Preipheral Urban Spaces Development

Preipheral Urban Spaces Development

Urban Agriculture as a New Approach to Providing Cultural Ecosystem Services: A Study Based on Marivan Citizens' Perceptions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Arman Rastkhadiv
Bahman Veisi Nabikandi
Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
10.22034/jpusd.2024.478920.1319
Abstract
In recent decades, with the rapid growth of urbanization and the increasing population in cities, the demand for natural resources and green spaces has significantly risen. Under these circumstances, attention to ecosystem services, particularly cultural ecosystem services, has gained prominence as a novel approach in urban environmental management. Cultural ecosystem services encompass all the benefits that humans receive from ecosystems, including cultural experiences, aesthetics, inspiration, and even social identity. Among these, urban agriculture, as an important subset of ecosystems, plays a key role in providing such services. Urban agriculture, as a modern strategy for sustainable urban development, plays a vital role in improving the urban environment and enhancing the quality of life for citizens. This type of agriculture fosters social interactions, raises environmental awareness, and promotes both physical and mental well-being. The cultural ecosystem services provided by urban agriculture include all the intangible benefits that citizens derive from agricultural activities in urban areas. These services not only involve the provision of fresh, local food but also offer positive psychological, social, and cultural impacts. Furthermore, such activities can enhance urban aesthetics and contribute to the aesthetic value of urban environments. Thus, urban agriculture and its related cultural ecosystem services play a crucial role in improving urban quality of life and increasing citizen satisfaction with their living environment. The main aim of this research is to explore the perceptions and experiences of the citizens of Marivan regarding the cultural ecosystem services of urban agriculture. By identifying and analyzing citizens' perspectives, this study seeks to better understand the role and importance of urban agriculture in providing cultural ecosystem services.
 
Methodology
This study is applied in nature and employs a descriptive-analytical approach based on quantitative data collection and analysis using a researcher-designed questionnaire. The study area focuses on urban agricultural lands and their users. The city of Marivan contains 2,799 hectares of urban and peri-urban agricultural land, indicating the region’s significant capacity for urban agriculture. Additionally, due to its clean and healthy air, Marivan is considered one of the best regions in Iran for urban and peri-urban agricultural activities. The research was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed via social media to gather valuable experiences and perceptions from Marivan citizens about the cultural ecosystem services of urban agriculture. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling through the Smart-PLS software.
 
Results and discussion
The results indicated that several independent variables from the cultural ecosystem services of urban agriculture were significant. Among them, the variable of recreation and ecotourism, with a t-statistic of 6.479, was the most prominent cultural ecosystem service, based on the perceptions of Marivan citizens. This relationship was confirmed with a path coefficient of 0.349 and a significance level of 0.000 at a 99% confidence level. Additionally, the variable of cultural diversity, with a t-statistic of 5.405 and a path coefficient of 0.312 and a significance level of 0.000, was also confirmed as an important and influential factor according to citizens' perceptions. Other variables, including social relations, aesthetics, and educational aspects, had t-statistics of 3.066, 3.065, and 2.237, respectively, indicating their strong impact. However, other cultural ecosystem services variables, such as spiritual values, heritage values, and inspiration, did not have a direct or significant relationship with urban agriculture, and their path coefficients were low, resulting in the rejection of these relationships in the structural model. The findings revealed that urban agriculture has significant positive effects on cultural diversity, recreational and ecotourism services, educational aspects, aesthetic value, and social relations. These results highlight the role of urban agriculture in fostering social cohesion, creating recreational spaces, promoting public education, enhancing urban aesthetics, and strengthening social interactions. However, no significant relationship was observed between urban agriculture and the components of inspiration, cultural heritage values, and spiritual values. These findings underscore the potential of urban agriculture to contribute to urban sustainability and cultural ecosystem services.
 
Conclusion
Urban agriculture has been recognized as an important tool for urban sustainability and for alleviating pressure on natural resources. The findings of this study revealed that, in addition to its productive role, urban agriculture can positively impact cultural ecosystem services. Variables such as recreation and ecotourism, social relations, aesthetics, cultural diversity, and educational aspects were among the most influential and perceived factors based on the experiences of Marivan citizens regarding urban agriculture. Agricultural activities within urban spaces can lead to the creation of open and green spaces within cities, encouraging residents to spend their leisure time in more natural environments. By exploring the diverse perceptions of citizens concerning the cultural ecosystem services of urban agriculture, valuable insights have emerged that can play a significant role in enhancing citizen well-being and promoting sustainable urban development.
 
Funding
According to the responsible author, this article has no financial support
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
 We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.
Keywords
Urban Agriculture
Urban Green Infrastructure
Cultural Ecosystem Services
Sustainable Urban Development

Subjects

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Preipheral Urban Spaces Development
Volume 7, Issue 2 - Serial Number 16
Summer
Summer 2025
Pages 105-128