Urban food production in Bandung, Indonesia

Urban food production has many immediately observable, as well as long-term, benefits. It provides a means of self-help for the poor; is a stepping stone for urban environmental management; and is a productive, as well as aesthetic, use for open or marginal urban land. Yet it is an activity that is poorly understood; why, how, and to what extent, people engage in urban food production activities is only beginning to be researched. Certainly, in most cities in the world, this activity does not have institutional support. Lack of coordination of urban land uses and the ever increasing pace of development in urban areas, mean that urban food production, where it occurs, will become more and more difficult to sustain. This study undertakes to expand the understanding of urban food production. Urban food production includes food growing activities carried out by urban dwellers within or on the periphery of the urban area, for distribution to, and consumption by, other, local, urban dwellers, or themselves. A literature review with examples from around the world presents the various roles urban food production plays. This review provides a context for the research, conducted in Bandung, Indonesia. Urban food production in Bandung is described through interviews and observation. Constraints and opportunities at the city system level and at the food producer level are identified. This investigation shows that with the current rate of development in Bandung, food production is becoming more difficult because of the increasing competition with other urban activities for resources such as water, air and land. However, many opportunities exist within the current framework of city management that can support food production within the city. This study makes a number of recommendations which can support and promote urban food production in Bandung.Applied Science, Faculty ofCommunity and Regional Planning (SCARP), School ofGraduat