Research & reports

Khute M., Sharma S., Patel K., Pandey P. · Analytical Sciences · India (Chhattisgarh)

Leafy vegetables grown in the polluted Ambagarh Chowki region accumulated high inorganic arsenic, with the arsenic hazard quotient exceeding the safe threshold of 1, indicating a consumption health risk.

Zhe Zhu, Faith Ka Shun Chan, Gang Li, Mengxia Xu, Meili Feng, Yong‐Guan Zhu · Soil & Environmental Health · China

This review examines urban agriculture in China, identifying three forms: small-scale, capital-intensive, and tourism-type, each with benefits and challenges shaped by local context and government policies. Despite benefits like improved community cohesion and environmental sustainability, urban agriculture in China faces significant limitations including land availability, capital shortage, market access, and insufficient governmental support. Strategies and four recommendations are proposed to address these challenges.

Debora Sihombing, Yayat Sukayat · MIMBAR AGRIBISNIS Jurnal Pemikiran Masyarakat Ilmiah Berwawasan Agribisnis · Indonesia

PT Tanikota Agribudaya Edulestari, an urban agriculture company, has not yet achieved profitability despite business diversification and technology application. This qualitative study analyzed elements of organizational dynamics to identify obstacles faced by the company in its business operations. Results showed that 22 out of 32 sub-variables did not align with organizational dynamics indicators, including organizational goals, member orientation, task-activity balance, conflict resolution, coordination, decision-making, and member participation, indicating that the company's organizational dynamics still face challenges in business operations.

Muhammad Yusuf, Ainun Nurin Sharvina, Agus Setiawan · Seminar Nasional Teknik Sipil · Indonesia

Kampung Keputih Tegal, Indonesia, located very close to a final waste disposal site, contributes significantly to the city's waste containment. This qualitative descriptive study, using observation and interviews, aimed to formulate a village improvement concept based on sustainable development and community participation. The research resulted in concepts and strategies for sustainable and livable development, including design ideas such as urban farming and rainwater harvesting.

Yizhou Peng, Grigorieva Iya Yu · Ecological Indicators · China (Chengdu)

This study assessed heavy metal pollution in rural, urban-rural interface, and urban agricultural lands in Chengdu, China. It found varying degrees of heavy metal pollution across all areas, with arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) being the most severe pollutants. Concentrations of As and Cd in soil samples exceeded risk thresholds, and these elements showed high spatial variability, indicating significant anthropogenic influence. Pollution sources included livestock manure, natural sources, agricultural activities, and industrial activities in urban areas.

Roopika Sivaraman, Haritha Thulaseedharan Nair, Sharmila Krishnan, Perumal Siddhuraju · Soil and Sediment Contamination An International Journal · India (Coimbatore)

This study analyzed biocompost and water samples from four agricultural nurseries in semi-urban Coimbatore, India, for microplastic contamination using density separation and ATR-FTIR. While physicochemical properties met Indian standards, microplastic fragments (85%) and fibers (15%) were found in two biocompost samples (BC-B and BC-C), identifying PMMA, PP, and EVA polymers. No microplastics were detected in samples BC-A and BC-D, but the findings suggest semi-urban agricultural gardening may contribute to microplastic accumulation in terrestrial environments, potentially harming soil and plant health.

Indah Nur Fitriandini · J-IKA · Indonesia (Bogor)

This descriptive quantitative study, conducted at BBP2TP in Bogor, Indonesia, surveyed 1,066 Zilenial generation respondents who received BBP2TP urban agriculture information literacy. The study aimed to determine the level of urban agriculture information literacy, the Zilenial generation's interest in farming, and the influence of information literacy on this interest. Results indicated a significant influence of information literacy on the interest in farming, suggesting that adequate urban agriculture information literacy is necessary to increase farming interest among the Zilenial generation.

Darwison Daud, Zaini Zaini, Mohammad Khoiru Rusydi, Aulia Aulia, Novizon, Syukri Yunus, Rico Novendra, Mumuh Muharam, Athalla Novandri, Fatih Mubarok, Roza Susanti · Jurnal Andalas Rekayasa dan Penerapan Teknologi · Asia

In Sungkai Green Park Ecotourism, Padang City, lecturers and students from Andalas University implemented a Solar Dryer Dome for cultivating vegetables, fish, broiler chickens, and drying tea. This system, equipped with an IoT-based control system, resulted in efficient harvest times: vegetables in 21-27 days, approximately 1000 gourami fish per year, broiler chickens in 30 days, and dried tea in 8 hours, contributing to increased production efficiency, reduced operational costs, and improved product quality.

