Fostering Urban Agriculture in Chinese Cities: Strategies for Enhanced Food Security and Sustainable Development

Rapid urbanization globally has set food security under the spotlight, with urban agriculture emerging as a pivotal strategy to address the challenge. In the context of Chinese cities, urban agriculture is revealed in three distinct forms: small-scale, capital-intensive, and tourism-oriented agricultural practices, each influenced by the local socio-economic milieu and governmental directives. This paper examines the multifaceted benefits of urban agriculture, which include supporting social cohesion, advancing public health, fostering environmental stewardship, and creating economic avenues. Despite its numerous advantages, urban agriculture in China contends with obstacles such as land scarcity, capital acquisition, market access, and require more supportive government frameworks. The study delves into the ongoing evolution of the Nature-Based Solutions in urban agricultural practices in China, examining the existing barriers and proposing robust strategies to address them. Drawing upon successful models from the Global North, exemplified by initiatives in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Singapore, the paper outlines a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at integrating urban agriculture in Chinese cities. The recommendations span four key areas: the integration of agricultural spaces within urban areas, innovative approaches to land and resource utilisation, enhanced governmental support and policy-making, and the establishment of effective planning and regulatory mechanisms. The implementation of these strategies promises to elevate the quality of life for Chinese urban dwellers, pave the way for eco-friendlier urban landscapes, and fortify food security. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a healthier urban future and a resilient agricultural framework that reaps enduring benefits for the populace of China.