D.C. Initiative Highlights Potential of Urban Farming to Boost Food Security, Ecological Literacy
Washington, D.C. – A new program at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is demonstrating the power of “UA+”-urban agroecology-to address growing concerns about food systems resilience, public health, and equitable access to fresh produce. The initiative, launched this year through UDC’s Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education, recruits community members to participate in hands-on scientific research within urban farming settings.
The program focuses on container crop production at UDC food hub sites, where participants collect yield data, monitor pests, manage nutrients, and select crops suited for small-space growing, like the “bambino eggplant.” This approach aims to build “ecological literacy,” fostering understanding of scientific principles like composting, crop rotation, soil testing, and biodiversity – all vital for mitigating climate instability and addressing urban challenges like heat waves, flooding, and water shortages.
While urban agriculture offers a promising solution, access remains a significant barrier. Limited availability of vacant land and inequitable distribution of resources disproportionately affect Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) farmers, who face challenges securing loans, grants, and inclusion in urban planning processes. Some cities offer reduced property taxes to landowners who dedicate space to urban farms, but these opportunities are not universally available or equitably distributed.
Despite these hurdles, proponents argue UA+ is increasingly crucial in an era of declining trust in science. By providing direct engagement with scientific practices, it strengthens food systems and improves public health outcomes.
UDC’s model is designed for replication, with the goal of empowering communities to establish independent, sustainable cooperatives and build community-controlled food systems that promote economic self-reliance and collective decision-making. While not a singular solution,urban agroecology offers a pathway toward greater resilience,justice,and sustainability in urban environments.