Research & reports

Rifda Nazhifa, Rani Andriani Budi Kusumo · MIMBAR AGRIBISNIS Jurnal Pemikiran Masyarakat Ilmiah Berwawasan Agribisnis · Indonesia (Bandung)

This qualitative case study analyzed the sustainability of hydroponic vegetable farming at Griya Hijau Hidroponik in Bandung City. The findings indicate that the business demonstrates social and ecological sustainability, with strong community partnerships and environmentally friendly practices. However, its economic sustainability shows limited profitability despite stable operations and a positive Return on Investment.

Yusuf Iskandar, Andri Ardhiyansyah, Farhan Fadil Ghifari · Discover Sustainability · Indonesia

This study examined the ecosystem architecture of agricultural social enterprises in West Java, Indonesia, using the five-stage ecosystem architecture model. A qualitative case study design with semi-structured interviews with 12 informants from smallholder farmers, social enterprises, academia, and provincial government was used. Results showed two coexisting distribution pathways: a traditional market channel and three social enterprise pathways (Daun Desa, Seni Tani, and Kebun Belakang) that shorten distribution through urban retail, CSA, and eco-farming community markets.

Tanaya Niscala Hanan Armi, Agus Wartapa, Siti Nurlaela Nurlaela · Jurnal Sains Agro · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)

A study analyzing the implementation of an urban farming program in the Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) Guyup Rukun in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, found that implementation in various farmer groups still faces obstacles such as low member participation, weak group institutionalization, and suboptimal program sustainability. SWOT analysis placed KWT Guyup Rukun in the Growth Strategy quadrant, and QSPM analysis identified increasing member capacity through training, cultivation assistance, processing, and institutional strengthening as a priority strategy.

Novitha Sarika, Fitria Naimatu Sadiyah, Ina Fitria Ismarlin · JAKT Jurnal Agroteknologi dan Kehutanan Tropika · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)

The Sumber Rejeki Farmer Group in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, has developed a dried Javanese chili processing business in an urban farming area but faces challenges in managing the business independently. This qualitative descriptive study, using Logical Framework Analysis (LFA), revealed that the main problem faced by the group is a low level of independence in business management, caused by dependence on middlemen, lack of standard production SOPs, weak institutional management, limited ability to independently determine product selling prices, and insufficient understanding of business legality. Proposed optimization efforts include developing production SOPs, digital marketing training, structured division of member tasks, and assistance with obtaining business registration and household industry food production permits.

Dwi Budi Santoso, Dynda Fadhlillah Aulia · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Indonesia

In an urban pesantren in Indonesia, a one-year community service program developed a hydroponics-based urban farming model to enhance food self-sufficiency and improve students' practical agribusiness skills. 22 participants completed the program. The hydroponic unit produced an estimated 96–104 kg of leafy vegetables annually, contributing an estimated annual food savings of Rp1.7–1.9 million. Competency assessment scores for participants also improved from an average of 52 to 82.

Hao Yang, Zijin Wang, Yueming Hu, Zhengxi Tan, Runyan Zou, L. Wang, Xiaoyun Mao · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · China (Guangdong)

A study in Guangdong Province, China, coupled a Bayesian belief network with density peaks clustering to analyze agricultural land resources. The research identified significant synergies between food production function and other functions, but also a trade-off with food cleanliness. Consequently, Guangdong agricultural land was zoned into five functional zones.

Sri Suhartini, Bambang Susilo, Gabryna A Auliya Nugroho, Christina Wahyu Kartikowati, Ni’matul Izza, Riris Waladatun Nafi’ah, Ainur Ainur Rohma, Andhika Putra Agus Pratama · JAPI (Jurnal Akses Pengabdian Indonesia) · Indonesia (Malang)

In Kampung Telolet Om, Malang, Indonesia, a circular economy program integrating Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae and laying hens was implemented for 20 residents to address organic waste and food insecurity. The program processed household organic waste into BSF larvae feed, substituted chicken feed, produced organic fertilizers, and applied them to urban farming. Pre- and post-tests showed participants' knowledge increased from 44.12% to 53.82%, successfully reducing organic waste volume and producing food products.

Dewi Gita Kartika, Ismayanti Ismayanti, Emilia Agustina, Fernando Adiputra Kadajaya Bos · E-Journal of Tourism · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This study examined how regenerative urban tourism can be strategically developed in North Jakarta, Indonesia, using a systematic literature review, focus group discussions with stakeholders, and TOWS analysis. North Jakarta was found to have relatively strong internal capacity (IFE = 3.04) and a favorable external environment (EFE = 3.16), placing it in a "grow and build" position. Strategic priorities include developing eco-tourism and urban farming based on community greening initiatives, strengthening cultural and heritage-based tourism, enhancing MSME digital capacity, and addressing environmental and infrastructure constraints like waste management and flooding.

Pierre Camugli · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · China

This trilingual working document proposes a valuation model for revitalizing dormant real estate assets in Chinese Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The model is based on converting unfinished or underutilized buildings into urban industrial agriculture units. It explores three strategic trajectories (5–7 years, 20–30 years, 30+ years) for transforming these structures into "Productive Carriers."

