Research & reports

Peter Dery Bolang, Issah Baddianaah, Issaka Kanton Osumanu · Cogent Social Sciences · Ghana

This cross-sectional survey examined formal sector employees' participation in urban agriculture (UA) in urban Wa, Ghana, using data from 364 employees across four public institutions. Findings revealed that only 37.9% of contacted employees participate in UA (food crops and/or animal production). Participation likelihood was influenced by household size, income, expenditure, and farm income, with employees in the Teacher and Education Directorate showing higher engagement. The study highlights the need for policy attention to increase formal sector employees' UA participation to enhance food supply and household well-being.

Anushi Anushi, A. Krishnamoorthi, Jitendra Chaurasia, Bijay Kumar Baidya, Abhishek Singh, ­ Sapna, Vijay Kumar, Anushka Singh · Journal of Scientific Research and Reports · Global

This review explores the historical evolution and diverse models of urban farming, highlighting their contributions to food security, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. Challenges faced by urban farmers include limited space, soil contamination, regulatory hurdles, and access to resources.

Heristama Anugerah Putra, Ryan Putranda Kristianto, David Andrian, Daniel Gentario Hutabarat, Elisabeth Yolanda Kristin · Sarwahita · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study in Surabaya, Indonesia, addresses the cultivation of grapes using the verticulture method as an urban farming concept. The project involved preparation, socialization, training, mentoring, and evaluation to enable residents to learn grape cultivation from seeding to fertilization, aiming for both consumption and sale of produce.

Juan Camilo Fontalvo Buelvas, Maria Teresa Pulido Silva, Miguel Ángel Escalona Aguilar · Magazine Portal Bibliotech Digital (Universidad Nacional de Colombia) · Global

This bibliographic review identified the main problems of urban agriculture and actions for sustainability. The study found that the primary deficiencies in urban agriculture are inadequate management practices, a lack of organization, and absent or inefficient public policies. Key leverage points for change include agroecology, policies for land access and sustainable financing, and dissemination processes.

Nur Annisa, Tri Indriani, Irfan Irfan, Ahmad Anugrah Wahidin, Muhammad Kadir · Jurnal Pelayanan dan Pengabdian Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia

At Inkiya Farm in Bajubodoa village, Maros district, challenges in lettuce production using the NFT system included crop damage or failure due to natural disturbances, limited space, low drought resistance, and suboptimal growth. This activity introduced a Bell-Siphon ebb-flow hydroponic system as a cheaper, environmentally friendly, space-saving, and more optimal plant production solution. The activity provided partners' women members with at least 6 ebb-flow hydroponic units, installation, and training on building the system to increase production, reduce crop failure risk, and improve lettuce production.

Assyifa Fauzia · Journal of Critical Ecology. · Global

This literature review analyzed the role of urban agriculture as an ecosystem service provider within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Urban agriculture in developing countries was found to be adopted as a solution to address poverty and improve the welfare of urban populations, applicable to all SDGs except ocean ecosystems. Urban agriculture contributes to social indicators like employment, food provision, community welfare, education, women's roles, and community forms; economic indicators such as market food reach, job status, land ownership, food subsidies, and credit access; and environmental indicators including water storage, land use, emission reduction, microclimate regulation, and biodiversity.

Olga Ergunova, Andrey Somov · EKONOMIKA I UPRAVLENIE PROBLEMY RESHENIYA · Europe

This article discusses the prospects for developing local food systems (LPS) in St. Petersburg, focusing on urban agriculture (GSH) as a key component. The study analyzes current trends and statistical data to forecast GSH's impact on the city's environmental and socio-economic situation by 2030. Projections indicate that GSH can be an important tool for food supply and sustainable urban development, with advanced technologies and integration into urban planning as key development directions.

Eka Triana Yuniarsih, Muslim Salam, Muhammad Hatta Jamil, Andi Tenriawaru · Journal of Open Innovation Technology Market and Complexity · Indonesia (Makassar)

This study aimed to identify key factors influencing the adoption of technological innovation in urban farming (ITUF) in Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Primary data was collected through a structured survey of 334 randomly selected individuals from 14 sub-districts and analyzed using Binary Logistic Regression. The study revealed that eight variables, including farming knowledge and experience, education, and involvement in urban farming organizations, significantly influenced the adoption rate.

