Cairo has experienced countless transformations which shaped its social and spatial structure over the course of its history. Modern architecture is located side-by-side with centuries-old buildings, and within the city’s relatively small but agglomerated area. Because of Cairo’s ever growing population density -which varies from 30,000 persons per square kilometer to 100,000 in the older districts- and its limited green spaces, urban farming is restricted to rooftops and scarce peri-urban agricultural lands.

Urban and rooftop agriculture are beneficial in cooling the temperature of the buildings and absorbing some of the pollution of the city. In addition to that, creating green spaces in a megalopolis like Cairo might contribute to a more attractive cityscape as well as to an increased quality of life for Cairo’s inhabitants. Raising animals and growing food in restricted urban spaces help those, who experience difficulties tapping into the formal food system, to meet their daily food requirements.

So what are the conditions for agriculture and the city to be reconciled with one another? How to design policies that encourage urban agriculture? How can technology help the mainstreaming of urban agriculture? What is the role and the responsibility of different actors in addressing the risks and improving the sustainability of certain urban agriculture practices? Come join us for a public panel discussion to answer those questions and more.