Research & reports

Jessica Cook, Kate Oviatt, Deborah S. Main, Harpreet Kaur, John Brett · · India (Delhi)

This paper explores market-oriented urban agriculture along the Yamuna River in Delhi, India, from the farmers' perspective. Using a multi-method Rapid Assessment Process, the study investigates how urban agriculture is practiced and what factors influence farmers' livelihood decisions. The research argues against assuming the sustainability of urban agriculture, emphasizing the need to understand city-level conditions and their impact on farmers' economic viability.

I Gusti Agung Adi Wiraguna, Ngakan Putu Sueca, I Made Adhika · RUANG-SPACE Jurnal Lingkungan Binaan (Space Journal of the Built Environment) · Indonesia (Denpasar)

This mixed-method study in Denpasar, Indonesia, investigated factors driving the conversion of urban agricultural land, primarily rice paddy fields. Despite a local government requirement for 30% urban open space, statistical data showed an average annual decrease of 31.86 hectares of farming land, from 2,632 hectares in 2010 to 2,409 hectares in 2017. The study revealed that various parties, including the government, community, private sector, and social institutions, play important roles in directing this land conversion.

Rikawanto Eko Muljawan · Prosiding Konferensi Nasional Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat dan Corporate Social Responsibility (PKM-CSR) · Indonesia (Surabaya)

In East Java, Indonesia, rapid infrastructure development leads to approximately 100 hectares of agricultural land being converted annually, reducing food supply. In Surabaya, 2000 hectares are controlled by developers, with some loaned for farming, and the local government supports urban farming for 624 households on 400 hectares. The abstract suggests that developers, who benefit from extensive land conversion, should contribute to agricultural resource improvement through Corporate Social Responsibility funds for agro eco-technology programs.

Lies Sulistyowati, C.J. Hakim, Eti Suminartika · International Journal of Innovative Research and Development · Indonesia (Depok)

A study in Depok City, Indonesia, analyzed starfruit farming based on tree ownership status (owners, tenants, sharecroppers) and faced problems within the Laris Jaya II Farmer Group. Using a qualitative case study, income analysis, R/C analysis, and descriptive analysis, results showed tenant farmers had the highest average net income per harvest season, while farm owners had the highest R/C value. Identified problems included production issues like planthopper pests and limited water, capital limitations, low selling prices to middlemen, and institutional challenges such as non-operating marketing bodies.

Mahantayya V Math, Yashoda R Kattimani, Manjusha M Padhye · Indian Journal of Community Medicine · India (Ahmadabad)

This study points out the impact of wastewater use in urban agriculture on the incidence of diarrhea in Ahmadabad, India. Vegetables grown with wastewater have an increased risk of internalization of food-borne bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella into edible plant parts, posing a serious health risk. Contaminated water, soil, poor hand hygiene, and improper handling are sources of bacterial contamination for vegetables and fruits.

김종안, 최문식, 이준우, 위태석 · 식품유통연구 · South Korea

This study examined the role of agricultural extension agencies in promoting regional food plans in South Korea, where 46 plans have rapidly spread and 100 are projected by 2022. Analyzing 8 local governments' food policies using monitoring indicators derived from Milan policy agreements, the study found that agricultural technology centers' functions were less emphasized in rural and urban food plans compared to agricultural administration and foundations. Key tasks for agricultural technology centers include farmer education, community kitchens, urban-rural linked farming, and strengthening planned production systems, with a recommendation to shift focus from specialized farmers to a sustainable food system for the entire nation.

Alfan Prianggara, Gunanti Mahasri, Abdul Manan · Journal of Aquaculture and Fish Health · Indonesia (Surabaya)

A survey in Surabaya, Indonesia, investigated water quality and endoparasite prevalence in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from urban farming floating cage programs. Water quality parameters were measured, and average endoparasite prevalence was 5.71% for Eimeria spp. and 8% for Acanthogyrus spp. The study found positive correlations between water clarity, ammonia, and DO with Eimeria spp. prevalence, and between temperature, pH, nitrate, and nitrite with Acanthogyrus spp. prevalence, indicating a link between water quality and parasite infection.

Siti Aisyah Salim, Zawiyah Mohammad Yusof, Laili Farhana Md Ibharim, Siti Hajar Salim · Journal of Building Performance · Southeast Asia

This structured literature review examines urban farming activities, technology applications, and smallholder farming in Southeast Asia, where urban farming is limited and dispersed. The study selected 88 articles from ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus to provide a taxonomy and future research directions. It identifies the benefits, challenges, and recommendations for improving the acceptance and use of urban farming applications in the region.

