Research & reports

Devotha B. Mosha · East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology · Tanzania

A study of Tanzania combining a systematic literature review with a comparative analysis of rural and urban food-production systems, examining how patriarchal land tenure, unpaid care work, and insecure urban farming arrangements restrict women's participation in higher-value agricultural production. The findings show that technical support alone is insufficient unless paired with structural reforms strengthening women's land rights, labour-saving technologies, and changes to unequal gender norms. Based on this, the study proposes a Gender-Transformative Approach linking legal reform, institutional support, technological innovation, and community-level change.

A Muh Alwilah Akbar, Jairin Jairin, B Sumarni, Ratnawati Tahir, Hasriani Lukman, Muh Al Aswar Rusman · Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi · Indonesia

A study of Tello Urban Village, Makassar City, Indonesia, conducted from July to September 2024, analysing the influence of social capital and women farmers' institutions on the development of urban farming. Using purposive sampling, the study involved 20 active members of women farmer groups, analysed with descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Results showed that social capital - characterised by information sharing, activity coordination, and collective decision-making - and women farmer institutions functioning as units of cooperation, learning, and production both played a significant role in supporting urban farming development. However, both factors were found to have only a moderate, not decisive, influence on urban farming's growth, indicating that additional external support such as government facilitation, resource access, technological innovation, and policy strengthening is still required.

Tao Shi, Ian MacLachlan · Urban Geography · China

A qualitative case study combining observation and interview data on an informal urban garden in Shenzhen, China. In contrast to formal urban horticulture practices in neighboring areas, grower-squatters were found to claim usufructuary rights through informal transactions, sustaining active urban horticulture for the past decade through non-confrontational land claims, social networks governed by tacit understandings, and self-motivated recycling of resources. Notably, these informal arrangements not only endured but consistently outperformed adjacent formal community gardens, which fell into neglect despite official sanction and investment. The authors argue that such informal practices can contribute to the development of sustainable, self-organizing urban gardens in megacities.

Resa Ramadhan, Fatimah Azzahra, Syifa Fauziah · JURNAL ILMIAH MAHASISWA AGROINFO GALUH · Indonesia

A quantitative study of Karangmukti Village, Bungursari District, Purwakarta Regency, Indonesia, analyzing the influence of livelihood capital on the livelihood resilience of farming households. The village has been undergoing agricultural land conversion: the agricultural land area was about 206 hectares before the change, roughly 30 hectares were converted in 2025 (mainly for industrial and residential development), leaving about 176 hectares, and further conversion is planned for 2026-2027, which may further reduce the amount of productive agricultural land. Samples of farming households were drawn using the Slovin formula and cluster sampling, with data collected via questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentation, and analyzed using quantitative descriptive analysis and Smart-PLS. The results show that livelihood capital among farming households was at a moderate level, with natural capital as the most dominant component, and livelihood resilience was also categorized as moderate; livelihood capital was found to have a statistically significant positive influence on livelihood resilience.

Mitsuhito HOSAKA, Mitsuyo UEMATSU, Hironori Yagi · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Japan

A 2026 qualitative longitudinal case study interviewed nine farmers in Tokyo who use real-time image sharing (RTIS) for direct-sales marketing, assessing their information resources, market orientation, and firm performance before and after adopting RTIS. It finds that RTIS use helps farmers accumulate information resources and subsequently adopt a more market-oriented approach, with shipping efficiency improving especially among farmers who initially had limited information resources but some degree of market orientation. Farmers also developed process innovation integrating information resources and market orientation, and those who adopted process innovation after RTIS implementation saw improved farm stand sales through optimized shipping.

Rakindra Putri Ardhini, Jasmine Tifani Claudia Arisayu, Ida Syamsu Roida, Adi Candra · Jurnal Abdi Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This community outreach report describes a four-month support program for KWT Kedurus Asri, a women's farmer group operating an urban-agriculture-based production business in the Kedurus neighborhood of Surabaya, Indonesia, aimed at developing a visual identity (logo, color palette, typography), improving product packaging, and building digital marketing capacity through social media and online marketplaces. Methods included observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participatory design workshops, and ongoing mentoring. The program reports that the group achieved a more cohesive brand identity, packaging meeting food labeling standards, and active social media accounts with planned promotional content, with sales volume increasing by 35% during the support period.

