Mega Study reveals the pros and cons of urban agriculture in reaching the SDGs

Urban Agriculture is on the rise. But what are the pros and cons?  Does it contribute to reaching the SDG’s in 2030? A groundbreaking study by dr. Prajal Pradhan (University Groningen) and 9 colleagues now, for the first time, provides a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of urban agriculture on sustainable development. This research, using machine learning, systematically reviewed approximately 1,450 relevant publications from a pool of 76,000 records, offers new insights into the relationship between urban agriculture and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Dr. Pradhan: ‘Our research provides robust evidence on how urban agriculture contributes to overall sustainability by providing food, education, and social space and contributing to biodiversity.  It distills the knowledge from the available scientific literature on urban agriculture and highlights its positive and negative impacts in terms of sustainability. This systematic evidence synthesis is unique.’

The study reveals that urban agriculture is intricately linked to all 17 SDGs, with 81 targets showing positive linkage and 51 showing negative impacts. The analysis underscores that while urban agriculture has significant potential to advance sustainable development, it is not inherently beneficial. Its impact on sustainability largely depends on the adoption of specific practices.

UN Summit of the Future 2024. Urban Agriculture and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In September 2024, the United Nations holds the Summit of the Future. An essential part of this Summit is accelerating efforts to meet existing international commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  At the core of the 2030 Agenda, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They are a powerful call to action for countries worldwide, providing a roadmap for a better world by 2030.

Despite global commitments, no country is currently on track to achieve all SDGs. Accelerating progress requires understanding how various sectors, including urban agriculture, contribute. Urban agriculture’s potential to impact sustainable development positively is significant.

Discussion and Implications

Dr. Pradhan: ‘The key takeaway from our research is a deeper understanding of how to harness the opportunities and address the challenges of urban agriculture in relation to sustainability. Individuals, organizations, and governments can use these insights to promote urban agriculture as a driver of sustainable transformation. However, overcoming the challenges is crucial, which can be achieved by adopting best practices in urban agriculture.’

The systematic review underscores that urban agriculture's inherent contribution to sustainability depends on the specific practices employed. To realize the full potential of urban agriculture, it is crucial to adopt sustainable practices that mitigate negative impacts. This includes addressing issues related to contamination, ensuring equitable access, managing water resources efficiently, and minimizing energy and input use. Moreover, context-specific solutions are needed to tailor urban agriculture practices to local conditions and challenges.

To fully harness urban agriculture's benefits, it is essential to address the hurdles and adopt practices that align with the broader goals of sustainability. This comprehensive approach will help ensure that urban agriculture effectively contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and promotes a more sustainable and resilient urban future.

Opportunities in Urban Agriculture

1. Safe, Nutritious, and Fresh Food: Urban agriculture can enhance urban food systems by producing fresh and nutritious food locally, reducing dependency on external food sources and minimizing food miles.

2. Knowledge and Literacy: It fosters increased knowledge and literacy about healthy eating, sustainable practices, and environmental stewardship.

3. Ecosystem Services, Biodiversity, and Environmental Benefits: Urban agriculture can contribute to ecosystem services such as pollination and soil fertility, support urban biodiversity, and provide various environmental benefits.

4. Social Inclusion: Urban agriculture promotes social inclusion and community building by involving diverse community members in food production.

5. Employment and Income: It creates job opportunities and additional income sources for urban residents.

6. Psychological Well-being: Engaging in urban agriculture can enhance mental health and overall well-being by providing recreational and therapeutic spaces.

Challenges and Hurdles for Urban Agriculture

Despite these benefits, urban agriculture faces several hurdles that must be addressed to maximize its contributions to sustainable development:

1. Exclusive Access: Often, the benefits of urban agriculture are limited to privileged groups, potentially exacerbating social inequalities.

2. Contamination and Health Hazards: Urban agriculture can pose health risks if food is contaminated by pollutants or hazardous substances present in the urban environment.

3. Water Security: Efficient water management is crucial, as urban agriculture can strain local water resources if not managed properly.

4. High Energy and Input Usage: Intensive urban farming practices may require significant energy and inputs, potentially negating some environmental benefits.

Article

Urban agriculture matters for sustainable development (in: Cell Reports Sustainability)

Prajal Pradhan, Daya Raj Subedi, Kshitij Dahal, Yuanchao Hu, Prakriti Gurung, Sijal Pokharel, Sagar Kafle, Biplav Khatri, Sudeeksha Basyal, Monika Gurung, and Aruna Joshi. Urban agriculture matters for sustainable development. Cell Reports Sustainability, 1:100217, 2024. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crsus.2024.100217]

Publications in the media on this research

Dutch

Onderzoek onthult voor- en nadelen van stedelijke landbouw voor het halen van Duurzame Ontwikkelingsdoelen (in: BP Nieuws)

Onderzoek onthult voor- en nadelen van stedelijke landbouw voor het halen van Duurzame Ontwikkelingsdoelen. (in: Boeren.nu)

Stadslandbouw kan bijdragen aan algemene duurzaamheidsdoelen (in: Agriholland.nl)

English

Global study reveals urban agriculture’s impact on Sustainable Development Goals ahead of UN Summit of the Future 2024 (in: City Farmer News, Canada)

Global study reveals urban agriculture's impact on SDGs ahead of UN Summit of the Future 2024 (in: The Himalayan)

Global Study reveals urban agriculture’s impact on SDGs ahead of UN’s Summit of the Future 2024 - (in: The DMN News)

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