長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題50

Urban agriculture has emerged as a powerful tool for addressing food security and environmental challenges in cities worldwide. This practice involves growing crops and raising livestock within urban areas, transforming vacant lots, rooftops, and abandoned buildings into productive green spaces. In Detroit, for example, over 1,400 community gardens and urban farms have been established since 2010, providing fresh produce to neighborhoods that previously lacked access to healthy food.
The benefits of urban agriculture extend beyond food production. These green spaces help reduce urban heat islands, improve air quality, and manage stormwater runoff. Additionally, urban farming creates local employment opportunities and strengthens community bonds as neighbors work together to maintain shared gardens.
However, urban agriculture faces significant challenges. Soil contamination from past industrial activities poses health risks, while limited space and high land costs restrict expansion. Furthermore, zoning laws in many cities were not designed to accommodate agricultural activities, creating legal barriers for urban farmers.
Despite these obstacles, technological innovations are making urban agriculture more viable. Vertical farming systems and hydroponic methods allow for year-round production in controlled environments, maximizing yields in minimal space. As cities continue to grow, urban agriculture represents a sustainable approach to feeding urban populations while creating more livable communities.