Urban Agriculture and Sustainable Development

The paper provides an updated insight on the role that urban agriculture can play in pursuing the Millennium Development Goals and more specifically MDG 1 and 7, related to poverty reduction, food security, and environmental sustainability. Reference is made to urban agriculture in relation to the recent and important issues affecting the world economy and the environment, regarding climate change, soaring food and energy prices. It intends to raise awareness and inform decision makers and planners of the different aspects of urban agriculture, which entails a broad range of activities, related to the food production and distribution chain, within natural resources planning and use including urban and peri-urban forestry. The paper further illustrates ongoing initiatives that substantiate how UPA can, in different environments, play its role as a source of employment, income and food which are the indicators towards poverty reduction and improved food security. Without being exhaustive, reference is made to major key players and stakeholders that are committed and involved in advocating and promoting UPA as a key area of agriculture policy and sustainable development strategies. The paper intends to provide the necessary background that would facilitate further initiatives and recognize UPA as a means to improve the livelihoods of the urban poor.