Research & reports

Theresa Widya Artika, Efendi Surahman · UNITY Journal of Community Service · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This three-week community service program in Tembok Dukuh District, Surabaya, aimed to enhance local residents' knowledge and skills in hydroponic urban farming. Participants, primarily women from the Family Welfare Movement (PKK), received training in hydroponic concepts, simple installation construction, and vegetable planting and maintenance techniques. The program resulted in a significant improvement in participants' understanding of hydroponic systems and their ability to apply these techniques at home.

Aviciena Nailil Muna, Rizkika Amalinda, Yohannes Rahadi Nugroho, Fauzan Octa Baihaqi, Fina Rizqiyah, Deshinta Putri Anggraeny, Anindita Wasistiyana Hartono, Ardy Tri Handika Saputra, Ath Thaariq Rizqy Amrullah, Audry Boy Zhindy, Mikael Dimas Mahardika, Singgih Hendarto · Inovasi Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Surakarta)

A community service activity was implemented in Kelurahan Kepatihan Wetan, Surakarta City, Indonesia, to optimize limited land through a mini garden urban farming system. The activity successfully planted various vegetables in 100 polybags, achieving over 90% growth success. It resulted in increased knowledge and skills among residents in utilizing limited land and boosted community participation in urban agriculture, positively impacting household food self-sufficiency and family consumption cost savings.

Ika Ayu Putri Septyani, Lutfi Fadilah Zamzami, Novi Fitriandika Sari · SPEKTA (Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Teknologi dan Aplikasi) · Indonesia

An urban farming-based community engagement program was implemented for students at the Vocational School of Agriculture Labuhanbatu (SMK Negeri 2 Rantauprapat) in Indonesia. This participatory action research aimed to improve students' knowledge and practical skills in aquaponics, hydroponics, and integrated urban farming systems. Through training and collaborative activities, students' knowledge levels surged from pre-test benchmarks to over 70%, exceeding 90% in some areas, and over 80% expressed strong interest in curriculum integration and entrepreneurship.

Jyotsana Agarwala · · India

This case study examines the potential of rooftop organic farming and novel supply chain tactics in Badlapur, Maharashtra, India. It evaluates a rooftop organic farming initiative, assessing elements like input procurement, farming methods, logistics, and technological innovations. Research indicates that decentralized food production, such as rooftop gardening, diminishes reliance on rural agriculture, lowers carbon emissions, and improves urban food sovereignty. The study also identifies obstacles including scalability, standardization, legal impediments, and insufficient customer awareness.

Vidushi Dhaliwal, Deven Verma, Durlabh Durlabh, B. Sharma, Yaman Kumar, Vishal Thakur, Kunal Soga · Journal of Applied Horticulture · India

This study evaluated the growth and yield parameters of different potato varieties grown in grow bags suitable for the North Indian Plains. Cultivated in grow bags with a soil, vermicompost, and cocopeat mixture (4:3:1), Kufri Chandramukhi yielded the highest (1037.50 g/bag) under Punjab conditions, followed by Diamond (908.26 g/bag). Kufri Chandramukhi successfully adapted to the constrained environment without pests or diseases, and the soil mixture helped increase tuber yield and decrease irrigation intervals.

Dewa Putu Oka Prasiasa, I Ketut Widnyana, P E P Ariati, I Made Wijaya · Prosiding Seminar Ilmiah Nasional Implementasi Iptek. · Indonesia (Bali)

In Kelan Tourism Village, Bali, an integrated aquaponics biofloc urban farming model with drip irrigation for tilapia and vegetable gardens was implemented as edutourism. This initiative aimed to address the economic underperformance of culinary tourism due to external vegetable purchases despite available land. The implementation led to increased understanding and skills among target groups, students, and tourists regarding the urban farming model, and improved income for culinary businesses by reducing vegetable purchase leakages.

Benita Amirotul Ayyi, Siti Muslikah, Sugiarto, Zuhanid Zamarudah · Folium Jurnal Ilmu Pertanian · Indonesia

A growth trial of pea-shoot microgreens (Pisum sativum L.) conducted at "Rumah Microgreen" in the Alamsari housing area of Malang, Indonesia, using a factorial randomized block design with two factors: growing medium (100% cocopeat, 50% cocopeat/50% rice husk charcoal, or non-woven fabric) and harvest timing (6, 7, 8 or 9 days after sowing). The combination of 50% cocopeat/50% rice husk charcoal medium harvested at 9 days after sowing produced the best growth and yield, and this combination is recommended for optimal pea-shoot microgreen production.

