Research & reports

T. I. (Teungku) Darwis, R. (Renny) Nurhasana, C. (Chotib) Chotib, E. P. (Eurika) Andita · Neliti · Indonesia (Jakarta)

Unplanned urban growth in Jakarta has hindered social interaction and fostered individualism due to an imbalance in facilities, distance, and population. This paper proposes urban agriculture as an effective means to create new spaces for social interaction. By establishing an urban agricultural plot at TPA Ikhlasul Machfudz in South Jakarta and conducting community service and empowerment activities, the project successfully created a new interaction space for local residents, allowing participants to engage in productive activities and social interaction.

Piedad Margarita Montero Castillo, Diofanor Acevedo Correa, Yesid Alejandro Marrugo Ligardo · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Colombia

This study examines the impacts of climate change on food security for vulnerable social groups in urban areas of Colombia. Using documentary analysis and hermeneutic valuation, it considers the negative impacts of climate change on food production. Sustainable urban agriculture is analyzed as a contribution to providing access to nutritious and healthy food for vulnerable groups, fostering adaptability and resilience.

Riska Oktavia, Ahmad Faqih, Agus Riyadi · Jurnal SOLMA · Indonesia (Semarang)

This program aimed to empower PKK women through urban farming in RT/RW 01/05, Rejosari Village, Semarang. The method involved socialization, training, direct assistance, and monitoring of urban farming practices. Participants cultivated various plants, including chili, eggplant, sweet potato, and melon, utilizing the produce for communal gardens and their homes. The program proved effective in improving family welfare in Rejosari Village.

Abiola Adebunmi Olarinre · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science · Nigeria

This research surveyed 240 households in Osogbo, Ile-Ife, and Ilesa cities in Osun State, Nigeria, to analyze urban household food security and coping mechanisms. Findings showed that only 17.9% of households achieved food security, with 39.6% experiencing moderate and 16.3% severe food insecurity. Household income, education, household size, credit access, and food expenditure share significantly influenced food security.

Katuka, Stephen Agire, Magaji, Sule, Ismail, Yahaya · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Abuja)

This study analyzed the impact of rising food prices on the food security of different socio-economic groups in Abuja, Nigeria, using a cross-sectional survey of 400 households. Findings revealed that only 18% of households were food secure, while 56% experienced moderate to severe food insecurity. Food price inflation had a significant negative effect on food security, particularly among low-income households. Rising food prices were shown to increase the likelihood of mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity by 53%, 88%, and 132%, respectively.

Rosmiza Mohd Zainol, R. Zaimah, M.S. Sarmila, Aizan Sofia Amin, Lahvinnya Loganathan · International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences · Malaysia (Selangor)

This quantitative study surveyed 56 People with Disabilities (PWDs) in urban community gardens at a Community Rehabilitation Centre in Selangor to identify factors influencing their participation in urban regenerative agriculture. Using a Likert scale questionnaire, descriptive analysis showed high levels for individual, economic, and environmental factors. This suggests urban regenerative agriculture has potential as an economic and social empowerment platform for PWDs.

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.

Maciej Lasocki, Kinga Zinowiec-Cieplik, Piotr Majewski, Maja Radziemska, Renata Giedych, Damian Derewońko, Maria Kaczorowska, Anna Szczeblewska, Marta Melon, B J Gawryszewska · Sustainability · Poland (Warsaw)

This study examined family allotment gardens in Warsaw, Poland, as a means of enhancing urban living environments and promoting residents' well-being. The research employed a literature review, qualitative data analysis from individual in-depth and focus group interviews, and a matrix analysis. Findings identified well-being features associated with allotment gardens, including recreation, leisure, impact on physical and mental health, formation of social relationships, and self-production of healthy, affordable food. The results also emphasized the importance of accessibility and the acquisition of new competencies as primary contributions.

Ashley Brito Valentim, Guiomar Freitas Guimarães, Carla Soraya Costa Maia, Fatih Şekercioğlu · Regional science and environmental economics · Canada (Toronto); Brazil (São Paulo)

This study analyzed and compared the impact of Urban Community Gardens (UCGs) as "third places" in Toronto and São Paulo. It is a review-based study utilizing publicly available data from policy documents, academic literature, and official websites. UCGs were shown to contribute not only to food production but also to social cohesion, financial resilience, environmental sustainability, cultural transmission, and mental well-being.

