Research & reports

Yuni Pantiwati, Erna Retno Rahadjeng, Dony Prasetyo, Tasya Novian Indah Sari · Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Malang)

This community service initiative aimed to enhance family productivity by training 15 Family Welfare Empowerment (FWE) members in Jetis Hamlet, Malang, Indonesia, in aquaponic cultivation and harvest processing. Conducted from July to December 2025 with intensive mentoring and a learning-by-doing approach, evaluation using pretest and posttest instruments showed a substantial increase in participant capacity. Average knowledge scores increased from 37 to 82, and technical skills improved from 52 to 81.

Riana Magdalena Silitonga, Stefani Prima Dias Kristiana, Ronald Sukwadi · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Charitas · Indonesia (Tangerang)

In Nagrek Village, Tangerang, Indonesia, an urban farming program was implemented to address the lack of green open space and engage non-productive housewives. The program, utilizing conventional and hydroponic systems, involved five stages: preparation, outreach, training, mentoring, and evaluation, with results recorded on the Artemis digital platform. The urban farming training led to Nagrek Village appearing more beautiful, and many non-participant residents expressed interest in adopting urban farming in their own homes.

Almaidah Purnamasari Arif, Amanda Ihza Putri, Desvina Sastrawati, Dimas, Aditia Suhendra, Syafruddin Muhdar · Jurnal Pendidikan Sains Geologi dan Geofisika (GeoScienceEd Journal) · Indonesia

This descriptive qualitative study analyzed the implementation of the Smart Problem Finder Program to strengthen numeracy literacy among elementary school students and teachers. Data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation indicated that the program effectively enhanced students' numeracy skills, particularly in addition and subtraction. The program also positively impacted learning motivation and active participation through game-based learning in the school garden, supported by teachers as facilitators.

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%.

Hidayatsyah Hidayatsyah, Sudirman Sudirman, Masithah Mahsa, Khairani Hanum, Cut Rozatul Haliza, Risfani Putri, Syakilla Adza Maya, Sri Anggi Rezeki, Shofia Ummi · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Bangsa · Indonesia

An independent agriculture education program based on Luffa acutangula (gambas) cultivation was implemented for environmental cadres at SMPN 1 Sawang in Indonesia. Using a participatory approach, the activity led to significant improvements in participants' understanding of urban agricultural ecosystems, motivation for environmental sustainability, and technical skills in cultivating multi-purpose plants. A post-activity evaluation showed that 90% of participants were able to independently design gambas-based school gardens.

Shanty Yahya, Herdy Syam, Mika Patayang · Jurnal ETAM · Indonesia

In Indonesia, a community service program was implemented at Day Care Husnul Khatimah for productive elderly women, focusing on organic vegetable cultivation on limited land. The program provided training on making liquid organic fertilizer from household waste, cultivating vegetable seeds, and organic vegetable cultivation. Participants planted several types of vegetables and showed interest in continuing the activities independently.

Siti Hadianti, Nurhasanah Nurhasanah, Teguh Prakoso, Hidayah Hidayah, Siti Hadianti · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia

A community-service report on a community-based organic waste management program in Kurungkambing Village, Banten Province, Indonesia, aimed at improving environmental quality and supporting sustainable rural tourism. Despite the village's agricultural and tourism potential, unmanaged household and agricultural organic waste had been contributing to environmental degradation and limited community awareness of sustainable waste practices. Using a participatory, empowerment-oriented approach, the program was implemented in three stages: (1) community needs assessment and stakeholder consultation, (2) training and mentoring on composting and herbal plant cultivation, and (3) environmental improvement through school garden development and compost use. The program reported increased community awareness of organic waste management, improved practical composting skills, and active participation in greening activities involving residents and schools, as well as strengthened collaboration among the university, local government and community groups that contributed to cleaner public spaces and more sustainable village conditions.

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.

Ivonne M. Leiwakabessy, Novalien Syauta, Lili Sarce Joi Sapari, Joni Penda, Denny Petta, Dormauli Br Gultom, Dwi Indah Widya Yanti, Melisa Masengi · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat dan Riset Pendidikan · Indonesia

A community-service report from Pulau Soop, a small island in Indonesia, aimed at strengthening household food security by using home yards and plastic bottles as planting media in response to limited land and increasing plastic waste. Students at SMP Negeri 9 Pulau Soop were trained to convert plastic bottles into planting containers and to cultivate vegetables, gaining knowledge and practical skills in recycling, appropriate technology and simple cultivation methods. The program resulted in improved student understanding and active participation, and led to the establishment of a school mini garden as an urban farming model, supporting environmental education, reduced plastic waste, and yard-based food security in the small island community.

Yus Alvar Saabighoot, Yusrafidin Yusrafidin, Rakhmini Juwita, Rizka Nurhalija, Rory Fitriani Larasati, Annisa Raudhatul Jannah, Lulu Ilma'nunah · Jurnal SOLMA · Indonesia

This case study examines a community-based program, "Waringin Sehat," delivered through an early childhood education center (PAUD Ibnu Umbara) in Waringin village, Indonesia, to address stunting and malnutrition in young children through a five-stage intervention combining education, participatory training and active mentoring. The program improved parents' and PAUD educators' understanding of balanced nutrition, equipped educators to integrate nutrition material into their curriculum, and formed active community learning groups that promoted use of local food through simple urban farming initiatives.

