Research & reports

Hok Bun Ku, Yan Hairong · · China

China's food-security crisis, caused by unsustainable development, has diminished the country's farmland through large-scale land acquisitions, ecological restoration projects, agricultural structural adjustments, natural disasters, and pollution, among other factors. This chapter argues that local producers and consumers are not passively waiting for government policy changes but, organized by green social workers, are actively searching for alternatives to achieve self-sufficiency and food security through a new initiative called the "rural–urban alliance." Framed within the social economy perspective advocated by green social work as a way to rethink economic development and consider alternatives to capitalism, the rural–urban alliance and community-supported agriculture (CSA) are positioned as a potential new route for China's sustainable development that could change the pathway of economic development forms that cause inequality and undermine livelihoods. This is a proposed, forward-looking argument, however; the abstract does not report empirical evidence that CSA or the rural–urban alliance have actually mitigated the food-security crisis.

Vu M.H., Kawashima H. · Habitat International · Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)

A comparative study of suburban districts in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City finds mixed livelihood outcomes following agricultural land acquisition for urbanization, with early non-farm diversification aiding adaptation in Hanoi but elderly and low-education farmers facing unemployment and insecurity.

· Journal of Cleaner Production · China (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei)

A study assessing the water footprint of the Jing-Jin-Ji (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei) urban agglomeration in China, highlighting pressure on water resources from agricultural and industrial production.

Kees Krul, Peter Ho · Sustainability · China

A study in urban China examined the role of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in addressing food safety and sustainability issues through surveys and interviews with key stakeholders. The CSA model demonstrated an innovative approach to dealing with these issues and future food demands. However, the movement's structural embeddedness is bound by several limitations and contradictions.

Guo-sheng MA, Juan Chen · DEStech Transactions on Engineering and Technology Research · China (Suzhou)

This study analyzed the current problems and strategic objectives of modern urban agriculture in Suzhou, China. It proposed measures including optimizing the spatial form of "four million acres," building a modern agricultural industry system, cultivating modern agricultural management entities, and enhancing agricultural technology and ecological protection. The aim was to improve agricultural specialization, innovation, and leisure tourism.

Nadia Belinda, Dian Rahmawati · Jurnal Teknik ITS · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study in Semampir District, Surabaya City, Indonesia, aimed to develop urban farming based on community preferences. It identified potentials and problems using theoretical descriptive techniques, identified community preferences using confirmatory factor analysis, and formulated development directions using qualitative descriptive analysis. The study found that urban farming activities in Semampir District had not developed optimally due to the suboptimal role of the community and local institutions.

Abdullah, Abdullah, Gufran Darma Dirawan, Nurlita Pertiwi · Eprints (Universitas Negeri Makassar) · Indonesia (Makassar)

A study analyzing the sustainability level of urban farming in Makassar City, Indonesia, found that the overall urban farming sustainability index was 48.52%, indicating a "less sustainable" status. The ecological dimension was rated 42.66% as "less sustainable," while the economic dimension was 50.69% as "fairly sustainable."

Rifa Dianmurti, Lathoif Ghozali · el-Qist Journal of Islamic Economics and Business (JIEB) · Indonesia (Surakarta)

This study analyzed the role of Rumah Zakat's urban farming in community economic empowerment in Ngemplak Sutan Organic Vegetable Village, Surakarta City, Indonesia, using a qualitative phenomenological approach. Data was collected through observation, documentation, and direct interviews with empowerment facilitators from Rumah Zakat and the head of the community self-help group. The urban farming activities resulted in the formation of the Organic Vegetable Village program through independent nutritional gardens, the establishment of the Kahuripan vegetable seed cooperative, the formation of women farmer groups, and waste bank management by village residents.

권오성, Oh-Sung Kwon, 최동식, 김진효, 이순주 · 한국산림휴양학회지 · South Korea

This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the multifunctional aspects of urban agriculture and develop a corresponding functional chart. Through literature analysis, 17 evaluation indicators, including area, view, and temperature reduction, were selected, and five types of urban agriculture were categorized into three factors. Based on expert surveys, weights were assigned to each function and indicator, and an evaluation model using a summation matrix method was established. The developed functional chart was applied to actual sites, yielding value ratings of Grade I and Grade II for Cheoneulsan Public Urban Agriculture Farm and Joilgol Public Urban Agriculture Farm, respectively, indicating high value.

