Integrating Urban Agriculture and Stormwater Management in a Circular Economy to Enhance Ecosystem Services: Connecting the Dots

Tolessa Deksissa, Harris Trobman, Kamran Zendehdel and Hossain Azam
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Tolessa Deksissa: Water Resources Research Institute, University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Harris Trobman: Center for Sustainable Development and Resilience, University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Kamran Zendehdel: Center for Sustainable Development and Resilience, University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Hossain Azam: Department of Civil Engineering, University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC 20008, USA

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 15, 1-19

Abstract: Due to the rapid urbanization in the context of the conventional linear economy, the vulnerability of the urban ecosystem to climate change has increased. As a result, connecting urban ecosystem services of different urban land uses is imperative for urban sustainability and resilience. In conventional land use planning, urban agriculture (UA) and urban stormwater management are treated as separate economic sectors with different-disconnected-ecosystem services. Furthermore, few studies have synthesized knowledge regarding the potential impacts of integration of UA and stormwater green infrastructures (GIs) on the quantity and quality of urban ecosystem services of both economic sectors. This study provides a detailed analysis of the imperative question—how should a city integrate the developments of both urban agriculture and stormwater green infrastructure to overcome barriers while enhancing the ecosystem services? To answer this question, we conducted an extensive literature review. The results show that integrating UA with GIs can enhance urban food production while protecting urban water quality. This paper provides an initial context and mechanisms for future researchers and city planners regarding the manner in which the synergies between UA and stormwater GIs can create greater value for the wellbeing of urban ecosystems and resilience in the circular economy.

Keywords: aquaponic; bioretention; gardening; green roof; hydroponic; rainwater harvesting; urban resilience; urban runoff; urban sustainability; water quality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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