Find out how Kebun Kebun Bangsar, Cultiveat and more are catering to Malaysians who value sustainability and social impact
Traditional industrial farming and food transportation contributes to one third of the global carbon footprint. It relies heavily on large swaths of land, water, and pesticides, while giving off immense greenhouse gas emissions as produce is shipped around the world.
Latest reports from The World Bank warn that food insecurity—as supply chain issues continue to be disrupted by the pandemic, political conflict and climate change—is also on the rise. As such, scientists now urge the public to turn toward local food production solutions to counter unsustainable farming practices.
Urban farming is currently the most efficient food production method in cities and more densely populated areas. It is the future of sustainable agriculture, especially for Malaysia, a nation with food import bills exceeding RM55.5 billion in 2021.
There are many new urban farms putting down roots in Malaysia. These farming communities aim to empower locals by giving Malaysians an alternative way of sourcing their food and creating food-independent neighbourhoods.
Below are five urban farms in Malaysia that are prioritising sustainability and social impact. You can support them by buying their produce, donating or volunteering.
Located in TTDI, Urban Hijau is a farm overlooking the suburbs. The space was co-designed by a collaborative team who had gotten their Permaculture Design Certificates (PDC) together. The farm was set up in an effort to bring organic food closer to communities as 30 per cent of food and its nutrition is wasted in transit.
The farm produces 300-400 kg of food for the local community, and sends out produce to local food banks. Harvested in the morning and delivered by lunch time, this is the system that Urban Hijau believes will work to maintain food security and long term sustainability.
