Rapid urbanization and the growing global population have intensified the demand for sustainable food production systems within urban environments. Hydroponics and aquaponics have emerged as innovative soilless cultivation technologies that offer significant potential for urban agriculture. This review examines the fundamental principles, types, advantages, and limitations of hydroponic and aquaponic systems, with a focus on their application in urban settings. Hydroponics enables plant cultivation in nutrient-rich water solutions without soil, while aquaponics integrates aquaculture with hydroponics in a symbiotic closed-loop ecosystem. Both systems demonstrate substantial water savings of up to 90% compared to conventional agriculture, higher crop yields per unit area, and year-round production capability. The integration of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and vertical farming further enhances the efficiency and scalability of these systems. Despite challenges including high initial capital costs and energy consumption, hydroponics and aquaponics represent promising pathways toward achieving food security and environmental sustainability in cities worldwide.

Keywords: Hydroponics; Aquaponics; Urban Agriculture; Soilless Cultivation; Sustainable Food Production.