Research & reports

Herlyna Novasari Siahaan, Dilma’aarij Agustia, Chairia · Jurnal Abadimas Adi Buana · Indonesia

A community-service report on post-disaster recovery in Suka Damai village, Serdang Bedagai Regency, Indonesia, following repeated flooding that reduced agricultural production, household income and community health. Using a participatory approach combining a Climate Field School (SLI), bucket-based fish farming (budikdamber), urban farming and ecoprint training, the program evaluated 30 farmers from the Gapoktan Mekar farmer group with pre- and post-tests. Average scores rose from 58.6 to 78.9, a 34.6% increase, indicating improved knowledge and skills in climate-adaptive farm management. Budikdamber and urban farming were reported to improve household food security, while ecoprint training opened new environmentally friendly business opportunities for the local PKK (family welfare) group.

Aprilia Martika, Amelia Sari, Disti Macela Putri, Misbahul Munir · International Journal of Economics and Management Research · Indonesia (Pangkalpinang)

A qualitative case study of Pangkalpinang City, Bangka Belitung, Indonesia, examining urban farming as an adaptive strategy addressing food insecurity and unemployment in an urban area with limited agricultural land. Data were gathered through participatory observation, in-depth interviews and documentation, and analyzed thematically and via SWOT analysis. In Parit Lalang, urban farming was found predominantly on small home gardens and vacant lots using hydroponic and traditional methods, with participants mainly productive-age residents and housewives. The practice increased household food availability, reduced living costs and generated additional income, improving local economic resilience, but the study also reports persistent challenges of limited technical skills, financial constraints and inconsistent government support. It concludes that strengthening training programs, improving financial access and developing subdistrict pilot projects are needed to sustain urban farming as a food-security and community-empowerment strategy.

Syauqi Az Zahra, Erwan Efendi · Ganaya Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan Humaniora · Indonesia

In Martebing Village, Serdang Bedagai Regency, Indonesia, a qualitative descriptive study using field observation, in-depth interviews with community administrators and members, and activity documentation examined how management of the Nurul Huda women's empowerment community, organized through a da'wah (Islamic outreach) management approach, contributes to family food security. The community was found to carry out functional management — activity planning, role organization, program implementation and collective evaluation — integrated with da'wah values, realized in practice through urban farming and yard-land utilization as part of family food security management. Women's active involvement throughout this process was said to encourage the independence and sustainability of family food security, positioning the integration of da'wah management and women's empowerment as a potential model for community-based empowerment in rural areas.

D Darto, Nunung Cipta Dainy, Helfi Gustia, Raisa Ardiyanti, Farah Aurellia Sasikirana, Niken Wulandari Dyrin, Graiseld Raissa Erwanto · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Indonesia (Jakarta)

A community outreach activity carried out in August-September 2025 with the Hidroponik Generik farming group in Pesanggrahan, Jakarta, Indonesia, introduced an IoT-integrated solar power system and accompanying equipment, training and mentoring to reduce the electricity costs of a hydroponic system. An 800 Wp solar panel generating 1,400 Wh per day was confirmed able to power a rack-based hydroponic system with 1,000 planting holes, IoT monitoring let partners track water quality via smartphone, and the program reported cutting electricity operating costs by 30%.

Flora Elvistia Firdaus, M. Dachyar · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science · Asia

This study examined food self-sufficiency in limited spaces as a survival strategy among Indonesian migrant communities in Malaysia, through a community-based educational program teaching container gardening, vertical planting and cultivation using recycled materials, targeted at migrant households and particularly women engaged in informal economic activities, delivered through demonstration, participatory discussion and knowledge exchange. Participants responded positively, viewing food self-sufficiency as a feasible strategy for household resilience and small-space cultivation as a practical way to reduce food expenses and improve access to fresh food, with the program highlighting the importance of culturally relevant practices and community-based learning for adoption.

Pungky Slamet Wisnu Kusuma, Dyah Hariani, Vivin Andriani, Dicky Surya Putra Pradana Andriani · Jurnal Abadimas Adi Buana · Indonesia

Describes a community-service (PKM) activity centered on an NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) aquaponics system, framed as an urban-farming innovation supporting sustainable urban food security. The activity aimed to analyze the NFT aquaponic system's efficiency and to increase student and public understanding of it through a national webinar. It reports that the NFT system reduced water use by 80-90% compared with conventional systems through closed-loop recirculation, and that integrating catfish (Clarias sp.), water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) and nitrifying bacteria created a productive system supporting a zero-waste concept. Webinar evaluation showed participant understanding rising by 26 percentage points, from 62% to 88% after the session, with participants reported to show high interest in smart-farming aquaponics applications.

Siti Nurul Khotimah, Ihsanuddin Fadillah, Martinus · Nemui Nyimah · Indonesia

A participatory education program for household-level climate adaptation was delivered to seven housewives belonging to the Rumah Keluarga Indonesia community. The curriculum covered climate change impacts on food production, water and energy availability, the use of home yards for food production through urban farming with household organic waste, and simple technologies such as small solar panels for yard lighting. Following the activity, participants showed strong engagement and reported increased understanding and awareness of women's role in household food, water and energy resilience to climate change.

