Unraveling the Transformation of Urban Agriculture in Damavand: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Land Use Changes

Abstract Urban Agriculture (UA) in Iran plays a pivotal role in economic sustainability and food security. Recent years have witnessed significant transformations in UA land use, posing challenges to households and affecting urban planning efficiency. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to comprehensively investigate the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind land changes in UA Damavand, located adjacent to Tehran, Iran. Geospatial and quantitative analyses, coupled with qualitative assessments, aim to uncover the driving factors behind these alterations. Google Earth Engine (GEE) and NDVI mapping from 1995 to 2022 are used to analyze vegetation changes. Geospatial techniques in QGIS are employed to assess changes, complemented by qualitative data gathered through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the study explores the applicability of Q-methodology in understanding the causes of UA land use changes in Damavand. Findings indicate a substantial increase in built-up land (109 %), alongside declines in barren (14.34 %) and vegetation (22.44 %) classes, including UA lands. Correspondingly, four thematic factors have been identified as primary reasons for UA changes: land value changes and attraction to urban livelihoods, management and planning factors, physical-environmental factors, and the availability of urban infrastructure. The study underscores the urgency of effective planning to mitigate the threats posed by extensive UA transformations in Damavand. It highlights the significant role of analyzing land markets in integrating UA into urban planning policies, providing essential insights for informed policymaking.