Study of Social Capital and Institutional Farm Women in the Development of Urban Farming in Makassar City

Urban farming has emerged as a strategic response to the decline of agricultural land in urban areas. However, the role of women's farmer institutions and social capital in its development remains underutilized. This study aims to analyze the influence of social capital and women farmer institutions on the development of urban farming in Makassar City. Conducted from July to September 2024 in Tello Urban Village, the study employed purposive sampling involving 20 active women farmer group members. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The results reveal that social capital characterized by sharing information, coordinating activities, and making collective decisions plays a significant role in supporting urban farming development. Similarly, women farmer institutions function effectively as cooperation, learning, and production units, contributing substantially to urban agriculture. These institutions not only facilitate collaboration among members but also enhance women’s capacity through collective learning, innovation, and the processing of agricultural products with added value. The synergy between social capital and institutional strength fosters trust, participation, and cooperation, which are essential for maintaining the sustainability and resilience of urban farming systems. The findings further indicate that both factors have a moderate but meaningful influence on the growth of urban farming, suggesting that additional external supports such as government facilitation, resource access, technological innovation, and policy strengthening are still required. The study concludes that enhancing institutional capacity and reinforcing social capital are crucial to achieving sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven urban farming development in Makassar City, which in turn can improve household welfare and strengthen food security in urban environments.