OAI351 URBAN AGRICULTURE LTPC 3003

UNIT I INTRODUCTION 9
Benefits of urban agriculture- economic benefits, environmental benefits,
social and cultural benefits, educational, skill-building and job training
benefits, health, nutrition and food accessibility benefits.

UNIT II VERTICAL FARMING 9

Vertical farming- types, green facade, living/green wall-modular green wall ,
vegetated mat wall Structures and components for green wall system: plant
selection, growing media, irrigation and plant nutrition: Design, light,
benefits of vertical gardening. Roof garden and its types. Kitchen garden,
hanging baskets: The house plants/ indoor plants

UNIT III SOIL LESS CULTIVATION 9

Hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics: merits and limitations, costs and
Challenges, backyard gardens- tactical gardens- street landscaping- forest
gardening, greenhouses, urban beekeeping

UNIT IV MODERN CONCEPTS 9

Growth of plants in vertical pipes in terraces and inside buildings, micro
irrigation concepts suitable for roof top gardening, rain hose system, Green
house, polyhouse and shade net system of crop production on roof tops

UNIT V WASTE MANAGEMENT 9

Concept, scope and maintenance of waste management- recycle of organic
waste, garden wastes solid waste management-scope, microbiology of waste,
other ingredients like insecticide, pesticides and fungicides residues, waste
utilization.
 UNIT I
INTRODUCTION

Urban agriculture includes the cultivation, processing, and distribution of

agricultural products (food or non-food) in urban and suburban areas. Urban
farming can provide environmental, economic, and social benefits to the
surrounding communities.

BENEFITS OF URBAN FARMING

WHY IS URBAN FARMING BECOMING POPULAR?

Urban farming is simply growing food and raising animals in towns, cities,
and urban environments. Mostly urban farming is for business and to earn money.
Urban farming is a profitable farming activity that has many benefits. The benefits
are not just for the farmers. They also help large communities and the environment.

However, city and suburban farming doesn’t stop at growing and processing
food. These types of farming include marketing and delivering the foods. For
example, the producers need to learn how to both advertise and deliver food to
their buyers.

To sum it up, urban farming doesn’t have to be large-scale. It can be small,

medium scale, or large scale. Furthermore, it can be run by a group of people or set
up by an individual.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF URBAN FARMING?

City and suburban farming can be done in many ways. Examples include
greenhouses, tactical gardens, street landscaping, backyard gardens, animal
keeping, beekeeping, rooftop gardens, forest gardening, and many others.

Urban agriculture offers a wide range of benefits across various dimensions,

including economic, environmental, social, cultural, educational, skill-building, job
training, health, nutrition, and food accessibility. Here’s a detailed overview of
these benefits:
Economic Benefits

1. Job Creation: Urban agriculture creates employment opportunities in

farming, food processing, distribution, and marketing. Due to this, there is a
need to hire a lot of people to help fill these roles. So, urban farming helps to
create jobs for people in the community.
2. Local Economic Development: It stimulates local economies by keeping
money within the community through the sale of locally grown produce.
3. Cost Savings: Growing food locally can reduce food transportation costs
and spoilage, leading to lower prices for consumers.
4. Entrepreneurship Opportunities: It encourages entrepreneurial ventures
such as farmers' markets, urban farms, and community-supported agriculture
(CSA) programs.
5. Provides Money for Local Government: Lands set aside for urban farming
by the government are a source of money for local governments. Then
community organizations can use the money earned for the smooth running
of community activities.

Environmental Benefits

1. Reduction in Food Miles: By growing food closer to where it is consumed,

urban agriculture reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting
food over long distances.
2. Green Spaces: It helps convert unused urban spaces into green areas,
improving air quality and urban aesthetics. Unused land in cities can become
dumping grounds for waste and cause environmental problems. Crime can
also be a problem in these areas as well. So, lands changed into edible
landscapes through urban farming can help reduce environmental pollution
and crime.
3. Biodiversity: Urban farms can support biodiversity by providing habitats for
various plant and animal species.
4. Waste Reduction: Urban agriculture can utilize organic waste for
composting, reducing landfill use and methane emissions.
5. Reduces Local Carbon Footprint: Local carbon footprints are the total
amount of bad gas, carbon dioxide, created from transportation and
production. Since urban farming is usually done right in the cities where
people live, there is a smaller local carbon footprint. Not having to drive the
vegetables and fruits to other locations helps to make the environment safer
to live in.
Social and Cultural Benefits

