Urban agriculture has the potential to simultaneously provide multiple benefits to people and the planet

Kingsley, J. ., Egerer, M. ., Nuttman, S. ., Keniger, L. ., Pettitt, P. ., Frantzeskaki, N. ., … Marsh, P. . (2021). Urban agriculture as a nature-based solution to address socio-ecological challenges in Australian cities. Urban Forestry &Amp; Urban Greening, 60. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127059

Three case studies from Australia illustrate ways in which urban agriculture can be used as a Nature-Based Solution (NBS) to address some of the ecological, social, economic and health challenges facing the continent. “NBSs harness the power of nature and allow for the restoration, enhancement, and regeneration of ecosystem flows, cycles and functions to solve environmental and social problems.” The case studies reflect diversity in geography, context, and governance.

The first case study focuses on road verge gardening in Brisbane. Road verge is a strip of land located between a roadway and a sidewalk and is typically owned by the city. In 2016, Brisbane City Council permitted residents to actively garden on the road verge in front of their property. Information about the current numbers, types, and benefits of verge gardens in Brisbane is extremely limited. Recent literature, however, recognizes the potential for verge gardens making important contributions to environmental, social, and public health. The second case study highlights “Scrubby Hill”, a social enterprise market garden in Tasmania. Scrubby Hill integrates social and educational supports, agroecology farming practices, and social entrepreneurialism. Related programming provides horticultural skills and qualifications to support occupational goals. Scrubby Hill produce is used to provide meals and weekly vegetable boxes for low-income residents. In addition to the positive impacts of the program on the socio-economic and health of the community, other positive outcomes identified by people involved in Scrubby Hill include a sense of social-cohesion, pride, belonging, and place-making. The third case study highlights an urban agriculture program running across the entire city of Sydney. This state-supported program “draws on empowerment and community development principles to establish partnerships with communities facing disadvantage while providing a broad range of health, educational, economic and social benefits”.

These case studies illustrate how urban agriculture has the potential to mitigate the effects of climate change while providing multiple benefits to humans. Further research is needed to explore the various forms of urban agriculture and their potential impacts. In addition to discussing some challenges to urban agriculture in Australia, the authors also offer some specific recommendations for future research.

The examples provided in this paper indicate that urban agriculture already functions as a NBS in different communities in Australia and that the benefits include “connecting people with nature, fostering equitable social connections, and actively mitigating and adapting to climate challenges.”

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