Meistian Herizon, Didi Ardiansyah, Radeni Ilyan Putra, Reflis Reflis, Satria Putra Utama · ABDISOSHUM Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Bidang Sosial dan Humaniora · Indonesia

Using a qualitative literature review, this paper examines how contemporary homesteading — characterized by self-sufficient food production, efficient resource management and sustainable living practices — can function as a framework for community service activities in Indonesia. It finds that homesteading contributes to household economic resilience, physical and mental health, environmental conservation and stronger social networks, but also faces implementation obstacles including limited land availability, lack of technical skills, regulatory constraints and social resistance.

Affan Khoerul Pratama, Niken Kusuma Dewi, Ardhian Oktawidyaman, Afia Mansyoorah Nurjaman, Bintang Restu Darmawan, Dimas Arifil Akbar, Die Bhakti Wardoyo Putro · An-Nizam · Indonesia

A community service program in Cepokosari hamlet, Bantul, Indonesia, provided technical training and intensive mentoring to members of the Family Welfare Movement (PKK) on growing eggplants and chili peppers using repurposed used water gallon containers as vertical-gardening planting media, aiming to reduce plastic waste while promoting household food security and economic improvement. The results show that using used water gallons as planting media enhanced plant productivity, yielding enough produce for household consumption with a surplus sold for supplementary income for participating families.

Liliek Dwi Soelaksini, Trisnani Alif, Tirto Wahyu Widodo, Ilham Muhklisin, Dewi Puspa Arisandi, Nurfadilah Nurfadilah · Sejagat · Indonesia

In PKK RW 27, Tegal Boto Lor (Sumbersari District, Jember Regency, East Java, Indonesia), where urban residents with limited agricultural land had already been using roadside planting of trees and ornamental plants, a community service team introduced the urban farming concept through wall gardening, delivered via education and soft-skills training. Comparing pre- and post-test results, the share of residents meeting the "good" knowledge criterion rose from 20% before the training to 53.4% after.

Aili Yang, Yiwei Ma, Jia Chen, Haiyan Yang, Zhenji Wang, Qingqing Shen, Huajie Yin, Yuyan Wang · Indian Journal of Horticulture · India

In India, cultivation methods for optimizing lettuce production on household balconies were compared: circulating hydroponics, static hydroponics, and substrate cultivation against soil cultivation as a control, evaluating growth, yield, and quality. Hydroponic systems significantly outperformed soil cultivation. Static hydroponics produced the highest biomass, with fresh and dry weights increasing by 10.53% and 55.29% over the control. Circulating hydroponics had slightly lower yield but increased vitamin C content by 6.57% and sensory quality by 41%, ranking second overall. Substrate cultivation showed moderate gains, with vitamin C up 5.14% and taste rating up 19.66% versus the control. Considering growth performance, space efficiency, ease of management, and cost, static and circulating hydroponics were identified as the most suitable systems for balcony-based lettuce cultivation.

Listya Utami Karmawan, Rory Anthony Hutagalung, Yanti Yanti, Irwin Suryaatmadja, Michelle Nadine Hardjawidjaja, Yasinta Ratna Esti Wulandari · Journal of Saintech Transfer · Indonesia

The abstract describes a project with the Villa Ciomas RW 10 Farmer Group (PokTan Vici 10) in Ciomas Rahayu Village, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, which practices urban farming on a small plot beside the Cisindangbarang River and already had a small fishpond but lacked aquaponics equipment. A community service team aimed to enhance the urban farming facility by installing aquaponics equipment, running workshops on basic hydroponics and aquaponics knowledge, exploring business potential, and providing hands-on cultivation practice, with monitoring and guidance throughout. The hydroponic/aquaponics installation succeeded, though nutrient supply from the fishponds alone was initially suboptimal, requiring supplemental hydroponic nutrients; hydroponic techniques were also introduced for vegetable cultivation. A pre/post-training questionnaire analysis showed the program significantly improved participants' knowledge and aquaponic skills (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p<0.05). The aquaponics equipment was installed successfully, and participants gained foundational knowledge and skills enabling them to manage aquaponics systems independently through to harvest; the community plans to explore business opportunities selling hydroponic/aquaponic products.

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

This press release reports on the field progress and community engagement of the Wild Food Forests in Tribal Jharkhand initiative in India, led by biodiversity researcher Kulesh Bhandari (M.Sc. Zoology, Godda College, SKMU) with support from The Pollination Project Foundation (USA). The project spans multiple tribal villages, including Bodiya Panchayat, Fhagu Tola, Rajapathar, Mandal Chak, Silthiya B Panchayat (Basdhuma Upar Tola, Niche Tola, Debri), Salaipahari, and Gardiapahari (Gopikandar Range). It aims to restore diversity of wild edible and medicinal plants such as Dumar, Dova, Mahua, Koha, and Bel by combining traditional knowledge with scientific monitoring.

