Urban farming and its impact on local communities and urban environment: A case study of West Jakarta and Tangerang, Indonesia

By 2015 it is estimated that about 26 cities in the world would have a population of 10 millions or more, adding pressure to the fact that a total of 250 million people who live in hunger at present are found in the world’s cities. To feed such a city at least 6,000 tonnes of food must be imported each day. Urban farming (home gardening) is the answer to overcome the impending threat of adequate food supplies. This article assesses the perception of Indonesian farmers in West Jakarta and Tangerang of their farming prospects and its impact on the local commnunities and environment. The assessment is based on the responses of 171 farmers in West Jakarta and Tangerang during a field study conducted in Mac 2011. The study found that, in general, urban farming has certain economic, social and environmental advantages. Economically, urban agriculture ensures local food security while farmers can increase savings because they do not spend as much money on food. Socially, urban agriculture may create new jobs, empower the poor, and reduce urban poverty. Environmentally, urban farming enhances urban green space which serves as a city lung and contributes to healthier urban ambience and livability. In conclusion, the findings point to the sensibility of promoting urban agriculture in the light of the impending explosion of population growth and urbanisation.