Urban farming
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Urban Farming: Enhancing Food Security and Community Well-being
Introduction to Urban Farming
Urban farming, also known as urban agriculture, involves cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas. This practice addresses several challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, and community development. Urban farming is gaining traction globally due to its multifaceted benefits, including higher productivity, improved sustainability, and the ability to provide fresh food year-round1.
Benefits of Urban Farming
Food Security and Fresh Produce
Urban farming significantly contributes to food security by ensuring a continuous supply of fresh produce, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. In Malaysia, urban farming emerged as a crucial strategy to mitigate food supply disruptions caused by the pandemic, highlighting its potential to secure food sources for urban households4. Similarly, urban agriculture in developing countries improves food supply, health conditions, and local economies, benefiting millions of urban farmers worldwide5.
Environmental Sustainability
Urban farming promotes environmental sustainability by reducing waste, enhancing urban biodiversity, and improving air quality. It also minimizes the environmental impact associated with food transport and storage5. Novel materials in urban farming, such as substrates with better water retention and efficient recycling of agricultural waste, further enhance sustainability and productivity1.
Community and Social Benefits
Urban farming fosters community development by transforming degraded spaces, creating public projects, and generating new businesses. These activities increase social connectedness, improve neighborhood reputation, and provide educational and employment opportunities2. In Baltimore, urban farms were perceived to enhance social integration and offer youth development programs, demonstrating the social value of urban agriculture2.
Challenges and Barriers
Soil Contamination and Public Hesitation
One of the primary barriers to upscaling urban farming is soil contamination, which raises concerns about the safety of crops grown in urban areas. Public hesitation and financial constraints also hinder the development of large-scale urban agriculture projects3. Addressing these issues requires a pragmatic approach and the implementation of innovative solutions such as hydroponic and aeroponic systems9.
Space and Knowledge Limitations
Urban farming faces practical constraints such as limited space and insufficient knowledge among urban communities. In Malaysia, government initiatives like the Urban Community Garden Policy aim to overcome these challenges by promoting technology-driven practices and providing relevant knowledge to urban farmers4. Partnerships between government agencies, educational institutions, and the private sector are essential to support and sustain urban farming activities4.
Consumer Perception and Acceptance
The success of urban farming largely depends on consumer perception and acceptance. Positive associations with urban farming, such as environmental benefits and fresh produce, encourage community support and participation6. In Kuala Lumpur, factors like pleasantness and confidence significantly influenced urbanites' willingness to adopt urban farming practices7. Understanding consumer perceptions helps design strategies for the successful integration of urban farms into urban areas6.
Conclusion
Urban farming offers a viable solution to enhance food security, promote environmental sustainability, and foster community development. Despite challenges like soil contamination and space limitations, innovative technologies and supportive policies can drive the growth of urban agriculture. By addressing these barriers and leveraging the benefits, urban farming can play a crucial role in sustainable city development and improving the quality of life for urban residents.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Novel Materials for Urban Farming
Novel materials can enhance urban farming's sustainability and productivity, potentially meeting future food demands in land-scarce cities like Singapore.
The multifunctionality of urban farming: perceived benefits for neighbourhood improvement
Urban farming improves neighborhoods by increasing social connectedness, transforming physical landscapes, and providing educational, youth development, and employment opportunities.
Highly CitedMainstreaming Urban Agriculture: Opportunities and Barriers to Upscaling City Farming
Urban agriculture has the potential to create jobs, boost biodiversity, and boost the economy, but public hesitation, financial barriers, and poor soil quality pose barriers.
Ensuring Urban Food Security in Malaysia during the COVID-19 Pandemic—Is Urban Farming the Answer? A Review
Urban farming can significantly impact urban food security in Malaysia, but knowledge, area, and space limitations hinder its participation.
Systematic ReviewUrban agriculture in the developing world: a review
Urban agriculture in developing countries can improve food security, health, local economy, social integration, and environmental sustainability by providing high yields of horticultural goods.
Highly CitedThe Perception And The Degree of Adoption By Urbanites Towards Urban Farming
Pleasantness and confidence are strong factors in urbanites' adoption of urban farming, but space, conditions, and supply chain constraints must be addressed for successful implementation.
Commercial farming within the urban built environment – Taking stock of an evolving field in northern countries
Urban commercial farms show promise, but scalability, resource efficiency, and cost-effectiveness remain challenges compared to conventional agricultural practices.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedUrban Farming in Sustainable City Development
Urban farming can enhance sustainable city development by integrating urban space and buildings, promoting greenery and preserving urban environmental balance through innovative production functions.
Urban Farming
This course teaches students the basics of urban farming, including soil conditioning, crop planning, composting, planting, and harvesting, to produce their own fresh herbs, greens, fruits, and vegetables.
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