What is meant by 'Peri-Urban Agriculture'? How can it help in adapting to the challenges posed by climate change? (250 words)
Answers
Peri-urban agriculture occurs in surrounding the boundaries of cities throughout the world and includes products from crop and livestock agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
It also includes non-wood forest products, as well as ecological services provided by agriculture, fisheries and forestry. Often multiple farming and gardening systems exist in and near a single city.
There is need for policy changes like effective legislation, long-term leases, leasing of the plots and gardens through a contract recognized by the municipality and correctly registered to promote participation by potential farmers, vegetable growers and livestock producers.
Green zones around urban areas: Beyond the agro-products provided, trees will help in sustaining ecosystems by acting as carbon sinks, protection of water-supply catchments for the cities, protection against landslides thus helping climate change mitigation.
Reduction in phenomenon of Urban heat island: Due to dense population and use of concrete as building material urban heat islands with higher temperature then surrounding areas are created.
Lower need for transportation: Due to rapid urbanization in the past years, demand for vegetables, fruits and flowers is constantly increasing in these areas. Peri-urban agriculture will reduce the burden on transport, and help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cold storages.
Diversification of food basket:Peri-Urban Agriculture can help in climate change adaptation through diversification of food resources for the urban population.
Restrict unplanned urbanization: Unplanned and rapid urbanization causes environmental pollution which causes climate change. Peri-Urban Agriculture will help in creating attractive employment option and prevent the conversion of agricultural land near urban areas into cities and towns.