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Urban agriculture has myriad benefits for those who participate in it, but it's not guaranteed to be more climate-friendly than conventional agriculture. That said, there are some very specific steps urban farmers can take to slash carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In urban community gardens, cultivated vegetation provides variable levels of habitat complexity, which can suppress pests by promoting predator diversity and improving pest control. In this study, we examine three components of the structural complexity of garden vegetation (cover, diversity, and connectivity) to investigate whether higher garden vegetation complexity leads to fewer herbivores, more predators, and higher predation. We worked in eight community gardens where we quantified vegetation complexity, sampled the arthropod community, and measured predation on corn earworm eggs. We found that plots with high vegetation cover supported higher species richness and greater abundance of predatory insects. High vegetation cover also supported a greater abundance and species richness of spiders. In contrast, high vegetation diversity was negatively associated with predator abundance. While high predator abundance was positively associated with egg predation, greater predator species richness had a negative impact on egg predation, suggesting that antagonism between predators may limit biological control. Community gardeners may thus manipulate vegetation cover and diversity to promote higher predator abundance and diversity in their plots. However, the species composition of predators and the prevalence of interspecific antagonism may ultimately determine subsequent impacts on biological pest control.

This study introduces a novel computational framework integrating monadic second-order temporal logic (MSOTL) with hypergraph models to enhance the predictive analysis and prediction of complex systems, with a specific focus on urban agriculture. Traditional graph-based models often fail to capture the intricate, high-order temporal dynamics inherent in such systems. By leveraging the expressive power of MSOTL within a hypergraph context, our approach enables a more nuanced representation of temporal and relational data, leading to improved predictive accuracy and deeper analytical insights. The framework was applied to a comprehensive dataset of urban agricultural practices, incorporating data from diverse farming sites across multiple countries. Our results demonstrate the model's capability to outperform existing methods in predicting agricultural outcomes by effectively capturing both the spatial and temporal complexities of urban farming data. The study not only advances the theoretical understanding of hypergraph-based temporal logic modeling but also offers an application for urban agricultural planning and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating recognition of sustainable agriculture and food systems is a response to the multifaceted challenges of food insecurity, climate change, environmental deterioration and economic pressures. In this review, sustainable agriculture is characterized as an array of farming practices that effectively address immediate demands, while simultaneously safeguarding the potential of future generations to fulfill their needs. The primary objectives include sustained productivity, pollution reduction, and economic viability and sustainability. Sustainable food systems incorporate dimensions beyond production, including processing, distribution, consumption patterns, and waste management along the entire food supply chain. An abundance of research underscores the manifold benefits offered by sustainable agriculture and food systems to society at large. These advantages include fostering climate resilience, curbing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing water quality, promoting biodiversity, enriching soil fertility, fortifying rural livelihoods and nurturing community well-being. Nevertheless, the path toward sustainability is strewn with significant challenges. These include substantial costs involved in transitioning, conflicts in policy objectives, and the pervasive influence of traditional methods. Achieving sustainability requires the execution of holistic strategies that traverse various sectors and scales. Accelerating this progress can be facilitated through the adoption of diverse strategies, including agroforestry, agroecology, urban agriculture, farmer knowledge exchange, ecosystem service payments and supply chain shortening. However, the success of these strategies hinges on the provision of appropriate policies and incentives. Further research is vital to ascertain the ideal conditions for implementing specific interventions and to assess the comprehensive expenses and benefits linked to them. This review emphasizes the assertion that widespread adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture and interconnected food systems has positive impacts in terms of community nutrition, conservation of natural resources and long-term economic progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this paper is to settle a contested interpretation of a passage from "On the Murder of Eratosthenes", a forensic speech written by the classical Athenian speechwriter, Lysias. It demonstrates that a group of slaves referred to in passing are most likely to be enslaved men owned by the speaker and living separately from the speaker's primary residence in the city on his farm in the countryside. With this understanding, the passage is informative about the largely undiscussed role played by slaves in illegal activity and violent conflict between residents of Athens. Additionally, the residency of these slaves is considered alongside other evidence in Athenian literature and epigraphy indicating that slaves could reside largely independently on their masters' farmland. This body of evidence, of which Lysias 1 is an important and previously overlooked example, can shed significant light on debates about the priorities and strategies of the slave-owning population of classical Athens and suggests some important conclusions about the lives of Athens' rural slaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recycling nutrients and organic matter available as waste in urban areas may close nutrient gaps and improve soil quality, but the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are commonly higher than in mineral fertilisers. How quickly may the limits for soil quality be exceeded, and for which elements, if such materials are applied intensively? For a rough answer to this question, we used soil data from ten case farms near Oslo and Bergen (Norway) to estimate how PTE concentrations increased when the demand for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in a theoretical carrot crop produced every year was covered by compost or digestate from source-separated food waste, or composted garden waste, compared with manure from horses and poultry which are often kept in peri-urban areas. Results: With the intensive fertilisation assumed here, the Norwegian soil quality limits for PTEs were reached within 20–85 years, and faster for soil with more organic matter since regulatory limits set by weight discriminate soils with low bulk density. The limits were reached first for Cu and Zn, which are both essential micronutrients for crop plants. The concentrations of macronutrients in the urban waste-based fertilisers were not well balanced. Rates covering the K demand would lead to high surpluses of P and N. In peri-urban vegetable growing, high applications of compost are not