Reintegrating agriculture into the urban fabric: resilience and land sustainability through urban and peri-urban farming in Morocco

Introduction: Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in Morocco is increasingly recognized as a strategic response to rapid urbanization, climate change, land degradation, and growing food insecurity. In metropolitan areas such as Rabat, Casablanca, and Meknès, UPA contributes to ecosystem services, food sovereignty, cultural heritage preservation, and inclusive livelihoods, particularly benefiting women and youth. Methods: This study employed a spatial analysis of urban growth patterns and land use data, complemented by qualitative fieldwork, including stakeholder interviews and case studies, conducted in selected Moroccan cities. A socio-economic and agroecological assessment was also carried out to evaluate the multifunctional roles of UPA and its contribution to sustainable land systems. Results: The findings show that UPA significantly reinforces the urban–rural continuum by buffering against land fragmentation and promoting sustainable land practices. Traditional agricultural knowledge, when combined with agroecological principles, enhances system resilience and resource efficiency. However, urban expansion, insecure land tenure, and water scarcity remain critical constraints. Governance gaps and limited policy integration hinder the scaling of UPA further. Conclusions: UPA represents a valuable land use strategy to support local food systems, restore degraded landscapes, and improve urban resilience to climate change. Institutional recognition and integrated urban planning are essential to unlock its full potential. This work contributes to global dialogues on sustainable land systems and aligns with the UN SDGs 2, 11, and 15, responding to the global call for interdisciplinary approaches to land system sustainability in the Global South.