Food Self-Sufficiency in Limited Spaces: A Survival Strategy for Indonesian Migrant Communities in Malaysia

Abstract

Food insecurity remains a significant challenge for marginalized populations, particularly migrant communities living in urban environments with limited space and restricted access to formal support systems. This study explores food self-sufficiency in limited spaces as a practical survival strategy among Indonesian migrant communities in Malaysia. The research is based on a community-based educational program designed to introduce simple and low-cost food production techniques suitable for constrained living conditions. The program targeted migrant households, with a particular focus on women engaged in informal economic activities. Educational content included container gardening, vertical planting, and the use of recycled materials for small-scale cultivation. The implementation combined demonstration, participatory discussion, and knowledge exchange to ensure accessibility and relevance. The findings indicate that participants responded positively to the program, recognizing food self-sufficiency as a feasible and beneficial strategy to improve household resilience. Small-space cultivation was perceived as a practical solution to reduce food expenses and enhance access to fresh ingredients. Moreover, the program highlighted the importance of culturally relevant practices and community-based learning approaches in supporting adoption. This study contributes to the understanding of urban agriculture within migrant contexts by emphasizing the intersection of spatial limitation, socio-political constraints, and adaptive resilience. It demonstrates that simple, scalable interventions can play a meaningful role in improving food security among vulnerable populations. Future programs should focus on long-term sustainability, expanded educational content, and stronger institutional support to maximize impact.