unusual, but more balanced fertilisation is required. Conclusions: The Norwegian regulations for PTEs in organic soil amendments and agricultural soil are stricter than in the EU, and do not support recycling of organic matter and nutrients from urban waste. Many materials which can only be applied with restricted amounts to Norwegian agricultural soil, may be applied according to crop demand in the EU. Growers utilising urban waste-based fertilisers intensively should monitor the soil regularly, including PTE analyses. Soil sampling should occur on fixed sampling points to reveal changes in concentrations over time. Norwegian authorities should consider a revision of the organic fertiliser regulation to support recycling of valuable organic materials. There is a need for more data on the PTE concentrations in agricultural soil and organic fertiliser materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many nature‐based solutions (NBS), including urban greenspaces, urban agriculture and agroforestry, depend upon animal‐pollinated plants to sequester carbon or to provide other ecosystem services. Thus, long‐term success of these solutions also depends upon resilient pollinator communities.Despite their importance to functioning communities, a literature search revealed that 0%–3% of papers on NBS and related topics considered pollinators or pollination. Pollinators were more likely to be considered in the subgroup of papers on NBS related to agricultural production, where 12.5% considered pollination.Conservation of species interactions is essential to conservation of biodiversity and the sustained benefits of NBS. By applying our understanding of the ecology of plant‐pollinator mutualisms to the implementation of NBS, we can promote their functioning under future climatic conditions. In particular, we point to the need to identify keystone plants and pollinators, those species that contribute most to biodiversity maintenance, community stability and ecosystem function, and to leverage these species and their interactions in NBS and conservation efforts. We further advocate for the use of phylogenetic trait‐based analyses to understand the characteristics associated with keystoneness.Synthesis: Resilience of pollination services rests upon the responses of keystone species and their partners, and the likelihood that they continue to express traits that confer mutual benefit under future climates. By understanding the traits of species of outsized importance to their communities, we gain insight into the mechanisms underlying the resilience of pollination services and the NBS that rely on those services in a changing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sub-Saharan Africa's rapid urban growth is causing a decline in urban agricultural land, reducing access to healthy local food for citizens. This paper quantitatively and spatially describes the contribution of urban and peri-urban producers to the availability and accessibility of fresh leafy vegetables in the growing city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Based on over 700 surveys with food vendors and consumers, as well as ethnographic research with farmers, we show how a total of 70 per cent of all amaranth consumed in Dar es Salaam was found to be produced within the city. With an average distance travelled from farm to fork of 11 km, leafy vegetables have a strongly localised foodshed. The results show the ongoing significance of urban areas in meeting their own food demands, emphasising the necessity to explicitly integrate food provisioning in the planning of growing African cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban Agriculture in Indonesia is seen as a multidimensional approach to overcome urban challenges and offers several potential social, economic, and environmental benefits. This commentary article is dedicated to presenting the current state of the implementation of urban agriculture in large cities, the initiatives undertaken, and the mechanisms for implementing the set goals. However, major challenges arise from land scarcities, poor urban agricultural infrastructure, financial constraints, and regulatory and administrative issues. Urban agriculture significantly improves the quality of urban life by providing fresh and healthy food and fostering community engagement. Lessons from Singapore, New York, and Ghana highlight the importance of policy support, innovation, and community involvement in achieving sustainable urban agriculture. These elements support a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban environment and promote the inclusion of urban agriculture in urban plans and resilience strategies. Indonesia can learn from global best practices to address local challenges and create healthier, sustainable urban dwellings through expanded urban agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While urban farms are embedded in communities, little is known about their contributions to communities themselves, with most previous research on urban agriculture being focused on community gardens. Here we review existing literature on urban farms' community contributions and discuss a case study of three farms in Singapore. Using content analysis on 27 interviews with employees and volunteers, we found the farms to empower participants, generate social capital, provide jobs, involve marginalized groups, and promote pro-environmental behaviors. The farms were limited by poor job prospects and lower-than-expected yield. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses the manner in which bourgeois environmentalism and aspirational urban planning have brought about a recalibration of justice for agrarian communities along the Yamuna in Delhi. Bela Estate, the research site, is one such agrarian community in the urban segment of the Yamuna. Following a ban on the farming of edible crops in this region, pronounced by India's apex environmental court in 2015, the Delhi Development Authority has conducted multiple demolition drives for nearly a decade now to evict farmers and clear their land for redevelopment. Utilising archival sources and based on a close reading of planning documents and court judgements, this article contributes to discourses of public interest in the wider context of development and law. More specifically, it decodes the ongoing contentions involving farmers, planning agencies and the judiciary in this region as symptomatic of the larger erosion of social justice in an urbanising, aspirational India that undervalues the role of nature-based livelihoods in Indian cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilm obtained from Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii inoculated on vegetable seeds has been shown to have plant growth-promoting capacity. Seed inoculation with biofilm produced by this strain could also reduce the adverse effects on plant growth caused by soil or substrate heavy metal overabundance. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the impact of biofilm inoculated on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seeds, which were planted on a substrate with artificially added zinc. First, seeds of the Río Grande tomato variety were exposed to increasing zinc concentrations, namely: 50, 100, 200, and 400 ppm, with and without bacterial biofilm inoculation. Zinc addition and seed inoculation affected germination parameters. For example, an extra 200 and 400 ppm of zinc led to high toxicity. Biofilm inoculation, however, reduced the noxious effects of excess zinc, bringing acute toxicity down to moderate. Then, tomato plants growing from inoculated and non-inoculated seeds were cropped for 4 months in both substrates with 400 ppm zinc and without added zinc. Extra zinc addition significantly (p < 0.05) reduced tomato root and shoot biomass, plant height, and fruit number at harvest time. However, seed biofilm inoculation avoided the harmful effect of zinc on plant growth parameters, fruit yield, and fruit quality. The roots and shoots of plants growing on contaminated substrates showed very noticeable increases in zinc levels compared to the control, while fruits only showed a much weaker zinc gain, even if this was significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, root shoot and fruit concentrations of elements other than zinc, (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper, lead, and cadmium) were not or only weakly affected by the addition of this metal to the substrate. In summary, the biofilm of B. subtilis proved to be effective as a bioinoculant to alleviate negative effects on tomatoes cropped in a substrate with excess zinc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The renaissance in urban agriculture is driven by its contributions to fostering more sustainable, healthy, and renaturalized cities. While urban gardens are usually designed to improve food security or serve social purposes, they also offer additional benefits. The aim of this research is to study the urban allotment gardens in Valladolid, Spain, highlighting their capacity to support low-income populations and their potential contribution to urban cooling. As a result of research in twelve plots across four gardens, we found that crop selection in Valladolid aligns with broader urban gardening trends in the Global North, with production adapted to limited plot space and varying significantly by season. In addition, we observed that urban allotment gardens provide more stable and cooler temperatures compared to urban gray spaces, although not as significantly as urban parks. The cooling effect was most pronounced during the summer, a season with the highest number of crops and the warmest temperatures. The study identified that greater crop cover above soil had a more significant cooling effect at the plot level. Surprisingly, crop abundance and crop diversity showed a weak correlation with cooling benefits. As a complement, survey questionnaires conducted with gardeners revealed their awareness of climate change and its perceived direct threat to their crops, health, and city. The future concerns of gardeners regarding the availability of water for both crop growth and the development of urban allotment gardens are emphasized. The findings provide results on self-produced food, urban cooling, and the opinion of gardeners, underscoring the multifunctional contributions of urban gardens to cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of mobile phone apps downloads, especially those in the food and drink category, is growing worldwide. Such growth in digitalisation has brought the food industry and retailers to try and understand consumers new shopping needs and preferences to offer the best virtual experience to purchase food online. Past research rarely explore the features of the currently available apps for purchasing and consumption of agro‐food products compared with consumers' perception, barriers and drivers of online purchasing. The present research aims to fill this gap, in three steps. First, investigating consumers' perceptions of apps currently available for food purchasing and consumption, as well as drivers and barriers towards of online food purchasing and towards online food shopping from (peri)urban initiatives using the theory of consumer values as a theoretical framework (Study 1). Second, analysing the features of existent apps used at (peri)urban level and/or supporting (peri)urban food purchasing and consumption adopting the technology acceptance model as a theoretical framework (Study 2). Third, cross‐analysing consumer needs emerging from the survey with apps features. Quantitative data elaboration included a cluster analysis to group apps based on their features, and principal component analysis to identify consumers' key barriers and drivers. Results support how the desire to eat fresh and seasonal food is the main driver for buying from (peri)urban agriculture initiatives, whereas a more rational and aware food consumption are the drivers for choosing online over in person shopping. The most common type of apps are those aimed at food delivery, and those selling and buying food and providing food information. Restaurants and cafes are the main market channels for consumers' food online purchasing. When consumer needs (Study 1) and apps features (Study 2) are compared, a mismatch of the two emerges. Sustainability food profile and information on seasonal food are consumers' favourite features, but they are present in a limited number of apps. Results provide insights for marketing strategies and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite well-documented health and environmental benefits of consuming minimally processed plant-based foods, research on how to educate and promote a plant-based diet (PBD) for diverse community college students is lacking. Understanding awareness and perception of a PBD is important prior to the creation of dietary interventions. A survey including a food frequency questionnaire and novel scales to gauge awareness and perception of PBDs was developed and implemented. Results demonstrated students were generally aware of PBD and its key components, recognized associated health benefits, had a positive perception of a PBD, yet few were actively adherent and demonstrated confusion with PBD terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nyabarongo river catchment in Rwanda has experienced significant changes in its land use and land cover (LULC) in recent decades, with profound implications for non-point source pollution. However, there are limited studies on non-point pollution caused by nutrient loss associated with land use and land cover changes in the catchment. This study investigates the spatiotemporal impacts of these changes on water quality considering nitrogen and phosphorus within the catchment from 2000 to 2020 and 2030 as a projection. The SWAT model was used in analysis of hydrological simulations, while the CA–Markov model was used for the future projection of LULC in 2030. The results revealed (1) the important changes in LULC in the study area, where a decrease in forestland was observed with a considerable increase in built-up land, grassland, and cropland; (2) that the R2 and NSE of the TN and TP in the runoff simulation in the catchment were all above 0.70, showing good applicability during calibration and validation periods; (3) that from 2000 to 2020 and looking to the projection in 2030, the simulated monthly average TN and TP levels have progressively increased from 15.36 to 145.71 kg/ha, 2.46 to 15.47 kg/ha, 67.2 to 158.8 kg/ha, and 9.3 to 17.43 kg/ha, respectively; and (4) that the most polluted land use types are agriculture and urban areas, due to increases in human activities as a consequence of population growth in the catchment. Understanding the patterns and drivers of these changes is critical for developing effective policies and practices for sustainable land management and protection of water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban community gardens are important social–ecological systems from which urban citizens receive many benefits. In this study of 18 urban community gardens in the Central Coast of California, USA, we use a combination of gardener surveys and field-based measurements to evaluate the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables produced by