Rooftop gardening for improved food and nutrition security in the urban environment
This book chapter by Springer reviews the diversity of species and cultivars which can be grown on the roofs of buildings, and of how they can contribute to supplying a variety of nutrients. This can help to meet the requirements for a healthy diet and contribute to the food and nutrition security of the increasing urban population. In a world characterized by growing urbanization, urban agriculture is gaining relevance due to its potential for increasing resource efficiency, contributing to city food security and enhancing associated ecosystem and social services. With the expanding population and the shrinking area for conventional horticulture and home gardens within cities, the idea of roof gardening in towns has evolved. Rooftop agriculture can also contribute to addressing specific city challenges such as climate change. Experiences are sprouting all over the world, scientific evidence on most suitable growing solutions, policies and potential benefits is growing. New technologies have been developed to grow a series of horticultural crops in different types of containers. Information is provided on the productivity of different technologies used for roof-top gardening. Other chapters of the book address the main features of rooftop gardening, rooftop farming policy, design of rooftop agriculture systems and rooftop agriculture management.