Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Socio-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 viabilityEconomicsCommunityWelfareImpacts 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 linkageUrbanization-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 linkageLe péri-urbain en Afrique : une agriculture en marge ?
2025Paule Moustier, Jacques Pagès · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Africa
This study examined peri-urban agriculture in Africa, identifying it as a significant income and food source for the urban poor, but subject to constraints, primarily land pressure. Analysis of the vegetable supply chain in Brazzaville showed rural and peri-urban areas are complementary, with different types of vegetables originating from each. Land constraints, transport, access to inputs, and technical assistance are crucial factors determining production location. Historical analysis invalidates hypotheses of linear decline or development through intensification for peri-urban agriculture.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageA GIS-based assessment of flood impact on agricultural farm activities along river Dilimi, JOS north local government area of Plateau state
2024Epsar Philip Kopteer, Olakunle Rufus Oladosu, Samuel Adeyemi Samson, Jasini Ali Alwadood, Olaide Monsur Aderoju, Bose Adetutu Ogwurike, Michael Nnaemeka Ihenacho, James Adah John, Philip Okoh Amodu, Nkechinyere Gift Nwagwu, Chikodili Evans Ezurike, Kamila Abba Tukur, Augustine Abah Odeh, Sumaiyat Abdullahi Kpanja, Halimat Ifedolapo Oriola, Vivian Ibrahim, Udya Aniya, Elizabeth Rizga Jackson, Kikelomo Oluwabukola Adebo · World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews · Nigeria (Jos)
This study investigated the economic impact of urban flooding on agricultural activities along the Dilimi River in Jos North LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria, using a 2021 satellite image and GIS analysis. The study found that loss of farmland, hunger and starvation, loss of properties, and high incidence of poverty were perceived as serious economic impacts of floods on farmers. Agricultural land use covered 2.82% of the study area.
Economic viabilityClimate changeEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunity gardens and the social solidarity economy
2023Jade Morkel, Noxolo Dumani, Nick Malherbe, Shahnaaz Suffla · Community Development · South Africa
This case study, conducted in a low-income South African community, explored how a community gardener engages with the social solidarity economy (SSE) using thematic analysis of triangulated data from an interview, participant observation, and a participatory film. The study analyzed how the community garden fostered solidarity and established alternative micro-economic practices. It also considered challenges facing community gardens when connecting with the SSE.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsHealthFood sovereignty & justiceDeterminants of Sustainable Growth of SMEs in Developing Countries: The Case of Ethiopia
2022Gemechu Abdissa, Abebe Ayalew, Anna Dunay, Csaba Bálint Illés · Economies · Ethiopia
This study investigated the determinants of sustainable growth for SMEs, including those in urban agriculture, in Ethiopia using primary data from 194 employees. Findings indicate that political instability, corruption, and COVID-19 are significantly harming the growth and long-term sustainability of Ethiopian SMEs.
Economic viabilityEconomicsPolicyPotential for Sustainable Urban and Peri-Urban Agricultural Practices in Nairobi County
2021Mary Njoki Mwaura, Sabina Mukoya-Wangia, Japheth Ododa Origa, O.L.E. Mbatia, Evans Chimoita · Journal of Agricultural Extension · Kenya
A study of 149 respondents in Nairobi County examined urban and peri-urban agricultural practices, finding composting and open field farming popular but not the most profitable. More profitable practices like cattle rearing and mushroom farming were unpopular due to expensive inputs and specialized skills. The study indicates that popular practices are less profitable, highlighting a need for transformation towards controlled environment agriculture with policy support.
Economic viabilityCompostOrganic cycleEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureDigital agricultureSustainable Social Entrepreneurship Models for Urban Agribusiness Initiatives in Johannesburg
2021Michael Rudolph, Madimetja Antony Mello, Evans Muchesa · Journal of food security · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This study aimed to develop a sustainable social entrepreneurship model for urban farming initiatives in Johannesburg. Through a literature review and qualitative interviews with experts, findings highlighted several important challenges that limited urban smallholder farmers' ability to ensure the financial viability and sustainability of their farming initiatives. These challenges included limited accessibility to farming land, markets, funding, and knowledge regarding setting up and managing small agri-businesses.
Economic viabilityEconomicsCommunityPolicyFood educationSAVINGS MOBILIZATION ON POVERTY ALLEVIATION AMONG PERI-URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN KWALI AND BWARI AREA COUNCILS F.C.T ABUJA, NIGERIA
2021Juliana Ojochide Olori, Ogechi Cordelia Nwahia, F. Siewe · Agricultural Social Economic Journal · Nigeria (Abuja)
A study analyzed savings mobilization for poverty alleviation among 185 peri-urban farming households in Kwali and Bwari Area Councils, Abuja, Nigeria, using cross-sectional primary data. The analysis revealed a poverty incidence of 49%, a poverty depth of 28%, and a poverty severity of 56% among the households. Findings indicated that primary occupation and education reduced the likelihood of not being poor but increased the likelihood of being very poor.
Economic viabilityWelfareEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureOutdoor living wall systems in a developing economy: A prospect for supplementary urban food production?
2021Karen Botes, Christina Breed · Acta Structilia · South Africa
This article reviewed three edible living wall case studies in Gauteng, South Africa, focusing on system resilience, economic feasibility, and edible plant possibilities. Interviews were conducted with clients, contractors, and designers. Findings suggested indirect commercial value through customer experience and educational value, but indicated that economic feasibility and resilience need enhancement for improved urban food production.
