Cities could produce half of the fresh food they consume

The urban garden has spread in recent years, beyond academic activities and finding its place in developing countries. According to researchers from the Catalan Water Research Institute (ICRA), the construction and management of urban gardens, through irrigation systems efficient, in different areas of a city, such as rooftops, private gardens or undeveloped land, could provide up to 50% of the fresh food consumed by the local population. This revealing study, published in the scientific journal 'Landscape and Urban Planning', is based on an analysis carried out in Sant Feliu de Llobregat (Baix Llobregat), which is part of the Edible Cities Network project.

Currently, it is estimated that between 15% and 20% of fresh food worldwide is already produced in urban areas. Cities like Havana are leading the way in this practice, as are countries in the global north, like Berlin, which is home to more than 80.000 community gardens. In the UK, the government allocated underused land to local communities in 2010, allowing more than 100.000 people to grow their own food to meet demand.

What experts say about urban gardens

Until now, urban gardens have been seen in Western countries as a form of recreation, but more and more experts highlight their importance in the context of constantly growing cities. Urban gardens are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring food security in cities of the future, just as they have done in times of past crises and conflicts, according to the study's authors.

In addition to the production of fresh food, urban agriculture provides a series of additional benefits. For example, it helps reduce the risk of flooding by filtering water and decreasing runoff. It also contributes to the environment by mitigating the effect of heat islands in cities and improving air quality by absorbing polluting particles.

It is not only about environmental benefits, but also economic and employment opportunities. In the case of Sant Feliu, it is estimated that the creation of urban gardens could generate around 3.500 jobs, particularly in the agriculture sector. This would not only impact the local economy, but also contribute to social equality, especially in areas with higher unemployment rates.