gardeners. We then investigate how food production differed between segments of the gardening population, specifically as a function of gardening experience, time spent in gardens, and food security status. Lastly, we ask gardeners to describe their motivations for gardening to better understand how motivations may relate to individual levels of food production. Thirty-eight percent of gardeners estimate harvesting one to five pounds of food per week, with another 26% estimating six to ten pounds. These estimates were corroborated by field measurements of tomato, squash, and pepper cultivation, where gardeners produced, at the height of the harvest season, an average of four pounds of food per week—an estimated savings of ~ $16USD per week (compared to the cost of local organic fruits and vegetables, June 2023 prices). Regarding the ability of community gardens to reduce food insecurity, gardeners who spent more time in the garden and with higher incomes reported higher food security, while those with larger families or lower incomes were more food insecure. These results show that gardeners in most need of food support were not necessarily the ones cultivating the most fruits and vegetables. While 48% of gardeners reported food cultivation as a primary motivator for gardening, many other motivations (e.g., hobby, being outdoors, relaxation, social interaction, and exercise) were identified as reasons to spend time in the garden, indicating that food production is not the only factor motivating gardeners. Overall, we document that community gardens can be highly productive and provide valuable produce that substantially offsets high fresh food costs; however, gardeners with the greatest food needs are currently not the largest producers, but could benefit from additional resources and support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses Poland's new farmers: people who have left the city to engage in agriculture and urban people with a ruralbackground who return to their villages to start farming. We analysed their mode of production using the categories of van der Ploeg (2018).: We also focused on the relations between the new farmers and their communities. The results show that new farmers farm in a peasant-like way. However, they also constitute a distinctive group benefiting from their urban links. Social and cultural capital plays a crucial role differentiating the new farmers/peasants from traditional peasants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroecological-based practices (ABPs) play a vital role in urban vegetable gardens, enhancing the quality of life. However, factors driving ABP implementation and their impact on crop production and diversity are not fully understood. Our study assessed the influence of socio-economic and environmental characteristics on ABP adoption, crop diversity, and total weight vegetable production in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. Through interviews and a multi-model inference approach, we found that ABP implementation is tied to gardener experience and formative assets (e.g. horticultural experience, specific training). Crop diversity, integral to ABP, is affected by farming practices and farmer characteristics (Farm animals, Pollinator-friendly practices, Experience, Additional training and Environmental knowledge). The Total weight produced was primarily influenced by the type of garden, the gardener’s experience and some ABPs. Long-standing commercial and community objectives and the use of farm animals and commercial seed led to greater production. Strengthening key drivers, such as farmer training, through public policies (e.g. income generation, financing, specific training, land access) can bolster the role of urban gardens in providing a healthy environment and promoting food sovereignty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contaminated vegetables grown and consumed in cities of the global South have adverse public health consequences. Through interviews with farmers, traders, consumers and institutional representatives, this article explores why stakeholders in the irrigated vegetable value chain in Accra continue unsafe practices. The multi-stakeholder data are analysed by combining a behavioural model with a framework of complex stakeholder interactions. Arguably, a systemic approach would help meet stakeholders' opportunity, capability and motivation needs and actualise current efforts to promote safe practices. Findings indicate the need for all stakeholders to develop a shared understanding of each other's practices and co-design flexible arrangements that better integrate their diverse rationales, knowledge and constraints. Improving hygiene and food safety from farm to fork requires political commitment that accounts for land tenure insecurity and the high cost of safe water. This article was published open access under a CC BY licence: https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing the evolution characteristics and key influencing factors of the spatial pattern of the United States at the national scale provides an experiential reference for the improvement of China's territorial spatial planning system in the new era. The results show that: (1) Urban expansion, agricultural production, water ecological protection, and bare land management are the main trends in the evolution of the spatial pattern of the United States from 2001 to 2019. Especially, large-scale and high-growth urban expansion is still a prominent feature of the United States, where the urban area has remained at 8. 80% for nearly 20 years. At the same time, agricultural production efficiency in spatial areas has significantly increased. (2) Unlike the final evolution result of the rapid expansion of urban areas, the large-scale mutual transformation between agricultural and ecological spaces is the dominant transformation characteristic within the spatial pattern of the United States. A profound spatial layout adjustment is taking place between "cropland-animal husbandry-forestry". While promoting agricultural expansion and improving production efficiency, land management and ecological environment optimization, it has also led to large-scale loss of green space. (3) Geographical conditions, infrastructure construction, land development policies, natural disasters, and regional basic characteristics are the dominant driving factors of the spatial evolution of the United States in the past 20 years. At the same time, changes in hydroclimate conditions such as precipitation, temperature, and humidity have played a key promoting role. Population, economy, and industry have only had a partial impact on the internal development space of urban areas, and have not had a significant impact on the overall spatial changes of the United States. Based on the above conclusions, the article proposes the following suggestions: pay attention to the dynamic impact of long-term climate change on the spatial layout of agriculture and ecology; focus on the differences in the allocation of parameters for urban spatial expansion among different levels and regions; prevent the degradation of agricultural space in traditional grain-producing areas, and construct policies and suggestions for the elastic connection path between bare land management, major land projects, and the territorial spatial planning system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) is a widespread bird across Southern America and commonly found in any large open areas, including agriculture and urban. Despite being a conspicuous species, little is known about its copulatory behaviour. In this research, we studied the copulation behaviour of Southern