Editorial Type:
Article Category: Research Article
 | 
Online Publication Date: 01 May 2010

Building Integrated Agriculture: Utilising Rooftops for Sustainable Food Crop Cultivation in Singapore

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 Email akintk@nus.edu.sg
Page Range: 105 – 113
DOI: 10.3992/jgb.5.2.105
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Abstract

Burgeoning population and rapid urbanisation have contributed to two challenges facing cities today: food security and an increasing carbon footprint due to food imports. This paper examines the viability of rooftop farming in urban centres in Asia. A context-specific exploration—sited in Singapore—looks at the challenges of building integrated agriculture. Findings suggest that Singapore's public housing estates are suitable for rooftop farming. Implemented nationwide, such a scheme could result in a 700% increase in domestic vegetable production, satisfying domestic demand by 35.5%. Reducing food imports would also decrease Singapore's carbon footprint by 9,052 tonnes of emissions annually.

Copyright: © College Publishing 2010
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