Research & reports

Rahmad Aji Maulana, Hardi Warsono, Retno Sunu Astuti, Teuku Afrizal · PERSPEKTIF · Indonesia (Semarang)

A qualitative descriptive analysis study was conducted to develop urban agriculture in Semarang City, Indonesia. The study identified diverse potential for urban agriculture in Semarang, including various vegetables, cassava, sugar cane, durian, and mushrooms. It also found that urban agriculture offers environmental, economic, social, health, education, and tourism benefits, and noted that policy instruments through top-down and bottom-up approaches are essential.

Leonard Dharmawan, Pudji Muljono, Dwi Retno Hapsari, Bagus Priyo Purwanto · Jurnal Penyuluhan · Indonesia (Bogor)

This study, conducted in Bogor City, Indonesia, used quantitative and qualitative methods to identify the readiness of extension workers and supporting facilities for digital urban agriculture extension during the Covid-19 pandemic, and factors influencing farmer empowerment. Results indicated that extension workers are ready for digital counseling and communication support facilities for digital innovation are good. Farmer empowerment directly affects farmer productivity and is indirectly positively influenced by environmental support, farmer innovation activities, and individual characteristics of farmers.

Kinanti Safirtri, Oekan S. Abdoellah, Budhi Gunawan, Yusep Suparman, Parikesit Parikesit · The Qualitative Report · Indonesia

A qualitative study with 27 export-scale urban farmers in Bandung Metropolitan investigated market pressures to meet international food standards. While intended to encourage environmentally friendly practices, farmers interpreted the implementation of international food standards as an administrative formality for export requirements, rather than a critical reflection on environmental problems from intensive agricultural practices. Consequently, market pressure from international food standards was found to be paradoxical and ineffective in fostering farmers' environmental responsibility.

Nurhanis Abdullah, Muhammad Hasan, Muhammad Rakib · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Pangkajene Kepulauan · Indonesia (Makassar)

This qualitative explanatory study explored the potential of urban agriculture to contribute to sustainable urban development, using KWT Anggrek in Bara-Barayya District, Makassar City, Indonesia, as a case study. Makassar City is suitable for developing wetland, semi-wetland, horticultural, monthly, and seasonal crops by utilizing limited urban land. The findings indicate that urban agriculture is an important component that needs to be well-implemented to achieve sustainable and environmentally conscious urban development.

Lucy Yosita, Kunthi Herma Dwidayati, Rd. Diah Sri Hartati, Usep Surahman, Yan Nurcahya · Lentera Karya Edukasi · Indonesia (Bandung)

This community service activity in Cipaganti Village, Bandung, Indonesia, aimed to empower the PKK community by improving ecological space, food security, and family economic resilience through urban farming. The program provided training on cultivating ornamental plants, specifically caladium, aglonema, and sansiviera, which are easy to breed and maintain. The goal was to increase community understanding of environmental protection, foster care for green spaces, and boost economic potential through new entrepreneurs.

Zhong Xing, Canhui Cheng, Yu Qiao, Junyue Yang, Hao Ma, Jian Yang, Xiaomin Du · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · China (Chongqing)

This study investigated informal community growing in Yongchuan, Chongqing, Southwest China, using a field survey and semantic differential questionnaire. It found that growers, mainly vulnerable groups, use traditional methods to cultivate diverse fruits and vegetables on barren slopes, creating a local food supply for economic gain and green food acquisition. Both growers and non-growers expressed satisfaction with food supply and economic benefits, but dissatisfaction with environmental and social benefits and the planting process.

Faiz Albar Nasution, Yofiendi Indah Indainanto, Andry Anshari, Muhammad Imanuddin Kandias Saraan, Piki Darma Kristian Pardede, Imam Fahreza · Journal of Peasants’ Rights · Indonesia

This qualitative descriptive study, using a literature review approach, examines how Medan City's agricultural policies can enhance food independence and improve the economy. The findings indicate that urban agriculture plays a significant role in community empowerment through food self-sufficiency and can create new work opportunities. Increased cooperation between local governments and the community, supported by policy protection and aid for plant management and marketing, is critical for its success.

Annisa Nurulita Hasani, Muhammad Hasan, Citra Ayni Kamaruddin, Nurdiana Nurdiana, Nurjannah Nurjannah · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pembangunan dan Pendidikan Vokasi Pertanian · Indonesia (Makassar)

This qualitative descriptive study, using observation and interviews with purposive sampling, analyzed the development of urban agriculture potential and innovations managed by KWT Anggrek in Makassar City, Indonesia. The research aimed to identify potential developments and applicable innovations, finding that active roles from the community, government, and agricultural extension workers are needed. Key indicators included resource effectiveness, sustainability, ICT utilization, agricultural environmental potential, existing innovations, and development constraints.

