In Southern cities, one of the major problems is explosive urban growth due to various factors while agriculture is essentially export-oriented. Therefore, when cities of the South are in low economic growth and with an endless population growth, their local market cannot meet their food supply demand. They become fed by northern economies, namely through cooperation programs. In order to increase their autonomy they are seeking for alternatives such as urban farming. Periurban farming and urban farming’ are frequently proposed in the literature as an alternative method for helping communities located in cities with a high population growth. Mapping is a useful tool for local urban planners in the creation of sustainable cities. In addition to traditional GIS process, the integration of the perspective of local communities ‘ may lead to more sustainable cities by listening and learning from the population with the objective of better meeting their needs. The primary aim of this study is to investigate a central question: “Can Urban Agriculture and Periurban Agriculture meet the needs of a Community through a Participative GIS (PGIS) oriented Urban Planning?”, or in other words, What is being done, or what should be done to facilitate the integration of the Community perspective and the Urban Agriculture into urban planning?” Urban poverty is one of the major issues addressed in this research. The key reflection can be formulated as: “Is it possible to contribute to the food security of the poor communities while meeting the Land Planning objectives of a government? Can Urban Agriculture challenge rapid urban growth?”. Precisely, this research aims to elaborate a PGIS tool, integrating cities and communities’ perspectives, which can be used and easily updated by urban planners. Data from Local Government Units, social and economical surveys, community mapping, remote sensing, as well as from some local private companies are integrated to produce a Community-based Land Use Plan that will formulate various scenarios for a sustainable future. It first focuses on a case study in Bacolod City, Philippines. Replication with the aim of testing the stability of the methodology, was carried out in the city of Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.
Participative Geographical Information System (PGIS) to assist cities in addressing Food Security issues through Urban and Periurban Agriculture. The case of Bacolod City, Philippines
Denil, B. (Author). 17 Dec 2008
Student thesis: Doc types › Doctor of Sciences