Citation

Tay, Ming Jie (2025) Motivations and challenges in implementing community-supported agriculture practices in Malaysia. Masters thesis, Multimedia University.

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Abstract

The growing global population has led to an undeniable surge in food demand, making food security a critical concern among world leaders. In Malaysia, the food system faces several persistent challenges, including a heavy reliance on food imports, rising production costs, limited institutional and policy support for smallholder farmers, low public awareness of alternative food models, and increasing vulnerability to climate-related disruptions. In response, this study seeks to develop a communitybased agricultural framework aimed at enhancing local food system sustainability by adopting the principles of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), viewed from the farmers’ perspective—those actively working to establish local alternatives to conventional supply chains. Guided by the triple bottom line framework, this research explores the evolving role of CSA as a sustainable food system model. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 participants and analysed thematically across ecological, economic, social, and risk dimensions. The findings demonstrate that CSA strengthens producer-consumer relationships, encourages environmentally sustainable practices, and helps redistribute financial risk away from farmers. Nevertheless, CSA farmers continue to face considerable challenges, including inadequate policy support, income uncertainty, post-harvest handling issues, and a general lack of public engagement. The study concludes that while CSA holds significant potential for transforming Malaysia’s food system, its long-term success depends on targeted structural support, increased community involvement, and the adaptation of strategies to local contexts.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Additional Information:	Call No.: S494.5.S86 T39 2025
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Sustainable agriculture
Subjects:	S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Business (FOB)
Depositing User:	Ms Nurul Iqtiani Ahmad
Date Deposited:	03 Jul 2026 01:18
Last Modified:	03 Jul 2026 01:18
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/16201

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