Research & reports

Faisal Arafat, Christine Wulandari, Rommy Qurniati · Jurnal Sylva Lestari · Indonesia

This study of Talang Mulya village, Padang Cermin district, Pesawaran, Indonesia, examines residents' willingness to accept (WTA) payment for environmental services (PES) aimed at rehabilitating the hydrological function of the upstream Way Betung sub-watershed, along with the factors influencing WTA and residents' preferred incentive forms, using WTA analysis, regression analysis, and descriptive qualitative analysis. The average respondent WTA was Rp 8,552.63 per tree per year; multiplied by the 1,462 trees in the mixed community garden, this yields a total village WTA value of Rp 12,503,945.06 per year. Education level, age, and land tenure status significantly influenced WTA value, and preferred incentive forms were cash, rural development support, seedling and fertilizer donations, and farm animals.

주혜선, Youjin Jang, 박천호 · · South Korea

A study of participants in a family-oriented urban agriculture experience program in South Korea (2015) compared a participant group with a control group. Family cohesion increased significantly in the participant group after the program, with no significant change in the control group. Recognition of urban agriculture also increased significantly among participants between pre- and post-program measurements. Among program activities, a kitchen-garden module was rated most preferred, followed by seeding, potato planting, an herbal lecture with vinegar-making, and lotus-leaf harvesting with cooking. Participants reported reduced stress, increased family unity, intimacy and dialogue, and high satisfaction with the garden's soil conditions.

王京鹏, 吴仁武, 徐宁伟 · Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Sunyatseni · China

Using the Liuyiyuan urban agriculture demonstration park in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China as a case study, this paper (2015) examines an "agriculture-education-economy" cyclical development model that combines student practical education with socioeconomic benefits, framed against Wenzhou's agricultural upgrading and transformation. Focusing on spatial planning and project design, it proposes a planning philosophy built on attractive plant landscapes and informed by local cultural characteristics and visitor psychological needs, organically integrating tourism, agricultural production, demonstration and outreach, cultural recreation, science education, and leisure activities within the natural environment, aiming to create a favorable learning environment that unifies human activity with the natural setting.

Waritsatul Firdausi, Enny Zulaika · Bioeksperimen Jurnal Penelitian Biologi · Indonesia

Azotobacter spp., a genus of non-symbiotic soil bacteria known for nitrogen fixation, was examined for its potential to degrade lipids and proteins using isolates collected from the Eco Urban Farming site at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Indonesia. Degradation ability was assessed via a Biodegradation Index (IB) across isolates A1a, A1b, A2, A3, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9 and A10. All isolates degraded lipid except A5, with the highest IB found in isolate A1b (1.00). All isolates degraded protein except A7, with the highest IB found in isolate A8 (3.00).

Ahmad Ahsan · · Indonesia

In response to rising demand for perishable produce such as fresh vegetables and fruit driven by healthy-living campaigns, and the weaknesses of traditional supply chain management that lacks demand information for operational decisions such as planting schedules, a paper proposes an information-technology-based integrated supply chain management system for urban agricultural products that lets producers, distribution center administrators, retail administrators, store administrators and consumers share network-wide information. The system is presented as making planting-schedule planning, crop selection, harvest scheduling and demand-fulfillment reporting easier to carry out.

Soo‐Ho Choi, Seunghyun Lee, Eun-Jee Kang, Young-Geun Kim · 농촌지도와 개발 · South Korea

In an urban-rural complex city in South Korea created in 1995 to foster symbiosis between city and countryside, a user survey at the Namyangju Agricultural Technology Center compared how agriculturalists and nonagriculturalists perceive the center's role and function. Agriculturalists mainly visited to take part in agriculture-related education programs, while nonagriculturalists visited more for agricultural understanding, leisure, children's education and hands-on field programs, and nonagriculturalists expressed stronger demand for urban agriculture, research on improving rural living, adjustment education for returning farmers, and farming-promotion functions, pointing to a need for the center to change its services for its growing nonagriculturalist user base.

· Journal of Land Use Science · Vietnam (Hanoi)

Analyzes the spatial and temporal patterns of agricultural land conversion in the peri-urban areas of Hanoi, Vietnam.

