In the heart of Bogotá, Colombia, a groundbreaking study is reshaping how we think about urban agriculture and sustainability. Led by Jairo Guzman-Molina, a researcher at the Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES) and the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at TUD Dresden University of Technology, the research introduces a novel approach to assessing the sustainability of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture (UPA). Published in the journal *Environmental and Sustainability Indicators* (translated to English as *Indicators of Environmental and Sustainability*), this work could have significant implications for urban planning and the energy sector.
The study developed a Composite Indicator (CI) that evaluates the sustainability of UPA by considering Bogotá’s unique natural and socioeconomic settings. This CI integrates 43 variables collected from over 3,500 households, providing a comprehensive analysis of environmental, socioeconomic, and institutional attributes. The findings reveal that UPA significantly boosts environmental resilience, particularly in soil conservation and integrated water management. “UPA is a game-changer for Bogotá’s environmental resilience,” Guzman-Molina explains. “It helps conserve soil and manage water more effectively, which is crucial for sustainable urban development.”
However, the study also highlights challenges. While UPA promises food security, an unstructured value chain limits its economic sustainability. This gap presents an opportunity for the energy sector to innovate. By developing technologies and policies that support UPA’s value chain, energy companies can contribute to more resilient and sustainable urban systems. “The energy sector has a unique role to play in enhancing UPA’s economic sustainability,” Guzman-Molina notes. “By investing in technologies that support UPA, they can help create a more resilient and sustainable urban environment.”
The CI developed in this study is the first of its kind in the region, establishing a baseline for future comparisons. It offers a framework for evidence-based, impact-focused management strategies in cities. Guzman-Molina emphasizes the importance of tailoring the CI for different areas, ensuring that it remains relevant and effective. “This CI is a starting point,” he says. “It provides a foundation for future research and policy development, helping cities become more sustainable and resilient.”
As cities continue to grow, the need for sustainable solutions becomes increasingly urgent. This research offers a promising path forward, demonstrating how UPA can enhance environmental resilience and contribute to sustainable urban development. For the energy sector, it presents an opportunity to innovate and support the creation of more resilient urban systems. By embracing these findings, cities and industries can work together to build a more sustainable future.