What is Urban Agriculture and its benefits?

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In an increasingly urbanized world facing food shortages, urban agriculture is one of the solutions to these problems. This form of agriculture in the city meets a growing success.

The farming and around urban areas is the production of vegetables, fruits and other food in town. It can be practiced on roofs, in courtyards, shared vegetable gardens and even in public spaces. The UN and FAO  ( Food and Agriculture Organization ) advocate this solution to meet the food needs of urbanized areas, especially in cities and poor countries.

The benefits of urban agriculture

Different foodstuffs can be produced through urban agriculture. It is quite possible to grow vegetables, fruits, aromatic herbs but also consumable flowers and produce seeds. Urban farmers may also choose to raise chickens or rabbits. Finally, thanks to fruit trees (apple, cherry or other), you can consume the fruit directly, or extract the juice as a drink.

“Home gardens can be up to 15 times more productive than farms in rural areas ,” says FAOAn area of ​​one square meter can provide 20 kg of food per year.

Urban agriculture is a way of gardening responsible, to reduce emissions of CO 2 and also the production costs. On the other hand, urban farms can generate jobs from production to sales and distribution. Finally, agriculture in the heart of cities responds to a growing demand from city dwellers to (re) establish links with nature.

“All the experiences of urban productive gardens do not respond to the same dynamics , have indicated to the CNRS the sociologist Laurence Granchamp and the geographer Sandrine Glatron. This can range from a simple hobby to a real commercial activity to a project aiming at restoring social bonds “.

Benefits of Urban Agriculture

The urban agriculture is the production of food in cities. Courtyards, rooftops or even public spaces can be used to produce staples such as maize, beans as well as aromatic herbs and spices ( also fish farming ). The agriculture Urban has several advantages more or less noticeable.

Economic benefits of urban agriculture

Among the benefits, urban agriculture creates businesses in the communities as well as additional income (and food supply) for the family. It also makes it possible to reduce the costs of waste recovery, but especially those of transport.

Ecological benefits of urban agriculture

Urban agriculture reduces air pollution and the emissions into CO2 and carbon. It improves soil quality and reduces transport and packaging. Some organic waste is then recycled. Urban agriculture also raises public awareness of the environment.

Social benefits of urban agriculture

Urban agriculture facilitates intergenerational and intercultural exchanges. From now on, it can constitute a hobby. It makes good quality food more accessible by reducing its cost. Urban agriculture provides cohesion and a sense of community.

Dr. Jake Paul

Ph.D Plant Pathology, University of Georgia

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