Urban agriculture as a sustainable farm practice: environmental and

economic impact

Introduction

Urban farming encompasses all the activities required in the production, processing, and

marketing of agricultural products in urban as well as peri-urban settings. Urban agriculture

takes many forms including community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic, aeroponic, and

aquaponic growing systems as well as vertical production methods (National Agricultural

Library, n.d.).

It is widely seen as a practice which will not be depleted nor destroyed by continuously growing

use of manageable resources and it has come up as a completely different answer to some

issues associated with food security, ecological sustainability and civic perseverance in quickly

expanding urban areas. With the population of the world shifting more towards cities than

rural areas , the pressure on conventional agricultural systems heightens thus spurring

innovative ways towards satisfying an increasing demand for fresh produce without great

environmental degradation.

Growing crops in towns is a game changer as it promotes farming in the urban areas. As such, it

transforms/shifts the role of agriculture from subsistence to commercial production within

urban areas. It utilizes surfaces within the built environment that are often

disregarded/overlooked e.g. rooftops, vacant lots and community gardens. Identified as a

catalyst for transformative processes, it deals with the complex issues of food security,
sustainability of environment and finally resilience of cities. With the rapid growth of urban

areas there is need to find alternative ways to satisfy the growing demand for food without

harming the environment, which include incorporation of agriculture into city landscapes by

increasing planting trees in Citedes.

Among other things that distinguish urban agriculture is just how greatly it boosts soil health

and agricultural productivity via improvements in town green spaces and making higher crop

productivity possible on current cultivated land (which can occur both directly through /and

indirectly ...). Urban agriculture when viewed as an agent of community development serves to

weave concentric circles weaving unity among dwellers along with enhancing social fabric.

This process engenders cooperation, information sharing as well as cultural interchange; hence

forming vibrant intercommunity relations which nurture solidarities crossing societal and

financial boundaries.

Indeed, urban agriculture is the key to dealing with the problems of food insecurity in low-

income urban areas and assuring reasonable availability of healthy foods for all people living

there as well as enhancing community readiness in the face of economic disparities. With its

social implications comes a variety of job opportunities in an urban setting, particularly among

the less privileged. It creates employment at various stages of the agricultural process including

cultivation, processing, marketing and preparation of food thus holistic economic development

is promoted and people are helped to establish long term means of support. Furthermore,

urban agriculture acts as a way for sidelined groups who include but not limited to women,
youths and immigrants to participate actively in the formal economy and assume control over

their financial lives. Farmers benefit from urban agricultrue both socially by improving their

sense of belonging, mental wellbeing, physical health and giving them needs that gives meaning

to their lives besides farming agricultural produce.

Literature review

One of the things proven by Mougeot (2000) through urban agriculture is that it helps

guarantee food security so far as locality provision of farm produce is concerned. In addition, it

serves to be a force that binds people together socially, enriches urban wildlife and finally

cutting down on carbon pollutants that emanate from transportation of foods form one

location to another. The importance of urban agriculture in achieving sustainability

development goals was brought out in a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

in 2018. These goals include poverty alleviation, gender equality promotion and climate

resilience enhancement. These findings point to the numerous benefits of UA as an agro-

urban system which is sustainable and consequently can make a great difference in

transforming urban areas for better livability of city residents.

Soil Health:

Research conducted by Bai et al. (2018) shows that urban farming is very significant when it

comes to improved soil health. With the implementation of techniques such as: composting,
cover cropping and organic farming approaches, agri-urban will ensure the richness of soil

fertility, structure and also microbiological diversity in the end rejuvenating degraded urban

soils. Further investigations done by Díaz-Pacheco et alia (2019) bring out the importance of

urban agriculture towards sequestration of carbon in soils and hence its contribution to climate

change mitigation through carbon retention in urban areas.

Water Conservation:

According to Galhena et al. (2013) many water conservation techniques are practiced in urban

agriculture including rainwater harvesting, recycling greywater and drip irrigation system. These

techniques are not only decreasing the demand for potable water, but also contributing to

protection of urban areas from issues of water scarcity and pollution. Additionally, results of

Mougeot (2000) outline the fact that urban agriculture poses a solution in reducing stormwater

runoffs as well as improving water quality since they apply soil filtration and absorption.

Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

There is a possibility of lowering the emission of greenhouse gases through the localization of

food production in UA to some extent which also helps to reduce the environmental impact of

conventional agricultural practices. Therefore, UA is identified to significantly decrease the

carbon footprint of food by decreasing the distance that food travels from production point to

consumer and hence saving on energy used for transportation, refrigeration and packaging. In

addition, it was pointed out by research conducted by Sanyé-Mengual et al. (2015) that urban
agriculture has the potentiality of reducing methane emissions through anaerobic digestion of

organic wastes which further contribute to climate change mitigation.

These studies collectively show that urban agriculture plays a major part in the conservation of

soil/water resources and also in the mitigation of GHG emissions which makes it one of the

most important elements in the sustainable development of the cities.

Impact on Local Communities:

The research conducted by Lawson (2005) underlines the fact that urban agriculture is of much

importance in social cohesion development and community empowerment. Through collective

action facilitation, knowledge sharing, and cultural exchange fostering, urban agriculture in

particular bonds among people and leads to more resilient communities. Further, Mougeot

(2000) have done studies that point out the importance of urban agriculture in addressing food

security problems in the slums by improving the availability of fresh, healthy produce and

reducing dependence on distant food suppliers.

Opportunities for Employment

Urban agriculture is the main factor to the proliferation of job opportunities in cities and thus,

an important instrument of urban development. The research published by Bendt et al. (2016)

demonstrates how urban agriculture can be a source of employment in different sectors of the

agricultural industry including production, distribution, marketing and food processing. In

addition to this, results from Deelstra and Girardet (2000) give greater emphasis on the
significance of urban agriculture to lives improvement for those with less advantages such as

women, youth and immigrants as a result inclusive economic development is promoted."

Overall Wellbeing of Farmers:

The utilization of agro-business among farmers is an interesting point fact that contributes to

the general life quality of farmers showed by such things as taking care of their physical health

which in turn may enhance mental abilities, and also having a sense of purpose and belonging.

Alkon and Agyeman (2011), help us understand, urban farming provides all people with

amazing health benefits which are blood pressure reduction, cardio exercise, and a stronger

bond with nature. Additionally, one should note that the appreciation for both the yield and

cultivators can be obtained from the research conducted by Carney (2012) , who draw attention

to how much autonomy and self-worth it supports their active involvement in decision-making

process.

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This study used a descriptive quantitative research design, which Goertzen (2017)

defines as organized data that can be interpreted numerically and is collected and analyzed

using these methods. The authors added that one of the central goals is to build accurate,

reliable measurements for statistical analysis.

 The study utilized the Likert scale and close-ended questions, measuring the variables

under investigation through numerical data and corresponding verbal interpretation. Likert

scale survey questions are vital in gauging a respondent’s opinion or attitude towards a

particular issue and are an integral aspect of research (QuestionPro, 2018).

Sampling Technique

The respondents will be chosen using the probability method of simple random

sampling. A simple random sample is a subset of a statistical population in which each subset

member has the same chance of being picked. A basic random sample is intended to represent

a group in an unbiased manner. I will find respondents from my community and also in online

facebook groups who is planting and farming lovers. I will randomly distribute it in face to face

and online to the urban farmers so that they answer it.

Research Instrument

The researchers will construct a survey questionnaire as the primary instrument of the study.

The researcher will refer to various literature and other resources in constructing the

questionnaire.
 Data Analysis

= 50 respondents

LIKERT SCALE Strongly Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Average Remarks

Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Environmental impact
Urban agriculture 2 10 20 18 4.08 Agree
enhanced soil health
Urban agriculture 1 14 18 17 4.02 Agree
helps conserve water
Urban agriculture 2 5 8 5 30 4.12 Agree
reduced greenhouse
gases
Urban Agriculture 3 5 22 20 4.18 Agree
helps in Energy
efficiency

Social and economic

impact
Urban agriculture 2 11 7 30 4.3 Agree
builds cooperation in
community
Urban agriculture 2 6 18 24 4.28 Agree
builds food security
Urban agriculture 4 4 15 27 4.3 Agree
generate employment
in the community
Urban agriculture 15 27 18 4.86 Agree
helps in overall well-
being of farmers
TOTAL Agree

