Research & reports

Yoon Sup Cheong · Journal of Cultural Product & Design · South Korea

Against the backdrop of limited land for greening in cities, this paper proposes the design of a multifunctional garden box capable of both soil-based and hydroponic cultivation, providing sufficient soil depth and sustained water supply for container planting. It describes mold design and injection-molding production for mass manufacture, along with various sales and distribution methods. The conclusion raises the issues of coexistence with existing farmers and the safety of edible plant production under urban air pollution.

Dwi Haryanta, Tatuk Tojibatus Sa’adah, Rudianto Rudianto · Jurnal Agroteknologi Merdeka Pasuruan · Indonesia

A 2022 factorial experiment in Indonesia examines the use of urban sediment/sludge and urban organic waste compost as growing media for mustard greens (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis) in an urban farming system. With sediment source (river, reservoir, roadside gutter, versus a garden-soil control) as one factor and urban compost concentration (10%, 20%, 30%, versus no compost) as the other, the experiment found no interaction between the two factors, but sediment source had a significant effect on growth and yield, with roadside-gutter sediment performing best, and compost addition also had a significant effect, with 20% (v/v) being the optimal ratio.

Darwati Susilastuti · BERDIKARI · Indonesia (Jakarta)

A community-service report on integrated urban farming on about 1,600 square meters under the Becakayu toll road in Cipinang Melayu RW01, East Jakarta, run by local farmers, a youth group (Karang Taruna), and PKK (Family Welfare Movement) women, covering hydroponics, catfish and tilapia farming, chicken and dove raising, and horticulture. The operation had previously been partial, conventional and unproductive on infertile fill land without using local resources as farm inputs; after introducing methods to turn turi (Sesbania) leaves and other local materials into liquid organic fertilizer (POC), botanical pesticide, and feed supplements, the activity measurably increased yields, cut costs, and shortened harvest time.

Darwati Susilastuti, Aditiameri, Vivi Lusia · Jurnal Bakti Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This community-outreach report addresses RW 01 in Cipinang Melayu, East Jakarta, Indonesia, where residents were running separate, unintegrated, low-productivity activities on land under the Becakayu Toll Road — hydroponic vegetables, catfish and tilapia farming, chicken and pigeon raising, horticulture, and seasonal crops including turi (Sesbania grandiflora) grown as a fence plant. Through outreach that taught participants the integrated farming system (IFS) concept and helped them build an IFS map, and by introducing turi as a liquid organic fertilizer, feed supplement, and compost, the yield of mustard plants increased by 100%.

Udi Subagyo, Achendri M. Kurniawan, Bobby Aksumajaya, Nain Dhaniarti Raharjo, Ikrar Hanggara · J-ABDI Jurnal Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Malang)

This community service activity worked with the PKK (Family Welfare Movement) Environmental Working Group of RT 06/RW 18 in the Bunulrejo urban village, Blimbing district, Malang, Indonesia, which was already running a greenhouse-based urban farming activity for food resilience. The group faced challenges in meeting residents' demand for vegetables and, in particular, a lack of activities for PKK women to build knowledge and experience. As an initial stage of collaboration between Polinema's community service team and RW 18, the activity constructed and installed vertical garden racks (plant shelving).

Eka Masrifatus Anifah, Kartika Nugrahaeni, Winarni · J-Dinamika Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia

In response to rising population and food demand in central Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia — where 2024 provincial demand for fish and water spinach (kangkung) is estimated at about 92,694 tons and 22,550 tons respectively — and consequent rising vegetable and fish prices, this community outreach activity introduced small-scale, self-sufficient aquaponic cultivation of catfish and water spinach in individual buckets, using underutilized vacant land in the RT.02 area of Graha Indah, Balikpapan, where fish-farming wastewater nutrients feed the plants. Respondents reported that the method requires minimal land, meets household vegetable needs, and reduces household food spending, and that the activity also fostered creativity among housewives and greater household self-sufficiency.

Andre Rachmat Scabra, Muhammad Marzuki, Bagus Dwi Hari Setyono, Laily Fitriani Mulyani · Jurnal Pengabdian Magister Pendidikan IPA · Indonesia

A community-service report (2022, Indonesia) on the Jangkar Ampenan youth group in the Tangsi area of South Ampenan district, Mataram City, describes a knowledge- and technical-guidance activity on "budikdamber" — cultivating fish in a bucket — as a model of sustainable urban farming. Activities proceeded through site survey, preparation of outreach and technical-guidance materials, construction of a technology model, implementation support, and evaluation, covering assembly of a cultivation setup using a 150-liter bucket, 5-7g catfish fry, commercial catfish feed, water spinach (kangkung) seedlings, pipes, wire, 200ml plastic cups, a drill and grinder, a net, and an aerator, along with feeding, water-quality, and harvest management. The report concludes that information, knowledge, and technical guidance on the budikdamber technology were successfully delivered to the partner group.

