Sustainable Urban Agriculture Research Articles

Exploring climate change adaptation strategies of crop and livestock farmers in urban Ghana

This study investigates the climate change adaptation strategies employed by urban crop and livestock farmers in Ghana. With the increasing recognition of climate change threats to agricultural productivity and food security, it is crucial to understand urban farmers’ adaptation strategies. Through a mixed-methods approach—surveys of 191 urban farming households using a questionnaire and interviews of 13 key informants using an interview guide, data were collected from farmers in urban Ghana. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics from the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and presented in tables. The qualitative data were analysed manually based on themes and content and presented in narratives. The results indicated a significant relationship between urban farmers’ educational status and gender and their sources of climate change adaptation information. Urban farmers’ climate change adaptation strategies include planting more improved and less indigenous crop varieties and rearing of more exotic and less local breeds of animals. Again, to buffer animal production against climatic diseases, urban farmers treat their animals through vaccination, giving animals pills, disinfecting pens, and spraying animals’ bodies with chemicals. Access to agricultural extension services is the main challenge in urban farmers’ climate change adaptation. The study underscores the importance of enhancing farmers’ resilience through targeted interventions, including capacity-building initiatives, access to climate information and financial resources, and the integration of climate-smart agricultural practices into urban planning and policy frameworks. In addressing these challenges and promoting adaptive strategies, urban crop and livestock farmers in Ghana can enhance their resilience to climate change and contribute to sustainable urban agriculture and food security. This study, therefore, contributes to the urban agriculture and climate change literature by drawing attention to how crop and animal farmers in the urban neighbourhood adapt to climatic stressors.

Decarbonization through smart energy management: Climate control in building-integrated rooftop greenhouses for urban agriculture across various climate conditions

This paper investigates the potential benefits of integrating rooftop greenhouses (RTGs) with buildings to reduce energy and CO2 costs, contributing to urban decarbonization efforts. This integration not only advances sustainable urban agriculture but also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) - Affordable and Clean Energy, and Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG11) - Sustainable Cities and Communities, through its energy-efficient, low-carbon approach. We hypothesize that this integration can significantly lower energy use in integrated RTGs (i-RTGs) and set out to validate this through dynamic models for both building and i-RTG climates, focusing on CO2 concentration, humidity, and temperature. Central to our approach is the implementation of a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) framework, which utilizes these dynamic models to make control decisions aimed at minimizing total control costs. This framework operates in a receding horizon procedure, regulating climate factors within the i-RTG and building using various actuators. We validate our approach by simulating an i-RTG atop a building in eleven different cities, demonstrating interactions such as energy, moisture, and CO2 exchange. Significantly, our study reveals that integrating i-RTG with buildings under the NMPC framework leads to a 15.2% reduction in control costs. Additionally, we find that the i-RTG model is adaptable to different climates, with colder regions showing greater cost reduction potential. Our study underscores the viability and advantages of integrating i-RTGs with buildings, offering a sustainable, decarbonizing solution for urban agriculture and building management that contributes to the fulfillment of SDG7 and SDG11.

CULTIVATING FOOD JUSTICE: Redefining Harvest Sales for Sustainable Urban Agriculture in Low‐Income Cape Town post Covid‐19

AbstractIt is well established that urban community gardens (UCGs) can either challenge or reinforce neoliberal urbanism. This duality is especially evident among UCGs that sell garden harvests for income generation. In this article I therefore examine UCGs in low‐income areas of Cape Town, South Africa, to understand how they might sell their harvests while countering the neoliberal food system in cities of the global South. I draw on qualitative fieldwork, including observations and semi‐structured interviews with UCG representatives and civil society actors. Most harvests are currently sold to high‐end venues through intermediary actors in civil society organizations (CSOs) and non‐governmental organizations (NGOs). However, this approach disregards the local community's socioeconomic conditions and undermines community gardens’ nutritional objectives. Yet, under specific scenarios, the sale of garden harvests could mitigate the persistent food injustice in Cape Town's low‐income areas. In this article I introduce a model for harvest sales that advances sustainable urban agriculture and fosters food justice in neoliberal cities in the global South.

