| Project Detail |
As part of the ECOPRONAT program, AFD is collaborating with the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) to analyze the links between urban agriculture, nature-based solutions (NBS) and urban resilience at the city scale. Bangalore. Documenting the role of urban food systems in the production of ecosystem services can thus contribute to the development of sustainable urban development policies. CONTEXT While the field of research on green infrastructure and nature-based solutions in cities is growing, the potential of urban agriculture in producing ecosystem services remains little explored. Beyond the benefits linked to food supply and the reduction of the vulnerability of urban populations, urban food systems can be at the heart of policies for developing nature-based solutions. This project studies the potential benefits of these systems within the perimeter of the city of Bangalore. This Indian city indeed has a strong heritage in terms of urban agriculture. This project is part of the ECOPRONAT research program , which supports research on better consideration and greater integration ( mainstreaming ) of biodiversity in key economic sectors. GOALS Drawing on the context of the city of Bangalore, this project explores how and why urban food systems, in rapidly developing urban and peri-urban areas, can be envisioned as nature-based urban solutions that provide benefits to ecosystems and society. Two research questions are thus addressed: What is the scope and contributions of urban agriculture for ecosystem services (notably pollination) and social well-being (such as food and nutritional security for the most vulnerable populations)? How can we mobilize different combinations of co-production, between science, policy, practice and citizens, for the scaling up of DFS around sustainable urban agriculture practices? |
