Research & reports

Jaekyoung Kim, Sang Yeob Lee, Junsuk Kang · Sustainability · South Korea

Using ENVI-Met simulation on the campus of Seoul National University, South Korea, researchers quantitatively analyzed how different rooftop garden arrangement patterns affected temperature reduction. Extreme and linear (longitudinal) configurations achieved the greatest maximum reduction at -0.3°C, while the checkerboard pattern achieved the lowest maximum reduction at -0.2°C, with the largest impact over broader areas occurring in the mornings rather than the afternoons.

Rizal Hadyan Fadhlillah, Sophia Dwiratna, Kharistya Amaru · Jurnal Pertanian Tropik/Jurnal Online Pertanian Tropik · Indonesia

This descriptive study, conducted on a rooftop at Padjadjaran University, investigated the performance of a floating raft fertigation system for water spinach cultivation over one growth period (16 days after transplanting). It measured water, nutrient, and electricity consumption, finding 300.63 liters of water, 3860 ml of nutrients, and 31.816 kW of electricity. The study reported good growth uniformity, 99.6 kg/m3 water use efficiency, and 72.8 kg/m2 plant productivity.

Karto Wijaya, Heru Wibowo, Asep Yudi Permana · Jurnal Arsitektur ZONASI · Indonesia (Bandung)

This study investigates Eco Village models in Paralon Village, Bojongsoang, Bandung Regency, Indonesia, focusing on how architecture and urban farming can utilize limited land for productive agricultural use. The research aims to identify existing Eco-Architecture concepts in the area to support Sustainable City development by leveraging community land and space.

Sumardjo, Aldrin Yusuf Firmansyah, Manikharda Manikharda · · Indonesia (Majalengka Regency)

In Majalengka Regency, threats to food security are worsened by the conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural purposes. This research investigated how urban farming innovations could be a solution to food security threats and how the community adapts to ecological changes, specifically land conversion and urban farming innovation, using participatory action research. The study found four types of adaptation to urban farming innovation: apathetic, reactive, proactive, and anticipatory, with field assistance facilitating increased community adaptation.

Tri Andika, Waryenti Deli, P.E.Suryaningsih P.E.Suryaningsih · University Of Bengkulu Law Journal · Indonesia

Residents in Lebong Regency, Indonesia, experienced anxiety due to a landslide at PT PGE's Hulu Lais cluster A site. This landslide resulted in 6 deaths, sinking fish ponds, rice fields, and community gardens, and crop failure. Additionally, residents' drinking water sources were polluted, and drilling caused loud sounds, ground vibrations, hot steam, and dried plants. The drilling also drastically reduced water discharge from the Mubai river, impacting residents who relied on it.

Yaowaret Jantakat, P. Juntakut, Sasikarn Plaiklang, W. Arree, Chomphak Jantakat · ˜The œinternational archives of the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences/International archives of the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences · Thailand (Nakhonratchasima City)

This paper conducted a spatiotemporal analysis of urban agriculture (UA) areas and types in Nakhonratchasima City, Thailand, using Google Earth images from 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2018. A segmentation-based classification method in QGIS identified eleven UA classes, including truck crops and floricultural crops. Truck crops had the greatest cover in the study area, while floricultural crops covered the minimal space over the study periods. The analysis revealed different spatiotemporal change patterns, composition, and rates, showing how human-induced activities affect UA change patterns and rates.

최희선, 안소은, 이후승, 송슬기, 이길상 · 기본연구보고서 · South Korea

This study examined the limitations and problems of existing park and green space policies and explored directions for their reorganization to ensure urban sustainability. It proposes a paradigm shift for policy formulation that ensures diversity, efficiency, and equity, by expanding the concept of urban park and green spaces to "green infrastructure," defined as encompassing both natural-ecological elements and artificially created green spaces within cities. The study also presented policy alternatives to enhance the efficiency of policy implementation through inter-ministerial cooperation and integrated approaches.

Stephan Pauleit, Didit Okta Pribadi, Hany Abo El Wafa · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Indonesia (Jakarta)

The continued existence of agriculture in and near urban areas, such as in Jakarta and Addis Ababa, is an important means to strengthen city resilience. However, its importance is still poorly, or at best intermittently, acknowledged by politicians and urban planners, who are inspired by visions of "modern" cities where agriculture is considered a negligible activity.

