Research & reports

Mei Linda Sipayung, Mariana Eva Yanti · Journal Inovasi Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia

A qualitative descriptive study of the Binjai Green Hidroponik (hydroponic) system in the Binjai region of Indonesia, combining a literature review, field observation, and interviews with local hydroponic practitioners to examine its concept, advantages, and application. Hydroponics is described as a soil-free cultivation method using a mineral nutrient solution adjusted to plant needs, positioned as a solution for raising agricultural productivity amid limited fertile land and rising food demand. The study found that the hydroponic system can raise water-use efficiency by up to 80%, speed up vegetable harvest time, and produce more hygienic, higher-quality products. Implementation of Binjai Green Hidroponik is described as having potential to drive local economic growth through urban-farming-based agribusiness.

I Wayan Dikse Pancane, Maulana Ari Danuarta, Aan Oka Suryadinatha, Ni Ketut Anjani, Ni Ketut Arniti · Jurnal Abdi Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia

A community-service report on cultivating family medicinal plants (TOGA) to improve public health at "Kebun Berdaya" (empowerment garden) in Tonja Ward, North Denpasar, Indonesia, carried out from January 13 to February 28, 2025. Following field observation, situation analysis, and work-program development, TOGA planting was carried out with the Women Farmers Group (KWT) of Tonja Ward as the main partner. The goals were to raise community awareness of TOGA's benefits and to develop Kebun Berdaya as a center for empowerment and greening. The results showed increased community understanding and participation in using TOGA. Constraints identified included limited land and insufficient knowledge about plant types and processing. A continuation program is proposed, involving intensive training and mentoring to maximize TOGA's health and economic benefits.

V. S. Manivasagam, G. V. Saai Shreyaa, Shriienidhie Ganesh · Computational Urban Science · India

This study built a geospatial framework using open-access geospatial datasets to assess the economic feasibility of rooftop gardening, rainwater harvesting, and photovoltaic installations across 368,748 rooftops in Coimbatore, India. Projected revenue estimates were ₹28.58 billion for photovoltaic systems, ₹15.79 billion for rooftop gardens, and ₹0.34 billion for rainwater harvesting; a crop-specific analysis found chillies the most profitable rooftop crop, with potential revenue of ₹38.51 billion, and coriander the least profitable at ₹4.57 billion.

Agustin Windianingsih, Mulki Siregar, Estu Mahanani, Aisyah Hikmatur Romadhonah, Nihlah Hariro Romadhona, Urvia Rahmadani, Adinda Putri Salsabila Salvi, Idham Nur Kholiq · Jurnal SOLMA · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This report describes a community-service activity (PKM) conducted by Universitas Islam Jakarta with D'Shafa, a farming community in Jakarta focused on urban agriculture development, aimed at strengthening food security and economic welfare. The activity followed five method stages — education, training, technology application, evaluation, and program sustainability — with the goal of helping the D'Shafa Women Farmers Group (KWT) create value-added processed products. The activity produced value-added products through the use of a vacuum-frying machine for making fruit and vegetable chips, and it broadened KWT D'Shafa members' knowledge of preparing simple and digital financial reports and of digital marketing.

Hanik Endang Nihayati, Retno Indarwati, Elida Ulfiana · Jurnal Masyarakat · Indonesia

Aimed at creating urban green space and food production through urban farming — framed as an innovative strategy for food security amid rapid urbanization — this Indonesian initiative built urban greening through collaboration among community groups, the PKK women's welfare movement, and village (kelurahan) government officials. It was carried out as a five-stage, one-year mentoring program (socialization, trial, implementation, evaluation, and harvest festival) starting in April 2018. The urban farming program, which involved community members, particularly women, was found to improve quality of life by providing access to quality vegetables in the city center and creating a greener environment. The program is described as providing real benefits to the community, the village government, academics, and higher-education institutions, and as needing to be expanded to other regions with active involvement of women to broaden its impact.

Dhaipule Amritha, B. Nirmala, Ch. Srilatha, K. Supriya · Journal of Scientific Research and Reports · India

This study examines the motivations driving urban gardening, the challenges gardeners face, and how pricing, usability, and support services shape consumer preferences among residents of Hyderabad, India. Using purposive sampling, 80 respondents completed a structured questionnaire with 5-point semantic differential scales, analyzed via mean ranking and multiple linear regression. Most respondents were female, educated, middle-aged, and married, living in nuclear families, with both working professionals and homemakers participating in gardening. Adverse weather and pest problems were the most commonly reported challenges; among package features, material quality was rated most important, followed by price and ease of use. Pricing, usability, and support services significantly influenced consumer preferences (p < 0.01).

