Research & reports

Eko Muhammad Bayu, Nur Edy Suminarti, Adi Setiawan · International Journal of Environment Agriculture and Biotechnology · Indonesia

This study in Indonesia investigated the interaction of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and mycorrhizae to optimize melon growth and yield in rooftop farming. Using a split-plot design with varying concentrations of PGPR and mycorrhizae, researchers observed significant interactions on fresh root weight, total dry weight, and fruit weight. The combination of 15 ml/L PGPR and 10 g/plant mycorrhiza increased fruit weight by up to 67% compared to controls.

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.

Ana Irhandayaningsih, Gani Nur Pramudyo, Puteri Inandin Nabiha, Beta Estri Adiana · Anuva Jurnal Kajian Budaya Perpustakaan dan Informasi · Indonesia (Semarang)

This research explains the process of information repackaging in urban farming practices in Bergas Kidul Village, Semarang Regency, Indonesia. It integrated Participatory Action Research (PAR) and community-based agroecology principles. Repackaging involved six iterative stages, including identifying technical knowledge sources, simplifying content, demplot trials, and producing contextual learning media such as posters, pocketbooks, and visual training.

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.

Moh. Sholeh, Nanang Indardi, Khoirul Anwar, Vacktian Diva Gumala · Jurnal Abdimas · Indonesia (Semarang)

In Banjardowo Village, Semarang, urban farming-based cultivation innovations were implemented as an adaptation strategy to limited land and flood threats. This community service research aimed to increase the capacity of the Barokah Women Farmers Group (KWT) through six stages of activities, including urban farming installation and cultivation training. The activities resulted in increased knowledge and skills in horticultural cultivation among members and strengthened the group's social cohesion, proving effective in enhancing technical capacity, empowering women, and strengthening local food security.

Sukanya Basu, Brenda Maria Zoderer, Harini Nagendra, Peter H. Verburg, Tobías Plieninger · Nature Cities · India

This study examined the extent and benefits of foraging in urban blue spaces across four major Indian cities through a survey of 1,200 users. It identified three forager groups—rare, occasional, and frequent—whose behaviors differed in frequency and practice. Women, the elderly, and marginalized communities most frequently collected, shared, cooked, and sold edibles. Frequent foragers emphasized benefits related to nutrition, income, culture, and social capital, while occasional foragers appreciated nature- and culture-related benefits, indicating urban blue spaces are vital for food access and resilience.

Nur Aini Alfiah, Dewi Fatmawaty Sabiku, Devina Cinantya Anindita, Dewi Puspa Arisandi, Anggita Rizky Fadilah, Ni Nengah Putri Adnyani, Ferril Muhammad Nur · Jurnal Abdi Insani · Indonesia

A community service program in Jember Regency, Indonesia, from November 2024 to January 2025, aimed to enhance food independence among housewives in subsidized housing through training and practice in simple wick hydroponics for bok choy. Most participants understood the material, successfully grew bok choy at home, and showed interest in other vegetables. The program increased awareness of self-sufficient vegetable cultivation for family food security, improving their ability to provide bok choy for household needs, though not achieving full food independence.

Glenn Pardede, Rosdiana Sijabat, Rizaldi Parani, Jacob Donald Tan, Johana Ataupah, Agung Heru Yatmo, Sekar Dianwidi Bisowarno · F1000Research · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This study investigated the emergence pathways of Sustainable Entrepreneurship (SE) through a qualitative multiple-case analysis of hydroponic ventures in the urban agriculture sector of the Jakarta Metropolitan Area, Indonesia. Data were collected via in-depth interviews, field observations, and document analysis, with thematic analysis conducted across individual, process, firm, and contextual environment levels. Findings revealed an alternative SE pathway, departing from intention-led models, where SE is triggered by personally meaningful concerns and evolves through organic growth, leading to the development of a multi-level pathway model illustrating two SE emergence pathways, whether intentional or reflexive.

Brilian Desca Dianingtyas, Nurina Rahmawati · Agrivet Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Pertanian dan Peternakan (Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Veteriner) · Indonesia (Kediri City)

This research aims to determine the capacity of ruminant livestock to utilize processed vegetable waste from the Ngronggo Wholesale Market in Kediri City as silage. A qualitative descriptive design collected data on waste amount, livestock numbers, and capacity. The potential availability of vegetable waste silage in 2024 is estimated at 11,186.56 kg DM/year, 378.11 kg CP/year, and 8,423.48 kg TDN/year. This silage is concluded to be sufficient to supply over 50% of the total animal units in Kediri City.

