Urban farming has grown by more than 30 percent in the United States in the past 30 years. Although it has been estimated that urban agriculture can meet 15 to 20 percent of global food demand, it remains to be seen what level of food self-sufficiency it can realistically ensure for cities.
One recent survey found that 51 countries do not have enough urban area to meet a recommended nutritional target of 300 grams per person per day of fresh vegetables. Moreover, it estimated, urban agriculture would require 30 percent of the total urban area of those countries to meet global demand for vegetables. Land tenure issues and urban sprawl could make it hard to free up this much land for food production.
Is urban farming a pipe dream, or can appropriating vacant lots for traditional farming or employing hydroponics make it work?
(Score: 2) by MichaelDavidCrawford on Thursday February 14 2019, @10:50AM
... that were once completely covered with coffee plantations.
It's become quite a serious problem in South America. There is no practical way to prevent or to treat it other than to plant trees that are bred to resist it, so Starbucks is handing out free rust-resistant trees to farmers.
Yes I Have No Bananas. [gofundme.com]