Introducing an integrative evaluation framework for assessing the sustainability of different types of urban agriculture

ABSTRACT In cities, a mosaic of different types of urban agriculture can be found. However, knowledge about advantages and disadvantages of the different types is still fragmented. This paper introduces an integrative evaluation framework for assessing the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of urban agriculture by applying a multi-criteria analysis based on an Analytic Hierarchy Process and a participatory approach. Based on a German case study and on the examples of vertical farming and community-supported agriculture, the results suggest that sustainable urban agriculture is a multi-dimensional approach informed by strong sustainability that places nature in the focus. Thus, the environmental dimension received the highest weight, followed by the social and, lastly, the economic dimension. Regarding the sub-criteria, species diversity achieved the highest total weight and food quality and safety the lowest. Conceptually, this paper provides scientific fundamentals for a systematic comparative evaluation of different types of agriculture for sustainable urban development.

Sustainable urban farming development in banda aceh city

Urban farming which is known as a strategy to utilize urban areas for agriculture has turned into a trend among urbanites who prioritize a healthy lifestyle. It aims to utilize limited land in urban areas to produce food using modern techniques. This study aims to analyze the level of competence and farmers motivation of urban farming who utilize their land and identify challenges and obstacles in development of urban farming in Banda Aceh City. The types of data used are primary and secondary data. The data collection method was conducted using a questionnaire then the data will be processed and analyzed using descriptive analysis. Based on the results of the study it was known that the level of competence of urban farming farmers in Banda Aceh City reached an average score of 81.6%, which is in the high category, the high level of intrinsic motivation of farmers reached 84.7%. Extrinsic motivation of farmers is in the medium category, with a percentage value of 73%. Despite urban farming in Banda Aceh City encountering various challenges and obstacles, the farmers remain strong and persistent in overcoming all the difficulties that arise during the development process.

Urban Farming Dengan Teknologi Precision Farming Sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat dan Pemanfaatan Lahan Kosong

Urban Farming is proposed as a solution for unused land (empty land), as well as allowing residents to increase productivity by managing unproductive empty land. The community service program (PKM) is implemented by STIE Indonesia Jakarta in partnership with PT Alif Tekno Farm (ATF). PKM was carried out in Kebon Baru, Tebet, South Jakarta, near the Ciliwung river. The priority of this community service is to empower unemployed individuals or communities while utilizing empty land in urban areas. This program uses precision farming technology with a Smart Nutrition Valve (KNP) tool that saves water, fertilizer, energy and labor. The commodity being developed is a short-lived fruit plant (65 days) which is suitable for lowland areas, namely melons. Training and mentoring is carried out by PT ATF from sowing to harvest. Furthermore, training and assistance in financial management and marketing of harvests was carried out by the STIE Indonesia PKM team. At the end of the program, the target community has independence in managing and developing sustainable urban farming.

Exploring the evolving landscape: Urban horticulture cropping systems–trends and challenges

Urban horticulture cropping systems offer a promising solution for food security and sustainable agriculture in rapidly urbanizing areas. This paper explores their evolving landscape, emphasizing trends and challenges shaping their development and impact on urban environments. Vertical farming, rooftop gardens, hydroponics, aeroponics, Internet of Things (IoT), integration of optimized space, resources, and year-round cultivation are considered as key trends in urban horticulture. These innovations reflect the growing interest in sustainable urban agriculture and technology's role in boosting productivity and resilience. However, urban horticulture faces challenges that demand attention. Limited space requires creative land-use solutions, while soil quality and contamination concerns necessitate remediation strategies for crop safety. Similarly, access to water is crucial, driving the adoption of water-saving technologies. The urban heat island effect poses another challenge, urging heat stress mitigation for crop health. Zoning and regulations play a vital role, requiring supportive policies and secure land tenure. High costs must be managed with innovative financial approaches to ensure urban farming's viability. Finally, public perception and awareness play a critical role. Advocacy, education, and community engagement are vital to dispel misconceptions, garner support, and encourage involvement in urban horticulture. Even with challenges, urban horticulture helps to provide food for the growing population, creates business opportunities, and contributes to a greener environment for sustainable development.

