You are probably aware of how dependent people in the city are on supermarkets (and other shops) and the supply chains for their food. And as we head towards a scenario of 75% of the earth's population being city dwellers, urban agriculture certainly assumes high priority.
Urban agriculture is the answer to urban poverty and food insecurity. It strengthens the resilience of the urban food system, says the RUAF Foundation, and enhances access to nutritious food for the urban poor as well as providing income. It also reduces a city's ecological footprint.
We have followed the work of South African organisations like ABALIMI BEZEKHAYA, which works with between 50 and 200 community projects and up to 3 000 micro-farmers and gardeners every year. We have followed stories of vertical farming. And this evening, we come across a very innovative venture: the growing of food underground in former bomb shelters!
Growing 33 metres below the streets of London is a host of greens and salad leaves -- watercress, radish, chives and so on. A hydroponics system means less water is used than usual; the food-miles are minimal; there is no agricultural run-off; crops can be grown all year round in a pesticide-free environment ... the advantages go on. Find more information about GROWING UNDERGROUND here.
Urban agriculture is discussed in The Agri Handbook in one of the opening chapters. Find it here.
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