A comprehensive review of urban agriculture in a changing climate: Technological innovations and policy frameworks

Urban and peri-urban agriculture, also referred to as UPA, focuses on tackling the dual challenges of improving food security while addressing poverty reduction, the negative impacts of rapid urbanization, and climate change resilience at the community level. While meeting these objectives, the productivity and sustainability of UPA is threatened by ever-changing and unpredictable environmental conditions. This holistic review includes synthesizing research on UPA, specifically within the context of its advantages, challenges, and climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. UPA sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change is enhanced by technological innovations such as precision agriculture, vertical farming, AI systems, and hydroponics. The review investigates policies supporting UPA relevant to zoning, incentive design, water provision, and waste management. Results demonstrate UPA’s ability to advance social interactions, improve urban microclimates, mitigate the urban heat island phenomenon, and provide essential ecosystem services though limited by scarce land resources and soil contamination, along with water management challenges and regulatory frameworks. Realization of UPA’s potential in fostering sustainable and resilient urban food systems emphasizes the importance of emerging technologies and integrated policies.