Identification of urban farming categories in Malaysia

Urban farming has gained prominence as a strategy to enhance food security and promote sustainability in urbanized regions of Malaysia. With increasing concerns over food scarcity and the economic constraints faced by low-income communities, urban farming presents a viable alternative for self-sufficiency and economic empowerment. However, the classification of urban farming practices remains inconsistent, hindering the development of comprehensive policies and support mechanisms. This paper aims to identify and categorize urban farming practices in Malaysia, establishing a structured framework that aligns with sustainability, economic viability, and community engagement. This was done through a systematic review of the existing literature on urban farming practices in Malaysia in order to identify primary urban farming categories in Malaysia. Using a qualitative content analysis approach, results were synthesized from peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports, and policy documents, selected systematically from Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. From the findings, the growing role of smart urban farming techniques, such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and vertical farming, in improving yield efficiency is highlighted. This review provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and agricultural stakeholders, offering a comprehensive classification framework that supports sustainable urban agriculture in Malaysia.