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Urban Agriculture Renaissance In response, countries have turned to urban agriculture, a concept which dates as far back as 3,500 BCE, where Mesopotamian farmers set aside plots of land with the city walls for farming.4 More recently during World War II, millions of people around the world planted food gardens in their backyard to supplement limited rations and to boost morale. Called “victory gardens” or “war gardens” in , these patches of agriculture reduced the pressure on national food supplies. In Singapore under Japanese Occupation, food shortages forced people to grow root vegetables such as tapioca and sweet potato at home. Once the war was over, these urban farms disappeared, replaced by efficient, large-scale rural agriculture.
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In the past decade, the concept of urban agriculture has since seen a resurgence, due to educated, urban populations becoming increasingly environmentally aware of climate change, as well as having the skills and technology on hand. Urban farms leverage on technology to increase production, by stacking planters, ensuring stable, climate controlled environments and increasing growth through artificial lighting. Governments too have recognised the value of bringing agriculture into city centres. By locating farms within cities, transportation distances can be drastically reduced, improving freshness and simplifying the supply chain. Communities also benefit from urban farms by learning new skills, engaging youth, and having a social space within neighbourhoods.
