Research & reports

Chandni Singh, Sheetal Somashekar Patil, Swarnika Sharma · Environmental Research Climate · India

As urban heat increasingly affects liveability, labour productivity and human health, nature-based solutions such as green roofs, increased urban tree cover and dedicated park space have been proposed to adapt to rising urban heat, but the literature has paid relatively little attention to how smaller urban green spaces — fragmented urban greenery and rooftop home gardens — contribute to hyperlocal temperature regulation. This study examined whether rooftop home gardens in Bangalore, India, regulate indoor temperature and provide thermal comfort, drawing on perception-based data from household surveys and in-depth interviews alongside modelled scenario data covering different types of rooftop home gardens. People generally perceived thermal comfort in rooms directly below rooftop farms/gardens, and reported air-conditioner use declined after starting rooftop gardening. Modelling across seven scenarios, from no green cover to complete (100%) soil-bed cover, showed heat reduction benefits ranging from 1.5°C to 14°C depending on foliage type, density and extent of green cover; because most rooftops serve multiple purposes, the study identifies a more realistic temperature reduction of 1.5°C to 3°C, corresponding to a scenario with 50% of the roof covered in dense foliage.

Alfiya Rokhmah, Ririn Mulyani, Muhammad Yusuf Hamdhani, Doni Doni · Jurnal Keteknikan Pertanian · Indonesia

At Universitas Sains Indonesia in Cibitung subdistrict, Bekasi Regency, Indonesia, researchers designed an urban farming layout to increase green open space on limited campus land. Using a mixed-method approach combining site analysis, field observation, facility-relationship analysis and economic feasibility estimation, the proposed design combines an aquaponic system (a 1,000-liter fish tank linked to hydroponic pipes with 120 planting holes), a vertical farming system adding 60 planting holes, and a green-learning park. The initial investment was estimated at approximately Rp 12,270,000 with relatively low operating costs, and the system was projected to yield 37-45 kg of vegetables per month and 30-40 kg of fish per production cycle.

D Darto, Nunung Cipta Dainy, Helfi Gustia, Raisa Ardiyanti, Farah Aurellia Sasikirana, Niken Wulandari Dyrin, Graiseld Raissa Erwanto · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Indonesia (Jakarta)

A community outreach activity carried out in August-September 2025 with the Hidroponik Generik farming group in Pesanggrahan, Jakarta, Indonesia, introduced an IoT-integrated solar power system and accompanying equipment, training and mentoring to reduce the electricity costs of a hydroponic system. An 800 Wp solar panel generating 1,400 Wh per day was confirmed able to power a rack-based hydroponic system with 1,000 planting holes, IoT monitoring let partners track water quality via smartphone, and the program reported cutting electricity operating costs by 30%.

Tianqi Su, Yongmei · Agriculture · China

Based on multitemporal remote-sensing data from 1985 to 2015, this study examined the evolution of urban-agricultural-ecological spatial structure and water-heat-vegetation responses driven by large-scale irrigation and drainage projects in the Inner Mongolia Hetao Plain, an arid/semi-arid region of China. It built a "multifunctionality-dynamic evolution" dual-principle classification system, combining maximum-likelihood classification of individual land types with conflict-pixel-resolution merging to achieve 90.82% classification accuracy, and used a land-use transfer matrix, a standard deviation ellipse model, land surface temperature (LST) inversion, and vegetation fractional coverage (VFC) analysis. The results showed: (1) spatial structure followed a path of short-term intense disturbance followed by long-term stable optimization, with agricultural space stability increasing 4.8%, ecological core area retention exceeding 90%, and urban space expansion shifting from external encroachment to internal filling; (2) VFC increased steadily in the central area (0.8% annual growth), fluctuated with recovery in the eastern area (±12% cyclic amplitude), and improved locally in the western area (key patches up 18%); (3) the LST-VFC relationship showed spatiotemporal misalignment, with 0.8-1.2°C anomalous cooling in the central region during construction despite a 15% VFC decrease, driven by irrigation water's thermal inertia, and a disrupted linear correlation after completion due to changes in crop phenology and plastic film mulching; and (4) the irrigation and drainage projects optimized water resource allocation, constructing a hub regulation model integrated with the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus.

