Research & reports

Sudha Panda, Chandana Parida, Anisa Azharunnisa, Rakesh Ranjan Thakur · Discover Sustainability · India (Bhubaneswar)

This paper uses remote sensing data from 2011 to 2023 to examine agricultural land loss in Bhubaneswar, India, a smaller city experiencing significant agricultural decline. It compares the decrease in agricultural land with the increase in built-up areas. The study highlights that agricultural land conversion negatively impacts food security and proposes a nature-based solution to achieve urban food self-sufficiency.

Raden Deasy Mandasari, Andi Rosano, Djadjat Sudaradjat · Barometer · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This research monitored CO2 concentrations in rooftop areas of DKI Jakarta, Indonesia, using IoT technology and CO2 sensors. Data was collected over four parts of the day at two locations: Garden Roof and Ordinary Roof areas. Results showed that roof areas with gardens had lower average CO2 levels (295 PPM) compared to regular roofs (360 PPM), indicating the potential of garden roof designs to reduce CO2 concentrations.

Shweta Vaishnav, Poonam Saini, Aarti Grover · International Journal of Latest Research in Engineering and Management (IJLREM) · India (Delhi)

A qualitative survey analyzing the July 2023 Delhi flood and its impact on women revealed that changing climatic patterns over the last 20 years pose survival threats to the most vulnerable group, women and cattle, in urban agricultural societies. The study also indicated that various infrastructure projects have altered the terrain in the Yamuna River floodplains, leading to changes in the river's course and annual floods.

Alif Khair An Nassaj, Muhammad Luqman Hakim, Hanna Zharifa Marmu’asyifa, Liya Tsanyyatul Khishol, Andre Alfiansyah, Muhammad Afiq · Solusi Bersama · Indonesia

In Karangmulyo Village, Indonesia, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in the quality and productivity of community gardens and parks. A village nursery revitalization program aimed to overcome these negative impacts, restore land function, and boost the morale of women farmer communities through infrastructure improvements, adaptive crop planting, sustainable agricultural techniques, and community involvement. However, this abstract does not report on the specific effects of this program, such as the improvement of overall community welfare or the ensured sustainability of the village environment.

Budi Utomo, Rezky Nizar, Rizky Wahyudi, YUNASFI YUNASFI, Samsuri Samsuri, Mohammad Basyuni · OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences · Indonesia

This study analyzed land cover changes in Sianjur Mula-Mula District, Samosir Regency, Indonesia, between 2017 and 2022 using Sentinel 2 imagery and a guided classification method. In 2017, shrubs dominated, covering 4,689 hectares (39.68%), a pattern that persisted in 2022 with 4,529 hectares (38.32%). Forest land decreased by 182 hectares (1.54%), while built-up land increased by 111 hectares (0.95%). The study concluded that reforestation of 4,529 hectares of shrubs is necessary to maintain Lake Toba's water quality.

Desi Sri Pasca Sari Sembiring, Ahmad Nadhira · Jurnal Ekonomi Bisnis Manajemen dan Akuntansi (JEBMA) · Indonesia

This study aimed to identify urban farming development strategies to prevent climate change mitigation in Medan Timur District, Indonesia, using SWOT analysis. The SWOT analysis results indicated that cooperation between the government and farmers is necessary for the food crop and horticulture sub-sectors. Other strategies include increasing the added value and competitiveness of organic urban agricultural products, enhancing human resources through urban agriculture extension, and empowering farmer groups with training.

Ankush Mohapatra, Deven Verma, Sakshi Sharma, Aparnna Rani Swain, Abhishek Singh · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · India

This paper discusses the potential of kitchen gardening as a solution to urban heat island effects and nutritional insecurity caused by urbanization in India. Kitchen gardening contributes to managing the urban heat island effect by moderating temperature extremes through urban vegetation, which reduces energy consumption for air conditioning. It also ensures food security by providing a direct source of fresh produce, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals.

Alisa Sahavacharin, Fa Likitswat, Kim Irvine, Lihoun Teang · Land · Thailand (Pathum Thani)

This study assessed the potential of peri-urban areas for sustainable development, focusing on a pandan farming community in Pathum Thani, Thailand, using the Community-Based Resilience Analysis (CoBRA) approach. The community identified COVID-19, water quality, and solid waste as their primary disruptive challenges. The study concluded that the community was moderately resilient to hazards, and COVID-19 was the primary disrupting event over the past 10 years.

Muhammad Taufiq, Nasfryzal Carlo, Dwifitra Y Jumas, Eva Rita, Lusi Utama · Structure (Jurnal Sipil) · Indonesia

This research focused on the Setting and Infrastructure indicator of the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking program at Medan State Polytechnic (Polmed) in Indonesia. The study found that Polmed's current score is 440 out of an expected 1500. To improve the score, the abstract suggests implementing vertical or rooftop gardens, creating biopore infiltration holes, replacing paving blocks with grass blocks, and installing guiding blocks and ramps for disabled facilities.

