urban agriculture and food security - some facts and figures
DESCRIPTION
Towns and cities are growing rapidly in developing countries. This process is often accompanied by high levels of poverty and hunger, leading many urban dwellers to engage in farming activities to help satisfy their food needs. Policy makers need to recognize this reality and actively seize the opportunities offered by urban agriculture.TRANSCRIPT
Economic and Social Development DepartmentFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Urban Agricultureand Food Security
Some facts and figures
Rome, August 2010 2Urban Agriculture and Food Security – Some Fact and Figures
Economic and Social Development DepartmentFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Urbanization is growing rapidly
Source: UNDESA
mill
ions
Rome, August 2010 3Urban Agriculture and Food Security – Some Fact and Figures
Economic and Social Development DepartmentFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
An increasing number of megacities…
Source: www.indiatimes.org
Rome, August 2010 4Urban Agriculture and Food Security – Some Fact and Figures
Economic and Social Development DepartmentFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
…especially in developing countries
mill
ion
inh
ab
itan
ts
Rome, August 2010 5Urban Agriculture and Food Security – Some Fact and Figures
Economic and Social Development DepartmentFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Urban agriculture an important reality
Share of urban households participating in agricultural activities (in %)
Rome, August 2010 6Urban Agriculture and Food Security – Some Fact and Figures
Economic and Social Development DepartmentFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
…especially for the poor
Share of urban households participating in agricultural activities (in %)
Rome, August 2010 7Urban Agriculture and Food Security – Some Fact and Figures
Economic and Social Development DepartmentFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Providing a source of income…Share of income from on farm activities among urban households (in %)
Rome, August 2010 8Urban Agriculture and Food Security – Some Fact and Figures
Economic and Social Development DepartmentFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
…and additional and more nutritious food
Greater quantities of food (up to 30% more)
A more diversified diet (higher number of food groups consumed)
Higher intake of energy and calorie availability
Source: based on Zezza and Tasciotti (2010)
Rome, August 2010 9Urban Agriculture and Food Security – Some Fact and Figures
Economic and Social Development DepartmentFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
More information
Fighting Poverty and Hunger: What Role for Urban Agriculture; FAO Policy Brief No 10
Zezza, A. and L. Tasciotti (2010): Urban agriculture, poverty and food security; in: Food Policy Vol. 35(4), pp. 265-273
FAO Food for the Cities
FAO Growing Greener Cities