Optimizing horticulture for urban agriculture

Publication date: 17/02/2020
Extent: 58 pages

Contributions by: B. W. Alsanius, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden; M. Jirström, Lund University, Sweden; M. T. Naznin and S. Khalil, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden; and E.-C. Ekström, Uppsala University, Sweden

Chapter synopsis: Urban horticulture is attracting increasing attention in both low- and high-income countries. The practice can be needs-driven, i.e., providing and securing food and livelihoods, or based on environmental considerations, social integration, and human wellbeing. This chapter focuses on the potential of urban horticulture to provide nutritious, healthy, and safe plant foods (fruit, vegetables) for the urban population and urban livelihoods, and to contribute to circularity of urban resources. The chapter shows that urban horticulture has the potential to make cities more sustainable, self-sufficient, and food secure, but that food safety, waste valorization, and system optimization are important issues.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2019.0063.15