Hershey, Pennsylvania
New York, New YorkBeijing, China
Transition of Ecosystem Services Based on Urban Agro Ecology

Transition of Ecosystem Services Based on Urban Agro Ecology

José G. Vargas-Hernández (University Center for Economic and Managerial Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Mexico)
Copyright: © 2022 |Pages: 20
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-6684-5352-0.ch042
OnDemand:
(Individual Chapters)
Available
$37.50
Current Special Offers
No Current Special Offers
TOTAL SAVINGS: $37.50

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the implications of the transition of ecosystem services based on urban agro-ecology. It advances on the debate over the negative effects of the traditional and industrial-oriented agricultural production on the ecosystem services, food systems, climate change, etc. and analyses the principles, methods, and some practices that support the transition to urban agro-ecology. The method employed is the analytical of the theoretical and empirical literature review. It concludes that a transition from traditional and industrial-oriented agriculture towards more urban agro-ecology is inevitable to improve the ecological and environmental services, the economic efficiency, the social equity and justice, and the environmental sustainability of cities.
Chapter Preview
Top

Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem services are “the direct and indirect contributions of nature to human wellbeing” (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) 2010). Urban agro ecology has direct impacts on ecosystem services, environmental sustainability, food security and socio economic development in urban and peri-urban areas. The impact of urban agro ecology in the ecosystem services in urban environment, economic viability and productivity has been given little attention by organizations and institutions than the peri-urban commercial farms. Agro ecological techniques can improve yields and increase productivity while improving the supply of critical natural resources and environmental services (Pretty et al. 2006).

To enhance this situation, it is recommended to provide more extension, education, training and support for the agro economic services. The urban economies benefit from urban agro ecology if local governments develop institutions with a policy framework to provide agro ecological services, promote sustainable urban development and urban food security aimed to enable urban agro ecological participants to unlock supporting financial and technical services.

The analysis of agro ecology theory and practice may contribute to the discussion to pursue to the institutionalization of agro ecological development based on a farm system with investments and services supported by networking interactions between the state, society and inclusive participatory organizations. A multilevel methodology to analyze the impact of agro ecological practices on environmental services flows and processes to assess the feasibility of the agro ecological transition.

Complete Chapter List

Search this Book:
Reset