Research & reports

Rangga Pahlevi Putra, Ririen Prihandarini, Choirul Anam · JURNAL APLIKASI DAN INOVASI IPTEKS SOLIDITAS (J-SOLID) · Indonesia

A survey of the "Urfam Alam Lestari" urban farming group in Balearjosari, Blimbing District, Malang City, Indonesia, found that although the group cultivates multiple plots producing vegetables and fruit, it lacked digital media to market and sell its harvest, relying only on a WhatsApp group and unable to scale up sales. In response, a community-service team provided a mobile-application solution for marketing and sales, implemented through discussion, design of marketing/sales media, training and mentoring, and evaluation.

Riri Octarina Sandy, Asran Asran, Kartika Kartika · Jurnal Litek Jurnal Listrik Telekomunikasi Elektronika · Indonesia

This research aimed to design and build an automatic plant watering system for urban home gardens, specifically for chili plants, using Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The system utilized a NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller, a soil moisture sensor, an HC-SR04 water availability sensor, and an LCD I2C display, with the Blynk application for plant monitoring. The system was successfully designed and built, with component configurations and power supply tests showing stable operation. Overall humidity tests on three soil types, comparing manual and automatic methods, showed an average error of 19%.

Dwiyana Anela Kurniasari, Siti Alimah, Didik Daryanto, Yusuf Baunsele, Summarningsih Summarningsih · Prosiding Konferensi Nasional Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat dan Corporate Social Responsibility (PKM-CSR) · Indonesia (Surabaya)

To address declining millennial interest in agriculture at SMA WIJAYA PUTRA in Surabaya, a Millennial Farmer School program was implemented to provide education and guidance on hydroponic urban farming. The program utilized education, training, mentoring, and evaluation methods. Results showed that 80% of students developed an interest in hydroponic cultivation, and 84% acquired hydroponic cultivation skills.

Ristina Siti Sundari, Lies Sulistyowati, Trisna Insan Noor, Iwan Setiawan · IntechOpen eBooks · Indonesia

Urban farming is expanding globally due to large urban areas, population density, and the demand for local, healthier food. Limited urban space drives the adoption of soilless culture, such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics, for cultivating agricultural commodities, often in vertical farming. Urban farmers, typically with limited skills but high curiosity, primarily engage in urban farming for household self-demand rather than commercial agribusiness.

Doni Sahat Tua Manalu, Ade Astri Muliasari, Hidayati Fatchur R, Faranita Ratih L · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Pemberdayaan Inovasi dan Perubahan · Indonesia

This community service activity aimed to socialize digital marketing for ornamental plants and vegetables from urban farming during the Covid-19 pandemic in Cihideung Ilir Village, Indonesia. It was found that many digital marketing platforms are easily usable by participants, supported by the increasing number of internet users in Indonesia. Participants primarily grew plants to increase household income and consumption, and 100% stated the activities increased their knowledge and were important.

Muhammad Adryan Okuputra, Taqiya Rooshida Faramitha, Isnawati Hidayah, Vina Noya Siregar, Galih Dwi Prastio · Jurnal Manajemen · Indonesia (Malang)

A study analyzed hydroponic urban farming as an entrepreneurial development effort in Karangwidoro Village, Malang Regency, Indonesia, where the project has been running since early 2020. Using a community-based research method and SWOT analysis, the study found that Karangwidoro village agriculture has a great opportunity to be developed as a profit business.

Parman Sukarno, Rahmat Yasirandi, Rio Guntur Utomo, Muhammad Al Makky, Ridha Muldina Negara, Sri Rezeki · Jurnal Agritech · Indonesia (Bandung)

This study aimed to determine the technology readiness of Agricultural Extension Officers (AOE) in Bandung City, Indonesia, regarding the digitalization of the "Buruan Sae" urban farming program. Using the Technology Readiness Index (TRI) Model, the AOE population achieved a value of 3.365, categorizing them as a Medium Technology Readiness group. The study found that 37.5% were "Explorers" who would quickly adopt technology, and no "Laggards" were present, indicating a general acceptance of technological change.

Jianren Shi, Qiaoyun Guo, Xiumin Zhao · Sustainability · China (Hangzhou)

This paper applies permaculture design concepts to an "air vegetable plot" urban farm in lowland communities of Hangzhou, China, combining urban life with traditional agricultural production. It proposes an "Internet + Agriculture" integration strategy to build a multi-functional industry of life, production, and ecology. The aim is to promote sustainable rural development and common prosperity through agricultural industry digitization.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Annisa Nurulita Hasani, Muhammad Hasan, Citra Ayni Kamaruddin, Nurdiana Nurdiana, Nurjannah Nurjannah · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pembangunan dan Pendidikan Vokasi Pertanian · Indonesia (Makassar)

This qualitative descriptive study, using observation and interviews with purposive sampling, analyzed the development of urban agriculture potential and innovations managed by KWT Anggrek in Makassar City, Indonesia. The research aimed to identify potential developments and applicable innovations, finding that active roles from the community, government, and agricultural extension workers are needed. Key indicators included resource effectiveness, sustainability, ICT utilization, agricultural environmental potential, existing innovations, and development constraints.