Azzahra Imairel Putri Diyati Mulyono, Herlina Fitrihidajati, Adi Candra, Nurcholis Nurcholis, Aseyan Aseyan · Journal of Community Service and Empowerment · Indonesia

A study examined adding Eco Enzyme to liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) made from garlic and onion skin waste as a potential replacement for chemical AB Mix fertilizer in growing curly lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in a vertical garden system. Conducted from September to November 2025 at the Oase Tembok Gede Smart Village in Surabaya, Indonesia, nutrient testing per Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture Decree No. 261/KPTS/SR.310/M/4/2019 found the LOF's K2O content at 2.03%, meeting the minimum standard. In a Completely Randomized Design with four treatments and three replications, ANOVA showed no significant difference between treatments (p > 0.05), though the 60 mL treatment (P3) produced the best growth—11 cm height, 7 leaves, and 11 g fresh weight—with the study noting that growth remained good despite suboptimal fertilizer nutrient quality, supported by favorable environmental conditions.

Dewi Ratna Nurhayati, Efi Nikmatu Sholihah, Andini Desi Sawitri · Jurnal Masyarakat Madani Indonesia · Indonesia

A community service (PkM) program in Gulon, RT 01/RW 19, Jebres sub-district, Surakarta, Indonesia, worked with residents facing limited yard space and low use of household space for food self-sufficiency, aiming to raise knowledge, attitudes and skills in fruit and ornamental plant urban farming. Methods comprised outreach sessions, hands-on planting training and participatory community mentoring. As a result, resident participation in yard use increased, with 17 participating households beginning to independently grow fruit and ornamental plants, and new planting habits formed that support household food resilience and environmental quality.

Pesi Suryani, Ratna Marta Dhewi, Vivi Oktari, Demi Primavera · Mejuajua Jurnal Pengabdian pada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Jakarta)

A 2026 community service program based at RPTRA Payung Tunas Teratai in Cipayung sub-district, Indonesia, sought to build resident capacity through technology-based urban farming. Key problems addressed were limited knowledge of modern agricultural technology, low urban farming literacy, and underuse of the RPTRA's function as an education center. Participatory training — including material delivery, hands-on hydroponic and aeroponic practice, group discussion and ongoing mentoring — improved participants' understanding and skills in urban farming techniques, with a harvest success rate exceeding 80% in the first cycle. The Edufarm area was put to use as a community learning center, and a small farmer group was formed to support the program's continuation.

Kadek Ayu Natalia, Kadek Wulandari Laksmi P · KAIBON ABHINAYA JURNAL PENGABDIAN MASYARAKAT · Indonesia (Bali)

A community-service report on a university KKN (Kuliah Kerja Nyata) program that taught urban farming at SD Negeri 04 Sesetan, an elementary school in Bali, Indonesia. Students used experiential learning, combining lessons on urban farming basics with hands-on planting practice using pots and polybags, and involved teachers to sustain the activity as an extracurricular or subject component in science and environmental education. Reported effects included increased environmental awareness, school food security, and economic potential from using the harvest.

Kulesh Bhandari · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · India

In the Santhal Pargana region of Jharkhand, India (the districts of Dumka, Godda, Sahebganj, Pakur, Jamtara and Deoghar), community surveys, field walks and ethnobotanical interviews with Santhal and other tribal communities documented 54 species of wild edible and medicinal plants. Each species is recorded with local names in Santali and Hindi, plant parts used and field observation notes, and classified as wild food, medicinal, or both. The work was carried out under the Wild Food Forests Tribal in Jharkhand project, supported by The Pollination Project (USA), and states that the region's ethnobotanical diversity remains underrepresented in formal scientific literature.

Wibowo Heru Prasetiyo, Dasim Budimansyah · jurnal pendidikan humaniora · Indonesia

A qualitative case study of the citizen gardening community Bandung Berkebun in Bandung, Indonesia, examined the development of environmentally conscious citizens through programs including urban farming, an urban farming school, street urban farming, and urban campus initiatives. Based on interviews, observation, and document study with community members, the community succeeded in intensifying urban farming as an environmentally conscious lifestyle in Bandung, and from a civic education standpoint this built civic virtue through participation in environmental conservation.

Dewi Ratna Nurhayati, Efi Nikmatu Sholihah, Siti Aulida Fajri, Andini Desi Sawitri · Jurnal Masyarakat Madani Indonesia · Indonesia

A one-month community-service program in Gulon RT 01 RW 19, Kelurahan Jebres, Surakarta, Indonesia, addressed underused home-yard land and limited vegetable-cultivation knowledge by delivering outreach, hands-on training and mentoring to 15 participants in growing bird's-eye chili using simple growing media. Participation, understanding and skills in productive use of yard land increased; most participants applied the techniques independently and reported healthy plant growth with harvest potential, and the activity was reported to reduce household spending and raise awareness of food security.

