Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
134 results(1 / 6)
Urban Agriculture as a Survival Strategy: Food Security, Inequality, and Community Development in Enugu State, Nigeria
2026Oshaba Patience Chizoba, Chinedu Augustine Igwenagu · Path of Science · Nigeria
A survey of 222 households and interviews in Enugu State, Nigeria, showed that urban agriculture (UA) is a critical coping strategy for food availability. However, UA perpetuates gendered inequalities as a "patriarchal bargain," where women's expanded reproductive labor does not necessarily lead to improved economic empowerment. Furthermore, UA strongly promotes bonding social capital but does not foster bridging social capital with formal institutions, thereby undermining its transformative potential.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityWelfareEconomicsA scoping review of the impact of urbanization on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa
2026Alemseged Gerezgiher Hailu, daniel girmay, samuel ataklti · Discover Food · Sub-Saharan Africa
This scoping review analyzed 155 sources (2009–2024) on urbanization's impact on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Findings showed rapid urban expansion converted 30% of peri-urban agricultural land in some regions, increasing dependence on imported staples, and low-income households spend 60–80% of income on food. A policy gap was identified, with only 12% of countries having supportive policies and 19% of cities designating land for farming.
Environmental trade-offsFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeHealthUrban Agriculture Policy and Household Food Security in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria
2026N. I. Odeh, A. T. OGAH, O. C. Odeh · Journal of African Resilience and Advancement Research · Nigeria
This study in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria, examined the urban agriculture (UA) policy framework and household food security using mixed methods, including interviews and a household survey. Findings revealed the absence of a dedicated UA policy, with UA regulated indirectly by general agricultural and land-use policies. Only 20.7% of households were food secure, while 79.3% experienced some level of food insecurity.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsConstraints to Urban Agriculture for Sustainable Food Production in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State
2026Okorogba, Victory A., Amadi, N.S. · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Port Harcourt)
A descriptive survey in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria, identified constraints to urban agriculture for sustainable food production. The study, involving 46 female and 30 male urban farmers, found that poor infrastructural resources, poor environmental conditions, and limited intellectual skills of urban farmers hinder the achievement of sustainable urban agriculture.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsGeospatial Dynamics of Urban Irrigation Agricultural Land Use for Sustainable Income Generation on the Jos Plateau
2026Dr. Emmanuel Omomoh, Sunday Nannim, Dr. Rogers Rengje. Danlami Gujahar, Moses Omitunde Omirinde, Gwamzhi Ponsah Emmanuel · International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering Management & Applied Science · Nigeria (Jos)
A study analyzed urban irrigation agricultural land use changes in Jos South Metropolis, Nigeria, over a ten-year period (2014–2024) using geospatial techniques and fieldwork. Market garden area declined by 5.84%, while settlements expanded by 34.76%. Key constraints to sustainable urban agriculture were identified, including land tenure insecurity (63% of dry-season farmers were landless), limited access to irrigation water, pest and disease pressure, inadequate fertilizer supply, and increasing competition for land from urban development.
Governance failureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyA Green(er) Roof over the Head: Reflecting on Strategies Targeting Homelessness with Urban Agriculture for Cape Town, South Africa
2026Louis Lategan, Charné Erasmus · REAL CORP Repository (University of Southampton) · South Africa (Cape Town)
This qualitative study, using semi-systematic literature reviews, explored strategies targeting homelessness with urban agriculture (UA) in Cape Town, South Africa. The research found that very few published case studies link UA and homelessness in developing contexts, and information on such strategies in Cape Town remains limited despite its substantial homeless population. In the global South, UA approaches largely prioritize food security, poverty alleviation, and entrepreneurship.