I Nyoman Indra Kumara, Decky Cipta Indrashwara, I Gede Fery Surya Tapa, Melati Budi Srikandi · JURNAL Comunità Servizio Jurnal Terkait Kegiatan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat terkhusus bidang Teknologi Kewirausahaan dan Sosial Kemasyarakatan · Indonesia

A one-day urban farming training program was conducted at the Tat Twam Asi Orphanage in Indonesia to enhance children's urban cultivation skills and knowledge. The program, which included theory and practical sessions, successfully taught basic urban farming concepts and techniques. Participants demonstrated good application of learned techniques and a deep understanding of urban farming's importance for food security, as evidenced by pre- and post-test questionnaires.

Felicity Daly, Sally Ann Lenehan, Jacqui O’Riordan · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · Ireland

This qualitative study, conducted in Ireland, utilized semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion, and participant observation to explore asylum seekers' opportunities for giving and receiving care for people and planet in green spaces outside of institutional international protection accommodation, particularly among those with access to community gardens. This research contributes to understanding the multigenerational benefits of green space and the potential of horticultural therapy to support the health and well-being of vulnerable forced migrants.

Yapjoco, Patrice Bianca R. · CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development · Philippines (Quezon City)

This qualitative study, conducted in Sitio San Roque, Quezon City, Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic, examined the effectiveness of the “Tanimang Bayan” urban agriculture project. Findings indicated that the initiative enhanced access to fresh produce, promoted community-led production, and supported collective action and self-organization among residents. These outcomes suggest a meaningful contribution to resilience-building and local food systems in marginalized urban contexts.

Kusmayanti Solecha, Duwi Cahya Putri Buani, Furi Indriyani, Meutia Raissa Emiliana, Resti Dhea Putri Apriliani · Jurnal AbdiMas Nusa Mandiri · Indonesia

This community service program used Participatory Action Research to enhance the capacity of the Seruni Women Farmer Group (KWT Seruni) in urban farming and hydroponics. Evaluation showed a 12% improvement in participants' understanding, and technological implementation led to 1,500 high-quality seedlings and an 18.4 kg pakcoy harvest. The program strengthened technical competence, fostered independent skill application, and generated socio-economic benefits like increased household income and strengthened women's roles in agriculture.

Luis Enrique Serrano Ayasta, Josiane Stoessel-Ritz · Anales Científicos · Peru (Lima)

A doctoral research study in three low-income neighborhoods in South Lima, Peru, analyzed power relations within urban agriculture projects. The findings indicate that these projects, despite aiming for empowerment, often mask asymmetric power relations and reinforce preexisting inequalities, particularly for women gardeners. This perpetuates gender hierarchies and limits their participation and agency, reflecting paternalism from promoting organizations and community leaders.

Ana Luiza Snoeck Neiva do Amaral, Regina Yoshie Matsue, Luciana Yuki Tomita · Ambiente & sociedade · Brazil (São Paulo)

This 2025 case study analyzed a community garden in Heliópolis, São Paulo, Brazil, established via crowdfunding. The garden improved nutrition, contributed to household budgets, and expanded vegetable variety for participants. It also served as a space for socialization, memory reclamation, activities for older adults, and connecting children with food cultivation.

Johannes Bhanye, Abraham R. Matamanda, Ruvimbo Shayamunda · Discover Global Society · Zimbabwe

In Lydiate informal settlement in peri-urban Zimbabwe, Malawian migrants mobilize insurgent practices, including informal land seizures, spiritual claims, and communal strategies, to access land for farming. Access to land for urban and peri-urban farming remains a significant hurdle, especially for marginalized migrants. Migrants invoke divine ownership narratives, Nyau cult practices, and witchcraft deterrence as tactical tools for defending seized land.

Méabh Bonham Corcoran, Salam Jabbour, Frédérique Vallières, Sarah Quinn · Journal of Occupational Science · Global

This scoping review analyzed 15 studies from 2000 to 2023 to identify community-based groups that reduce occupational deprivation for asylum seekers, refugees, and other forcibly displaced populations. These groups included community development projects (n=5), community gardens (n=4), sports-based groups (n=3), and community creative art groups (n=3). They demonstrated an ability to enhance a sense of belonging and well-being for these populations by engaging them in diverse occupations alongside local community members.

Francisco Pereira de Sousa, Clareana Maria Guimarães Franco, Cássio Bruno Sá de Souza, Débora de Paula Brito Fogaça, Marcos Paulo Parente Araújo, Maíra Santiago Pires Parente, Henrique D. Silva, Dirlley Douglas Alves de Oliveira · Caderno Pedagógico · Brazil

A qualitative and quantitative study in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil, aimed to understand the interfaces of the Palmas City Hall's community garden project. Based on ethnographic research, action research, and field study, the results showed that this local practice enhances community participation in urban garden planting in northern Palmas. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and is a viable tool for minimizing food insecurity and hunger reduction. However, the project requires structural adjustments, promotion of public and private partnerships, and support from universities and civil society for healthy sustainability.

