Community-Based Urban Farming as a Sustainable Food Security Strategy: Transforming Vacant Land into Productive Green Spaces in Rural Indonesia
Keywords:
Community Participation, Community Resilience, Food Security, Rural Development, Social-Ecological Systems, Sustainable AgricultureAbstract
Food security remains a pressing challenge in rural Indonesia, driven by climate uncertainty, fluctuating food prices, and the underutilization of local resources. This study examines the transformation of vacant land into productive green spaces through community-based urban farming and explores its contribution to sustainable food security. Employing a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach integrated with Participatory Action Research (PAR), the study was conducted in Katapang Hamlet, West Seram Regency, Indonesia. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and documentation involving local residents, community leaders, and university students. Thematic analysis was used to identify relationships among social, environmental, and food-security dimensions. The findings reveal that community-based urban farming generated multiple benefits, including increased access to fresh vegetables, reduced household food expenditures, improved environmental conditions, strengthened social cohesion, and enhanced collective learning. Community participation emerged as the primary driver of program effectiveness and long-term sustainability. Based on these findings, the study develops the Community-Based Urban Farming Sustainability Model, which conceptualizes the interconnected roles of vacant land utilization, community participation, collective learning, food production, environmental sustainability, household food security, and community resilience within an integrated social–ecological system. The study contributes a novel framework that repositions urban farming from a production-oriented practice to a community-driven strategy for sustainable food security in rural and island settings. The proposed model offers practical implications for community engagement programs and local food system development in developing regions.
References
Adzkiyah, T. M. (2025). Partnerships and Local Initiatiatives: Pillars of Inclusive and Sustainable Food Security. OECONOMICUS Journal of Economics, 9(2), 131–141. https://doi.org/10.15642/oje.2025.9.2.131-141
Afriati, M., Sutawi, S., Tain, A., Zalizar, L., Setyobudi, R. H., Dewi, D. S., Lubis, R. A., Wijayanti, D., Windani, I., Mulyadi, M., & Akbar, R. (2025). Sustainability Analysis Of Indonesia’s Rice Field Expansion Program: A Literature Review Approach. BIO Web of Conferences, 201, 03011. https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202520103011
Alami, F. N., & Mohammad, W. (2024). Maqasid Al-Sharia Application on Food Security in Indonesia. Seriat Ekonomisi, 1(3), 95–102. https://doi.org/10.35335/vy3y6q03
Alifa Semendawai, F., Sri Sundari, & Suwito, S. (2024). Implementation of Norway’s Food Security Policy: A Review of Strategies for Achieving Food Security in Indonesia. International Journal Of Humanities Education and Social Sciences (IJHESS), 4(1). https://doi.org/10.55227/ijhess.v4i1.1009
Amandaria, R., Darma, R., Zain, M. M., Fudjaja, L., Wahda, M. A., Kamarulzaman, N. H., Bakheet Ali, H., & Akzar, R. (2025). Sustainable Resilience in Flood-Prone Rice Farming: Adaptive Strategies and Risk-Sharing Around Tempe Lake, Indonesia. Sustainability, 17(6), 2456. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062456
Anatasia, A. (2024). Transforming blue food within the framework of Indonesia’s sustainable food-energy-water nexus. Critical Issue of Sustainable Future, 1(2), 105–112. https://doi.org/10.61511/crsusf.v1i2.1957
Anggraeni, A. P. P., Setiawan, B., & Hartono, R. (2025). University Students’ Decision-Making Model in Consuming Alternative-Protein Meatballs: A Gender Perspective. Agro Bali : Agricultural Journal, 8(3), 914–929. https://doi.org/10.37637/ab.v8i3.2174
