Research & reports

Liu Shan, Mohd Johari Mohd Yusof, Mohammad Mujaheed Hassan, Gao Lihui · ALAM CIPTA International Journal Of Sustainable Tropical Design & Practice · Global

This systematic review assessed the contribution of urban farming in vacant land to sustainable development. It showed that over the last decade, research in this area has focused almost exclusively on sustainability, published mainly in the United States and some European countries. Food security and improved nutrition were the most discussed topics, followed by urban sustainability, while quality was least mentioned. Although there is a substantial basis for positive benefits, gaps remain in quantitative assessments and in-depth case studies on sustainable contributions.

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.

Andrea Vetter, Matthias Fersterer · · Global

This chapter in the Routledge Handbook of Degrowth (2025) examines the concepts of 'conviviality' and 'commoning' from a degrowth perspective. Conviviality refers to the quality of relationships between humans and non-humans, while commoning involves organizing these relationships. The authors use examples like composting toilets and community-supported agriculture to illustrate the potential of these concepts to foster prefigurative politics and direct action.

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.

dalia shalaby eldamaty, Ahmed Mahmoud Nagi · التصميم الدولية · Global

This analytical study discusses urban agriculture as a tool for food security and sustainable development in cities. It reviews the benefits of urban agriculture, including improved environmental quality, enhanced local economy, and increased social interaction. The research analyzes successful global experiences and provides recommendations to promote urban agriculture, such as developing supportive policies and strengthening community partnerships.

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.

Lena Schmeiduch, Paula Blumenschein, Jane Gösling, Karsten Müller · Current Research in Ecological and Social Psychology · Global

This study investigated pathways to joining sustainable communities by conducting 28 narrative interviews with active members. Analysis focused on life experiences, personal motives, and transformative experiences, identifying three pathways: viewing the community as a logical step in a sustainable lifestyle, desiring a sense of community and solidarity, and seeking alternatives to mainstream societal structures.

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.

Acharya, Sumit, Nayak, Priti Smita, Pramanik, Kartik · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global

This article highlights microgreen cultivation as a solution for sustainable urban and peri-urban horticulture, addressing challenges from urbanization and demand for nutrient-dense foods. Microgreens are young seedlings harvested within 7–21 days, offering high concentrations of nutrients. They are suitable for urban environments due to minimal resource requirements, rapid growth, low water usage, and high yield, contributing to food security, reduced carbon footprints, and ecological balance by minimizing chemical inputs.

Lydia Oladoja, Emmanuel Ajibola Olagunju, G. O. Adesina, Oluwakemi Ajayi · Journal of rural and community development · Nigeria (Ogbomoso)

This descriptive survey in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, investigated peri-urban agriculture (PUA) as a means to address food insecurity. Questionnaires were distributed to 60 respondents, including farmers, government employees, traders, and artisans. The findings indicated that more married men and women engaged in farming than unmarried farmers. The study concluded that PUA has significant potential to ensure a constant food supply in Ogbomoso by providing direct access to locally grown food for residents and markets, provided its opportunities and obstacles are adequately managed.

Laura Sheard, Giorgia Previdoli, Wendy Burton, Rachel Benchekroun, Maddy Power, Bob Doherty, Philip Hadley, Ariadne Beatrice Kapetanaki, Shahid Islam, Sairah Mirza, Claire Cameron, Kate E. Pickett, Angela Hutton, Charlotte Edwards, Maria Bryant · PLoS ONE · United Kingdom

This research protocol describes a mixed-methods study aiming to understand which approaches adopted by community food organizations are most likely to prevent the need for emergency food in two multicultural communities in Bradford and Tower Hamlets, England. The study will create a typology of community food organization approaches through surveys, system mapping workshops, and stakeholder interviews, and will conduct a 12-month ethnographic study in up to 10 organizations and longitudinal qualitative research with up to 35 families.

· International Journal of Business and Technology Management · Malaysia

This systematic literature review explored behavioral determinants affecting the B40 income group's participation in Smart Urban Farming (SUF) in Malaysia. The review found that B40 farmers face difficulties sustaining SUF projects due to limited financial literacy, poor management, and dependence on external support. A conceptual framework was developed, identifying key behavioral determinants across perceived support and incentives, internal factors, and external factors.

Maryam Noor, Liaqat Ali Waseem, Khadija Ashraf, Aqeel Haider, Komal Farhat · International Journal of Innovations in Science and Technology · Pakistan (Faisalabad)

This study assessed the impact of peri-urban agriculture on food self-sufficiency in Faisalabad, Pakistan, by collecting data from 100 peri-urban farming households and analyzing land use changes from 2018 to 2023 using GIS. Households allocated an average of 12.9 Kanals for seasonal vegetables, consuming nearly half domestically and selling the rest locally. A significant association was found between positive nutritional perceptions and regular access to fresh produce. However, limited government support, weak stakeholder coordination, and inadequate market access were identified as key barriers limiting its broader impact.

Leemisa Simon Matooane, Abraham R. Matamanda, Johannes Bhanye, Verna Nel · Urban Forum · Africa

This paper examines how urban planning affects food security in Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The analysis identifies common challenges in urban food systems, including urban agriculture integration, food distribution, spatial inequalities, and collaborative governance. Findings suggest that proactive, innovative urban planning tailored to socio-economic contexts can significantly enhance food security.