Pungky Slamet Wisnu Kusuma, Dyah Hariani, Vivin Andriani, Dicky Surya Putra Pradana Andriani · Jurnal Abadimas Adi Buana · Indonesia

Describes a community-service (PKM) activity centered on an NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) aquaponics system, framed as an urban-farming innovation supporting sustainable urban food security. The activity aimed to analyze the NFT aquaponic system's efficiency and to increase student and public understanding of it through a national webinar. It reports that the NFT system reduced water use by 80-90% compared with conventional systems through closed-loop recirculation, and that integrating catfish (Clarias sp.), water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) and nitrifying bacteria created a productive system supporting a zero-waste concept. Webinar evaluation showed participant understanding rising by 26 percentage points, from 62% to 88% after the session, with participants reported to show high interest in smart-farming aquaponics applications.

Siti Nurul Khotimah, Ihsanuddin Fadillah, Martinus · Nemui Nyimah · Indonesia

A participatory education program for household-level climate adaptation was delivered to seven housewives belonging to the Rumah Keluarga Indonesia community. The curriculum covered climate change impacts on food production, water and energy availability, the use of home yards for food production through urban farming with household organic waste, and simple technologies such as small solar panels for yard lighting. Following the activity, participants showed strong engagement and reported increased understanding and awareness of women's role in household food, water and energy resilience to climate change.

· Wikipedia · China

Sponge city is a Chinese urban planning model that uses green and wetland infrastructure to absorb, purify, and store rainwater. China piloted the model in 16 districts in 2015 and a further 15 cities in 2016, with a central government mandate that 80% of urban space adopt sponge-city adaptations and recycle at least 70% of rainfall by 2030. However, 19 of the 30 pilot cities have still experienced flooding since implementation, indicating implementation challenges.

Singh C., Koduganti M., Patil S. · Urban Studies · India

A study measuring the self-reported wellbeing outcomes of urban agriculture in India at individual and community level, drawing on a household survey (n=361), key informant interviews (n=50) and in-depth interviews with home gardeners (n=7). Its novelty is a dataset covering both formal and informal settlements, going beyond existing Indian data. Wellbeing is operationalised through physical and mental health, intra-family, community and beyond-human connectedness, and contribution to pro-environmental values. The authors find significant perceived benefits at individual, household and community levels, and that urban agriculture lets citizens participate, innovate and collectivise in deeply meaningful ways — concluding that it needs to be recognised and mainstreamed within ongoing urban sustainability and climate initiatives.

Hang Yu, Mohd Yazid Mohd Yunos, Mohd Nazri Saidon, Mohd Amirul Hussain · Landscape Research · China (Shenyang)

This study critically examined how community-led edible landscapes intersect with tensions of urban redevelopment, memory politics, and governance ambiguity in post-industrial Shenyang, China. Using a qualitative case study approach, including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and spatial documentation, findings showed that while edible landscapes can revitalize neglected spaces and evoke industrial memory, they also face instability, informal governance, and socio-environmental risks.

Gyska Indah Harya, Wanti Mindari, Taufik Setyadi, Siti Mukaromah, Cholid Fadil · Nusantara Science and Technology Proceedings · Indonesia (Surabaya City)

This community service activity in RW 01, Gunung Anyar District, Surabaya City, Indonesia, aimed to implement urban farming through integrated outreach and training. The initiative sought to enhance urban food security, meet local food needs, maintain environmental cleanliness, and preserve the environment by reducing carbon footprints and increasing green open spaces. Training covered the meaning and importance of urban farming, cultivation techniques for various plants, and solutions for production waste.

Luh Kadek Pande Sri Astrini, Suluh Dewanto · Agricultural Power Journal · Indonesia

This study analyzed the adoption of verticulture technology within sustainable horticultural systems in major Indonesian production centers, including West Java, East Java, and North Sumatra. Using a descriptive quantitative approach with secondary data, field surveys, and semi-structured interviews, results showed verticulture enhances land-use efficiency by up to 85%, reduces water consumption by 60%, and decreases reliance on synthetic chemical fertilizers by 70%. The technology also contributes to production stability and food security, achieving an average return on investment within 3.5 years.

