WOULD it surprise you to learn that Malaysia imported RM45 billion worth of food in 2015? From fruits to vegetables to rice, we are forced to import many of our food items. Despite the best efforts of the government, the goal of achieving food security seems more and more elusive. As we continue to develop, the amount of land set aside for food production will likely decrease further, exposing us to greater vulnerability from shocks in the global food production chain.

But what if there is a previously under-utilised resource in our cities that can be used to significantly improve our food security? This resource is literally right before our eyes in the form of our riverbanks and they can be called into service in our quest for greater food security.

Under Section 62 of the National Land Code 1965, the development or building of the permanent structure (such as buildings) on riverbanks is strictly prohibited. However, it is permissible to use this land for farming purposes, as long as these activities do not incorporate any permanent structures.

In fact, certain local communities living in close proximity to rivers have already embarked on riverbank farming activities, whether for leisure gardening or as a means of earning supplementary income. I was surprised when I recently met an elderly gentleman managing a small but commercially successful farm along the banks of Sungai Langat, just off the Cheras-Kajang highway!

Currently, the Subang Jaya municipal council encourages its residents to grow their own food by using unused land in the neighbourhood, including along rivers, under a community farming programme.

The potential for urban riverbank farming is significant. We have hundreds of kilometres of unused riverbanks in the Klang Valley alone. It can be a way for those living in the cities, especially the urban poor, to supplement their income. Some people may even want to do this on a full time basis if they can improve the productivity of their farms via proper irrigation and employing the latest farming techniques.

The World Bank has strongly recommended riverbank farming as an alternative agricultural model that enables citizens to increase their food supply and boost household income, while dealing with land scarcity. This method has been tested in Nepal, with successful outcomes. Apart from requiring minimal land resources, it can also help citizens to reduce expenditure on food.

There are numerous other advantages to be reaped from riverbank farming – reducing illegal dumping, beautifying the riverside and rehabilitate these natural resources, just to name just a few.

In the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the practice of riverbank farming will help Malaysia to achieve Goal 2 - End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

In addition, the benefits derived may well spill over to other goals, namely, Goal 6 (Ensure access to water and sanitation for all), Goal 11, (Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable), Goal 14 (Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources) and Goal 15 (Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss).

Riverbank farming requires very little resources compared to traditional farming methods, as it utilises land that is already available for public use. By getting involved, local communities not only stand to increase their food production, they may also save household costs of buying food in the long run.

Of course, if riverbank farming were to take root in Malaysia, some changes in government regulations and policies are necessary. For individuals who want to turn riverbank farming into a sustainable business, they may need some form of rental agreement with the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID, or JPS in BM) as well as the land office. Regulations may also need to be amended to ensure that whatever fertilisers that may be used in these farms would not pollute the rivers.

Currently, there is no blueprint either at the state or national level on the potential of riverbank farming as a legitimate economic activity. It is high time that the potential of this underutilised resource be seriously explored. – April 23, 2017.

* Esther Sinirisan Chong is a member of Agora Society. She was born and raised in the Land Below the Wind. Her research interest lies in education and government policies, and the history and heritage of East Malaysia.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.