Urban food forests: Seeing the fruit for the trees - A systematic quantitative literature review and emerging research gaps

Localised sustainable food systems have become increasingly important as climatic and societal challenges arise from rapid urbanisation and stark climate change projections. To resolve the challenge, it is necessary to address a wide range of ecological, economic, and social concerns for individuals, communities, and policymakers alike. Urban food forestry, as a sub-form of urban agriculture, holds great potential in this regard but remains relatively underexplored. Defined as woody food producing species sited within urban landscapes, urban food forests can provide material and non-material benefits to the environment, societies, and cultures in which they are located. This research article identifies the realised and potential impacts of urban food forests and forestry across three dimensions of urban sustainability: Ecosystem Services, Food Security and Health, and Society and Culture. Differing from agroforestry in which timber products are most sought after, this research has found that urban food forests are highly valued for their ability to provide local foods and medicine, along with their regulating services. Their multifunctionality leads to impacts across the pillars of sustainability, from enhancing biodiversity and conservation, to economic and social inclusivity, human health and wellbeing. Further, analysis has highlighted urban planning and design as a central research theme surrounding urban food forestry. Utilising a systematic approach, this research provides insights into the realised and potential impacts of urban food forests and forestry and identifies drawbacks, concerns, and gaps in the literature, to present a balanced, comprehensive review of this unique form of urban agriculture. This research helps to inform sustainable practices that enhance the resilience of urban communities.