Suryani Suryani, Reni Nurjasmi, Siti M. Sholihah, Ayu Vandira Candra Kusuma · Jurnal Pelayanan dan Pengabdian Masyarakat (Pamas) · Indonesia

A community service program in Ceger Village, Indonesia, provided training and outreach on urban agricultural technology to 39 members of farmer groups and community representatives. The program aimed to raise awareness of urban farming's importance, optimize narrow urban land use, and facilitate knowledge of cultivation techniques. Participants responded positively, and the program offered solutions for leisure time and family food security.

Atik Dwi Nur'aini, Johanes Krisdianto · Jurnal Sains dan Seni ITS · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study proposes “Urban Farming in Vertical Villages” as a solution to address land scarcity caused by population growth and urbanization in Surabaya City, Indonesia. The proposal aims to improve the living conditions and economic well-being of residents. The design approach incorporates “kampung” (village) behavioral principles, applied to the mass composition, facade, and unit modules of vertical housing.

Indrianawati Usman, Paundra Viveka Nanda · J for Global Business Advancement · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This research explores the possibility of utilizing coffee grounds from coffee shops in Surabaya, Indonesia, through green concepts and reverse logistics, using an exploratory case study with interviews. It found that individual coffee shops cannot recycle their own grounds due to small amounts and lack of resources. The study concludes that third parties are needed to recycle coffee grounds into valuable products like fertilizer for urban farming communities, presenting a green business opportunity model.

Eka Rastiyanto Amrullah, Ani Pullaila, Akira Ishida, Haruka Yamashita · Asian Social Science · Indonesia (Banten)

In Banten, Indonesia, the effects of the Sustainable Home-Yard Food Garden (KRPL) program on participants' household income were evaluated. The program was shown to contribute to dietary diversification through the harvest of various fresh vegetables and resulted in reduced expenditure on fresh vegetables and/or increased household income. OLS regression results indicated that participants with more pots and/or more vegetable varieties tended to enjoy gardening, were not passively motivated, grew vegetables for sale, and resided in the more developed northern part of Banten.

Putu Rudy Satiawan · Jurnal Penataan Ruang · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This paper discusses the relevance of urban agriculture development in Surabaya, Indonesia. It argues that urban agriculture can create positive synergy as an alternative for efficient and effective use of city resources, revitalizing idle and public lands. Citing Havana's experience where urban agriculture transformed a crisis into productivity, the paper aims to explore the possibility of Surabaya embracing urban farming as an economic and socio-cultural development alternative, emphasizing the commitment of citizens and government.

강미영, 김영희, 김용현, 진종현, 이민희, 허무룡 · · South Korea

This study conducted in South Korea investigated the influence of urban farming activities on changes in eco-friendly diets. Urban farming participants were often office workers living in apartments with 4-person families, and tended to have over 10 years of rural experience in childhood. They participated in activities for 1-2 hours on weekend mornings once a week for over 3 years. Eco-friendly food education influenced crop yields, and difficulties with weed removal and the need for eco-friendly farming education were noted. Participants reported satisfaction with the type and quality of harvests, changes in diet, reduced food costs, and health benefits.

S. S. Horowitz, Liu JuanJuan Liu JuanJuan · CABI eBooks · China (Wuhan)

This chapter, focusing on a case study of intra-urban agriculture in Wuhan, China, mapped the dynamic relations between actors, institutions, processes, and spaces. Theoretical and practical challenges to growing food within Chinese cities were identified, and ways for state and non-state actors to collaborate in reassembling intra-urban agriculture to maximize its social, ecological, and economic contributions were suggested.

Trisna Setia Permana, Moh. Qudsi Fauzy · Jurnal Ekonomi Syariah Teori dan Terapan · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This descriptive qualitative case study in Surabaya, Indonesia, examined the role of urban farming in the welfare of Muslim farmers across four farmer groups, from an Islamic perspective. The study found that urban farming positively contributed to material welfare by creating job opportunities, self-employment, small businesses, and increasing income for group members. Furthermore, it supported non-material welfare through producing halal commodities, generating usury-free income, implementing honest and fair marketing principles, and engaging in community development activities like counseling and training.