1. Community Building (Promotes Social Interaction): It promotes

community engagement and social interaction through shared gardening
projects and farmers' markets. Through urban farming, many people come
together. Additionally, people form good relationships among members of
the community.
2. Cultural Heritage: Urban agriculture can preserve and promote traditional
farming practices and cultural heritage related to food.
3. Food Security: It enhances food security by increasing the availability of
fresh produce in urban areas, especially in food deserts.
4. Empowerment: It empowers communities by giving them control over their
food production and increasing self-sufficiency.
5. Promotes Unity: When people learn to work together a lot happens. For
example, community members make positive relationships. These
relationships help promote peaceful living.
6. Reduced Crime Rate: Urban farming creates jobs for youths and other
age groups in the community. This is important, when more people have
good jobs crime drops. For instance, theft, robbery, and other social crime in
the community decrease.
7. Promotes Community Service: Charity organizations and community
groups are running urban farms. They hope to provide food for poor people
in the community. Overall, this encourages members of the community to
volunteer and helps those in need.

Educational, Skill-Building, and Job Training Benefits

1. Hands-on Learning: Urban agriculture provides experiential learning

opportunities for students of all ages, enhancing their understanding of
agriculture, biology, and ecology.
2. Skill Development: It helps individuals develop valuable skills in farming,
gardening, and food production. Urban farming helps people to learn new
farming skills that go beyond land growing to beekeeping, snail raising,
poultry farming, and many other money making farming practices.
3. Job Training: Urban farms often offer training programs that equip
individuals with the skills needed for employment in the agricultural sector.
 4. STEM Education: It supports STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics) education by incorporating practical agricultural activities
into the curriculum.
5. Improves Innovation: Farmers learn new skills. From their new
experiences in urban farming, they can create new ways to improve existing
farming systems. They can also improve other farms.

Health, Nutrition, and Food Accessibility Benefits

1. Access to Fresh Produce: Urban agriculture improves access to fresh,

nutritious fruits and vegetables, which is essential for a healthy diet. With
urban farming, people don’t need as much processed, or canned food.
Therefore, urban farms make it easier to get fresh food. Overall, food
produced by urban farmers in their communities helps promote healthy
living.
2. Healthy Eating Habits: It encourages healthier eating habits by making
fresh produce more readily available and affordable.
3. Physical Activity: Gardening and farming activities provide physical
exercise, contributing to overall health and well-being.
4. Mental Health: Interacting with nature and participating in gardening
activities can reduce stress and improve mental health.
5. Food Literacy: It enhances food literacy by educating people about where
their food comes from and how it is grown, leading to better food choices.
6. Provides Food Security: Getting food from other locations lessens food
security. When people move food it can pick up germs or diseases. Urban
farming can help reduce the need to transport food. Making food available in
the communities where it is grown is key. Since it helps ensure there will
always be enough food. Additionally, not needing to pay to truck food
around also reduces costs. This makes food cheaper for everyone.
7. Prevents Food Damage: People living within a community are the ones
making the farm goods. Then the food is sold within the same community.
Overall, this helps food get to customers and ensures food doesn’t get
damaged from transport.

In summary, urban agriculture provides comprehensive benefits that contribute to

the economic vitality, environmental sustainability, social cohesion, educational
enrichment, and overall health of urban communities.
Urban Agriculture

*Economic Benefits:*
- Job creation and income generation
- Stimulates local economies
- Increases property values
- Reduces transportation costs for fresh produce
- Supports entrepreneurship and small businesses

*Environmental Benefits:*
- Reduces carbon footprint
- Mitigates urban heat island effect
- Manages stormwater runoff
- Increases urban biodiversity
- Reduces soil erosion

*Social and Cultural Benefits:*

- Builds community and social connections
- Revitalizes neighborhoods
- Preserves cultural heritage and traditions
- Supports community engagement and participation
- Promotes social interconnection

*Educational, Skill-Building, and Job Training Benefits:*

- Teaches sustainable agriculture practices
- Provides hands-on training and skill-building
- Offers job training and employment opportunities
- Supports experiential learning
- Fosters environmental education

