Creating new industries and livelihoods

Examining the Business Case and Models for Sustainable Multifunctional Edible Landscaping Enterprises in the Phoenix Metro Area

This study assessed the business case for multifunctional edible landscaping enterprises in the Phoenix metro area. Semi-structured interviews with four landscaping entrepreneurs and a GIS landscape analysis of seven cities revealed that multifunctional edible landscaping offers a greater range of value propositions and revenue streams, with over 180,000 acres of suitable landscapes identified. Scenario analysis estimated potential value creation from $3.9 to $66 billion, with positive return on investment (ROI) achievable in 11 out of 12 scenarios within one to five years.

Christopher Robinson, Scott Cloutier, Hallie Eakin · 2017 · Sustainability

Public perceptions on the role of urban green space development and management in Gondar City, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia

This study investigated public perception of the economic, social, and environmental roles of urban green space (UGS) development and management in Gondar City, Ethiopia, using household surveys and semi-structured questionnaires. Most participants strongly agreed that UGS provides raw materials (54.5%), creates employment (54.5%), attracts businesses (53.5%), aids food production (51.8%), and increases government revenues (51.7%). Socially, UGS was strongly agreed to improve healthy lifestyles (64.3%) and promote mental health (60.1%). Environmentally, strong agreement was found for UGS reducing climate change impacts (89%), improving urban forests (78%), and mitigating urban heat island effects (75.3%). Chi-square tests showed most demographic, socio-economic, and biophysical factors were not significantly associated with these perceived roles.

Getaneh Bizuayehu, Kassahun Gashu, Belete Debebe · 2026 · Sustainable Futures

Business model and cost performance of mini-plant factory in downtown

Analyzes the business model and cost performance of downtown mini plant factories with artificial lighting, finding their profitability high enough to attract entrepreneurs but highly sensitive to output prices, system acquisition cost and wage rates.

Lu N., Kikuchi M., Takagaki M. · 2022 · Plant Factory Basics, Applications and Advances (Elsevier), pp. 271-293

도시농업에 대한 참여 동기와 태도, 장애요인으로 분석한 일자리 창출: 대구 청년농부를 중심으로

A focus group interview with young urban farmers in Daegu, South Korea, explored job creation through urban farming. Participants perceived farming as physically demanding and unrewarding, despite seeing urban farming as a promising industry for job creation. They also noted a lack of national support policies and difficulties in participation. A contradiction was identified between the young farmers' desire to adopt labor-saving new technologies and the goal of creating jobs through traditional farming.

오익근, 서정아, 장승옥 · 2019 · 한국지역개발학회지