Lapwings and identified specific behaviours that preceded copulation events. Focal observations were made during one year on two pairs of lapwings that inhabit an urban area in the southeastern Pampas region, Argentina. A total of 110 intra-pair copulations were recorded (pair 1 = 64 and pair 2 = 46). Frequent copulations began 97 and 64 days before the first egg-laying, respectively, although the highest frequency occurred before the onset of the first nesting attempt. The Southern Lapwing copulated during all daylight hours, with a peak in the morning. Copulation occurred for up to five consecutive days, and the maximum number of copulations observed in a single day was four. Courtship and territory defence were the most common behaviours preceding copulation. Among the multiple hypotheses that have been proposed to explain frequent intra-pair copulation, our results seem to support two of them: the territory signalling hypothesis and the social bond hypothesis. The high population density coupled with the low availability of territories and a strong social bond based on cooperation and coordination could support both hypotheses, respectively. Given that the social environment can modify the behaviour of plovers, future research should evaluate the copulation behaviour at different population densities and the adaptive functional significance of this behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the world population anticipated to reach over nine billion in 2050, and the majority of whom will live in cities, feeding a predominantly urban population will pose additional challenges to a predominantly rural-based agrifood system. Further, with the focus of economic activity being centered in cities, a development question is whether agriculture in cities should be an integral part of national planning. This is particularly when food insecurity is expected to challenge the poor in cities much more than in the countryside. Urban and peri-urban agriculture has been practiced in many parts of the world through activities ranging from community gardens to commercial farms of varying sizes. A major change, accelerated by supply chain disruptions and the COVID-19 pandemic in the early 2020s, has been the rapid development of technologies (digital, physical, biotechnological) that increases food production capabilities in urban areas and provide economic opportunity for entrepreneurship. Additionally, sizable investments from private equity have seen sophisticated food production facilities, such as indoor vertical vegetable and fish farms and precision fermentation factories, produce novel food such as alternative proteins in city spaces. Apart from the economic and food security benefits arising from urban agriculture, environmental and social benefits have also been demonstrated in cities that have adopted a clear mandate to become "green" and reduce their carbon footprints. This paper provides a background on urban farming, its justification as a worthwhile activity, and the rationale for explicitly including urban agriculture in national planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian Journal of Agriculture & Development reflects on its first twenty years of operation, highlighting the importance of agriculture in Asian economies. The journal evolved from focusing on developmental and policy-related research to including basic technological research for modernization. Articles in the 20th-anniversary issue cover topics such as rice policies, agricultural contracts, world rice markets, urban agriculture, youth involvement in agriculture, technology readiness, and flood damage resilience. The journal aims to continue expanding its reach to gather diverse perspectives on agriculture and rural development in Asia and beyond. [Extracted from the article]

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A rapidly increasing human population has resulted in the expansion of urban areas and an associated increase in the demand for food. Consequently, urban and peri-urban agriculture, using waste water as a source for irrigation, is increasingly common around the world, particularly in developing countries. In the Kurdistan region of Iraq, the soils within Agriculture areas have the potential to accumulate trace elements originating from various sources of contamination like municipal waste disposal and the use of wastewater for irrigation. The main aim of this study was to assess the levels and sources of trace elements in this specific region and to analyze the potential health hazards linked to toxic elements present in the soil. METHODS: Elemental analyses were conducted on soil samples using the total digestion method, involving the use of Hydrofluoric acid. Subsequently, 118 soil samples, each with a fraction size of less than 2 millimeters, were analyzed. These samples were collected from seven different urban and peri-urban agriculture areas in Sulaimani province. The analysis was carried out using Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry, which operated in collision cell mode with 7 percent hydrogen in helium to minimize polyatomic interferences. FINDINGS: The study findings indicated that the soils, with a potential hydrogen range of 7.5 to 8.18, are mainly calcareous and have textures that vary from silty loam to sandy or silty clay. Additionally, the organic matter content of these soils ranges from 1.4 percent to 5.47 percent. It was noted that soils subjected to wastewater irrigation do not show significant contamination by trace elements, whereas those affected by waste disposal sites showed high levels of chromium (134 milligrams per kilogram), copper (263 milligrams per kilogram), zinc (773 milligrams per kilogram), cadmium (4.19 milligrams per kilogram) and lead (161 milligrams per kilogram). Evaluation of enrichment factors indicates that the concentrations of trace elements generally remain within the anticipated background levels, with the exception of the municipal waste disposal site. The hazard indices derived for the trace elements indicate that the potential health risks associated with exposure routes are minimal. These indices consistently remain below the internationally recognized threshold of one, which signifies that the health concerns are insignificant fall within acceptable boundaries. CONCLUSION: The concentrations of trace elements exhibited a notable increase in locations allocated for waste disposal, demonstrating a gradual decline in comparison to other agricultural regions. Throughout all the locations examined, the levels of nickel consistently remained elevated, suggesting that the geological attributes of the region have a significant impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of urban systems that allow growth while also maximising ecosystem services is identified as an important priority for creating a Good Anthropocene. An ecosystem service (ES)-based approach to landscape interventions maximises the provision of ESs, and in doing so, repairs and reinforces threatened ecological planetary boundaries. As an urbanising planet, cities are critical frontiers of human interaction with these planetary boundaries, and therefore a critical arena for ES-based intervention. Globally, the predominant pattern of urbanisation is dedensification, an outwardly expanding trend where cities are growing in physical extent at a higher rate than their population growth. We therefore require spatially explicit tools capable of reconciling dedensification and Good Anthropocene visions. We propose a methodology that integrates agroecology and urbanisation and is focussed specifically on the supply of targeted regulating ESs. This 'Agroecology