Urban agriculture as a multifunctional solution to urbanization challenges: The Case Study of El-Sherouk City in Cairo Metropolitan Area (EGYPT)

This thesis, "Urban Agriculture as a Multifunctional Solution to Urbanization Challenges: The Case Study of El-Sherouk City in Cairo Metropolitan Area (Egypt)," explores how urban agriculture (UA) can help address the complex challenges brought about by Egypt's rapid urbanization. Using El-Sherouk City—one of the new cities in the Greater Cairo Region—as a case study, the research investigates the practical applications and expected benefits of integrating UA into urban development strategies. The Key areas covered by this thesis include the context of the problem in Cairo, and it tries to identify critical issues such as food and water insecurity, environmental degradation, economic challenges, and the need and importance of enhancing community involvement. Also, the thisis frame these problems within the broader context of centralized governance of Egypt and the rapid, often unplanned, growth of the new cities. After this, a comprehensive theoretical framework of urban agriculture is provided by reviewing different literature to define the different methods of classifying urban agriculture, its various types of urban agriculture according to each category (e.g., rooftop farming, vertical farms, community gardens), and exploring its multilayered benefits. and how These benefits span multiple environmental aspects (e.g., climate change mitigation, waste management), social aspects (e.g., improved public health, community cohesion), and economic aspects (e.g., food security, job creation). Then, qualitative methodology was carried out, combining literature review, observations, and detailed analysis of inspirational UA case studies from diverse global. This methodology aims to examine best practices and adaptable strategies for implementation into the Egyptian urban landscape. This part of the thesis examines successful urban agriculture initiatives in various cities worldwide. Trying to draw lessons that could be applicable and transferred to El-Sherouk City, highlighting innovative approaches to integrating UA into urban planning and design. With the help of an empirical study of El-Sherouk City, we focus on evaluating the potential for urban farming within the city. identifying suitable locations such as rooftops and vacant public and private lands, assessing existing challenges, including lack of policy, technical expertise, and social acceptance, and proposing practical recommendations for implementing UA projects. And at the end, the Thesis reaches a conclusion by outlining a strategic framework for the ability to integrate urban agriculture into El-Sherouk City's planning and development. This conclusion provides specific recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and designers, aiming to foster resilient, sustainable, and food-secure urban environments in Egypt. Also, how the implementation process is emphasized by the role of policy incentives and community involvement in. Overall, the thesis argues that urban agriculture It transcends being just a means of providing food, but it could play a vital role in strengthening sustainable urban development, enhancing livability, and building resilience against contemporary urbanization challenges in Egypt.