Mike Duff (Twitter: @MrMikeDuff) is a consultant on strategy, planning and sustainability for cities at WSP, based in London. He is part of the Harvard Working Group for Sustainable Cities, and a guest lecturer at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, and the London School of Economics Cities Programme. His opinions are his own.
What happens when a foreign charity introduces an agenda that aligns with local entrepreneurial initiatives? Will locals be seen as like-minded stakeholders or as 'competition'?
Two conferences suggest a growing interest in the field, but more must be done to acknowledge and provide for the complexities of food systems within city planning.
Many governments are encouraging agriculture in urban areas--so long as it doesn't challenge the status quo. Cities must learn to embrace 'urban ag' movements to engage citizens, and the key challenge will be regulation that permits new land uses.