Uilma dos Santos Ramos, Heron Ferreira Souza · Revista Macambira · Brazil

This study investigated the meanings of work relationships in the Ipiaú community garden in Bahia, Brazil, which was established in response to 1980s unemployment. Using semi-structured interviews and thematic content analysis, the research found that "freedom" emerged as a central meaning of work. The educational character of the work was reinforced through the experience of values and practices supporting an "Other Economy."

Jairus Rossi · Sustainability · United States

A study used survey responses from residents in five US South communities in 2019 and 2022 to evaluate how consumer perceptions of local food systems changed after COVID-19. Using a treatment effects model with propensity score matching, residents became more aware of most local market channels, such as specialty retail stores and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Some residents also showed a more positive perception of markets providing fresh vegetables to low-income residents and desired more investment in markets making local products available.

Lena Katharina Mietz, Bárbara Civit, Alejandro Pablo Arena · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Global

This review focuses on the present state and methodology of life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the sustainability of urban agriculture. It notes that while urban agriculture is seen as a potential alternative for a resilient food system, existing case studies are mostly incomplete and lack diversity. Further research is needed, especially the integration of social and economic perspectives, to achieve a comprehensive scientific understanding.

Amirul Asyraf Zhahir, Mohd Ilias M Shuhud, Siti Munirah Mohd, S.K. Kamarudin, Azuan Ahmad, Rossly Salleh, Norita Md Norwawi · Computer Science and Information Technologies · Global

This study proposes a conceptual model for technology adoption in smart urban farming, building upon a previous systematic literature review. The model is founded on Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) and incorporates factors from other technology adoption models. The research aims to provide insights into the components influencing technology adoption in smart urban farming, offering a framework for future studies and applications.

Ahmya Ayaka, Fujita Hanako, Hide Haruka · Techno Agriculturae Studium of Research · Japan

This study explored the impact of verticulture technology on urban agriculture in Japan using a mixed-methods approach, including field experiments, farmer surveys, and production record analysis. The findings indicated that verticulture technology significantly improved crop yields by up to 30% per square meter and reduced water usage by 50% compared to traditional urban farming. It also lowered greenhouse gas emissions and minimized land use, demonstrating its potential for enhancing food production efficiency and sustainability in urban settings.

Francesca Monticone, Antonella Samoggia, Elena Viti · Journal of Consumer Behaviour · Italy

This mixed-methods study investigated Italian consumers' perceptions, barriers, and drivers for urban food purchasing and consumption apps, and analyzed the features of existing apps. The desire to eat fresh and seasonal food was identified as the main driver for buying from (peri)urban agriculture initiatives, and a mismatch emerged between consumer needs and app features. Sustainability food profiles and information on seasonal food are preferred by consumers but are present in a limited number of apps.

Mohd Nazrul Hisham Daud, Mohd Lip Jabit, Norhasni Ramli, Nur Syafini Ghazali, Joanna Cho Lee Ying, Azirah Omar · Bioresources and Environment · Malaysia

This study evaluated the nutritional quality of various vegetables from established Malaysian urban community farming. Analysis measured sugar content, gross energy, vitamin A, vitamin C, and twelve minerals (Al, B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S, Zn) using HPLC, calorimeter bomb analyzer, and ICP-OES. Results showed all vegetables contained at least two common sugars, with five possessing all targeted sugars, and gross energy ranged from 2900 to 3800 joule/g. Pak choy and sawi exhibited the highest vitamin A and C content respectively, while spinach showed the largest number of highest mineral types including boron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Aji Saputra, Oekan S. Abdoellah, Gemilang Lara Utama · Jurnal Ilmu Lingkungan · Indonesia

A systematic literature review aiming to identify the methods used for sustainable urban agriculture in Indonesia and to assess the main opportunities and challenges of using it to achieve environmental, social, and economic goals. Using the PRISMA method, the review screened articles from the Scopus database and analysed 25 studies on the relationship between urban agriculture and sustainability. It reports that urban agriculture offers economic, social, and environmental benefits within sustainable urban environments, and concludes that realising its full potential requires coordinated efforts through policy development, community involvement, and overcoming existing obstacles.

Alifia Revan Prananda, Cornelius Rangga Surya Kusuma, Daniel Gunawan, Terra Rhebekka, Galih Slamet · Manfaat Jurnal Pengabdian Pada Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia

A community-service report on introducing solar-powered hydroponic urban farming in Rejowinangun Selatan village, Magelang City, Indonesia (population density 7,361 people/km²), in response to declining green open space linked to rising population density and land concretisation, which affects food security and self-sufficiency. The programme delivered various approaches to educate and directly involve residents in building hydroponic systems integrated with solar panels, using renewable-energy technology to enable food production in limited spaces such as house terraces. It reports that this increases food independence and security, and that the vegetables produced are described as healthier owing to minimal pesticide use.