Anugrah, H. P., Sutrisno, J., Marwanti, S., Nadifta U., A., & Hazairin, I. N. (2023). Analysis of Rice Supply Chain Management Related to Performance and Sustainability of Food Security Program in Central Java. Universal Journal of Agricultural Research, 11(3), 525–536. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujar.2023.110303
Apriyelita, A., & Marviano, F. R. (2025). Sustainable Agriculture in Indonesia: A Review Article on Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities from a Scientific Perspective. Jurnal Biologi Tropis, 25(4b), 47–52. https://doi.org/10.29303/jbt.v25i4b.10386
Arumdhani, M. P. (2025). The impact of biodiesel policy on the availability of cooking oil: An analysis of sustainable food strategies. Jurnal Inovasi Pangan Dan Gizi, 2(2), 111–126. https://doi.org/10.61511/jipagi.v2i2.1876
Astriani, N., Nurlinda, I., Kultsum, F., Mutia, A. N. A., & Nadhira, D. A. (2025). Land Use Conversion in Indonesian Food Security Policy: Environmental Impacts and Sustainable Food Land Provision Strategies. Jurnal Bina Mulia Hukum, 10(1), 85–99. https://doi.org/10.24198/jbmh.v10i1.2495
Astuti, E. P., Wati, K. M., Syah, M. E., Shanti, E. F. A., Sunarsih, T., Astuti, P., Sarmin, S., Astuti, A., & Airin, C. M. (2024). Community empowerment in handling stunting through technology supporting food security and health. Community Empowerment, 9(7), 1078–1086. https://doi.org/10.31603/ce.11389
Astuti, Q. M., Rahayu, H. C., & Afrizal, A. (2025). From Cooperative to Welfare: Analyzing the Impact of Food Security on the Welfare of Members of Pasir Jaya Cooperative. Strata Social and Humanities Studies, 3(1), 30–38. https://doi.org/10.59631/sshs.v3i1.351
Awan, S. (2025). Business Model of Integrated Food Security Information System. Journal of Information Systems Engineering and Management, 10(3), 1737–1747. https://doi.org/10.52783/jisem.v10i3.8380
Ayungingtyas, Nurjanah, S., & Sariwulan, R. T. (2025). The Effect Of Food Inflation, Per Capita Income and Consumer Spending On ASEAN Food Security. Journal of Digital Business and Global Economy, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.64243/JODIGBI.01.2.01
Azkiya, G. M., & Irawati. (2024). Tanggung Jawab Negara Indonesia untuk Melindungi Hutan dalam Penyelengaraan Food Estate menurut Konvensi Keanekaragaman Hayati. Bandung Conference Series: Law Studies, 4(1), 644–650. https://doi.org/10.29313/bcsls.v4i1.10447
Bagio, B., Athaillah, T., Safrika, S., Atikah, Q., Baihaqi, A., & Dewi Fazlina, Y. (2025). Assessing Actual Coffee Farmers’ Food Security: Adaptation Strategy toward Food Estate Development in Gayo Highlands, Indonesia. Coffee Science, 20, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.25186/.v20i.2330
Bancin, H. D., Ekawati, E., Rizieq, R., & Ellyta, E. (2024). Sustainability of Adoption of New Improved Rice Variety Innovation in West Kalimantan Coastal Areas: Review of Social and Cultural Aspects. Agro Ekonomi, 35(1), 63. https://doi.org/10.22146/ae.84364
Bangun, L. P. (2024). Strategic transformations for realizing food security in Indonesia. Critical Issue of Sustainable Future, 1(2), 123–129. https://doi.org/10.61511/crsusf.v1i2.1961
Borelli, T., Keim, A., Sujarwo, W., Koostanto, H., Pawera, L., Gullotta, G., Jalonen, R., Lombardo, A., & Hunter, D. (2024). Invisible Treasures: Assessing Indonesia’s Unique Agrobiodiversity for Food and Nutrition Security. Sustainability, 16(22), 9824. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229824
Budiawati, Y., Natawidjaja, R. S., Perdana, T., & Karmana, M. H. (2024). Factors affecting households food security during pandemic Covid-19. Agricultural and Resource Economics: International Scientific E-Journal, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.51599/are.2024.10.03.05
Cahyono, T. W., & Tokuda, H. (2024). Sociodemographic Factors and Policy Implications for Improved Food Security. The Journal of Indonesia Sustainable Development Planning, 5(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.46456/jisdep.v5i1.495