Ibnu Akmal Khuluqi, Muhammad Azhari, Rahmawati Munir · TRANSFORM Journal of Tropical Architecture and Sustainable Urban Science · Indonesia (Bontang Baru)

A qualitative case study in Guyub Rukun RT 18, Bontang Baru, Indonesia, investigated the implementation of urban farming. The study found that urban farming improved local food security, strengthened social ties, and was supported by CSR funds. However, it faced challenges such as limited technology and resources, which were overcome through manual adaptation and cross-sector collaboration.

Gyska Indah Harya, Wanti Mindari, Taufik Setyadi, Siti Mukaromah, Cholid Fadil · Nusantara Science and Technology Proceedings · Indonesia (Surabaya City)

This community service activity in RW 01, Gunung Anyar District, Surabaya City, Indonesia, aimed to implement urban farming through integrated outreach and training. The initiative sought to enhance urban food security, meet local food needs, maintain environmental cleanliness, and preserve the environment by reducing carbon footprints and increasing green open spaces. Training covered the meaning and importance of urban farming, cultivation techniques for various plants, and solutions for production waste.

Luh Kadek Pande Sri Astrini, Suluh Dewanto · Agricultural Power Journal · Indonesia

This study analyzed the adoption of verticulture technology within sustainable horticultural systems in major Indonesian production centers, including West Java, East Java, and North Sumatra. Using a descriptive quantitative approach with secondary data, field surveys, and semi-structured interviews, results showed verticulture enhances land-use efficiency by up to 85%, reduces water consumption by 60%, and decreases reliance on synthetic chemical fertilizers by 70%. The technology also contributes to production stability and food security, achieving an average return on investment within 3.5 years.

Muh Adjie Putra Pratama, Muhammad Ihsan A Dagong · Jurnal Abdi Insani · Indonesia (Bogor)

In 2022, the "Independent Student Exchange Program" was implemented in Babakan Village, Dramaga, Bogor Regency, Indonesia, involving over 160 students. Partnering with Dramaga Patani Organik, the program conducted urban farming education, nutritional counseling, and community service activities. The activities resulted in increased community understanding of organic farming, urban farming, and healthy eating patterns, while also strengthening students' solidarity and social responsibility.

Seliwati, Candra Mecca Sufyana, Widwi Handari Adji, Ridwan Nurzaman, Agung Rifaldi, Ulfa Majdina · PADMA · Indonesia (Bandung)

In Maleer Village, Bandung City, Indonesia, healthy food supply is a challenge due to limited land and agricultural knowledge. To address this, a smart hydroponic system based on IoT sensors (temperature, humidity, pH, TDS) was developed. This system aims to improve the efficiency of hydroponic cultivation through real-time monitoring and automated watering and nutrient supply, empower local communities with technology and urban agriculture skills, support local food security, and enhance economic productivity.

Fatah ‘Izzani Salim, Trie Damayanti, Nurmaya Prahatmaja · SAFARI Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia (Bandung City)

This final project report describes the production of the feature video "Menyemai Harapan, Memanen Kebersamaan," motivated by the urgency of food security in Bandung City's urbanization and the need to highlight community-based sustainable local alternative agriculture systems. The primary objective is to explain the implementation of image-taking techniques, including shot types, camera angles, camera movements, and framing, executed by the Director of Photography (DoP) during the video production presenting the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model at Seni Tani. The report concludes that the DoP's mastery of filming techniques plays a crucial role in raising public awareness about community-based sustainable local alternative agriculture systems.

Much Faisal Syaputra · Jurnal Administrasi dan Kebijakan Publik · Indonesia (Makassar City)

This qualitative case study critically examined the governance structure of Makassar City's Lorong Wisata program, which integrates urban farming for food self-sufficiency. The study found a fragmented governance network dominated by the municipal government's vertical authority, with weak cross-sectoral collaboration, particularly with universities and private actors. Institutional fragility was evident due to the absence of functional task forces, leading to symbolic rather than substantive coordination.

Assyifa Fauzia, Evi Frimawaty, Hadi Susilo Arifin · RISALAH KEBIJAKAN PERTANIAN DAN LINGKUNGAN Rumusan Kajian Strategis Bidang Pertanian dan Lingkungan · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This study aimed to provide recommendations for community-based urban agriculture sustainability in Cempaka Putih District, Central Jakarta, facing challenges like limited land and environmental changes. Using SWOT analysis and FGDs with stakeholders, the findings indicate that strategies can be implemented through agricultural technology and strengthened collaboration. However, the study implies that supporting policies, incentives, investment facilitation, and continuous infrastructure and assistance are currently lacking for implementation.

Rezka Fedrina, Farah Kesya Saira, Muhammad Arif Wicaksono · JELAJAH Journal of Tourism and Hospitality · Indonesia

This descriptive qualitative study used SWOT analysis to examine challenges at Agro Edukasi Wisata (AEW) Ragunan, an urban agro-tourism destination in Indonesia. It found strengths in institutional support and a unique urban farming education concept, but weaknesses in limited infrastructure and marketing. The research concluded that strategic development should focus on optimizing educational potential, improving facilities, enhancing digital promotions, and fostering collaboration.

