What is the Urban agriculture and sustainability?
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Introduction
Urban agriculture refers to the practice of cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas. It is increasingly recognized for its potential to contribute to the sustainability of cities by addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. This synthesis explores the role of urban agriculture in promoting urban sustainability, drawing on insights from multiple research papers.
Key Insights
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Multifunctionality and Ecosystem Services:
- Urban agriculture provides various ecosystem services, including food production, flood protection, and carbon sequestration .
- It enhances urban resilience by contributing to food security and environmental sustainability .
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Social and Community Benefits:
- Urban agriculture fosters social inclusion, community engagement, and enhances perceived well-being .
- It builds social capital and ecological knowledge among urban residents, promoting sustainable diets and health .
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Economic and Employment Opportunities:
- Urban agriculture can create employment opportunities and support local economies, particularly in flood-prone or underutilized urban areas .
- However, the economic benefits are often overshadowed by the higher economic value of land for non-agricultural uses.
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Challenges and Constraints:
- Legal, regulatory, and land access issues are significant barriers to the integration of urban agriculture into urban planning .
- Urban agriculture can contribute to gentrification and displacement, complicating its role in promoting equitable urban development.
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Planning and Policy Integration:
- Effective integration of urban agriculture into urban planning requires supportive policies, clear regulatory frameworks, and innovative institutional mechanisms .
- Strategic planning and public policy support are crucial for realizing the potential of urban agriculture in enhancing urban sustainability .
Conclusion
Urban agriculture holds significant promise for contributing to the sustainability of cities by providing ecosystem services, fostering social inclusion, and supporting local economies. However, its successful integration into urban planning requires overcoming legal and regulatory barriers, addressing potential negative impacts like gentrification, and ensuring robust policy support. By strategically incorporating urban agriculture into urban design and planning, cities can enhance their resilience and sustainability.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic