The Impact of Urban Farming on Family Food Security in Urban Areas

This research, conducted by a team from Gadjah Mada University, focused on the role of urban farming in improving family food security in urban areas. The background to this study is the high dependence of urban communities on food supplies from outside the region and the rising prices of staple foods, which directly impact household expenses. Urban farming is seen as an alternative solution that not only strengthens family food self-sufficiency but also improves the quality of the urban environment.

The study was conducted over six months and involved 120 families in three major cities: Yogyakarta, Jakarta, and Surabaya. Each family received basic training in hydroponic techniques, vertical farming, and organic composting, utilizing limited space such as yards, balconies, or rooftops. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and direct observation of harvest yields and changes in household expenditures.

The study showed that 721 families (30%) experienced a decrease in monthly vegetable expenditure of up to 301 families (30%) after three months of active urban farming. The most commonly cultivated crops included kale, spinach, lettuce, and chilies, as they are easy to care for and quick to harvest. In addition to the economic benefits, the study also found positive psychological impacts, such as reduced stress and increased interaction between family members during the farming process.

Furthermore, this activity also strengthens social resilience through the formation of urban farming communities at the neighborhood (RT) and community (RW) levels. These communities provide a space for sharing experiences, technology, and harvests, ultimately creating a resilient micro-food ecosystem. In some cases, residents have even begun selling their harvests on a small scale through social media or local bazaars.

However, the study also identified several major challenges, such as limited clean water for irrigation, exposure to air pollution in some locations, and residents' lack of technical knowledge regarding pests and plant nutrition. To address these challenges, the researchers recommend city government support in the form of supporting facilities, ongoing training, and subsidies for environmentally friendly urban farming equipment.

This study recommends that urban farming be incorporated into city planning as part of climate change adaptation strategies and to strengthen local food security. Local governments are also advised to integrate this program with household organic waste management policies to create a circular agricultural system in urban environments.

With increasing pressure on the global food system and the risk of distribution disruptions due to climate change or geopolitical crises, urban farming is a strategic solution to increase food independence and sustainability at the household level. This research opens the door to further exploration of the integration of smart agricultural technologies, such as IoT and humidity sensors, at the household level for greater efficiency and effectiveness.