Enhancing Urban Agriculture Potential through GIS and AHP Techniques

Urban agriculture plays a crucial role in addressing food security, environmental sustainability, and community resilience within increasingly urbanized areas. This study employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) to explore the complex interplay of social, geographical, economic, and agricultural dynamics to find the suitable locations for urban agriculture in the city of Birmingham (Alabama). By analyzing spatial data and applying robust analytical techniques, our research aims to enhance urban agricultural practices and foster more inclusive, sustainable urban development. We begin by reviewing existing research to identify optimal cultivation areas, followed by collecting detailed data on crop types, planting schedules, and growth durations. We also identify target communities and design surveys to understand social dynamics. Additionally, we evaluate food accessibility using USDA guidelines to pinpoint stores selling relevant crops and examine socioeconomic disparities, focusing on low-income areas as defined by the Department of Treasury’s New Markets Tax Credit program. All data are sourced from reliable GIS platforms and rigorously verified. The study concludes with the creation of spatial distribution maps illustrating low-income regions, households with limited vehicle access, and neighborhoods with restricted food outlet access.