Economic hurdles, social gains: unveiling the true motivations behind urban farming

Abstract

This study examined the social and economic feasibility of urban farming in Bandung, Indonesia, from the viewpoint of the actors. Observations, semi-structured and in-depth interviews with key informants including urban farmers, urban farming community leaders, traders, and government representatives in Bandung were used to collect data. According to the remarks of the interviewees, urban farming in Bandung is not economically motivated because the practices are not economically profitable for the actors. Rather, social factors, such as social collectivity and personal aspirations have propelled some of the urban farming movement’s continuity in Bandung. This paper concludes that the city government has to start taking social motives into account when designing future urban farming programs rather than only highlighting its profitability, which can lead to future disappointments. This suggestion can contribute to the betterment of future urban farming activities in Bandung and cities with similar characteristics around the world.

Keywords

• Urban farming
• community gardens
• food production
• sustainability
• initiatives
• Cities and the Developing World