Purva Tavri · · India (Durg)

This chapter reframes the circular economy as a 'lived inheritance,' drawing from childhood practices like repair, reuse, frugality, and food respect in Durg, India. It critiques 'isomorphic mimicry' of imported models and advocates for reverse learning from communities. Using the 5Ws & H method, it demonstrates how vernacular circularity, including repair cultures, Ikra housing, terracotta cooling, leaf-plate economies, and community gardens, advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

Assyifa Fauzia, Evi Frimawaty, Hadi Susilo Arifin · RISALAH KEBIJAKAN PERTANIAN DAN LINGKUNGAN Rumusan Kajian Strategis Bidang Pertanian dan Lingkungan · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This study aimed to provide recommendations for community-based urban agriculture sustainability in Cempaka Putih District, Central Jakarta, facing challenges like limited land and environmental changes. Using SWOT analysis and FGDs with stakeholders, the findings indicate that strategies can be implemented through agricultural technology and strengthened collaboration. However, the study implies that supporting policies, incentives, investment facilitation, and continuous infrastructure and assistance are currently lacking for implementation.

N Suhana, Smitha Baby · Archives of Current Research International · India

This study in the Central region of Kerala, India, assessed the entrepreneurial potential of urban and peri-urban agri-enterprises across multiple dimensions. Using Principal Component Analysis, it identified strategic growth orientation and green innovation as key pillars, with marketing competence being the most significant dimension and ecological sustainability having the least impact. The Entrepreneurial Potential Index (EPI) showed that 66% of enterprises had a medium potential, and value-addition firms had the highest EPI, while aquaponics had the lowest.

Sukma Aprilia Islami, Tati Budiarti, Afra Donatha Nimia Makalew · Jurnal Penyuluhan · Indonesia (Bogor)

A study surveyed 40 farmer groups in Bogor City, Indonesia, to assess their perceptions of urban agriculture implementation, benefits, constraints, and sustainability. Findings indicated that urban agriculture in Bogor is generally practiced on limited land, primarily producing vegetables, with implementation efforts rated good (index 0.80) and constraints moderate (index 0.53). Farmer groups strongly perceived the benefits of urban agriculture (index 0.84), especially in social aspects like education and social interaction. The sustainability of urban agriculture was rated good (index 0.76).

Zhongxue Zhou, Fangze Zhao, Bingjie Song · Ecological Indicators · China

This study proposed the concept of agricultural comprehensive ecological effects (ACEE), developed an evaluation framework, and applied it to the Xi'an metropolitan zone, China. A key finding was the observed decrease in the comprehensive ecological effects of agriculture when transitioning from grain planting to urban agriculture due to unsuitable agricultural practices in urbanizing areas. This decline occurs because modern agricultural practices in urbanizing areas are ecologically detrimental compared with natural ecosystems.

Khwairakpam Nicholas, Anjali Joshi, Muthuprasad Thiyaharajan, Natalya Krishnambika · Biological Agriculture & Horticulture · India

A study in the Imphal-West district of Manipur, India, surveyed 200 households using a mixed-method approach to document home garden structure, composition, and services. Findings showed 60% of households engaged in home gardening, with an average garden size of 0.069 hectares. These home gardens provided an average annual economic yield of INR 18,700 and a 0.1 hectare garden stored 10.6 tons of carbon in trees and soil.

Rommy Andhika Laksono, Hayatul Rahmi, Abdul Yusuf, Anggun Pertiwi · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Khatulistiwa · Indonesia

A community service initiative in Kutaampel Village, Karawang Regency, Indonesia, from January to December 2025, introduced a solar-powered vertical urban farming system to 30 participants. The program involved outreach, technical training on assembling the UNSIKA Solar-Powered Hydroponic and Aeroponic System (SHIATUN) and IoT sensors, field simulation, and three months of mentoring. Results showed 70% of participants could independently manage the system, with three groups replicating it, and increased youth interest in technology-based agriculture.

Liu Xinyun, Zhao Jianya, Zhang Yanglan, Wang Shu · Rural and regional development · China (Guangdong)

A study using 2017–2022 panel data in Guangdong Province, China, investigated urban agriculture's (UA) contribution to food self-sufficiency in highly urbanized regions. By categorizing cities by urbanization rate and analyzing spatial-temporal patterns in grain, vegetable, and fruit self-sufficiency, findings showed critically low grain self-sufficiency in high-degree urbanized cities. Despite incremental gains in UA productivity, urban yields for grains and vegetables lagged behind non-urban areas, indicating a limited contribution.

