Research & reports

Chen, C., Lam, J., Shi, Z., Akksilp, K., Aw, S., Chong, M.F.F. · JMIR Research Protocols · Asia

Randomized trial (n=137) of 24-week urban care farming program for older adults in Singapore. Measures quality of life, cognitive function, psychosocial well-being, and inflammatory biomarkers.

Nurdiyana Diyana, Suanto Suanto, Roni Rustandi, Trisakti Handayani, Sri Rumiati · JUSTISI · Indonesia

This qualitative descriptive study in South Tangerang City, Indonesia, analyzed the role of the Srikandi Tani 09 Women Farmers Group (KWT) in realizing the right to a healthy environment. Based on interviews, observations, and documentation from five active members, findings indicate KWT Srikandi Tani 09 actively raises environmental awareness, manages limited land for urban agriculture, and processes organic waste. Success factors include participatory leadership and collaboration, while challenges involve limited land, funding, and public awareness.

Retno Wulandari, F. LAYLAVOIX F., Dela Mustika · Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology) · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)

This study in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, examined the role of women farmer groups in optimizing urban home yard utilization for food security through a community-based urban farming approach. Using a quantitative descriptive analysis with 48 respondents, findings indicated that women farmer groups play a moderate role as learning hubs, cooperative platforms, and production units. Key factors influencing their role include age, farming experience, participation levels, leadership, agricultural extension support, and government involvement.

V.Rajendra Prasad, D.Chinnama Naidu, M.Suresh Kumar · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · India

This abstract proposes integrating urban farming into the Student READY program within the ICAR-SAU System in India to enhance food and nutritional security. It suggests introducing urban farming into the program's five components, including Experiential Learning and Hands-on training. Proposed activities for undergraduate students include aquaponics, rooftop farms, and growing specialty crops, while methodologies involve utilizing underutilized spaces, creating care farms, and establishing community gardens.

Dimas Aditiya, Lili Dasa Putri, Solfema Solfema · Edukasi Elita Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan · Indonesia

This literature review examines hydroponics as a solution to urban agricultural land shrinkage, citing a drastic reduction in rice fields in Sukawati District, Bali, from 497.24 Ha in 1985 to 211.42 Ha in 2016. It focuses on hydroponic training for housewives, which led to the establishment of a communal hydroponic garden and individual plans for independent hydroponic cultivation, demonstrating its success in improving food security.

Hailey E. Kirkland, Donovan G. Doolittle, Kamila Deavers · ACS Sustainable Resource Management · United States (Indianapolis)

A collaborative phytoremediation initiative was conducted in a 2-acre urban community garden in a low-income Indianapolis neighborhood to address lead-contaminated soil. Soil testing revealed lead concentrations between 100–400 ppm, leading to tailored crop and hyperaccumulator rotations. The integrated design successfully enabled both soil decontamination and continued crop supply, with lead concentration in one section reduced from 380 ± 47 ppm to 167 ± 52 ppm (p < 0.05) over two seasons. However, the community's immediate nutritional needs constrained complete lead removal.

Yuni Pantiwati, Erna Retno Rahadjeng, Dony Prasetyo, Tasya Novian Indah Sari · Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Malang)

This community service initiative aimed to enhance family productivity by training 15 Family Welfare Empowerment (FWE) members in Jetis Hamlet, Malang, Indonesia, in aquaponic cultivation and harvest processing. Conducted from July to December 2025 with intensive mentoring and a learning-by-doing approach, evaluation using pretest and posttest instruments showed a substantial increase in participant capacity. Average knowledge scores increased from 37 to 82, and technical skills improved from 52 to 81.

Budi Hartono, Hanung Eka Atmaja, Galy Hardyta, Brilian Setyo Utomo, Muhammad Lutvi, Amelia Cyntia Kusuma Wardhani · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat (abdira) · Indonesia

This community engagement program in Indonesia aimed to strengthen economic and food self-reliance among persons with disabilities using a circular economy approach and an inclusive digital campaign. Employing a participatory-collaborative method, it showed substantial improvements in maggot production skills (30% to 80%) and food self-sufficiency (20% to 60%) among participants. While the digital campaign is in its initial stage, the program demonstrates strong sustainability potential for inclusive economic empowerment.

S Wang · Advances in Economics Management and Political Sciences · China

This qualitative literature review examines informal green spaces (IGS) in Chinese cities, contrasting them with formal, hyper-managed landscapes. The study finds that while formal lawns incur high financial maintenance burdens and lower biodiversity, IGS, including spontaneous urban wilderness and community gardens, are often cleared despite offering higher biodiversity and zero maintenance costs. The research highlights a governance dilemma where the prioritization of neatness over ecology leads to the removal of IGS, which support psychological place attachment and spatial justice for marginalized groups.