Banobe, Maryanto · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Indonesia (Kupang)

This study analyzed the economic position and dynamics of the agricultural sector in Kupang City compared to East Nusa Tenggara Province, using data from 2014–2019. Results showed that Kupang City's economic structure is dominated by tertiary sectors, and the agricultural sector has an LQ of 0.07 and a DLQ of 0.85, indicating it is a non-base and non-prospective sector. This confirms a structural economic transformation from the primary sector towards service-oriented sectors.

Belghachi Mohammed · Advances in environmental engineering and green technologies book series · Global

Smart irrigation systems, integrating AI, machine learning, sensors, and IoT, aim to revolutionize agricultural water management by optimizing water usage tailored to crop needs and environmental conditions. While these systems offer benefits such as water conservation and improved yields, their implementation faces significant challenges including high costs, the need for technical expertise, data management complexities, and connectivity issues. Future prospects focus on advanced AI models, better sensors, renewable energy, and policy support to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of these systems.

Muhammad Kamil, Switsa Cellindita, Anisa Ana Fitrianti · Jurnal Honai · Indonesia (Bandung)

A literature review focused on Bandung City, Indonesia, examined collaborative governance in urban farming to improve food security during the pandemic. The study found that collaborative governance in implementing urban farming policies was predominantly driven by the community. The urban farming program had a positive impact on Bandung City, reflecting effective and efficient collaborative governance.

Akuto Akpedze Konou, Kossiwa Zinsou-Klassou, Pablo De Roulet, Armel Firmin Kemajou Mbianda, Jérôme Chenal · Land · Togo

This study in Greater Lomé, Togo, interviewed 11 experts and surveyed urban farmers to compare their perceptions of urban agriculture and health. The findings reveal a disconnect: urban farmers identify various challenges, including health-related difficulties, while experts tend to assume different health concerns, highlighting a misalignment between the perspectives of planning and design experts and urban farmers.

Margarethe Karpe, Jeremías Lachman, Lili Wang, L.F.M. Marcelis, E. Heuvelink · Sustainable Production and Consumption · Global

A Delphi survey with 108 experts explored urban agriculture's potential contributions to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under a scenario of 30% urban food self-sufficiency. Experts identified SDG 7.2 (renewable energies) as a key challenge due to high energy use, and agreed that none of the evaluated SDG targets for urban agriculture will be met by 2030. They also noted a lack of regulations and public policies for innovative agricultural systems.

Ana Zepeda, Maria C. Ortíz-Rivera, Clare Cannon, Amanda Crump · The Professional Geographer · United States

This research, conducted in San Juan, Puerto Rico in July 2019, investigates how women experienced the impacts of Hurricane Maria on their urban farms (huertos urbanos). Findings show that while many women enjoy urban farming and it provides fresh produce, almost all women farmers experienced a decline in volunteer participation a few years after the farms' establishment and even more so after Hurricane Maria. Despite this, many women described the urban farms as very important for community food cultivation and gathering.

Cindy Vong · Journal of Food Law & Policy · Global

This Note argues that municipalities in the United States should permit on-site slaughter of backyard chickens on private residential property. Historically, local governments codified the separation of residential and agricultural uses, leading to bans and restrictions on urban agriculture. The current regulatory vacuum for urban agriculture creates conflicts and uncertainties, and allowing backyard slaughter could strengthen local food systems and regulate a growing urban practice.

Ylva Wallinder, Maria Langa · Environmental Sociology · Sweden

A study investigated the consequences of institutional policy change on urban gardening practices in Swedish municipalities over the last decade. Local sustainability policies have led to an increasingly business-centered model, which clashes even with entrepreneurial gardens. This shift caused associational gardening to give way to an extended focus on entrepreneurship and food production, representing a "green rationalization" of gardening practices in urban sustainability policies that hinders their sustainability potential.

Ahmad Fadil, Budi Susetyo, Fety Fatimah · e-Jurnal Penyelidikan dan Inovasi · Indonesia (Bogor)

This study analyzed the performance of Women's Farmer Groups (KWT) in Bogor City, Indonesia, by comparing the Weighted Product (WP) and Composite Performance Index (CPI) methods and designing a Geographic Information System (GIS) to map KWT distribution. Using 2022 KWT data, the Mean Square Error (MSE) method was used to compare accuracy. The results showed CPI had an MSE of 0.3, while WP had 0.8, indicating CPI is more accurate. KWT Ciharashas achieved the highest rank (V = 0.0242 for WP and CPI = 66.60).

Fadhlan Firdaus Syafrudin, Susi Hardjati · Journal of Governance and Social Policy · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study investigated community participation in urban agriculture programs within the Kosagrha Lestari farmer group in Medokan Ayu Village, Surabaya City, Indonesia. Using a descriptive qualitative method with observation, interviews, and documentation, the research found that community participation in the Kosagrha Lestari urban agriculture program has been going well. However, not all residents are involved, particularly concerning food security in Medokan Ayu Village.

Yanxin Liu, Victoria Chanse, Fabricio Chicca · Land · New Zealand (Wellington)

This study evaluated the role of urban agriculture (UA) in enhancing post-disaster food security in Wellington, New Zealand, a region highly prone to earthquakes. It calculated vegetable self-sufficiency by mapping potential productive land, estimating vegetable yields, and assessing post-disaster food demands across multiple scenarios. Potential productive land accounted for 0.3% to 1.5% of the total area, primarily distributed in the eastern part of the city. Results indicate that Wellington's vegetable self-sufficient rates through UA range from 3% to 75%, with higher rates for displaced and vulnerable populations. Realizing this potential will require stronger policy support and integration with urban planning and disaster preparedness.