URBAN AGRICULTURE: A PATHWAY TO SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT

This study explores the stakeholders' perspectives in urban agriculture (UA) toward sustainable urban development, expanding the discussion on the social, economic, and environmental potential and its challenges, thereby proposing a framework of action plans to support UA. Grounded on stakeholder theory, this study employed a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews. A total of 15 stakeholders were selected from different authority levels in Malaysia consisting of the Department of Agriculture Malaysia and PLANMalaysia (federal level), Department of Agriculture Perak (state level), Subang Jaya City Council (local level), private property managers (real estate practitioners) and academicians (university). These stakeholders were top management, practitioners, and officers with the related background, knowledge, and experience in urban agriculture, urban planning, and real estate. The findings illustrate a framework of actionable plans centred on social, economic, environmental, policy, and technological innovation to highlight the importance of strategic initiatives in UA toward sustainable urban development. This framework contributes to the existing knowledge by proposing action plans based on sustainability pillars to advance UA as a pathway toward sustainable urban development. This study provides helpful strategies for policymakers and urban planners and guides them in making effective action plans for UA.