author(s)
Marieke van Dijk, Tobias de Graaf and Lianne Verhoeven

abstract

Urban farming has emerged as a transformative response to global challenges associated with food insecurity, climate vulnerability, and rapid urbanization. As cities expand and agricultural land becomes increasingly constrained, innovative urban farming models such as vertical farming, controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), hydroponics, and aquaponics have shown significant potential in enhancing food production efficiency while reducing environmental impacts. These innovations not only reduce the land footprint required for cultivation but also optimize water use, minimize agrochemical dependence, and ensure year-round production, making them suitable for both developed and developing economies. The global potential of these systems lies in their adaptability, scalability, and capacity to integrate climate-smart principles such as resource-efficient nutrient cycling, renewable-energy-based operations, and urban circular-economy linkages.

Emerging evidence suggests that urban farming technologies developed in Asia, Europe, and North America can be successfully transferred to regions facing climate-induced agricultural stress, including Africa and South Asia. This exportability is strengthened by modular system designs, low-cost soilless technologies, and digital monitoring tools that improve crop management accuracy. However, challenges such as high capital investment, limited technical expertise, and inconsistent policy support hinder widespread adoption. Despite these barriers, global urban agriculture continues to expand, with studies indicating increases in urban food production capacity and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional farming systems.

This paper examines the potential of exporting urban farming innovations as climate-smart agricultural solutions, drawing on international case studies and pre-2024 empirical evidence. It evaluates the adaptability of hydroponics, vertical farming, rooftop agriculture, and smart greenhouse technologies to diverse climatic and socio-economic contexts. The paper argues that urban farming innovations can play a central role in meeting future food demands while mitigating climate risks, provided that countries adopt supportive policy frameworks, invest in capacity building, and promote cross-border knowledge transfer. By doing so, urban farming can transition from a localized solution to a globally viable model for sustainable agriculture, strengthening food systems resilience and contributing to long-term environmental sustainability.