Eliza Eliza · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Indonesia (Bandar Lampung)

This study analyzed the Bandar Lampung City Government's policy strategies for strengthening urban farming as an instrument of urban food security in Indonesia. Using a qualitative-descriptive approach and secondary data, key issues identified were households' high dependence on markets, suboptimal development of backyard and community-based urban farming, and weak integration of urban farming with the city's food security policies.

Budi Hartono, Hanung Eka Atmaja, Galy Hardyta, Brilian Setyo Utomo, Muhammad Lutvi, Amelia Cyntia Kusuma Wardhani · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat (abdira) · Indonesia

This community engagement program in Indonesia aimed to strengthen economic and food self-reliance among persons with disabilities using a circular economy approach and an inclusive digital campaign. Employing a participatory-collaborative method, it showed substantial improvements in maggot production skills (30% to 80%) and food self-sufficiency (20% to 60%) among participants. While the digital campaign is in its initial stage, the program demonstrates strong sustainability potential for inclusive economic empowerment.

S Wang · Advances in Economics Management and Political Sciences · China

This qualitative literature review examines informal green spaces (IGS) in Chinese cities, contrasting them with formal, hyper-managed landscapes. The study finds that while formal lawns incur high financial maintenance burdens and lower biodiversity, IGS, including spontaneous urban wilderness and community gardens, are often cleared despite offering higher biodiversity and zero maintenance costs. The research highlights a governance dilemma where the prioritization of neatness over ecology leads to the removal of IGS, which support psychological place attachment and spatial justice for marginalized groups.

Ivan Sanjiva Redy, Sri Subekti, Lenny Luthfiyah · AGRIFITIA Journal of Agribusiness Plantation · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This qualitative descriptive study examined the multi-sector integrated urban farming model implemented by the Mekarsari Farmers Group in Surabaya City, Indonesia. The group developed a model combining crop cultivation, fisheries, and household-scale livestock farming on limited urban land. Findings indicate that this multi-sector integration can increase household food availability, income, and strengthen family food security.

Strayker Ali Muda, Heripan Heripan, Fitra Gustiar · Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology) · Indonesia (Palembang)

This systematic review examined strategies, trade-offs, and synergies of climate-smart urban agriculture relevant to Palembang City, Indonesia. A total of 400 records were identified from Google Scholar and Scopus, with 352 unique records screened. While urban agriculture showed five key contributions, including strengthening food security, several critical trade-offs were identified, such as land scarcity, energy and water requirements, soil contamination risks, technological costs, and policy fragmentation. The review emphasizes that urban agriculture should be part of a broader transformation of urban food systems, not a stand-alone solution.

Riana Magdalena Silitonga, Stefani Prima Dias Kristiana, Nova Eka Budiyanta · Jurnal Pengabdian UNDIKMA · Indonesia (Tangerang)

This community service program aimed to enhance the capacity of the Sampora Village community in Tangerang, Indonesia, in developing sustainable urban farming through hydroponic systems. Educational counseling, hands-on training in hydroponic techniques, and technical guidance were employed, with data analyzed using a descriptive approach combining quantitative analysis of pre-test and post-test results. Participants showed significant improvements in competencies, including increased understanding of hydroponic systems from 20% to 85%, installation skills from 15% to 80%, nutrient management knowledge from 10% to 78%, and maintenance skills from 12% to 82%.

Gang Wang · Agricultural History · China (Shanghai)

This historical analysis of Shanghai's vegetable supply system examines the limitations of peri-urban agriculture. In the early 1950s, Shanghai relied on distant rural areas for vegetables, shifting to suburban production in 1958 after rural sources were cut off. Efforts to sustain this suburban-centric system faced challenges, and government attempts to phase out the planned economy in the 1980s had limited effect. By the early 1990s, the suburban-centric system was abandoned, leading to a return to nonlocal vegetable predominance.

Agrian Rizki Kuswanto, Zaenal Sirajuddin, Ahda Mulyati · Technium Social Sciences Journal · Indonesia

This study analyzed the degradation of interest in grape cultivation in Boyaoge Village, Indonesia, from the perspective of architecture and urban agriculture. Using field observations, interviews with local farmers, and spatial analysis, the findings indicated that the main causes were the shift in land use from agriculture to settlements, a lack of infrastructure support such as efficient irrigation systems and market accessibility, and non-agricultural-friendly spatial designs including limited green open spaces and limited use of agricultural technology. These factors contribute to the decline in grape cultivation interest.

Yang Hua, Yong Xu, Kan ZHOU, Jie FAN · 资源科学 · China

This study analyzed the spatiotemporal patterns of supply and demand for seven major agricultural products in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) region from 2015 to 2022. It found that the region faces a dual risk of agricultural product supply-demand imbalance and spatial mismatch, with an overall surplus but local shortages. Specifically, Beijing and Tianjin generally lack self-sufficiency in agricultural products. The research proposes an integrated layout plan for high-quality agricultural bases to address these imbalances and ensure regional food security.