*Health, Nutrition, and Food Accessibility Benefits:*

- Increases access to fresh, nutritious produce
- Improves food security
- Supports healthy eating habits
- Reduces obesity and related health issues
- Increases food accessibility for underserved communities
 Urban farming is where farming or gardening takes place within a city or
urban setting. Urban farming is also known as urban agriculture or urban
gardening. There are many unique challenges to urban farming that do not exist
with traditional, rural agriculture. Space is primary, as well as fractional amounts
of pollutants and natural light unique to the city. The main objective of urban
farming is the cultivation, processing and distribution of food in or near urban
areas. Urban farming can be described as any type of food and non-food
production or processing of produce that is sold to consumers within and on the
fringes of an urban area.
Urban farming is essentially concerned with growing plants and keeping
animals that produce food within a city. This may involve processing and then
distributing that food throughout the city. It may or may not be organic, but can at
least be classified as 'sustainable'.

Types of Urban Agriculture:

Allotment Garden: An allotment garden is a plot or parcel of urban or suburban
land made available for personal, non-commercial gardening or food growing and
recreation. Such gardens may consist of a few or up to several hundred cultivated
allotment plots that are used by individuals or families as part of an allotment site
and are a very important feature in the urban landscape.
Community Garden: Community garden is an emerging form of urban farming.
They often arise from self-organizing, bottom-up and "guerrilla gardening"
movements in response to social crisis or economic distress. Such gardens can vary
in size, from single plots in neighbourhoods with large projects to a vacant lot.
These types of gardens are often used to experiment a combination of agricultural
and social practices. They are increasing identity to increase social inclusion and
strengthen social networks in cities.
Commercial urban farms: As agricultural land becomes increasingly
marginalised, urban agriculture needs to be explored on a more commercial scale.
Commercial farmers seek to accelerate crop productivity to achieve profitability,
but the wider urban farmer can contribute to community health and ecological
goals if they execute sustainable agricultural practices that are sensitive to local
ecology.

How Maximum yield can be obtained by urban farming:

An urban farm may consist of rooftop agriculture or vacant lot farming.
Some form of intensive or vertical gardening must be used due to space constraints
in almost all cases of urban agriculture. Greenhouses are a popular form of urban
farming.
 Most urban farms produce perennial plants, although others produce more
specialized plants such as poinsettias or orchids under carefully controlled
environmental conditions. Some plants that require vast areas, such as corn or
cereals, are not practical for the constraints of an urban farm. Due to space
constraints, gardeners must get creative when designing rooftop intensive
gardening or vertical gardening in raised beds in the small spaces between
buildings.
Vertical farming is a common process in urban farming and often takes
place in indoor environments with carefully controlled conditions and lighting.
Some vertical farms with greenhouse-like conditions make use of natural light and
solar heat. Other vertical farms are entirely indoors and use artificial lighting, and
humidification and heating equipment.

Benefits of Urban Farming

Land regeneration: Many cities around the world have parks and open spaces that
are underutilized. The successful Chicago urban farmer, discussed earlier, is an
example of what is possible in places waiting to be developed or even
underutilized sections of public space. Urban agriculture can generate positive
activity within these spaces and contribute to lower maintenance costs and has
implications for crime reduction and increased personal safety.
Income Generation: The main factor that will be addressed in detail in a later
section is the income generation potential of urban agriculture. Many less
developed countries have well-developed urban farming as an integral part of their
cities, but as the earlier discussion suggested, commercial urban farming is less
developed in "Western" cities for quite different reasons.
Reduce Carbon Emissions: By localizing production, urban farms cut the vast
amount of fossil fuel consumption required to transport, package and sell food.
Urban farming helps reduce their "food print" by providing consumers with the
opportunity to purchase food grown within their community.
Innovative Technologies: Since urban areas lack the wide-open fertile plains of
traditional agricultural techniques, urban farmers are tasked with finding creative
solutions to address challenges such as waste, space, resources, and energy.
Because of this, more efficient innovations are made to develop the quality and
quantity of food that can be produced with the least amount of resources.
Increases Food Safety: Good for you organic produce isn't cheap at the grocer; In
fact, many families cannot afford. In other words, they lack food security. Food
security means being able to access and afford nutritious, safe food and enough
food. It is the main concern for many families all over the world. Fortunately,
urban farming contributes to greater food security.
The importance and need for urban farming will only grow in the coming years as
transportation costs and distances continue to grow. With the corresponding
increase in the production age, the quality of the food will be continuously
reduced. Essential for urban agriculture to be successful in India is freeing up land
that can be used for farming.
Apart from food production, urban agriculture is also a job and income generator
and enables food security and food security for its producers as well as consumers.
In addition, consumers regularly receive fresh and quality produce, usually
perishable fruits and vegetables. Since the product does not require long distance
transportation, it is also energy saving.
 Unit 1
Two-Mark Questions
1. Economic Benefits
- Q: How does urban agriculture contribute to local economies?
- A: Urban agriculture creates jobs, stimulates local markets, and reduces the
need for transportation, thus keeping more money within the community.