Isti Fajaroh, Eko Murdiyanto, Budiarto Budiarto · Jurnal Dinamika Sosial Ekonomi · Indonesia

This qualitative case study investigated the implementation of urban farming by the Srikandi Women Farmers Group (KWT Srikandi) in Depok District, Sleman Regency, Indonesia, the role of stakeholders, and the community empowerment process. Urban farming began with planning by the community and KWT Srikandi, and its produce was utilized for community consumption. The process led to community independence and restored social functions such as camaraderie, cooperation, and mutual assistance in a heterogeneous society.

Fajar Sidiq Muttaqin, Endang Danial, Prayoga Bestari · JURNAL CIVICUS · Indonesia

A qualitative case study examining citizen participation in Bandung city's "Urban Farming" program in Pajajaran Village, Indonesia, as a form of "economy civics" implementation. The program was created by the Bandung city government in response to the city's dependence on food from surrounding areas, with data collected through interviews, observations and documentation studies involving the city's Food and Agriculture Office, Pajajaran Village officials, and the community. The results indicate that citizen participation in the Urban Farming program constitutes a form of economy civics implemented through produce with market value, affecting both the local economy and food security.

Desti Fitriani Rahmawati, Alifa Huaida, Aneu Octaviani, Ulfa Siti Maspupa · Jambura Journal Community Empowerment · Indonesia

A descriptive quantitative study examined efforts to promote social-media marketing of urban farming produce as part of poverty reduction and urban agriculture system strengthening in Tasikmalaya City, Indonesia. Using questionnaires, documentation, and field observation with the Mawar Bodas women farmers group, the study found that group members gained understanding of social media use and took the initiative to sell their harvests via social media alongside in-person sales, which made members' time use more efficient.

Pu Xu, Shanwei Li, Xiaona Yang, Yufeng Li · Journal of Environmental and Public Health · China

Agricultural statistical data from Shanghai for 1998-2019 were analyzed using an Environmental Kuznets Curve and a VAR model to examine the relationship between urban agricultural nonpoint source pollution (UANSP) and rural residents' income growth. An inverted "N"-shaped curve linked plastic film application intensity to per capita disposable income, while fertilizer and pesticide application intensity showed a linear negative relationship with income. Nonpoint source pollution emissions declined as income rose, and while reducing this pollution supported short-term income gains for rural residents, it had a negative effect on their long-term income growth.

Athalla Rania Insyra, Annisa Rahmani Qastharin · Asian Journal of Research in Business and Management · Indonesia

Using PLS-SEM, this study analyzed how online social-media activities affect consumer attitude and willingness to pay for green products, taking the Indonesian startup PLUS, which sells a planting-kit green product tied to the growth of urban farming in Indonesia, as its case. Survey responses from 228 Indonesian men and women who had bought or engaged with green products via social media showed that entertainment, interaction, trendiness and word-of-mouth in social-media marketing had a significant positive effect on attitude toward green products, while customization was not a significant predictor of consumer attitude; positive attitude in turn had a significant positive effect on willingness to pay.

Ferdi Gultom, Sugeng P. Harianto · Jurnal Analisa Sosiologi · Indonesia

Using dependency theory, this literature study analyzes the decline of the agricultural sector in urban Indonesia, arguing that the government's focus on industrial-sector development, mediated through a central state-satellite relationship, has drawn in the modern sector at agriculture's expense, manifested in widespread conversion of urban agricultural land. Drawing on news sources and journals and analyzing data with the Miles and Huberman model, the study finds that the urban agricultural sector is fading as farmland is increasingly converted to industry, infrastructure and settlements, and that farmer regeneration has declined due to reduced interest in becoming a farmer.

LENI MARIA TARIGAN, I MADE SUDARMA, I Nyoman Gede Ustriyana · Jurnal Agribisnis dan Agrowisata (Journal of Agribusiness and Agritourism) · Indonesia

A study of the agricultural sector's role, leading sectors and competitiveness in Tebing Tinggi City, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia, over 2015–2019, using descriptive analysis, the Location Quotient (LQ) method and shift-share analysis, prompted by rapid conversion of agricultural land in the city. Results show agriculture is not the largest contributing sector, with food crops driving most of the sector's growth; the city has 12 leading and 5 non-leading sectors, with a projected future of 5 leading, 7 prospective, 5 lagging sectors and no mainstay sector. Wholesale/retail trade and vehicle repair, and health and social services, were the sectors with good competitiveness. The study recommends using household yards for community gardens, fish ponds and livestock, implementing a "Culinary Tourism City" concept, and strengthening support for lagging sectors to maintain food security.

Hazen Arrazie Kurniawan, Nurhajijah Nurhajijah, Wiidani Lubis, Imam Hartono Bangun · Jurnal Abdi Insani · Indonesia

In Pematang Ganjang village, Indonesia, where rice farmers relied on a single, seasonal source of income, a community service program used a participatory rural appraisal approach with lectures, demonstration plots, and mentoring to teach a fertigation system for growing cauliflower on unused yard land. The program reports that farmers responded enthusiastically to the technology transfer and adopted urban farming on yard plots as a supplementary income source beyond their original single livelihood.

