An integrated literature review on Urban and peri-urban farming: Exploring research themes and future directions

Abstract

In recent years, Urban and peri-urban farming (UPF) research has experienced significant growth, but a comprehensive global overview is lacking. This study examined UPF research from 2002 to 2022 using an integrated literature review approach, including systematic literature review, bibliometric analysis, and thematic assessment. Analyzing 1,257 articles from the Web of Science database with Vosviewer and Bibliometrix, key keywords identified in the literature were urban agriculture, food security, local food systems, community gardens, and sustainable agriculture. Prominent research trends included the Internet of Things (IoT), resilience, Controlled environment agriculture (CEA), plant factories, Life cycle assessment (LCA), and vertical farming. Publications by US-affiliated authors received higher citations, and co-authorship collaborations from China, India, and Brazil were observed in UPF research network. Notable institutions with significant contributions and collaboration links in UPF research were the University Autonoma de Barcelona, the University of Kassel, and the National University of Singapore. This study's findings offer valuable insights for researchers and policymakers in the food and agriculture industry, providing a comprehensive overview of the UPF domain and suggesting future research directions. This review advances urban farming practices, informing decision-making processes, research priorities and developing the policies and initiatives to foster resilient and sustainable urban farming.