Damasetio, R. (2025). The strategic role of fermented foods in enhancing sustainable food security: Integrating policy, nutritional value, and local food system empowerment. Jurnal Inovasi Pangan Dan Gizi, 2(1), 60–74. https://doi.org/10.61511/jipagi.v2i1.2098
Darma, R., Rahmadanih, R., Zain, M. M., Amandaria, R., Mario, M., & Akzar, R. (2025). Resilient Rice Farming: Household Strategies for Coping with Recurrent Floods in Tempe Lake, Indonesia. Societies, 15(5), 129. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15050129
Daulay, C. C., & Arka, S. (2025). Determinants of Indonesia’s Food Security 2019–2023: A Panel Data Analysis. LITERACY : International Scientific Journals of Social, Education, Humanities, 4(2), 121–137. https://doi.org/10.56910/literacy.v4i2.2313
Delfiyanti, D. (2023). Management Of Food Security In Asean Economic Community And The Implication To Indonesia. Nagari Law Review, 6(2), 170. https://doi.org/10.25077/nalrev.v.6.i.2.p.170-177.2023
Fadhilah, N., Faizah, N. M., Saputri, F. A., & Tasya, A. (2024a). The Role of Local Wisdom in the Development of Aquaculture: A Qualitative Approach. Aquapolis, 1(2), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.62872/a.v1i2.432
Fadhilah, N., Faizah, N. M., Saputri, F. A., & Tasya, A. (2024b). The Role of Local Wisdom in the Development of Aquaculture: A Qualitative Approach. Aquapolis, 1(2), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.62872/2b5krt57
Febrina, S., Aimon, H., Kurniadi, A. P., & Marta, J. (2025). Assessing the Role of the Blue Economy in Strengthening Food Security: Evidence from Lower-Middle-Income ASEAN Countries. Challenges in Sustainability, 13(1), 110–121. https://doi.org/10.56578/cis130108
Firdaus, H., Ciptomulyono, U., Widjaya, T., & Ramdani, D. (2025). Electrifying Agriculture: A Systematic Review of Sustainable Approaches to Enhancing National Food Security in Indonesia. BIO Web of Conferences, 192, 05001. https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202519205001
Fiza, N., Erwin, Nazir, N., & Tanjung, F. (2025). Local Food Diversification as a Pillar of Sustainable Food Development: A Critical Review of Global and Local Perspectives. AJARCDE (Asian Journal of Applied Research for Community Development and Empowerment), 9(2), 270–279. https://doi.org/10.29165/ajarcde.v9i2.712
Hafsari, K. D., Winarto, P. S., Nugroho, E., & Roviq, M. (2025). Unveiling Food Insecurity Status of Cattle Farm Household Living Adjacent to Teak Forest Region in East Java, Indonesia: A Preliminary Study. BIO Web of Conferences, 191, 00012. https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202519100012
Haikal, R., Firdaus, T., Herdiansyah, H., & Chairunnisa, R. S. (2025). Urban Planning Policies and Architectural Design for Sustainable Food Security: A Case Study of Smart Cities in Indonesia. Sustainability, 17(16), 7546. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167546
Hardiyanto, F. (2025). Adaptive Livestock Innovation for Global Food Security: Resilience Strategies for Animal Food Production in an Era of Crisis. Livestock Science & Innovation Journal, 2(1), 11–19. https://doi.org/10.59261/lsij.v2i1.9
Hasan, Z., & Daryanto, H. (2024). Food Security Governance: Bibliometric Mapping and Comparative Policy Lessons for Indonesia. Jurnal Ilmiah Manajemen Kesatuan, 12(6), 2793–2808. https://doi.org/10.37641/jimkes.v12i6.4055
Hibatullah, F. H., Raidasari, F., Triana, A. P., Siagian, V. K. L., & Simarmata, T. (2024). Revealing Food Fulfillment Threads and Innovative Technology for Enhancing Rice Productivity and Ensuring the Food Security in Indonesia. International Journal on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 5(3), 45–51. https://doi.org/10.46676/ij-fanres.v5i3.316
Imil, O. M. N., Wahyu Raharja, I. K. A., & Pradnya Dana, G. W. (2025). Analysis of the Environmental Impact of Food Production in Indonesia using Machine Learning Models Based on FAO Data. Engineering and Technology Journal, 10(09). https://doi.org/10.47191/etj/v10i09.04