Jennifer R. Wolch, Jason Byrne, Joshua P. Newell · Landscape and Urban Planning · USA / China (comparative)

Reviews greening efforts in US and Chinese cities and documents the 'urban green space paradox': public greening policy meant to improve health disproportionately benefits affluent white communities and can displace the intended beneficiaries via rising property values.

Prem José Vazhacharickal, Sumita Gupta Gangopadhyay · Kobra (Universitätsbibliothek Kassel) · India

This paper examines urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in India, focusing on wastewater irrigation and its associated human health risks. The study identifies potential health hazards for farmers, laborers, and consumers, including microbial pathogens and helminth (intestinal parasites). While UPA is presented as an option to address urban food demand, the paper emphasizes that "good practice UPA" requires integrated approaches and suitable risk reduction mechanisms to improve safety.

Yu Wang · · China (Xi'an)

This paper constructed indicators for urban agricultural land use efficiency by incorporating urban agricultural ecosystem service indexes and evaluating their values in Xi'an city using the DEA method, analyzing temporal and spatial changes. Results showed that economic efficiency of agricultural land use gradually increased from 2010 to 2012, reaching 1 in 2011 and 2012, with social and eco-efficiency both in good conditions, indicating increasingly significant urban agriculture service functions. However, economic efficiency decreased spatially from urban core to suburban and rural areas, while social efficiency remained generally high, and eco-efficiency diminished from the city to surrounding counties.

권경호 · 한국생태환경건축학회 학술발표대회 논문집 · South Korea

This study aimed to support the decision of design volume for small rainwater cisterns for urban farming. Using the STORM Rainfall-Runoff Model, a computer simulation was conducted to determine optimal design capacities under specific unit catchment and farming area circumstances. The findings provide guidance for designing rainwater harvesting facilities for urban agriculture.

Chen Ao Nan · 农民致富之友 · China (Wudang District)

A field survey conducted on agricultural parks in Wudang District, Guizhou Province, China, studied the development status, progress, and existing problems of the Wudang District Cherry Modern High-Efficiency Agricultural Demonstration Park. The findings indicated that while the park's construction progressed rapidly and orderly with some innovations in its operating mechanism, it also faced many problems and difficulties.

Sodak Maharisi, Machfud, Agus Maulana · Jurnal Aplikasi Manajemen · Indonesia (South Tangerang City)

This research aimed to formulate alternative strategies for urban agricultural development in South Tangerang City, which faces challenges related to a lack of resources, especially land. Vision and mission were formulated based on content analysis of stakeholder expectations and industry foresight, while strategy formulation used the IE matrix and balanced scorecard framework. The South Tangerang city government's position in developing urban agriculture was located on cell V, and the best strategy was to continue existing programs and activities, increasing their intensity and creating new types of services.

오주석, 김세용 · 한국도시설계학회지 도시설계 · South Korea (Seoul)

This study aims to efficiently introduce and improve the quality of urban agriculture in apartment complexes in South Korea. Focusing on one apartment complex in Seoul, the research analyzed sunlight conditions and resident preferences to identify suitable idle land for urban agriculture. The study derived appropriate crops based on soil depth, sunlight, and support conditions of the idle land, proposing cultivation area calculations, a development plan, and an operational and support system.

Haijian Feng, Zhongxue Zhou · Zhongguo shengtai nongye xuebao · China (Xi'an)

This study analyzed the spatial differentiation of urban agricultural functions in the Xi'an metropolitan zone, China, using ArcGIS grid technology at a 0.5 km × 0.5 km scale. Findings showed that production-economic function increased from southwest to northeast and from near-suburban to mid-far-suburban plains, while employment function was lower in the Qinling mountainous area than in plains. Cultural-leisure function exhibited a concentric spatial structure, and ecological function decreased from the urban periphery to the center, with severe fragmentation of ecological function value distribution areas.

王长亮, 王玉 · 农产品市场周刊 · China (Jinan)

This article discusses the concept of "urban agriculture," which originated in the United States in the 1950s and 60s. It defines urban agriculture as modern agriculture in urbanized areas that utilizes rural landscapes, natural ecology, and environmental resources for leisure, tourism, education, and innovation. The text suggests that the development of urban and sightseeing agriculture has promising prospects due to increasing demand for green food and ecological environments.

