The concept of urban farming is not new. It has been a part of human history for a very long time, dating back thousands of years. However, understanding it is now more important than ever before. The reason behind this urgency is very obvious — and that is overpopulation.
We now live in a world where there is a very uneven and unfair distribution of land, leading to many different types of problems. Increased human activities have disrupted our ecosystems and natural weather patterns.
One thing is leading to another and if we don’t take any counter-measures, many places on earth would soon become uninhabitable. Well, the biggest concern for the human race right now is the outbreak of a widespread food crisis, which could happen sooner than expected.
Take Singapore for example, which only has 1% of the land that can be used for agriculture and farming, whereas the rest of it has already been urbanised. Well, Singapore is not alone, many other countries are facing similar urbanisation challenges.
So, for the sustenance of food supply in overcrowded cities, everyone is now turning to urban agriculture in an attempt to alleviate the inevitable crisis.
Improving Our Urban Ecosystems
Unlike natural ecosystems, urban ecosystems are mostly man-made and are often designed for a particular time frame. They need to be upgraded with time in order to retain relevance, which consequently improves their sustainability.
The latest facts indicate that we are now on the brink of many different types of human-induced crises. So, the best we can do is improve our urban ecosystems. Come up with metropolitan areas that promote sustainable infrastructure planned with urban greenery and city farming.
Understanding the True Potential of Urban Farming
Many countries are already setting an example by building skyward while incorporating the concept of vertical farming into their urban fabric. Rooftops, sky bridges, terraces and other elevated structures are equipped with gardening and landscaping features.
If there’s a shortage of outdoor space, indoor farms are also set up with the help of technology. However, growing fruits and vegetables in an indoor environment could be a little more costly because of the temperature and environment-control equipment.
Learning More About the Sustainability Benefits of City Farming
More urban farmlands mean more greenery. Adaptation to urban agriculture trends could enhance the natural outlook of a city while reducing its carbon footprint. City farming spaces could also be used as sanctuaries for different types of birds and animals, naturally promoting the biodiversity of a particular region.
Urban greenery also improves the environment of a metropolitan area, filtering its air from different kinds of contaminants. Open spaces with gardening and horticulture features are also considered delightful additions to a city space. They promote a sense of positivity and well-being among everyone.
Moreover, a metropolitan area with elements of city farming could easily be transformed into a sponge city. It is because of the presence of ample urban greenery in the form of gardens, public parks and landscaped terraces on high-rises. Harvesting and properly channelling the flow of rainwater is very crucial to prevent urban flooding amid climate change.
Urban Agriculture: Beneficial and Affordable Way to Curb Food Crisis
Urban agriculture can be promoted in a variety of ways, even with the simplest and most affordable ones. All you need is an open environment, a small space (a garden, veranda, patio, terrace or rooftop), and a few seedlings of vegetables, fruits and edible plants to get started.
By tweaking our development practices a bit and investing a little in agricultural equipment, we can reap the uncountable benefits of city farming. Considering the scientific data and statistics, it would be safe to say that urban farming is currently the most feasible solution to prevent food shortages.
Make Sure to Share Your Thoughts on the Subject
We hope you liked reading this informative piece on urban farming and its untapped potential. If you want to add your thoughts on the subject, we’d love to hear from you at blog@zameen.com.
On a side note, if you are willing to learn more about green architecture and its scope in the foreseeable future, check out our comprehensive blog about it by clicking the highlighted text.
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