TY - JOUR
T1 - Evaluating user preferences and willingness to adopt vertical gardens for improving urban food security
AU - Dorvlo, Selorm Y.
AU - Adjei, Beatrice
AU - Djabeng, Belinda N.S.
AU - Ninson, Daniel
AU - Nwachukwu, Priscilla C.
AU - Eweh, Promise
AU - Asenso, Evans
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Author(s)
PY - 2025/12
Y1 - 2025/12
N2 - Global food production faces threats from climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and pests. By 2050, the global population is expected to reach 9.1 billion, placing significant pressure on urban food systems. Vertical farming provides an efficient method for growing food in cities, and its adoption and utilization require support. A crucial aspect needed for increased adoption and use is to ensure that designs consider the needs and preferences of urban households. This study aims to identify the key features that potential users desire in vertical gardens and to assess their willingness to adopt and integrate these systems into their homes. As such, using a quantitative research approach, this study was conducted in Ayawaso West, Ghana, and surveyed 300 households to assess their preferences for vertical gardens (VG) in vegetable production. The results showed a predominantly young and skilled population interested in VG as a response to high vegetable costs and limited access to fresh food. The study finds that the main factors affecting VG adoption include housing type, with flats and apartments showing more interest, as well as personal gardening experience. Additionally, key factors influencing VG adoption include housing type, with flats and apartments demonstrating greater interest, along with personal gardening experience. The study advises user-centered designs, flexible materials, and a subscription management model to encourage vertical gardening in urban areas. These findings offer the user profiles needed to support the design of VG for city residents.
AB - Global food production faces threats from climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and pests. By 2050, the global population is expected to reach 9.1 billion, placing significant pressure on urban food systems. Vertical farming provides an efficient method for growing food in cities, and its adoption and utilization require support. A crucial aspect needed for increased adoption and use is to ensure that designs consider the needs and preferences of urban households. This study aims to identify the key features that potential users desire in vertical gardens and to assess their willingness to adopt and integrate these systems into their homes. As such, using a quantitative research approach, this study was conducted in Ayawaso West, Ghana, and surveyed 300 households to assess their preferences for vertical gardens (VG) in vegetable production. The results showed a predominantly young and skilled population interested in VG as a response to high vegetable costs and limited access to fresh food. The study finds that the main factors affecting VG adoption include housing type, with flats and apartments showing more interest, as well as personal gardening experience. Additionally, key factors influencing VG adoption include housing type, with flats and apartments demonstrating greater interest, along with personal gardening experience. The study advises user-centered designs, flexible materials, and a subscription management model to encourage vertical gardening in urban areas. These findings offer the user profiles needed to support the design of VG for city residents.
KW - Urban food security
KW - User preference
KW - Vertical garden
KW - Vertical garden design
KW - Willingness to adopt
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105018357045
U2 - 10.1016/j.sftr.2025.101424
DO - 10.1016/j.sftr.2025.101424
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:105018357045
SN - 2666-1888
VL - 10
JO - Sustainable Futures
JF - Sustainable Futures
M1 - 101424
ER -
