Understanding the challenges of community supported agriculture in Malaysia: farmers’ perspectives

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a promising and sustainable food model, yet its widespread adoption in Malaysia faces hurdles. This study explores these challenges through one-on-one interviews with 15 CSA farmers in Malaysia. Employing the snowball sampling technique, the interviews were conducted at the farms, lasting approximately 2 hours each. The findings show that while financial instability and community commitment constraints present obstacles, crop yield risks and post-harvest quality management further exacerbate their struggles. Recognizing these challenges, policymakers can design targeted support programs, such as subsidies and low-interest loans, to empower CSA farmers in expanding their marketing efforts and accessing essential resources. This, in turn, will foster a thriving CSA movement in Malaysia.