Evaluating user preferences and willingness to adopt vertical gardens for improving urban food security

Abstract

• Urban dwellers exhibit a strong preference for vertical gardens to enhance food security and promote sustainable agriculture. • 78 % of urban residents are likely to adopt vertical gardening, influenced by housing type and personal interest in gardening. • Essential vertical garden design elements include flexible materials and a subscription model for garden management, which encourages widespread use. • There is a significant opportunity for social enterprises and public-private partnerships to promote vertical gardens in urban settings. Global food production faces threats from climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and pests. By 2050, the global population is expected to reach 9.1 billion, placing significant pressure on urban food systems. Vertical farming provides an efficient method for growing food in cities, and its adoption and utilization require support. A crucial aspect needed for increased adoption and use is to ensure that designs consider the needs and preferences of urban households. This study aims to identify the key features that potential users desire in vertical gardens and to assess their willingness to adopt and integrate these systems into their homes. As such, using a quantitative research approach, this study was conducted in Ayawaso West, Ghana, and surveyed 300 households to assess their preferences for vertical gardens (VG) in vegetable production. The results showed a predominantly young and skilled population interested in VG as a response to high vegetable costs and limited access to fresh food. The study finds that the main factors affecting VG adoption include housing type, with flats and apartments showing more interest, as well as personal gardening experience. Additionally, key factors influencing VG adoption include housing type, with flats and apartments demonstrating greater interest, along with personal gardening experience. The study advises user-centered designs, flexible materials, and a subscription management model to encourage vertical gardening in urban areas. These findings offer the user profiles needed to support the design of VG for city residents.