Nurturing Sustainable Agriculture Practices of Pesticide-Free Horticulture Farming and Stingless Bee Beekeeping: An Experiential Learning from the School-based Community Garden at SRI Al-Amin Paya Besar, Kuantan, Pahang

Abstract

This study presents the outcomes of a school-based sustainable agriculture initiative integrating pesticide-free horticulture, IoT-controlled fertigation, and stingless bee (Trigona itama) beekeeping at Sekolah Rendah Islam Al-Amin Paya Besar (SRIAAPB), Kuantan, Pahang. The project, funded under the APPGM-SDG Community Farming Programme, aimed to enhance food security, promote environmental awareness, and strengthen sustainable agricultural literacy among teachers, students, and the local community. The integration of IoT-based fertigation and stingless bee colonies successfully created a circular agroecosystem that harmonized ecological, educational, and economic goals. Approximately 200 chili plants and 300 vegetable seedlings were cultivated under a fertigation–indoor farming system, achieving an average yield of 800–900 g per chili plant and a 25% improvement in water and nutrient efficiency. Stingless bee colonies produced 0.8 to 1.0 kg of honey per colony within three months, while pollination activity enhanced fruit set by 20–30%. The project also enriched students’ learning experiences through experiential engagement aligned with the Rekabentuk Teknologi (RBT) curriculum, supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The successful integration of pesticide-free farming, smart agriculture technology, and stingless bee farming demonstrates a replicable model of school-based circular agriculture that fosters food sustainability, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship at the grassroots level.