Research & reports

Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira · Urban Transformations · South Africa (Cape Town)

This qualitative study investigated 13 school-based community gardens in low-income townships on the Cape Flats of Cape Town, South Africa, using semi-structured interviews. It found that while these gardens can enhance food security, nutrition, and community development, most urban community gardens in South Africa face significant challenges related to land tenure rights, often requiring negotiation for school land use. The research highlights both the advantages and the challenges of utilizing school land for community gardens.

Erni Suharini, Ervando Tommy Al-Hanif, Edi Kurniawan, Satya Budi Nugraha, NASIR NAYAN, NASIR NAYAN · EduStream Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar · Indonesia

This study, conducted in Sampangan Village, Semarang City, Indonesia, aimed to enhance administrative literacy and bookkeeping management in urban farming activities. A participatory training method was applied, and pre- and post-training questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. The findings showed a significant improvement in participants' administrative and bookkeeping competencies, with average scores increasing from 65.15% before training to 82.70% after training.

Muhammad Rifal Ramadhan, Teguh Soedarto, Ika Sari Tondang · Jurnal Ilmiah Sosio Agribis · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study aimed to formulate urban farming development strategies implemented by the Food Security and Agriculture Service (DKPP) of Surabaya City, Indonesia, by identifying internal and external factors using SWOT and QSPM analysis. A descriptive quantitative approach was used, collecting data through questionnaires, observations, documentation, and interviews with 12 respondents (urban farmer groups and DKPP staff). The analysis indicated that DKPP possesses internal strengths like competent human resources and effective training, and external opportunities such as government support and potential institutional partnerships. Expanding collaboration with educational institutions and communities was identified as the top-priority strategy.

Paloma Ribeiro TARRÃO, D. Ferreira, Rita de Cássia Pereira de Pereira de Almeida · Revista ORG & DEMO · Brazil (São Paulo)

This article analyzed the implementation of the Gera Juncal community garden in São Mateus, São Paulo, between October 2021 and September 2022, using participatory action research and a case study approach. The findings indicated the adequacy of "School" Time and Community Time relationships, learning agroecology and solidarity economy principles, and the effectiveness of these practices in food production. It also showed changes in individual and group conduct, trainer training, and fostered public policy development for food sovereignty.

Katinka H. Evensen, Vebjørn Egner Stafseng · · Norway (Oslo)

This chapter presents case studies from Oslo (2018–2020), exploring urban agriculture integration in public spaces through interviews with initiators and managers of eight projects. The projects are motivated by creating social meeting places and learning arenas for cultivation and ecological knowledge, and are used as a tool for local urban space development. Findings suggest that perceived publicness of spaces can be increased through deliberate design to ensure accessibility for diverse urban populations.

K. C. Sahu · Open MIND · Global

A study on urban farmers' knowledge of rooftop gardens found that those with gardens had very good knowledge (average score > 80%), while those without had only 45% knowledge. Farmers with rooftop gardens also showed a positive attitude towards rooftop farming, whereas households without gardens had a negative attitude. A positive correlation between knowledge and attitude was observed for both male and female farmers, with the relationship being stronger for female farmers.

Fereday, George, Tang, Bo · London Met Repository (London Metropolitan University) · United Kingdom

This case study examined the integration of regenerative pedagogy in undergraduate architectural education through annual timber structures workshops at Mudchute City Farm, London, over a six-year period. Second-year students learned regenerative design principles focused on climate change, local ecology, and adaptive timber reuse, fostering circular and regenerative design skills. The program prepares students for future architectural challenges, including reducing carbon emissions and increasing biodiversity.

Daniela Haluza, Julia Ortmann, Tanja Lazic, Jonas Hillmer · Sustainability · Global

This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of urban gardening research from 1991 to 2020 using VOSviewer. The field has grown steadily since the early 1990s, with a shift in focus over the last two decades from poverty and food security to the impact of urban gardening on human well-being and quality of life, predominantly in developed countries. Recent studies indicate differentiated impacts of urban gardening on various socioeconomic groups. Despite robust evidence of public health benefits, policy implementation remains limited, and researchers emphasize the need for more quantitative data to inform decisions.

