Profitability and sustainability of urban and peri-urban agriculture

UA is increasing in cities in developed countries as well as in developing countries, and the number of cities revising existing policies or formulating new policies and action programmes on UA is growing rapidly (van Veenhuizen, 2006). However, many urban farmers around the world operate without formal recognition of their main livelihood activity and lack the structural support of proper municipal policies and legislation. Appropriate policies and regulations are required to enhance the potential of agriculture in cities and mitigate its potential risks. The challenge is for UPA to become part of SUD and to be valued as a social, economic and environmental benefit rather than a liability.

Author(s): René van Veenhuizen

Publication: AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT, MARKETING AND FINANCE OCCASIONAL PAPER 19

Organisation: FAO

Date: 2007

Web link: ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/010/a1471e/a1471e00.pdf