This presentation describes the process of the "Optimization of vacant land for urban agriculture", a programme simultaneously implemented in 3 cities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The programme was coordinated by the Urban Management Programme - Regional Coordination for Latin America and the Caribbean (UMP-LAC/UNHABITAT), IPES-Promocion for Sustainable Development Research Centre (IDRC),  and implemented with support of the Municipality of Rosario, CEPAR and CEAH - National University of Rosario.

Slideshow on lessons learned in urban agriculture on the website of IDRC

Please click on this link http://www.cityfarmer.info/category/video/ to watch videos by Michael Levenston on:

• Vacant Lot in Down

Thilak T. Ranasinghe

In: UA Magazine no. 19 - Stimulating Innovation in Urban Agriculture

Home gardening is usually seen as a subsistence-oriented production system. However, in urban and suburban areas land is a precious
resource, which is why home gardening can be turned into a profitable production system. In this context the concept of the Family Business Garden was launched on World Environment Day 2000 in Sri Lanka.

H. de Zeeuw

Key note paper for the International Conference

Takawira Mubvami, Shingirayi Mushamba and Henk de Zeeuw

In: Cities Farming for the Future - Urban Agriculture for Green and Productive Cities

Urban agriculture is a relatively new urban issue, in which different sectors and institutions are involved. It requires the development of new planning practices, or the adaptation of existing ones, and supportive policies. The preceding chapter argues that participatory and multi-stakeholder processes and tools are required in this process. This chapter elaborates on this argument by focusing on urban land use planning. It takes a South East African perspective and analyses the different paradigms, approaches and tools towards urban policy making and planning related to urban agriculture. Major issues and challenges include the distribution, control of and access to the use of land and other resources, conflicts between uses and users and the regulatory framework for urban agriculture. The chapter ends with a discussion on planning tools and techniques which can be used to integrate urban agriculture into urban planning and development.

René van Veenhuizen

In: Cities Farming for the Future - Urban Agriculture for Green and Productive Cities

Attention to urban agriculture has increased markedly during the last couple of decades. The number of activities to promote urban agriculture at international, national and local level has grown, but urban farmers in many cities in the world still struggle to get their main survival strategy recognised by city authorities. The demand of policy makers and local practitioners for inspiring examples of successful policies and actions in cities is therefore growing. Urban agriculture contributes to a wide variety of urban issues and is increasingly being accepted and used as a tool in sustainable city development. Currently the challenge is its integration into city planning and facilitation of its multiple benefits for urban inhabitants. This book seeks to present the current state of affairs regarding urban agriculture and sustainable urban development.