Sustainability of urbanization processes in the digital environment: food security factors

Abstract

Motives: The article examines the potential of the digital environment in the sustainable supply of fresh food to the big city. Urbanization is a difficult process to manage, and adapting it to the demands of sustainable development requires the search for the new opportunities and ways. In this context, it is highly probable to use the opportunities provided by the digital environment through the Internet, digital technologies and devices, or other digital means. The place and role of ensuring food security in cities and the sustainability of urbanization processes have been little studied. Aim: It is expedient to assess the role of the suburban zone and the zone of transportation of these products to the city in the provision of large cities with fresh food products in terms of sustainable development of urbanization zones. Results: Research and calculations conducted on the example of the Baku agglomeration (Azerbaijan) have provided an opportunity to comment on the impact of food security factors on the sustainability of urbanization processes in the digital environment. To determine the changes in the transportation zone of fresh milk to this agglomeration, we calculated the proposed “weighted average distance of transportation” indicator. It was revealed that the formation of the digital environment in the agricultural production business entities is faster in the areas located closer to the Baku agglomeration.