Ilyas Renreng, Luther Sule ., Andi Mangkau ., Zuryati Djafar, Nasruddin Azis ., Muhammad Syahid, Fauzan Fauzan, Abir Sakka, Arfandy · JURNAL TEPAT Applied Technology Journal for Community Engagement and Services · Indonesia

This paper introduces Smart Hydroponics, an automatic solar-energy-based system, as a solution for urban farming in Bontomarannu, Gowa Regency, Indonesia. The local community faces limited knowledge of utilizing narrow land for hydroponics, and while Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponics is efficient, its high operational costs (e.g., pump electricity) and complex maintenance are barriers. The Smart Hydroponics technology aims to enable modern, small-scale home cultivation with automation and energy independence.

Parman Sukarno, Rio Guntur Utomo, Rahmat Yasirandi, Novian Anggis Suwastika · JURNAL INFOTEL · Indonesia

This study evaluated a customer satisfaction model for "e-Buruan Sae," a Web 2.0-based application used by the government of Bandung City, Indonesia, to manage urban farming activities. Using a quantitative correlational approach based on Design Research Methodology, it measured satisfaction across six variables: ease of use, service quality, interactivity, trust, customer satisfaction, and IT development. Empirical testing showed that the ease-of-use and IT-development variables did not affect customer satisfaction, while the remaining variables (service quality, interactivity, and trust) had a positive effect on it.

Yoon Sup Cheong · Journal of Cultural Product & Design · South Korea

Against the backdrop of limited land for greening in cities, this paper proposes the design of a multifunctional garden box capable of both soil-based and hydroponic cultivation, providing sufficient soil depth and sustained water supply for container planting. It describes mold design and injection-molding production for mass manufacture, along with various sales and distribution methods. The conclusion raises the issues of coexistence with existing farmers and the safety of edible plant production under urban air pollution.

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.

Herman Hamdani, Ibnu Bangkit Bioshina Suryadi, Zahidah Zahidah, Yuli Andriani, Lantun Paradhita Dewanti, Rioaldi Sugandhy · Jurnal Berdaya · Indonesia

This is a community service report on a water-saving "tidal aquaponics" system — combining fish farming with hydroponics, using rising and falling water levels in a gravel planting bed to recirculate water back to the fish pond as an oxygen source — implemented in Tanjungsari Village, Sumedang Regency, Indonesia. The village, an example of an urban fringe community, had already adopted this system for its advantages: it can be used on limited land, saves water, requires no fertilizer, and can add aesthetic value to marginal land if arranged well. The activity was conducted through demonstrations, technical meetings and field meetings, with the objective of meeting household-scale protein needs using limited resources; given the limited availability of clean water in densely populated areas, the report frames this as an example of water-efficient, environmentally conscious urban farming.

Indra Griha Tofik Isa, Riana Mayasari, Rian Rahmanda Putra · Community Development Journal Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia

The Macan Kumbang fish farming group in Demang Lebar Daun village, Indonesia, faced challenges including untimely feeding, overfeeding, difficulty measuring water quality, lack of waste management, and issues predicting capital return. This activity aimed to build IoT-based fish farming technology integrated with urban farming to address these problems. The final results showed increased cost effectiveness and production after the implementation of the fish farming technology.

Han Kyul Heo, Eunseok Lee · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea

This study investigated types of vertical smart farms (VSF) and citizens' awareness of them in Korean cities through case studies and a questionnaire survey. Four VSF types were identified: rooftop, facade, indoor, and whole-building farms. The survey found that 22.2% of respondents were well-aware of VSF, and improving public awareness was considered the most important factor for VSF introduction. Education and promotion were deemed crucial for VSF diffusion.

Haryanto Tanuwijaya, A.B Tjandrarini · Surya Abdimas · Indonesia (Surabaya)

The Kelompok Tani Elok Mekar Sari farmer group in Surabaya, Indonesia, experienced a decline in performance during the COVID-19 pandemic because its members lacked the skills to use online applications for their activities. To address this, a community service initiative provided training on the Zoom Meeting Platform, both offline and online. This training successfully enhanced the group's performance by enabling members to conduct various activities remotely while adhering to health protocols.

Institut Teknologi Bandung, Ernawati Ernawati, Indratmo Soekarno, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Joko Sıswanto, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Yadi Suryadi, Institut Teknologi Bandung · Jurnal Keteknikan Pertanian Tropis dan Biosistem · Indonesia

This study discusses the need for competent human resources to support urban farming in Indonesia, given limited land and busy urban populations. It notes that only 24% of the community intends to engage in urban farming, and only 2% actually do, resulting in suboptimal outcomes. The research emphasizes that strong cooperation between the government and community is essential for urban farming to contribute to food security.

Marselina Wali, Agustina Pali, Bonaventura Conradus Kelala Huar · International Journal of Community Service Learning · Indonesia

A community-service report introducing hydroponic modern farming as an alternative requiring little land in Potulando sub-district, a densely populated, farmland-scarce area in the town centre of Ende Regency, Indonesia. The method applied was water-culture hydroponics, in which roots are placed in a nutrient-rich solution, and training targeted the village head, sub-district staff, and selected resident representatives. Results showed that hydroponic vegetable cultivation was more efficient than conventional cultivation in terms of land use and productivity, and was found suitable for application as an urban farming system.

Eun Yu, Yu Bin Yang, Seo Yoon Park, Eun Bin Jeon, Chae Rim Oh · Journal of Basic Design & Art · South Korea

Focusing on public community garden plots along Nowon-gu's Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail in Seoul, South Korea, this study used a Research Through Design methodology to develop a mobile application for integrated garden plot management. Surveying stakeholders, including potential users, connected to garden plots and weekend farms to identify problems and opportunity areas, the project developed service ideas and features including crop-management functions, a farm-tool rental function, and a community function allowing garden-plot users in a given area to communicate and help one another.