Thanks to technology, growing crops is no longer constrained by traditional growing cycles, soil health or weather conditions. Today, factors such as soil health and weather conditions are unreliable. These factors, which are often difficult to predict, change drastically as a result of climate change.
Also, the long and complex supply chains that bring food to our cities are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, crises like the Ukraine-Russia war, and epidemics like empty supermarket shelves during Covid-19.
It is estimated that by 2050, two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities and this population will consume 80 percent of all food produced. Cities must take advantage of technological innovations (especially indoor vertical farms, greenhouses and precision farming vehicles) to feed their growing populations.
By taking advantage of innovations in urban agriculture technology ("urban agriculture technology"), city leaders can diversify their food sources and thereby increase food resilience in the face of the growing threat of insecurity in general, particularly from nutritional shortages such as lack of essential micronutrients, vitamins and minerals. In doing so, they can do so by drastically reducing the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers and occupying much less land area than traditional farming methods require.
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In addition, urban agriculture technology can bring much-needed investment and desirable jobs to neighborhoods. Derelict buildings and empty warehouses can be turned into businesses that maintain nutritional value, maintain fresh, taste and nutritional value, and grow healthy products within minutes for those living close to these areas. These facilities will create a new pool of workers by offering skilled jobs in comfortable and climate-controlled environments.
While most cities focus on integrating clean energy or clean transport into cities, they should also focus on building resilient food systems. Governments should help urban agri-tech entrepreneurs scale their businesses and support more technological innovation. Oftentimes, land use regulations are a stumbling block for entrepreneurs. Policymakers should use them as tools to make resilient food systems an important part of the urban fabric.