Urban Agriculture as a Productive Green Infrastructure for Environmental and Social Well-Being
Brenda B. Lin, Stacy M. Philpott, Shalene Jha, Heidi Liere
Greening Cities (Advances in 21st Century Human Settlements), Springer, 155-179
Urban Farm DB summary
A book chapter framing urban agriculture—community farms, rooftop gardens, edible landscaping and urban orchards—as 'productive green infrastructure' supplying high biodiversity and diverse ecosystem services. It synthesizes both ecosystem services (pollination, biological pest control) and social benefits (food and nutrition, cultural and recreational value) that this green infrastructure delivers to cities.
Key points
- 1Urban agriculture is framed as 'productive green infrastructure'.
- 2It encompasses diverse forms such as community farms, rooftop gardens, and urban orchards.
- 3It provides significant ecosystem services like pollination and biological pest control, enhancing urban biodiversity.
- 4It delivers substantial social benefits, including improved food security, nutrition, cultural enrichment, and recreational opportunities.
- 5Urban agriculture is presented as a multifaceted solution for sustainable urban development.
Abstract and stored text
AI-generated summaryThis chapter explores urban agriculture, encompassing community farms, rooftop gardens, edible landscaping, and urban orchards, as a vital form of 'productive green infrastructure'. It highlights how these diverse urban farming systems contribute significantly to both environmental and social well-being in cities. The authors synthesize the various ecosystem services provided, such as pollination and biological pest control, which enhance urban biodiversity. Furthermore, the chapter details the substantial social benefits, including improved food security, nutrition, cultural enrichment, and recreational opportunities for urban residents. Ultimately, it positions urban agriculture as a multifaceted solution for sustainable urban development.
This is an AI synthesis from the stored record, not the original abstract. Check the original before quoting.
Why it matters for urban farming
This paper is crucial for urban farmers as it formally recognizes urban agriculture as a vital 'productive green infrastructure'. It validates that your efforts in community gardens, rooftop farms, or edible landscapes contribute not only to food production but also significantly to urban biodiversity, ecological health through services like pollination, and social well-being by fostering community, culture, and recreation. Understanding this broader impact empowers citizens to advocate for and expand urban farming initiatives, positioning them as essential components of sustainable city planning.