Research & reports

P. S. Yuniar, Widiatmaka Widiatmaka, A. M. Fuah · Jurnal Ilmu Produksi dan Teknologi Hasil Peternakan · Indonesia (South Tangerang)

This research analyzed the advisability and potential for beef cattle development in South Tangerang, Indonesia. Data was collected through interviews with stakeholders, observations of livestock locations, and secondary sources. The study used Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and SWOT analysis to formulate development strategies, finding that waste management, biogas technology, farmer cooperative capacity building, and government land-use support are important for sustainability, farmer income, and food security.

Delfina Grinspan · School for International Training Digital Collections (School for International Training) · India (Bangalore)

This study investigated whether urban food growing practices in Bangalore, India's second fastest-growing city, contribute to the emergence of a more localized food system. Data was collected on input use, distribution arrangements for urban gardening products, and linkages among actors in urban and peri-urban agriculture. The study found that Bangalore's urban food growing practices conform to localized food system patterns, but this effect is incomplete due to challenges in localizing irrigation water sourcing and a lack of connectivity with the municipal government.

Mima Kurniasih · Jurnal Administrasi Publik Public Administration Journal · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study described and analyzed the implementation of an Urban Farming program in Made Village, Sambikerep District, Surabaya City, Indonesia, and assessed its contribution to food security for poor communities. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the research found that the Urban Farming program's implementation was successful, improving food security through increased food stock and reduced food expenses. However, further improvement is needed, particularly regarding stakeholder participation.

Kristina Satterlee · Digital Commons @ Connecticut College (Connecticut College) · India (Mumbai); United States (New York City)

This comparative study of urban agriculture in Mumbai, India, and New York City, USA, utilized in-depth interviews with urban farmers and secondary research. The research revealed that farms and gardens in lower-income areas in both cities had access to significantly fewer resources than their counterparts in wealthier areas. Additionally, both movements struggled to form networks across socioeconomic divides.

Zulfadhli Nasution · · Indonesia (Jakarta)

A case study in Jakarta, Bandung, and Bogor, Indonesia, examined the engagement between urban farming communities and food sovereignty. Findings indicate that the food sovereignty discourse has not significantly exposed urban farming communities due to differing historical backgrounds and social/political views between urban farming and rural peasantry-based movements. The study suggests prerequisites for strengthening food sovereignty among urban food advocates, including building consumer consciousness and urban-rural solidarity.

I Ketut Sardiana · Bumi Lestari Journal of Environment · Indonesia

A field survey using subak (traditional Balinese irrigation) units as sampling points, with soil properties analyzed by standard laboratory methods, evaluated land suitability for horticultural and medicinal crops in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, to support agricultural planning that protects the subak system amid land conversion to tourism development. Land was found "very suitable" (S1) for rice, and "suitable" (S) for vegetables, fruit and medicinal plants with two limiting factors — poor drainage and fine soil texture — leading to recommendations for drainage improvement, organic matter addition, and zoned land-use planning by season and location (rice in the rainy season, flowers in the north, fruit and vegetables in the central area, and vegetables and secondary crops in the south).

Intan Zainab Bauw, Suharko · · Indonesia

A 2015 qualitative case study of "Bandung Berkebun," an urban farming community in Bandung, Indonesia, examines its resource mobilization process using resource mobilization theory from social movement studies (the McCarthy and Zald, and Edwards frameworks). Based on direct interviews, participant observation, and secondary data, it finds that Bandung Berkebun accessed resources through self-aggregation and self-production, drawing on human resources in the form of creative activists, cultural resources in the form of innovative ideas and concepts, and social-organizational resources in the form of strong networks. However, while the group achieved considerable community-sustainability outcomes, the study notes that in terms of realizing the movement's longer-term vision, its resource mobilization process remained mere mobilization, not yet fully directed toward ensuring that vision's realization.

Cunwang Cheng, Yan Shi · · China

A 2012 plasticizer scandal in China's liquor industry, which caused significant market value losses, highlighted food safety concerns. This context encourages urban organic farming, a multi-functional system that combines organic and urban agriculture. Urban organic farming shortens traditional industrial chains and is driven by the urban middle class, aligning with modern agricultural development.