Indri Ajeng Setyoningrum, Atika Indah Cahyani, Reza Gusmanti · KOLOKIUM Jurnal Pendidikan Luar Sekolah · Indonesia

A study of "Kampoeng Hidroponik," a social innovation run by the village youth group Rupa Desa in Sobontoro Village, Indonesia (2022), analyzes its business potential as a pioneering social enterprise aimed at improving slum-like settlement conditions. Using qualitative research with a PEST analysis of internal and external environmental conditions followed by a SWOT analysis, based on observation, interviews, and literature review, the study proposes product-management development strategies: product differentiation for customers, developing processed hydroponic vegetable products, building customer loyalty programs, marketing to upper-middle-class customers such as restaurants and hotels, joining hydroponics and business communities to disseminate information, and strengthening social-media promotional content. For strengthening community empowerment, it proposes increasing the capacity of Rupa Desa members as educational-tourism facilitators and managers, creating visit and training programs for students, universities, and homemaker groups, increasing urban-farming campaign activity, and raising awareness among surrounding community members who have not yet joined.

Andre Rachmat Scabra, Muhammad Marzuki, Bagus Dwi Hari Setyono, Laily Fitriani Mulyani · Jurnal Pengabdian Magister Pendidikan IPA · Indonesia

A community-service report (2022, Indonesia) on the Jangkar Ampenan youth group in the Tangsi area of South Ampenan district, Mataram City, describes a knowledge- and technical-guidance activity on "budikdamber" — cultivating fish in a bucket — as a model of sustainable urban farming. Activities proceeded through site survey, preparation of outreach and technical-guidance materials, construction of a technology model, implementation support, and evaluation, covering assembly of a cultivation setup using a 150-liter bucket, 5-7g catfish fry, commercial catfish feed, water spinach (kangkung) seedlings, pipes, wire, 200ml plastic cups, a drill and grinder, a net, and an aerator, along with feeding, water-quality, and harvest management. The report concludes that information, knowledge, and technical guidance on the budikdamber technology were successfully delivered to the partner group.

Trifenaus Prabu Hidayat, Christine Natalia, Agustinus Silalahi, Andre Sugioko, Marcellina Chyntia · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Charitas · Indonesia

This report describes a community-service program by the Faculty of Engineering at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, in partnership with Sampora Village's Nagrek hamlet, focused on Mom's Farm, an organic hydroponic and urban-farming vegetable business. The business faced unclear and inefficient distribution to consumers, which was seen as a cause of reduced income for its farmers, and the program provided online marketing assistance using digital marketing apps such as Grab and Tokopedia.

Dan Li, Wenjing Zhong, Yitao Chen · Sustainability · China

Using household-level survey data from metropolitan Guangzhou, China, and a property-rights-theory framework, this study empirically examined whether farmland titling as a formal institutional reform affects the resource allocation of urban farmer households (UFHs). The analysis found that farmland titling positively affects UFHs' willingness to hold farmland and their capital allocation, and the paper argues that reforming the farmland transaction market, strengthening talent cultivation, and increasing green agricultural investment would support the modernization, sustainability and resilience of urban agriculture.

Woro Harkandi Kencana, Meisyanti Meisyanti, Yunita Sari · Warta LPM · Indonesia (Jakarta)

A community service (PKM) program targeted the women farmers group KWT D'Shafa in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, Indonesia, which faced problems including a small membership, underused urban farming land, limited business management knowledge, manual record-keeping of members, harvests and sales, and limited marketing communication skills. Activities included outreach on the benefits of urban farming, installing hydroponic systems, business management training and assistance, moving member, harvest, and sales records to a web-based system using Google Sites, and digital marketing training covering Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. The program report states that these activities contributed to improved welfare for KWT D'Shafa member households.

Begum M.S., Bala S.K., Islam A.K.M.S., Roy D. · Sustainability (MDPI), 13(16):9053 · Asia

Compares an experimental agricultural rooftop with bare roofs, measuring microclimate parameters including air, surface, and indoor temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide. It shows that rooftop agriculture can mitigate urban microclimate change and supply fresh vegetables while delivering environmental and socioeconomic benefits to city dwellers.

· Sustainability · China (Chengdu)

Assesses how urban agriculture can inform evidence-based food planning in Chengdu, China. The staple-food self-sufficiency rate was 83.82% in 2019, suggesting potential food-security pressures.

· PeerJ · China (Beijing)

Compares the carbon footprint of conventional smallholder operations versus innovative large-scale urban farming in Beijing, China.

· Land · China (Nanjing)

Discusses comprehensive food-system planning for urban food security in Nanjing, China, including expansion of peri-urban greenhouse vegetable production.