Urban agriculture in a changing world: a thematic review of global trends, innovations, governance, and pathways to sustainability

Urban agriculture (UA) has emerged as a key strategy to address food insecurity, climate change, and urban sustainability. This review synthesizes global evidence on the historical evolution, regional variations, and multifunctional roles of UA. It examines technological innovations, governance frameworks, and socio-economic impacts, with attention to the Global South and India. By integrating case studies and policy models, the review highlights how UA contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while recognizing its limitations in producing staples and animal protein at scale. A conceptual framework distinguishes formal vs. informal and low-tech vs. high-tech UA, underscoring diverse pathways of practice. The review concludes by identifying unresolved debates and proposing future research priorities, including longitudinal studies on climate resilience and cost–benefit analyses of smart farming in low-income contexts. UA is best understood as a complement to rural agriculture, offering both ecological services and social resilience within rapidly urbanizing landscapes.