Urban agriculture: a sustainability guide for developing countries

Purpose This study addresses the growing challenges of food security, livelihood generation and sustainable urban living in the context of increasing urbanization in developing countries. As urban populations are projected to rise significantly in the coming decades, urban agriculture emerges as a potential solution to support dietary needs and economic empowerment. However, urban farming practices in developing countries face unique socio-economic, cultural and technological challenges compared to developed nations. This paper aims to analyze global urban agriculture practices, examine success stories from developed countries and propose an adaptable, inclusive urban agriculture model tailored to developing countries. Design/methodology/approach The research systematically reviews global urban agriculture practices, emphasizing successful implementations in developed nations. The research highlights gaps and areas of opportunity by comparing these practices with the unique socio-economic and cultural contexts of developing countries. Focus group interviews were conducted among urban farmers from India to finalize the key variables of urban agriculture in developing countries. The second phase involves the construction of a context-specific model for developing countries and proposing interventions. A comparative method is devised to identify developed country’s urban agricultural practices and policies to derive an optimal urban agricultural model for developing countries. Findings The findings from the study reveal that in developed countries, urban agriculture is motivated by the urge to become self-sustainable and to maintain a connection with the community shaped by different socio-economic, environmental and technological factors. In developing countries, the prime motive is to generate a secondary income source and ensure food security. Still, they face limited technological access, insufficient policy support and socio-cultural barriers. Technology-supported urban agricultural infrastructure and support from the government and other stakeholders would be a potential solution in developing countries to implement successful integrative solutions. To support this, adaptive policies in urban agriculture are required to bridge the gap in the current system. Practical implications This research offers practical implications for policymakers, urban planners and agricultural stakeholders in developing countries. It emphasizes the importance of designing policies that address resource constraints, such as land availability and financial access and promote sustainable farming techniques. The study recommends creating supportive frameworks to empower urban farmers, including subsidies, training programs and efficient market mechanisms. Integrating urban farming into city planning can foster green spaces, enhance food security and drive economic development. These actionable recommendations aim to facilitate the growth of urban agriculture as a sustainable and inclusive practice in developing countries. Social implications Participation and social cohesiveness aspects of urban agriculture provide beneficial food accessibility with the concept of food for all, ensuring socio-cultural equality in accessing quality food. This study highlights the role of urban agriculture in addressing socio-economic inequalities, particularly in developing countries. By engaging communities in sustainable farming practices, urban agriculture can create collaborative networks, promote healthier lifestyles and improve access to fresh produce. The study also underscores the importance of empowering urban populations through targeted interventions in urban farming. These social implications reinforce the value of urban agriculture in enhancing the overall quality of urban life. Originality/value This study makes a unique contribution by focusing on the contextual adaptation of urban agriculture models for developing countries. While urban farming has been extensively studied in developed nations, limited research addresses developing regions’ specific challenges and opportunities. By proposing a comprehensive and inclusive model that bridges socio-economic and cultural gaps, this research provides a novel framework for integrating urban farming into the urban planning and policy landscape of developing countries. The originality lies in its comparative approach, leveraging global best practices while tailoring solutions to local contexts, thereby advancing the discourse on sustainable urban agriculture.