Why develop a typology of urban agriculture systems?

In S. Quon , 1999 (See Required readings Module 1),Tinker mentions the need for standardized definitions of UA (systems) so that quantitative data can be collected and compared.  Apart from such a research perspective, it also makes sense from a planning point of view to distinguish between certain UA types – at least insofar these types differ substantially in their characteristics, positive and potential negative impacts, in development potential and therefore in support needs. We saw last week (Module 2) that policy and technology interventions need first and foremost to identify meaningful differences and gradations in urban agriculture (based on a variety of building blocks that break down the more common definitions of urban agriculture), if they are to better assess and intervene with appropriate means for promotion and/or management of the different urban agriculture types.

How could such a typology be developed?

A common used typology of urban farming systems includes its division into mayor urban production systems: horticulture, aquaculture, animal husbandry, forestry and other farming systems (for example the production of mushrooms, grapes or silkworms). You may want to read Chapter 5 of the second edition of “Urban agriculture, food, jobs and sustainable cities