Which of the following describes the impact of urbanization on peri-urban agriculture?

• A. Peri-urban agriculture is discouraged by rising land values.
• B. Peri-urban agriculture is promoted as land near cities is valuable for high-value crops.
• C. Urbanization eliminates all agricultural activity near cities.
• D. Urbanization decreases demand for fresh produce.

Answer: (B)

As cities grow, land near them becomes highly valuable and there is strong demand for fresh produce from nearby urban consumers. This makes peri-urban areas ideal for growing high-value crops and using intensive, controlled methods (like greenhouses or vertical farming) to maximize output per hectare. Proximity to city markets reduces transport time and costs, supports fresher produce, and allows farmers to target premium products, which is why peri-urban agriculture is promoted in this context.

So, the scenario described is that peri-urban agriculture thrives because the land close to cities is valuable for producing high-value crops for urban markets. The other statements don’t fit because urbanization doesn’t erase all agricultural activity near cities, and demand for fresh produce typically rises with urban growth rather than decreases; rising land values can add pressure but also incentivize high-value, market-oriented farming near cities.