Véronique Saint-Gès, Bethsabée Warin, Antoine Jacobsohn · Sustainability · France

A study of two French public urban farms, the Potager du Roi in Versailles and the Cité Maraîchère in Romainville, using the concept of the triple-layered business model to examine their sustainability strategy through empirical case-study research. The evaluation of their economic, social, and environmental impacts shows their dependence on multiple interlinked public policies, and points to the justification for significant, recurring public funding on grounds of general interest.

Logman Arja · International Journal of Architectural Computing · United States

This paper presents clay 3D-printed hydroponics as an urban farming and architecture proposal, reporting on a pilot study conducted in Atlanta, Georgia. It positions additively manufactured clay hydroponics as a soilless agriculture technique and discusses it in relation to urban food self-sufficiency. The paper is described as the first in a series on technology implementations.

Yunanto Yunanto, Retno Wulandari · Agricultural Socio-Economic Empowerment and Agribusiness Journal · Indonesia

A study of the Sustainable Urban Farming (P2L) program in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, surveyed 88 respondents across 11 farmer groups using a Likert scale to assess farmers' perceptions of agricultural extension workers' performance in planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, with relationships analyzed via Spearman's rank correlation. The program was reported to have improved food availability, accessibility and household income through market-oriented production, and extension workers' performance was rated good (score 260.42), but factors such as age, non-formal education, farmer knowledge, farming experience and ICT use showed only very weak correlation with extension worker performance.

Matthijs T. Wessels, Shaaban M. Mgana · Urban Forum · Tanzania

Based on ethnographic research in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — one of the fastest-urbanizing cities in sub-Saharan Africa — this study examines how farmers configure their day-to-day agricultural practices amid urban change. Contrary to narratives that present agriculture as passive in the face of urban growth, it describes farmers building networks of provision through informal access to land and water, supplying food and employment while actively co-shaping the city. Farmers adapt their strategies in response to land pressure and water resource degradation. The paper argues that better representation of urban farmers and irrigated agriculture in urban planning and governance would reduce uncertainty and risk for both farmers and the wider city.

Henriette John, Martina Artmann · International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development · Germany

Based on a German case study, this paper introduces an integrative framework for evaluating the environmental, social and economic sustainability of urban agriculture, applying multi-criteria analysis via the Analytic Hierarchy Process combined with a participatory approach. Analyzing the examples of vertical farming and community-supported agriculture, the environmental dimension received the highest weight, followed by the social and then the economic dimension; among sub-criteria, species diversity received the highest weight and food quality and safety the lowest.

Nuryanti Nuryanti, Muhamad Bai’ul Hak, Adhitya Bagus Singandaru · Elastisitas - Jurnal Ekonomi Pembangunan · Indonesia

Using an integrated literature approach combining a literature review with a systematic review, this paper examines the innovations in Governor Regulation No. 6 of 2022, which sets out the Roadmap of the Halal Industrial Park in West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. It finds that the Roadmap functions as a clean, clearly defined green-economy location for scaling up and increasing the productivity of small and medium industries (SMI), that it secures a sustainable supply of raw materials for industry through integrated urban farming, that it guarantees SMI empowerment from the production process through market segmentation, and that it encourages SMIs to meet national and international product standards.

Linh Dinh Hong, Khiem Phuong Huu, Diep Vu Bach, Tien Vu Quyet · Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Machinery · Vietnam

Using a national Vietnamese household living-standards survey dataset, this study applies a difference-in-differences (DID) approach combined with propensity score matching (PSM-DID) to assess the short-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban agricultural households in Vietnam. It finds that while the pandemic did not significantly affect household income, it reduced household expenditure -- both total household consumption and per-capita consumption -- and increased the number of household members participating in agricultural work as a short-term response.

Meiling Wu · Sustainability · China

A study of a Sharing Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm in China examined, through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, how external investment drives the conventionalization of alternative agriculture. The farm's low economic sustainability was the trigger that drew in external investment; investors then compelled the farm manager to relax adherence to organic agriculture's ecological values and principles and shift toward specialized, intensive farming to secure profitability, and a new business model was adopted that further entrenched this conventionalization.