Abstract
In the land-scarce city-state of Singapore, there are numerous competing needs for the limited land. As a result, agricultural activities have been largely confined to the peri-urban edges of the city. However, within the dense and highly-urbanised city, there is potential to convert small and alternative spaces between, within, and on top of buildings into productive small-scale urban farms. This study is particularly focused on the conversion of rooftops into farming spaces. The development of small-scale urban farms is critical for diversifying Singapore’s local food production sources and advancing food security efforts. To date, small-scale urban farms have largely gone under the radar of policymakers, due to their perceived lack of viability and productivity relative to commercial-scale farms. Little is known about small-scale farmers’ motivations and challenges. In response, the starting point of this study is to consult urban farmers, government officials and academics on the opportunities and challenges of setting up and operating small-scale urban farms. The economic, social, political, legal, technical, and environmental pain points faced by small-scale urban farmers will be discussed in this study. Thereafter, promising systemic interventions will be put forth to address the identified challenges, and consequently enable small-scale urban farms to become viable and sustainable contributors to Singapore’s food security efforts. The consultation of urban farmers and design of systemic interventions parallels a design thinking approach to policymaking, following the iterative steps of empathise, define, ideate, prototype, and test. All in all, this study marks the culmination of an effort to investigate how the small-scale urban farming ecosystem can be brought to new heights. A multi-dimensional and whole-of-society approach is instrumental for advancing Singapore’s local food production efforts and bringing farming closer to where people live, work and play.