程春建 · 杭州（周刊） · China (Hangzhou)

In 2014, Hangzhou, China, outlined five main tasks for developing modern agriculture, aiming to build "three strong cities" (ecological quality agriculture, efficient facility agriculture, modern urban agriculture) and "five million" urban supply bases. Key tasks included ensuring effective supply, with grain planting area exceeding 2.33 million mu and total output over 930,000 tons, and increasing the self-sufficiency rate of "vegetable basket" agricultural products in the main urban area to over 58%. Another task was to increase production and income, targeting a 2% increase in total output value and an 11% increase in farmers' income.

Christine Brown-Paul, Sam Ross · Practical Hydroponics and Greenhouses · Indonesia (Jakarta)

In Jakarta, Indonesia, urban farming and hydroponics are increasingly used to feed the growing population and ensure food security. This article highlights hydroponic strawberry production in Bandung and features a large hydroponic grower that supplies Jakarta supermarkets and operates an educational facility for future hydroponic professionals.

Feng Hai-jia · · China (Xi'an)

This study analyzed the interactive coupling relationship and spatio-temporal characteristics between urbanization and urban agriculture function in Xi'an metropolitan zone, China, using correlation and coupling models. Based on data from 2000 to 2011, the correlation degree of factors was above 0.6, indicating a close relationship, with urban economy impacting urban agriculture and urban agriculture influencing urbanization. The coupling degree ranged from 0.6 to 0.85, showing a trend towards higher-level coordination, but significant spatial differentiation was observed, with the northwest area having a lower coupling degree than the southeast.

陈永欣 · 大众标准化 · China

With the development of the national economy and scientific progress, people's dietary structures have significantly changed, shifting towards nutritious and healthy food. Waxy corn is highly nutritious, sweet, sticky, and possesses a unique flavor, making it widely popular. In recent years, the cultivation of waxy corn, sales of fresh ears, preservation processing, off-season sales, and year-round market supply have garnered significant attention. Consequently, its planting area has expanded annually, and processing factories have increased, establishing it as an emerging urban agriculture.

장진, 오충현, 권혁문, 최윤정 · 한국환경생태학회 학술발표논문집 · South Korea (Seoul)

This study analyzed the case of the "Haengbokjungsim Yongsan Consumer Cooperative" (Yongsan Cooperative) in Hyochang-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to provide basic data for policies activating the social economy related to urban agriculture. A survey was conducted among 100 cooperative members from October 15 to November 30, 2013, for 45 days, complemented by literature reviews, field surveys, interviews, and GIS analysis. The findings indicated that 83% of members were women aged 30-40, 4-person households constituted 49%, and the cumulative membership reached 1,027 by December 2013.

Darmawan Listya Cahya · Forum Ilmiah · Indonesia

This case study of Kelurahan Slipi in West Jakarta, Indonesia, examined the characteristics of urban agriculture -- specifically household medicinal plant (TOGA) cultivation -- and its role in supporting sustainable urban development. Typical urban farmers were married women aged 41-50 with high school education, working as housewives in households of more than five, farming small plots of 1-10 m² using vertical farming methods for over three years, obtaining seeds from the government, operating on their own capital of under Rp 500,000 per month, and growing crops for personal use; the study concluded that urban farming supports sustainable development through economic benefits (supplementary income), social benefits (leisure use, mutual assistance), and environmental benefits (use of vacant land, reduced air pollution, greenery), recommending an integrative approach across five dimensions including ecological, economic, and social factors.

Juan Wu, Ming Xin Liu, Lei Xiao · Advanced materials research · China (Zhongshan)

This study reports on a thermal experiment and energy saving analysis of rooftop farming conducted in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, China, in August 2011. External and internal surface temperatures of roofs with and without greening were measured using the same climate parameters. The experiment results indicate that green roofs with urban farming contribute to modulating air temperature in building interior spaces, showing lower external surface temperatures than normal flat roofs during hot summer days. The vegetated green roof system was found to effectively lower surface temperature by 6 °C and save 18.7% electric power compared to traditional flat roofs.

Yohanes Parlindungan Situmeang, Anak Agung Ngurah Mayun Wirajaya, Made Sri Yuliartini · · Indonesia (Denpasar)

In West Denpasar, Indonesia, urban agriculture contributes to food security and provides an alternative for the urban poor. Urban farmers show high interest in cultivating kale, pandan leaves, and lotus flowers, which are recommended due to favorable agro-climatic conditions and high economic value. Optimizing idle land utilization through urban farming is expected to reduce urban land conversion.