Rizki Nor Amelia, Sri Ngabekti, Putri Alifa Kholil, Abdul Jabbar, Prasetyo Listiaji · Jurnal Pemberdayaan Masyarakat · Indonesia

This community service project implemented a Green Literacy Bootcamp at SMP Negeri 25 Semarang, Indonesia, involving 45 students, to strengthen environmental literacy in a coastal eco-school. The program included intensive training, follow-up, and student-led projects on waste management, urban farming, and tidal flood mitigation. Evaluation using pre-post environmental literacy tests and a satisfaction survey showed substantial improvement in environmental literacy, particularly in environmental hope and cognitive skills, and high student satisfaction.

Eko Muhammad Bayu, Nur Edy Suminarti, Adi Setiawan · International Journal of Environment Agriculture and Biotechnology · Indonesia

This study in Indonesia investigated the interaction of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and mycorrhizae to optimize melon growth and yield in rooftop farming. Using a split-plot design with varying concentrations of PGPR and mycorrhizae, researchers observed significant interactions on fresh root weight, total dry weight, and fruit weight. The combination of 15 ml/L PGPR and 10 g/plant mycorrhiza increased fruit weight by up to 67% compared to controls.

Tri Astuti, Hasddin Hasddin, Asrul Asrul, J Jasman, Muh. Yani Balaka, Haydir Haydir, Alfian Ishak, Muhamad Idham Handa, Villa Evadelvia Ginal Sambari, Eva Safitri Maladeni · European Journal of Sustainable Development Research · Indonesia (Kendari City)

This study quantitatively investigated the contribution of urban farming to economic growth and environmental sustainability in Kendari City, Indonesia. Urban farming is the third-highest contributor to the city's gross domestic regional product, accounting for 10.66% of total economic output, yet the sector's overall growth fluctuates, and its direct economic impact is underreported. In terms of environmental performance, Kendari's energy consumption and CO₂ emissions exceeded Asian Green City Index thresholds, categorizing the city as "below average" in sustainability.

Sufrianto Sufrianto, Andi Makkawaru Isazarni Jassin, I Wayan Pugu · MEDIA KONSTRUKSI · Indonesia (Kendari)

This research aims to identify and map the distribution of idle land in Wua-Wua District, Kendari City, Indonesia, using 3D mapping technology. The district faces development pressure leading to reduced green open spaces, and the Green City concept proposes utilizing idle land. 3D modeling analyzed land characteristics, showing Bonggoeya and Anawai are potential for medium to large-scale horticulture, Wua-Wua has the largest idle land for green urban farming centers, and Mataiwoi is suitable for community-based micro urban farming.

Tri Astuti, Hasddin Hasddin, Marjani Marjani, M Murini, Muhammad Yusuf, Sabaruddin Sondeng, Safril Kasim, Osu Oheoputra Husen, Ulyasniati Ulyasniati, Musadia Afa · Glasnik srpskog geografskog drustva · Indonesia (Kendari)

This study evaluated the dual role of urban farming in Kendari, a coastal city in Eastern Indonesia, from an economic and environmental accounting perspective. Data analysis revealed that the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector, which includes urban farming, contributes 10.66% to Kendari's Gross Domestic Regional Product, though urban farming's specific value is unrecorded. Kendari's per capita energy consumption (1,121 kWh/person) and annual CO2 emissions (316,560 tons) exceeded Asian Green City Index benchmarks, while air quality remained acceptable.

Yusrina Nafilah, Idah Hamidah, Eva Yuliana · ENGAGEMENT Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Indramayu)

The "Eco School Project" is a program aimed at creating an environmentally friendly school garden at UPTD SDN Cinini Sumbermulya Village in Indramayu, Indonesia. This program functions as an educational tool, inviting students to be directly involved in environmental conservation efforts to understand the importance of preserving nature and implementing environmentally friendly behavior in daily life. Collaboration among the school, students, parents, and the surrounding community is essential for the sustainability and success of this initiative.