Contribution of local knowledge towards urban agroforestry as a sustainable approach on climate change adaptation

School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Abstract

A crucial role in climate change adaptation is the one that should be played by cities. These are major contributors to climate change as well as most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. As urban population in cities increases, so does the greenhouse gas emissions. Urbanisation and the growth of cities continues at great speed, and today the global urban population has increased nine fold since 100 years ago. Though presented with current challenges and threats such as environmental degradation, urban poverty and food security, urban density could create a better quality of life and a lower carbon footprint by innovative approach and more efficient infrastructure planning. Creative solutions are implemented as part of the sustainability component of an integrated, climate resilient city, which comprises of fundamental aspects such as food, water, energy and transport. Application of local knowledge on agroforestry can be utilized in an urban setting, and has positive impacts on a microclimate scale, such as reduces impact of higher rainfall, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and reduces vulnerability on the urban poor. Urban agroforestry largely contributes to sustainable urban food production opportunities, and encompasses four main fields of practice, including agroecology, urban forestry, urban agriculture and permaculture. This paper examines the local knowledge of agroforestry and how the local knowledge can be transferred into practice in an urban setting, thus providing a sustainable approach towards climate change adaptation in cities.