Putri Lynna A. Luthan, Yogi Nikman, Hasanatun Nisa Hasibuan, Jaka Prima Albertus Malau · JURNAL PENGABDIAN KEPADA MASYARAKAT · Indonesia (Medan)

In Medan, Indonesia, a verticulture urban farming training program was implemented in Lorong Sidodadi, a densely populated area with limited green space (5.6% of the city). The program targeted non-productive housewives and involved five stages: preparation, socialization, training, mentoring, and evaluation. Participants reported positive responses, aesthetic, thermal, psychological, health, and economic benefits, and reduced vegetable purchases. However, the activity faced issues with rat pests and children's activities.

Yasinta Ratna Esti Wulandari, Anastasia Tatik Hartanti, Bernard Atviano · Jurnal Perkotaan · Indonesia

A hydroponic experiment in Indonesia tested the effect of plant growth regulators on water spinach (kangkung, Ipomoea aquatica) yield. Treatments included a control (AB-Mix), IAA (indole acetic acid) at 0.5 ppm, BAP (benzyl adenine purine) at 0.5 and 1.0 ppm, and combined IAA/BAP at 0.5/1.0 ppm, measuring leaf number, plant height, antioxidant content and water content. Morphological growth was most optimal under 0.5 ppm IAA, while 1.0 ppm BAP produced the shortest average plant height, fewest leaves and shortest root length. Chlorophyll testing showed 0.5 ppm IAA had the highest total chlorophyll content, averaging 9.55 μg/ml, and the authors conclude 0.5 ppm IAA had the most positive effect among the treatments tested.

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.

Camille Frazier · Journal of Political Ecology · India (Bengaluru)

This article examines the motivations and practices of organic terrace gardeners (OTGians) in Bengaluru, India, who grow food in private spaces. While OTGians successfully create a vibrant community driven by food safety and environmental concerns, their efforts are limited to the middle class due to class-specific concerns and production practices. The study highlights that urban gardening in this context remains an intervention primarily for the middle class.

Dan Yu, Dongyan Wang, Wenbo Li, Shuhan Liu, Yuanli Zhu, Wenjun Wu, Yongheng Zhou · Sustainability · China (Changchun)

This paper assessed the landscape ecological security (LES) of peri-urban cultivated land in Changchun City, China, at three time points, considering both cultivated and surrounding landscapes. Results showed that urbanization affected the peri-urban cultivated landscape, with metrics like patch density and edge density progressively increasing for cultivated land within 20 km of the urban center. This indicated elevated fragmentation and vulnerability, and the study concluded that decreased LES of cultivated land impedes sustainable peri-urban agriculture.

M. L. Dotaniya, V. D. Meena, S. Rajendiran, M. Vassanda Coumar, Asha Sahu, J. K. Saha, S. Kundu, Hiranmoy Das, A. K. Patra · Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science · India (Bhopal)

A case study in peri-urban agricultural lands near Patranala, Bhopal, India, investigated the impact of over 50 years of untreated sewage water irrigation on soil properties. Findings showed higher concentrations of heavy metals in surface soils of sewage-irrigated fields, posing a major concern. Conversely, soil microbial population, enzymatic activities, and organic carbon content were also higher, indicating enhanced carbon sequestration.

김경미 · 교육인류학연구 · South Korea

This study investigated the educational implications of Nurpurum School, a 12-year alternative school pursuing the value of "transition," through a case study. Participant observation, interviews, and local data collection revealed that after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, the school restructured its curriculum around the theme of "ecological transition in education," implementing a "Transition Village Project" focused on urban agriculture and appropriate technology. This education was concluded to shift meaning from "made" education to "making" education, from teacher-centered to co-teaching and learning relationships, and from competition to education for coexistence and symbiosis.