Muhammad Al Anhar Al Islami · Journal of Excellence Humanities and Religiosity · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This research analyzes the sustainability efforts and educational initiatives adopted by Selarasa - Jagakarsa Food Lab, a peri-urban agriculture initiative in Jakarta, Indonesia, in the context of commoning practices. It investigates resource management, technological innovations, and the contribution of educational initiatives, such as the 'Kultum' (Kuliah Tumbuhan) series, to community knowledge and engagement. The study aims to evaluate the ecological, economic, and social impacts of commoning and document educational initiatives for transferring urban agriculture knowledge, with the goal of identifying challenges and opportunities to improve commoning practices.

Victoria Milka Santiago · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science · Philippines

This qualitative case study explored the implementation and sustainability of the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) in a public secondary school in Misamis Oriental, Philippines. Data from interviews, focus groups, and artifact analysis revealed that GPP's success relied on strong curriculum integration, stakeholder ownership, innovative farming, and regular monitoring. Identified barriers included limited infrastructure, funding gaps, and inconsistent administrative backing.

M. Elusaiwe, K. Atusa, Kanya Hilary · Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research · Nigeria

This study investigated the efficiency of agricultural extension agents in promoting urban gardening among 250 respondents in 10 urban areas across two local government areas in Delta State, Nigeria. Findings revealed that most urban farmers, predominantly female civil servants, married women, or widows, were not visited by extension agents, nor were they encouraged to use growth media or form agricultural societies.

Mateus Andrade Rocha Vitório, Victor Guilherme Pereira da Silva Marques, Rivanna Sousa Moura, Sarah Lays Campos da Silva, Fernanda Raquel Andrade da Silva Dos Santos, Diego Rodrigues de Sousa, Sabrina Amorim Paulo, Michelle Vicente Torres · Revista Multidisciplinar do Nordeste Mineiro · Brazil (Teresina)

This qualitative experience report describes the "Hortiviva" project, conducted from April to December 2024, by residents of the Family Health Residency Program at the State University of Piauí, Brazil. The project involved 15 to 30 family horticulturists in a community garden in northern Teresina, focusing on health education through monthly meetings and active methodologies. Results showed the community garden became a therapeutic space for socialization, income generation, and well-being, strengthening ties between professionals and the community.

Andi Nurmas, ROBIATUL ADAWIYAH, Makmur Jaya Arma, Norma Arif, Sarawa Sarawa, Dirvamena Boer · Jurnal Tarreang Tren Pengabdian Masyarakat Agrokompleks · Indonesia (Kendari City)

This Community Service Program was conducted for the Flamboyan Dasawisma Group in Padaleu Village, Kambu District, Kendari City, Indonesia. The program was implemented through educational outreach on the benefits and application of urban farming, followed by hands-on mentoring in establishing an urban farming garden. Participants showed a positive response to the program and demonstrated high enthusiasm for cultivating vegetables using the urban farming system.

Khusnul Hotimatus Agustina, Dafik Dafik, Arika Indah Kristiana · World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews · Global

This research and development study focused on creating RBL-STEM learning materials to improve students' environmental literacy in solving urban farming problems. The developed learning tools, including assignment designs, worksheets, and tests, met a 93.8% validity requirement. A trial with 35 students showed the RBL-STEM resources were effective (95.22%) and practical (95.82%), leading to increased environmental literacy levels based on pretest and posttest results. The study identified high, medium, and low proficiency levels and validated findings through statistical and image analysis, N-Vivo, and word cloud.

A.K. Sen · International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology · India

Agriculture in West Bengal, India, faces challenges including decreasing farm sizes, lack of modern farming knowledge, rural migration, and low farmer income. This research explores the design and development of an Urban Agricultural Skill Development Centre (UASDC) to bridge the gap between traditional and modern farming practices. The project proposes a self-sustaining model integrating skill training, marketplace access, and architectural design to enhance farmer income, promote environmental sustainability, and strengthen rural-urban linkages.

Novi Mailidarni Novi, Othman Sulaiman, Juliawati, Ahmad Jauhari, Tasliati Djafar, Syarifuddin Syarifuddin · WISDOM Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Wisdom · Global

This community service program addresses limited yard space and chemical dependency in urban households by empowering residents, particularly women and youth, to practice sustainable urban farming and convert organic waste into ecoenzyme. The program provides education and training on ecoenzyme production and its use as fertilizer, pesticide, and cleaning solution, aiming to reduce chemical usage, minimize waste, and foster environmental awareness.

Lucas Bricca · · Chile

This chapter details the environmental education articles of the 2022 constitutional text in relation to a community garden initiative in the Province of Los Andes, central Chile. It explores how the text's educational framework aimed to institutionalize local knowledge networks by supporting diverse learning environments, participatory education, and linking education to holistic social outcomes, examining their relevance for agroecology.

