The urban landscape requires a shift to a more self-sufficient, healthy and sustainable future. Urban agricultural (UA) projects are one way to do so. This research explores how low-income UA projects in North America and Europe can be supported strategically in moving towards a sustainable future. The authors analysed UA projects using the 5 Level Framework (5LF) and the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) to understand their current reality and to help determine sustainable advances within UA projects. Leverage Points were also used as a subsidiary analytical tool to help pinpoint effective actions of change. Research resulted in the creation of Strategic Recommendations and guidance for UA projects to help foster a societal shift towards sustainability.

An in-depth exploration of urban agriculture. Using the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development, an analysis was conducted, as well as looking at main barriers and enablers to success to determine what is the most strategic support urban agriculture projects need. An Ideal Project was created, complete with a set of 10 Foundational Values to build a vision on, 25 best practice recommendations and an ABCD planning process to move urban agriculture projects towards sustainability.