Irjayanti, R., Efendi, Y., Muktiyanto, D., & Wiyono, S. (2026). Future Challenges of Food Security in Indonesia. Jurnal Pembangunan Dan Alam Lestari, 17(1), 19–28. https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.jpal.2026.017.01.03
Istiqomah, I., Pratomo, L. C., & Isnawati, D. (2025). Enhancing Food Security Through Green Canteen Initiatives: A Case Study of the Role of Elementary Schools in Sustainable Nutrition Education. Jurnal Bina Praja, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.21787/jbp.17.2025-2576
Johari, S. M., Hariyadi, E., Sheng, F. M., & Wong, W. K. (2025). Evaluation of Agribusiness Strategies in Enhancing Food Security in Indonesia: The Role of Productivity, Market Access, and Farmers’ Terms of Trade. BIO Web of Conferences, 201, 03004. https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202520103004
Junaidi, J., Amril, A., & Hernando, R. (2022). Economic coping strategies and food security in poor rural households. Agricultural and Resource Economics: International Scientific E-Journal, 8(1), 30–51. https://doi.org/10.51599/are.2022.08.01.02
Lindgren, B.-M., Lundman, B., & Graneheim, U. H. (2020). Abstraction and interpretation during the qualitative content analysis process. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 108(1), 103632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103632
Mukhammad, B. (2026). Indonesia’s Import Licensing Regime after WTO DS 484: Non-Tarif Barriers, Food Security, and Agricultural Trade Law. Cerdika: Jurnal Ilmiah Indonesia, 6(4), 1358–1367. https://doi.org/10.59141/cerdika.v6i4.3273
Mukhlishin, Jelang, R., & Hayatullah, I. K. (2025). Zakat and Waqf Synergies to Accelerating Sustainable Development. Journal of Sustainable Development and Regulatory Issues (JSDERI), 3(1), 29–54. https://doi.org/10.53955/jsderi.v3i1.56
Muliadi, M., Lubis, S. N., Harahap, H., Slamet, B., & Lubis, A. A. R. D. (2024). Sustainable Food Systems and Regional Development: Analyzing Food Security in Medan City’s Underprivileged Areas, Indonesia. Journal of Ecohumanism, 3(6), 529–537. https://doi.org/10.62754/joe.v3i6.4023
Natawiguna, H., Pratama, A. R., Putri, D. P., Hindayani, P., & Bridha, R. L. (2025). Gastronomic Literacy in Local Food Security Efforts in Indonesia. The Journal Gastronomy Tourism, 12(2), 169–181. https://doi.org/10.17509/gastur.v12i2.85908
Nugroho, A. A., Sudrajat, A., Azmi, I. F., Ardiansyah, F., & Prasetyanti, R. (2025). Collaborative Governance in Indonesia’s Nutritious Food Policy: A Multi-Stakeholder Implementation Model. Jurnal Borneo Administrator, 21(2), 203–218. https://doi.org/10.24258/jba.v21i2.1698
Nuryana, Z., Haryadi, H., Rahman, A., Ichsan, Y., Saifuddin, M. F., Aziz, M. T., & Herdian. (2024). Sustainable food management systems in pesantren. BIO Web of Conferences, 148, 04014. https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202414804014
Pambudi, A. S., & Pramujo, B. (2025). Policy analysis of water resources and irrigation management for strengthening food security in Indonesia. Indonesian Journal of Applied Environmental Studies, 6(2), 83–95. https://doi.org/10.33751/injast.v6i2.38
Piring, R., Suyatno, L., Erawanto, S., & Pandjaitan, I. (2025). An Exploratory Study on the Food Estate Ecosystem: A Case of Papua Pegunungan Province Indonesia. Journal of Digitainability, Realism & Mastery (DREAM), 4(04), 10–16. https://doi.org/10.56982/dream.v4i04.307
Priani, G. W., Rozaki, Z., Wulandari, R., & Azzahra, I. (2023). Challenges and Opportunities for the Young Generation in Sustainable Agricultural Development. Proceedings University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta Undergraduate Conference, 3(2), 256–260. https://doi.org/10.18196/umygrace.v3i2.642
Rusdiani, R., Sjah, T., & Suparmin, S. (2025). Food Security of Dry Land Farmer Households in West Lombok, Indonesia. Formosa Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 4(3), 1341–1350. https://doi.org/10.55927/fjmr.v4i3.125
