Research & reports

Can Xu · Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences · Global

This study demonstrates advancements in sustainable urban planning through an an AI-driven decision support system. Experimental results show solar panel efficiency at 25%, rainwater harvesting capacity at 600 liters per square meter, and 3 square meters of community garden space per resident. The system also provided 1.5 bike-sharing stations per 1000 residents, exceeding market averages in several areas.

Mascha Gugganig · Science Technology & Human Values · Global

This paper explores the arguments and internal disagreements among experts popularizing vertical farming (VF), an emerging urban food production system. While VF is promoted for its space efficiency and independence from weather, it faces debates regarding its unsustainability and high energy costs for producing a limited range of perishable foods. Findings indicate that disagreements among vanguards reveal that VF is seen as one of many solutions, not the sole answer.

Pierric Calenge, Maie Gérardot · Métropolitiques · United States (Cleveland)

The work by Max Rousseau and Vincent Béal illuminates the ambiguities of a policy that organizes urban decline and racial segregation in Cleveland. This policy promotes urban degrowth and racial segregation, balancing algorithmic management and urban greening. The study focuses on the Rust Belt region, which experiences de-urbanization marked by the subprime crisis, racism, and segregation.

Harmi Andrianyta, Elisa Anggraeni, Sapta Raharja, Sukardi Sukardi · Research in Agricultural Engineering · Indonesia

This cross-case study in Indonesia aimed to synthesize a technology transfer model for agricultural technology parks (ATPs) by considering site-specific conditions. Using a system development life cycle and resource-based view approach, the research successfully developed three location-specific models: one for highland specificity, one unique to urban farming, and a tourism village-based model.

Supriya Jaiswal, Gopal Rawat, Chetan B. Khadse, Sohit Sharma · BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS eBooks · India

Hydroponic farming, adopted in urban India to meet food demands, faces shortcomings including higher initial costs, complex nutrient discharge, and energy requirements for microclimatic conditions and skilled labor. To address these issues, a smart hydroponic farming architecture is discussed, aiming to reduce human intervention and water wastage using wireless sensor networks and IoT.

Alejandro Carlos Campina López, Antonio Alejandro Lorca Marín, María Ángeles de las Heras Pérez, Emilio José Delgado Algarra · Advances in linguistics and communication studies · Spain

This chapter provides a comprehensive guide for setting up and programming sensors to monitor a school garden using Micro Bit boards. The project aims to meet the digital competence and computational thinking requirements specified in the Spanish curriculum (LOMLOE). By systematically monitoring parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, light intensity, and soil pH, students can make informed decisions about garden management.

Anne-Sophie Christmann, Valerie Graf‐Drasch, Ricarda Schäfer · Business & Information Systems Engineering · Global

This study explores the applicability of digital technologies in urban agriculture, given rising environmental problems and increasing food insecurity in cities. Urban spaces are challenging as they jeopardize the availability of air, water, or soil, making resource management a key issue. The research proposes a multi-layer taxonomy focusing on digital technologies, data, and different approaches in urban agriculture, along with 20 organizational readiness factors derived from academics and practitioners in the smart urban agriculture domain.

Herdayanto Sulistyo Putro, Irfani Hidayatul Imania, Hana' Salsabila, Rafika Frida Aulia, Salma Zaura Baraza, Chafsoh Nafilah, Rafi Aditya Aryaputra, Sulistya Ningrum Ayu Wardani, Khodijah Khodijah, Euisya Maulida Nurfatin, Akhmad Imam Haromain, Bagus Dwi Prasetyo, Gandhes Alamanda, Vanisya Dewimarta Sanjani, Risqi Sintania Agustin, Tri Ayu Wulandari, Araminta Widyanisa Sekar Nusantara, Cynthia Regina Ariesta, Geraldo Enrico, Inneke Oktaviana Safitri, Jihan Ghina Suryanegara, Yanuardhani Putri Widyastuti, Fiqi Hidayah, Ella Dwiva Novananda, Aufa Inayah, Anisa Rara Indriani, Balqis Amirah Az-zahrah, Annisa Rachman, Evana Fausta Najdah, Imam Nur Rizky Gusman · Sewagati · Indonesia (Surabaya)

In Kelurahan Gading, Surabaya, Indonesia, an integrated smart urban farming application was proposed to address limited urban land and suboptimal greenhouse management. This solution involves developing freshwater fish farming, specifically catfish, combined with vegetable cultivation like water spinach and pakcoy, to provide additional economic opportunities and meet community nutritional needs.

