This chapter examines the transformative impact of integrating smart technologies – encompassing the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics – into urban agriculture. By addressing challenges like limited arable land and traditional practices, smart technologies offer enhanced resource efficiency, increased productivity, and improved sustainability. Real-time monitoring, circular resource systems, intelligent irrigation, and controlled environments all contribute to these advancements. While acknowledging potential challenges such as costs and technology dependence, the study emphasizes collaboration and education for successful implementation. Ultimately, the integration of smart technologies in urban agriculture has the potential to reshape urban food systems, ensuring greater sustainability and resilience.
TopIntroduction
Urban agriculture, encompassing practices such as rooftop farming, vertical farming, and hydroponics, has emerged as a promising approach to address the increasing demand for food in urban areas (Su et al., 2020). As the world's population continues to urbanize, the limited availability of arable land and the challenges associated with traditional agricultural practices pose significant obstacles to ensuring food security in cities (Kasprzyk et al., 2022). However, the integration of smart technologies has the potential to overcome these challenges and optimize urban agricultural practices.
Smart technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics, are revolutionizing various industries, and urban agriculture is no exception. These technologies offer innovative solutions to enhance resource efficiency, improve productivity, and promote sustainability in urban farming (Pathmudi et al., 2023).
One of the key benefits of smart technologies in urban agriculture is the increased feasibility of food production in urban areas. Research conducted by Badami and Ramankutty (2015) suggests that urban agriculture is more feasible for growing basic daily vegetables for the urban poor in developed countries than in developing countries. By leveraging smart technologies, urban farming can be made more efficient and productive, making it a viable option for food production in resource-constrained urban areas.
Resource circularity is another area where smart technologies play a crucial role in urban agriculture. Weidner et al. (2019) highlight the potential of decentralized anaerobic digestion and vermicomposting, coupled with smart technologies, in utilizing organic waste for urban agriculture. By closing the loop and recycling organic waste, smart technologies contribute to a resource circular economy in urban farming, reducing the reliance on external resources and minimizing waste.
Water management is a critical aspect of urban agriculture, and smart technologies offer improved solutions in this regard. Mason et al. (2019) demonstrate the potential of intelligent irrigation systems, enabled by IoT and data analytics, to reduce water consumption while maintaining crop yield in smallholder farming systems. By integrating sensors, wireless communications, and data platforms, these systems provide real-time data for informed decision-making, enabling precise and optimized water management in urban agriculture.
In addition to resource efficiency, smart technologies also contribute to the environmental sustainability of urban agriculture. Jaramillo and Desyouni (2015) emphasize that the current food system contributes heavily to global environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change. However, smart urban farming practices, such as vertical farming and greenhouses, supported by smart technologies, offer controlled environments that reduce the need for land, water, and pesticides. This can help mitigate the negative environmental impacts associated with conventional agriculture.
While the integration of smart technologies in urban agriculture holds great promise, it is essential to address the challenges and considerations associated with their implementation. Benis and Ferrão (2018) highlight barriers such as high investment costs, narrow profit margins, and uncertain marketing channels that hinder the commercialization of rooftop farming. Moreover, the potential drawbacks of smart urban agriculture, including the dependence on technology and the exclusion of traditional farming practices, need to be carefully examined (Glaeser et al., 2021).
In conclusion, smart technologies have the potential to revolutionize urban agriculture by enhancing resource efficiency, improving productivity, and promoting environmental sustainability. Through the integration of IoT, AI, and data analytics, urban farming can overcome challenges associated with limited land availability, water scarcity, and environmental impact. However, it is crucial to consider the socioeconomic aspects, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability of smart urban agriculture initiatives.