Ecological Aspects of Urban Agriculture in the Context of Sustainability

Abstract

Achieving a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach, following the concepts of sustainable development and searching solutions for improving the quality of life in the context of urban agriculture requires a determination of the environmental aspects of this type of practices in the context of sustainable development. Sustainable urban agriculture combines all the characteristics of urban agriculture, implemented in the concept of sustainability. The aim of the paper is based on the assessment of the ecological impact of urban agriculture to determine its possibilities for improving the life quality in Bulgaria. The paper has the following structure: 1) Literature review of the relevant author’s findings directed at sustainable urban agriculture; 2) Methodological framework of the study; 3) Analysis of the respondents’ opinion about the ecological aspects of urban agriculture for improving the life quality; 4) General conclusions related to the ecological aspects of urban agriculture for improving the life quality. Ecological aspects of urban agriculture to improve the quality of life are revealed on the basis of the respondents’ assessments in terms of the environmental benefits of urban agriculture, the profile of the customers of the products from urban agriculture, the profile of urban agricultural products, applied practices and production methods, pollution of natural resources etc. Some of the conclusions in the paper are related to the opportunities of urban agriculture to ensure food security and food resources in an environmentally friendly manner, optimize and save the use of natural resources, implement green practices, create local employment and encourage the development of the regions. The results are part of the scientific project DN 05/18 Urban agriculture as a strategy for improving the quality of life of urban communities, funded by the Bulgarian research fund.