Cultivating Desire: Malaysian Urban Citizens’ Perspectives on Urban Farming for a Sustainable Future

Malaysia’s growing dependence on food imports amidst rising domestic demand highlights the urgent need for sustainable interventions such as urban farming. This study explores the desire for urban farming among Malaysian urban citizens as a strategic response to food security and socio-economic challenges. A qualitative hybrid analytic approach, combining inductive and deductive thematic analysis, was employed to interpret primary data collected through semi-structured, open-ended interviews, guided by a pre-developed interview protocol. A total of 50 participants, aged above 20 years and representing diverse backgrounds including urban farmers, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, environmental activists, and community members from major cities in Peninsular Malaysia, were interviewed. Secondary data sources were utilized for triangulation to enhance the validity of the findings. Theory-driven and data-driven codes were integrated using NVivo 14 software for comprehensive thematic analysis. Results indicate a strong underlying interest in urban farming, motivated by concerns over food security, environmental sustainability, and personal well-being. Nonetheless, barriers such as high start-up costs, space limitations, and low public awareness continue to hinder its widespread adoption. Participants identified government support, structured training programs, and technological advancements as key enablers for the successful mainstreaming of urban farming practices. The study concludes that with strategic collaboration among stakeholders, investment in public education, and the deployment of advanced technologies, urban farming can evolve into a vital component of Malaysia’s urban development strategy, contributing significantly to food system resilience, economic diversification, and sustainable urban living.