Research & reports

R V S K Reddy, J. Omprasad, T. Janakiram · Current Horticulture · India

In India, indigenous ethnic vegetables are underestimated for their nutritional and economic value and are underutilized, despite their potential to improve human nutrition. Urban populations often prefer less nutritious exotic vegetables due to the greater availability of ethnic vegetables in rural areas. The study suggests increasing the cultivation of these nutrient-dense vegetables in urban and peri-urban areas through home gardening and urban farming to enhance supply for urban residents.

Adam Abraham · Jurnal Riset Daerah · Indonesia

This study aimed to identify the impacts of land use change experienced by urban farmers in Kapanewon Kasihan, Indonesia. Using a deductive-qualitative approach, it was analyzed that urban development has both positive and negative impacts on farmers. The most significant negative impacts included pollution, decreased productivity, and the squeezing of urban agricultural land, which could lead to long-term environmental quality degradation and further spread of land use change.

Naufal Alip Pratama, Devi Afriyantari Puspa Putri · Emitor Jurnal Teknik Elektro · Indonesia

This research designed an Android-based application named “PlantGo” to guide users and facilitate discussions on urban agriculture, addressing limited land for cultivation in urban areas. Conducted in Indonesia, the application was developed using Flutter SDK and Firebase, following the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) with a Waterfall model. Black Box testing confirmed all features functioned properly, and Usability testing with 30 respondents yielded an 89.75% score, indicating good user acceptance of the application.

Kinanti Safitri, Oekan S. Abdoellah, Budhi Gunawan, Parikesit Parikesit, Yusep Suparman, Akhmad Mubarak, Margareth Pardede · The Qualitative Report · Indonesia (Bandung)

This mixed-method study, involving 107 export-scale urban farmers in the Bandung metropolitan area, Indonesia, investigated their adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Farmers prioritized commercial agriculture and adapted through market access, agricultural management, and financial resource strengthening. However, some adaptation methods were not environmentally friendly, as farmers increased reliance on synthetic inputs and used cold storage on open land, leading to intensive, non-environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Diana Harding, Kevin Muhamad Lukman, Matheus Jingga, Yuta Uchiyama, Jay Mar D. Quevedo, Ryo Kohsaka · Land · Indonesia

A preliminary study conducted in Indonesian metropolitan areas investigated the subjective wellbeing of 67 urban gardening practitioners using the "satisfaction with life scale (SWLS)" and "scale of positive and negative experience (SPANE)". The study found that urban gardening practitioners tend to be in positive moods and have better overall wellbeing, with 52.24% of respondents highly satisfied with their life. Motivations for starting gardening included hobby and utilization of free space as prominent reasons.

El Syabrina, Rosmaina Rosmaina, Risqiana Dani, Purwati Purwati, Nadya Hermantika Sari · JIA (Jurnal Ilmiah Agribisnis) Jurnal Agribisnis dan Ilmu Sosial Ekonomi Pertanian · Indonesia (Pekanbaru)

A descriptive qualitative study in Pekanbaru City in August 2022 surveyed 102 urban farming managers to assess their perceptions and interest in urban farming. Respondents generally agreed with the social, economic, and ecological benefits of urban farming, scoring 3.17 on a Likert scale, with social benefits (3.34) being highest. The study suggests that commercializing urban agriculture on vacant land could maximize community socialization and boost economic and ecological benefits.

Sofyan Musyabiq Wijaya · International Journal of Current Science Research and Review · Indonesia

A systematic review of 12 articles, identified from an initial search of 43 research articles on PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, examined urban farming in Indonesia. The review found that urban farming can increase family food security, with vegetables and fruits being common crops. Identified problems included communication issues and varying levels of knowledge and skills related to urban farming.

Nusaibah Nurul Fida, Heru Purwandari · Jurnal Sains Komunikasi dan Pengembangan Masyarakat [JSKPM] · Indonesia

This study analyzed the relationship between group work productivity and the levels of economic, social, and ecological sustainability in urban farming programs in Indonesia. Using a quantitative survey method supported by qualitative data, the research found that group work productivity has a sufficient and significant relationship with the level of economic sustainability. Furthermore, group work productivity has a strong and significant relationship with the levels of social and ecological sustainability of urban farming programs.

