FASALIFY

SERVICE THEME : Social Innovation

LOCATION : Gandhinagar city, Gujarat

Our team took the agricultural practices in an urban set up as the lead for finding opportunities for the service design.

CONTEXT :

By 2030, it is projected that 60% of the population in developing countries will live in cities. The urban population in India which stands at 377 million is expected to grow by 404 million by 2050 (World Urbanisation Prospects, 2014). . Feeding cities will face multiple challenges such as resource scarcity, climate change, unsustainable production and consumption patterns, and food loss and waste. Thereby making urban population more vulnerable to food insecurity as they mostly rely on external sources for their food and supply needs.

Even in a planned city like Gandhinagar the urbanites have much less control over the supply and quality of the food they consume as compared to the rural population. The food prices, especially those of vegetables, fruits and pulses, which heavily influence the quantum of their intake, are often subject to huge fluctuations due to many factors ranging from the vagaries of the monsoon to spread of diseases to the changes in price of crude oil in the international market and to the changes in policies governing import and export of agricultural commodities. They also have no control over the use of pesticides and other chemicals used in producing the food, which has serious implications for nutritional value and safety of the food consumed.

In such a scenario, the implementation of urban farming aligns with the lifestyle of the urbanites who are concerned with the quality and origin of their food resources. Gandhinagar city being deficit of cultivation lands has to procure most of the produces from other areas which obstructs the transparency of farm to fork route for the consumer. The upcoming generation has very few instances where they get in touch with the farm activities which has the potential to imbibe knowledge, skill and insights in their way of thinking about farming. It’s essential for us to include the young generation and give them a chance in carrying forward sustainable practices which enlightens them and helps them to be mindful about the issues of food availability & wastage. Thus, the involvement of the youth in activities aligning with the ideology of urban farming can be a step towards food-smart and healthy city in the coming future.

IN THE CONTEXT OF FARMING IN AN URBAN SET UP

Gaps & issues :

• Very less or no involvement of children in farm to fork route.
• Very less / no exposure to an agricultural set up for children.
• No knowledge of methods used for growing agricultural products.
• No option to monitor/inspect the involvement of pesticides and post processing adulteration.
• No platform for young urbanites to connect and reach out for support and encouragement to try out urban farming practices.
• Lack of space due to housing infrastructure in city, busy time schedule of the urban lifestyle
• Lack of expertise in urban farming practice and being doubtful regarding its practicality of practicing in doing it.

Need :

• To understand and feel responsible about the struggles of growing & processing of food resources in order to comprehend their value.
• To evoke a positive mentality regarding farming and the individuals associated to it
• Unadulterated fresh homegrown green produce
• Develop the qualities of caring, collaboration and support among the children
• To acquaint with the qualities of patience and dedication
• An alternative mindful quality time engagement activity for recreation and family bonding
• Adding another responsible & virtuous facet to one’s social image.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY :

. Environment and urban green space centric educational activities

. Edible green space design in an urban set up

. Collaborative urban farming modules in urban communities

. Organic waste management and upcycling initiatives

. Urban agriculture product development

. Quality time activity aiming at sensitizing about food resources

. Skill development and small business programmes contributing to

promotion & upliftment of green space initiatives in cities

TARGET CLIENTELE :

The clientele selection is based on the gaps, issues and need cited above.

CLIENTS:

Parents with kids of age 4 to 8 yrs living in cities who wants to educate and improve their kids knowledge on the environment and ecosystem. They recognise and appreciate the value of education through innovative means. They are well informed, educated and experimentalist. Either or both parents are working professionals.