Rita Regina Marques Costa, Denes Dantas Vieira, Vivianni Marques Leite dos Santos, Deise Cristiane do Nascimento · · Brazil (Juazeiro)

This qualitative and quantitative field study analyzed the interaction between university extension and community-based family agriculture at the Povo Unido Community Garden in Juazeiro, Brazil. Conducted between March and May 2025, the research involved semi-structured questionnaires and dialogues with 47 farming families to understand their perceptions of knowledge exchange and interaction with educational institutions. Results showed consensus on the importance of university extension, but farmers pointed out challenges such as limited time for discussion and effective inclusion of participants with lower educational attainment.

Bernardo Riley, Mariana Trotta Dallalana Quintans · InSURgência revista de direitos e movimentos sociais · Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)

The Quilombo da Gamboa Popular Housing Project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, originated from social movements' struggle for popular housing. The project secured six Union properties for over 100 families under the My Home My Life Entities Program. Currently, 17 families live in temporary houses while the main project advances. The Quilombo da Gamboa also operates a solidarity kitchen and a community garden, and conducts political and cultural activities supporting surrounding occupations.

Jassana Moreira Floriano, Rita de Cássia Ávila Pens · Revista Científica da Escola Estadual de Saúde Pública de Goiás *Cândido Santiago* · Global

Nutrition education workshops and the implementation of a community garden were conducted to promote food security and empowerment among women in situations of social vulnerability. In the workshops, participants learned to prepare healthy recipes using accessible ingredients, while the garden encouraged fresh food cultivation and strengthened food autonomy. Participants showed a high level of acceptance for the practices taught, and the workshops fostered knowledge exchange and strengthened community ties.

Raffael Juan Bilyardo Alvares, Reni Lestari, Rinda Hayuanti, Risma Cahyaningtyas, Rizky Sekar Sari, Rofiqoh Nur Azizah, Rudi Purnomo, Salwa Latifah Putri, Selgi Mei Ariyani, Septi Restu Anggraini, Inayatul Khafidhoh · Wahana Dedikasi Jurnal PkM Ilmu Kependidikan · Indonesia

The "Garden of Well-Being" program was implemented in Karang Taruna Kelurahan Gebangsari, Indonesia, to build youth leadership capacity through an integrated approach of urban farming and psychosocial prevention. The program addressed food security and mental health issues among urban youth, offering mental health socialization, urban farming training, and entrepreneurship training. Participants showed positive responses, enthusiasm for urban farming, and new entrepreneurial initiatives.

PUTRI MAISAROH, Dede Kuswanda, Yana Sundayani · Jurnal Ilmiah Kebijakan dan Pelayanan Pekerjaan Sosial (Biyan) · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This qualitative study used Participatory Action Research (PAR) to develop and refine an empowerment design for scavengers in an urban agriculture program. Conducted at Yayasan Swara Peduli Indonesia in Jakarta, Indonesia, data was collected through Focus Group Discussions, semi-structured interviews, observation, and literature review, with primary data from foundation administrators, farmer group members, and food security motivators. The research found that the empowerment design can be implemented, and the presence of food security motivators can increase scavengers' consistency in maintaining the agricultural cycle sustainably, addressing challenges faced by the foundation.

Suprayanti Martia Dewi, Sri Maryanti, Sisca Cicilia, Kisman Kisman, Febrian Humaidi Sukmana, Dwi Noorma Putri, Reni Apriani · Jurnal Gema Ngabdi · Indonesia

This community service activity aimed to enhance the capacity and social role of Senggigi residents, especially the TP-PKK women of Senggigi Village, as agents of change through the implementation of urban farming based on an Integrated Farming System (IFS). Carried out in Senggigi Village, West Lombok Regency, Indonesia, activities included socialization, training in horticultural cultivation (eggplant, chili, tomato, water spinach, pakcoy), poultry raising, and catfish farming through budikdamber and independent ponds, accompanied by intensive mentoring. During the mentoring process, significant social transformation was observed, reflected in increased motivation, commitment, and solidarity among members, alongside the development of technical cultivation skills and the initiative of TP-PKK women in implementing urban farming activities to improve family food security.

Karolin Andersson · Gender Place & Culture · Rwanda (Kigali)

This qualitative study in Kigali, Rwanda, examined the socially differentiated implications for urban farmers of reorganizing urban cultivated marshlands. The study found that marshland reorganization and closure reproduce farmers’ vulnerabilities, shaped by gender, age, health/ability, and education. It demonstrated a largely exclusionary pattern in the city’s urban greening agenda, contradicting authorities' stated ambitions.