Vacant lots to vibrant plots: a review of the benefits and limitation of urban agriculture
This report (PDF) from the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future argues that the benefits of urban agriculture are important but may be overstated. The report examines the benefits and limitations of agriculture and provides an overview of the documented outcomes of urban agriculture so far. Urban agriculture’s most significant benefits center around its ability to increase social capital, community well-being, and civic engagement with the food system. However, special attention should be paid to ensure that residents have a voice in decision-making around urban agriculture and economic development issues pertaining to their neighborhoods. The authors argue that many of the demonstrated benefits of urban agriculture efforts will only be achieved with adequate local, state, and federal governments’ long-term commitment of support. The authors also identify research gaps. The report is based on research from the Global North, however, the recommendation could also be interesting for researchers and practitioners in the Global South.