Tiara Himma Fadhilah, Adilah Dwita Cahyana, Ferdiansyah Dwiky Nugraha, Gideon Setyo Budiwitjaksono · JURNAL PENGABDIAN MASYARAKAT AKADEMISI · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This community service program aimed to empower residents of Gebang Putih Subdistrict, Surabaya, through urban farming. Activities included outreach and training on hydroponics and growing plants in pots. Residents showed positive responses and high enthusiasm, indicating that urban farming can increase food security, family independence, environmental quality, and public health.

Yihang Hu, Junbiao Zhang, Yangmei Zeng, Jie Li · Land Degradation and Development · China

A study in Zhejiang Province, China, examined the impact of climate factors on agricultural production efficiency using a pooled OLS model. While precipitation production potential showed a significantly positive impact, the effects of temperature, evapotranspiration, and insolation were not significant or exhibited poor stability. Furthermore, the benefits of precipitation potential varied, with only a few cities experiencing significant improvements.

Muhammad Sholeh, Deby Luriawati Naryatmojo, Saptono Putro, Andri Sumihar Simbolon · Jurnal Abdimas · Indonesia (Semarang)

In Tambakrejo, Semarang City, Indonesia, an urban farming initiative supported by SAKA Energi Muriah Limited and Semarang State University aimed to enhance food security and climate change adaptation. The program involved community empowerment, training, and implementation of urban farming models like vertical pipes and hanging pots. This initiative successfully provided alternative food sources, especially during floods, and increased community awareness of food security and the environment.

Deborah Dutta, Amrita B. Hazra · Southern African journal of environmental education · India

This qualitative study in Indian cities explored the varied motivations, constraints, and possibilities that inspire urban gardening practices. Based on interviews with practitioners, it argues that community gardening can be an important way to motivate people to re-establish connections with ecosystems. However, the study concludes that sustained transformations in urban spaces and food systems require supportive public policies, infrastructure, and social acceptability.

Retno Lantarsih, Suhartini Suhartini, Anu Gupta · HABITAT · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)

This study evaluated the sustainability of the Pekarangan Pangan Lestari Program (P2L) in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, across ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Multidimensional scale analysis showed the social dimension was "quite sustainable" at 62.63%, while the ecological (48.69%) and economic (33.38%) dimensions were in the "less sustainable" category. The social dimension had the greatest impact on the P2L Program's sustainability.

Putu Hadi Setyarini, Sisca Fajriani, Tri Nurwati, Mochammad Roviq, Dian Inayati · Jurnal Surya Masyarakat · Indonesia (Malang)

A community service activity at SDI As Salam and SMPIT As Salam in Malang, Indonesia, integrated solar panels into hydroponic and aquaponic systems to enhance energy independence. The Participatory Rural Appraisal approach involved training, installation workshops, and farming assistance. The use of solar panels reduced electricity costs, supported student learning about renewable energy, and improved the sustainability of urban farming in schools.

Lorenta In Haryanto, Tri Yuni Hendrawati, Darto Darto, Febri Yani, Firgi Adha Listanto, Dimas Yoga Pradipta Pratama · Abdimas Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Universitas Merdeka Malang · Indonesia

A community-service report on introducing solar-powered water pumps for hydroponic systems with the farmer group Hidroponik Generik (HG) in Pesanggrahan, Indonesia, from April to October 2024, including training and assistance in vertical hydroponic technology and solar power generation. An 800 Wp solar panel supplied 1,600 Wh daily, powering pumps for 12-13 hours and cutting electricity usage by 66%, reducing monthly expenses by 10%. Combined with the vertical hydroponic installation, farm income increased by 15%, and participants' understanding of solar technology improved by 45%.

Aji Saputra, Oekan S. Abdoellah, Gemilang Lara Utama · Local Environment · Indonesia

A commentary on the current state of urban agriculture implementation in large Indonesian cities, the initiatives underway and the mechanisms for pursuing stated goals. It identifies land scarcity, inadequate urban agricultural infrastructure, financial constraints, and regulatory and administrative problems as the major obstacles to implementation. It also states that urban agriculture improves quality of urban life by providing fresh, healthy food and fostering community engagement, and cites Singapore, New York and Ghana as examples showing the importance of policy support, innovation and community involvement.