Harnessing cultural heritage knowledge for sustainable urban agriculture in Bandung

Investigating the role of cultural heritage in the development of sustainable urban agriculture in Bandung, focusing on how heritage knowledge and practices can be integrated in efforts to improve food security and environmental sustainability in the city. The methodology used is a literature review to explore the complex relationship between cultural heritage and sustainable urban agriculture in Bandung. The results of this exploration indicate that the fusion of cultural heritage and sustainable urban agriculture in Bandung offers numerous advantages, including economic growth, food security, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. However, challenges related to urbanization, changing consumer preferences, infrastructure, and climate change need to be addressed to realize the full potential of this approach. The implication of this approach is the development of a resilient and sustainable urban agriculture system in Bandung. By preserving and promoting cultural heritage, the city can enhance food security, stimulate economic growth, and safeguard its unique cultural heritage for future generations. The novelty of this article lies in its comprehensive integration of cultural heritage with modern sustainable agriculture practices to address contemporary urban challenges. It emphasizes the importance of harnessing the wisdom of the past to cultivate a sustainable future for Bandung.

Navigating Nutrition Inequities: BIPOC Maternal Health and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)'s Fruit and Vegetable Voucher.

The proposal to administer cuts for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) could create deficiencies in nutrition for already food insecure, low-income Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) pregnant, postpartum women, and children. WIC is a US Department of Agriculturefunded nutritional program for women, infants, and children. The current proposal is to cut the funding by $800 million for the 2024 fiscal year, affecting 75% of its low-income recipients and predominantly BIPOC. Relevant websites and journal articles were analyzed to determine how the proposed cuts would create barriers within the social determinants of health that contribute to disparities in health outcomes of WIC recipients. Many studies have demonstrated that nutrition in the first 1000 days is critical for the healthy development of newborns. Prior research suggests that maternal health outcomes for BIPOC populations are contingent upon the increased allocation of nutritional support programs such as WIC and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Nutrients provided by the cash benefit voucher have been proven to contribute to participants' health outcomes, and allotment increases can benefit maternal and infant health outcomes. Neonatal nurses can help advocate for more robust policies that support the health of their patients. Future directions call for systematic changes in policies and legislation that directly affect maternal health outcomes, supportive breastfeeding policies, and applied research on solutions to improve maternal health outcomes of BIPOC populations in addition to increased awareness, education, and implementation of VeggieRx programs, investment in affordable, sustainable grassroots urban agriculture solutions.

The Impact of Social Conditions and Regional Differences on Urban Farmer Household Income in Makassar City

The existence of erratic seasonal changes and the increasingly narrow area of agricultural land has caused changes in agricultural commodities production, which have decreased in Makassar City. The decrease in production also causes a decrease in farm income, thus affecting farmers' household income. This research was conducted in Makassar City, Indonesia, aims to estimate the impact of social and regional differences on household income. An econometric model approach with a qualitative independent variable regression estimation method is used in this analysis. We used the explanatory method with sample areas in the sub-districts of Tamalate, Biringkanaya, Manggala, and Tamalanrea as centers of food commodity production in Makassar City. Based on the time dimension using cross-sectional data. The sample of research respondents purposively were 165 farmers. The results showed that farmers' household income in Makassar City came from the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. The social variables (wife's education and farmer group) and regional differences significantly affect farmers' household income. In contrast, a farmer's age and household size as a social variable have no significant effect. The involvement of agricultural households in urban areas will significantly support food availability, even though farming families consume more products than sell them. Therefore, the application of technology and innovation as well as farmer regeneration can increase agricultural production and impact the household economy. In addition, food availability can overcome food insecurity and security towards sustainable urban agriculture.

