Food in the city: Barriers, drivers, and stakeholders for acceptance of zero-acreage farming

Resource scarcity and a growing population have driven an increasing interest in zero-acreage farming (Z-Farming), a form of urban agriculture that leverages synergies between food production and buildings, rather than conventional farmland. While Z-Farming presents an innovative approach to producing food locally, acceptance remains critical for its sustainable adoption. This systematic literature review (SLR) examines the current state of research on the acceptance of Z-Farming, focusing on the various forms of Z-Farming involved, the stakeholders involved, and the barriers and drivers of acceptance. By synthesising research on stakeholder perspectives globally, this review of 53 empirical studies across 105 countries between 2010 and 2024 provides a structured approach to understanding the multidimensional acceptance of Z-Farming. It proposes a framework that employs the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) and Social Practices Approach (SPA) to assess the acceptance of Z-Farming. This supports future research and policy by guiding context-sensitive engagement strategies. By advancing conceptual clarity and system-level understanding, it aims to contribute to the transformation of sustainable urban food systems.