Urban Farm DB
Research catalogue
Database research record2021·Global

Urban food growing and social sustainability

Salvatore Engel‐Di Mauro, George Martin

Urban Farm DB summary

Claims that urban food production raises food security and creates a more just society are questionable and contradicted by data from the Global North. Urban land is insufficient, sunlight is often inadequate, and soil pollution is widespread. Technological attempts like vertical and rooftop farming have limited feasibility, may worsen environmental and social problems, and do not address major food sources, access, or waste. Furthermore, urban gardens are increasingly linked with socially devastating gentrification.