Aditya Romadloni, Febriyanti Angelia Ginting, Trisno Fallo, Putri Ratna Setyowati · Applied Environmental Sustainability and Technology · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)

A descriptive qualitative analysis was conducted on PT Sarihusada Generasi Mahardika's (SGM) COMDEV and CSR program in Padukuhan Kaliurang Timur, Kalurahan Hargobinangun, Upper Sleman Watershed, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The program implements CSR activities including water conservation through catchment infrastructure development, community-based integrated waste management, and urban farming for food security. Additionally, it supports women's economic empowerment through women farmers groups and enhances environmental education in elementary schools, demonstrating a holistic approach combining ecological, economic, and educational aspects.

Sufrianto Sufrianto, Andi Makkawaru Isazarni Jassin, I Wayan Pugu · MEDIA KONSTRUKSI · Indonesia (Kendari)

This research aims to identify and map the distribution of idle land in Wua-Wua District, Kendari City, Indonesia, using 3D mapping technology. The district faces development pressure leading to reduced green open spaces, and the Green City concept proposes utilizing idle land. 3D modeling analyzed land characteristics, showing Bonggoeya and Anawai are potential for medium to large-scale horticulture, Wua-Wua has the largest idle land for green urban farming centers, and Mataiwoi is suitable for community-based micro urban farming.

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.

Budi Widianarko, Inneke Hantoro, Novita Ika Putri, Probo Y. Nugrahedi · Open Agriculture · Indonesia (Semarang)

This study explored the potential of short food supply chains (SFSCs) in Semarang City, Indonesia, to create a healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable food system. Desk studies and focus group discussions revealed Semarang City's readiness for SFSCs, evidenced by an increase in farmer groups (371 in 2017 to 406 in 2021) and urban farming initiatives (8 in 2015 to 113 in 2021). Key commodities include vegetables, fruits, cereals, and tubers, with success factors identified as quality, consistency, market access, technology, government support, institutional strength, and consumer education.

Alexander Imanuel Widjanarko, Nathan Daud, Diva Kurnianingtyas · Journal of Biopesticides and Agriculture Technology. · Indonesia

This study developed Urfalogy, an AI-powered platform, to address urban farming challenges in Indonesia, including limited space, capital, and technology. Using Agile software development and the YOLOv8 deep learning algorithm, the platform achieved optimal performance metrics with a recall of 90.01% and mAP50 of 90.715% at epoch 100. Urfalogy successfully identified environmental components for spatial mapping and supports the complete urban farming workflow from planning to sales.

Tri Astuti, Hasddin Hasddin, Marjani Marjani, M Murini, Muhammad Yusuf, Sabaruddin Sondeng, Safril Kasim, Osu Oheoputra Husen, Ulyasniati Ulyasniati, Musadia Afa · Glasnik srpskog geografskog drustva · Indonesia (Kendari)

This study evaluated the dual role of urban farming in Kendari, a coastal city in Eastern Indonesia, from an economic and environmental accounting perspective. Data analysis revealed that the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector, which includes urban farming, contributes 10.66% to Kendari's Gross Domestic Regional Product, though urban farming's specific value is unrecorded. Kendari's per capita energy consumption (1,121 kWh/person) and annual CO2 emissions (316,560 tons) exceeded Asian Green City Index benchmarks, while air quality remained acceptable.

Neta Dian Lestari, Reva Maria Valianti, Nur Ahyani, Anisah Anisah, Aan Nugraha, Violita Fadhilah · DIKDIMAS Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia

This Community Service project aimed to enhance entrepreneurial skills among students at SMAN 1 Payaraman, Indonesia, addressing the underutilization of the school garden and limited knowledge in product processing and marketing. The program, implemented through five stages including training and equipment provision, significantly improved students' practical skills and achieved high participant satisfaction. It also resulted in the successful acquisition of Intellectual Property Rights for developed products, transforming the school community's ability to produce high-economic-value goods.

Park Jihee, Sung Jong-Sang · Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture · South Korea (Seoul)

In Seoul, South Korea, a study investigated the patterns and cultural-spatial meanings of garden cultivation in ground-floor private gardens of the Olympic Athletes’ Village Apartment. Using on-site observation, exploratory factor analysis, and K-means cluster analysis, the research found that garden cultivation was influenced by five factors: ‘Participatory’, ‘Practicality’, ‘Shielding’, ‘Naturalness’, and ‘Maintenance’. These factors led to four distinct garden typologies: ‘Screened Neglected Garden’, ‘Environmentally Responsive Garden’, ‘Experiential Leisure Garden’, and ‘Practical Productive Garden’, demonstrating that private garden cultivation in apartment living reestablishes a personal domain and expresses individuality.

Haili Zhang, Wei Wang, Yichao Wang, Fanxin Meng, Rongguang Shi, Hui Xue, Mir Muhammad Nizamani, Zongshan Zhao · Sustainability · China (Jinan)

This study investigated urban green space (UGS) changes in Jinan, China, over two decades, focusing on urban functional units (UFUs) using remote sensing technology. Findings revealed UGS expansion driven by parks and leisure areas, with economic factors like housing prices increasingly influencing UGS distribution in affluent UFUs. Challenges remain in balancing green space with urban expansion, particularly in commercial and residential UFUs.

Fadila Suryandika, F. Deru Dewanti, Puji Lestari Tarigan · Jurnal Aplikasi Sains dan Teknologi Agrisevika · Indonesia (Surabaya)

In Pandugo RT 07, a densely populated area in eastern Surabaya, some residents have small plots suitable for urban farming. This activity introduced hydroponics to improve family nutrition and ensure safe food supply. Residents participated in lectures and practical planting sessions on hydroponics, showing high enthusiasm.

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.

Erni Suharini, Ervando Tommy Al Hanif, Supriyadi Supriyadi, Hariyanto Hariyanto, Mohammad Syifauddin · Journal of Community Empowerment · Indonesia (Semarang)

A community service program was implemented to strengthen the organizational capacity of the Women Farmers Group (KWT) Puspitasari in Sampangan, Semarang, Indonesia. The program provided training and mentoring based on the POAC management cycle (planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling), combined with guidance on basic digital archiving using tools like Google Drive and spreadsheets. Evaluating 23 participants with a pretest–posttest design, the program showed a significant improvement in mean scores from 64.35 to 83.04, indicating enhanced participant knowledge and readiness in organizational planning, role distribution, meeting documentation, and evidence-based evaluation.

Ana Wahyuni, Stephanus Widjaja, Deny Nitalia M · Jurnal Pengabdian dan Pengembangan Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia (Semarang)

A community service activity was conducted for members of UP2K TP PKK in Maltiharjo Village, Semarang, to introduce and implement urban farming concepts. The activity included technical training in vertical vegetable cultivation and regular mentoring, showing an increase in participants' knowledge and skills. Harvested produce was used for family consumption, as healthy menu additions, and as an income source through sales, demonstrating urban farming's potential to support food security and create productive green environments.

Yunita Asman, Anida Anida, T. M. Haikal, Farhan Zikri · Abdimas Indonesian Journal · Indonesia

Urban farming was implemented at an Islamic boarding school in Bireuen Regency, Indonesia, utilizing unproductive land to grow crops like vegetables and melons. This program aimed to increase food self-sufficiency and shape student character through practical learning and Islamic ecotheological values. The school was able to meet up to 20% of its internal food needs, and the activity fostered ecological awareness, discipline, and responsibility among students.

Yusrina Nafilah, Idah Hamidah, Eva Yuliana · ENGAGEMENT Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Indramayu)

The "Eco School Project" is a program aimed at creating an environmentally friendly school garden at UPTD SDN Cinini Sumbermulya Village in Indramayu, Indonesia. This program functions as an educational tool, inviting students to be directly involved in environmental conservation efforts to understand the importance of preserving nature and implementing environmentally friendly behavior in daily life. Collaboration among the school, students, parents, and the surrounding community is essential for the sustainability and success of this initiative.

Sheetal Patil, Simi John, Pooja Sagar, Narmada A. Khare, Kruthika Ganesh · · India

This book explores the integration of regenerative urban agriculture within sustainable cityscapes, using the IIHS Kengeri Campus in India as a case study. The campus functions as a 'living lab' for sustainable soil and water management, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and urban food production. By experimenting with interdisciplinary approaches, the book highlights innovative models for food and water security in rapidly urbanizing environments.