Many countries in the world are feeling the effects of increasing inflation, whether due to increases in fuel, the war in Ukraine reducing cereal crops or fertiliser costs increasing due to sanctions on Russia (the largest exporter of fertiliser [1]) along with the increased threat of climate change. In many nations, people are facing critical food insecurity and a need to create a food-resilient future.
Over the past few decades, globalisation has occurred in various industries, including agriculture, with countries exporting and importing food from other countries. However, COVID and increasing inflation has highlighted food supply as an issue for many of the world’s population in developed and developing nations that are facing higher costs and food insecurity. Therefore it is clear that cities and countries need to utilise their land for greater sustainable food production at all scales, from large-scale farming down to the small corner lot.
Community gardens are an excellent way for residents to grow food for families and communities. Although sometimes derided by some residents as unkempt and unruly, this is a minor issue when finding solutions for food security within cities.
Urban agriculture (farming) is another method for cities and countries to increase local food production and reduce emissions from transport. Many structures (factories, warehouses, carparks) and rooftops are underutilised that could be converted into urban agriculture systems. Vertical soilless urban farming can reduce water usage, fertilisers, and provide crops all year round in most climates.
Read the full article by Damian Holmes at World Landscape Architecture
[1] Colussi, J., G. Schnitkey and C. Zulauf. “War in Ukraine and its Effect on Fertilizer Exports to Brazil and the U.S.†farmdoc daily (12):34, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, March 17, 2022.