Made Dwi Kanaka Sarahswati, Dew Ayu Trisna Adhiswari Wedagama · Penamas Journal of Community Service · Indonesia

A community service program in Dauh Puri Kaja Village, Denpasar, Indonesia (2025) combined urban farming with 3R-based waste management (reduce, reuse, recycle), providing hands-on training at the local Balai Banjar in waste sorting and composting organic waste for use in urban farming, followed by compost distribution at the village's waste management site. Reported outcomes were improved community understanding of using compost for household-scale farming and of proper waste segregation; the program's anticipated longer-term community impact was stated as an expectation, not a measured result.

Retno Wulandari, Alvira Indriani · Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology) · Indonesia

A study of the "vegetable alley" system—cultivating food crops, ornamentals, and medicinal plants in narrow residential pathways—in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia (2025) surveyed 80 respondents selected by simple random sampling, using descriptive analysis and Spearman rank correlation. Vegetable alley management in Yogyakarta was rated "good" across planning, organizing, mobilizing, and controlling activities. Farming experience, the role of extension workers, the role of group leaders, member participation, and knowledge were significantly correlated with management quality, while education level showed no significant relationship. The study states that vegetable alley implementation contributes to climate change mitigation by increasing green cover, enhancing carbon sequestration, and reducing the carbon footprint from food transportation.

Marlina Marlina, Muhammad Hafizh, Putra Jaya Gea, Yovi Avianto · Abdimas Galuh · Indonesia

A community outreach program at the KWT Sumber Rejeki women farmers' group production garden in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, held on November 26, 2024 (Abdimas Galuh, 2025), delivered counseling and hands-on training on preparing and applying a natural bactericide made from aloe vera waste to address bacterial wilt disease in chili cultivation. Reported outcomes were increased member knowledge and skill regarding bactericide definitions, benefits, natural ingredients, production technique, and application method, with high participant engagement. The program's authors note that the effectiveness of the aloe vera bactericide in actually suppressing Ralstonia solanacearum growth had not yet been evaluated and recommend this, along with testing on other horticultural crops, as follow-up work.

Amelya Bella, Melinda Putri Sukmana, Aril Rada Candra, Riski Mahatir Tharuddin, Briliana Fara Ardiyanti, Rinjani Intan Maylani · Jurnal Aplikasi Sains dan Teknologi Agrisevika · Indonesia

At SDN Terusan 1 elementary school in Terusan Village, Gedeg District, Mojokerto Regency, Indonesia, a community service program run by the Faculty of Agriculture student executive board of UPN "Veteran" East Java introduced and taught microgreen cultivation—mustard greens (sawi), pakcoy, and water spinach (kangkung)—to build students' understanding of urban farming. Through socialization, discussion, and hands-on cultivation practice covering planting, care, and nutritional benefits, the program reported active student participation in the cultivation practice, improved practical skills, and increased student awareness of the importance of consuming fresh vegetables.

Kushawaha A. · MethodsX · India

A compact, smart home-based hydroponics system is proposed that uses IoT technology to precisely monitor and automate environmental conditions and nutrient delivery.

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.

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.

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.

Slamet Budirahardjo, Setyoningsih Wibowo · Community Empowerment · Indonesia (Kebonbatur Village)

A community service program in Kebonbatur Village, Indonesia, introduced the BUDIKDAMBER system (fish and vegetable cultivation in buckets) to residents of RT 01 RW III to optimize limited yard space for food security. The program provided training and intensive mentoring on urban farming techniques. This initiative successfully raised residents' awareness and skills in utilizing limited space for self-reliant food security, leading to active participation, satisfaction with harvest results, and new economic opportunities.

Avisema Sigit Saputro, Efi Nikmatu Solihah · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Darma Bakti Teuku Umar · Indonesia

A training session on making polybag planting media was held on June 3, 2023, in Sanggrahan, Central Java, for women from PKK RT 05 RW 18. The activity aimed to teach urban agriculture using polybags to address limited land, enabling residents to grow vegetables and reduce household expenses. Participants learned to create planting media from humus soil, compost, and husk charcoal (1:1:1 ratio) for optimal plant growth.

Tomi Setiawan, Moch Farizy A. Pratama · Jurnal Pengabdian Sosial · Indonesia (Bandung)

This study implemented training and assistance activities for sustainable food supply through the utilization of home gardens as a new adaptation of urban farming in Bandung City. The results showed that community members were very enthusiastic about implementing sustainable food supply activities through garden utilization. Urban farming activities are accepted by the community due to increasing food demand in urban areas.