The Important Roles of Urban Agriculture

Urban agriculture

This paper describes the scale and nature of agricultural production in urban, suburban and peri-urban zones of Mexico City and how these have adapted to the changing demands from urban populations for food, wood and recreation. It also demonstrates how agricultural producers have successfully adapted their products and their production methods, including building on traditional production syst...

How important are the 'non-traditional' economic roles of agriculture in development?

How important are the 'non-traditional' economic roles of agriculture in development? Randy Stringer Some good reasons explain why early approaches to identifying agriculture’s economic roles resulted in a one-way strategic path that involved the flow of resources towards the industrial sector and urban centres. In an effort to provide a more comprehensive view of the roles that agriculture pla...

Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture

Organic Urban Agriculture

Urban agriculture (UA) has a long tradition in many countries worldwide, is actively engaging about 800 million people, and is now increasingly considered by urban planning and land-use personnel. Urban cropland, in particular, covers more than 67 Mha or more than 5% of the total global cropland area. Urban agriculture practices have many benefits and, in particular, may contribute to food secu...

Health Benefits of Urban Agriculture

Health professionals increasingly recognize the value of farmand garden-scale urban agriculture. Growing food and non-food crops in and near cities contributes to healthy communities by engaging residents in work and recreation that improves individual and public well-being. This article outlines the benefits of urban agriculture with regard to nutrition, food security, exercise, mental health,...