2.5 – National hunger

2.5.1 – Access to food security knowledge

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is deeply committed to advancing food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices as part of its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2: Zero Hunger). Through a series of community-oriented initiatives and collaborations with government agencies, industries and local communities, UKM provides accessible platforms for knowledge transfer, hands-on training, and technological empowerment in sustainable agriculture for local farmers and food producers.

Summary of the programs related to food security knowledge

No	List of programs
1	Hydroponic Farming Workshop
2	Chili Cultivation Using the Fertigation System
3	Urban Farming And Sustainable Living Workshop

1. Hydroponic Farming Workshop

The Hydroponic Farming Workshop, organized by Dato’ Onn Residential College on 24 February 2024 at Tawau Sports Complex, was conducted in collaboration with Hydroleaf Technology and was offered as a free program. With the participation of 30 individuals, the workshop introduced modern soil-less farming techniques that promote sustainable and resource-efficient agriculture. Participants gained hands-on knowledge in hydroponic cultivation, empowering them with practical skills to grow fresh, chemical-free produce while fostering environmental awareness and self-sufficiency. The program had a direct impact by equipping students and the community with sustainable farming practices that contribute to healthier lifestyles, potential entrepreneurship in urban agriculture and enhanced food security.

2. Chili Cultivation Using the Fertigation System

The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) in collaboration with the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG), actively provides access to food security and sustainable agriculture knowledge, skills, and technology to local communities. On 16 May 2024, UKM launched the Chili Cultivation Using the Fertigation System Programme, aimed at empowering single mothers and housewives in Bandar Baru Bangi with free practical agricultural techniques and entrepreneurial knowledge. A total of 10 participants were selected from among single mothers and housewives in Bandar Baru Bangi, based on criteria such as household income, type of residence and family size. The programme offered free hands-on training on crop management, pest control and fertigation-based chili farming, an innovative and sustainable method that enhances productivity and resource efficiency. By equipping participants with the skills to cultivate and market high-demand chili varieties, the initiative strengthens community self-reliance, promotes sustainable income generation and contributes to food security at the household and local levels. This programme exemplifies UKM’s commitment to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by ensuring inclusive access to agricultural knowledge and technology that supports sustainable livelihoods and empowers vulnerable groups.

3. Urban Farming And Sustainable Living Workshop

The Urban Farming and Sustainable Living Workshop, held on 3 February 2024 at Town Park, Bandar Bukit Raja Klang, was organized by UKM’s Faculty of Dentistry in collaboration with the Faculty of Health Sciences, UKM-YSD Chair for Sustainability, Sime Darby Property, Yayasan Sime Darby and the local community. The program engaged 70 participants, providing free hands-on training in sustainable agriculture, nutrition and urban farming practices. Through expert knowledge transfer and interactive demonstrations, the workshop not only educated participants on food security and healthy diets but also encouraged the adoption of sustainable farming in urban areas. This initiative had a tangible impact by equipping the community with practical skills for improving food self-sufficiency, while also strengthening awareness of the connection between nutrition, health and sustainability. It directly supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by enhancing community resilience to food insecurity through university–industry–community collaboration.

In essence, UKM’s continuous engagement through these programs underscores its strong institutional commitment to sustainable food systems and community empowerment. By equipping participants including single mothers, housewives, students and local communities with practical agricultural knowledge, entrepreneurial skills and sustainable farming technologies, UKM is fostering a new generation of informed, self-sufficient and environmentally responsible individuals. Programs such as the Hydroponic Farming Workshop, Chili Cultivation Using the Fertigation System and the Urban Farming and Sustainable Living Workshop demonstrate UKM’s proactive approach to addressing food insecurity, empowering vulnerable groups and fostering innovation in urban and sustainable farming.