Different meanings of urban agriculture: Perspectives of housewives and women farmers

Abstract

Background: Policy plays a crucial role in maintaining the sustainability of urban agriculture. Inclusive policies that represent all stakeholders are needed. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the diversity of urban agriculture stakeholders. Women in urban agriculture, often considered as homogeneous group, also exhibit diverse differences. The most obvious is the contrast between housewives and women farmers, who have differing priorities. This show that these two groups may have different interpretations meanings of urban agriculture practices, both functionally and experientially. Therefore, this study try to understand and compare the perspectives of these two groups. Methods: This qualitative research use secondary data analysis through a systematic literature review (SLR) with a thematic approach. Secondary data were collected using some keywords relevan with the topic with a research period of 2020–2025. Findings: The results in functional meanings show a significant difference between housewives and women farmers. This comparison indicates that housewives perceive a more diverse range of functional meanings in urban agriculture practices, including empowerment, economic benefits, environmental aspects, and even food security. In contrast, women farmers tend to focus more on economic benefits and food security. The results in experiential meanings also show significant differences. This comparison indicates that housewives perceive the experiential meaning of urban agriculture as skill development and personal fulfillment, whereas women farmers tend to focus more on the control they have in decision-making. Conclusion: Based on the contrasting findings between the two groups, inclusive policymaking is needed to address the diverse experiences of women farmers group in urban agriculture. Novelty/Originality of this Article: The novelty of this study lies in its examination of the differences in functional and experiential meanings between housewives and women farmers, an aspect that has not been previously explored in the context of urban agriculture.