It is estimated that around 5% and 10% of the global production of legumes, vegetables and tubers is currently delivered by urban agriculture while 15% and 20% of global food is produced in urban and peri-urban environments (Payen et al., 2022). Additionally, by 2050 a a 60% rise in the production of food worldwide will be expected to meet consumption demands (Rajaseger et al., 2023). With constant challenges, new solutions to address food security are on the rise. For instance, urban agriculture is transforming how cities approach food production, offering solutions to environmental challenges, and limited space. Household-level practices like vertical gardens, hydroponics, and conventional gardening each provide unique benefits and trade-offs in sustainability, productivity, and accessibility.
Environmental and social benefits of urban agriculture
Urban farming reduces food miles, lowering carbon emissions from transportation. It increases biodiversity, improves air quality through carbon sequestration, and mitigates urban heat islands. Household participation enhances food security by supplementing diets with fresh produce, particularly in underserved communities (Orsini et al., 2013; Wadumestrige Dona et al., 2021).
Differences between urban farming and peri urban farming
While urban farming focuses on local food production, sustainability, and reducing the carbon footprint of food distribution, peri urban farming takes place in the transitional zones between urban centers and rural landscapes, commonly known as «rural-urban fringes». This form of agriculture operates within the urban economy, while contending for essential resources such as land and water (Follmann et al., 2021).
For urban farming the most notable examples are community-supported agriculture (CSA), rooftop gardens, edible landscaping, and indoor farming with a strong focus in supporting and promoting local sustainability while fostering community engagement. While peri urban agriculture seeks to grant food security at the same time it intends to connect rural and urban economies, lowering transport emissions while looking for an ecological and economical balance (Rao et al., 2022).
The future of urban and peri-urban farming
Integrating these methods can address urban food deserts while promoting sustainability. Vertical gardens and hydroponics excel in dense cities, while conventional household gardening offers a low-barrier entry for community engagement. Together, they reduce reliance on industrial agriculture, lower emissions, and foster greener, healthier cities (Langemeyer et al., 2021).
Here are a few examples of these practices and their unique advantages
Overall benefits
Urban agriculture goes beyond simply producing food, it’s a transformative force for creating healthier and more connected communities. It positively impacts communities by increasing access to nutrient-rich foods, enhancing mental health through social engagement, and empowering vulnerable populations with affordable, localized food production. Therefore, by adopting these practices, cities can address low-access food zones, foster stronger social connections, and develop sustainable, climate-resilient food networks.
By Alexa Cervantes Lopez, Mariana Franco Morgado, Anayansi Escalante
References
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