Collaborative governance in urban agriculture

Stakeholder roles, collaborative mechanisms, and power dynamics

Abstract

Urban agriculture (UA) plays a pivotal role in sustainable urban development, addressing food insecurity, environmental challenges, and social inequality. This study investigates the dynamics of collaborative governance in UA through an analysis of stakeholder roles, collaborative mechanisms, and power dynamics across six types of initiatives: social farms, urban farms, community parks, com­munity gardens, do-it-yourself gardens, and zero-acreage farms. Drawing on 14 case studies in Europe, the research identifies public authorities, civil society organizations (CSOs), nongovernmen­tal organizations (NGOs), private businesses, and practitioners as key stakeholders. Public authorities provide regulatory frameworks and resources, NGOs and CSOs facilitate community engagement and advocacy, private businesses contribute inno­vation and investment, while practitioners offer local knowledge and labor. The study argues that effective collaboration depends on inclusivity, shared responsibility, flexibility, and social cohe­sion. The findings highlight diverse collaborative mechanisms, including participatory decision-making, resource-sharing, and dynamic feedback loops, which enhance the adaptability and sustaina­bility of UA initiatives. However, the study also reveals challenges arising from power imbalances, such as the dominance of public authorities and businesses over marginalized stakeholders, which can undermine inclusivity and equitable outcomes. The challenges underscore the importance of fostering balanced stakeholder interactions and participatory governance to mitigate conflicts and support long-term sustainability. Collaborative mechanisms must adapt to local contexts, ensuring that UA initiatives address the complex socio-economic and environmental challenges of urban systems. The study contributes to a deeper under­standing of collaborative governance in UA, offer­ing insights into building resilient urban food sys­tems and promoting sustainable urban develop­ment. Future research should explore longitudinal case studies and extend the geographical scope to capture UA governance dynamics in diverse urban environments.