Sugeng Harianto, Refti Handini Listyani, Dewien Nabielah Agustin, Rizky Trisna Putri, Ahmad Farhan Ridwan · Multidisciplinary Reviews · Indonesia (Surabaya)

A six-month mixed-methods study in Surabaya, Indonesia, involving 150 low-income households (75 urban farming, 75 non-farming), found that urban farming enhances dietary quality, stabilizes food availability, and reduces vulnerability during economic stress, while also strengthening neighborhood ties and improving mental well-being. However, its adoption is constrained by spatial limitations, financial barriers, inadequate technical knowledge, and sociocultural stigma, limiting participation among vulnerable groups.

Salwa Yasyifa Azzahrah, Lies Sulistyowati · MIMBAR AGRIBISNIS Jurnal Pemikiran Masyarakat Ilmiah Berwawasan Agribisnis · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This study analyzed the financial and economic feasibility of urban farming projects and their role in women's empowerment in Cengkareng Barat and Duri Kosambi sub-districts, Jakarta. Using descriptive analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and the Likert scale, the research found that urban agriculture programs are financially and economically viable, showing positive Net Present Value and a Benefit-Cost Ratio greater than one. Socially, these programs contribute to women's empowerment through additional income, skill enhancement, self-confidence building, and community participation.

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.

Yus Alvar Saabighoot, Yusrafidin Yusrafidin, Rakhmini Juwita, Rizka Nurhalija, Rory Fitriani Larasati, Annisa Raudhatul Jannah, Lulu Ilma'nunah · Jurnal SOLMA · Indonesia

This case study examines a community-based program, "Waringin Sehat," delivered through an early childhood education center (PAUD Ibnu Umbara) in Waringin village, Indonesia, to address stunting and malnutrition in young children through a five-stage intervention combining education, participatory training and active mentoring. The program improved parents' and PAUD educators' understanding of balanced nutrition, equipped educators to integrate nutrition material into their curriculum, and formed active community learning groups that promoted use of local food through simple urban farming initiatives.

Muslik Muslik · RIGGS Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Business · Indonesia

A qualitative case study analyzing the role of local community police officers (Bhabinkamtibmas) in a food-security program in Magersari District, Mojokerto City, Indonesia, and the factors affecting its effectiveness. Citing land-use conversion, high market dependence and low resident participation in productive activities like urban farming as challenges to urban food security, the study collected data through in-depth interviews with 25 informants (officers, ward staff, community figures, farmer groups and related agencies), participatory observation of patrol ("sambang") and FKPM community-security-forum activities, and document review, analyzed using the Miles, Huberman and Saldana interactive model. Results show Magersari's community police performed four mutually reinforcing roles: preventive-social (early detection of food-related conflict), partnership facilitation (mediating access to seeds and fertilizer), motivator/social-change agent (humanistic approach), and security/stabilization (monitoring distribution). Obstacles included structural factors (role conflict from dual demands and limited personnel), socio-cultural factors (low urban resident enthusiasm) and economic pressure from daily livelihoods, addressed through participatory dialogue-based patrols, optimizing FKPM, collaboration with community leaders and the PKK women's group, and use of social media (WhatsApp, Instagram). The study concludes the officers' role has shown concrete contributions but requires stronger institutional support and structured cross-sector coordination.

Syauqi Az Zahra, Erwan Efendi · Ganaya Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan Humaniora · Indonesia

In Martebing Village, Serdang Bedagai Regency, Indonesia, a qualitative descriptive study using field observation, in-depth interviews with community administrators and members, and activity documentation examined how management of the Nurul Huda women's empowerment community, organized through a da'wah (Islamic outreach) management approach, contributes to family food security. The community was found to carry out functional management — activity planning, role organization, program implementation and collective evaluation — integrated with da'wah values, realized in practice through urban farming and yard-land utilization as part of family food security management. Women's active involvement throughout this process was said to encourage the independence and sustainability of family food security, positioning the integration of da'wah management and women's empowerment as a potential model for community-based empowerment in rural areas.

Siti Nurul Khotimah, Ihsanuddin Fadillah, Martinus · Nemui Nyimah · Indonesia

A participatory education program for household-level climate adaptation was delivered to seven housewives belonging to the Rumah Keluarga Indonesia community. The curriculum covered climate change impacts on food production, water and energy availability, the use of home yards for food production through urban farming with household organic waste, and simple technologies such as small solar panels for yard lighting. Following the activity, participants showed strong engagement and reported increased understanding and awareness of women's role in household food, water and energy resilience to climate change.

Kim D., Park E., Yun H., Baek Y., Jin H., Cho H. · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · South Korea

A qualitative evaluation of a garden-based healing and learning program for young adults with intellectual disabilities found changes including emotional, social, physical, and independence-related healing.