Wira Bhakti Pangestu, Mochamad Zidane Deanova, Furi Faturohmat, Reni Nurjasmi · Jurnal Ilmiah Respati · Indonesia

A study conducted from June to September 2021 at the Faculty of Agriculture Experimental Garden, Respati University, Indonesia, investigated the potential of urban waste as a growing medium for microgreens (spinach and mustard greens). The research used a completely randomized design with four treatments: rockwool with AB Mix as a control, onion peels, rabbit manure, and quail manure, each replicated five times. Organic fertilizers from urban waste significantly affected the germination percentage, height, wet weight, and chlorophyll content of mustard green and spinach microgreens. While the rockwool control yielded the best chlorophyll content and microgreen production, among urban wastes, quail manure produced the highest chlorophyll content and production for mustard green microgreens. For spinach microgreens, onion peels resulted in the highest germination percentage and wet weight, while quail manure yielded the highest chlorophyll content.

Alesandros Glaros, Geoff Luehr, Zhenzhong Si, Steffanie Scott · Land · China

An exploratory study investigated the manifestation of urban agriculture within the context of Ecological Civilization (EC) in four Chinese cities, through four months of on-site interviews and surveys with urban agriculture practitioners. The study found that capital-intensive and peri-urban approaches to urban agriculture are favored under EC, while small-scale intra-urban initiatives are actively discouraged in policy and risk overlooking grassroots efforts and local residents' needs.

Dini Sofarini, Deddy Dharmaji, Yunandar Yunandar, Fajriyanti Fajriyanti · Bubungan Tinggi Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia

An aquaponics cultivation technique training was conducted from August to December 2021 in the Sungai Ulin Village community in Banjarbaru City. This activity aimed to increase the use of polyculture technology in urban areas and improve the survival rate of aquaponics products. Evaluation results showed an 80% survival rate for vegetables and 75% for fish, indicating improved knowledge and skills among participants.

Laili Qomariyah, Mariza Ningtyas Febriyanti, Erlanda Nouva Wibowo, Agustin Kana Risqiyani, Miftahul Husnul Suluki, Futun Nur Faridah · Community Empowerment · Indonesia

This program aimed to ensure family food security and improve mental health for residents of RW V during the pandemic, using methods such as socialization, workshops, and training. The results showed that RW V residents were enthusiastic about urban farming and capable of growing vegetables. Additionally, mothers, especially housewives, reported feeling mentally healthier due to new activities and a focus on hydroponic urban farming.

W.H Maria Agatha Sri, Trecy Austin, Indah Pusnita · Jurnal Abdimas Indonesia · Indonesia (Palembang)

In Sako Village, Palembang City, urban farming and educational gardens support improved food security as part of the "Kampung Iklim" program, which aims for climate change adaptation and mitigation. The area of RT 98 RW 37 was deemed suitable for urban farming, and an educational garden was implemented as an introduction and example of urban farming.

Eneng Nunuz Rohmatullayaly, Budi Irawan · Kumawula Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia

This community service activity in Indonesia addressed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban food security and family nutrition. It aimed to socialize plant diversity, integrated urban farming techniques for limited yards, and balanced nutrition. The initiative included mapping urban yard utilization and a webinar, "Optimize Yards for Family Nutrition Fulfillment," which engaged 169 participants and provided digital information on plant diversity, utilization, and family nutrition.

Xunyu Zhang, Dongxu Pan, Ka Po Wong, Yuanzhi Zhang · Urban Science · China (Shenzhen)

This paper clarifies the governance structure and operation mechanism of Shenzhen's "We Garden" community garden program, introduced in 2020 to transform idle public lands into green spaces. Fieldwork, including direct observation and interviews, revealed that this experiment is driven by urban environmental public governance rather than individual needs. The "We Garden" approach represents a new top-down governance structure, emphasizing the key role of nonprofit organizations in promoting sustainable public participation in urban environmental protection.

I Gede Indra Mahendra, I Dewa Gede Agung Diasana Putra · ASTONJADRO · Indonesia (Bali)

Denpasar's high food demand, driven by tourism and community needs, is heavily dependent on external areas due to decreasing agricultural land. This qualitative descriptive study explored the potential of integrating urban farming with traditional markets, specifically Sindu Market in Sanur, Bali. The results showed that Denpasar City is not self-sufficient in food, leading to the innovative idea of implementing an urban farming system at Sindu Market as a solution to food needs and to shorten the carbon chain of food distribution.

Udit Debangshi, Pritam Ghosh, Himanshu Tiwari, Durgesh Kumar Maurya, M. Kumar · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · India

India's urban population is projected to double by 2050, facing significant threats from climate change impacts such as increased rainfall intensity and temperature fluctuations. This paper discusses mitigation and adaptation strategies like climate-resilient agriculture and rooftop farming, emphasizing urban planning's potential role in developing and implementing adaptive responses.

