Research & reports

· Wikipedia · South Korea

This Wikipedia article on recycling in South Korea (the URL 'Food_waste_in_South_Korea' redirects here) describes a pay-as-you-throw system requiring households to buy designated bags for general waste separate from food waste. The food-waste recycling rate rose from 2% in 1995 to 95% by 2013. Per-capita food waste generation exceeds 130 kg/year, and RFID-enabled smart bins reduced food waste by 47,000 tonnes over six years. South Korea's overall recycling rate reached 59% in 2013, the second-highest among OECD countries; daily household waste fell from 1.3 kg (1994) to 0.94 kg (2013) while the recycled share rose from 15.3% to 83.2%.

· Wikipedia · Taiwan

This Wikipedia article on waste management in Taiwan describes a recycling programme that began in 1989 following a 1987 amendment to the Waste Disposal Act, with the 3R Foundation established in 1994. There are 33 recyclable items across 13 categories; raw food waste is processed into fertilizer for farmers while cooked food waste is converted into livestock feed. As of August 2023, 25 large-scale incineration plants operate, 22 publicly owned (5 publicly operated, 17 privately operated) and 3 privately owned and operated. In 2016, 76.8% of fly ash from coal-fired power plants (1.703 million tons) was reused in construction.

Liu Q., Chen T., Zhang N., Lin Z., Ye Z., Jiang K., Gao Y., Guo Y., Weng A. · Energy (Elsevier), 320:135191 · China (Yangtze River Delta)

A quantitative assessment of rooftop agrivoltaics (RAV) — co-locating solar PV and crops on building rooftops — against the SDGs. For the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration (~10,720 km² of rooftops) it estimates ~93.1 TWh/year of electricity (6.3% of regional demand), ~43.6 Mt/year of lettuce, large job creation, and ~127 Mt/year of CO2 reduction, positioning RAV as a multifunctional urban land-use that pairs 'zero food miles' food production with clean energy.

· Sustainability · China (Chongqing)

A life cycle assessment of a large industrial aquaponics system in Chongqing, China, evaluating environmental performance and identifying optimization strategies.

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).

Yayan Hendrayana, Agus Yadi Ismail, Handayani Handayani, Dede Kosasih, M. A. Romdona, Naufal Althaaf, Syifa Afidah Nurul Arifin · Brazilian Journal of Biology · Indonesia

This study analyzed soil fertility around Ficus trees in sand mining areas, community gardens, and secondary forests in Kuningan Regency, Indonesia. Soil fertility varied across locations, ranging from low to medium in sand mining areas and low to high in community gardens and secondary forests. Ficus benjamina and Ficus septica are recommended for land rehabilitation due to their adaptability and contributions to soil restoration.

I Putu Gede Didik Widiarta, Dinar Anindyasari, Taufan Purwokusumaning Daru · Jurnal Ekonomi Pertanian dan Agribisnis · Indonesia (Bontang City)

This quantitative study surveyed 220 urban farming respondents in Bontang City, Indonesia, to analyze consumer behavior in adopting livestock waste as organic fertilizer for household agriculture. While knowledge (β=0.58; p<0.01) and environmental impact perception (β=0.47; p<0.05) significantly influenced adoption, major barriers included negative perceptions of livestock waste odor (62%) and limited access to processing technology (45%). These findings highlight significant challenges to the widespread adoption of organic fertilizers from livestock waste in urban areas.

Candra Mecca Sufyana, Sani Fitriyani, Muhammad Prakarsa Al Qadr Saleh, Adhita Arif Setyawan, Syarif Hidayatulloh, Muhammad Rizky Fitrohanapiah, Tantri Dwiyanti · PADMA · Indonesia (Bandung City)

This community service project in Maleer Village, Bandung City, Indonesia, addresses household organic waste issues by introducing Black Soldier Fly (BSF) maggot house technology. The project aims to optimize organic waste management, reduce waste volume, and empower the community through education and practical skills in BSF maggot cultivation. Expected outcomes include increased community knowledge and skills, the establishment of a self-operating maggot house unit, and the production of maggot products for animal feed and compost for urban farming.

Brilian Desca Dianingtyas, Nurina Rahmawati · Agrivet Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Pertanian dan Peternakan (Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Veteriner) · Indonesia (Kediri City)

This research aims to determine the capacity of ruminant livestock to utilize processed vegetable waste from the Ngronggo Wholesale Market in Kediri City as silage. A qualitative descriptive design collected data on waste amount, livestock numbers, and capacity. The potential availability of vegetable waste silage in 2024 is estimated at 11,186.56 kg DM/year, 378.11 kg CP/year, and 8,423.48 kg TDN/year. This silage is concluded to be sufficient to supply over 50% of the total animal units in Kediri City.

Fanny Shinta Junita, Devy Puspasari Siswaningrum, Nur Rahmi Fajri Yanti, Wendi Gustira · Prospect Jurnal Pemberdayaan Masyarakat · Indonesia (Depok)

This article discusses the AKASIA Program, an elderly empowerment initiative implemented with the Anyelir 2 Farmers Group in Harjamukti Village, Depok, Indonesia. The program supported elderly garden activities using a community empowerment approach, including urban farming training, organic waste processing, cultivation facilities, and ongoing mentoring. Results demonstrated that the program not only provided productive, social, and recreational space for seniors but also significantly improved their happiness, relaxation, and quality of life. Furthermore, it contributed to reducing organic waste and opening economic opportunities through the sale of agricultural products.

An The Huynh, Ho Bich Lien, Đức Đạt Đức Nguyễn, Đào Minh Trung · Tạp chí Khoa học Đại học Công Thương. · Vietnam

A study in Tan Uyen City, Binh Duong Province, assessed the potential for reusing treated domestic wastewater for urban agriculture. Data from the city's wastewater treatment system showed high efficiency, with COD reduced by 94.49% and BOD5 by 97.1%. The treated water met QCVN 39:2011/BTNMT requirements and is suitable for irrigating landscape greenery, vegetables, or short-term industrial crops.

Dewah Hari Sayogo, Nur Magfirah Aestetika · Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy · Indonesia

This qualitative case study analyzed Tanduria's branding strategy for its organic fertilizer and pesticide products, focusing on brand strength, uniqueness, and favorability. Through direct observations and in-depth interviews with Tanduria’s founders, the study found that the Indonesian urban farming platform successfully promotes its brand by emphasizing ease of use and environmental sustainability, particularly targeting the Millennial generation for home-based planting. This strategy effectively strengthens Tanduria's image as a modern, eco-friendly brand aligned with urban lifestyles.

Supriya Chandrakant Gaikwad · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · India (Sikkim)

This paper synthesizes six studies to examine Sikkim's organic farming model, evaluating farmer perceptions, productivity, policy gaps, and urban innovations like rooftop farming. While organic farming in Sikkim boosted yields, lowered input expenses, and improved environmental conditions, marketing and scalability remain significant obstacles, and short-term transition costs and limited market infrastructure are economic constraints. Rooftop agriculture in Gangtok was identified as a valuable addition for urban food security.

Apri Kuntariningsih, Andhy Supriyadi · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat dan Riset Pendidikan · Indonesia (Semarang)

A community service program implemented in Bendan Ngisor Village, Semarang City, Indonesia, aimed to enhance food security, reduce organic waste, and create new economic opportunities through hydroponic urban farming and eco-enzyme utilization. The program demonstrated increased knowledge and skills among residents in waste management and food cultivation on limited land, supporting sustainable household economies. The integration of hydroponics and eco-enzymes proved to be an effective solution for urban food and environmental issues.

Fatmawati Fatmawati, Muhlis, Muhtar Muhtar, Andi Munawar, Sappewali, Nurfaidah Samad, Maifa Diapati · Jurnal Dinamika Pengabdian (JDP) · Indonesia

This study addressed the challenge of continuous organic fertilizer supply for the 30-member Seruni Women's Farming Group (KWT) in Indonesia, which practices urban farming. It implemented domestic organic waste processing using BSF larvae (maggot) bioconversion technology to produce compost. The activity, conducted through lectures, discussions, and practical training, found strong local government support and high enthusiasm from KWT members and the community, successfully improving their understanding of waste processing for compost production.

Ni Made Ayu Wina Wirjana Asak, Yuliani Yuliani, Farina Farina, Fahruri Yahya, Ela Puji Hariani · Learning Society Jurnal CSR Pendidikan dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This study explored the social innovation model of the Agroeduwisata Jayakarta program implemented by PT ANTAM Tbk UBPP Logam Mulia to address urban problems in the Jatinegara Kaum area, such as ineffective waste management, shrinking agricultural land, unemployment, and underutilized religious tourism potential. Using a qualitative case study method, data was collected from interviews and internal reports. The findings indicate that the Agroeduwisata program provides benefits beyond environmental sustainability, also empowering local communities and preserving Jakarta's cultural heritage through organic and inorganic waste management, urban farming development, SMEs, and spiritual tourism.

Gusti Agung Ayu Made Listya Mahadewi, Ida Bagus Gde Agung Yoga Pramana · PKM-P · Indonesia (Ubung Village)

A community service program implemented in Ubung Village, Indonesia, aimed to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability through the effective use of organic fertilizers. The Jelita Women Farmers Group and the broader community received one week of hands-on training in organic fertilizer management and sustainable farming practices. After a 30-day evaluation, significant improvements were observed in soil fertility, crop yields, and community participation, with harvest results for crops like vegetables, chilies, and melons markedly better than pre-training levels.

