Research & reports

Fan Xu, Fangke Xu, Pu Xu, Min Liu, Yufeng Li · Sustainability · China

A study of 106 questionnaire responses from new urban agricultural business entities in Shanghai, China (Sustainability, 2023) combined the Theory of Planned Behavior with the Motivation-Opportunity-Ability model and a binary Probit regression to examine online sales intentions and behavior for low-carbon agricultural products. Economic expectations and social norms significantly improved online sales intention at the formation stage, while behavior control was found not to be conducive to improving online sales intention. The study also identified a gap between operators' willingness to sell online and their actual behavior, and found that strengthening policy conditions and management capacity helped convert stated willingness into actual online-selling behavior.

Ilham Nur Hanifan Maulana, Ahmad Herlyasa Sosro Pratama, Sukardi Sukardi, Handayani Nurhayati, Della Agustina Putri, Tasya Fiane Wardah · Ecoplan · Indonesia

A qualitative case study using a literature review (via Mendeley, Zotero and Google Scholar) examined variations in how urban farming is applied to sustain food security in Malang City, Indonesia, an area facing high housing demand and land shortages. It found that urban farming can strengthen household food security, that motivation to farm, human resource capacity, and community participation are important factors in boosting self-reliant economic empowerment, and that vertical hydroponic "superblocks" have become a popular urban-farming cultivation method.

Li Jiacheng · Eco-Business / Dialogue Earth · China

China's mandatory waste-sorting policy, launched in Shanghai in 2019, improved diversion and recycling but created a new problem: overbuilt waste-to-energy incineration capacity. Shanghai diverted 54% of its waste (6.46 million tonnes) in 2021, up from 21% in 2018, while the number of national incinerators grew from 130 in 2011 to 927 by 2023, pushing 2022 national overcapacity to 100.99%.

Fa Likitswat, Alisa Sahavacharin · Journal of Architectural/Planning Research and Studies (JARS) · Thailand (Bangkok)

This research analyzed landscape transformations, specifically agricultural landscape structures and functions, in eight selected sites in the urban fringe of Bangkok from 1952 to 2018. The study found that the significant loss of agricultural landscape in Bangkok's peri-urban areas resulted in the loss of seasonal water retention areas, productive landscapes, and urban wildlife habitats. It concludes there is a research gap regarding the lack of policies and practices to promote ecosystem services linked to preserving peri-urban agriculture in Bangkok.

Giorgio Jivanka, Petrus Rudi Kasimun · Jurnal Sains Teknologi Urban Perancangan Arsitektur (Stupa) · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This study analyzes the application of a hybrid concept in a residential project in Jakarta, Indonesia, focusing on simple rental flats (Rusunawa) and urban farming. It aims to address land degradation and poverty by integrating urban plantations to support residents' economic aspects, alongside considering social adaptation needs. The hybrid concept, guided by criteria like project scale and function diversity, serves as a design criterion for work-based residential buildings.

Guangyuan Niu, Guiling Wang, Qingchao Lu, Chuanhe Xiong · Polish Journal of Environmental Studies · China

This study built an evaluation model for urban-agriculture-ecology space in China's Yangtze River Delta to analyze its spatial function characteristics. Results showed a high overlap in the spatial distribution of urban and agricultural functions, concentrated in Shanghai, southern Jiangsu, and coastal Zhejiang, while ecological functions were clearly weak. The Yangtze River Delta was divided into six functional zones using an improved clustering algorithm, and scientific countermeasures and suggestions for rational land space utilization and development were proposed.

Ningze Yang, Xuetao Sun, Qi Qi · Frontiers in Environmental Science · China

This study analyzed the role of factor quality in reducing agricultural carbon emissions using the SARAR model and data from 280 urban agricultural sectors in China, based on the high-standard farmland construction policy. It found a significant spatial correlation and that factor quality improvement can reduce agricultural carbon emissions, particularly in areas with higher agricultural development. Factor quality reduces agricultural carbon emissions and promotes agricultural industrial structure transformation through the mediating factor of agricultural carbon emissions.

Zihao Chen, Lin Guo, Zilong Zhang · Highlights in Science Engineering and Technology · China (Shenzhen)

As urbanization accelerates in China, urban green space is becoming increasingly insufficient. This study analyzed Shenzhen's current three-dimensional greening policies and compared them with those of advanced foreign cities. The findings revealed three problems in Shenzhen's policies: a small scope of application, a lack of planning elements, and a low degree of compulsion. The paper proposes improvement solutions and optimization suggestions based on the governance experiences of other cities to address these shortcomings.

Ekaterina S. Shafrai · Architecton Proceedings of Higher Education · South Korea (Seoul)

This study examines the use of green roofs and facades in Seoul, South Korea, linking their widespread adoption to climatic features, systematic municipal support, and promotion of urban farming. It notes their practical, ecological, aesthetic, and social functions, with complex effects depending on building type and climatic factors. The study also highlights that direct adoption of this experience in Russia is not feasible due to climatic differences.

Arpan Johari Architect, Hemant Diyalani · International Journal of Science Engineering and Management · India

The need for pedestrian zones in India is discussed, proposing a concept for walkways equipped with energy-generating tiles and photovoltaic panels. These walkways would power their own lighting from pedestrian movement and contribute to the grid. Some shade tops would also double as urban farming belts, aiming to improve urban walkability, biodiversity, and social landscape.