Rimbi Titi Pinasti, Ully Asfari, Purnama Anaking · Journal of Information System Graphics Hospitality and Technology · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study designed a UI/UX website prototype for the Rooftop Farming Center (RFC) at Telkom University Surabaya, Indonesia, using the Lean UX method. The RFC, which utilizes smart urban farming with IoT, faced challenges in stock information, sales reach, and research data due to conventional sales methods. The designed prototype was evaluated using thinking aloud and the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire, achieving scores of 81.4 for the customer interface and 85 for the admin interface. Black box testing confirmed that all system features functioned well.

Dr. Nadeem Aslam · Frontiers in Agriculture · Global

This paper explores the future of urban agriculture, focusing on vertical farming as a promising innovation that uses controlled environments to grow crops in stacked layers. It examines the potential benefits, technological advancements, and challenges of vertical farming. The analysis suggests that vertical farming could reshape urban food systems, enhance sustainability, and contribute to urban resilience.

Aashna Sinha, Kailash Bisht, Digvijay Singh · · Global

This article explores vertical hydroponic farming, noting its benefits like reduced space and water use, and enhanced robustness with Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms (PGPMs). However, it also demonstrated that the system's ecological impact is significantly affected by growing media, pots, electricity use, and transportation. The study suggests potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and abiotic resource decline by using fiber as growing medium and paper containers.

R Mithun, S Roopadarshini · International Journal of Social Service and Research · India (Bengaluru)

This qualitative study in Bengaluru, India, investigated how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives can enhance urban agriculture's productivity, sustainability, and inclusivity. Data was collected through stakeholder interviews, extensive field observations, and a comprehensive review of pertinent literature. Findings indicated that ICT initiatives have transformative potential in addressing key challenges encountered in urban agriculture in Bengaluru, such as limited access to information, inadequate market linkages, and constrained financial resources. Specifically, ICT was found to optimize crop management practices, foster stronger market connections, facilitate financial access, and promote social inclusivity within urban agricultural systems.

Indar Sugiarto, Astri Yogatama, Setyono Yudo Tyasmoro · Jurnal Inovasi Hasil Pengabdian Masyarakat (JIPEMAS) · Indonesia (Surabaya)

A hydroponic garden at KRPL Tambakrejo in Surabaya, Indonesia, was dysfunctional due to water supply difficulties, rat infestations, limited electricity, and suboptimal marketing. Through a community development initiative, the conventional hydroponic garden was transformed into an IoT-based, solar-powered smart hydroponic garden. This transformation resulted in a minimum annual profit of IDR 4,032,000, significantly reduced electricity consumption, enabled internet-based monitoring, and eliminated rat pests.

Matteo Clementi, Valentina Dessì, Giulio Maria Podestà, Szu-Cheng Chien, Barbara Ang Ting Wei, Elena Lucchi · Sustainability · Italy (Milan)

This study proposes an open-source Digital Twin model based on a geographical information system (GIS) for optimizing solar radiation mapping in urban agriculture design. The model considers complex microclimatic variables in urban environments and integrates available open data with in-situ measurements to develop a set of maps for urban farmers and designers. Initially tested on a neighborhood in Milan, Italy, the model's replicability and effectiveness were verified.

Yuxin Bao, M.K. Leung, Dicken Poon, Changying Xiang · Journal of Building Engineering · Hong Kong

This article discusses the technical feasibility and design strategies for integrating high-rise residential buildings with urban agriculture in Hong Kong, using the “Green Tower Hong Kong” architectural design competition as a case study. A resilient residential high-rise building integrated with shared gardens and greenhouses was proposed for the Kwun Tong Center site. The final design can provide apartments for 2500 individuals, produce 340,750 kg of vegetables with 156% self-sufficiency, and generate 1,080,000 kWh of electricity annually.

László Csambalik, Izóra Gál, Krisztina Madaras, Andrea Tóbiás, Péter Pusztai · Urban Science · Global

This review examines soil-based urban agriculture and high-tech plant factories for urban food resilience. It finds that while vertical farms produce high yields, inhabitant involvement is minimal, offering no social advantages. Automated plant factories require few highly qualified personnel and are unlikely to contribute to urban social well-being in the future.

