S018

Urban Roots: A community-based micro-farming initiative

VINCENT CHAN, WONG YU TING, ALYSSA AMIR BINTI AMIRRUDIN, NURUL SYIFA BINTI KAMARULZAMAN, NUR FATIN NABILAH BINTI MD.IRZAN

AFFILIATION
Faculty of Business, Multimedia University

Description of Invention

In Malaysia, urbanization has led to shrinking agricultural spaces and a disconnect between urban populations and food production. Despite this, there is a growing demand for fresh, locally-sourced produce due to increasing health consciousness. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the agricultural sector's contribution to GDP has been declining, falling from 7.3% in 2015 to around 6.8% in 2020. The country also faces food security challenges, with Malaysia importing about 60% of its food needs. This situation presents an opportunity for community-based micro-farming initiatives that can bring food production closer to urban dwellers, enhance food security, and promote sustainable practices.