Rahmad Aji Maulana, Hardi Warsono, Retno Sunu Astuti, Teuku Afrizal · PERSPEKTIF · Indonesia (Semarang)

A qualitative descriptive analysis study was conducted to develop urban agriculture in Semarang City, Indonesia. The study identified diverse potential for urban agriculture in Semarang, including various vegetables, cassava, sugar cane, durian, and mushrooms. It also found that urban agriculture offers environmental, economic, social, health, education, and tourism benefits, and noted that policy instruments through top-down and bottom-up approaches are essential.

Tirto Wahyu Widodo, Damanhuri Damanhuri, Ilham Muhklisin, Indra Alief Titale · Jurnal Ilmiah Inovasi · Indonesia

A study in Indonesia investigated differences in the production of three rice varieties (Ciherang, IR 64, Mapan 05) in a soilless cultivation system with intermittent irrigation as an urban farming method. The experiment was arranged in a complete randomized factorial design with two factors and three replications. The Mapan 05 variety showed the best response for panicle length, number of grains per panicle, number of filled grains per panicle, and grain weight per clump, while topsoil+husk+non-intermittent media had the best effect on panicle length, root length, number of grains per panicle, number of filled grains per panicle, and 1000-grain weight.

Riris Lindiawati Puspitasari, Arief Pambudi, Yunus Effendi · Jurnal Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Universitas Al Azhar Indonesia · Indonesia (Depok)

This community service activity implemented simple hydroponics training to enhance the skills of the street children community in Depok. Training involved street children students at Sekolah Master Depok, practicing hydroponics with simple equipment, and group mentoring. Participants gained information on simple hydroponics techniques and successfully grew vegetables like water spinach, spinach, mustard greens, and pakcoy, which grew unimpeded until harvest at 8 weeks after planting.

Neneng Nurlaela Arief, Melia Famiola, Andika Putra Pratama, Prameshwara Anggahegari, Aghnia Nadhira Aliya Putri · Sustainability · Indonesia (Bandung)

This study examined the effectiveness of bio-based experiential learning in raising environmental awareness among 74 students (ages 9-11) in Bandung, Indonesia, using participatory action research and storytelling. The program provided valuable education on urban farming, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. The outcome demonstrated that this communication approach is effective.

Leonard Dharmawan, Pudji Muljono, Dwi Retno Hapsari, Bagus Priyo Purwanto · Jurnal Penyuluhan · Indonesia (Bogor)

This study, conducted in Bogor City, Indonesia, used quantitative and qualitative methods to identify the readiness of extension workers and supporting facilities for digital urban agriculture extension during the Covid-19 pandemic, and factors influencing farmer empowerment. Results indicated that extension workers are ready for digital counseling and communication support facilities for digital innovation are good. Farmer empowerment directly affects farmer productivity and is indirectly positively influenced by environmental support, farmer innovation activities, and individual characteristics of farmers.

Prem José Vazhacharickal, K. S. Jagadish, G. Eswarappa · Agricultural Reviews · India (Bengaluru)

This outlook study reviewed honey bee diversity and the potential for integrating honey bees into urban agriculture and forests in Bengaluru, India. An urban forestry study in Bengaluru identified 374 plant species, with the highest diversity in parks (291 species). Most plant species provided good foraging sources for honey bees, including Apis indica, Apis dorsata, Apis florea, and Trigona iridipennis. The urban agro-ecosystem in Bengaluru was found to be suitable for beekeeping, particularly for stingless bees.

Yumin Park, Yong-Wook Shin · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea

This study analyzed trends of balcony vegetable gardens in Korea from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021, using 5,011 posts from Naver blogs and cafes. Before COVID-19, balcony vegetable gardening gained attention as urban agriculture participation, but after the outbreak, it became an activity for healing, emotional support, environmental campaigns, and healthy hobbies. The findings suggest that balcony gardening activities provide a healing effect.

Fabian Pascalis Serenai, Firra Rosariawari · EnviroUS · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study in Dinoyo, Surabaya, Indonesia, investigated the potential of using 595,040 m3/year of canal sediment as a growing medium for urban farming. Sediment was mixed with green compost and cocopeat in 1:1:1, 1:3:1, and 1:5:1 ratios, and Capsicum frutescens seedlings were grown for two weeks. After pretreatment (drying, grinding, sieving), the 1:1:1 mixture showed optimal parameters: 3.58% C, 0.31% N, 0.02% P, 1.63% K, CEC 43.92 emol/kg, C/N 21, pH 8.55, non-toxic with 4% seed growth inhibition, optimal seedling growth, and lower nutrient loss. The research suggests that sediment can be used as a more environmentally friendly mixed growing substrate in the long term.