Putri Balqis, Riski Wulandari, Muhammad Zulfandi · Jurnal Teknologi Cerdas · Indonesia

Reducing carbon emissions is a critical task in addressing global climate change, and establishing rooftop gardens in urban areas is presented as one approach that could be adopted. This paper is a literature review examining the environmental advantages of rooftop gardens, with particular focus on their capacity to mitigate carbon emissions. It reviewed diverse sources concerning rooftop garden implementation for carbon mitigation. The review states that rooftop gardens possess significant capacity to mitigate carbon emissions and address the challenges posed by climate change, though successful installation requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of environmental and technological aspects. Rooftop gardens are described as enhancing CO2 absorption, lowering surface temperatures, and decreasing building energy needs by improving thermal insulation, as well as contributing to improved air quality and urban biodiversity. The review identified numerous designs and best practices that could optimize the ecological and economic advantages of rooftop gardens, and points to the possibility of incorporating them into urban planning as an approach to addressing climate change and enhancing urban quality of life.

J Resmi, K Vismaya, V. Chitra, S K Anjana, K V Sumiya · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · India

Focusing on the role of trees and forested ecosystems in sustainable development and climate change adaptation and mitigation, this study compares Miyawaki forests — a high-density planting method developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki to intensify green cover and support local biodiversity — with food forests, planned and planted forests of food plants providing a variety of food year-round. The study sites were in Palakkad district, Kerala, India: Krishi Vigyan Kendra Palakkad, where a Miyawaki forest patch was established, and V.T. Bhattathiripad College in Sreekrishnapuram, where a food forest was established. While both approaches aim to restore ecosystems and enhance biodiversity, they differ in design, purpose and management: the Miyawaki forest reconnects with nature by supporting native flora and fauna for biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration, while the food forest reconnects with nature by providing a food source for pollinators and habitat for many animals, and is described as environmentally friendly because it requires no chemical pesticides. Both techniques are described as effective for establishing urban forests and converting unproductive wasteland into ecologically and socially beneficial productive land.

Raditya Ahmad Rifandi, Rizal Ichsan Syah Putra, Nunung Eni Elawati, Dwi Nur Yuliyani, Dafa Anwarul Fahmi · Cakrawala Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Global · Indonesia

A community outreach project implemented a "smart aeroponic" system — using sensor technology and automatic control — at several urban locations in Indonesia and trained local communities in its operation and maintenance. Evaluation found the system increased energy efficiency by up to 70% compared with Deep Flow Technique (DFT) hydroponics, saving 29.02 kWh for mustard greens cultivation and 41.00 kWh for lettuce cultivation.

Hanan Zaffar, Jyoti Thakur · Mongabay India · India

Across Indian cities, urban dwellers are turning rooftops, balconies and vacant plots into food gardens, driven by a desire for fresh organic produce as well as hopes of cutting air pollution and easing the urban heat island effect. Farmers in cities such as Ludhiana and Bengaluru are adopting shade nets and drip irrigation to cope with extreme heat, and research in Bengaluru suggests rooftop farming could reduce indoor temperatures by 2-8°C.

Moefty Mahendra, Sri Utami Dewi, Ajang Ramdani · JURNAL DIKDAS BANTARA · Indonesia

A qualitative descriptive study with 13 fourth-grade students at MIN 1 Karanganyar, Indonesia, found that the Adiwiyata program's greenhouse initiative was not running smoothly due to a lack of funds. The students' ecoliteracy in the "head" and "heart" aspects needed improvement, as most did not habitually sort waste despite knowing types, and some lacked empathy for plants. However, students demonstrated ecoliteracy in the "hands" aspect through proper cleaning tool use, bringing supplies from home, and saving electricity and water.

Abdillah Abdillah, Ida Widianingsih, Rd Ahmad Buchari, Heru Nurasa · Cogent Food & Agriculture · Indonesia

A systematic literature review on urban farming in Indonesia identified its trend in achieving urban resilience as a response to urban food security issues and an economic boost during the COVID-19 crisis. While urban farming is suggested to promote urban resilience in Indonesia, it has several weaknesses in the urban resilience design due to problems with production, food security, and land scarcity in urban areas.

Reismaya Wanamertan Nugroho, Kusnandar, Joko Sutrisno · International Journal on Advanced Science Engineering and Information Technology · Indonesia

This study used the Analytical Network Process (ANP) method with expert respondents to determine urban farming development priorities in Magelang, Indonesia. The social dimension was identified as the overall sustainability priority. Key priorities across dimensions included women farmers' income and motivation, land availability, cultivation technology, and agricultural extension roles, leading to integrated agriculture as the priority strategy.

Theodorus Hugo Carvallo, Richardus Daton, Yuliana Bhara Mberu · Journal of Architecture and Human Experience · Indonesia (Kupang)

This study explored the planning and design of "Vertical Urban Farming" in Kupang City, Indonesia, to address food demand challenges such as climate change, population growth, and land-use changes. According to Riskesdas 2018, the prevalence of stunting in toddlers in East Nusa Tenggara was 42.6%, the highest in Indonesia, prompting the use of new technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. Using SWOT analysis, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the Vertical Urban Farming Center's planning and design were discussed, indicating the area's potential for development.