2. Economic Benefits
- Q: In what way can urban agriculture help reduce food costs for consumers?
- A: By growing food locally, urban agriculture reduces transportation and
distribution costs, which can lead to lower prices for consumers.

3. Environmental Benefits
- Q: What role does urban agriculture play in reducing the urban heat island
effect?
- A: Urban agriculture increases green spaces, which help to lower temperatures
and mitigate the heat island effect.

4. Environmental Benefits
- Q: How does urban agriculture improve air quality in cities?
- A: Plants in urban agriculture absorb pollutants and produce oxygen, leading to
improved air quality.

5. Social and Cultural Benefits

- Q: How can urban agriculture enhance community cohesion?
- A: Urban agriculture projects bring people together for a common goal,
fostering social interaction and community building.

6. Social and Cultural Benefits

- Q: What is one way urban agriculture can promote cultural diversity?
- A: Urban agriculture allows for the cultivation of diverse crops, reflecting the
cultural heritage and preferences of different communities.

7. Educational Benefits
- Q: How does urban agriculture serve as an educational tool for children?
- A: It provides hands-on learning experiences about biology, ecology, and food
systems.
8. Educational Benefits
- Q: What is one benefit of urban agriculture programs in schools?
- A: They help students understand where their food comes from and the
importance of sustainable practices.

9. Skill-Building and Job Training Benefits

- Q: How does urban agriculture provide job training opportunities?
- A: It offers training in agricultural skills, business management, and
environmental stewardship.

10. Skill-Building and Job Training Benefits

- Q: In what way can urban agriculture help with the development of vocational
skills?
- A: It provides practical experience in areas like horticulture, landscaping, and
entrepreneurship.

11. Health Benefits

- Q: How can urban agriculture contribute to healthier diets?
- A: It provides access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, which can
improve dietary quality.

12. Health Benefits

- Q: What is one way urban agriculture can promote physical activity?
- A: Gardening and farming activities involve physical work, contributing to
increased exercise and overall fitness.

13. Nutrition Benefits

- Q: How does urban agriculture improve food accessibility in underserved
areas?
- A: It establishes local food sources, making fresh produce more readily
available to communities with limited access.

14. Nutrition Benefits

- Q: What is one advantage of growing your own food through urban
agriculture?
- A: It allows individuals to have direct access to fresh, nutritious produce
without the need for long-distance transportation.
15. Economic Benefits
- Q: How can urban agriculture increase property values?
- A: Well-maintained urban farms and gardens can enhance the aesthetic appeal
of neighborhoods, potentially increasing property values.

16. Environmental Benefits

- Q: What is one benefit of using organic methods in urban agriculture?
- A: Organic methods reduce chemical runoff and promote soil health,
contributing to a more sustainable environment.

17. Social and Cultural Benefits

- Q: How can urban agriculture initiatives support local food traditions?
- A: They can cultivate traditional crops and support local food practices,
preserving cultural heritage.

18. Educational Benefits

- Q: How does urban agriculture support STEM education?
- A: It provides practical applications for science, technology, engineering, and
math concepts through real-world agricultural practices.

19. Health Benefits

- Q: How can community gardens contribute to mental well-being?
- A: Engaging in gardening activities can reduce stress and improve mental
health through relaxation and connection with nature.

20.Skill-Building Benefits
- Q: What types of skills can participants in urban agriculture programs develop?
- A: Participants can develop skills in project management, crop management,
and community engagement.
Big Questions

1. Economic Benefits
- Q: How can urban agriculture contribute to economic resilience in cities facing
economic downturns?
- A: By diversifying local food sources, creating jobs, and stimulating local
businesses, urban agriculture can provide a buffer against economic instability.