Nurul Azizah, Dewi Ratih, U′ud Uda Marlina, Moch. Raihan Ramadhan · Jurnal Bisnis Indonesia · Indonesia (Surabaya)

In Wonorejo, Tegalsari district, Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest metropolitan city, where land conversion to housing and public buildings has made greening difficult, residents used vertikultur (vertical, tiered plant cultivation with repurposed plastic bottles mounted on house walls) as a greening approach for limited land. The program's success was indicated by residents' enthusiasm and by aesthetic, health, and economic benefits reported from the practice.

Sumanto Sumanto, Suryani Sri Lestari, Siti Mutmainah, Muhammad Rois, Siti Hasanah, Jati Handayani, Teguh Budi Santosa, Saniman Widodo, Prima Ayundyayasti, Nurseto Adhi · Prosiding Seminar Hasil Penelitian dan Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Semarang)

This community service activity aimed to empower a farmer group in Semarang City, Indonesia, by providing solutions for urban farming in narrow yards. The initiative focused on mentoring the group in utilizing plastic waste as planting media and developing their skills. The activity addressed the group's lack of expertise in plastic waste utilization and limited urban agriculture skills, seeking to increase the economic added value and benefits of urban farming.

Adhitya Rahmat Taufiq, Deden Mulyana, Mohammad Soleh Soeaidy, Allicia Deana Santosa · ETHOS (Jurnal Penelitian dan Pengabdian) · Indonesia (Tasikmalaya)

This community service program in Gunung Tandala Village, Tasikmalaya City, Indonesia, aimed to provide knowledge and training on alternative resources for food independence to embroidery industry workers who lost jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic. The training included simple urban farming and catfish cultivation in buckets, offering basic knowledge and practical examples. The activity successfully increased participants' literacy regarding food independence stability and their understanding of potential market opportunities.

Kusuma Wardhani Mas’udah, Zainal Abidin Achmad, Ita Sabilah Putri Chayani, Niken Nathania, Rahadyan Naufal A, Yusuf Fadhilah, Bayu Frastra Wiranegara · Abdi-mesin Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Teknik Mesin · Indonesia (Surabaya)

In Dupak village, Krembangan district, Surabaya, Indonesia, due to limited land, KKN Group 38 of UPN "Veteran" East Java University conducted outreach and assistance on Budikdamber development. This initiative aimed to meet household food needs and support the local economy through the marketing of urban farming produce. The program provided knowledge to the community, contributed to nutritional satisfaction to prevent stunting, and enhanced skills for household food self-sufficiency by utilizing narrow home yards for growing vegetables and fish in buckets.

Naila Fauza, Ade Alwi Wardana, Anna Pratiwi, Bela Winalda, Diya Meiliza Putri, Diara Tihanum, Dhika Ayu Dwinda, Hera Julia Anika, Julian Bramuli, Muhammad Fikri Hafiz, Muhammad Refri Fernando · TRANSFORMASI Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Pekanbaru)

In West Labuhbaru village, Pekanbaru City, Indonesia, an aquaponics system was implemented from March to August 2021 to address challenges in managing narrow urban land. This community service program aimed to increase community knowledge of aquaponics technology. The findings showed an increase in urban community knowledge regarding fish and plant cultivation using aquaponics technology, specifically with catfish and water spinach.

Zakiyah Amini, R. Eviyati, Dina Dwirayani · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Fakultas Pertanian UNS · Indonesia (Cirebon)

A community service team from the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati (UGJ) Cirebon, Indonesia, provided guidance to women in the Bumi Arum Sari housing complex on microgreen cultivation techniques. This activity aimed to educate residents during the COVID-19 pandemic to engage in positive gardening activities at home and enhance family food security. Microgreens are easy to cultivate, require minimal space, and provide healthy vegetables for families.

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.

Fetty Dwi Rahmayanti, Tungga Buana Diana · AGRO TATANEN | Jurnal Ilmiah Pertanian · Indonesia

This descriptive qualitative study describes the existing state of the experimental garden at the Faculty of Agriculture, Borobudur University, Indonesia. The garden is used for learning, research, and reforestation, with efforts to expand plant collections and preserve rare species. In line with government programs for utilizing narrow land, the faculty applies urban farming methods such as tabulampot, polybag, and hydroponic planting techniques. Data was collected from primary field observations and secondary literature.

A. Firmansyah Sumardjo · Journal of Hunan University · Indonesia (Bekasi)

This study analyzed the impact of family empowerment on farmer adaptation to the market for urban farming products in Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. Using participatory action research, data from observations, interviews, and focus group discussions revealed that market demand for organic products drove communities to engage in innovative organic urban farming. Males were involved in land preparation and marketing, while females focused on plant maintenance and harvest processing. The study found that family empowerment, combined with urban farming innovation, leads to business sustainability.