Sreejith Aravindakshan, Hage Aku, Michi Tani · · India

This study investigated factors inducing the emergence, sustenance, and sustainability of urban agriculture using primary data from urban farming households in Kerala and Arunachal Pradesh, India. The research indicates that urban agriculture has provided questionable environmental gains and has not significantly improved urban food security, especially among the poorer sections.

Wahyu Halya Aprilia Putri, Renita Dwi Lestari, Prasmita Dian Wijayanti · Manfaat Jurnal Pengabdian Pada Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia (Semarang City)

Residents of RW 05 Jomblang, Semarang City, Indonesia, are increasingly concerned about plastic waste. As a solution, MBKM students implemented a program utilizing used plastic bottles as planting media in hydroponic techniques. This program reduced waste, supported sustainable agriculture by minimizing land and water use, and raised community awareness about eco-friendly urban farming. Evaluations showed tangible results, such as pakcoy plants being distributed to participants, suggesting significant benefits for the community.

Mahpudin Mahpudin, Shanty Kartika Dewi, Khairul Yaman, Nilam Sari, Riky Efrizal · JMM (Jurnal Masyarakat Mandiri) · Indonesia

In Indonesia, training on fish and vegetable cultivation using bucket media was provided to 25 participants to overcome limited land. The training included education on alternative family food security, followed by practical demonstrations and assistance in cultivating catfish and kale in buckets. Post-test results showed a 72% increase in participants' knowledge and skills related to fish and vegetable cultivation, indicating successful program implementation.

Sung–Ho Kil, Hye‐Mi Park, T. Kim · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea (Seoul)

This study estimated the willingness to pay (WTP) and civic awareness for rooftop greenhouses (RGs) among residents of Seoul, South Korea, using the contingent valuation method (CVM). The per capita WTP for RGs among Seoul residents was 30,260 KRW, valuing RGs in Seoul at approximately 220 billion KRW. Most respondents preferred a combination of crop production and experiences, and suggested that customized education on building and managing rooftop greenhouses was the most necessary measure to promote RGs.

Natalia Gerodetti · Emotions and Society · South Korea (Seoul)

This article examines contemporary urban food cultivation practices in Seoul, South Korea, as a form of cultural heritage making through familial activities. It explores how widespread urban food growing connects to family and heritage, arguing that these practices are part of a Korean sensibility towards food and its cultivation. The article posits that growing edible plants in urban settings is a "doing family" activity, linking generations, evoking nostalgia, and transmitting values within the context of "compressed modernity."

Eniandari janabadra.ac.id Eni Andari, Muhammad Najmudin, Titi Laras · ADARMA Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Universitas Janabadra · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)

This study describes a community empowerment program for PKK mothers in RT 36 RW 15, Sorosutan Village, Umbulharjo District, Yogyakarta City, Indonesia. The program utilized urban farming through counseling and training to manage and utilize the home environment. The counseling and training are expected to motivate and educate the mothers to practice organic farming.

Sri Oetami Madyowati, Achmad Kusyairi, Sumaryam, Muhajir Muhajir, Indra Wirawan, Didik Trisbiantoro, Kejora Handarini, Retnani Rahmiati · indonesian journal of fisheries community empowerment · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This counseling and training activity in Bendul Merisi Village Hall, Wonocolo District, Surabaya, Indonesia, aimed to utilize backyards for Dumbo catfish cultivation in Kopral Bumilis (minimalist round tarpaulin ponds) using a biofloc system. Farmer groups were enthusiastic, particularly regarding high fingerling mortality. Solutions to reduce mortality included preparing biofloc pond water, using 7-9 cm fingerlings, and daily feed control, though open public backyards posed a constraint due to children fishing.

Rositayanti Hadisoebroto, Sheilla Megagupita Putri Marendra, Olivia Seanders, Ahmad Rheza, Kendrick Kevin Kabe, Salsabila Azzahra Anjani Indradini · JUARA Jurnal Wahana Abdimas Sejahtera · Indonesia (Jakarta)

In Angke Village, West Jakarta, chicken slaughterhouse wastewater had BOD, COD, and TSS levels exceeding environmental standards. A community service program by Universitas Trisakti aimed to manage this wastewater and empower PKK mothers. The program included training on urban farming using treated wastewater as fertilizer, making biocoagulants from moringa seeds, and using a stirred reactor with biocoagulants to treat wastewater. The stirred reactor, using 100 mL of moringa seed biocoagulant, reduced BOD to 0.34 mg/L and TSS to 0.557 mg/L, but COD remained above the standard at 640 mg/L. The resulting sludge, with COD 320 mg/L and turbidity 475 NTU, can be used as fertilizer for vegetables and ornamental plants.

Ni Wayan Purnami Rusadi, I Gde Pitana, I Nyoman Sunarta, I Nyoman Sukma Arida · Jurnal Kajian Bali (Journal of Bali Studies) · Indonesia (Bali)

This qualitative study explored farmer perspectives on urban agriculture tourism within Bali's Subak Lestari program. Assessing 23 Subak Lestari management farmers on technical, socio-cultural, economic, and environmental aspects, the research found that farmers expressed confidence in Subak Lestari's potential to catalyze tourism-centric urban agriculture development and strongly supported its role in reshaping urban agriculture.

Ery Suhartanto, Mohammad Bisri, Ussy Andawayanti, Suwanto Marsudi, Evi Nur Cahya · TEKAD Teknik Mengabdi · Indonesia (Malang)

A 6-month "River Flow Conservation" activity was implemented in RW-01, Kasin Village, Klojen District, Malang City, Indonesia, to mitigate flood impact. Activities included river dredging, greening (urban farming), and establishing fish cages. This initiative resulted in RW-01 becoming a green, comfortable, and sustainable area, positively impacting flood reduction, environmental quality improvement, and water resource utilization.

Harmi Andrianyta, Elisa Anggraeni, Sapta Raharja, Sukardi Sukardi · Research in Agricultural Engineering · Indonesia

This cross-case study in Indonesia aimed to synthesize a technology transfer model for agricultural technology parks (ATPs) by considering site-specific conditions. Using a system development life cycle and resource-based view approach, the research successfully developed three location-specific models: one for highland specificity, one unique to urban farming, and a tourism village-based model.

Supriya Jaiswal, Gopal Rawat, Chetan B. Khadse, Sohit Sharma · BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS eBooks · India

Hydroponic farming, adopted in urban India to meet food demands, faces shortcomings including higher initial costs, complex nutrient discharge, and energy requirements for microclimatic conditions and skilled labor. To address these issues, a smart hydroponic farming architecture is discussed, aiming to reduce human intervention and water wastage using wireless sensor networks and IoT.

‪I Gusti Ayu Diah Yuniti, Nanang Sasmita, Jhon Hardy Purba, Liris Lis Komara · Journal of Applied Agricultural Science and Technology · Indonesia

This study evaluated the land suitability for Wani fruit (Mangifera caesia) plants on the slopes of Mount Batur, Kintamani, Bali. Using composite sampling and descriptive and comparative analysis, the results showed three land suitability classes: moderately suitable, marginally suitable, and not suitable, with slope, texture, temperature, effective depth, and rainfall identified as main limiting factors. Zones I, II, and III of the Kintamani area, covering 21,476 hectares, were found suitable for the development of Wani fruit for horticultural and conservation purposes.

Wiwit Estuti, Uun Kunaepah, Isnar Nurul Alfiyah · Jurnal Abdisci · Indonesia (Cirebon Regency)

This community service activity at SMAN 1 Beber in Cirebon Regency, Indonesia, aimed to accelerate and innovate food products made from local ingredients in school gardens. Building on 2022 education, the 2023 initiative focused on developing and packaging products made by school residents, with the goal of commercializing them under a special SMAN 1 Beber label.

Ahmad Sofwani, Didik Suprayitno, Diena Widyastuti, Nunuk Hariyani · JURNAL GREEN HOUSE · Indonesia

This study aimed to explore the potential of utilizing home gardens as a Sustainable Food Home Area (KRPL) in Turen Village, Turen District, Malang Regency, East Java, as part of a Community Service Program. The research findings indicated that the utilization of home gardens as KRPL could be a potential solution to enhance food security and community welfare in the region. The article also discussed challenges and opportunities in implementing the KRPL model.

Rabinarayan Acharya · Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences · India

The Ministry of Ayush's Aushadha evam Poshana Vatika initiative integrates ancient Ayurvedic principles into contemporary nutrition and wellness practices in India. These "medicinal plants and nutrition gardens" cultivate diverse fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nutrient-rich plants on small plots of land. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Poshan 2.0 framework, launched in 2021, to address malnutrition and ensure nutritional security by promoting dietary diversity and access to fresh, locally sourced foods.

Aulia Zeta Andhani, Ria Khoirunnisa Apriyani, Abdul Royani · Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Bandung)

This urban farming initiative in RW 03, Cihaurgeulis Village, Bandung, Indonesia, aimed to provide understanding, enhance knowledge, and facilitate residents in implementing urban farming concepts. The program involved planting chili and red onion seedlings in limited spaces to address food insecurity in Bandung by enabling families to grow their own food. The method used was descriptive qualitative, comprising socialization and practical training on urban farming techniques and benefits.