Feeding the cities: Urban agriculture for food security and sustainability of urban areas

Abstract With the increasing migration of people to urban areas, the demand for extra, fresh, and healthy food in cities has escalated manyfold. Further, anthropogenic activities, high rise buildings, and unplanned construction in urban areas are increasing urban heat. Therefore, the objective of this study is to review the salient features and constraints of urban agriculture, in addition to illustrating traditional and modern approaches, and policies used worldwide to promote the urban agriculture (UA). Urban agriculture is a key component of sustainable urban development that plays a pivotal role in combating food security and malnutrition in peri-urban and urban areas by growing different fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, flowering and ornamental plants in urban dwellings for food and aesthetic purposes. UA often combines with other functions like urban greening, biodiversity, waste recycling, environmental disaster reduction, CO 2 absorption, urban heat island reduction, recreational benefits, contributing to the circular economy and UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). Plants in UA are grown in vacant open spaces, rooftops, balconies and containers, resulting in urban organic harvest by fostering income and health improvement. The concept of UA is being utilized efficiently in many countries. However, there is still a need to promote UA by arranging community gatherings and school students, creating awareness and capacity building through education and training. Growers need to be connected to land and open spaces, enhancing value addition in UA and formulating supportive policies to foster Agri-tourism in urban farms to making it a successful initiative. Recent innovative research ideas and new technological developments such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), automation and mechanization in UA are opening new avenues for quality food production in urban areas for sustainable cities.