Hikma Ellya, Nurlaila Nurlaila, Nukhak Nufita Sari, Rila Rahma Apriani, Ronny Mulyawan, Febriani Purba, Saida Fithria · LOGISTA - Jurnal Ilmiah Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Banjarbaru)

A community service activity was conducted in Banjarbaru City, Indonesia, to assist in introducing Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) as a yard plant. The activity involved one-day counseling for 59 participants, including chairpersons of farmer women groups, and planting assistance for several farmer women groups. Residents of Banjarbaru showed great enthusiasm for cultivating Brazilian spinach due to its edibility, ease of propagation and cultivation, and aesthetic form.

Camille Frazier · Hong Kong University Press eBooks · India (Bengaluru)

This paper examines motivations for organic terrace gardening among middle-class individuals in Bengaluru, India, who grow food for home consumption. Gardeners respond to worsening health and environmental conditions, but class and caste inequalities limit their engagement with a broader community of urban food producers. These inequalities restrict the transformative potential of organic terrace gardening as an intervention, indicating a critical finding regarding equity.

Bambang Pujiasmanto, Eddy Triharyanto, Sulandjari Sulandjari, Pardono Pardono, Puji Harsono, Hery Widijanto, Desy Setyaningrum · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Fakultas Pertanian UNS · Indonesia (Surakarta)

In Karangasem Village, Laweyan District, Surakarta City, Indonesia, a community service activity aimed to provide productive activities for urban communities through vegetable cultivation using a hydroponic system. The method involved training and implementing a floating raft hydroponic cultivation system. This activity benefited the community by increasing the competitiveness of vegetable products, especially pak choy.

Tomcy Thomas, Susan Cherian · Journal of scientific research · India (Cochin City)

This exploratory study investigated rooftop gardening trends in Ernakulam city, India, with a sample of 102 respondents. It found that urban homemakers cultivate various vegetable and ornamental plants, partly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic for self-sufficiency. The study concluded that irrigation techniques and pest management among the sample should be improved.

B. Savitha, T.M. Pramod Kumar, G. Ravi · International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · India (Telangana)

This ex-post facto study assessed the perception of urban farming among 120 practitioners in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, Telangana, India, using personal interviews. The findings showed that 58.33% of respondents had a medium perception level, 21.67% high, and 20.00% low. Correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant relationship between perception and education, family support, crop preference, cropping intensity, and innovativeness. A negative and non-significant relationship was observed with age, urban farming experience, and annual income.

Tenri Ulfa, Nurlita Pertiwi · UNM Environmental Journals · Indonesia (Makassar)

This descriptive quantitative and correlational study of 50 respondents in Makassar City examined urban farming behavior and influencing factors. While respondents generally had high environmental knowledge, their environmental attitudes were moderate. 23 respondents with low urban farming activities cited time constraints as a difficulty, despite a significant, strong, and unidirectional relationship found between knowledge, attitudes, and behavior.

Fiky Yulianto Wicaksono, Tati Nurmala · Dharmakarya · Indonesia

An online training and simulation on environmentally friendly urban farming, utilizing household waste, was conducted from January to February 2021. Participants were selected based on their existing practice or desire to practice urban farming at home. The results of this outreach indicated that the speakers' expertise enhanced participants' knowledge, and most participants understood the training material and practiced environmentally friendly urban farming.

Dimas Ganda Permana Putra, Elida Novita, Bambang Herry Purnomo, Diana Nurhayati · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Indonesia (Jember)

A study conducted from May to August 2020 in Jember Regency, Indonesia, investigated the average monthly income of hydroponic farmers. Based on surveys and interviews, the average monthly income ranged from Rp.200,000.00 to Rp. 4,000,000.00. This low income was attributed to most respondents still being in a trial-and-error phase and lacking government assistance.

Mahmudah Hamawi, Use Etica · Prosiding Sains Nasional dan Teknologi · Indonesia (East Java)

This study aimed to examine the effect of growing media mixtures on celery yield. The research was conducted from May to June 2020 at the UNIDA Gontor Faculty of Science and Technology practice land in Ponorogo, East Java. A completely randomized design with one factor and five replications was used to compare four growing media mixtures (A=control, B=soil+compost+rice husk charcoal, C=soil+compost+wood charcoal, D=soil+compost+kitchen ash). Results showed that the soil and compost mixture produced the largest wet weight of celery leaves, which was not significantly different from the soil+compost+rice husk charcoal mixture, but significantly different from the soil+compost+kitchen ash mixture.