Synergistic integration of urban agriculture and green infrastructure to enhance urban sustainability in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Rapid urbanization and environmental degradation in Bahir Dar City underscore the urgent need for integrated urban solutions; however, comprehensive studies on the combined effects of urban agriculture (UA) and green infrastructure (GI) practices—critical for sustainable urban development—remain limited. This study investigates UA-GI integration through surveys and interviews with 99 stakeholders, complemented by participatory observations. The key barriers to integration—based on multiple-response data—include a lack of supportive policies and regulatory frameworks (87%), limited awareness (57%), and space constraints (51%). The multicriteria decision analysis ranked integrated practices as the most effective strategy (score: 16.81), followed by edible tree planting at garden centers (16.18), small gardens (13.83), and fence edge greening (11.46). These practices demonstrate strong synergies across environmental, social, and economic dimensions, making them top priorities for promoting urban sustainability. Structural equation modeling shows that thermal regulation and access to fresh food are critical factors for planning sustainable urban systems. Scaling up the integration of edible trees with vertical farming in residential gardens supported by policy and community engagement is essential to enhance food security, biodiversity, aesthetics, and microclimate regulation. The study underscores integrating nature-based solutions into city planning and provides a replicable framework for other rapidly urbanizing contexts in the Global South.