Sabani, F., & Turhamun, T. (2025). Community Empowerment Strategy as an Effort to Achieve Food Security Through Melon Picking Agrotourism. Journal of Nutrition and Public Health, 1(4), 151–159. https://doi.org/10.64780/jnph.v1i4.144
Samir, S., Baja, S., Utami, R., & Walyandra, Z. Z. (2025). Climate shocks and agricultural output dynamics in Indonesia. Discover Sustainability, 7(1), 45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-02438-5
Saputra, A., Abdoellah, O. S., & Utama, G. L. (2025). Exploring the Role of Urban Agriculture in Indonesia’s Socio-Economic and Environmental Landscape: A Systematic Literature Review. Jurnal Ilmu Lingkungan, 23(1), 175–188. https://doi.org/10.14710/jil.23.1.175-188
Saputra, A., Abdoellah, O. S., Utama, G. L., Wulandari, I., Mulyanto, D., & Suparman, Y. (2025). Community Perceptions of Ecosystem Services from Homegarden-Based Urban Agriculture in Bandung City, Indonesia. Sustainability, 17(23), 10726. https://doi.org/10.3390/su172310726
Silalahi, V. A. J. M., & Silalahi, V. H. C. (2024). Sustainable Food Security in New Kalimantan in the Context of IKN Development. East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 3(9), 4183–4196. https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v3i9.11017
Soediro, S., Muhammad, M., & Alfath, K. N. (2024). Towards National Food Security: The Necessity of Public Participation in Agricultural Land Conversion. Jurnal Dinamika Hukum, 24(3), 314–333. https://doi.org/10.20884/1.jdh.2024.24.3.4497
Solihati, Y., & Dayanti, W. T. (2025). Food Security of Fisher Households in Coastal Areas in Indonesia: a Review. Journal of Health Science and Pharmacy, 2(2), 224–234. https://doi.org/10.36685/jhsp.v2i2.1226
Sumartini, N. P., & Nasrudin, R. (2024). Does contract farming participation promote household’s food security for smallholders? Empirical evidence from Indonesia. Jurnal Ekonomi & Studi Pembangunan, 25(1), 110–129. https://doi.org/10.18196/jesp.v25i1.21783
Sutardi, Apriyana, Y., Rejekiningrum, P., Alifia, A. D., Ramadhani, F., Darwis, V., Setyowati, N., Setyono, D. E. D., Gunawan, Malik, A., Abdullah, S., Muslimin, Wibawa, W., Triastono, J., Yusuf, Arianti, F. D., & Fadwiwati, A. Y. (2022). The Transformation of Rice Crop Technology in Indonesia: Innovation and Sustainable Food Security. Agronomy, 13(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13010001
Verdian, R., Rahayu, H. C., & Afrizal, A. (2025). Optimizing Human Resource Management Strategy in Improving Food Security Programs. Strata Social and Humanities Studies, 3(1), 87–99. https://doi.org/10.59631/sshs.v3i1.352
Wijaya, M., Syafhendry, & Ramawulan, N. S. (2023). Kebijakan Ketahanan Pangan Pemerintah Daerah Kabupaten Lingga. Ganaya : Jurnal Ilmu Sosial Dan Humaniora, 6(3), 557–567. https://doi.org/10.37329/ganaya.v6i3.2534
Wulandari, R., Risvansuna F, F., & Mustika, D. (2026). Community-Based Urban Agriculture as a Strategy for Sustainable Food Security: Evidence of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. BIO Web of Conferences, 208, 02003. https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202620802003
Yeny, I., Garsetiasih, R., Suharti, S., Gunawan, H., Sawitri, R., Karlina, E., Narendra, B. H., Surati, Ekawati, S., Djaenudin, D., Rachmanadi, D., Heriyanto, N. M., Sylviani, & Takandjandji, M. (2022). Examining the Socio-Economic and Natural Resource Risks of Food Estate Development on Peatlands: A Strategy for Economic Recovery and Natural Resource Sustainability. Sustainability, 14(7), 3961. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073961
Yusriadi, Y. (2025). Building rural resilience: food security through tourism and agricultural development in Indonesia. Discover Applied Sciences, 7(11), 1272. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-07763-y
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Lilian H. Wattimury, Yeri Alexzandro Latuperissa, Nuraini Lestaluhu, Zulkif NiniLouw, Nazma Alaili Assagaff, Triana Riruma, Nia Rizqi Amaliah, Nur Laili Rumalessin
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
