Research & reports

Despal Despal, Claudia Faresty, Rika Zahera, T Toharmat · Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity · Indonesia

An observational study of 36 dairy cattle in the Kebon Pedes area of Bogor City, Indonesia, tracked feeding, rumination and resting behavior over 12 hours (6 am–6 pm) alongside temperature, humidity, temperature-humidity index (THI), nutrient intake and milk production. The cattle were found to be in mild-to-severe heat stress (THI above 78), with reduced dry matter intake (11.17 kg) and deficient energy and crude-protein intake that led to lower milk production (11.01 L/head/day), though milk fat content was comparatively higher (5.44%); the authors recommend improved forage quality to increase eating and rumination time and reduce resting time.

Yuliana Maria Mediatrix, Pius Sugeng Prasetyo · KnE Social Sciences · Indonesia (Bandung)

As part of Indonesian government food policy innovation, qualitative research combining a literature review and in-depth interviews examined Bandung's 'Buruan Sae' urban farming program, which originated in the city and spread to other sub-districts and kelurahan. Carried out mainly by community groups adapted to local cultural conditions, the program is described as a movement to supplement city food that provides economic, social, health, environmental, and educational benefits, leading to the conclusion that this kind of food policy innovation can encourage production to meet food needs and promote the sustainability of urban food systems.

Supreeya Wungpatcharapon, Brenda Pérez‐Castro · Urbanisation · Thailand

Community networks associated with Thailand's Baan Mankong collective housing credit programme, supported by the Community Organizations Development Institute (CODI), were examined through online surveys, focus group discussions, and case studies to understand how low-income urban citizens, highly vulnerable to COVID-19, coped with the pandemic. CODI placed a 3-month moratorium on Baan Mankong loan repayments and released an urgent $4.5 million COVID-19 relief fund nationwide; 228 initiatives proposed by urban poor networks received approximately $2.2 million and were implemented between April and September 2020, mobilizing community kitchens, community-run shops, community gardens, income-generation activities, and online and offline community markets through diverse collective management mechanisms. The article argues that the social infrastructures of care and solidarity embedded in the Baan Mankong community networks were crucial to coping with COVID-19 and form the basis for long-term rehabilitation and further development of low-income communities in Thailand.

Darwati Susilastuti · BERDIKARI · Indonesia (Jakarta)

A community-service report on integrated urban farming on about 1,600 square meters under the Becakayu toll road in Cipinang Melayu RW01, East Jakarta, run by local farmers, a youth group (Karang Taruna), and PKK (Family Welfare Movement) women, covering hydroponics, catfish and tilapia farming, chicken and dove raising, and horticulture. The operation had previously been partial, conventional and unproductive on infertile fill land without using local resources as farm inputs; after introducing methods to turn turi (Sesbania) leaves and other local materials into liquid organic fertilizer (POC), botanical pesticide, and feed supplements, the activity measurably increased yields, cut costs, and shortened harvest time.

Mochamad Arief Soleh, Cucu Suherman, Warid Ali Qasim · LOGISTA - Jurnal Ilmiah Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Bandung)

This study evaluates Bandung City's flagship "Buruan Sae" program through a direct field survey of residents in Pasirwangi, Ujung Berung, Indonesia, and delivers accompanying urban-farming training in microgreen vegetable cultivation. The survey found that 90% of respondents were aware of the program and 75% actively participated in planting, while 41% did not feel supported by government facilities and 74% wanted training as a form of support; before training, 84% of respondents did not know microgreen cultivation techniques or benefits, and after training 43% understood their health purpose.

Petronela Dakdakur, Mahasin Mu'ammar, Melanie Nanda Thania, Woro Harkandi Kencana, Meisyanti Meisyanti, Yunita Sari · IKRA-ITH ABDIMAS · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This service activity delivered training and mentoring in digital marketing communication to KWT D'Shafa, a women farmers' group managing a small plot of land for urban farming in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, to address a lack of knowledge about promoting the group and its urban farming output. Through the training, the group learned to manage a Google Site platform for marketing and order-taking, and received content-creation training for promoting activities and products via Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and TikTok accounts.

