URBAN AGRICULTURE ACTIVITIES SCENARIO IN RELATION TO FOOD SECURITY: DELVE INTO URBAN FARMING PRACTICE

Abstract

Urban agriculture is an alternative source of food for the urban population to achieve food security. The Department of Agriculture (DOA) Malaysia under the Community Agricultural Development Program targeted 8,800 metric tonnes of urban agriculture products by the year 2025. To understand the current state, this research aims to investigate the urban agricultural activities scenario in Malaysia through the role and responsibilities carried out by the government agencies to facilitate urban farmers and increase agricultural productivity. A qualitative approach was adopted by means of a desktop study to review journals and reports, as well as content analysis on multilevel government policies, and acts related to urban agriculture. Also conducted were in-depth interviews with government agencies officials and farmers, and a fieldwork. The findings indicate that (1) all three-tier governments have specific roles and responsibilities in facilitating urban agriculture through policies, instruments, incentives, and monitoring that cascade down from the federal to the local level; and (2) the need to improve coordination between agencies to optimise resources and monitoring. In conclusion, coordination between related government agencies and farmers is the key enabler to ensure food security for the urban population.