Guido Santini (Programme Coordinator, FAO) develops a presentation on the role of urban and periurban agriculture in promoting sustainable food systems in urban areas :  overview of the challenges that cities are facing in recent times; how urban agriculture can play a role in reinforcing food systems and building resiliency.

Current and rapid urbanization impacts food security and national resources, but also diets, through increased consumption of highly processed food and animal proteins food.

Guido Santini demonstrates why it is crucial to promote Green Cities, integrating aspects of Food Security and Nutrition, resilience, economic development, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion; and why urban and periurban agriculture can be a driver to promote more sustainable cities, as well as nutrition education. He shows also the role that urban and periurban agriculture play for employment, livelihoods and households economy, and in environmental issues.

Despite all these advantages, a number of challenges remain to get them fully recognised and promoted:  urban agriculture should be part of an urban and territorial planning and linked to other food system dimensions.