Mohamed Beidari, Inoussa Tougri, Bernard Lamien · Journal of Environmental Protection · Africa

For Burkina Faso, a circular Water, Energy, and Food (WEF) nexus framework was developed that couples wastewater reuse in peri-urban agriculture with biomass energy recovery from crop residues, using Material Flow Analysis, a screening-level Life Cycle Assessment, four-scenario simulation (baseline, water reuse only, biomass only, full circular integration) calibrated for 2005-2024, an exploratory STIRPAT elasticity analysis, and Monte Carlo uncertainty propagation around a composite Nexus Efficiency Index. Every quantitative result is a simulated output from a literature-constrained synthetic dataset rather than an empirical measurement for Burkina Faso; under the central assumptions, the fully integrated circular scenario was modelled to reduce freshwater abstraction by about 25-40%, increase yields by 20-40%, and cut farm-gate CO2-equivalent emissions by 30-45% relative to the linear baseline. The mobilizable biomass potential of cotton stalks and rice husks was estimated at around 44,891 tonnes of oil equivalent per year, with indicative payback periods of 5-10 years for small biogas digesters and gasifiers in representative peri-urban configurations.

Wei-Chun Chuang, Ching‐Pin Tung, Wan-Yu Shih, Wen-Ray Su · 網際網路技術學刊 · China

This study examines the spatial equity and socio-spatial implications of urban agriculture by analysing the distribution of community gardens under Taipei's Garden City Program (TGCP) in relation to neighborhood-level income growth, using unsupervised machine learning (DBSCAN) combined with spatial statistics (Moran's I and LISA). It finds that garden service density is highly concentrated in central districts with significant service gaps in peripheral areas, while at the citywide scale no significant correlation is found between garden density and income growth -- consistent with the "just green enough" view that low-cost, small-scale, decentralized community gardens are less likely to trigger conventional green gentrification -- though several local areas do show potential spatial coupling between garden presence and income change, pointing to a need for policy attention to distributional equity.

Hedwig Ajeng Grahani · GeoEco · Indonesia

A 2024 systematic survey of 217 urban farming households in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, used Stata 19 for hypothesis testing and SPSS 27 for descriptive statistics, running a multiple linear regression of net urban farming income against 22 variables covering sociodemographics, farm structure, input management, biotic stress and institutional support (R2 = 0.7448). Eleven variables had a significant effect, with farm size the most favorable factor, followed by financial support, seed subsidies and technical aid; gender and family size also showed positive effects. Crop type correlated negatively with income, and biotic stress — particularly pest type and severity — substantially reduced income, while training and market access were not statistically significant.

Sri Widayanti, Mirza Andrian Syah, Nia Amalia · Nusantara Science and Technology Proceedings · Indonesia (Surabaya)

A study examines factors influencing the sustainability of Gallus gallus domesticus (chicken) farming at Jago Karah Farm Community (JKF), one of the urban farming enterprises in Surabaya, Indonesia, which faces complex challenges including limited land and waste management issues, high feed costs and limited production capacity, members leaving the community, underused technology, and institutional aspects needing strengthening. Conducted in February-March 2025 using a saturated sample of all 30 farmer members of JKF, data were collected through field observations and questionnaire-based interviews and analyzed with multiple linear regression in SPSS. Results show that ecological, economic, social, technological and institutional factors simultaneously had a positive and significant effect on farm sustainability, with an explanatory contribution of 99.7%. Partially, the social factor had the greatest influence, followed by technology, institutions, economy and ecology.

Lloyd Chigusiwa, Asankha Pallegedara, Terrence Kairiza · Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics · Sub-Saharan Africa

Using four pooled annual cross-sectional surveys of Zimbabwean urban households from 2019 to 2023, this analysis applied an endogenous switching model with count outcome (ESMC), with propensity score matching as a secondary robustness check, to estimate the effect of urban agriculture on household dietary diversity. Large households, and those headed by women, older heads, or married couples living together, were more likely to practice urban agriculture; practicing urban agriculture increased the likelihood of greater dietary diversity, but this effect held only for the sub-population of households that did not receive support from rural relatives.

K. C. Sahu · International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering Management & Applied Science · India

A study in Bhubaneswar, India — chosen because many farmers there grow vegetables on rooftops — analyzed the cost-benefit ratio of rooftop vegetable cultivation using compost, vermicompost, coco peat and organic fertilizers, combining experimental and survey methods. Its stated aim was to assess the economic benefits of rooftop vegetable growing for urban residents; the abstract gives no specific cost-benefit figures, stating only that urban residents can obtain fresh organic vegetables at marginal expense and that rising profit is said to increase the perception of rooftop farming among urban people.

Budi Hartono, Axel Giovanni, Muchammad Khusni Wafa, Mu'alfad Zulfikar Purwanto, Mirna Harsono · COMMUNITY Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia

This is a community engagement program, not an outcomes study, aimed at micro-enterprises in food security and urban farming in Indonesia that face limited business management capacity, scarce resources, and insufficient technical knowledge. Partnering with Fita Farm for its expertise in integrated agriculture, the program delivers training, hands-on mentoring, and continuous evaluation toward goals of improved business management, increased income, and greater resilience, but the abstract does not report achieved results.