Dibyanti Danniswari, Qurrotu Aini Besila, Nur Intan Simangunsong, Melati Ferianita Fachrul, Bagas Argya Syhabuddin · Jurnal Abdi Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia (Tangerang)

This community service program in Tangerang, Indonesia, aimed to enhance plant propagation knowledge and skills for 41 residents, particularly the Kecubung Women Farmers Group, to support family food security on limited yard space. The program addressed participants' lack of knowledge in vegetative and generative propagation and suitable plant selection. Through interactive lectures, discussions, and field practice, participants' average scores increased by 28.7 points (from 40.9 to 69.6) in pre- and post-tests. The program successfully improved participants' knowledge and skills, leading to increased initiative in developing productive yards and strengthening the Women Farmers Group's role in urban farming.

Evelyn Lizeth Ilbay-Guaña · Impact Research Journal · Global

This qualitative documentary study analyzed suitable culinary spice species for sustainable and diversified cultivation in home urban gardens, assessing their impact on food autonomy and self-care for informal primary caregivers in urban contexts. The review of scientific literature found that spice production in urban gardens contributes to food security and biodiversity, with successful experiences in high-value species like saffron. However, gaps persist in systematically integrating spices under sustainability criteria and in applied research on less conventional species. The study concludes that promoting sustainable urban spice gardens is a strategic tool for improving urban quality of life and recommends strengthening technical training and interdisciplinary research.

Muhammad Ainun Najib, Marwati Marwati, Nursyam Nursyam · TIMPALAJA Architecture student Journals · Indonesia (Makassar)

This article describes the concept of an urban farming center in Makassar City, Indonesia, as a prototype for urban farming development. It aims to address the lack of public knowledge on urban cultivation methods and the absence of dedicated architectural facilities for urban farming. The center would provide education and training to communities and farmer groups, supporting the equitable distribution of urban farming activities.

Fabiola Cabral-Rochin, Fabiola Lydie Rochin Berumen, Silvia Paulina Rochin-Berumen · South Florida Journal of Development · Global

This article describes a corporate social responsibility project that fostered sustainability and environmental awareness through five environmental education workshops. Fifteen employees participated, achieving a 70% increase in knowledge of sustainable practices, and 10 families benefited from actions like creating urban gardens. A social media campaign reached 2,648 people, increasing inquiries for the company Atelier Fábrica de Ideas by 30%.

Yunita Dwi Astuti, Chrisdina Wempi · Jurnal Sosial Teknologi · Indonesia

In Tambakredjo Village, Indonesia, the impact of participatory communication within PT. Saka Energi Muriah Limited's urban farming program was analyzed using a qualitative descriptive case study. Findings indicated that participatory communication contributed to increased community empowerment, self-confidence, and farming skills. Economically, the program strengthened food security and created new business opportunities, and social interaction in training strengthened relationships among residents.

Manda Ayu Febrianti, Dewi Casmiwati · JIIP - Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan · Indonesia (Surabaya)

A qualitative descriptive study in Kampung Ijo, Surabaya City, Indonesia, investigated women's empowerment through urban farming innovation. Focusing on three stages—awareness, capacity building, and empowerment—the study found that urban farming provided economic, social, and environmental benefits to the local community. However, limitations such as minimal local government support and technical challenges during the rainy season were also identified.

Durrotun Nafisah, Ika Purnamasari, Isnawati Isnawati, Zulfin Rachma Mufidah · Journal of Community Service and Empowerment · Indonesia

An ecopreneurship-based urban farming assistance program was implemented with the Karya Jaya 4 Farmers Group in Deket District, Indonesia, where agricultural land conversion reduced rice and fish production. The program provided training on hydroponic aquaponic systems and supported the construction of five backyard systems. This initiative increased participants' knowledge and skills, achieved an 85% success rate in system management, and contributed to increased household food production, income, and food security.

Sri Subekti, Naswa Alfina Zahira, Fahdia Maulita Yuniar, Virliana Titus Valentina, Safa Fayza Olivia Choirunisa, Nanda Permatasari · Akselerasi Luaran Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Jember)

The "Sekolah Lansia Tangguh" (Resilient Elderly School) program in Tegal Besar Village, Jember Regency, Indonesia, conducted urban farming outreach for elderly participants. This group-based activity aimed to equip seniors with modern farming skills for limited land, fostering productivity. The program involved material presentation and interactive discussions, with participants showing high enthusiasm for urban farming implementation.