Ratih Hesty Utami Puspitasari · Moneta Journal of Economics and Finance · Indonesia

This study evaluates willingness to pay (WTP) for urban ecosystem services — particularly cultural and provisioning services delivered by urban agriculture (UA) — in rapidly urbanizing Indonesian cities, using a Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) structured survey and logistic regression to identify socioeconomic predictors of WTP, supplemented by a review of comparative case-study literature to contextualize the findings. The results show strong public support for UA, with higher WTP associated with cultural ecosystem services tied to heritage, aesthetics, and community identity. Key predictors of WTP were income, education, environmental concern, and prior exposure to UA, with regional differences reflecting cultural and policy context. The study notes methodological limitations of CVM in capturing intangible values and advocates mixed-methods approaches incorporating ethnographic and participatory tools.

Amelia Kamila Islami, Henny Nuraini, Bram Brahmantiyo, Eko Handiwirawan, Ferdy Saputra, Nurul Azizah, Cecep Hidayat, Wawan Sulistiono · Brazilian Journal of Biology · Indonesia

This study examines morphometric traits — body weight and measurements of the head, chest, limbs, spine, and ears — of the Bambu Apus rabbit, a breed formed by crossing several rabbit breeds and adapted to the environment of DKI Jakarta, Indonesia, comparing 65 adult Bambu Apus rabbits against secondary data from 40 adult Rex and 40 adult New Zealand White rabbits. Analysis used SAS software v9.4: ANOVA (PROC GLM), Mahalanobis distance analysis (PROC DISCRIM), canonical discriminant analysis (PROC CANDISC), and phenogram construction (MEGA11). Discriminant analysis showed Bambu Apus rabbits differed morphometrically from Rex and New Zealand White rabbits: average body weight was 2473.54±480.13 g, higher than Rex (P<0.05); chest depth was 8.69±1.11 cm greater than both Rex and New Zealand White (P<0.05); and backbone length was 37.84±3.51 cm longer than Rex (P<0.05). Genetic distance and phenogram analysis showed low kinship between Bambu Apus and both Rex and New Zealand White rabbits, which the study suggests indicates potential for developing tropical-climate-adapted broiler rabbits.

Nurul Zakiyah, Andien Putri Amelia, Dini Nurhandini, Lhaeira Hilda Arsheillah, Eka Yunita Putri, Dimas Aditya Riski, Bisyru Maulana Ali, Muhammad Surya Alkautsar · Academic Zeal for Community Innovation Research and Engagement · Indonesia

A community outreach program in Astanalanggar Village, Indonesia (2025) delivered participatory-action-research based education on yard-based urban farming, combined with cultivation of family medicinal plants (TOGA) and training in roselle processing, targeting the Arum Sari Women Farmers' Group and PKK members. The program used field observation, group discussion, education sessions, technical mentoring and planting activities. Reported outcomes were increased community participation and behavioral change toward using yard land and processing local plants for food, health, and household economic value.

Made Dwi Kanaka Sarahswati, Dew Ayu Trisna Adhiswari Wedagama · Penamas Journal of Community Service · Indonesia

A community service program in Dauh Puri Kaja Village, Denpasar, Indonesia (2025) combined urban farming with 3R-based waste management (reduce, reuse, recycle), providing hands-on training at the local Balai Banjar in waste sorting and composting organic waste for use in urban farming, followed by compost distribution at the village's waste management site. Reported outcomes were improved community understanding of using compost for household-scale farming and of proper waste segregation; the program's anticipated longer-term community impact was stated as an expectation, not a measured result.

Retno Wulandari, Alvira Indriani · Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology) · Indonesia

A study of the "vegetable alley" system—cultivating food crops, ornamentals, and medicinal plants in narrow residential pathways—in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia (2025) surveyed 80 respondents selected by simple random sampling, using descriptive analysis and Spearman rank correlation. Vegetable alley management in Yogyakarta was rated "good" across planning, organizing, mobilizing, and controlling activities. Farming experience, the role of extension workers, the role of group leaders, member participation, and knowledge were significantly correlated with management quality, while education level showed no significant relationship. The study states that vegetable alley implementation contributes to climate change mitigation by increasing green cover, enhancing carbon sequestration, and reducing the carbon footprint from food transportation.

Marlina Marlina, Muhammad Hafizh, Putra Jaya Gea, Yovi Avianto · Abdimas Galuh · Indonesia

A community outreach program at the KWT Sumber Rejeki women farmers' group production garden in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, held on November 26, 2024 (Abdimas Galuh, 2025), delivered counseling and hands-on training on preparing and applying a natural bactericide made from aloe vera waste to address bacterial wilt disease in chili cultivation. Reported outcomes were increased member knowledge and skill regarding bactericide definitions, benefits, natural ingredients, production technique, and application method, with high participant engagement. The program's authors note that the effectiveness of the aloe vera bactericide in actually suppressing Ralstonia solanacearum growth had not yet been evaluated and recommend this, along with testing on other horticultural crops, as follow-up work.