Desti Fitriani Rahmawati, Alifa Huaida, Aneu Octaviani, Ulfa Siti Maspupa · Jambura Journal Community Empowerment · Indonesia

A descriptive quantitative study examined efforts to promote social-media marketing of urban farming produce as part of poverty reduction and urban agriculture system strengthening in Tasikmalaya City, Indonesia. Using questionnaires, documentation, and field observation with the Mawar Bodas women farmers group, the study found that group members gained understanding of social media use and took the initiative to sell their harvests via social media alongside in-person sales, which made members' time use more efficient.

Indiyah Murwani, Siti Muslikah, Siti Asmaniyah Mardiyani · Cendekia Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia

A community service program in RW VI, Jatimulyo sub-district, Malang, Indonesia, aimed to make productive, economic use of yards that had been largely unused for planting, by improving housewives' knowledge and skills in organic vegetable cultivation to strengthen local food security. Structured in introduction, implementation and evaluation phases, the urban farming training received a positive and enthusiastic response from local residents, who reported benefits to health, psychological well-being and household economy, described vegetable growing as easy, enjoyable, healthy and cost-reducing, and noted the area had become greener than before.

Pu Xu, Shanwei Li, Xiaona Yang, Yufeng Li · Journal of Environmental and Public Health · China

Agricultural statistical data from Shanghai for 1998-2019 were analyzed using an Environmental Kuznets Curve and a VAR model to examine the relationship between urban agricultural nonpoint source pollution (UANSP) and rural residents' income growth. An inverted "N"-shaped curve linked plastic film application intensity to per capita disposable income, while fertilizer and pesticide application intensity showed a linear negative relationship with income. Nonpoint source pollution emissions declined as income rose, and while reducing this pollution supported short-term income gains for rural residents, it had a negative effect on their long-term income growth.

Tony Robinson, Minsun Ji · Sustainable development goals series · South Korea

Between 2003 and 2005, Seoul removed its largest downtown expressway and restored the buried Cheonggyecheon stream, examined here as a case study within Seoul's "green growth" regime. Alongside other interventions — destruction of urban highways, expansion of urban forests, rooftop gardens, urban farming, and bike lanes — the city achieved a decoupling of urban growth from greenhouse gas emissions, continuing to grow while both toxic effluents and greenhouse gas emissions substantially declined.

Program Studi Agroekoteknologi, Universitas Jember, Iqbal Maulana · JURNAL BIOINDUSTRI · Indonesia

A study tested the effectiveness of "bio-trays" — an organic tray innovation intended to reduce root system damage during vegetable seedling transplanting in urban farming. Using a randomized block design with four tray materials (coconut coir, sugarcane stem, banana stem, and a plastic control), tested on mustard greens (Brassica juncea) and cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens), the bio-trays performed as well as the plastic control trays, indicating no negative impact on plant growth from the seedling to harvest/production stage.

Selly Oktarina, Sumardjo Sumardjo, Ninuk Purnaningsih, Dwi Retno Hapsari · Nyimak Journal of Communication · Indonesia

An explanatory survey study analyzed participatory communication among women farmers in the urban farming program in Bogor City and Bogor Regency, Indonesia, and the factors affecting it. Using a quantitative approach supported by qualitative data, data were collected from 231 women farmer respondents via cluster sampling across urban, semi-urban and rural clusters, and analyzed using scoring, difference tests, and structural equation modelling (SEM). Results show that the level of participatory communication in the urban farming program was medium, as measured by dialogue atmosphere, dialogue participation, and degree of convergence. Factors significantly influencing participatory communication were respondent characteristics, champion/facilitator competence, exposure to media communication, and institutional support.

Athalla Rania Insyra, Annisa Rahmani Qastharin · Asian Journal of Research in Business and Management · Indonesia

Using PLS-SEM, this study analyzed how online social-media activities affect consumer attitude and willingness to pay for green products, taking the Indonesian startup PLUS, which sells a planting-kit green product tied to the growth of urban farming in Indonesia, as its case. Survey responses from 228 Indonesian men and women who had bought or engaged with green products via social media showed that entertainment, interaction, trendiness and word-of-mouth in social-media marketing had a significant positive effect on attitude toward green products, while customization was not a significant predictor of consumer attitude; positive attitude in turn had a significant positive effect on willingness to pay.