Melinda R.S. Moata, Oskar Kollo, Yofris Puay, Yos Rhuma, Charles Tlonaen, Zakharias Duka · PARTNER · Indonesia (Kupang)

This survey evaluated 10,078 hectares of unmanaged land in Lasiana, Kupang city, Indonesia, to assess its capability for urban agriculture. The study found that two land units were classified as Class III land capability due to limiting factors such as soil depth, erosion level, soil fertility, drainage, and stoniness. Recommendations for land management included increasing soil depth and applying urban forest or urban farming development with multifunctional land uses.

Doni Kurniawan, Y Yaddarabullah, Galih Suprayitno · Proceeding of The URECOL · Indonesia

This study implemented an IoT-based drip irrigation system for urban farming. Trial results showed that the system saved 40% of water used for plant irrigation by automatically dispensing the necessary amount. It also allowed real-time monitoring and control of plants via smartphone.

Jeffrey Hou · Urban Studies · Taiwan (Taipei)

This study examined the ongoing outcomes of Taipei's 'Garden City Initiative' amidst rising concerns for food security and climate adaptation. Based on interviews and participant observations during the initial period of advocacy, planning, and implementation between 2014 and 2017, it suggested that policy formation and implementation may require opportunistic actions involving a variety of actors. The case of Taipei indicates the need for strategic adaptation of the existing bureaucratic structure, while mobilizing its strengths and resources.

Lutfi Asnan Qodri · SKRIPSI Jurusan Ekonomi Pembangunan - Fakultas Ekonomi UM · Indonesia (Malang)

This qualitative exploratory study assessed the prospects of the "Gelintung Go Green" urban farming village in Malang City, Indonesia. It analyzed initial formation data, vision, mission, roadmap, and development efforts to examine its prospects from economic, social, and ecological aspects. The study concluded that the village has good prospects for future continuation if these three aspects are adequately fulfilled.

Yun-Cheol Nam · Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering · South Korea

A case study of the development process and community life of the Sanneoul eco-village in South Korea, created to welcome urban dwellers choosing to return to rural life and to help prevent rural depopulation. Nearly fifty community meetings were held by residents during construction. Public funds covered most basic construction costs, with residents paying only for property, land and buildings. The village includes rainwater recycling, grass blocks, rooftop gardens, an ecological sewage plant, solar heating, a pellet boiler, a fireplace and ondol floor heating, and residents actively participate in recycling garbage, food waste and human waste; the study reports residents are content with the village's eco-friendly features.

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.

Abdullah, Abdullah, Gufran Darma Dirawan, Nurlita Pertiwi · Eprints (Universitas Negeri Makassar) · Indonesia (Makassar)

A study analyzing the sustainability level of urban farming in Makassar City, Indonesia, found that the overall urban farming sustainability index was 48.52%, indicating a "less sustainable" status. The ecological dimension was rated 42.66% as "less sustainable," while the economic dimension was 50.69% as "fairly sustainable."

권오성, Oh-Sung Kwon, 최동식, 김진효, 이순주 · 한국산림휴양학회지 · South Korea

This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the multifunctional aspects of urban agriculture and develop a corresponding functional chart. Through literature analysis, 17 evaluation indicators, including area, view, and temperature reduction, were selected, and five types of urban agriculture were categorized into three factors. Based on expert surveys, weights were assigned to each function and indicator, and an evaluation model using a summation matrix method was established. The developed functional chart was applied to actual sites, yielding value ratings of Grade I and Grade II for Cheoneulsan Public Urban Agriculture Farm and Joilgol Public Urban Agriculture Farm, respectively, indicating high value.

Piyapong Boossabong · Palgrave Macmillan US eBooks · Thailand (Bangkok)

This chapter examines how the policy network on urban agriculture in Bangkok, Thailand, developed collaborative governance mechanisms to cope with food distribution disruption caused by floods. It argues that deliberation between policy network members and flood victims determines meaningful collective actions that enhanced victims' resilience and promoted fair distribution, political and cultural recognition, and parity of participation.

Amara Roca Iglesias · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Asia

This research explores the possibility of introducing urban gardens into the former floodplains of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, integrating them into a planned river park. It investigates how urban agriculture could reduce the Kathmandu Valley's dependence on neighboring countries for food and enhance self-sufficiency. The study suggests changing current government policy to promote urban agriculture, shorten food supply chains, and foster social and citizen participation.