Sriyanto Sriyanto, Eva Banowati, Edi Kurniawan, Fikri Amrullah, Ervando Tommy Al-Hanif · Society Jurnal Pengabdian dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat · Indonesia (Karimunjawa)

This participatory urban farming program in Karimunjawa, Indonesia, aimed to improve community welfare and food security by empowering village women and youth to utilize their yards. Through socialization, training, and mentoring in techniques like polybag farming and composting, the program increased community farming skills. Evaluation via surveys, interviews, and observations showed most participants successfully applied techniques, producing food for consumption and experiencing economic benefits and improved food availability.

Rahmawati Setiyani, Esti Dwi Rahmawati · MESTAKA Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia

This community service activity in Indonesia aimed to improve digital marketing literacy among members of the Sugih Waras Women's Farmers Group. The activity involved delivering materials on agricultural commodity production and digital marketing, followed by interactive discussions and evaluations. Results indicated an increase in knowledge among members, who committed to continuing the activity to support food security.

Moh. Sholeh, Nanang Indardi, Khoirul Anwar, Vacktian Diva Gumala · Jurnal Abdimas · Indonesia (Semarang)

In Banjardowo Village, Semarang, urban farming-based cultivation innovations were implemented as an adaptation strategy to limited land and flood threats. This community service research aimed to increase the capacity of the Barokah Women Farmers Group (KWT) through six stages of activities, including urban farming installation and cultivation training. The activities resulted in increased knowledge and skills in horticultural cultivation among members and strengthened the group's social cohesion, proving effective in enhancing technical capacity, empowering women, and strengthening local food security.

Sukanya Basu, Brenda Maria Zoderer, Harini Nagendra, Peter H. Verburg, Tobías Plieninger · Nature Cities · India

This study examined the extent and benefits of foraging in urban blue spaces across four major Indian cities through a survey of 1,200 users. It identified three forager groups—rare, occasional, and frequent—whose behaviors differed in frequency and practice. Women, the elderly, and marginalized communities most frequently collected, shared, cooked, and sold edibles. Frequent foragers emphasized benefits related to nutrition, income, culture, and social capital, while occasional foragers appreciated nature- and culture-related benefits, indicating urban blue spaces are vital for food access and resilience.

Erni Suharini, Ervando Tommy Al Hanif, Supriyadi Supriyadi, Hariyanto Hariyanto, Mohammad Syifauddin · Journal of Community Empowerment · Indonesia (Semarang)

A community service program was implemented to strengthen the organizational capacity of the Women Farmers Group (KWT) Puspitasari in Sampangan, Semarang, Indonesia. The program provided training and mentoring based on the POAC management cycle (planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling), combined with guidance on basic digital archiving using tools like Google Drive and spreadsheets. Evaluating 23 participants with a pretest–posttest design, the program showed a significant improvement in mean scores from 64.35 to 83.04, indicating enhanced participant knowledge and readiness in organizational planning, role distribution, meeting documentation, and evidence-based evaluation.

Ana Wahyuni, Stephanus Widjaja, Deny Nitalia M · Jurnal Pengabdian dan Pengembangan Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia (Semarang)

A community service activity was conducted for members of UP2K TP PKK in Maltiharjo Village, Semarang, to introduce and implement urban farming concepts. The activity included technical training in vertical vegetable cultivation and regular mentoring, showing an increase in participants' knowledge and skills. Harvested produce was used for family consumption, as healthy menu additions, and as an income source through sales, demonstrating urban farming's potential to support food security and create productive green environments.

Fanny Shinta Junita, Devy Puspasari Siswaningrum, Nur Rahmi Fajri Yanti, Wendi Gustira · Prospect Jurnal Pemberdayaan Masyarakat · Indonesia (Depok)

This article discusses the AKASIA Program, an elderly empowerment initiative implemented with the Anyelir 2 Farmers Group in Harjamukti Village, Depok, Indonesia. The program supported elderly garden activities using a community empowerment approach, including urban farming training, organic waste processing, cultivation facilities, and ongoing mentoring. Results demonstrated that the program not only provided productive, social, and recreational space for seniors but also significantly improved their happiness, relaxation, and quality of life. Furthermore, it contributed to reducing organic waste and opening economic opportunities through the sale of agricultural products.

Hedwig Ajeng Grahani, Seno Budhi Ajar · Jurnal Ilmiah Ekonomi Bisnis · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)

This study investigated how urban farming contributes to household income and shapes income disparities among urban farmers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, using data from 217 urban farming households. Urban farming's contribution to total income was lowest among low–middle income households (1.38%) and highest among middle–high income households (50.06%), with an overall average of 30.98%. Regression analysis confirmed that higher-income households gain more from urban farming, while other income sources reduce its relative importance. These results suggest urban farming serves as a key income generator for wealthier households but remains supplementary for poorer ones.