Searched over 200M research papers for "urban farming"
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These studies suggest urban farming improves social connectedness, transforms landscapes, provides educational and employment opportunities, enhances sustainability, boosts food security, and is positively perceived by consumers.
20 papers analyzed
Urban farming, a subset of urban agriculture, involves the cultivation of food within city environments. This practice is gaining traction globally due to its potential to address various urban challenges, including food security, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion.
Urban farming can stimulate local economies by creating new business opportunities and jobs. For instance, urban farms in Baltimore have been shown to generate new businesses and employment opportunities, contributing to the local economy. Additionally, the mainstreaming of urban agriculture can further economic value through job creation and the establishment of short food supply chains.
Urban farms play a crucial role in fostering social connectedness and community development. They create public projects that encourage community involvement, improve the physical landscape, and enhance the reputation of neighborhoods. Moreover, urban farming promotes social inclusion and reduces gender inequalities, as a significant proportion of urban farmers are women.
Urban farming contributes to environmental sustainability by enhancing urban biodiversity and reducing waste. It helps in managing urban waste, improving air quality, and reducing the environmental impact associated with food transport and storage. The integration of urban farms with green spaces and public areas also supports the preservation of environmental balance in cities.
The use of novel materials and technologies is pivotal in advancing urban farming. Innovations such as controlled release of nutrients, improved seed health, and efficient recycling of agricultural waste are essential for higher productivity and sustainability in urban farms. These technologies enable urban farms to produce fresh food year-round, even in land-scarce cities like Singapore.
Urban farming significantly enhances food security by providing fresh, local produce to urban communities. It is particularly beneficial in developing countries, where it sustains the livelihoods of low-income urban dwellers and improves their food supply and health conditions . Urban farms can produce high yields of fruits and vegetables, which are crucial for nutrition and food security.
In many developing countries, urban farming is a vital strategy to combat food insecurity and malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. The practice ensures a steady supply of fresh horticultural goods to city markets, thereby improving the overall food security of urban areas.
Despite its benefits, urban farming faces several challenges, including soil contamination and public hesitation regarding the safety of urban-grown crops. These issues can hinder the expansion and acceptance of urban farming practices. Addressing these barriers requires a pragmatic approach and the development of sustainable policies to manage urban farming effectively.
Urban farming also competes with other urban developments for space and resources such as water for irrigation. This competition is particularly intense in rapidly urbanizing areas, where infrastructure development often takes precedence over agricultural activities. Innovative solutions and efficient resource management are necessary to overcome these challenges and ensure the viability of urban farming.
Urban farming offers a multifaceted solution to various urban challenges, including economic development, social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and food security. While there are significant benefits, the practice also faces challenges that need to be addressed through innovative technologies, sustainable policies, and community engagement. As urban populations continue to grow, the role of urban farming in creating resilient and sustainable cities will become increasingly important.
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