Abhijeet Das, Satchidananda Mishra · Green Technology Resilience and Sustainability · Global

This study develops a conceptual and analytical framework for embedding circular-economy and zero-waste principles into hydroponic agriculture systems worldwide, using system mapping, resource-flow analysis, and indicator structuring to compare linear, partial-recirculation, and near-zero-discharge configurations. The analysis found that continuous nutrient recirculation and controlled dosing improve resource retention, and that system stability increases when buffering capacities across water, nutrient, and energy subsystems are aligned; capacity balance and feedback control were identified as key determinants, though the work is conceptual, without empirical field validation.

Asri Jum’atul Aziza, Nanik Setyowati, Yulian Yulian, Widodo Widodo, Wuri Prameswari · Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research · Indonesia

This two-factor (variety × growing-medium composition) completely randomized experiment, conducted in the Agronomy Laboratory Greenhouse at the University of Bengkulu, Indonesia, tested how cocopeat-to-rice-husk-biochar ratios affect nitrogen uptake, growth, yield, and flavonoid content of mint (Mentha spp.) grown in a drip-irrigated substrate hydroponic system. Three varieties (Spearmint, Chocolate Mint, Apple Mint) were tested against four medium compositions (80% cocopeat + 20% biochar through 20% cocopeat + 80% biochar), analyzed by ANOVA (5% significance) and LSD test. Variety and medium composition interacted significantly on growth parameters: Apple Mint showed the greatest stem diameter at 60% cocopeat + 40% biochar, the highest dry weight and nitrogen uptake at 20% cocopeat + 80% biochar, and the highest flavonoid content at 40% cocopeat + 60% biochar, while Chocolate Mint produced the highest fresh and dry root weights at 80% cocopeat + 20% biochar, showing that response to substrate composition depends on variety.

Beni Hasibuan · Crop Life · Indonesia

This study evaluated the effects of bamboo biochar application and varying concentrations of bamboo vinegar on the growth, sensory quality, and iron (Fe) content of red spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) microgreens. Using cocopeat as the growing medium, a 2×6 factorial completely randomized experiment combined biochar presence/absence with bamboo vinegar concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 ppm. No significant interaction between biochar and bamboo vinegar was detected. Biochar application significantly improved overall growth and sensory attributes compared with no biochar. Bamboo vinegar significantly affected plant height and fresh biomass, with the highest responses at 200-800 ppm for height and 800 ppm for fresh weight. Iron content ranged from 202.09 to 481.66 ppm on a fresh-weight basis, and the study notes this water-content-dependent measure limits direct comparison with studies reporting dry-weight values.

Dwinanda Ripta Ramadhan, Supartini, Susilaningtyas Budiana Kurniawati · PROFICIO · Indonesia

A community outreach program in Indonesia (PROFICIO, 2026) applied Participatory Action Research—assessment, intensive training, coaching, and periodic evaluation—to help urban farming groups shift from consumers to micro-scale commercial producers through crop diversification, financial management, and digital marketing. Reported outcomes were skill gains in diversified cultivation, separation of household and business cash accounts, and creation of a digital brand on social media and local marketplaces; the program's expected increase in group revenue was stated as a goal, not a measured result.

Nia Amalia, Sri Widayanti, Mirza Andrian Syah · JURNAL ILMIAH PETERNAKAN TERPADU · Indonesia (Surabaya)

A feasibility study of the Balitbangtan superior free-range chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) farming business run by the Jago Karah Farm (JKF) urban farming community in Surabaya, Indonesia (2026), used qualitative descriptive analysis for market, technical, and environmental aspects and quantitative income analysis with the R/C Ratio for financial feasibility. JKF was found to have clear market segmentation and a functioning marketing mix; the operation remains micro-scale with only partial technology adoption; environmentally it was assessed as feasible, producing no unpleasant odors and managing waste properly; and financially it was profitable, with an average income of IDR 4,069,888 and an R/C Ratio of 1.7. The study notes JKF still faces limited technology, high feed costs, and a narrow marketing reach.

Rabia Admin, Malka Shahzadi, Malika Shahzadi, Muhammed Faisal Rasheed · Social Sciences Spectrum · Pakistan

This study examines women's involvement and empowerment in agricultural activities in Lahore Cantonment, Punjab, Pakistan, based on data from 118 women engaged in agriculture, analyzed using mixed methods including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, correlation, and multiple regression. The results show that while participation rates among women are high, women are not yet empowered, owing to existing socio-cultural and resource-based obstacles. Significant associations were found between land ownership and women's decision-making, between education and participation, and between access to credit and extension services and involvement in agricultural activities; the correlation matrix showed positive relationships among key variables, and regression analysis identified land ownership, education, and access to credit as significant predictors of women's empowerment. The paper states that changes to law, access to resources, and social support are needed to improve women's agency in peri-urban agriculture, and proposes policy measures including land rights reform, targeted educational initiatives, and improved access to resources.

