A value chain approach towards managing sustainable productive urban landscape in Egypt

Abstract

Productive urban landscapes (PULs) offer a promising solution to address pressing challenges such as urbanisation, food and water scarcity, and climate change. Despite their potential, PULs have not yet been incorporated into Egypt’s urban planning or upgrading processes. Therefore, this study aims to develop a model that can guide sustainable management decisions for PULs. The model outlines the steps involved in the different phases of PULs and food systems, employing a value chain approach based on a literature review. Furthermore, sustainability indicators are derived based on Orientor’s theory, and their correlation to the model value chain phases is examined through expert interviews. Finally, the study presents recommended strategies to enhance urban sustainability through PUL value chains.

Keywords:

• Urban agriculture
• food system
• sustainability indicators

Acknowledgements

The authors sincerely thank the participants for their valuable contributions and the anonymous reviewers for their constructive feedback.

Informed consent

The experts voluntarily participated in this study and provided informed consent. All participants were 25 years of age or older. The article ensures anonymity and excludes personal information. The interview responses are presented in a statistical format.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data supporting the findings of this study are available upon request.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dalia Sayed Basyouni Salem

Dalia Sayed Basyouni Salem is an architect, assistant lecturer, and researcher specialising in architecture and landscape design in Egypt. Her academic background includes a major in architecture and a minor in urban design and community development. Currently pursuing a PhD at Cairo University’s Faculty of Engineering, her research focuses on enhancing urban resilience in impoverished areas through the appropriation of productive urban landscapes. The aim is to develop innovative approaches that address the societal challenges faced by these communities. In 2017, she completed her master’s degree, presenting a thesis titled “Upgrading Informal Settlements in Greater Cairo through a Landscape-Based Approach.” Her research showcases her commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in informal settlements by implementing sustainable design solutions. In addition to her academic pursuits, she actively engages in extracurricular activities to further expand her knowledge and expertise. In the current year, she took part in Hbs’ 9th Regional Summer School titled “It’s More than Just Food: Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture towards Equitable and Justice-based Food Systems in the MENA Region.” Furthermore, she participated in the COSIMENA Summer School in 2022, exploring the future of sustainable dryland farming under climate change.

Ahmed Mohamed Amin

Ahmed Mohamed Amin is affiliated with the Department of Architectural Engineering at Cairo University, where he currently holds the position of Professor of Architecture and Urban Landscape. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture with highest honours and subsequently pursued a master’s in urban landscape, followed by a PhD in landscape architecture, all from Cairo University. He has contributed as an author or co-author to several national and international publications and serves as a reviewer for reputed professional journals. He is actively involved with various societies and academies worldwide, establishing a strong presence in the scientific community and gaining recognition from honourable subject experts. His major research interest involves sustainable landscapes, while his other research interests include urban landscape assessment and metrics, aesthetic preferences in the urban landscape environment, appropriated and regenerative approaches in sustainable site landscaping, and value engineering applications in the field of landscape.

Sherin Ali Gammaz

Sherin Ali Gammaz is an associate professor at Cairo University, where she received her MSc and PhD degrees. Her specialised academic background is in the field of urban planning and design, and she primarily teaches courses in urban planning, urban design, urban management, and urban regeneration. She has actively participated in supervising numerous MSc and PhD theses in related research areas. Her recent academic research focuses on the upgrading of informal settlements and sustainable urbanism. In addition to her teaching and research work at Cairo University, she possesses extensive experience in practical projects related to urban design and architecture, collaborating with various international and national organisations. Her expertise has a particular focus on upgrading informal areas, public spaces, and natural reserves. She has actively contributed to numerous international conferences and workshops, both in organisational and participatory roles. Furthermore, she has been a valuable member of research teams for several projects funded by DAAD, with a special emphasis on sustainable urbanism, climate adaptation, and resource efficiency for old and new urban neighbourhoods, in collaboration with HafenCity University in Germany.