Muh Ainul Fattah, Sri Mardiyati, Nurdin Nurdin · AgriMu · Indonesia

This study analyzed green economy literacy in urban farming at KWT Anggrek in Bara-Baraya Village, Makassar City. As a quantitative descriptive study, green economy literacy using the 5R concept was rated "medium" at 66.38%. The urban farming at KWT Anggrek was found not to increase members' income, but only to minimize household expenses.

Pius Sugeng Prasetyo, Theresia Gunawan · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Indonesia (Bandung)

The Buruan SAE initiative in Bandung, Indonesia, integrates indigenous Sundanese practices with modern urban farming to strengthen urban food systems. This community-driven program uses organic methods and waste recycling, showing contributions to food security, improved nutrition, economic opportunities, and environmental benefits like reduced carbon footprints and enhanced biodiversity. The initiative also supports local businesses by supplying fresh produce.

La Ode Muhammad Noval Alfrizi La Ode, Djusdil Akrim, Luisa Ángela, Jilan Tsamara, Ronatio Napitupulu, Chatarina T.P, Muhammad Aufa · JEBE Journal of Environment Behavior and Engineering · Indonesia (Makassar)

The Integrated Urban Farming System (IUFS) in Makassar City, Indonesia, utilizes mosque ablution water and community land for vertical farming and aquaponics. This system is estimated to produce up to 1 quintal of vegetables and 50 kg of catfish per cycle while saving approximately 15% of water. The project aims to strengthen local food security and promote Makassar's image as an ecological city through academic-community partnerships and micro-financing.

Siti Hajar, Siti Via Syahrani Putri, Hanif Fatihah Tsari, Muhammad Iqbal, Arjuna Arjuna, Nur Saudah Al Arifa D · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pembangunan dan Pendidikan Vokasi Pertanian · Indonesia

This study analyzed the empowerment strategies of the Surya Hijau Farmer Group in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, using SWOT analysis. The group, which practices urban farming with vertical planting, demonstrated strong internal cooperation but faced challenges including caterpillar pest attacks, difficulty obtaining quality growing media, and water scarcity. A critical finding was that the group's income was affected by fluctuating harvest prices, posing a significant threat to their economic viability.

Clarisha Dhea Susanti, Nandita Larasati, Mardiyah Hayati · Jurnal Pemberdayaan Masyarakat dan Komunitas · Indonesia

This community service activity aimed to make the neglected Wallet Urban Farming Garden in Sukun Village, Malang City, sustainable. Activities included cleaning, sorting polybags and adding growing media, fertilizing, planting green spinach and water spinach, watering, and improving facilities such as repairing information boards. The activity was carried out until the vegetable harvest period and was expected to help increase daily vegetable consumption for the local community.

Stefani Natalia Sabatini, Paulus Bawole, Haryati Bawole Sutanto · Jurnal Atma Inovasia · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)

This study discusses assistance provided to the Migunani Farmer Group in Cokrodirjan, Yogyakarta City, regarding household wastewater management for urban agriculture development. The assistance included education on wastewater management, education and simulation of urine processing into liquid fertilizer, and a workshop on simple garden reactor creation. While education and simulation activities increased the farmer group's capacity, the construction of the garden wastewater treatment reactor was hindered by difficulties in adjusting the location of the wastewater source.

Ahmad Ahmad Aldi Nasution, Badrul Ainy Dalimunthe, Khairul Rizal, Yudi Triyanto · JURNAL AGRONOMI TANAMAN TROPIKA (JUATIKA) · Indonesia

This research in Kotapinang District, Indonesia, evaluated coconut water waste as a liquid organic fertilizer (POC) for mung bean microgreens over one week. Four treatments with varying POC doses were tested. The 30 ml treatment resulted in the greatest plant height at 4 days after planting (13.83 cm), while the 10 ml treatment showed the highest growth (19.66 cm) and leaf width (1.2 cm) at 7 days after planting.

Sutiyono Sutiyono, Luluk Edahwati, Atika Andini · JURNAL AKADEMIK PENGABDIAN MASYARAKAT · Indonesia (Surabaya)

A community service program in Medokan Ayu, Surabaya, Indonesia, developed technology for producing organic soap from used cooking oil and local herbal extracts for the Kosagrha Lestari Farmers Group. Training and mentoring enabled the group to produce good quality, safe soap, which reduced environmental pollution and enhanced their entrepreneurial skills.