Urban Food Security: Examining the Unique Challenges and Opportunities Associated with Ensuring Food Security in Urban Areas

Abstract

Food security is a significant concern in urban areas (UAs). With the rapid increase in urbanization, addressing this issue has become increasingly important. Despite interventions to tackle food security issues, the world has achieved varying degrees of success in eradicating hunger, and food security in cities is critical. This study examined the unique challenges and opportunities associated with ensuring food security in urban areas. The study reviewed empirical literature and relevant reports in the last five years (2018-2023). This study identified several challenges in ensuring food security in urban regions, across the world, including rising food prices, limited water and land access for farming, and poor infrastructure and food supply systems. There are also opportunities to improve the situation, such as improving access to markets, investing in agricultural production, promoting urban agriculture, expanding and stocking food banks, and government food intervention programs to ensure socioeconomic parity in urban areas. Urban areas' food security opportunities and difficulties are complex and interconnected. However, by addressing the myriad challenges associated with ensuring food security and taking advantage of opportunities, it is possible to create more sustainable, food-secured urban cities. This will make it possible to guarantee that everyone in urban areas has access to the food that they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.