Research & reports

Neta Dian Lestari, Reva Maria Valianti, Nur Ahyani, Anisah Anisah, Aan Nugraha, Violita Fadhilah · DIKDIMAS Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia

This Community Service project aimed to enhance entrepreneurial skills among students at SMAN 1 Payaraman, Indonesia, addressing the underutilization of the school garden and limited knowledge in product processing and marketing. The program, implemented through five stages including training and equipment provision, significantly improved students' practical skills and achieved high participant satisfaction. It also resulted in the successful acquisition of Intellectual Property Rights for developed products, transforming the school community's ability to produce high-economic-value goods.

Haili Zhang, Wei Wang, Yichao Wang, Fanxin Meng, Rongguang Shi, Hui Xue, Mir Muhammad Nizamani, Zongshan Zhao · Sustainability · China (Jinan)

This study investigated urban green space (UGS) changes in Jinan, China, over two decades, focusing on urban functional units (UFUs) using remote sensing technology. Findings revealed UGS expansion driven by parks and leisure areas, with economic factors like housing prices increasingly influencing UGS distribution in affluent UFUs. Challenges remain in balancing green space with urban expansion, particularly in commercial and residential UFUs.

Mengqi Shao, Linjun Xie · Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning · China (Shanghai)

This study explored the dynamics of civil society organization (CSO)-government relationships through community gardens as governance spaces in Shanghai. Through empirical case studies of three community garden projects, it revealed how political, practical, and personal spheres shape the evolving dynamics between CSOs and local governments. The research highlighted CSOs' pivotal role in mediating between the state and local communities, but noted that challenges such as power asymmetries persist.

Sheetal Patil, Simi John, Pooja Sagar, Narmada A. Khare, Kruthika Ganesh · · India

This book explores the integration of regenerative urban agriculture within sustainable cityscapes, using the IIHS Kengeri Campus in India as a case study. The campus functions as a 'living lab' for sustainable soil and water management, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and urban food production. By experimenting with interdisciplinary approaches, the book highlights innovative models for food and water security in rapidly urbanizing environments.

Muhammad Rifal Ramadhan, Teguh Soedarto, Ika Sari Tondang · Jurnal Ilmiah Sosio Agribis · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study aimed to formulate urban farming development strategies implemented by the Food Security and Agriculture Service (DKPP) of Surabaya City, Indonesia, by identifying internal and external factors using SWOT and QSPM analysis. A descriptive quantitative approach was used, collecting data through questionnaires, observations, documentation, and interviews with 12 respondents (urban farmer groups and DKPP staff). The analysis indicated that DKPP possesses internal strengths like competent human resources and effective training, and external opportunities such as government support and potential institutional partnerships. Expanding collaboration with educational institutions and communities was identified as the top-priority strategy.

Vivi Oktari, Zahratun Nupus · KREATIF Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Nusantara · Indonesia

This community service program in Cipayung, Indonesia, aimed to empower urban farmers at Edufarm Hydroponic Cipayung through sustainable marketing strategies, focusing on eco-friendly packaging and digital platforms. Participants learned to redesign product packaging using environmentally friendly materials and to market their products digitally. As a result, participants demonstrated an increased understanding of sustainable marketing, and some successfully increased product prices by 10–20% without reducing buyer interest. The program's implementation was limited by time and technological access.

Ryo Kimura, Mika Hayashi · International Journal of Horticulture and Food Science · China

A trial at the Fukuoka Research Institute of Applied Horticulture (March-November 2023) compared five urban cultivation systems for dwarf citrus under simulated Ordos Plateau conditions. Community allotment plots yielded the highest fruit (18.4 kg plant⁻¹) and best sensory scores (7.9/10), with rooftop gardens second (12.7 kg plant⁻¹). GIS mapping identified rooftops with over 6 hours of direct sunlight as most suitable urban niches, and magnesium foliar sprays at 0.5% MgSO₄ improved chlorophyll by 18.3% across all systems.

Banobe, Maryanto · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Indonesia (Kupang)

This study analyzed the economic position and dynamics of the agricultural sector in Kupang City compared to East Nusa Tenggara Province, using data from 2014–2019. Results showed that Kupang City's economic structure is dominated by tertiary sectors, and the agricultural sector has an LQ of 0.07 and a DLQ of 0.85, indicating it is a non-base and non-prospective sector. This confirms a structural economic transformation from the primary sector towards service-oriented sectors.