Equity & displacementWelfareCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceSocio-economic Factors Influencing Marketing Practices and Opportunities for the Smallholder Pig Farming Enterprise in the Cape Metropole District, South Africa
2026R.M. MATHOBELA, O.C. Chikwanha, C.L.F. Katiyatiya, A.H. Molotsi, M.C. Marufu, P.E. Strydom, C. Mapiye · Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir landbouvoorligting/South African journal of agricultural extension · South Africa
A survey of 160 pig farmers in five suburbs of the Cape Metropole District, South Africa, analyzed the impact of socio-economic factors on marketing practices and challenges. Key challenges included slow pig growth rates (54% of respondents), scarcity of production inputs (25%), and difficulty finding marketing information (20%). The study found that women, older farmers, and those with less experience or education were more likely to face challenges and fail to adopt sustainable marketing practices.
Economic viabilityEconomicsCommunityWelfareAdaptive livelihood strategies of evicted peri-urban farmers in the newly metropolitan city of Ethiopia
2026Abie Assres Fenta, Habtie Anmaw · Discover Sustainability · Ethiopia (Debre Markos)
This qualitative study explored the adaptive livelihood strategies of evicted peri-urban farmers around the metropolis of Debre Markos, Ethiopia. Findings confirmed that farmers tend to hand over their land with insufficient compensation and are compelled to adapt to new livelihoods after losing farmlands. Many displaced young farmers experienced bankruptcy in new businesses due to a lack of business skills, and aged displaced farmers faced challenges adapting to new ways of life. The government did not provide adequate attention to training evicted farmers in technical, financial, and business planning.
Equity & displacementPeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkageEconomicsPolicyThe various face(t)s of urban agriculture: evidence from secondary towns in Ethiopia
2026Amare Molla Dinku, Goedele Van den Broeck · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Ethiopia
This qualitative study explored the technical, institutional, and commercial aspects of urban agriculture (UA) in two Ethiopian secondary towns, Dessie and Kombolcha, through 68 key informant interviews and 11 focus group discussions. It found that nearly 90% of local leafy vegetables are sourced via UA, but insecure land rights, limited policy support, and informal trading systems hinder its impact. Informal markets also cause post-harvest losses, disproportionately affecting women.
Governance failureCommunityPeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsEffect of Land Grabbing, Forced Evictions and Inadequate Compensation on Economic Capital and Food Security of the Displaced Pre-Urban Farmers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2025Kejela Gnamura, Michael Akwasi Antwi, Abenet Belete · Research of Economic and Financial Problems · Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
This mixed-methods study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, compared 446 households (223 displaced and 223 non-displaced) to investigate the effects of urbanization-induced displacement on economic capital and food security. Evicted households showed a 72.7% lower likelihood of achieving economic capital security and 93.4% reduced odds of maintaining food security compared to non-evicted households, indicating significant negative differences.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsPolicyUrban expansion and compensation vis-a-vis livelihood coping strategies of displaced farmers surrounding medium size towns in north west Ethiopia
2025Meznanat Tame, Kassahun Gashu, Bantayehu Ayalew Workineh · City Territory and Architecture · Ethiopia
In north-west Ethiopia, a study analyzed urban expansion driving factors, compensation, and livelihood coping strategies of displaced farmers surrounding medium-sized towns. Primary data was collected through 350 survey questionnaires, two FGDs, and six key informant interviews. Findings revealed that compensation was mostly cash-based, and social relationships and community values decreased after displacement. The study suggests a need for proper urban land governance with a participatory approach that includes farmers, and for appropriate urban planning and land policy to improve urban land use efficiency.
Governance failurePeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsFactors affecting the growth of micro and small scale enterprises, addis ababa city administration, ethiopia
2025Tanvir Ahmed · European Economic Letters (EEL) · Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
This study examined factors influencing the growth of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), including urban agriculture, in Bahir Dar city administration, Ethiopia, surveying 385 business owners, managers, service providers, and local leaders. Multiple regression analysis found that entrepreneurial traits, management and marketing abilities, technology, access to funding, market sufficiency, and legal/regulatory frameworks affect MSE growth. However, the survey revealed that many MSEs received lengthy and intricate legal notices, indicating a need for simpler government processes for licensing and registration.