WU De-hu · Anhui nongye kexue · China (Zhengzhou)

This study elaborated on the significance of developing characteristic agriculture in China's Central Economic Zone, using Zhengzhou urban agriculture as an example. It identified existing problems in urban agriculture development, including understanding deviation, extensive development, market confusion, short industrial chains, low specialization, and harsh environments. The research proposed countermeasures such as strengthening government macro-control, perfecting compensation mechanisms, and promoting scientific innovation and industrialization.

Prem José Vazhacharickal, Martina Předotová, D. Chandrasekharam, Sharit K. Bhowmik, Buerkert, Andreas · Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (University of Kassel) · India (Mumbai)

A study surveyed 38 railway gardeners to characterize urban and peri-urban agricultural production along railway tracks in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Irrigation water contained nutrients but also heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, and pathogens like Escherichia coli. Heavy metal levels exceeded critical thresholds in surface soils for chromium, nickel, and strontium, and in produce for lead, cadmium, and strontium.

Akosua Owusu-Bonsu, Yaa Afua, Kofi Agyeiwa, Bright Emmanuel Owusu · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · India (Mumbai)

This study investigated market access and economic benefits of greenhouse hydroponics among urban farmers in Mumbai's coastal slums and Ghana's agricultural hubs. Using a mixed-methods approach, data showed that hydroponic greenhouse production led to a 45% increase in vegetable yields compared to traditional farming methods, with over 70% of producers reporting higher income from market sales. Market access was significantly improved through partnerships with local NGOs and government initiatives.

Annisya Noer Wiyanti · · Indonesia (Surabaya)

A descriptive qualitative study investigated the implementation of an urban farming program for the Sumber Trisno Alami group in Bulak District, Surabaya City, which began in 2011. The program aimed to meet food needs, improve nutrition, and boost the economy for 6000 poor households. However, the program's implementation was not considered successful in achieving its poverty reduction goal, with some suggesting its discontinuation.

Cortnee Martin · · United States (Indianapolis)

This piece about a refugee-tended urban farm on the west side of Indianapolis, primarily sourced from an interview with the farm's creator, highlights how it helps a marginalized community maintain their culture and traditions while integrating into a new home. The project is described as an effort to assist a vulnerable population.

Senoaji Widianto, Cahyadi Nugraha, Khuria Amila · · Indonesia (Bandung)

This study presents an Agent Based Modeling & Simulation method to model the urban farming activities of the Bandung Berkebun Community in Bandung, Indonesia. The model shows the effect of system parameters such as the intensity of community programs, campaigns, and the availability of land for gardening on the growth of these activities. The output of the simulation model suggests that these activities can help to increase the supply of vegetables for the people of Bandung.

김효정 · 한국여성학 · South Korea

Through in-depth interviews and participant observation research targeting women's activist organizations established since 2010, the characteristics of urban agriculture cases led or participated in by unmarried women in their 20s and 30s were analyzed. Unmarried women activists met the growing demand for safe and healthy food among single-person households through community farming in urban areas, practicing agriculture not only for food production but also as a lifestyle pursuit and recreational culture. However, their practices face limitations such as urban space constraints, difficulties for unmarried women to relocate to rural areas, excessive ecological value attribution, and a lack of solidarity with rural communities.

박진욱, 안계복 · · South Korea

This study analyzes the current state of urban farming in South Korea through its legal system, the implementation status of the urban farming act, on-the-ground conditions, and comprehensive plans, in order to identify institutional improvements. It concludes that securing more space for urban farming and improving the support system for urban farmers are the two essential factors for improvement, and that—beyond these institutional and systematic reforms—enthusiastic engagement from local governments, secured budgets, and cooperation with citizens are necessary to expand sustainable urban farming.

Du, Xing-ying · 亚洲农业研究：英文版 · China (Huainan)

This paper analyzes the necessity of developing urban agriculture in Huainan City, China, identifying it as crucial for agricultural industry transformation, urban-rural integration, sustainable urban development, and effective resolution of issues concerning agriculture, countryside, and farmers. It also examines the city's endowments for urban agriculture and proposes a basic conception for its industrial form and spatial framework.