Desie Andreastuti, Bimantara Nur Alim · Journal Ilmu Sosial Politik dan Pemerintahan · Indonesia (Kutai Kartanegara)

This study analyzed urban farming as an innovative strategy in public management in Kutai Kartanegara. Using a qualitative methodology based on a literature review, it identified the opportunities, challenges, and impacts of urban farming implementation. The findings indicate that policy support, training, and stakeholder involvement are key to success, demonstrating a collaborative model among government, community, and the private sector to achieve social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Tresia Manalu, Nadya Stefania Hutauruk, Sri Rahayu Sinaga, Riza Indriani · Jurnal Ecoment Global · Indonesia (Medan)

This descriptive qualitative study analyzed external factors affecting the Rumah Anggur Ardo nursery business in Medan, Indonesia, using PESTEL and Porter's Five Forces frameworks. Findings indicate a relatively favorable competitive environment, with urban farming as a hobby presenting a main opportunity. However, significant challenges include high rainfall damaging seedlings and the absence of material support from the government.

A.K. Sen · International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology · India

Agriculture in West Bengal, India, faces challenges including decreasing farm sizes, lack of modern farming knowledge, rural migration, and low farmer income. This research explores the design and development of an Urban Agricultural Skill Development Centre (UASDC) to bridge the gap between traditional and modern farming practices. The project proposes a self-sustaining model integrating skill training, marketplace access, and architectural design to enhance farmer income, promote environmental sustainability, and strengthen rural-urban linkages.

Universitas Perjuangan, Ristina Siti Sundari, Lies Sulistyowati, Universitas Padjadjaran, Trisna Insan Noor, Universitas Padjadjaran, Iwan Setiawan, Universitas Padjadjaran, Farhan Ahmad, Universitas Padjadjaran, RAFIF NAUFAL ASSADEL TARIGAN, Universitas Siliwangi · Journal of Sustainability Science and Management · Indonesia (Tasikmalaya)

This study, conducted from February to December 2021, investigated women's implementation of urban agriculture in Tasikmalaya, Indonesia, involving 250 participants from 136 urban farming collectives. Despite 100% institutional support, urban farming faced significant challenges in market access, resource allocation, and regulatory frameworks. The findings highlighted the importance of urban farming for empowering women, reducing poverty, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Sehreena Maqbool · International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology · India (Srinagar)

This study examined the socio-economic viability and sustainability of vegetable cultivation in urban clusters, specifically the Narkara belt of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. Analyzing primary data from 60 urban vegetable growers and market functionaries, the research found that vegetable farming substantially contributes to household income and nutrition. It also suggests that institutional support and market reforms could enhance its performance, proposing recommendations for urban agricultural policy.

Yunita Dwi Astuti, Chrisdina Wempi · Jurnal Sosial Teknologi · Indonesia

In Tambakredjo Village, Indonesia, the impact of participatory communication within PT. Saka Energi Muriah Limited's urban farming program was analyzed using a qualitative descriptive case study. Findings indicated that participatory communication contributed to increased community empowerment, self-confidence, and farming skills. Economically, the program strengthened food security and created new business opportunities, and social interaction in training strengthened relationships among residents.

Hedwig Ajeng Grahani, Seno Budhi Ajar · Jurnal Ilmiah Ekonomi Bisnis · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)

This study investigated how urban farming contributes to household income and shapes income disparities among urban farmers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, using data from 217 urban farming households. Urban farming's contribution to total income was lowest among low–middle income households (1.38%) and highest among middle–high income households (50.06%), with an overall average of 30.98%. Regression analysis confirmed that higher-income households gain more from urban farming, while other income sources reduce its relative importance. These results suggest urban farming serves as a key income generator for wealthier households but remains supplementary for poorer ones.

Manda Ayu Febrianti, Dewi Casmiwati · JIIP - Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan · Indonesia (Surabaya)

A qualitative descriptive study in Kampung Ijo, Surabaya City, Indonesia, investigated women's empowerment through urban farming innovation. Focusing on three stages—awareness, capacity building, and empowerment—the study found that urban farming provided economic, social, and environmental benefits to the local community. However, limitations such as minimal local government support and technical challenges during the rainy season were also identified.

