Urban farming could enhance the US economic security and provide environmental , economic and social benefits , particularly for underserved communities , says Miguel Altieri . The full potential of urban agriculture has yet to be determined , but urban farming has expanded by 30 % in the past 30 years . Estimates say it can only supply up to 20 % of total worldwide food demand , but the extent of urban self - sufficiency is not yet known . However , surveys have indicated 51 countries have too little urban area to meet a nutrition target , and city farming would need 30 % of urban areas in those countries to meet demand .
Urban farming could give the US food security and provide environmental, health and social benefits, particularly for underserved communities, says Miguel Altieri. The full potential of urban agriculture has yet to be determined, but urban farming has expanded by 30% in the past 30 years. Estimates say it can only supply up to 20% of total worldwide food demand, but the level of urban self-sufficiency is not yet known. However, surveys have shown 51 countries have too little urban area to meet a nutrition target, and city farming would need 30% of urban areas in those countries to meet demand.