group members are elderly and unfamiliar with technology, limiting sales and distribution. The abstract suggests that digital marketing via Instagram and WhatsApp could increase visibility and sales.

Dilla Aldilla, Andi Nuddin, Yusriadi, Suherman · Open MIND · Indonesia

This 2024 research focused on developing Women Farmer Groups (KWT) through the Sustainable Food Farms (P2L) program in Parepare City, Indonesia. An analysis identified weaknesses including a lack of fulfillment of market demands and internal group conflicts. Strategies proposed included selecting short-harvest crops, forming partnerships, and increasing group awareness of program outcomes to address these challenges.

Dr.M.K. Ganesh · International Journal for Multidimensional Research Perspectives · Global

This mixed-methods study examined the farm-to-table movement in restaurant food production, identifying benefits like enhanced food freshness and local economic support. However, it also found significant challenges including higher costs, seasonal variability, and complex supply chain logistics. Consumer perceptions were generally positive, but the study emphasized the need for increased consumer education and policy support to overcome barriers.

YUDHA LESMANA, Sambas Basuni, Rinekso Soekmadi · Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity · Indonesia

This qualitative study in the Batang Toru Landscape, North Sumatra, Indonesia, investigated human-orangutan conflict arising from forest clearing for economic development. It found that Tapanuli orangutans migrate to community gardens, leading to crop destruction and decreased economic income for local communities, thus triggering conflict. The study suggests that the concept of ecosophy, integrating intellectual, spiritual, and emotional dimensions, can raise public awareness for orangutan protection, with higher education levels showing more positive results, but highlights the economic viability challenge for communities.

Sean Olivia Nicholas, Niki Harré · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Singapore

A review of existing literature and a case study of three urban farms in Singapore were conducted to examine their community contributions. Content analysis of 27 interviews with employees and volunteers revealed that these farms empower participants, generate social capital, provide jobs, involve marginalized groups, and promote pro-environmental behaviors. However, the farms were limited by poor job prospects and lower-than-expected yield.

Kelvin Haule, Bupe Kabigi · Ghana Journal of Geography · Tanzania

This study analyzed land markets and their influence on peri-urban agriculture and livelihood strategies in Tanzania. It found that widespread monetary land markets, including formal, informal, speculative, entrepreneurial, and land grabbing forms, are transforming peri-urban agriculture into non-farm activities. These informal changes are causing a “sendoff” of peri-urban agriculture, and if unmanaged, land markets are suggested to become a blight for indigenous people selling land.

Anna M. Roodhof · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Netherlands

To map and analyze food forestry (FF) in the Netherlands, a survey of 109 participants and interviews with five experts were conducted, identifying 231 food forests established since 2017. The survey data indicates that while FF initiatives are diverse in goals, few focus on profitability. Practitioners are largely homogeneous, consisting of university-educated individuals aged 40 to 60.

Tri Wahyu Nugroho, Aulia Luqman Aziz, Hery Toiba, Ahmad Imron Rozuli, Suyadi Suyadi · JAPI (Jurnal Akses Pengabdian Indonesia) · Indonesia (Malang)

This community service activity in Mulyoagung Village, Malang, Indonesia, aimed to empower the local economy through urban farming by utilizing organic waste such as cocopeat and polybags as growing media. The program successfully enabled the community to adopt urban farming concepts, proving its effectiveness in addressing shrinking agricultural land and strengthening the local economy. However, it is also noted that sources of materials, human resources, and market access are among the obstacles causing urban farming failures.

Legenda Samuel Pardede, Tomy Perdana, Dhany Esperanza, Endah Djuwendah · Jurnal Agristan · Indonesia (Bandung)

This qualitative case study investigated the internal supply chain risk management for mustard greens (sawi) at the "Buruan SAE Mang Oded" urban farming group in Bandung City, Indonesia. Using the House of Risk method, the study identified 23 risk events and 23 risk agents within the supply chain, with 14 priority risk agents requiring control. The findings indicate significant challenges in managing the internal supply chain, suggesting that the current system faces numerous risks that hinder efficiency and effectiveness.

Linh Dinh Hong, Khiem Phuong Huu, Diep Vu Bach, Tien Vu Quyet · Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Machinery · Vietnam

Using a national Vietnamese household living-standards survey dataset, this study applies a difference-in-differences (DID) approach combined with propensity score matching (PSM-DID) to assess the short-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban agricultural households in Vietnam. It finds that while the pandemic did not significantly affect household income, it reduced household expenditure -- both total household consumption and per-capita consumption -- and increased the number of household members participating in agricultural work as a short-term response.