Ferdi Gultom, Sugeng P. Harianto · Jurnal Analisa Sosiologi · Indonesia

Using dependency theory, this literature study analyzes the decline of the agricultural sector in urban Indonesia, arguing that the government's focus on industrial-sector development, mediated through a central state-satellite relationship, has drawn in the modern sector at agriculture's expense, manifested in widespread conversion of urban agricultural land. Drawing on news sources and journals and analyzing data with the Miles and Huberman model, the study finds that the urban agricultural sector is fading as farmland is increasingly converted to industry, infrastructure and settlements, and that farmer regeneration has declined due to reduced interest in becoming a farmer.

Yuliana Bhara Mberu, Robertus Mas Rayawulan, Marchiani Rosario Seran · ATRIUM - Jurnal Arsitektur · Indonesia

A qualitative descriptive study examined the use of the open space between two road lanes on Frans Seda Street in Fatululi, Kupang City (population 423,800 across 6 sub-districts and 51 urban villages), the capital of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, where local residents grow vegetables. Data were collected through direct observation, interviews and literature review. The space is planted with both ornamental and food crops, and the study describes it as an example of urban agriculture during the Covid-19 outbreak that realizes ecological, economic, socio-cultural and aesthetic functions.

LENI MARIA TARIGAN, I MADE SUDARMA, I Nyoman Gede Ustriyana · Jurnal Agribisnis dan Agrowisata (Journal of Agribusiness and Agritourism) · Indonesia

A study of the agricultural sector's role, leading sectors and competitiveness in Tebing Tinggi City, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia, over 2015–2019, using descriptive analysis, the Location Quotient (LQ) method and shift-share analysis, prompted by rapid conversion of agricultural land in the city. Results show agriculture is not the largest contributing sector, with food crops driving most of the sector's growth; the city has 12 leading and 5 non-leading sectors, with a projected future of 5 leading, 7 prospective, 5 lagging sectors and no mainstay sector. Wholesale/retail trade and vehicle repair, and health and social services, were the sectors with good competitiveness. The study recommends using household yards for community gardens, fish ponds and livestock, implementing a "Culinary Tourism City" concept, and strengthening support for lagging sectors to maintain food security.

M. Noor Salim, Edi Wibowo, Darwati Susilastuti, Tungga Buana Diana · International Journal of Science and Society · Indonesia

Based on a survey of 112 residents engaged in urban agriculture in Jakarta City, Indonesia, this study analyzed how economic, health, and environmental variables affect community expectations for participation in sustainable urban farming. All three variables, both individually and jointly, positively influenced participation expectations, with an adjusted R-squared of 0.704 — the study reports that 70.4% of variation in community participation expectations is explained by economic factors, with the remainder attributed to health and other environmental factors.

Darwati Susilastuti, Aditiameri, Vivi Lusia · Jurnal Bakti Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This community-outreach report addresses RW 01 in Cipinang Melayu, East Jakarta, Indonesia, where residents were running separate, unintegrated, low-productivity activities on land under the Becakayu Toll Road — hydroponic vegetables, catfish and tilapia farming, chicken and pigeon raising, horticulture, and seasonal crops including turi (Sesbania grandiflora) grown as a fence plant. Through outreach that taught participants the integrated farming system (IFS) concept and helped them build an IFS map, and by introducing turi as a liquid organic fertilizer, feed supplement, and compost, the yield of mustard plants increased by 100%.

Rahmad Hendra, Firdaus Firdaus, Samariadi Samariadi · UNIFIKASI Jurnal Ilmu Hukum · Indonesia

A descriptive qualitative study of land disputes between oil palm plantation companies and Indigenous communities in Bencah Kelubi and Subarak villages, Kampar Regency, Indonesia. In Subarak, the plantation investor applied the Free, Prior and Informed Consent principle (locally PADIATAPA) before investing and built a garden for the Indigenous community. By contrast, the other company covered in the study failed to honor its commitment to build community gardens and disregarded the PADIATAPA principle. The study concludes that applying PADIATAPA at the outset could substantially reduce conflict between plantation companies and Indigenous people.

Yue Jin, Hee Sun Choi, Daniel C. Elkin · · China

A mixed-methods study of three representative communities in Nanjing, China, examining the value of edible community gardens against the backdrop of COVID-19, associated government area controls, restricted access to daily food supplies, and elderly residents' unfamiliarity with online shopping. The study used GIS mapping of Nanjing's food system, site observations, questionnaires and interviews, analyzed with univariate and multivariate methods. It found that most elderly residents want and value edible community gardens, especially during the epidemic; that the gardens offer opportunities for new companionship and leisure; and that edible landscaping increases communities' ornamental value and interactivity. The gardens were also described as beneficial for sustainable food production in terms of ecological environment, economic benefit, social regeneration and local development.