최지원, 오충현 · 한국환경생태학회 학술발표논문집 · South Korea

A study of urban agriculture in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea, reviewing about ten years of activity from the district's 2010 enactment of Korea's first eco-friendly urban agriculture support ordinance through its 2019 comprehensive plan, assessed across economic, environmental-ecological and social dimensions using Lee Chang-woo's (2016) functional classification and a resident satisfaction survey, to derive directions for the next urban agriculture master plan. On the economic side, following the district's first urban garden plots opened in the Gangil-dong area in 2009, by January 2019 there were 39 sites totaling 145,806 square meters across 6,873 plots, and in 2018 the Gangdong Urban Agriculture Support Center ("Ssingssing Dream") recorded produce sales of 348,218,000 KRW and donated 3,204 kg of produce to low-income households. On the environmental side, urban beekeeping begun in 2013 had grown to roughly 40 hives by 2018, alongside 25,923 box gardens and 121 rooftop gardens (totaling 1,828 square meters) established by 2018; on the social side, rooftop gardens at eight welfare facilities hosted a total of 107 horticultural therapy sessions by 2018.

Zatalini Putri Permatasari, Ninuk Herlina · Jurnal Produksi Tanaman · Indonesia

Conducted from April to June 2016 in Pandanrejo Village, Bumiaji District, Batu City, Indonesia, this study aimed to determine the appropriate planting-media composition and plant number to increase the growth and yield of kailan (Brassica oleracea var. Alboglabra) in a vertikultur (vertical cultivation) system. Using a randomized complete block design, the results showed that planting-media composition and plant-number treatments significantly affected plant height, leaf number, leaf area, total fresh weight per plant, fresh root weight per meter, and total and root dry weight per plant and per meter, but did not significantly affect total fresh weight per meter, fresh consumable weight per plant and per meter, or fresh root weight per plant.

IDA AYU LISTIA DEWI, I KETUT RANTAU · JURNAL MANAJEMEN AGRIBISNIS (Journal Of Agribusiness Management) · Indonesia

This study analyzed the most profitable seasonal crop farming activities for urban agriculture at the Udayana University Faculty of Agriculture experimental garden in 2017. Using a Gross Margin approach, the research found that Golden Melon cultivation was the most profitable in both the first (February-June) and second (July-November) planting seasons, yielding gross margins of Rp 797,700 and Rp 881,117 per 100m2, respectively.

Mohammad Rondhi, Pravitasari Anjar Pratiwi, Vivi Trisna Handini, Aryo Fajar Sunartomo, Subhan Arif Budiman · Land · Indonesia (East Java)

This paper investigated the inter-relationship between land economic value and agricultural land conversion (ALC) in East Java, Indonesia. It calculated the land economic value for agricultural and non-agricultural (housing) uses in two areas: a peri-urban agricultural area facing rapid urbanization and a rural agricultural area with zero ALC. Results showed that agricultural land yielded a higher economic benefit in rural areas, whereas in urban areas, housing yielded a value seven times higher than agricultural land.

Wildani Pingkan S. Hamzens, Meidy Widayanto Moestopo · Jurnal Pengembangan Kota · Indonesia (Palu)

This survey identified necessary efforts for developing urban agriculture potential in the Palu River area, Palu City, Indonesia, a location considered suitable for urban agriculture due to the city's green city aspirations and potential population increase from a Special Economic Zone. Based on observational data and descriptive analysis, the study found that efforts should include land consolidation, activity type determination, recruitment and human resource development, infrastructure and facility preparation, and sustainable management.

이윤지, 이정훈, 박춘근, 정진태, 장재기 · 인간식물환경학회 학술대회 · South Korea

This study addresses the growing social interest in cultivating plants indoors for mental and emotional well-being and environmental improvement, particularly in South Korea. While research on selecting native plants and cultivation environments for urban agriculture is ongoing, studies on indoor cultivation of medicinal plants are scarce. Most medicinal plants are typically harvested from the wild or grown outdoors, unlike other horticultural plants.

Hari Iswoyo, Katriani Mantja, Nuniek Widiayani, Rahmansyah Dermawan · Jurnal Dinamika Pengabdian (JDP) · Indonesia (Makassar)

This paper describes an urban farming initiative in Makassar, Indonesia, aimed at empowering two schools, SMPN 4 and SMAN 17, to utilize school land for productive cultivation. The project transferred knowledge and skills in urban farming technologies, including those for limited spaces, to support food self-sufficiency. Methods included socialization on land utilization potential and participatory activities involving students in creating urban farming devices and practicing land management.