Dawan Arkini Challam · Asian Research Journal of Agriculture · Global

A low-cost vertical farming system was built from 90 mm PVC pipes arranged in a three-tier frame, using soil as the primary growing medium, to grow strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) under a semi-controlled microclimate created by 50% shade netting during the vegetative stage. Shading reduced transpiration stress and improved moisture retention, promoting leaf development, and removing the shade at the onset of flowering increased floral initiation and the number of flowers per plant, attributed to improved light availability. This stage-specific light management raised leaf, flower and fruit counts and yield by combining features of open-field and protected cultivation, though the abstract does not report the number of plants tested or whether the trial was replicated.

D Darto, Nunung Cipta Dainy, Helfi Gustia, Raisa Ardiyanti, Farah Aurellia Sasikirana, Niken Wulandari Dyrin, Graiseld Raissa Erwanto · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Indonesia (Jakarta)

A community outreach activity carried out in August-September 2025 with the Hidroponik Generik farming group in Pesanggrahan, Jakarta, Indonesia, introduced an IoT-integrated solar power system and accompanying equipment, training and mentoring to reduce the electricity costs of a hydroponic system. An 800 Wp solar panel generating 1,400 Wh per day was confirmed able to power a rack-based hydroponic system with 1,000 planting holes, IoT monitoring let partners track water quality via smartphone, and the program reported cutting electricity operating costs by 30%.

Dina Oktavia, Yuni Amelia, Fitri Ammara Azhar, Radha Alizha, Widya Natasya, Nayla Putri Abdullah · Warta Dharmawangsa · Indonesia

Using descriptive qualitative methods combining literature review, observation, and interviews with urban farmers, mainly in Medan, Indonesia, and other major cities, this study analyzed urban farming business opportunities built on organic waste management as a form of green entrepreneurship. Converting organic waste into compost was found to reduce production costs, increase soil fertility, and support a circular economy, making urban farming a potentially profitable and environmentally friendly business opportunity. Young people play a strategic role in this development through innovation, digital technology use, and strengthening community networks, but limited knowledge, capital, and policy support remain ongoing challenges.

Intan Ratri Prasundari, Setyo Tri Wahyudi, Anthon Efani, Reny Tiarantika · Agrisocionomics Jurnal Sosial Ekonomi Pertanian · Indonesia

A study assessed the sustainability status of seven types of urban agriculture in Malang City, Indonesia — irrigated agricultural land, rainfed dryland farming, recreational activity, community gardening, commercial farming, agro-educational tourism, and institutional farming — using multidimensional scaling with the RAPHYTON tool. Primary data came from expert and supporting informant interviews plus field surveys and observation. Results showed the sustainability level of urban agriculture types in Malang City was generally in the "moderately sustainable" category. The ecological dimension of irrigated agricultural land was classified as unsustainable, while agro-educational tourism achieved the highest sustainability status, rated sustainable in the social dimension.

Ruma Chowdhury · Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research · Bangladesh

A survey of urban agriculture in three Thanas (administrative wards) of Dhaka, Bangladesh — Bashabo, Gulshan, and Pallabi — examined the location, patterns, and processes of the practice. The survey found various types of urban agriculture in Dhaka, including vegetable gardens, ornamental plants, floriculture, pigeon and bird keeping, and dairy and goat farming. For most people it was found to be a hobby motivated by the aesthetic appeal it brings to houses and surroundings, with some residents growing fresh, chemical-free vegetables and fruit in their backyards. The city's agro-climatic conditions were described as well suited to flowers and foliage plants, floriculture was characterized as a new industry in Bangladesh, and dairy farming was reported to be common across every ward amid rising demand for milk.

Akhil S Anand, Hannes Pravida, Fredrik Fossan-Waage, Tormod Skorpe Skjolden, Giulia Robbiani, Younes Zahraoui, Emil Wolff Anthony, Jayaprakash Rajasekharan, Sissel Torre, Knut Asbjørn Solhaug, Sebastien Gros · Frontiers in Horticulture · Global

A paper on vertical farming — a controlled-environment agriculture system — examines its potential integration with energy markets. It states that vertical farming's economic viability is constrained by high capital and operational costs, a substantial share of which is energy expenditure, and explores how vertical farms could participate in day-ahead, balancing, and flexibility energy markets by adjusting lighting and climate-control energy use in response to market signals, potentially reducing costs and generating additional revenue. It identifies gaps in understanding of plant responses to variable lighting as a critical barrier to implementation and illustrates these integration challenges through small-scale laboratory experiments.