Integrating vertical and urban farming into sustainable food systems: a comprehensive review

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Chinese explanation / 中文解读

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Original abstract

Global food and nutritional security is increasingly challenged by rapid urbanization, climate change, and growing pressure on land and water resources. In this context, urban and peri-urban agriculture, along with vertical farming, are increasingly recognized as viable strategies to complement conventional food production systems. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of literature on the conceptual frames, technical advancements, environmental delivery, socio-economic aspects, and political consequences of vertical and urban agriculture in the larger context of sustainable food systems. The review identifies key production models of production such as indoor vertical farming, rooftop and building-integrated, community and peri-urban growing and explains the importance of soilless farming, controlled environment farming, the use of digital technologies, and integration of renewable energy sources. Evidence from empirical studies indicates that these systems can improve water and land-use efficiency, enhance yield stability, and reduce post-harvest losses, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Nevertheless, significant challenges persist, including high capital and energy prices, inadequate crop diversification, technical complexities, and regulatory constraints. The socio-economic effects are also discussed, which explains why they need facilitative policy frameworks, strong governance systems, and favorable institutional contexts. Future directions and gaps in research have been proposed, which are integration with smart city initiatives, expansion to staple crops, standardization of life-cycle assessment methods, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Future research should also emphasize the integration of peri-urban agriculture into land-use planning frameworks and its role in conserving agro-biodiversity through innovative models such as agricultural parks. Additionally, it should explore the integration of digital food platforms with urban and vertical farming systems to enhance supply chain efficiency, improve market access, and strengthen urban food system resilience. Overall, the review concludes, that vertical and urban agriculture are not independent solutions but they are strategic and complementary elements of diversified, climate-resilient, and sustainable food systems. When properly contextualized and supported by the use of appropriate technologies, policies, and institutional systems, such systems are bound to have a central role in the future of urban food security and sustainable development.

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