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China sustainable development model

30 May 2017

Urban farming as sustainable strategy to revitalize agriculture

The phenomenon of urban farming is developing rapidly especially in large cities where the impact of human action is stronger. In high density metropolises with high pollution rates, urban farms, born for economic and employment reasons, represent a solution to the agriculture crisis as a new model of sustainable development.

In China, as in other major developing countries, leaving countries is becoming a devastating phenomenon for the socio-environmental stability. People leave rural areas and consequently agricultural sector workers decrease. And in a country where only 10% of the territory is cultivated, due to serious pollution problems, the scenario is critical.

To counter this crisis and to reduce the indiscriminate growth of large metropolises, Chinese peasants have worked to promote the sustainable development of their country and they have suggested a new cultivation model: the urban farming, located near to banks, shops and apartments.

WWF reports show how some Chinese realities are achieving their own self-sustainability through these new eco-friendly cultivation models, a key objective to ensure decent living conditions for the population of the planet in the years to come.

The green positive effects of urban farming are numerous: the short chain, because the products are generally sold within a radius of 10 km from the place of production; the consequent transport costs reduction; the realization of green spaces within the boundaries of the city; the subsequent improvement of air quality; the new jobs opportunities.