Potential for recoupling production and consumption in peri-urban territories: The case-study of the Saclay plateau near Paris, France

Abstract

With growing urbanization worldwide, urban sprawl is leading to the extension of peri-urban areas in most countries. These dynamic areas, subjected to pressure from urban planning, are contributing to the uncoupling of consumption and local agriculture. In this article we study the feasibility of recoupling production and consumption within the agri-food system of the peri-urban area of the Saclay plateau near Paris.By using a nitrogen flow analysis based on the concept of territorial ecology, we analysed quantitative and qualitative data providing information in terms of system performances. By calculating two local efficiency indicators (one production-based indicator and one consumption-based) and a self-sufficiency capacity indicator, we assess the current and potential coupling between production and consumtion. A typology of farming systems was constructed to assess the more efficient type of farms in terms of “localisation within the agri-food system.The Saclay plateau has many assets to increase local agri-food system efficiency and to work towards “agricultural symbiosis”. However, a number of obstacles remain on both the production and the demand sides. Our study illustrates the lack of consideration of the productive function of urban and peri-urban agriculture in urban planning projects. The methods developed and the results achieved are a step towards a better integration of food issues in land planning.