Faidza Rika Chandika, Subejo Subejo, Harsoyo Harsoyo · · Indonesia

This study investigated the effectiveness of television as a source of agricultural information and its influencing factors in the peri-urban agricultural area of Sleman Regency, using descriptive, proportion, and multiple linear tests. Results showed that over 50% of farmers assessed television's effectiveness as low. Television effectiveness indicators were 50.43% for cognitive effect, 44.83% for affective effect, and 49.34% for behavioral effect. The motive for watching television most affected effectiveness, with most farmers relying on group meetings and field extension rather than television for agricultural information.

Prem José Vazhacharickal · International Journal of Social Sciences · India

Street vending and urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) production systems, and their contribution to local services, are examined in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), India — a region with a population of 21 million where a high proportion of urban poor and rising in-migration make it vulnerable to food crisis. Based on primary and secondary data, street vending in UPA production is argued to complement rural supply chains and reduce ecological footprints, with a recommendation that these marketing systems be better planned and incorporated into city architecture to secure local food supply and employment.

· Agronomy for Sustainable Development · China (Zhejiang)

A study evaluating leafy vegetable production on rooftops in Zhejiang, China. It reports that rooftop-grown greens can be profitable and less contaminated than conventionally farm-grown vegetables.

Zhenshan Yang, Pu Hao, Weidong Liu, Jianming Cai · Habitat International · China (Beijing)

A study in peri-urban Beijing, China, investigated recent agricultural development practices to explore approaches to agricultural transformation during rapid urbanization. The investigation found that high-tech precision agriculture, downstream processing, and agro-tourism have emerged as major forms of peri-urban agriculture in Beijing. These peri-urban agricultural developments were identified as economically appealing, socially inclusive, and environmentally friendly.

Ferdianto Budi Samudra, Adi Prayoga · Surya Agritama : Jurnal Ilmu Pertanian dan Peternakan · Indonesia

This descriptive study in Penanggungan Village, Trawas District, Mojokerto Regency, Indonesia, aimed to assess the sustainability of an organic urban farming system implemented in household yards using mini greenhouses. The research, conducted in a community-based organic farming area, found that the urban farming system in the study location was sustainable from the perspective of its cultivation system.

Sostenis Sampeliling, Santun R.P. Sitorus, Siti Nurisyah, Bambang Pramudya · Analisis Kebijakan Pertanian · Indonesia (DKI Jakarta)

This study analyzed key factors influencing the sustainability and policy development of urban agriculture in DKI Jakarta, Indonesia, using MDS and Rap-Ur-Agri methods. The analysis found that the existing sustainability status of urban agriculture development had an index value of 48.70%, indicating it was less than sustainable. Key factors for sustainable urban agriculture include yard area, eco-friendly commodity and technology development, agricultural extension and institutions, expansion of farming land/space, stakeholder cooperation, and agricultural incentives.

Gyun-Gi Bae, Donghun Shin · 산업경제연구 · South Korea

This study explored farmer income creation in urban agriculture through farmer participation and community activation, focusing on a community garden in Jeonju, South Korea. Exploratory factor analysis identified four factors: community, farmer participation, facilities/environment, and operation/management. Regression analysis showed all factors positively influenced user satisfaction, with farmer participation and community having the strongest effects. For farmer income generation through produce sales and increased plot fees, sufficient facilities and environmental conditions were concluded to be necessary.

雷靖, 陈斯钰, 刘煜 · 农村经济与科技 · China (Zhoushan)

This study examines Zhoushan City's "Vegetable Basket" project, which established production bases in urban and rural areas to ensure vegetable supply and stabilize prices. Despite significant achievements, the project is noted to have problems such as incomplete vegetable supply varieties, imperfect infrastructure, low industrialization, and a lack of quality assurance. The study suggests addressing these issues by diversifying product supply, strengthening infrastructure, improving industrialization, and enhancing quality and safety supervision.