Governance failureEconomicsPolicyGendered access to e-logistics platforms in urban agriculture: micro-level evidence from Nigeria
2025Abdulrazaq Kamal Daudu, S. A. Aderinoye-Abdulwahab, Oyedola Waheed Kareem, Alhassan Abdul‐Wakeel Karakara, Latifat Kehinde Olatinwo, Halimah Olayinka Egbewole · Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship · Nigeria (Southwest Nigeria)
This study surveyed 420 urban farming households in Southwest Nigeria to explore how gender influences access to e-logistics platforms and their impact on farm sales. Findings revealed significant gender gaps, with male-headed households more likely to use and benefit from e-logistics than female-headed households. Women faced additional constraints like limited credit and mobility, and while e-logistics improved overall farm sales and benefited poorer farmers relatively more, gains for women remained smaller than for men.
Equity & displacementDigital agricultureEconomicsWelfareSustainability of Peri-Urban Rice Farming Practices in Ilorin, Nigeria
2025A. K. Ahmed, Rasheed Abiodun KURANGA, Oluwadara Latifat ISOLA-MUYIDEEN · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science · Nigeria (Ilorin)
This study assessed the sustainability of environmental management practices among peri-urban rice farmers in Ilorin, Nigeria, using a sustainability index. It found that many practices were less sustainable, with 69.51% of farmers relying on chemical sprays and 69.85% using chemical fertilizers. The overall Environmental Management Practices Sustainability Index (EMPSI) for all farmers was 0.492, placing them in the moderately sustainable category.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsAnalyzing the prospects and hurdles of urban agriculture an examination of economic landscapes and versatile approaches in Ethiopia
2025Mohammed Adem Ali, B. Lilly Grace Eunice · Discover Sustainability · Ethiopia
Urban agriculture in Ethiopia is a vital livelihood strategy, contributing to employment, income, and food security. Despite its significant contributions to GDP and urban employment, its potential is insufficiently utilized due to structural obstacles. These hurdles include restricted access to land and water, deficient regulatory frameworks, poor institutional support, social stigma, and environmental risks, and it is insufficiently acknowledged in urban development strategies.
Governance failureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicyCommunityUrban Household Food Security and Coping Strategies Adopted Under Rising Food Prices in Osun State, Nigeria
2025Abiola Adebunmi Olarinre · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science · Nigeria
This research surveyed 240 households in Osogbo, Ile-Ife, and Ilesa cities in Osun State, Nigeria, to analyze urban household food security and coping mechanisms. Findings showed that only 17.9% of households achieved food security, with 39.6% experiencing moderate and 16.3% severe food insecurity. Household income, education, household size, credit access, and food expenditure share significantly influenced food security.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWelfareFood educationImpacts of rising food prices on the food security of different socio-economic groups in Abuja, Nigeria
2025Katuka, Stephen Agire, Magaji, Sule, Ismail, Yahaya · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Abuja)
This study analyzed the impact of rising food prices on the food security of different socio-economic groups in Abuja, Nigeria, using a cross-sectional survey of 400 households. Findings revealed that only 18% of households were food secure, while 56% experienced moderate to severe food insecurity. Food price inflation had a significant negative effect on food security, particularly among low-income households. Rising food prices were shown to increase the likelihood of mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity by 53%, 88%, and 132%, respectively.
Economic viabilityEconomicsHealthWelfareAssessment of performance and challenges of small and micro enterprises: Fireweyni town, Ethiopia
2025Tuem Gebre Abraha, Haftom Teshale Gebre · PLoS ONE · Ethiopia
This study assessed the performance and challenges of 373 micro and small enterprises, including 1073 urban agriculture operators, in Fireweyni town, Ethiopia, using a mixed-methods approach and survey data from 5483 operators. The results revealed that financial control, marketing strategy, managerial expertise, government regulations, and business information services significantly affect the performance of these businesses. Many micro and small enterprises in the country face significant challenges and exhibit deteriorating performance, with limited progression.