Based on data chart results you will see that the item urban agriculture enhanced soil health

scored results was 4.08 and it was fall under Agree remarks. And the related literature also,

supports it, research conducted by Bai et al. (2018) pointed out the great importance of urban

agriculture in improving soil health. By means of practices like composting, cover cropping, and

organic farming methods / including structure and microbial diversity/, urban agriculture /

develops / soil fertility, / structure, and microbial diversity which in turn revitalizes degraded

urban soils. In addition, studies by Díaz-Pacheco et al. (2019) draw attention to the beneficial

effects of urban agriculture on soil carbon accumulation, pointing out its contribution to climate

change mitigation through carbon sequestration in urban soils.

Based on data chart results you will see that the item urban agriculture helps conserve water

scored results was 4.02 and it was fall under Agree remarks. Moreover, the literature related

to this topic, Galhena et al. (2013) gives a good example of different water-saving techniques

used in urban farming that include rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling and the

introduction of drip irrigation systems. These practices do not only lower the demand for

potable water but also prevent water scarcity/and pollution in urban areas. Further to this,

research by Mougeot (2000) highlights the role of urban agriculture in reducing stormwater

runoff as well as improving water quality through soil filtration and absorption system.
Based on data chart results you will see that the item urban agriculture reduced greenhouse

gases scored results was 4.12 and it was fall under Agree remarks. Furthermore, the literature

related to this, Viljoen et al. (2015) explain how urban agriculture helps to reduce the carbon

footprint of food by mobilizing the production and consumption thus decreasing the energy

required for transport, refrigeration and packaging also mentions. Additionally, research by

Sanyé Mengual et al. (2015) confirms importance of urban agriculture in mitigation methane

emissions via anaerobic digestion of organic waste, thus making more significant progress in

climate change mitigation.

Based on data chart results you will see that the item urban agriculture helps in energy

efficiency scored results was 4.18 and it was fall under Agree remarks , this claim is also

supported by the relevant literature. Specht et al. (2014) in their studies note that urban farms

enhance the efficiency of land use in cities through re-using wasted spaces like rooftops, idle

lands and brownfields. Urban agriculture through recycling land and infrastructure reduces the

overall energy consumption and associated environmental impact. The research conducted by

Viljoen et al. (2015) finds that urban farms near consumers decrease the energy needed for

transportation, storage, and distribution of food products. Just because they provide farm fresh

produce to local markets and restaurants, it reduces carbon emission related to long- haul food

conveyance thus saving energy and greenhouse gases reduction are guaranteed. Studies done

by Deelstra and Girardet (2000) point out that urban farming may include installation of solar

panels, wind turbines as well as other clean energy systems to meet their electricity needs.

Onsite renewable sources not only ensure cleaner energy production but also help reduce the
reliance on fossil fuels making an important contribution towards enhancing security of supply

of power through low-carbon economy transition system. Research by Sanyé-Mengual et al.

(2015) explores how urban farms can utilize anaerobic digestion and composting to convert

organic waste, such as food scraps and crop residues, into biogas for heating, cooking, and

electricity generation. By closing the nutrient and energy loops, urban agriculture promotes

resource efficiency and reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

Based on data chart results you will see that the item urban agriculture builds cooperation in

community scored results was 4.3 and it was fall under Agree remarks. Additionally, the

literature related also to this claim does it, by Lawson (2005) research that gives prominence of

the transformative role of urban agriculture in social cohesion and community empowerment.

Through opportunities for joint action, exchange of knowledge, and cultural interaction urban

agriculture sectors bonds among people thus creating a more resilient society.

Based on data chart results you will see that the item urban agriculture builds food security

scored results was 4.28 and it was fall under Agree remarks. There are also studies that bear

this out, for example the ones by Mougeot (2000) explain how urban agriculture plays an

important role in solving food security problems in underprivileged urban areas, increasing the

availability of fresh, nutritious crops and cutting reliance on far-away food supplies.
Based on data chart results you will see that the item urban agriculture generate employment

in the community scored results was 4.3 and it was fall under Agree remarks. Furthermore,

the literature that is related agrees with this statement. Research by Bendt et al. (2016) shows

how urban agriculture could be a source of job creation through the entire agricultural value

chain such as production, marketing, distribution and also food processing. Additionally, the

studies by Deelstra and Girardet (2000) emphasize the fact that urban agriculture contributes

to the sustenance of livelihoods for marginalized groups of people, including women, youth,

and immigrants in Canada creating an inclusive economic system.

