Date of Award

Spring 2017

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Geography

First Advisor

Dr. Gregory Veeck

Second Advisor

Dr. Benjamin Ofori-Amoah

Third Advisor

Dr. Lucius Hallett

Keywords

Urban agriculture, food security, local food systems, urban revitalization, sustainability

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The maintenance and development of sustainable food systems is becoming an essential aspect of maintaining an efficient urban environment. Likewise, addressing food and job security within America for the entirety of the population has proven difficult in the face of increasing poverty, particularly in urban areas. Urban agriculture has become a favored system of producing local fresh quality food, increasing employment opportunities, beautifying brown spaces and improving environmental conditions through the benefits of increased vegetation. UA exists in America, but as of yet have not sufficiently addressed the prevailing conditions of food insecurity, particularly within poor communities. This study will identify the determining factors from the side of the facilitators of urban agricultural systems, as well as potential consumers of their products, to gain understanding of the benefits and hindrances related to the promotion of urban agriculture. Through case study, observation, survey and interviews, a wide range of opinions from multiple perspectives surrounding the idea of urban agriculture are identified. From the range of opinions, a relatively conclusive illustration is provided to ascertain the true place of urban agriculture in the structuring of contemporary urban environments.

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