Salwa Yasyifa Azzahrah, Lies Sulistyowati · MIMBAR AGRIBISNIS Jurnal Pemikiran Masyarakat Ilmiah Berwawasan Agribisnis · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This study analyzed the financial and economic feasibility of urban farming projects and their role in women's empowerment in Cengkareng Barat and Duri Kosambi sub-districts, Jakarta. Using descriptive analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and the Likert scale, the research found that urban agriculture programs are financially and economically viable, showing positive Net Present Value and a Benefit-Cost Ratio greater than one. Socially, these programs contribute to women's empowerment through additional income, skill enhancement, self-confidence building, and community participation.

A Muh Alwilah Akbar, Jairin Jairin, B Sumarni, Ratnawati Tahir, Hasriani Lukman, Muh Al Aswar Rusman · Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi · Indonesia

A study of Tello Urban Village, Makassar City, Indonesia, conducted from July to September 2024, analysing the influence of social capital and women farmers' institutions on the development of urban farming. Using purposive sampling, the study involved 20 active members of women farmer groups, analysed with descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Results showed that social capital - characterised by information sharing, activity coordination, and collective decision-making - and women farmer institutions functioning as units of cooperation, learning, and production both played a significant role in supporting urban farming development. However, both factors were found to have only a moderate, not decisive, influence on urban farming's growth, indicating that additional external support such as government facilitation, resource access, technological innovation, and policy strengthening is still required.

Tao Shi, Ian MacLachlan · Urban Geography · China

A qualitative case study combining observation and interview data on an informal urban garden in Shenzhen, China. In contrast to formal urban horticulture practices in neighboring areas, grower-squatters were found to claim usufructuary rights through informal transactions, sustaining active urban horticulture for the past decade through non-confrontational land claims, social networks governed by tacit understandings, and self-motivated recycling of resources. Notably, these informal arrangements not only endured but consistently outperformed adjacent formal community gardens, which fell into neglect despite official sanction and investment. The authors argue that such informal practices can contribute to the development of sustainable, self-organizing urban gardens in megacities.

Resa Ramadhan, Fatimah Azzahra, Syifa Fauziah · JURNAL ILMIAH MAHASISWA AGROINFO GALUH · Indonesia

A quantitative study of Karangmukti Village, Bungursari District, Purwakarta Regency, Indonesia, analyzing the influence of livelihood capital on the livelihood resilience of farming households. The village has been undergoing agricultural land conversion: the agricultural land area was about 206 hectares before the change, roughly 30 hectares were converted in 2025 (mainly for industrial and residential development), leaving about 176 hectares, and further conversion is planned for 2026-2027, which may further reduce the amount of productive agricultural land. Samples of farming households were drawn using the Slovin formula and cluster sampling, with data collected via questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentation, and analyzed using quantitative descriptive analysis and Smart-PLS. The results show that livelihood capital among farming households was at a moderate level, with natural capital as the most dominant component, and livelihood resilience was also categorized as moderate; livelihood capital was found to have a statistically significant positive influence on livelihood resilience.

Rakindra Putri Ardhini, Jasmine Tifani Claudia Arisayu, Ida Syamsu Roida, Adi Candra · Jurnal Abdi Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This community outreach report describes a four-month support program for KWT Kedurus Asri, a women's farmer group operating an urban-agriculture-based production business in the Kedurus neighborhood of Surabaya, Indonesia, aimed at developing a visual identity (logo, color palette, typography), improving product packaging, and building digital marketing capacity through social media and online marketplaces. Methods included observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participatory design workshops, and ongoing mentoring. The program reports that the group achieved a more cohesive brand identity, packaging meeting food labeling standards, and active social media accounts with planned promotional content, with sales volume increasing by 35% during the support period.

Wei-Chun Chuang, Ching‐Pin Tung, Wan-Yu Shih, Wen-Ray Su · 網際網路技術學刊 · China

This study examines the spatial equity and socio-spatial implications of urban agriculture by analysing the distribution of community gardens under Taipei's Garden City Program (TGCP) in relation to neighborhood-level income growth, using unsupervised machine learning (DBSCAN) combined with spatial statistics (Moran's I and LISA). It finds that garden service density is highly concentrated in central districts with significant service gaps in peripheral areas, while at the citywide scale no significant correlation is found between garden density and income growth -- consistent with the "just green enough" view that low-cost, small-scale, decentralized community gardens are less likely to trigger conventional green gentrification -- though several local areas do show potential spatial coupling between garden presence and income change, pointing to a need for policy attention to distributional equity.

Hedwig Ajeng Grahani · GeoEco · Indonesia

A 2024 systematic survey of 217 urban farming households in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, used Stata 19 for hypothesis testing and SPSS 27 for descriptive statistics, running a multiple linear regression of net urban farming income against 22 variables covering sociodemographics, farm structure, input management, biotic stress and institutional support (R2 = 0.7448). Eleven variables had a significant effect, with farm size the most favorable factor, followed by financial support, seed subsidies and technical aid; gender and family size also showed positive effects. Crop type correlated negatively with income, and biotic stress — particularly pest type and severity — substantially reduced income, while training and market access were not statistically significant.