Economic viabilityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageThe effect of Ethiopia's land certification program on rural and peri-urban farmers' land tenure security; evidence from Tigray
2025Tesfay, Hailay, Machethe, Charles · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Ethiopia (Tigray)
This paper examines the effect of Ethiopia's land certification program on the land tenure security of rural and peri-urban farming households in the Tigray region. Analyzing cross-sectional data from 500 respondents using logistic regression, the study showed that the program's effect is significantly influenced by the geographic location of farm households. The program produced better results for rural farmers than for peri-urban farmers, with certified households in rural areas being less likely to experience a change in their land tenure (less secure land tenure) compared to certified farmers in peri-urban areas.
Governance failurePeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsCommunityUrbanization-Triggered Industrial Development in Kenya’s Peri-Urban Areas and Its Implications on Food Security: The Case of Kiambu County
2025James S. Kaba, Joseph Mutungi, Gladys Rotich · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science · Kenya
This study examined the implications of urbanization-triggered industrial development on food security in Kiambu County, Kenya, neighboring Nairobi. Through mixed qualitative and survey-based data collection and analysis from 400 respondents including farmers, agricultural workers, urban planners, and government officials, the study found an 85% increase in farmland conversion to industries over the last 20 years. This industrialization contributed to a decline in food production, as reported by 65% of respondents who left farming for industrial jobs. Land-use transformations have resulted in fewer farms involved in agriculture and the replacement of old food systems.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageChallenges and Opportunities of Urban Agriculture in Major Towns Practicing Urban Agriculture in Ethiopia: A Review
2025Etefa Tilahun Ashine · International Journal of Agricultural Economics · Ethiopia
This review examines the challenges and opportunities of urban agriculture in Ethiopia, where urbanization and living costs are rising. Key challenges include limited access to land, irrigation water, and financial institutions, as well as high prices for fertilizers and pesticides, and climate variability affecting crop yields. Opportunities include strong market demand for products, employment creation for youth and women, and additional income generation for producers. The study concludes that stronger policy support and investment are needed to enhance urban agriculture's contribution.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityUrban–rural linkageRooftop Agriculture in the Urban Global South: The Experience of Johannesburg
2025Jayne M. Rogerson · Modern Geográfia · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This article examines the organization and current state of rooftop agriculture in Johannesburg, South Africa, drawing on existing material. Johannesburg hosts the largest cluster of rooftop farms, primarily established for social considerations, with fewer projects for commercial reasons or business image enhancement. The study investigates the challenges confronting these rooftop farming projects.
Governance failureCommunityEconomicsPolicyUrban Farming Practices and Constraints to Urban Agriculture in Bauchi Metropolis
2025Yusuf Kamaluddeen Ibrahim, Zabawi Abdul Ghani, Rasheed Osuolale Oladosu, O. D. Idris,, Tamwesigire Caleb · Journal of Innovative Research · Nigeria (Bauchi)
In Bauchi metropolis, Nigeria, urban farming practices and constraints were investigated among 285 urban farmers. Findings revealed that most farmers do not own land, instead borrowing or renting it. The major constraints to urban agriculture were reported as lack of tenure security, limited land area, and poor access to microcredit facilities.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityPolicyPeri-urbanization and smallholder farmers’ socio-economic marginality in peri-urban Addis Ababa
2025Girma Mulu Alemu, Sophie Schramm, Wilbard Kombe · Cogent Social Sciences · Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
This qualitative study in peri-urban Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, explored the impacts of peri-urbanization on smallholder farmers' socio-economic conditions. The research found that peri-urbanization leads to the erosion of capital assets, with dwindling agricultural land causing tenure insecurity and disrupting livelihoods. This process exacerbates smallholder farmers' marginality by weakening social ties and mutual support systems.
Equity & displacementPeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEffect of Forced Eviction and Land Grabs on Household Economic Capital Security of Displaced Pre-Urban Farmers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2025Kejela Gnamura, Michael Akwasi Antwi, A Belete · Land · Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
This mixed-methods study investigated the effects of urbanization-induced displacement on economic capital security by comparing 223 evicted and 223 non-evicted peri-urban farming households in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Logistic regression and thematic content analysis revealed that evicted households are approximately 72.7% less likely to achieve economic security compared to non-evicted households. The study concluded significant differences in household economic capital security between the two groups.
Equity & displacementPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsPolicyCommunityWelfare