Research & reports

Prita Indah Pratiwi, Bambang Sulistyantara, Indung Sitti Fatimah, Nizar Nasrullah, Riswandi, Andy Darusalam, Yusuf Dwi Shaka Juliandri, Khansa Aqila Arrahman · Agrokreatif Jurnal Ilmiah Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia

A community activity report on developing a healing garden at the Al-Muhajirin Foundation's elderly Islamic boarding school (pesantren) on Abun Bunyamin Mukhtar (ABM) Farm in Kiarapedes District, Purwakarta Regency, West Java. The site includes 4 hectares of agricultural land planted with fruit and vegetable crops, also used for management meetings, outing classes, English camps and tahfidz camps. Through seven stages—preparation, inventory, analysis and synthesis, concept development, design creation, implementation and dissemination—the project produced a relaxation garden, a toga (family medicinal plant) garden, and an edible garden, which functioned as spaces for discussion, murojaah, horticultural cultivation, and recreation. During construction and dissemination, the community actively planted aromatic plants, engaged with the material, and completed pre- and post-tests, with post-test results showing that the outreach activity increased community knowledge about healing gardens.

Meistian Herizon, Didi Ardiansyah, Radeni Ilyan Putra, Reflis Reflis, Satria Putra Utama · ABDISOSHUM Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Bidang Sosial dan Humaniora · Indonesia

Using a qualitative literature review, this paper examines how contemporary homesteading — characterized by self-sufficient food production, efficient resource management and sustainable living practices — can function as a framework for community service activities in Indonesia. It finds that homesteading contributes to household economic resilience, physical and mental health, environmental conservation and stronger social networks, but also faces implementation obstacles including limited land availability, lack of technical skills, regulatory constraints and social resistance.

Temi Indriati Miranda, Nurlia Listiani, Nugroho Purwono, Dwiyanti Kusumaningrum, Nirma Yossa, Diah Setiari Suhodo · Journal of Urban Management · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This study examines how informal actors along Jakarta's East Flood Canal (KBT), Indonesia, perceive and adapt to unclear governance conditions, based on two months of ethnographic fieldwork including 15 semi-structured interviews and field observations. It finds that informal practices such as street vending and urban farming are crucial to livelihoods and the urban ecosystem, creating green space, supporting food security and strengthening local identity, but that these actors constantly face eviction threats and exclusion from government support and protection due to inconsistent law enforcement, while still showing resilience through adaptive strategies and social innovation such as optimizing spatial use and building community networks.

Remigius Sotan Nino, Werenfridus Taena, Umbu Joka · Jurnal Hexagro · Indonesia

In Kefamenanu City sub-district, North Central Timor Regency, Indonesia, a study of the district's vegetable farmer population selected four villages (Bansone, Maubeli, Kefa Kelatan and Sasi) and conducted a census survey of 150 respondents in 2025. Using location quotient (LQ), shift-share analysis (SSA) and quadrant analysis, the study found mustard greens, eggplant, spinach and beans to be comparatively superior commodities, and mustard greens, long beans, tomatoes, spinach and chickpeas to be competitively superior. Commodities leading on both comparative and competitive advantage, and thus having development potential, were mustard greens (LQ=2.57, SSA=0.15), spinach (LQ=2.19, SSA=0.312) and beans (LQ=2.54, SSA=1.25).

Arum Sekar Kedhaton, Prince Clinton Immanuel Christian Damanik, Hizwatin Maulidya, Yuliana Devina Angela Jane, Juwari Juwari · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pembangunan dan Pendidikan Vokasi Pertanian · Indonesia (Samarinda)

A 2025 study analyzed and compared the physical characteristics of soil in two areas of Samarinda City, Indonesia — Samarinda Ulu and Samarinda Utara sub-districts — as a basis for evaluating urban farming potential, using a descriptive-comparative approach to examine soil texture, structure, color and consistency. Results showed the soil in Samarinda Ulu had a fine sandy loam texture, small crumb structure and olive brown color (2.5Y 4/4), while soil in Samarinda Utara had a somewhat coarser texture, angular blocky structure and reddish brown color (5YR 4/4). These differences indicate variation in water retention and drainage capacity that affects crop suitability: Samarinda Ulu soil was found more suitable for horticultural crops, while Samarinda Utara soil suited drought-tolerant plants. The study is intended to inform the development of sustainable urban agriculture in humid tropical regions.

Lin Ye, Shuang He, Yong Li, Zhaohui YAN, Lei Huang · Landscape Architecture · China

Against the backdrop of China's evolving urban community governance—from the danwei (work unit) system under the planned economy, through the neighborhood committee system of market reform, to the current community-based governance model—which has eroded kinship-based ties and left communities more fragmented with declining residents' sense of belonging, this research examines how green space development, including community gardens and urban agriculture programs, can build social cohesion and resident wellbeing while facing persistent challenges around sustainable funding models, quantifiable outcomes, and equitable access across socioeconomic groups. The methodology combines CiteSpace visual mapping analysis with inductive and deductive review methods in a three-stage process that analyzes countries with the largest research output and tracks changes in key research topics over time.

I Gede Fery Surya Tapa, I Kadek Angga Budi Astrawan · Community Development Journal Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia

A community service report from SDN 3 Serangan, a public elementary school in the Serangan sub-district, Indonesia, describes a program to grow family medicinal plants (TOGA) on school grounds to raise environmental health awareness. Activities included site observation, plant species selection, land preparation, seedling procurement, and training and outreach to students. The program is reported to have increased use of school land for TOGA cultivation, expanded students' knowledge of TOGA, and encouraged active student participation in environmental health activities.

Affan Khoerul Pratama, Niken Kusuma Dewi, Ardhian Oktawidyaman, Afia Mansyoorah Nurjaman, Bintang Restu Darmawan, Dimas Arifil Akbar, Die Bhakti Wardoyo Putro · An-Nizam · Indonesia

A community service program in Cepokosari hamlet, Bantul, Indonesia, provided technical training and intensive mentoring to members of the Family Welfare Movement (PKK) on growing eggplants and chili peppers using repurposed used water gallon containers as vertical-gardening planting media, aiming to reduce plastic waste while promoting household food security and economic improvement. The results show that using used water gallons as planting media enhanced plant productivity, yielding enough produce for household consumption with a surplus sold for supplementary income for participating families.

Liliek Dwi Soelaksini, Trisnani Alif, Tirto Wahyu Widodo, Ilham Muhklisin, Dewi Puspa Arisandi, Nurfadilah Nurfadilah · Sejagat · Indonesia

In PKK RW 27, Tegal Boto Lor (Sumbersari District, Jember Regency, East Java, Indonesia), where urban residents with limited agricultural land had already been using roadside planting of trees and ornamental plants, a community service team introduced the urban farming concept through wall gardening, delivered via education and soft-skills training. Comparing pre- and post-test results, the share of residents meeting the "good" knowledge criterion rose from 20% before the training to 53.4% after.

Yu Hang · Cities & Health · China

Because the widespread adoption and upkeep of edible campus landscapes remains limited in Chinese higher education, this case study at South China Agricultural University examined the factors shaping users' willingness to take part in such landscapes. Using a mixed-method approach grounded in an Extended Combination Technology Acceptance Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior, it tested how subjective awareness, perceived benefits and costs, external support, and resource availability affect participation. A structural equation model based on 408 survey responses found that perceived benefits, external support, and awareness were key enablers of engagement, while maintenance costs, time burden, and limited institutional support remained critical barriers.

Agung Gustiawan, Ade Cahya Kurniawan · Prospect Jurnal Pemberdayaan Masyarakat · Indonesia

This participatory action research study describes PT Pupuk Kujang's corporate social and environmental responsibility program in Indonesia through four initiatives: Kuwatan Sadesa, which raised coffee productivity from 1.2 toward a potential 3 tons/ha while conserving forest land; Kujang Wanita Tangguh (KUWAT), which had women produce at least two products from garment waste; Asa Warga Ternak Mandiri (Asatama), which developed a communal system of at least 16 sheep funded by crowdfunding and fed partly on pineapple waste; and Kujang Urban Farming (KURFA), which established one greenhouse, engaged at least 10 residents and generated derivative food products. The study reports these programs enhanced community welfare and social solidarity and promoted environmental sustainability.

Widowati Widowati, Cahyo Budiman, Meiny Suzery, Jafron Wasiq Hidayat, Sutrisno Sutrisno, Eka Triyana, Taleb Gaber · International Journal of Community Engagement and Development · Indonesia

An article reports on a community activity strengthening local food security through sustainable, integrated urban farming in Rowosari Village, Tembalang District, Indonesia. It combines hydroponic cultivation with catfish aquaculture in limited spaces such as home yards, rooftops and vertical surfaces, and integrates waste management and plant nutrition. The activity involved lectures and discussions plus hands-on training on vertical hydroponic installations and catfish pond cultivation in the village, followed by monitoring and evaluation.

Anthony Steven, Iriani Atrika, Doris Febriyanti, Siti Zubaidah · Government & Resilience · Indonesia (Palembang)

This case study examines collaborative governance between local authorities and community stakeholders in Palembang, Indonesia, a low-lying delta city on the Musi River facing recurrent flooding, food insecurity and disrupted supply chains driven by urban expansion, poor drainage infrastructure and climate-related rainfall variability. It analyzes local policy responses, community-led initiatives such as floating vegetable gardens, and urban farming on flood-resilient land, finding that while municipal disaster agencies provide early warning and evacuation support, food access and distribution during floods are primarily sustained by grassroots networks and community-organized food banks.

Ika Oktaviani, Agusmidah Agusmidah, Affila Affila · Jurnal Kajian Konstitusi · Indonesia

This normative-juridical legal study examines the North Labuhanbatu Regency Government's authority over plasma (community garden) development, a legal obligation for plantation companies renewing their Right to Cultivate, in the context of a land dispute with PTPN IV Regional 1 in South Merbau. It finds that the regency government, through its Agriculture Office, has not imposed administrative sanctions on the plantation company that failed to develop plasma gardens for the South Merbau community, and concludes the government appears to have failed to exercise its authority to secure community welfare.

Rafitri Novitasari, Agustina Shinta Hartati Wahyuningtyas, Heptari Elita Dewi, Riyanti Isaskar · JOURNAL ON SOCIAL ECONOMIC OF AGRICULTURE AND AGRIBUSINESS · Indonesia

A study in Malang City, Indonesia, where population growth has reduced agricultural land even as unused agricultural land is being converted to urban farming, analyzed factors (knowledge, attitude, perception) influencing interest in farming. Using purposive sampling, data were collected from 70 respondents via interviews and documentation and processed with descriptive statistical analysis and SEM-PLS. The results showed that knowledge of and attitude toward urban agriculture did not have a significant effect on people's interest in urban farming, while perception of urban agriculture had a positive influence on interest, associated with residents' recognition of its economic, social and environmental benefits.

Fetty Dwi Rahmayanti, Andi Gunawan, Anas Miftah Fauzi, Edi Santosa · Jurnal Agronomi Indonesia (Indonesian Journal of Agronomy) · Indonesia (Jakarta)

A mixed-methods study assessing biodiversity risk from urban agriculture activities in East Jakarta, Indonesia, combining a literature review with a field survey of questionnaires on respondents' perceptions of biodiversity risk to flora and fauna. The results showed the p-value exceeded the alpha level (0.05), indicating that urban agriculture in East Jakarta does not significantly affect biodiversity risks to flora and fauna.

Aili Yang, Yiwei Ma, Jia Chen, Haiyan Yang, Zhenji Wang, Qingqing Shen, Huajie Yin, Yuyan Wang · Indian Journal of Horticulture · India

In India, cultivation methods for optimizing lettuce production on household balconies were compared: circulating hydroponics, static hydroponics, and substrate cultivation against soil cultivation as a control, evaluating growth, yield, and quality. Hydroponic systems significantly outperformed soil cultivation. Static hydroponics produced the highest biomass, with fresh and dry weights increasing by 10.53% and 55.29% over the control. Circulating hydroponics had slightly lower yield but increased vitamin C content by 6.57% and sensory quality by 41%, ranking second overall. Substrate cultivation showed moderate gains, with vitamin C up 5.14% and taste rating up 19.66% versus the control. Considering growth performance, space efficiency, ease of management, and cost, static and circulating hydroponics were identified as the most suitable systems for balcony-based lettuce cultivation.

Shah, Mill Jignesh, Shah, Mill · Digital Commons - RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) · India

This design thesis addresses the imbalance in India's rapid urbanization, where Tier-I cities dominate as aspirational centers while smaller towns face depopulation, economic drift, and cultural amnesia. Centered on Sidhpur, a town in Gujarat with Bohra Muslim architectural heritage and a history of Hindu-Muslim cultural synthesis, the project proposes a regenerative model reclaiming Tier-II and Tier-III towns' vitality through layered strategies of adaptive reuse, vernacular craftsmanship, and integrated food systems. Abandoned havelis (mansions) are reimagined as living infrastructure for memory, sustenance, and economic regeneration, through reviving vernacular craft, embedding urban agriculture within the architectural fabric to reinforce local food sovereignty, and fostering reverse migration by creating culturally familiar, aspirational environments. It is presented as a scalable model grounded in participatory design and sustainable material practices; no quantitative evaluation results are reported.

Listya Utami Karmawan, Rory Anthony Hutagalung, Yanti Yanti, Irwin Suryaatmadja, Michelle Nadine Hardjawidjaja, Yasinta Ratna Esti Wulandari · Journal of Saintech Transfer · Indonesia

The abstract describes a project with the Villa Ciomas RW 10 Farmer Group (PokTan Vici 10) in Ciomas Rahayu Village, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, which practices urban farming on a small plot beside the Cisindangbarang River and already had a small fishpond but lacked aquaponics equipment. A community service team aimed to enhance the urban farming facility by installing aquaponics equipment, running workshops on basic hydroponics and aquaponics knowledge, exploring business potential, and providing hands-on cultivation practice, with monitoring and guidance throughout. The hydroponic/aquaponics installation succeeded, though nutrient supply from the fishponds alone was initially suboptimal, requiring supplemental hydroponic nutrients; hydroponic techniques were also introduced for vegetable cultivation. A pre/post-training questionnaire analysis showed the program significantly improved participants' knowledge and aquaponic skills (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p<0.05). The aquaponics equipment was installed successfully, and participants gained foundational knowledge and skills enabling them to manage aquaponics systems independently through to harvest; the community plans to explore business opportunities selling hydroponic/aquaponic products.

Kulesh Bhandari · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · India

This press release reports on the field progress and community engagement of the Wild Food Forests in Tribal Jharkhand initiative in India, led by biodiversity researcher Kulesh Bhandari (M.Sc. Zoology, Godda College, SKMU) with support from The Pollination Project Foundation (USA). The project spans multiple tribal villages, including Bodiya Panchayat, Fhagu Tola, Rajapathar, Mandal Chak, Silthiya B Panchayat (Basdhuma Upar Tola, Niche Tola, Debri), Salaipahari, and Gardiapahari (Gopikandar Range). It aims to restore diversity of wild edible and medicinal plants such as Dumar, Dova, Mahua, Koha, and Bel by combining traditional knowledge with scientific monitoring.

Sanchi Gour, Hemant Chikale, Bhagyashree Kumbhare, Yamini B. Laxane · Indian Journal of Computer Science and Technology · India

This paper examines the impact of e-nurseries — online platforms selling plants and gardening supplies — on urban gardening and home planting in India. It describes e-nurseries as delivering plants ranging from native to exotic species directly to consumers online, offering compact plant varieties and indoor gardening advice suited to limited urban space and time, and incorporating technologies such as augmented reality for plant visualization and AI-based personalized plant care recommendations. No empirical data or survey results are presented.

Qiurita Fortuna, Marmi Marmi, Achmadi Achmadi · Pubmedia Jurnal Penelitian Tindakan Kelas Indonesia · Indonesia

An action research study conducted with students in the Food Crops and Horticultural Agribusiness (ATPH) program, grade 10, at SMKN 1 Gondang vocational high school in Nganjuk Regency, East Java, Indonesia, applied problem-based learning (PBL) to teaching urban farming across three cycles — a pre-cycle using discovery learning, then two cycles of PBL — assessing cognitive, affective and psychomotor outcomes. Introducing PBL increased the proportion of students exceeding the minimum mastery criterion (KKM) by 53% of the class total, raised the class average by 12%, and increased learning motivation as reflected in a rise in students actively engaged in the affective and psychomotor components measured.

Elmira Dhiva Avivah, Teguh Soedarto, Wahyu Santoso · JPEK (Jurnal Pendidikan Ekonomi dan Kewirausahaan) · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study assessed the economic feasibility of Yurga Farm, a farmer group participating in Surabaya City's urban farming program in East Java, Indonesia, which cultivates horticultural vegetables — including pakcoy, romaine, siomak, lettuce, kale, samhong and caisim — on narrow but productive urban land. Primary data on production costs, revenue and income were collected through in-depth interviews. All commodities showed an R/C ratio above 1, with break-even-point (BEP) production levels below actual production and BEP prices below selling prices, indicating the farming business is profitable and has potential for sustainable development.

Djarwatiningsih Pongki Soedjarwo, Hadi Suhardjono, Agus Sulistyono, Yonny Koentjoro, Makhziah · Jurnal Aplikasi Sains dan Teknologi Agrisevika · Indonesia (Surabaya)

A community-engagement project in the Kosagrha housing complex, RW 04, Medokan Ayu-Rungkut ward, Surabaya, Indonesia, that converted neglected public/social land (fasum/fasos), previously overgrown with scrub, into productive urban farming plots. The Participatory Action with Training and Demonstration (PAW-TD) method involved residents in every stage — site identification, theoretical and practical training, and collaborative demonstration-plot setup. Two idle land sites were successfully transformed into productive gardens, with notable capacity gains for the "Kosagrha Lestari" farmer group in cultivation technique, composting, and pest control. Reported outcomes include strengthened household food security, economic value from savings and group treasury funds generated by harvest surpluses, and improved social cohesion and neighborhood aesthetics.

Irmadatus Sholekhah, Dwi Herlindawati, Marjono Marjono, Dibyo Waskito Guntoro · Kumawula Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia

A community-service report on a training program in urban farming marketing strategy for the Wife's Extended Family Association (IKBI) at PTPN I Regional 5, Kebun Kalisanen Kotta Blater, Jember Regency, Indonesia. A preliminary study found that urban farming adopted by the plantation had positively affected household food availability, but surplus fruit and vegetable harvests were not being fully utilized — some were merely shared with neighbors or relatives, while the rest were left to rot and go to waste. The training program, targeting 20 IKBI participants, covered urban farming product processing, branding socialization, and marketing strategy development assistance. Results showed increased understanding and knowledge of urban farming practices — including organic vegetables, hydroponics, horticulture, and potted plants — and improved marketing skills, particularly in digital marketing.