2. Environmental Benefits
- Q: In what ways can urban agriculture be integrated into city planning to
enhance urban sustainability?
- A: Urban agriculture can be incorporated into green roofs, community gardens,
and public spaces, contributing to improved environmental quality and
sustainability.

3. Social and Cultural Benefits

- Q: How can urban agriculture projects foster social inclusion and address issues
of food inequality?
- A: Urban agriculture can create inclusive spaces for community engagement
and provide fresh produce to underserved populations, promoting social equity.

4. Educational Benefits
- Q: What are the long-term educational impacts of integrating urban agriculture
into school curriculums?
- A: Students gain practical knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, and
foster an appreciation for sustainable practices, which can influence future career
choices and personal habits.

5. Skill-Building and Job Training Benefits

- Q: How can urban agriculture programs be designed to effectively address
unemployment and underemployment in urban areas?
- A: Programs can offer targeted training, certifications, and hands-on experience
to prepare participants for careers in agriculture and related fields.

6. Health Benefits
- Q: How can urban agriculture be leveraged to address urban health disparities
and promote community wellness?
 - A: By increasing access to fresh produce, promoting physical activity, and
providing educational resources, urban agriculture can improve overall community
health and reduce health disparities.

7. Economic Benefits
- Q: What are the potential economic impacts of scaling up urban agriculture
practices in metropolitan areas?
- A: Scaling up can lead to increased job creation, reduced food costs, and
enhanced local economies through the development of local food systems and
markets.

8. Environmental Benefits
- Q: How does urban agriculture contribute to urban biodiversity and the
conservation of local flora and fauna?
- A: Urban agriculture can create habitats for wildlife, support pollinators, and
promote the cultivation of diverse plant species, enhancing urban biodiversity.

9. Social and Cultural Benefits

- Q: What role can urban agriculture play in bridging cultural divides and
fostering community dialogue?
- A: Community gardens and farms can bring together people from diverse
backgrounds, encouraging cultural exchange and mutual understanding through
shared activities and goals.

10. Educational Benefits

- Q: How can urban agriculture be used as a tool for community-based research
and participatory education?
- A: Urban agriculture projects can involve community members in research and
decision-making, providing hands-on learning opportunities and addressing local
needs and interests.

11. Skill-Building and Job Training Benefits

- Q: What are the best practices for ensuring that urban agriculture job training
programs meet the needs of diverse populations?
- A: Programs should offer flexible training schedules, culturally relevant
content, and support services to accommodate various backgrounds and skill
levels.
12. Health Benefits
- Q: How can urban agriculture initiatives contribute to mental health and well-
being in urban communities?
- A: Gardening and farm work can provide therapeutic benefits, reduce stress,
and offer opportunities for social interaction and community support.

13. Nutrition Benefits

- Q: How can urban agriculture programs address nutritional deficiencies in
urban populations?
- A: By providing access to a variety of fresh, nutrient-dense foods, urban
agriculture can help alleviate nutritional deficiencies and promote healthier eating
habits.

14. Economic Benefits

- Q: What are the challenges and opportunities associated with monetizing urban
agriculture?
- A: Challenges include market competition and resource constraints, while
opportunities involve creating new revenue streams through local sales, value-
added products, and agritourism.

15. Environmental Benefits

- Q: How can urban agriculture contribute to water conservation and
management in cities?
- A: Techniques such as rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and soil
management in urban agriculture can reduce water usage and improve water
management practices.

16. Social and Cultural Benefits

- Q: How can urban agriculture strengthen local food networks and food
sovereignty?
- A: By empowering communities to grow their own food, urban agriculture
enhances local food systems, increases food security, and supports food
sovereignty.

17. Educational Benefits

- Q: What are the potential impacts of urban agriculture on fostering a
generation of environmentally conscious citizens?
- A: Exposure to urban agriculture can instill values of sustainability,
environmental stewardship, and responsible resource use in young people.
18. Skill-Building and Job Training Benefits
- Q: How can urban agriculture programs collaborate with local businesses and
institutions to maximize job training outcomes?
- A: By partnering with businesses and institutions, programs can offer
apprenticeships, internships, and networking opportunities that enhance job
placement and career development.

19. Health Benefits

- Q: What are the implications of urban agriculture for public health policy and
urban planning?
- A: Incorporating urban agriculture into public health policy and urban planning
can improve access to healthy food, promote physical activity,