URBAN FARMING: ALTERNATIVE SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Covid-19 pandemic that has occurred in Indonesia has brought many significant impacts on human life in various aspects of people's lives. Policies during the pandemic such as Work from Home (WFH) and Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) have also had a socioeconomic impact on the community, including the most basic needs, namely food. On the other hand, agricultural land that continues to be eroded for the benefit of development and the age of farmers who are on average old whose ability to grow them is declining also play a role in the decline in food. The threat of a food crisis is now gradually beginning to haunt the entire society. Based on Global Hunger Indonesia (GHI) data, the hunger rate of people in Indonesia is in the serious category even though it has decreased from 24.9% (2010) to 20.1% in 2019. Indonesia must remain vigilant against the threat of famine that can trigger various kinds of major issues such as health, social and security. Urban farming is a gardening concept by utilizing the space in the house or settlement. Based on the foregoing, urban farming is very supportive and gives positive appreciation because it has proven to provide more benefits for the community in the midst of a pandemic. A number of studies also mention that urban farming can be an ideal agricultural concept in the future. In addition to the considerable benefits of urban farming, the main challenges in urban farming are determining how to monitor, regulate, and minimize risks in environmental, economic, and socio-environmental forms and understanding how urban farming can be sustainable in urban food systems globally. Urban agriculture can increase the value of food locality and reduce the energy spent in the fruit and vegetable production process. Therefore, the city government has an important role in providing specific regulations to support the implementation of sustainable urban farming.

Promoting Economic Empowerment Through Effective Implementation and Linking Social Capital in Urban Agriculture Programs

Promoting Economic Empowerment Through Effective Implementation and Linking Social Capital in Urban Agriculture Programs

Enhancing domestic food supply in the UAE: A framework for technology-driven urban farming systems

It is estimated that the recent ongoing supply chain disruptions have forced a transition in the traditional food supply chain business models. Organizations across all sectors are now adopting digital transformation strategies for embracing the new normal. Food security in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is threatened by country's heavy reliance on food imports. Innovative urban farming systems are anticipated to improve the food security and sustainability to a great extent. Using a survey-based methodology, the present study aims to develop, validate, and apply a multi-dimensional innovative urban food production system framework for UAEs agricultural sector. Based on the data collected from 299 stakeholders across the whole agri-food supply chains in the UAE, the study determines ways of reducing dependency on food imports by scaling up technology-driven and resource-efficient innovative urban farming systems. Data were analysed and the model were moderated using Analysis of MOment Structures (AMOS) and Partial Least Squares- Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings from the study highlight that digital technology moderates the relationship between innovative urban farming systems and sustainable urban farming. Resource efficiency and conservation practices were positively associated with sustainable urban farming. The study offers several managerial and theoretical insights.

Fostering Sustainable Communities: Vital Role of Local Authorities in Urban Agriculture Practices in Strata Housing

Cities face environmental pressure due to urbanization. Strata housing is ideal for sustainable urban agriculture. However, several challenges hinder the adoption of urban agriculture in strata housing. Hence, this paper assesses local authorities' roles in urban agricultural practices in strata housing. This study used semi-structured interviews with City Council Y's COB Manager. The findings show that local authorities can promote urban agriculture by creating policies and regulations and allocating public resources and funding. Urban agriculture in strata housing leads to resilient urban environments.

Network Structure in Sustainable Urban Farming Development Policies in Makassar City

The development of urban farming and agriculture has been conducted by marginal communities. However, the role of the agricultural sector in the economic structure of Makassar city remains relatively small. This study aims to analyze the network structure of sustainable urban farming development policies in Makassar. Qualitative research methods were used in this study. Data collection methods included observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The data sources consisted of primary and secondary data, while data analysis was performed using an interactive method. The informants in this study were stakeholders directly involved in sustainable urban farming development policies. The results of this study show that the network structure in the development of sustainable urban farming policies in Makassar is not fully effective. This is because of the contact dimension, and the duration of contact between actors is still erratic, uneven, and unclear. In the trust dimension, there is still no written agreement or agreement on the development of sustainable urban farming in Makassar city that binds the actors involved. Meanwhile, the dimensions of information sharing and resource exchange dimensions in sustainable urban farming development policies in Makassar city have been progressing well.
 Keywords: network structure, policy, development of urban farming

