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Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Urbanization is not a threat to food security
In recent years, the narrative that urbanization is by nature bad for agriculture and food security has gone so far in policy and media circles. There have been numerous op-eds raising the alarm, warning that cities are 'gobbling up' farm land and placing the nation at risk of not being able to feed itself. Some writers warned that 'uncontrolled expansion of cities is shrinking arable land,' while others referred to urban sprawl as 'a silent threat to food security'.These assertions, although well-intentioned, often lack empirical grounding and conflate urban growth with land degradation in a linear, unnuanced manner. But the latest Urban Atlas of Punjab (2025), published by The Urban Unit, tells a different and more evidence-basedstory based on satellite-based land usedata. From 1995 to 2023, Punjab's built-up area has increased from 1 percent to 4 percent of total area of the province, a quadrupling of urban and peri-urban growth. Whereas this confirms the reality of urban growth, the more surprising finding is that agricultural land increased slightly, from 54 percent to 55 percent of the province's entire land area in the same period. These findings are against the prevailing perception that urbanization automatically pushes agriculture out or directly threatens food security. These results actually point to the opposite conclusion that urbanization and agricultural sustainability are not at all mutually exclusive. Instead, they can coexist quite harmoniouslywith some better strategic the hypothesis that urbanization is eating up the agricultural land is not supported by the latest available satellite imagery data. Whereas the agricultural footprint is constantand even marginally on the rise because the data indicate a dramatic reduction in cover of grasslands and shrublands, from 20 percent in 1995 to 16 percent in 2023. This decline does not immediately threaten food security but sends alarm signals from an ecological and environmental point of view. Grasslands and shrublands are critical in protecting biodiversity, supporting local ecosystems, and carbon sequestration. Also noteworthy is stability in tree cover (one percent) and water bodies (one percent) during this period. As much as uniformity in these indicators may appear good on the surface, it also suggests an ecologically static pattern of improvement, particularly for tree cover, which remains critically low on global standards. Battling food insecurity in Pakistan Maintaining this status quo in the context of growing urban heat and environmental pressures is not in the long term. Nonetheless, it is important to contextualize this one percent increase in agricultural land cover with caution. While it may appear reassuring, it should not be interpreted in isolation or assumed to be sufficient or insufficient to meet the demands of a population growing at an annual rate of 2 percent to 3 percent. Land cover expansion alone does not equate to proportional increases in food supply. The sustainability of food security is more greatly influenced by the agricultural productivity of land instead of land area. According to World Bank, Pakistan's agricultural value added per worker, though low both globally and regionally, increased for US$ 2416 in 1995 to US$ 3076 in 2023. It shows an improvement of 27 percent in per worker productivity but it doesn't depict the net improvement as the agriculture share in total employment also decreased by 6 percent in the same duration. Somehow, the one percent increase in farmland coupled with per worker value added data till now the urbanization didn't compromise the area under cultivation and per worker yield in Punjab. Even with a decline in the share of agricultural land, agricultural technology innovation, rising input efficiency, and sustainable agriculture can significantly contribute to per capita food availability. The policy focus, therefore, must also be on enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience as well as safeguarding the quantity and quality of arable land. Thus, he above-discussed evidence leads to a key conclusion: urbanization in Punjab, as measured by remote sensing, has not compromised agricultural land or directly endangered food security. This conclusion, however, does not translate to an endorsement of unchecked urban growth. On the contrary, the evidence calls for the need to differentiate between urbanization and unplanned urbanization. Haphazard expansion—manifested in informal housing societies, encroachments, and poorly regulated industrial zones—can still wreak havoc on both agricultural land and environmental health. But urbanization itself is not inherently problematic. Managed correctly, it can stimulate economic growth, improve access to markets for farmers, and create new forms of agricultural productivity, such as peri-urban and vertical farming. To mitigate the negative externalities of urban growth while preserving environmental and food security objectives, the following policy recommendations are warranted: Firstly, reject the binary view of urbanization versus agriculture. The coexistence of growing built-up and agricultural areas in Punjab over three decades is evidence that integrated land-use planning is possible. Secondly, Second, encourage planned urban development by densification, not sprawl. Vertical and rooftop agriculture can be promoted to provide local foods and reduce urban carbon footprints. Thirdly, increase urban tree cover, especially through replicable models like the Miyawaki (urban mini-forest) methodology, which delivers high-density greening of small urban spaces. Better tree cover can combat urban heat islands, improve air quality, and stabilize microclimates. Fourthly, establish buffer zones to spatially separate industrial, residential, and agricultural zoning approach will reduce land-use conflict, protect peri-urban farmlands, and contain environmental spillovers from industrial activity. And, lastly, invest in ecological restoration, particularly in degraded shrub and grassland areas, through afforestation, soil regeneration, and habitat conservation efforts. Punjab Urban Atlas 2025 is a harsh reminder that policy must be driven by evidence and not by outdated suppositions or widespread fears. The increase in agricultural land over urban expansion is a counter-narrative to the constant refrain that food security is threatened by urbanization. Instead, it is the nature of urban expansion that presents the challenge—whether it is planned, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable. Urbanization is not the enemy. Poorly governed urbanization is. As Pakistan's cities continue to expand, now is the time to align spatial planning with sustainable development goals, balancing economic vitality, environmental guardianship, and agricultural resilience. The article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business Recorder or its owners
Express Tribune
11-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Punjab adopts digital monitoring
Listen to article LAHORE: To enhance transparency and accountability, the Punjab government is implementing Third-Party Validation (TPV) and Digital Monitoring for the Chief Minister's District Sustainable Development Goals Programme (CMD-SDGs). Aligned with Pakistan's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs-2030), this initiative aims to improve oversight, efficiency, and resource utilisation in public sector development. With a focus on data-driven decision-making, this framework could serve as a model for other provinces, reinforcing Punjab's efforts toward sustainable governance, said Abid Hussaini, General Manager Environment and Climate Change, The Urban Unit. Hussaini added that integrating a real-time digital and physical monitoring Management Information System (MIS) into the development process is a ground-breaking move. Traditionally, development projects have suffered from mismanagement, lack of oversight, and substandard execution. "However, by employing digital tools, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, and environmental analysis, the Urban Unit will monitor the progress and quality of 3,481 development schemes across 35 districts with greater precision and accountability," he said. A key aspect of this initiative is an interactive mobile application that allows contractors to upload pictorial evidence of their work at different stages. This minimises false reporting and ensures real-time oversight. Additionally, e-learning courses for contractors on app usage suggest a forward-thinking approach to capacity building and digital literacy in the public sector. The tool's effectiveness will depend on its adoption and ease of use, making continuous training and support essential, he added. Another significant feature is the establishment of four quality assessment labs across Punjab to test materials, equipment, and infrastructure functionality. Development projects often suffer due to subpar materials and hasty execution, leading to premature deterioration and wasted funds. With dedicated teams of engineers verifying quality and ensuring compliance with standards, this project introduces a much-needed layer of quality assurance. "These labs will not only assess ongoing construction but also serve as a reference for future infrastructure projects," he said. In a governance culture where self-assessment often leads to biased reporting and inefficiencies, neutral validation adds credibility, ensuring funds are used effectively and objectives are met with integrity. The decision to conduct Third-Party Validation for 20% of schemes in each sector before final report submission reflects a commitment to external oversight, he stated. However, while this initiative has many positives, challenges remain. Digital monitoring and third-party validation must be complemented with strong accountability mechanisms. Additionally, success depends on how effectively stakeholders, including contractors, local governments, and community representatives, engage in the monitoring process. Public awareness campaigns are essential to help citizens understand these initiatives and encourage them to act as watchdogs in their communities. Another challenge is resistance to digital monitoring by stakeholders who may see it as a threat to established practices. In many development projects, middlemen and bureaucrats resist transparency due to vested interests. Strong political will and public support are necessary to implement digital monitoring and third-party validation without unnecessary hindrances. "The government should also ensure the technology is accessible and user-friendly for all relevant parties to facilitate widespread adoption," Hussaini said. Moreover, as the Urban Unit explicitly states, it will not be responsible for post-completion performance or scheme efficiency. This raises concerns about long-term sustainability. A maintenance strategy should be developed to ensure project benefits are not lost after execution. Many infrastructure projects in Pakistan deteriorate quickly due to poor maintenance. Funds must be allocated for periodic upkeep, and local authorities should be trained to uphold quality standards long after project completion. Community-based monitoring systems could help ensure infrastructure projects continue serving their purpose, he said. Another factor is scalability. While Punjab has taken the lead in implementing digital monitoring and third-party validation for SDG-related projects, the question remains whether similar frameworks can be introduced in other provinces. Given this programme's success, the federal government should consider adopting a national policy on digital governance in infrastructure development, setting uniform standards for transparency, monitoring, and quality control. Technology-driven monitoring should also be continuously improved to keep pace with digital advancements. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) could enhance predictive analysis, allowing project managers to identify potential issues before they become major problems. "Drone technology can also be leveraged to provide aerial views of construction sites, offering another layer of real-time monitoring. By integrating these technologies into the existing MIS framework, the government can make even greater strides in improving infrastructure development," he added. Hussaini further stated that CMD-SDGs' digital and third-party monitoring approach is a progressive step toward ensuring transparent, high-quality development in Punjab. If executed effectively and complemented with strong accountability measures, this initiative could set new benchmarks in governance and development monitoring. The government must ensure this model is not only successful but also scalable, adaptable, and sustainable in the long run. As the world moves toward data-driven governance, Pakistan must not lag behind. Digital transparency in development projects will help achieve SDG targets and foster a culture of accountability, leading to improved public trust in government institutions. With the right policies and continued innovation, digital monitoring can transform Pakistan's infrastructure landscape for the better, he added.