K. C. Sahu · International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering Management & Applied Science · India

A study in Bhubaneswar, India — chosen because many farmers there grow vegetables on rooftops — analyzed the cost-benefit ratio of rooftop vegetable cultivation using compost, vermicompost, coco peat and organic fertilizers, combining experimental and survey methods. Its stated aim was to assess the economic benefits of rooftop vegetable growing for urban residents; the abstract gives no specific cost-benefit figures, stating only that urban residents can obtain fresh organic vegetables at marginal expense and that rising profit is said to increase the perception of rooftop farming among urban people.

Mellania Rima Fajaryah, Hafid Aditya Pradesa, Teni Listiani, Edah Jubaedah · Academia Open · Indonesia (Bandung)

A study of agricultural extension workers in Bandung's "Buruan SAE" urban farming program, Indonesia, examining how competencies align with role demands across job levels. It found consistent gaps where competency achievement fell below importance ratings, particularly in agribusiness management, agro-processing, commercialization, institutional development and technology facilitation, while communication and leadership competencies remained comparatively strong. The gaps grew more complex at higher job levels. Importance-Performance Analysis was used to prioritize competencies, and the study proposes a competency-development framework based on a 70:20:10 learning model.

Asri Jum’atul Aziza, Nanik Setyowati, Yulian Yulian, Widodo Widodo, Wuri Prameswari · Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research · Indonesia

This two-factor (variety × growing-medium composition) completely randomized experiment, conducted in the Agronomy Laboratory Greenhouse at the University of Bengkulu, Indonesia, tested how cocopeat-to-rice-husk-biochar ratios affect nitrogen uptake, growth, yield, and flavonoid content of mint (Mentha spp.) grown in a drip-irrigated substrate hydroponic system. Three varieties (Spearmint, Chocolate Mint, Apple Mint) were tested against four medium compositions (80% cocopeat + 20% biochar through 20% cocopeat + 80% biochar), analyzed by ANOVA (5% significance) and LSD test. Variety and medium composition interacted significantly on growth parameters: Apple Mint showed the greatest stem diameter at 60% cocopeat + 40% biochar, the highest dry weight and nitrogen uptake at 20% cocopeat + 80% biochar, and the highest flavonoid content at 40% cocopeat + 60% biochar, while Chocolate Mint produced the highest fresh and dry root weights at 80% cocopeat + 20% biochar, showing that response to substrate composition depends on variety.

Beni Hasibuan · Crop Life · Indonesia

This study evaluated the effects of bamboo biochar application and varying concentrations of bamboo vinegar on the growth, sensory quality, and iron (Fe) content of red spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) microgreens. Using cocopeat as the growing medium, a 2×6 factorial completely randomized experiment combined biochar presence/absence with bamboo vinegar concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 ppm. No significant interaction between biochar and bamboo vinegar was detected. Biochar application significantly improved overall growth and sensory attributes compared with no biochar. Bamboo vinegar significantly affected plant height and fresh biomass, with the highest responses at 200-800 ppm for height and 800 ppm for fresh weight. Iron content ranged from 202.09 to 481.66 ppm on a fresh-weight basis, and the study notes this water-content-dependent measure limits direct comparison with studies reporting dry-weight values.

Rofiqoh Purnama Ria, Fitra Fadhilah Rizar, DEDIK BUDAINTA, Marlin Sefrila, Fitra Gustiar · Asian Journal of Agriculture · Indonesia

An experimental study at the Seed Technology Laboratory of Universitas Sriwijaya, Indonesia, conducted in September 2025, tested simple seed priming treatments on four commercially marketed leafy vegetable seed types used in urban farming — butterhead lettuce, red romaine lettuce, green lettuce, and napa cabbage — using a factorial completely randomized design. Seeds received one of four treatments (untreated control, 60°C warm water for 15 minutes, 60% shallot extract for 30 minutes, or 70% coconut water for 30 minutes), and germination was recorded every 6 hours over 48 hours. Warm water priming reduced the time to 50% germination (T50) from 36.69 hours in the control to 18.48 hours, and shallot extract reduced it to 19.38 hours, indicating faster germination; the authors note this still requires validation under nursery or field conditions.

· Frontiers in Sustainability · Indonesia

A mixed-methods study of visitors to a university ecofarm, assessing their motivations, learning experiences, and perceptions of facilities during on-site visits.

Deborah Dutta, Amrita Hazra · SAGE Journals · India

Explores socio-ecological dimensions of urban gardening practices in India. Examines how citizen-driven agriculture nurtures social spaces, ecological value, and innovative imagination in urban contexts.

Sriyanto Sriyanto, Eva Banowati, Edi Kurniawan, Fikri Amrullah, Ervando Tommy Al-Hanif · Society Jurnal Pengabdian dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat · Indonesia (Karimunjawa)

This participatory urban farming program in Karimunjawa, Indonesia, aimed to improve community welfare and food security by empowering village women and youth to utilize their yards. Through socialization, training, and mentoring in techniques like polybag farming and composting, the program increased community farming skills. Evaluation via surveys, interviews, and observations showed most participants successfully applied techniques, producing food for consumption and experiencing economic benefits and improved food availability.