Meiling Wu · Sustainability · China

A study of a Sharing Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm in China examined, through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, how external investment drives the conventionalization of alternative agriculture. The farm's low economic sustainability was the trigger that drew in external investment; investors then compelled the farm manager to relax adherence to organic agriculture's ecological values and principles and shift toward specialized, intensive farming to secure profitability, and a new business model was adopted that further entrenched this conventionalization.

Shu Hua Teoh, Gwo Rong Wong, Purabi Mazumdar · Innovations in Agriculture · Global

A review combining scientific literature analysis and interviews with urban farmers examined urban farming models including community, indoor, rooftop and vertical farms using techniques such as aeroponics, hydroponics and aquaponics. It found that sustainability and yield remain major challenges to fully realizing urban farming's potential, identifying limited land and water resources, pest and disease incidence, financial constraints on setup and maintenance, knowledge and skill gaps among participants, and a lack of effective collaboration between universities, government and industry as the key barriers.

· The Dirt · United States

Published July 31, 2024 by local outlet The Dirt, this article reports that Spork Food Hub announced the immediate closure of its farmstand at The Cannery agrihood in Davis, California. In a Facebook post, the operator said that after two years of operation it had been unable to grow its customer base enough to make the stand profitable, and would instead focus its community outreach on other farm and food-hub events.

Annie Drottberger, Yizhi Zhang, Jean Wan Hong Yong, Marie-Claude Dubois · Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews · Global

This systematic literature review, based on 45 articles, examined the benefits and challenges of rooftop greenhouse technology. While benefits include optimized land use, increased profitability, good yields, and resource efficiency, the review identified significant challenges. These challenges include additional investment and operational costs, limited availability of flat roofs, and various regulations, which hinder the widespread adoption of rooftop greenhouses.

Jérémie Forney, Julien Vuilleumier, Marion Fresia · · Switzerland

This study on the local contract farming (LCF) movement in Switzerland is based on an ethnography of three LCF networks. The research focuses on the contract that formalizes the "promise of difference" and the redefinition of food quality and value. It acknowledges both the potential for transformation of LCF ventures and their clear limitations, aiming to foster discussions beyond simple statements of success or failure.

Kadek Dwi Pradnyani Novianti, Ni Kadek Sukerti · WIDYABHAKTI Jurnal Ilmiah Populer · Indonesia (Denpasar)

This community service activity focused on the Empelan Terbin Farmer Group in Denpasar City, which practices urban agriculture but faces challenges in distributing and selling its produce. The group's agricultural products were often only shared locally or discarded due to excess harvest, indicating a lack of effective sales channels. To address this, the activity provided training and assistance in digital marketing via Facebook to help the group introduce its products to a wider audience and generate profit for sustainable land management.

Rachel Surls, Rob Bennaton, Gail Feenstra, Ramiro E. Lobo, Alda F. A. Pires, Jennifer Sowerwine, Julia Van Soelen Kim, Cheryl A. Wilen · California Agriculture · United States (California)

From 2017 to 2018, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) researchers conducted a series of 16 workshops for urban farmers in California. The evaluation found that economic issues such as profitability and land access are among the greatest barriers for urban farming in California. While networking among participants was an unexpected positive outcome, urban farmers expressed a need for more opportunities for mentoring and building partnerships.

Nurdiana, Muhammad Hasan, Miranda, Muhammad Ihsan Said Ahmad, Citra Ayni Kamaruddin, Thamrin Tahir · International Journal of Social Science and Business · Global

This qualitative study analyzed the implementation of the 7P marketing mix for processed agricultural products by the Orchid Women Farmer Group, using observations, interviews, and FGDs with 4 informants. The 7P marketing mix was generally implemented, with supporting factors including self-confidence, cooperation, and encouragement from agricultural extension workers. Inhibiting factors were identified as lack of literacy and limited time, which affect the implementation process.

Olasumbo Olagoke-Komolafe, Joshua Oyeboade · International Journal of Multidisciplinary Futuristic Development · United States

This study comprehensively reviewed the viability, benefits, and challenges of urban aquaponics systems in the United States. Through a systematic literature review and content analysis, significant environmental benefits were identified, while economically, long-term benefits potentially outweigh initial setup costs. Challenges such as technical complexities, financial barriers, and the need for specialized knowledge are also notable.

Alicia Papanek, Catherine Campbell, Hannah Wooten · EDIS · Global

This publication, authored by Alicia Papanek, Catherine G. Campbell, and Hannah Wooten and published in January 2023 by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, provides an overview of urban food production. It discusses the benefits of urban agriculture alongside potential challenges that can limit the success of these operations, including economic viability.