赵子军 · 中国标准化 · China (Beijing)

This article discusses the path for agricultural modernization in Beijing, China, emphasizing a "city-type" modern agriculture. "City-type" modern agriculture is defined as highly intensive and multifunctional agriculture developed near cities in blurred urban-rural boundaries. It aims to provide urban residents with quality agricultural products and beautiful ecological environments, as well as spaces for leisure, agricultural experiences, and rural understanding.

오주석 · · South Korea

This research aims to improve urban circumstances and boost the quality of domestic urban agriculture by exploring ways to introduce and implement urban agriculture in multi-family housing complexes. The paper first analyzes the current status of urban agriculture via a literature review.

Zhu Rong-ji · Chinese Horticulture Abstracts · China

After its introduction to China, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) developed rapidly, leading to the emergence of specialized small organic farms. However, these traditional farms cannot meet public demand due to their limited reach. Agricultural demonstration zones, serving as platforms for innovation and incubators, are expected to promote the application and extension of the CSA model in China.

Cunwang Cheng, Yan Shi · · China

A 2012 plasticizer scandal in China's liquor industry, which caused significant market value losses, highlighted food safety concerns. This context encourages urban organic farming, a multi-functional system that combines organic and urban agriculture. Urban organic farming shortens traditional industrial chains and is driven by the urban middle class, aligning with modern agricultural development.

郑书剑 · 国际城市规划 · China (Pearl River Delta)

This paper discusses "Cheng Bian Cun" (peri-urban villages) in China's Pearl River Delta region, identifying them as distinct settlements with diverse functions like housing low-income residents, suburban commerce, small industries, and urban agriculture. It argues that these functions are crucial for the overall human settlement system, but the current urban-rural dual system hinders their flexibility. The paper proposes that urban-rural planning should focus on integration, address land system limitations, and meet the needs for upgraded services and land resource market entry to improve residential rights and guide free operations in these villages.

Jin‐Won Kim, In‐Wook Choi, Won-Seok Na, Enkhjargar Baljii, Yong-Man Yu, Young Nam Youn, Young‐Ha Lee · Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety · South Korea (Seoul)

From September to October 2012, 530 samples of nine vegetable types were collected from 11 urban community gardens in Seoul to assess their microbiological quality. Mean total aerobic bacteria and coliforms were detected at 6.3 log CFU/g and 4.3 log CFU/g, respectively, with coliforms found in 67% of samples and E. coli in 2.3%. While foodborne pathogens were not detected, the presence of coliforms and E. coli indicates room for improvement in microbiological safety.

Evy Latifah, Kuntoro Boga, dan Joko Maryono · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Indonesia (Kediri)

In 2012, a school vegetable garden model was introduced at SMK Negeri Plosoklaten in Kediri, Indonesia, to promote increased vegetable consumption among students. Ten types of vegetables were grown on a 36 m² plot, with students participating in their maintenance. The total harvest was 249.6 kg, equivalent to 683.8 grams per day, demonstrating that a four-member family could consume 171g of vegetables per person per day. This amount met 43% of the WHO's recommended fruit and vegetable intake, or 85% for vegetables alone.

Tian Ming-hu · Beijing Linye Daxue xuebao · China (Beijing)

This paper surveyed 872 residents in Beijing from August to October 2012, using the contingent valuation method to estimate the potential value of Beijing's community gardens. Results showed that the average amount people were willing to pay for community gardens was 1002.62 RMB per person, the average area people tended to rent was 38.80 m² per person, and the total amount people were willing to pay was 12.301 billion RMB.

Jiang Lu · Nongye jingji yu guanli · China (Beijing)

This study analyzed the current state of urban agriculture development in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, focusing on aspects like leading industry and farmers' income. It found that while the urban agriculture layout was basically formed, significant problems exist. These include resource and environmental crises, a lack of integrated regional planning, imperfect municipal systems, and challenges in upgrading the agricultural industry.