Quantifying the Impacts of Urbanization on Urban Agriculture and Food Security in the Megacity Lahore, Pakistan

As a response to food security, urban agriculture is essential for sustainable development. The primary goal of this study is to provide the basic formulation and theoretical knowledge for sustainable urban agriculture by analyzing the impact of urbanization on urban agriculture and food security. For the food security assessment, the variables included food consumption and quality of food as the independent variables, and monthly income of local dwellers as the dependent variable; these were considered for the regression analysis and statistical analysis. The food security assessment was checked and expressed using regression values of R, which was 0.857, and an adjusted R square, with a value of 0.728. The results show extensive change in food security issues and land use due to urbanization causes, large-scale damage to agricultural land in the area, and loss of biodiversity, which threaten food security by converting natural land into built-up areas. The study concludes that urban agriculture is a fundamental environmental activity to ensure food security by increasing food production for locals and improving urban biodiversity.

Harmonizing Urbanization and Food Security: A Novel AI-Driven Approach for Sustainable Urban Agriculture

Harmonizing Urbanization and Food Security: A Novel AI-Driven Approach for Sustainable Urban Agriculture

Resource recovery potential from source-separated organic municipal solid waste: opportunities for organic fertilizer production and creating sustainable urban agriculture in Ethiopia

Resource recovery potential from source-separated organic municipal solid waste: opportunities for organic fertilizer production and creating sustainable urban agriculture in Ethiopia

Soilless urban gardening as a post covid-19 food security salvage technology: A study on the physiognomic response of lettuce to hydroponics in Uganda

This study was conducted to assess the performance of vegetables using a non-greenhouse hydroponic system as a sustainable urban farming technology to increase food security (in terms of vegetable production and availability). Leafy lettuce (red and green) was grown using non-circulating hydroponics under a complete randomized design. The effect of hydroponics on growth and yield of the vegetables was studied. Six parameters were studied: plant height, length of the root, number of leaves, weight of lettuce, moisture content and dry matter. Data was collected 20 and 40 Days after transplanting and analyzed using T-test at 5% significance level with Origin Pro software (version 9.0). Soil-based cultivation was used as the control experiment. A significant difference (P < 0.05) existed at yield for lettuce grown under soil and hydroponics for; dry matter content (0.02, 0.01), fresh weight (0.03, 0.02) and root length (0.01, 0.02) in that order. Based on number of leaves which is the key edible part of the vegetable, hydroponics has the potential to perform as equally well as conventional farming. Further research can be done to study the nutritional composition of the lettuce and performance of the other vegetables using the system.

The Role of Institutional Factors in the Sustainable Development of Farming Businesses in Subak, Depsasar City

Due to subak's socio-agrarian, religious, economic, dynamic, and independent qualities, agriculture and subak are intimately intertwined in Bali. The existence of subak and the viability of Bali's agriculture may be threatened by both internal agricultural issues and global changes. This study intends to investigate the institutional aspects of subak agricultural sustainability in Denpasar City. The majority of the land is farmed by sharecroppers or smallholders, making the use of restricted land in urban farming a problem for sustainable urban agriculture. The research technique employed is the literature review method, which uses a variety of pertinent scientific journals, particularly those on sustainable urban agriculture, to gather the information needed for the study. The findings of this study suggest that institutional factors are crucial for preserving subak's viability and fostering subak farming in urban settings. Social capital is the factor that contributes most to the sustainability of urban farming in Denpasar City. In conjunction with Tri Hita Karana, who continues to play the function of the Subak in agriculture in the City of Denpasar, the support of social capital in institutions fosters a high level of community involvement.