for the City' differs from conventional urban agriculture discourse and its preoccupation with food security. Our research interest is agroecological farm systems' (AFSs) capacity to provide critical life support services in a spatially effective manner to urban systems. Our recent research introduced a new GIS-based model (ESMAX) and a spatial agroecology approach that identified AFS configurations at a 1 ha scale which maximised the supply of three regulating ESs, as well as multifunctional performance across all three ESs combined. In the present research, we apply this process at a larger scale, with 1 ha and 4 ha AFS parcels being integrated with a real-world 200 ha peri-urban residential development. The AFS parcels and built-up areas are configured differently to maximise the supply of ESs identified as critical by the local community. We found that arrangements with AFS parcels interspersed evenly with built-up areas provided the best multifunctionality across the four ESs tested. This supports pathways for a Good Anthropocene that work with the global urbanising reality of dedensification and underpin the need for a hybrid science of rural/urban systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extreme heat and water scarcity of the desert southwest in the United States of America present significant challenges for growing food crops. However, controlled-environment agriculture offers a promising solution for plant production in these harsh conditions. Glasshouses and plant factories represent advanced but energy-intensive production methods among controlled-environment agriculture techniques. This review aims to comprehensively assess how controlled-environment agriculture can thrive and be sustained in the desert southwest by evaluating the energy efficiency of controlled glasshouses and building-integrated plant factories. The analysis focuses on the efficiency of these systems' energy and water consumption, mainly using artificial lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, and water management through various hydroponic techniques. Approximately 50% of operational energy costs in controlled glasshouses are dedicated to cooling, whereas 25–30% of energy expenses in building-integrated plant factories are allocated to artificial lighting. Building-integrated plant factories with aeroponic systems have demonstrated superior water use and energy efficiency compared to controlled glasshouses in desert environments. Integrating photovoltaic solar energy and glass rooftops in building-integrated plant factories can significantly reduce energy costs for urban farming in the desert southwest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban farming is important in supporting food security in urban areas. This study aims to identify the use of communication media in implementing urban farming and supporting institutions in the application of urban farming. This research was conducted using a survey method with samples selected in tiers representing each extension institution of farmer women groups. Furthermore, data were gathered from interviews and FGDs. The results showed that accessing information and communication behavior was in the excellent category with a score of 4.65. There are different types of facilities that are currently used by farmers to access information, namely smartphones where the extension workers always provide information related to farming, and printed extension media such as brochures, flyers, and books related to vegetable farming. Farmer knowledge about information sources is also in an excellent category. They know the types of information sources and how to get information according to their needs that comes from reliable and accurate sources. Farmers received full support from local leaders and the government through the food crops and fisheries office of the city of Pekanbaru with regular counseling held by extension workers, and socialization related to urban farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of local paddy varieties involves many stakeholders. Each stakeholder has a different role ranging from the socialization and farming to the marketing of local rice varieties. This research aims to identify stakeholders and analyze their role in developing local paddy varieties using a descriptive qualitative method. The respondents in this research are stakeholders involved in the development of local paddy varieties in Padang City. The results show that the stakeholders involved are the Padang City Agriculture Office, Agricultural Extension Center, farmers, farmer groups, landowners, seed breeders, production facilities providers, agricultural labor, rice milling units, collecting traders, colleges, sub-district administration, urban village administration, financial institutions, the Regional People's Representative Council, retailers, and consumers. Classifications of stakeholders show that the Padang City Agriculture Office, the Agricultural Extension Center, farmers, and farmer groups have high influence and interest. These stakeholders are classified as key players. Meanwhile, sub-district administration, urban village administration, financial institutions, and Regional People's Representative Council have low influence and interest. They are classified as the crowd. All of the stakeholders mentioned that roles play their position as policymakers, coordinators, facilitators, implementers, and accelerators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers in the Agrowisata Urban Village use an integrated farming system, and the social capital of farmers can influence the integrated farming system for research objectives, namely, to analyze: (1) the level of integrated agricultural farmer empowerment in the Agrowisata Urban Village, Rumbai District and (2) the relationship of social capital with the independence of farmers integrated in the Agrowisata Urban Village, Rumbai District. This study used a census research method with a population of 45 farmers using primary and secondary data. Data were analyzed using the Likert scale analysis and multiple linear regression. The results showed that the empowerment of integrated agricultural farmers was in the high category with an average of 4.18. Human resources, a productive economy, and institutions owned by integrated agricultural farmers are also in the high category. The relationship of social capital with the independence of integrated agricultural farmers in the Agrowisata Urban Village indicated that norms, productive economy, and institutions have a positive effect or have an influence on the independence of integrated agricultural farmers in the Agrowisata Urban Village Rumba District. Keywords: integrated agriculture, social capital, empowerment, independence [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many cities demolish abandoned homes and create regreened vacant lots (RVLs), and an increasingly popular, high-intensity use of RVLs is as urban agriculture (UA) sites. UA may potentially result in higher nitrogen (N) runoff to aquatic ecosystems, but this potential has not been quantified. We examined the role that varying land reuse intensity plays in determining potential for N export via runoff or leaching, focusing on soil N availability and N removal capacity via denitrification. We contrasted three levels of land use intensity for vacant parcels: intact vacant properties, turfgrass RVLs, and regreened UA lots in Buffalo, NY. We examined soil N and C availability, denitrification potential, and isotopic evidence of denitrification. Land use intensity only affected soil properties in surficial soil horizons. Total N was 2.5x higher in UA soils (mean = 0.51%) than non-UA (mean = 0.21%). Soil nitrate was 2.6x higher in winter (mean = 12.4 µg NO3−-N g−1) than summer (mean = 4.7 µg NO3−-N g−1) and was generally higher in UA soils. Despite higher soil N availability at UA sites, there were no differences in denitrification potential between UA and non-UA sites (mean = 620 ng N g soil−1 h−1). Isotopic evidence further confirms that denitrification was not a major sink of N. As UA had high N availability compared to non-UA sites and low rates of denitrification, UA has potential for runoff-driven N export, particularly of organic N, though lower nitrate concentrations than values typical for conventional agricultural soils make nitrate leaching less of a concern by comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by population growth, rising living costs, and the urgent need to address climate change, sustainable food production and circular economy principles are becoming increasingly important. Conventional agriculture faces significant challenges, including land scarcity, water shortages, and disrupted supply chains. As a solution, cities are adopting vertical farming to enhance urban food security and promote circularity. This research introduces FLOAT (Farming Lab on a Trough), an innovative vertical farming system made from bio-polymers and recycled polyethylene terephthalate glyco (rPETG) pellets from plastic bottles. FLOAT's design emphasizes sustainability and closed-loop material usage. The study showcases the versatility of additive manufacturing (AM) in creating complex geometries with fully functional 1:1 prototypes. These prototypes highlight FLOAT's potential as a scalable and adaptable solution for sustainable food production in urban settings, contributing to improved food security and environmental sustainability. By integrating FLOAT with conventional practices, we aim to exceed Singapore's 2030 food security targets and achieve lasting urban food resilience. FLOAT aims to scale sustainable food production, fostering community ties with food, and nurturing future responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Recycling nutrients and organic matter available as waste in urban areas may close nutrient gaps and improve soil quality, but the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are commonly higher than in mineral fertilisers. How quickly may the limits for soil quality be exceeded, and for which elements, if such materials are applied intensively? For a rough answer to this question, we used soil data from ten case farms near Oslo and Bergen (Norway) to estimate how PTE concentrations increased when the demand for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in a theoretical carrot crop produced every year was covered by compost or digestate from source-separated food waste, or composted garden waste, compared with manure from horses and poultry which are often kept in peri-urban areas. Results With the intensive fertilisation assumed here, the Norwegian soil quality limits for PTEs were reached within 20–85 years, and faster for soil with more organic matter since regulatory limits set by weight discriminate soils with low bulk density. The limits were reached first for Cu and Zn, which are both essential micronutrients for crop plants. The concentrations of macronutrients in the urban waste-based fertilisers were not well balanced. Rates covering the K demand would lead to high surpluses of P and N. In peri-urban vegetable growing, high applications of compost are not unusual, but more balanced fertilisation is required. Conclusions The Norwegian regulations for PTEs in organic soil amendments and agricultural soil are stricter than in the EU, and do not support recycling of organic matter and nutrients from urban waste. Many materials which can only be applied with restricted amounts to Norwegian agricultural soil, may be applied according to crop demand in the EU. Growers utilising urban waste-based fertilisers intensively should monitor the soil regularly, including PTE analyses. Soil sampling should occur on fixed sampling points to reveal changes in concentrations over time. Norwegian authorities should consider a revision of the organic fertiliser regulation to support recycling of valuable organic materials. There is a need for more data on the PTE concentrations in agricultural soil and organic fertiliser materials.

For several reasons, recent attention has focused on urban agriculture in the context of sustainable and smart agriculture. Most of the global population has relocated from rural to urban areas. The ecological impact of agriculture is a rising concern. Furthermore, food insecurity, particularly food availability, remains a significant issue. Satisfying rising food demand with minimal environmental impact is a significant barrier to more sustainable food production. In this article, we study a sustainable location for urban farming that optimally balances economic and environmental objectives. We formulate the problem as a multi‐objective linear program that considers maximizing the ecological benefit and crop production yield and minimizing transportation cost, sensor cost, and CO2 emissions. The proposed mathematical model is then solved using a two‐phase method. The first phase uses several multi‐objective optimization (MOO) methods (weighted sum, epsilon‐constraint, augmented epsilon) to generate a pool of compromise solutions. The second phase uses multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) methods (MARCOS, VIKOR, and Possibility Degree) to rank compromise solutions. We performed a sensitivity analysis first by studying the effect of different criteria weights (balanced, environmentally, and economically oriented) and then by investigating the rank reversal. Furthermore, we developed a thorough validity test that examines the impact of the dynamic elements of rank reversal by changing the importance of the model's input parameters. To provide a fusion ranking of the MCDM rankings, we devised an aggregated ranking approach using the half‐quadratic (HQ) method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nature-based solutions are approaches that draw inspiration from and are supported by nature, offering environmental, social, and economic benefits for enhancing urban resilience and sustainability. One of the greatest land use changes affecting the urban landscape is agricultural land conversion which affects the food security. Urban agriculture will not only generate livelihood opportunity for the urban poor but be the urban lung and heat sink, allow solid and water waste disposal and facilitate eco-cultural community bonding. A vast majority of the global urban dwellers live in the small and medium sized cities. However very little study has been done on urban agriculture in these areas although agricultural loss is more pronounced here. The objective of this paper is to examine through remote sensing data, in a time series between 2011 to 2023, the loss in agricultural land in one such smaller city- Bhubaneswar, which lies on a very fertile agricultural belt. This paper examines the decline of agricultural land in comparison to the rise in built up area within the specified timeframe and goes on to suggest a nature-based solution which makes the city self-sufficient in terms of food security. The research methodology involves mapping the spatial distribution of both the supply and demand for ecosystem services and quantifying the impact of Agriculture land use conversion on agriculture production. It concludes by deriving a framework which will identify the policy and governance interventions required so that the SDG goals 2 and 11.3 are realized.