Anggi Indah Yuliana, Achmad Agus Athok Miftachuddin, Rohmat Hidayat, Rindhi Dwi Fibrianti, Erfan Nur Huda, Ziyyana Fitra, Yoga Firmansya · Jumat Informatika Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia

An urban farming support program in the Murukan village community in Indonesia used the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) method to design, manufacture, and implement an automatic watering tool. The program resulted in a 50% improvement in participants' basic knowledge, a 60% improvement in practical abilities, and a 70% improvement in technical skills. Additionally, participant confidence improved by 40%, productivity by 55%, and tool usage efficiency by 65%.

Adekunle Stephen Toromade, Deborah Aanuoluwa Soyombo, Eseoghene Kupa, Tochukwu Ignatius Ijomah · International Journal of Advanced Economics · United States

This comparative review examines urban farming dynamics and its impact on food supply in the United States and African cities. It explores challenges and opportunities, considering factors such as infrastructure, socio-economic conditions, and agricultural practices in both regions. The review highlights policies and technological advancements in the USA, while discussing rapid urbanization and limited resources as challenges in African contexts.

Sukanya Sereenonchai, Noppol Arunrat · Sustainability · Thailand

This study explored the framing of urban agricultural knowledge disseminated via social media and factors influencing satisfaction among experienced viewers in Thailand. It analyzed eleven clips from the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (Thailand) on Facebook and YouTube using a coding framework and content analysis. A survey of 200 viewers was conducted and analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0. Key results showed that leading farmers framed messages by explaining actions, reasoning, outcomes, and associated health benefits. Source credibility and information quality significantly influenced satisfaction, as did self-efficacy, source credibility, and interactivity as moderating factors for knowledge satisfaction.

Hayley Birss · Social Epistemology · Canada

This study examines Infarm's vertical farming practice, a venture capital-backed solution for climate change mitigation, by mapping its actor-network. The analysis reveals that Infarm's vertical farming and its climate change mitigation logics are shaped by venture capital and its biopolitical epistemology of valuation. This framework conceptualizes life, biology, and climate in terms of political economy, indicating that economic viability is a primary driver.

Adimas Ketut Nalendra, M. Mujiono, Samudi Samudi · Kontribusi Jurnal Penelitian dan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Blitar)

This program in Blitar City, Indonesia, focused on empowering the KWT Mblimbing Berseri women farmers' group through training and cultivation assistance for melon urban farming using polybags and drip irrigation. The implementation of IoT technology contributed to reduced pesticide use and nutrient savings, while also creating direct marketing opportunities via social media. These efforts led to increased farmer profits and the provision of fresher products to consumers.

Janie Bickersteth, J. F. S. Ferro, Marjorie Landels, Stephanie Robson · · United Kingdom

Incredible Edible Lambeth (IEL) is undertaking two mapping projects in Lambeth, UK, to identify and make available hidden food production niches. Six walking trails highlight existing food growing in community gardens and green spaces, distributed to pharmacies, GP surgeries, and schools. The 'Lambeth plots' project, in collaboration with Arup, combines GIS analysis with citizen-led mapping to reveal food growing potential across the entire borough.

Ada Górna · · Singapore

This chapter discusses a case study of urban agriculture in Singapore, a rapidly developing metropolis almost completely reliant on food imports. Authorities are promoting modern technology-based food production solutions to improve food self-sufficiency. Research demonstrated that top-down administrative decisions are particularly crucial to the spatial distribution of urban farming, and due to dynamic changes in the city's spatial and functional structure, urban agriculture, especially instances not matching promoted development directions, faces challenges and will undergo spatial and qualitative changes in the coming years.

Triantya Wahyu Wirati, Allya Sofiana Assyifa, Mochamad Fakhriy Afif · Journal of Digital Business and Innovation Management · Global

This research aims to analyze the design of an e-commerce website system for urban farming to optimize its potential through appropriate information technology application. Urban farming, particularly hydroponics, is presented as a solution for limited land in urban areas, offering efficient water use and faster growth. It is hoped that this research will support the growth and sustainability of urban agriculture and open new opportunities in marketing, inventory management, and efficient operational management.

Kamalanathan Shanmugam, Muhammad Ehsan Rana, Ainun Sara Binti Nasri · The Journal of Applied Technology and Innovation · Malaysia

Malaysia is actively using internet-based technologies such as cloud computing, big data analytics, IoT, and AI to enhance its GDP and living standards, particularly through Smart Agriculture initiatives. These initiatives prioritize sustainable practices and urban agricultural solutions. Despite the promise of ubiquitous computing for Malaysia's agricultural industry, the country faces obstacles that must be overcome to realize its full potential.