Urban agriculture contributes to local economic development, poverty alleviation, the social inclusion of the urban poor and women, as well as to the greening of the city and the productive reuse of urban wastes. While there is a growing awareness about the role of urban agriculture in the context of food security and poverty alleviation for urban populations, urban agriculture largely remains an informal sector that is not well integrated into agricultural policies or urban planning. Gaps in the availability of good quality, current and comparable data on the benefits and constraints of urban agriculture limit the design of relevant policies and interventions that would enhance the positive impacts for urban livelihoods and public health, as well as for the environment.
The report Urban Agriculture: Findings from Four City Case Studies showcases four cities where urban agriculture is present. Through data collected in surveys, focus group discussions, and city consultations, this study comparatively analyzes the impacts of urban agriculture on income and expenditure, food security and nutrition, and social impacts. It also provides an overview of the benefits of introducing and encouraging agricultural practices in urban areas to build cities that are green, inclusive, and sustainable. Urban agriculture, as defined in this report, encompasses both “intra-urban” as well as “peri-urban” agriculture.
