Water-Scarce Medicinal Plants: A Sustainable Economic Pathway for Developing Cities

Developing cities face the dual challenge of rapid urbanization and increasing water scarcity, impacting both public health and economic stability. This article explores the potential of cultivating water-scarce medicinal plants as a sustainable economic strategy. These plants, adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions, offer a low-input, high-value agricultural pathway, providing raw materials for pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. This approach not only conserves precious water resources but also creates income opportunities, enhances biodiversity, and promotes traditional knowledge. By examining the economic viability and ecological benefits of selected water-scarce medicinal species, this article highlights their potential to contribute to the resilience and economic diversification of developing urban centers.

کلیدواژه ها:

Water scarcity ، medicinal plants ، economic development ، urban agriculture ، sustainability ، arid regions ، developing cities ، traditional knowledge ، biodiversity ، phytopharmaceuticals