Effectiveness of urban agriculture programme on community food security and nutrition in Peninsular Malaysia

This research evaluates the effectiveness of the Urban Agriculture Program (UAP) administered by the Department of Agriculture (DOA) in bolstering community food security and nutrition across Peninsular Malaysia. The UAP was initiated as a strategic response to the challenges posed by increasing urbanization, which has had significant implications for food security. Its core objectives include promoting self-sufficiency, reducing household food expenses, and fostering social cohesion. This study employs the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, Product) evaluation model to investigate the program’s goals, resource allocation, implementation methods, and the resultant outcomes for its participants. Adopting a survey design, the study integrates quantitative questionnaires with semi-structured interviews to ensure robust and valid findings. A cluster sampling technique was utilized, leading to the selection of a representative sample of 230 participants from community gardens in Georgetown, Penang (Northern region), Kuala Lumpur (Central), Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu (East Coast), and Johor Bahru (Southern), all of which located within Peninsular Malaysia and engaged in the UAP initiative. The analysis, which included descriptive statistics and Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), revealed that the “Product” dimension, reflecting the program’s overall impact, plays a significant role in determining the success of the UAP. Additionally, the “Process” dimension is crucial for understanding participant satisfaction and engagement. The findings indicate that the UAP has made substantial contributions to local food production, enhanced community food security, and generated both social and economic benefits. Nevertheless, the study identifies several obstacles, such as limited land availability, low engagement among younger demographics, and inadequate institutional support, which limit the program’s wider adoption and long-term sustainability. To address these challenges, the research proposes a strategic framework that emphasizes the need for enhanced policy support, infrastructure improvements, and more appealing initiatives aimed at increasing youth participation. Expanding the discussion on these issues offers deeper insights into the UAP’s challenges and opportunities, highlighting their impact on the program’s overall effectiveness and sustainability. These insights are pivotal for refining urban agriculture strategies in Malaysia, contributing to broader goals like Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Ultimately, this study not only enriches the academic discourse on urban agriculture and program evaluation but also provides practical guidance for developing frameworks that optimize urban farming practices, aiming to ensure food security and improve community well-being.

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