Natalia Gerodetti · Visual Studies · South Korea (Seoul)

Focusing on the Muak-dong neighborhood at the foot of Ingwansan mountain in downtown Seoul, South Korea, this piece examines human-plant relationships in a dense urban environment where edible plants inhabit various growing spaces alongside residents. Building on the recognition that growing food locally can be part of socio-environmental justice pathways through walkable urban environments, urban agriculture and food waste recycling, it argues that these spatial practices also constitute social infrastructure, providing places and means for interaction, exchange and sharing. While many cities have fragmented growing activities and scattered edible plants, the Muak-dong network and its diverse modes of food cultivation are described as extraordinary, forming a literal pathway — exemplified by a map for an urban vegetable walk — that binds together urban green space, edible plants, a fertiliser station and people. The contribution focuses on the visual presence of plants in this cityscape, specifically lettuce, to demonstrate the possibilities food cultivation affords in one of the most dense and contested environments.

Chanatporn Limprapoowiwattana, Carl Middleton, Orapan Pratomlek, Marvin Joseph F. Montefrio · Journal of Urban Affairs · Asia

This paper examines the multiple urban imaginaries produced through five types of urban agriculture (UA) in Bangkok, Thailand, drawing on a co-production-of-urban-imaginaries lens to analyze how the material and immaterial dimensions of UA — through practices, knowledge production, networking and values — contribute to reimagining the future of a livable city. It identifies compatibilities and tensions among UA network imaginaries for a livable city and how these shape urban design and planning, arguing that addressing these tensions to advance equality and justice requires more ambitious, multilayered UA policy achieved through deepened participatory and critical anticipatory governance.

Mona ANGGIANI, Rr Diana AYUDYA, Nadia R. CHRISTANTIA, Endah MUSTIKOWATI, Annizar BACHRI, Andhi Seto PRASETYO, Gentina P. PUTRA, Asri A. SUNOTO, Ikhyandini G. ATRISYANTI · ICCD · Indonesia

In Kampung Kunir, a vertical urban kampong in Indonesia, an initiative introduced edible gardens through vegetable planting into underused, functionless common spaces to revive them as sites for residents' daily social interaction. The community engagement effort, driven by interdisciplinary collaboration between architecture and economic management, is reported as aiming to improve spatial use and strengthen social ties among residents.

Ratna Suminar, Nyang Vania Ayuningtyas Harini, Gian Sapta Andrialin · Journal of Agriculture and Animal Science · Indonesia

Against a backdrop of low vegetable consumption in Indonesia and rising demand for environmentally friendly urban farming solutions, a systematic literature review of sources published between 2016 and 2024 — accredited journals, reference books and research reports — examined the nutrient and bioactive-compound content of microgreens, their health benefits, and their potential for cultivation at scales including the household. It found that microgreens are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, have a short harvest period and low land requirements, that technologies such as LED lighting, growing media and seed quality strongly affect cultivation success, and that challenges remain in distribution and product shelf life.

Riska Oktavia, Akhmad Faqih, Agus Riyadi · Jurnal SOLMA · Indonesia

This community program in RT/RW 01/05, Rejosari, Semarang, Indonesia, empowered women members of the PKK (Family Welfare Movement) through socialization, training, mentoring and monitoring around urban farming practices, including cultivation of chili, eggplant, cassava, shallot, bitter melon, pandan, melon, Brazilian spinach, celery and citrus leaves in shared and home plots. The program report concludes that PKK empowerment through urban farming was effective in improving family welfare in Rejosari, contingent on active community participation, local government support and continuity of mentoring and training.

Fadhil Adi Nugraha, Ira Malihatun, Siwi Gayatri, Titik Ekowati, Sumarsono Sumarsono · AGRICOLA · Indonesia

In Semarang City, Indonesia, a survey of 86 farmers from four Women Farmer Groups (KWT) who received the government's Sustainable Food Yard (Pekarangan Pangan Lestari) program — using questionnaire interviews, descriptive analysis, and a literature review — assessed the program's social, economic, and environmental impacts. The social impact was rated "less" (score 31.10%), the economic impact "low" (28.88%), and the environmental impact "very low" (18.60%). The program strengthened social relations among farmers but was not effective in improving farming skills or public health; economically it had potential to contribute to household expenditure but had not optimized income growth or job creation; and its environmental impact remained limited, particularly in preserving biodiversity and reducing chemical use.

