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Mapping Lived Experiences of Urban Agriculture in the Built Environment: A City Studies Approach

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Havana: Mapping Lived Experiences of Urban Agriculture (Built Environment City Studies)

by Susan Anne Mansel Fitzgerald

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18559 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	289 pages

Urban agriculture is a growing global trend, and as cities densify, finding ways to integrate agriculture into the built environment is increasingly important. Urban agriculture can provide a range of benefits to cities and their residents, including improved food security, increased social interaction, and enhanced well-being. However, there are also a number of challenges associated with urban agriculture in the built environment, including limited access to land, water, and sunlight; conflicts with other land uses; and safety concerns.

This article explores the lived experiences of urban agriculture in the built environment through a city studies approach. We draw on research from Baltimore, MD and Christchurch, NZ to examine how urban agriculture is practiced in these cities, and what the benefits and challenges are for residents. We conclude by arguing for the need for more research on urban agriculture in the built environment, and for the development of policies and programs that support this important practice.

Urban Agriculture in the Built Environment

Urban agriculture is the practice of growing food in cities. It can take many different forms, from small-scale rooftop gardens to large-scale community gardens. Urban agriculture can be practiced in a variety of spaces, including rooftops, backyards, vacant lots, and even public parks.

There are a number of reasons why people choose to practice urban agriculture. Some people are motivated by a desire to grow their own food and reduce their reliance on the industrial food system. Others are motivated by a desire to connect with nature and their community. Still others are motivated by a desire to improve their health and well-being.

Urban agriculture can provide a range of benefits to cities and their residents. These benefits include:

* Improved food security: Urban agriculture can help to improve food security by providing residents with access to fresh, affordable food. This is especially important in low-income communities, which often have limited access to healthy food options. * Increased social interaction: Urban agriculture can help to increase social interaction and build community. Community gardens, in particular, can provide a space for people to come together and socialize. * Enhanced well-being: Urban agriculture can help to enhance well-being by providing people with opportunities for physical activity, stress relief, and social connection. Gardening has been shown to have a number of positive health benefits, including reducing stress, improving mood, and boosting the immune system.

However, there are also a number of challenges associated with urban agriculture in the built environment. These challenges include:

* Limited access to land: Land is a scarce resource in cities, and this can make it difficult to find space for urban agriculture. This is especially true in low-income communities, which often have limited access to green space. * Limited access to water: Water is another scarce resource in cities, and this can make it difficult to water urban gardens. This is especially true in arid climates. * Limited access to sunlight: Sunlight is essential for plant growth, and this can be a challenge in cities, where buildings and other structures can block sunlight. * Conflicts with other land uses: Urban agriculture can sometimes conflict with other land uses, such as housing, commercial development, and transportation. This is especially true in dense urban areas. * Safety concerns: Urban agriculture can sometimes pose safety concerns, such as exposure to traffic, crime, and pests. This is especially true in low-income communities, which often have high crime rates.

Research on Urban Agriculture in the Built Environment

There is a growing body of research on urban agriculture in the built environment. This research has examined a variety of topics, including the benefits and challenges of urban agriculture, the different forms of urban agriculture, and the policies and programs that can support urban agriculture.

One of the most comprehensive studies on urban agriculture in the built environment was conducted by the University of California, Davis. This study examined the benefits and challenges of urban agriculture in five cities: Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; and New York, NY. The study found that urban agriculture can provide a range of benefits to cities and their residents, but that there are also a number of challenges associated with urban agriculture in the built environment.

Another study, conducted by the University of British Columbia, examined the different forms of urban agriculture in Vancouver, BC. This study found that urban agriculture takes many different forms in Vancouver, and that the most common forms of urban agriculture are community gardens, rooftop gardens, and backyard gardens.

A third study, conducted by the University of Washington, examined the policies and programs that can support urban agriculture in the built environment. This study found that a variety of policies and programs can support urban agriculture, including zoning regulations, tax incentives, and technical assistance programs.

More research is needed on urban agriculture in the built environment, and on the policies and programs that can support this important practice. By working together, researchers, policymakers, and community members can create a more sustainable and just food system for all.

Havana: Mapping Lived Experiences of Urban Agriculture (Built Environment City Studies)

by Susan Anne Mansel Fitzgerald

5 out of 5