Erwin Wisnubroto, Maurus Barrawiadi · JURNAL PERTANIAN · Indonesia (Batu)

This study in Batu City, Indonesia, evaluated the sustainability of agricultural production in three sub-districts—Batu, Junrejo, and Bumiaji—using the PROMETHEE method. Data were collected through FGDs, interviews with key stakeholders, and secondary statistical sources, analyzing five sustainability indicators including horticultural vegetables, biopharmaceutical crops, ornamental plants, fruit crops, and small farmer labor availability. The results showed that Bumiaji sub-district had the highest net flow value for sustainability, while Batu sub-district showed declining performance.

Durrotun Nafisah, Ika Purnamasari, Isnawati Isnawati, Zulfin Rachma Mufidah · Journal of Community Service and Empowerment · Indonesia

An ecopreneurship-based urban farming assistance program was implemented with the Karya Jaya 4 Farmers Group in Deket District, Indonesia, where agricultural land conversion reduced rice and fish production. The program provided training on hydroponic aquaponic systems and supported the construction of five backyard systems. This initiative increased participants' knowledge and skills, achieved an 85% success rate in system management, and contributed to increased household food production, income, and food security.

Dewah Hari Sayogo, Nur Magfirah Aestetika · Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy · Indonesia

This qualitative case study analyzed Tanduria's branding strategy for its organic fertilizer and pesticide products, focusing on brand strength, uniqueness, and favorability. Through direct observations and in-depth interviews with Tanduria’s founders, the study found that the Indonesian urban farming platform successfully promotes its brand by emphasizing ease of use and environmental sustainability, particularly targeting the Millennial generation for home-based planting. This strategy effectively strengthens Tanduria's image as a modern, eco-friendly brand aligned with urban lifestyles.

Koenraad Danneels · Landscape Research · India (Bangalore)

This paper responds to a critique regarding urban agriculture (UA) and urban planning in Bangalore, India, between the 1950s and 1970s. While urban agriculture is recognized as an emancipatory driver with economic, social, and physical benefits for urban dwellers, the abstract indicates a critical perspective on its promotion.

Supriya Chandrakant Gaikwad · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · India (Sikkim)

This paper synthesizes six studies to examine Sikkim's organic farming model, evaluating farmer perceptions, productivity, policy gaps, and urban innovations like rooftop farming. While organic farming in Sikkim boosted yields, lowered input expenses, and improved environmental conditions, marketing and scalability remain significant obstacles, and short-term transition costs and limited market infrastructure are economic constraints. Rooftop agriculture in Gangtok was identified as a valuable addition for urban food security.

Avisema Sigit Saputro, Sumarmi Sumarmi · Jurnal SOLMA · Indonesia (Surakarta)

A community service activity on floating raft hydroponics was conducted in Pundung Gede, Surakarta, Indonesia, on August 17, 2024, with 15 PKK mothers. The initiative aimed to educate residents on urban farming methods to utilize limited urban land for vegetable cultivation, addressing their unfamiliarity with floating raft hydroponics. The activity successfully enabled many participants to understand and practice floating raft cultivation at home.

Megah Stefani, Bunga Cahya Putri, Wardina Humayrah · Community Empowerment · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This community service program at RPTRA Rasamala, South Jakarta, aimed to improve planting literacy and food production efficiency using mini-greenhouse optimization. Employing a participatory approach with Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Just-In-Time (JIT) techniques, the program reduced seedling growth time from 14 to 10 days, increased the production cycle by 38%, and cut water and fertilizer usage by 30%. Participants also gained technical understanding of organic planting media and harvest utilization for family nutrition.

H R RAMYA, G.A. Atheequlla, R. Venkattakumar, R R THOMAS · Journal of Horticultural Sciences · India

This study examined urban horticulture practices, socio-economic benefits, and constraints among 51 respondents from 5 southern states in India. Respondents spent 1-5 hours daily on urban horticulture, primarily for chemical-free food (92%) and stress relief (69%). After adopting urban farming, 67% reduced market visits to 1-2 times, and 33% to 3-5 times, with monthly savings ranging from Rs.200/- to Rs.1000/- per individual. Major challenges identified were pest infestation (35.29%), space limitations (27.45%), and knowledge gaps (23.53%).

I Made Tamba · International Journal of Agricultural Economics · Indonesia

This study analyzed the determinants of productivity in Indonesia's agricultural sector. Using 2023 secondary data from 34 provinces in Indonesia and ridge regression, it found that agricultural technology adoption, plantation sector categorization, and urban farming use significantly associate with agricultural sector productivity. In labor modeling, the number of land-owning farmers and the Human Development Index showed significant associations, and cluster analysis revealed three distinct regional groups.