Aprilia Martika, Amelia Sari, Disti Macela Putri, Misbahul Munir · Inisiatif Jurnal Ekonomi Akuntansi dan Manajemen · Indonesia

Focusing on the Parit Lalang area of Pangkalpinang City in Bangka Belitung, Indonesia, this qualitative case study used participant observation, in-depth interviews and documentation studies, analyzed thematically and via SWOT analysis. Urban agriculture there is carried out mostly in small home gardens and on vacant land, using hydroponic and traditional methods, with productive-age residents and housewives as the main participants. The practice increased household food availability, reduced living costs, and generated additional income, strengthening local economic resilience. However, challenges remain, including limited technical skills, financial constraints, and inconsistent government support, and the study concludes that strengthening training programs, improving access to finance, and developing pilot projects are needed.

Eka Sariyanti, Ahmad Yani T · JP2M (Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran Matematika) · Indonesia

In Indonesia, a descriptive qualitative study using observation, interviews and documentation examined project-based learning (PjBL) that draws on school assets, including school gardens, to teach social arithmetic (profit-and-loss calculation). The learning project had students process garden produce into sellable products and analyze profit-and-loss calculations, incorporating cross-subject collaboration with Indonesian Language and Social Sciences (IPS). Implementing school-asset-based PjBL was found to increase student motivation, engagement, and understanding of social arithmetic concepts, but the study also identified challenges including time constraints in project management and students' difficulty understanding the concepts of profit and profit margin calculation.

Shaikh Tanveer Hossain · Organic Eprints (International Centre for Research in Organic Food Systems, and Research Institute of Organic Agriculture) · Asia

A report by Dr. Hossain discusses the transformation of organic farming through technological, ecological, and social innovation, citing examples including precision farming, community supported agriculture, biological pest control, and digital traceability systems. Case studies of an organic sack-garden for household nutrition, integrated rice-duck farming for pest control and soil health, and a Zero Energy Cold Chamber (ZECC) for post-harvest storage are described as demonstrating low-cost, replicable models that improved smallholders' incomes and sustainability. The report cites the Asian Productivity Organization's "Green Productivity" framework as linking productivity gains with environmental stewardship across the Asia-Pacific region.

Ayu Amanda Sulistiana, Titik Akiriningsih, Made Prasta Yostitia Pradipta · JELAJAH Journal of Tourism and Hospitality · Indonesia

A descriptive qualitative study—based on observation, interviews, and documentation—examined community empowerment and environmental management practices in Kampung Glintung Go Green, a community-based tourism village in Malang City, Indonesia. It found organizing structures, training and education, active participation, cooperative and local-economy support, awareness campaigns, monitoring and evaluation systems, and partnership-building; environmental management incorporating urban farming promotion improved environmental quality and community awareness, but the study identified needs to strengthen education, partnerships, technology use, regular evaluation, and promotional efforts going forward.

Amelya Bella, Melinda Putri Sukmana, Aril Rada Candra, Riski Mahatir Tharuddin, Briliana Fara Ardiyanti, Rinjani Intan Maylani · Jurnal Aplikasi Sains dan Teknologi Agrisevika · Indonesia

At SDN Terusan 1 elementary school in Terusan Village, Gedeg District, Mojokerto Regency, Indonesia, a community service program run by the Faculty of Agriculture student executive board of UPN "Veteran" East Java introduced and taught microgreen cultivation—mustard greens (sawi), pakcoy, and water spinach (kangkung)—to build students' understanding of urban farming. Through socialization, discussion, and hands-on cultivation practice covering planting, care, and nutritional benefits, the program reported active student participation in the cultivation practice, improved practical skills, and increased student awareness of the importance of consuming fresh vegetables.

Dian Prihardini Wibawa, Ayu Wulandari, Herry Marta Saputra · Wikrama Parahita Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia

A community outreach program in Jerambah Gantung Village, Pangkalpinang City, Indonesia, trained the 12-member Kenanga Women's Farmers Group in hydroponic urban farming through socialization, training, and mentoring. Average pre-test to post-test scores rose from 70 to 95, and harvest yield increased 37 percent, from 35 kg in the first harvest to 48 kg in the second.

Saputra A., Abdoellah O., Utama G., Wulandari I., Mulyanto D., Suparman Y. · Sustainability · Indonesia

Interviews and a survey examined how residents of Bandung perceive the ecosystem services of homegarden-based urban agriculture. Residents themselves judged the gardens' contribution to overall food security to be only supplementary, even though they supply fresh produce. Their value was widely recognised elsewhere: biodiversity conservation, microclimate regulation, disaster risk reduction, social cohesion and mental well-being. Limited space, lack of knowledge and competing land uses emerged as the barriers, and the authors conclude that education and policy support are the levers for wider uptake.