Zuxuan Song, Yang Ren · Land · China

Using data on agricultural carbon emissions and carbon sequestration in Guangzhou, China from 2002 to 2020, Granger causality analysis and a grey association model examined the interaction and evolution between urban agricultural multifunctionality and carbon effects. Over this period, urban agricultural production function declined in Guangzhou while economic and social functions increased, and ecological function rose before declining. Carbon sequestration was approximately four times carbon emissions. Carbon emissions went through a pattern of decreasing, then increasing, then remaining constant, then decreasing, while carbon sequestration first decreased and then increased. Carbon emissions showed a Granger causal relationship with production, social and ecological functions, and were a Granger cause of the economic function but not the reverse. Carbon sequestration showed a Granger causal relationship with production and economic functions and was a Granger cause of the ecological function but not the reverse; no Granger causal relationship was found between carbon sequestration and the social function.

Udi Subagyo, Achendri M. Kurniawan, Bobby Aksumajaya, Nain Dhaniarti Raharjo, Ikrar Hanggara · J-ABDI Jurnal Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Malang)

This community service activity worked with the PKK (Family Welfare Movement) Environmental Working Group of RT 06/RW 18 in the Bunulrejo urban village, Blimbing district, Malang, Indonesia, which was already running a greenhouse-based urban farming activity for food resilience. The group faced challenges in meeting residents' demand for vegetables and, in particular, a lack of activities for PKK women to build knowledge and experience. As an initial stage of collaboration between Polinema's community service team and RW 18, the activity constructed and installed vertical garden racks (plant shelving).

Asep K. Supriatna · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Indonesia

This study examined strategies for implementing agricultural extension methods and materials suited to the "new normal era" during the COVID-19 pandemic in Serang Regency, Banten Province, Indonesia. It used a mixed method combining descriptive-exploratory analysis with the Analytical Hierarchy Process, involving 37 participants in Serang Regency. The analysis found technical aspects to be the top priority criterion, with material indicators ranked as the top priority and extension method indicators second. For the on-farm segment, suitable materials included cultivation techniques for food crops, ornamental plants, fruit plants, biopharmaceuticals, post-harvest handling, fish and livestock rearing, and use of yards and rice fields, with a strategy of continuing face-to-face methods — lectures, discussions, practice, technical guidance, field schools, pilot plots and field trips — under health protocols, alongside distributing learning videos, e-modules and e-leaflets via social media or virtual learning. For the off-farm segment, suitable materials included online product marketing, information technology use, entrepreneurship, farm business analysis, marketing and partnership growth, group planning and health protocol materials, with a strategy centered on virtual extension methods, some combined with face-to-face approaches.

Hazen Arrazie Kurniawan, Nurhajijah Nurhajijah, Wiidani Lubis, Imam Hartono Bangun · Jurnal Abdi Insani · Indonesia

In Pematang Ganjang village, Indonesia, where rice farmers relied on a single, seasonal source of income, a community service program used a participatory rural appraisal approach with lectures, demonstration plots, and mentoring to teach a fertigation system for growing cauliflower on unused yard land. The program reports that farmers responded enthusiastically to the technology transfer and adopted urban farming on yard plots as a supplementary income source beyond their original single livelihood.

Nadia Nadia, Agus Juono, Dio Ramadan Nugroho, Mifta Nurjanah, Adine Christiningtyas, Marthinus Masriat, E.Y Gitari, Andy Nugroho, Abdurojak Abdurojak, K.J Dahu, Bayu Suseno · Jompa Abdi Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia

This community outreach program in Padukuhan Singosaren I, Indonesia — a country ranked second worldwide for plastic waste entering the ocean — used socialization sessions to address low public awareness and inconsistent waste management, teaching a "stacked bucket" (ember tumpuk) decomposition method that processes organic waste into solid and liquid organic fertilizer usable as growing media for urban farming ("hydroganik"). The outreach concluded that well-managed waste can become useful and that community participants were enthusiastic, and it recommends that Singosaren I households adopt the stacked-bucket method at home so household waste can be converted into fertilizer for hydroganik growing media.