Sandra Kurfürst · · Vietnam (Hanoi)

This chapter explores the production sites of vegetables perceived as clean and safe by Vietnamese consumers, specifically urban gardens in Hanoi and rural areas. It identifies a semantic shift in gardens from aesthetics to utility due to food anxiety and examines access to and social control over public and sacred spaces used for gardening. Urbanites also rely on personal rural-urban food supply networks for food safety, with the rural signifying safe foods based on its image as a place of intimate social relations and nature.

Hayuning Anggrahita, Guswandi Guswandi · Jurnal Wilayah dan Lingkungan · Indonesia (Jakarta)

In Jakarta, Indonesia, where urbanization is converting agricultural land and other green open space to built-up use and agriculture contributes only 0.1% of the city's economy, a study using descriptive quantitative analysis together with interviews and scientific photography set out to identify the multifunctionality of urban agriculture. The results show that Jakarta's agriculture is scattered due to urbanization pressure, and that it persists by transforming from a single staple-food-production function into multiple functions, environmental, cultural, property-rights protection and others, creating new urban values.

Taipei City Government · Taipei City Government · Taiwan

This Taipei City Government article introduces the city's 'Garden City' initiative, converting idle land and school grounds into farming plots. It aims to give residents land and growing guidance, foster children's understanding of local food, and promote physical and psychological wellbeing through contact with plants and soil. It reports that 230 schools have received approval to enter the trial phase.

Dwi Iriyani, Pangesti Nugrahani · Universitas Terbuka Repository (Universitas Terbuka) · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study aimed to compare the vitamin C content of spinach, water spinach, and mustard greens produced by urban agriculture in three areas of Surabaya, Indonesia. Vitamin C analysis was performed using the DCPIP titration method. The results showed no significant difference in vitamin C content among the three types of vegetables, but differences in planting locations caused variations in vitamin C content.

Muhammad Arif · · Indonesia

This study aimed to plan the implementation of a smart garden concept on the landscape of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung campus. The smart garden was proposed as a facility for learning about science and technology. The concept generated themes including a forest garden for the Dean's Building area, agroforestry for the Forestry Department Building area, a homy garden for the Seed Laboratory area, a nursery for the Postgraduate Building area, aquaponics for the Fisheries and Marine Department Building area, urban farming for the Agricultural Engineering Department Building area, and hydroponics for the Agrotechnology Department Building area.

Guo-sheng MA, Juan Chen · DEStech Transactions on Engineering and Technology Research · China (Suzhou)

This study analyzed the current problems and strategic objectives of modern urban agriculture in Suzhou, China. It proposed measures including optimizing the spatial form of "four million acres," building a modern agricultural industry system, cultivating modern agricultural management entities, and enhancing agricultural technology and ecological protection. The aim was to improve agricultural specialization, innovation, and leisure tourism.

Henny Sri Mulyani R, Asep Agus Handaka Suryana, Dadang Sugiana · EDUTECH · Indonesia (Bandung)

This qualitative descriptive study in Bandung City, Indonesia, investigated the communication model used by the Department of Agriculture and Food Security to disseminate the "Kampung Berkebun" urban farming program. The program involved two activities: disseminating information to subdistrict and village heads, and providing training to up to 50 residents per village. The communication model employed was found to be both mechanistic and interactional, drawing from David K Berlo (1960) and Schramm (1954) models.

Cynthia Natalia, Yusita Kusumarini, Jean Francois Poillot · Intra · Indonesia (Surabaya)

In Surabaya, an interior design for a hydroponic education facility was developed to address the lack of farmlands and sub-optimal existing facilities. Using a design thinking methodology, the project resulted in a design incorporating a climate control system for optimal plant growth and visitor comfort. This design aims to optimize educational activities through the use of eco-friendly materials, maximized natural light, and good air quality.

Tutik Rachmawati, Priska Diah Pertiwi · Policy & Governance Review · Indonesia (Bandung)

This research aims to evaluate the best practices of the smart environment program in Bandung City, Indonesia, and analyze the positive transformations it brings. The analysis is based on three core activities (creation of thematic parks, restoration and revitalization of rivers, urban gardening/farming) and eight aspects of smart environment (provision of public open space, good waste management, slum areas management, river revitalization, eliminating "chopsticks syndrome" in building construction, alternative energy, reducing CO2 production, urban farming). A qualitative research method was used, and data was collected from 30 interviews.

Atik Dwi Nur'aini, Johanes Krisdianto · Jurnal Sains dan Seni ITS · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study proposes “Urban Farming in Vertical Villages” as a solution to address land scarcity caused by population growth and urbanization in Surabaya City, Indonesia. The proposal aims to improve the living conditions and economic well-being of residents. The design approach incorporates “kampung” (village) behavioral principles, applied to the mass composition, facade, and unit modules of vertical housing.