Research Grant: Promote Halal Value Chain-Based Urban Farming in Gunungsari, Makassar

UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR — The Department of Islamic Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar, held a community service activity entitled “Implementation of Halal Value Chain Urban Farming to Support Food Independence for ‘Aisyiyah Women in Gunung Sari Branch, Makassar”, Thursday, March 5, 2026.

This activity is part of the ResearchMu grant scheme for Community Service (PKM) within the Muhammadiyah organization, managed by the Directorate of Higher Education, Research and Development (Diktilitbang) of the Central Leadership of Muhammadiyah.

The program aims to strengthen family food security as well as economic independence through integrated hydroponic urban farming with the concept of a halal value chain. Through coaching, participants are not only introduced to hydroponic cultivation techniques, but are also equipped with knowledge of business management, product marketing strategies, and opportunities for developing urban-based household economic ventures.

The Head of the PKM Team, M. Yusuf K., S.E., M.E., said that urban farming can be a solution for urban communities facing land constraints, but still wanting to engage in productive activities.

“Through this program, we want to encourage ‘Aisyiyah women to utilize limited land in their homes for productive activities through hydroponic systems. Not only to produce healthy vegetables, but also to generate additional family income through a halal value chain-based business,” he said.

According to Yusuf, the activity also represents the implementation of the three pillars of higher education, particularly community service, by presenting applicable and sustainable solutions.

The activity also involved other team members, namely Sri Wahyuni, S.E., M.E. (lecturer in the Department of Islamic Economics), as well as two students from the Department of Islamic Economics, Nurhajrah and Aldhan Nur Ikhsan. They supported the implementation of the activities, including delivering materials, assisting with hydroponic practice, and interacting directly with participants.

The Chairwoman of the ‘Aisyiyah Gunung Sari Branch, Dra. Rosdiana Djamhuri, M.Pd., expressed her appreciation for the coaching program. She said that the activity provided new knowledge for ‘Aisyiyah members to utilize their gardens productively.

“We are very grateful and thankful for the program implemented by the team from Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar. This activity provides new insights for ‘Aisyiyah women about how to utilize their gardens productively through hydroponics. We hope that this activity can continue so that women can develop small businesses that support family food security,” she said.

During the activity, participants were enthusiastic in attending the material presentation and basic hydroponic cultivation practice sessions.

In the future, this program is expected to become a model of community-based economic empowerment for Muhammadiyah women. In addition to strengthening family food security, the program is also aimed at encouraging environmentally friendly, sustainable, and Islamic-aligned entrepreneurship.