Endüstri Devrimi ile birlikte başlayan ve gelecekte de hızlı bir şekilde devam edeceği düşünülen kırsaldan kente göç hareketi kentsel, sosyal ve ekonomik açıdan birtakım olumsuzluklar doğurmaktadır. Kentlerdeki hızlı nüfus artışının beraberinde getirdiği konut ihtiyacı, kentsel yaşam alanlarındaki yeşil dokunun azalmasına; kırsal alanlarda da tarımsal faaliyetlerin azalmasına sebep olmuştur. Bu gibi nedenler kentlerde hem yeşil doku oluşturacak hem de tarımsal faaliyetlerde kullanılacak alanlara ihtiyacı gündeme getirmiştir. Bitkiler çok eski yıllardan beri çeşitli sebeplerle yapıların çatılarında kullanılmıştır. Bununla birlikte kentsel tarım, çatı tarımı, topraksız tarım gibi kavramlarla ortaya çıkan ve kullanıcısının yerel gıda ihtiyacının bir bölümünü karşılayan, tarımsal faaliyetlerin binaların çatılarında yapıldığı uygulamalar son dönemlerde önem taşımaktadır. Çatı tarımı ile hem kent alanlarında yeşil doku artırılmış olup hem de yerel gıda ihtiyacı karşılanarak güvenilir gıdaya ekonomik bir şekilde ulaşım sağlanmış olacaktır. Daha gelişmiş bir yeşil çatı türü olan çatı tarımının kentsel alanlarda kullanımını örnek projeler üzerinden inceleyen bu çalışmada; çatı tarımının kent ekonomisine katkı sağlayacağı, yerel gıda tüketimini arttıracağı, insanların psikolojisi üzerinde olumlu etki yaratarak daha mutlu bir toplum yaratacağı ve sosyalleşme imkanlarını arttıracağı görülmüştür. Yapılacak olan çatı tarımı projeleri ve çalışmaları ile halkın ve tasarımcıların teşvik edilmesi, üretici firmaların bilgilendirme toplantıları yapması ve çatı tarımı uygulamalarının kentsel dönüşüm ve sürdürülebilir kent çalışmaları kapsamında ele alınarak planlamalara entegre edilmesi önerilmektedir.

In this reflexive piece, the authors consider the unexpected lessons learned while undertaking a collaborative research project with their home institution’s Indigenous Learning Centre on urban berry foraging. The faculty member questions the ethics of settlers undertaking this work, even if in collaboration with an Indigenous community, alongside the promises of this work to critical food studies. The practice of urban foraging is understood as a wider metaphor for Indigenous worldview, and for different ways of being and relating. The student’s reflections weave together themes of learning outside the classroom, with family and community, and the holistic aspects of doing research.

Abstract Cities in developing countries, such as Addis Ababa, face enormous challenges as a result of high demand for food and clean water, as well as the generation of large amounts of urban waste that is discharged into natural water bodies, contaminating rivers, lakes, and other freshwater bodies used in urban agriculture. Farmers in Addis Ababa and nearby areas use polluted irrigation water diverted from the highly contaminated Little and Great Akaki rivers. The study aimed to assess how well a floating treatment wetland with vetiver grass could reduce irrigation water pollution at the Mekanisa-Gofa-Lafto Cooperative (MGLC) farm in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Additionally, the study sought to provide design recommendations that could be implemented at the farmer level. The irrigation water underwent a 7-day treatment using a Vetiver grass floating treatment wetland. A field test was also conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the floating treatment wetland in reducing pollutants at the study site. The results showed that the floating treatment wetland was able to reduce the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) (73.68%), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) (73.92%), Acidity/Basicity (pH) (0.39%), Chloride (Cl−) (43.12%), Total Hardness (66.56%) and Total Suspended Solid (TSS) (96.21%) values, approaching the recommended irrigation water quality guideline values within 3 days. In contrast, there was an increase in Electro Conductivity (EC) (22.2%) and Sodium (Na) (15.2%) concentrations, which exceeded the recommended values, due to evapotranspiration or the entry of the surrounding soil into the irrigation water of the study site.

AbstractThis paper examines the potential of in-store vertical farming technologies in urban food retail as a solution to the increasing demand for fresh, locally sourced food. By enabling a “sell where you produce” model, vertical farming can reduce food miles, enhance traceability, and lower carbon emissions. The study applies the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to analyze factors influencing the adoption of these technologies among food retailers in Rouen, France, with a particular focus on the role of risk aversion in shaping attitudes and decisions. The findings highlight that performance expectancy and facilitating conditions are the key drivers of adoption intentions among retail store managers. However, perceived risks, such as high investments and operational costs, pose significant barriers, while social influence appears to have little impact on their decisions. The study underscores the importance of conducting economic evaluations and risk assessments of vertical farming practices to ensure their long-term viability. As vertical farming holds the potential to boost fresh food production in urban areas, reduce food miles, and create sustainable supply chains, it is crucial to carefully weigh its benefits and risks to support its successful adoption in urban food retail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]