Zico Ramdhani, Saka Palwaguna, Thufailah Nafiisah Bilqis, R. Moh. Qudsi Fauzi · JATI EMAS (Jurnal Aplikasi Teknik dan Pengabdian Masyarakat) · Indonesia (Surabaya)

The KKN SDGs UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur Period II, Group 16, implemented a community empowerment program in RW 08, Pucang Sewu Subdistrict, Surabaya, Indonesia. This initiative revitalized hydroponic systems for pakcoy cultivation and provided training on processing harvested crops into pakcoy-based vegetable nuggets. The program aimed to promote food security and urban farming, aligning with SDGs No. 8 and 11.

Indarwati Indarwati, Jajuk Herawati, Tatuk Tojibatus S, Medita Johana Pakula Bafiqi, Surya Ari Widya · Agricultural-Animal Science Innovation and Empowerment Journal · Indonesia

This Community Service Program assisted the Banjarbendo village in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, to utilize approximately 20 hectares of idle land for urban farming, aiming to improve community nutrition and food security. Using a participatory method, the program engaged partners in growing various vegetables with donated seeds and seedlings. Evaluation showed increased community awareness and understanding regarding the use of idle land for healthy vegetable production.

Bohan Wang · Journal of Frontier in Economic and Management Research · China

This study analyzes the imbalance in benefit distribution between grain producing and consuming regions in China, using Marxist land rent theory. It identifies a systematic rent drain from producing regions and proposes an institutionalized compensation mechanism centered on urban agriculture, supported by horizontal fiscal transfer payments. This mechanism aims to enhance agricultural productivity, address economic disincentives for grain cultivation, and ensure fair economic returns for major grain-producing regions, thereby safeguarding national food security.

Wafit Dinarto, Farra Ummush Sholiha · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Bangsa · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)

Kalurahan Baciro in Gondokusuman District, Yogyakarta City, faces challenges in food security and economic welfare due to high population density and limited open land. This program provided education and assistance to the Ngremboko Farmers Group for five months, from April to August 2025, to optimize the use of their home gardens. The activities resulted in improved skills among the farmer group members in cultivating home garden vegetables, producing organic fertilizers and botanical pesticides, and applying digital marketing.

Alifia Nur’ Annisa, Reo Sambodo · JIGA Journal Innovation in Green Agriculture · Indonesia (Yogyakarta City)

A quantitative survey study in Gondokusuman District, Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, conducted in 2025, analyzed the feasibility of urban farming and its contribution to household income using census sampling. The analysis, including R/C and B/C ratios, found that urban farming had an R/C ratio of 0.49 and a B/C ratio of -0.51. These results indicate that urban farming has not been effective in increasing household income, primarily serving as a supporting activity for household consumption, though it provides indirect benefits by fulfilling food needs and reducing expenditures.

Anita Kristina, Muhamad Abdul Jumali · Jurnal Pemberdayaan Masyarakat dan Komunitas · Indonesia (Sidoarjo)

A community service program targeting residents of RT 13 in the Bumi Candi Asri housing complex in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, aims to improve family food security through urban farming. The program involves training and mentoring residents on utilizing limited land to grow vegetables and other productive plants. Its objectives are to increase access to healthy and nutritious food, strengthen family food self-sufficiency, and raise awareness of the importance of a sustainable lifestyle.

Liu Xinyun, Zhao Jianya, Zhang Yanglan, Wang Shu · Rural and regional development · China (Guangdong)

A study using 2017–2022 panel data in Guangdong Province, China, investigated urban agriculture's (UA) contribution to food self-sufficiency in highly urbanized regions. By categorizing cities by urbanization rate and analyzing spatial-temporal patterns in grain, vegetable, and fruit self-sufficiency, findings showed critically low grain self-sufficiency in high-degree urbanized cities. Despite incremental gains in UA productivity, urban yields for grains and vegetables lagged behind non-urban areas, indicating a limited contribution.

Dimas Gilang Rhomadhon, Yan Sofyan · Journal Technology Information and Data Analytic · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This study designed and evaluated an Internet of Things (IoT) prototype for monitoring green mustard microgreen cultivation in Jakarta, Indonesia. The system integrated various sensors for automated, real-time environmental monitoring. Implementation of the IoT system improved water-use efficiency by up to 35% and enhanced plant growth, achieving an average height of 7.2 cm with stronger root development compared to manual methods.

Moh. Sholeh, Nanang Indardi, Khoirul Anwar, Vacktian Diva Gumala · Jurnal Abdimas · Indonesia (Semarang)

In Banjardowo Village, Semarang, urban farming-based cultivation innovations were implemented as an adaptation strategy to limited land and flood threats. This community service research aimed to increase the capacity of the Barokah Women Farmers Group (KWT) through six stages of activities, including urban farming installation and cultivation training. The activities resulted in increased knowledge and skills in horticultural cultivation among members and strengthened the group's social cohesion, proving effective in enhancing technical capacity, empowering women, and strengthening local food security.