Integrated Urban Agriculture: Evaluating Environmental, Economic, and Social Outcomes for Resilient Food Systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61978/sativa.v1i4.1424Keywords:
Urban Agriculture, Sustainability, Hydroponics, Community Gardens, Food Security, Urban Planning, Multi-Criteria AnalysisAbstract
Urban agriculture (UA) is gaining recognition as a sustainable strategy to address urban food insecurity, environmental degradation, and social inequality. This study assesses six UA models ranging from hydroponics to community gardens using a multi-dimensional sustainability framework that incorporates environmental, economic, social, and food security indicators. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including quantitative analysis of productivity and efficiency metrics (WUE, EUE, ROI) and qualitative evaluation through community engagement and policy review. Key findings indicate that hydroponic and vertical farming models deliver the highest yields and land use efficiency but require significant energy inputs. Community-based models, while lower in yield, promote social inclusion and local biodiversity. Rooftop systems present balanced economic returns, particularly when supported by favorable urban policy. A radar-based multi-criteria analysis reveals that no single model dominates across all dimensions, underscoring the need for integrated or hybrid approaches tailored to urban contexts. The study concludes that sustainable UA is multifaceted and context-dependent. Effective UA planning must balance technical productivity with social and ecological outcomes. This research contributes a validated framework for evaluating UA models, offering insights for policymakers and urban planners aiming to incorporate UA into food security and climate resilience strategies.
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