Based on data chart results you will see that the item urban agriculture helps in overall well-

being of farmers scored results was 4.86 and it was fall under Agree remarks. Also, the genre-

related literature proves this fact. Research done by Alkon and Agyeman (2011) focuses on the

therapeutic values of urban agriculture which include stress reduction, physical activity and

relationship to nature. Furthermore, Carney’s (2012) studies point out the empowering effects

of urban agriculture on farmers as far as their sense of agency and self-determination are

concerned, mentioned that they regain control over their food production and consumption

decisions.

Recommendations
Suggestions on how agricultural policies can be framed to motivate people for practicing urban

agriculture and to support it economically and environmentally, are as follows:

Zoning and Land Use Policies: By reformatting zoning rules, municipalities can make space for

the benefit of urban agricultural activities. This includes designating areas for urban farming,

and making the process easier to acquire land within city limits for agriculture (that is Garnett

et al., 2013).

Financial Motivation: A government has the ability to award such things as grants, subsidies,

tax exemption or other tax breaks and low interest rate loans to help bring into being and

develop urban agricultural projects (Moragues-Faus & Sonnino, 2017). Those incentives can

help take care of the expenses associated with land procurement, infrastructure development,

and agribusiness inputs for city farmers.

Land And Resource Accessibility: Rules should be made that give all types of people fair chance

to resources in form of land, water, and other farming resources within the city (McClintock et

al., 2016) -- particularly for those who are underprivileged -- so that they have an enhanced

opportunity to farm on a small scale. Examples include community land trustees, lease

programs, and agricultural co-ops.

Technical training and assistance can be provided by the government through scholarship

programs, extension services, agricultural schools colleges and universities to help urban

farmers to implement sustainability in farming systems, efficient utilization of resources and

accessing markets (Rosol & Bozalek). Training topics may include among others soil health

management, water conservation practice, pests and marketing strategies for urban

agriculture.

Market support/infrastructure: Instead, policymakers should introduce market infrastructures

like farmers' markets, food hubs, local supply chains into which the produce from UA can be

introduced and promoted in order to increase their access to consumers (Morgan & Sonnino).

Not only that but also policies favoring local procurement, institutional purchasing as well as

farm-to-school programs will create market opportunities for the urban farmers thus driving

demand for the locally grown products.

Food Policy Councils: Forming food policy councils at local or regional level, could be a means

of gathering different actors to work together, advocate for better policies as well as develop

complete food policy strategies which indeed will give precedence to urban agriculture (Harper

& Dickinson, 2016). Food policy councils are able to create the platform where members of the

community who include policy makers, urban farmers, community organizations and residents

can have discussions on how to remove regulatory barriers that hinder progress, coordinate

efforts and ensure urban agriculture is well integrated into broader food systems planning.
Environmental Regulations: Policymakers have to come up with rules and regulations which

should promote environmental sustainability in the urban agriculture contexts taking into

account soil conservation, water conservation/water recycling, waste management solutions,

protection of biodiversity in both flora (plants) and fauna (animals)/varied species (Egerer &

Sachs , 2015). Therefore, the environmental rules must encourage such practices as organic

farming, - harvesting rainwater; using composting methods-, habitat restoration among others

so that their impact on environment will be minimized and at the same time ecosystem services

provided by urban agriculture will be enhanced.

By implementing these policy recommendations, governments can create an enabling

environment for urban agriculture, incentivize its adoption, and support its economic viability

and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

Urban agriculture is the first step in sustainability and has the potential to transform the

structure of urban areas for a better tomorrow, also it helps in boosting environmental

resilience. More researches, policies back up and investment are indispensable to enhance the

environmental benefits of UA and let it be widely adopted in urban areas.

Urban agriculture promise to be a sustainable solution to meet urban challenges and

strengthen community resilience and wellbeing. It will provide-- locally--community health by

making available fresh produce as well as increasing green spaces, which will result in job

opportunities.
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