Kinanti Safitri, Oekan S. Abdoellah, Budhi Gunawan, Parikesit Parikesit, Yusep Suparman, Akhmad Mubarak, Margareth Pardede · The Qualitative Report · Indonesia (Bandung)

This mixed-method study, involving 107 export-scale urban farmers in the Bandung metropolitan area, Indonesia, investigated their adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Farmers prioritized commercial agriculture and adapted through market access, agricultural management, and financial resource strengthening. However, some adaptation methods were not environmentally friendly, as farmers increased reliance on synthetic inputs and used cold storage on open land, leading to intensive, non-environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

W.H Maria Agatha Sri, Trecy Austin, Indah Pusnita · Jurnal Abdimas Indonesia · Indonesia (Palembang)

In Sako Village, Palembang City, urban farming and educational gardens support improved food security as part of the "Kampung Iklim" program, which aims for climate change adaptation and mitigation. The area of RT 98 RW 37 was deemed suitable for urban farming, and an educational garden was implemented as an introduction and example of urban farming.

Udit Debangshi, Pritam Ghosh, Himanshu Tiwari, Durgesh Kumar Maurya, M. Kumar · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · India

India's urban population is projected to double by 2050, facing significant threats from climate change impacts such as increased rainfall intensity and temperature fluctuations. This paper discusses mitigation and adaptation strategies like climate-resilient agriculture and rooftop farming, emphasizing urban planning's potential role in developing and implementing adaptive responses.

Rahmad Aji Maulana, Hardi Warsono, Retno Sunu Astuti, Teuku Afrizal · PERSPEKTIF · Indonesia (Semarang)

A qualitative descriptive analysis study was conducted to develop urban agriculture in Semarang City, Indonesia. The study identified diverse potential for urban agriculture in Semarang, including various vegetables, cassava, sugar cane, durian, and mushrooms. It also found that urban agriculture offers environmental, economic, social, health, education, and tourism benefits, and noted that policy instruments through top-down and bottom-up approaches are essential.

Neneng Nurlaela Arief, Melia Famiola, Andika Putra Pratama, Prameshwara Anggahegari, Aghnia Nadhira Aliya Putri · Sustainability · Indonesia (Bandung)

This study examined the effectiveness of bio-based experiential learning in raising environmental awareness among 74 students (ages 9-11) in Bandung, Indonesia, using participatory action research and storytelling. The program provided valuable education on urban farming, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. The outcome demonstrated that this communication approach is effective.

Kinanti Safirtri, Oekan S. Abdoellah, Budhi Gunawan, Yusep Suparman, Parikesit Parikesit · The Qualitative Report · Indonesia

A qualitative study with 27 export-scale urban farmers in Bandung Metropolitan investigated market pressures to meet international food standards. While intended to encourage environmentally friendly practices, farmers interpreted the implementation of international food standards as an administrative formality for export requirements, rather than a critical reflection on environmental problems from intensive agricultural practices. Consequently, market pressure from international food standards was found to be paradoxical and ineffective in fostering farmers' environmental responsibility.

Nurhanis Abdullah, Muhammad Hasan, Muhammad Rakib · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Pangkajene Kepulauan · Indonesia (Makassar)

This qualitative explanatory study explored the potential of urban agriculture to contribute to sustainable urban development, using KWT Anggrek in Bara-Barayya District, Makassar City, Indonesia, as a case study. Makassar City is suitable for developing wetland, semi-wetland, horticultural, monthly, and seasonal crops by utilizing limited urban land. The findings indicate that urban agriculture is an important component that needs to be well-implemented to achieve sustainable and environmentally conscious urban development.

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.

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.

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.

Gendraya Rohaini, Sukendi Sukendi, Sofyan Husein Siregar, Dessy Yoswati · Jurnal Zona · Asia

This research aimed to plan an integration strategy between green open space (GOS) and an urban agriculture program in Duri City, Indonesia, a petroleum-producing city. Using a GIS-AHP approach, the study found that strategic integration of private GOS with urban agriculture contributes 14.134% to private GOS availability in Duri City, exceeding the 10% requirement mandated by the Spatial Arrangement Act.

黄甘霖 HUA Yeyu 华野毓 · Acta Ecologica Sinica · China (Beijing)

Ecosystem services from peri-urban organic farms in Beijing, China, were evaluated as of 2019. It was found that there were 271 organic farms in the suburbs of Beijing, covering a planting area of 10,900 hectares, accounting for 5.1% of the arable land in Beijing. Provision services were valued at 1.612 billion Yuan, regulation services (soil carbon sequestration) at 21.4 million Yuan, and cultural services (picking, farmers' markets, education activities) at 118.9 million Yuan. Organic farms also reduced energy use and emissions compared to conventional farms of the same area.

Ammar Abdurrohman, Fikri Fadly Arkasala, Noviamas Nurhidayah · Desa-Kota · Indonesia

This study explores the application of a resilient city concept, specifically urban farming, for food security in Surakarta City, Indonesia, especially during a pandemic. It proposes that urban agriculture, including home and community farming using methods like soilless cultivation and vertical culture, can achieve food self-sufficiency despite limited land. Based on a literature review and an ecological urban development approach, the research identifies potential food crops like porang, sweet potatoes, cassava, taro, and various vegetables that are easy for residents to cultivate.

Ari Handriatni, Sajuri Sajuri · PENA ABDIMAS Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Pekalongan City)

Bandengan village in Pekalongan City, Indonesia, is a flood-prone area where tidal floods made agricultural activities difficult. Extension activities and mentoring were conducted for the youth of Bandengan village, presenting Urban Farming concepts (verticulture, hydroponics, aquaponics, polybags) suitable for limited, flood-affected land. This program impacted the community's enthusiasm to carry out agricultural activities, enabling them to produce vegetable and fruit crops and potentially increase income.