Yanxin Liu

Investigating the Role of Urban Agriculture to Food Security in the Context of Post-disaster Wellington City

This research investigates the potential of urban agriculture to enhance post-disaster food security in Wellington City. New Zealand, particularly its capital city Wellington, is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, especially earthquakes. Wellington's geographic location, surrounded by mountains and the sea, increases the risk of isolation after a major disaster. However, food-related planning in post-earthquake scenarios has received insufficient attention. A review of the city's current food system reveals inadequate preparedness for ensuring food security after a major earthquake, with little focus on post-disaster food planning.
In recent years, urban agriculture has gained popularity in Wellington, with growing interest in community gardens and local food production. This research proposes UA as an alternative emergency food source, aiming to assess its role in post-disaster food security. The study calculates the potential of UA to meet the city's vegetable demand through self-sufficiency, considering both food produce in weight and nutrients.
The first case study surveys existing urban agriculture, primarily community gardens, and finds that their contribution to food security is limited due to their small numbers. However, community gardens could improve food security for vulnerable populations or residents living nearby in the aftermath of a disaster.
The next phase of this research will explore the future potential of urban agriculture in Wellington, focusing on residential backyard gardens, urban farms, and expanded community gardens. Several land uses will be considered, including residential zoning and open/recreation zoning, based on a review of the Wellington City Council District Plan.

Supervisors

Dr Victoria Chanse & Dr Fabricio Chicca

Contact

yanxin.liu@vuw.ac.nz