Economic viabilityDIYEconomicsClimate changeFood educationSoil Properties and Fertility Management within Ruiru Peri-Urban Area in Kiambu County, Kenya
2020F. Waswa, M. Mwamburi, I. I. C. Wakindiki, Roseline Chemutai · Journal of applied science and environmental management · Kenya
This study focused on soil physicochemical properties and fertility management in Ruiru Sub County, a peri-urban area in Kiambu County, Kenya. Soil samples from ten small contact farms (~0.1 ha) were analyzed, revealing that most farmers were tenants growing leafy vegetables, maintaining soil fertility with organic manures, and performing tillage by hand. These practices signal limitations imposed by small farm size and lack of land ownership, with soil fertility primarily limited by the interaction of soil pH, K, and Ca.
Economic viabilityOrganic cyclePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsVegetable production and nematodes infestation: Impacts on small-scale farming communities of South Africa
2020Oso Adeola Abiola · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · South Africa
This review discusses vegetable production in South Africa, focusing on the impacts of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species) on small-scale farming communities. The review highlights that these nematodes are a primary pest, causing delayed crop maturity, reduced yields, poor quality produce, and escalating production costs. This leads to substantial income losses for farmers and the abandonment of community gardens, intensifying challenges for vegetable production and food security.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleThe potential of urban agriculture towards a more sustainable urban food system in food-insecure neighbourhoods in Cape Town and Maputo
2019Nicole Paganini, Stefanie Lemke, Inês Raimundo · ECONOMIA AGRO-ALIMENTARE · Sub-Saharan Africa
This research explored the potential of urban agriculture in Cape Town, South Africa, and Maputo, Mozambique, through two baseline surveys among urban farmers and home gardeners, as well as qualitative in-depth interviews. Findings indicated that urban farmers and home gardeners add nutrients and diversity to their diets and can partly contribute to their income. However, in Cape Town, main challenges included access to local and external markets, fair pricing, and sovereignty in production.
Economic viabilityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsCommunityThe Role of Urban Agriculture in Economic, Social and Environmental Sustainability in Africa
2019Lemi Gonfa · · Africa
This paper reviewed the role of urban agriculture in socio-economic and environmental sustainability in Africa, drawing on theoretical and empirical literature. While urban agriculture is recognized for job creation, improved diet, and environmental benefits like urban greenery and biodiversity, challenges such as difficult land access, lack of experience, financial support, training, and credit facilities, as well as low land productivity, animal grazing, and theft, were identified. These factors present potential negative externalities and hinder the development of urban agriculture.
Economic viabilityEconomicsHealthCommunityPolicyOnion (Allium Cepa) Production in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas: Financial Performance and Importance of this Activity for Market Gardeners in Southern Benin
2018Fabrice Dossa · Agricultural Research & Technology Open Access Journal · Benin
A study in southern Benin surveyed 60 onion farmers across three municipalities (Grand-Popo, Cotonou, Sm-Kpodji) using quantitative and qualitative methods. It found onion production to be financially profitable, with performance enhanced by age, experience, and producer group membership, and improving socio-economic and food situations. However, significant constraints include financial, institutional, organizational, property, and production-related issues.
Economic viabilityEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceUnderstanding Urban Farm households Vulnerability to Economic shocks in South-South Nigeria
2018Ubokudom E. Okon, Kesit Nkeme, Ubon Asuquo Essien, Chukwuemeka Chiebonam Onyia · American Journal of Business and Management · Nigeria
This study assessed the economic vulnerability of 289 urban farm households in three states of South-south Nigeria using vulnerability index analysis. The results indicated a high level of economic vulnerability among urban farmers, primarily caused by lack of access to formal credit, lack of land, low asset value, and low farm income. Households entirely dependent on farm income were 66% more likely to be vulnerable to economic shocks.
Economic viabilityEconomicsWelfareClimate changeAssessment of the Influence of Urban Agriculture on Household Income. Evidence from Kogi State, Nigeria
2016S. J. Ibitoye, U Shaibu, Firdaus Sale, Oroka Frank · International Journal of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences · Nigeria (Kogi State)
This study assessed the influence of urban agriculture on household income in Kogi State, Nigeria, using data from 120 urban farmers. Urban agriculture was found to increase household income at a 90% confidence level. However, urban farmers faced significant constraints including inadequate capital (M=2.9), poor extension services (M=2.4), and high labor costs (M=2.2).
Economic viabilityEconomicsWelfareCommunityANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING FOOD SECURITY IN RURAL AND URBAN FARMING HOUSEHOLDS OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
2016G. A. Abu, A. Soom, Abu, Godwin Anjeinu, Soom, Aondonenge · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Nigeria
This study examined factors affecting food security in 180 rural and urban farming households in Benue State, Nigeria, using structured questionnaires. It found that 53.3% of rural and 62.2% of urban households were food secure based on calorie intake. Key constraints to food security included lack of access to credit, inadequate land, poverty, soil infertility, and storage/processing problems.
Economic viabilityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageDeterminants of Micro and Small Enterprises Growth in Ethiopia: The Case of Nekemte Town of Oromia Region, Ethiopia
2015Fikadu Goshu Fufa · European Journal of Business and Management · Ethiopia
A study of 96 micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Nekemte town, Ethiopia, found that educational status of MSE operators negatively affects business profitability growth. Additionally, the study revealed that microfinance institution (MFI) loan terms are too short for business operations, and most MSEs rely on personal savings for finance.
Economic viabilityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageTotal factor productivity of urban agriculture on the urban periphery of Cape Town
2015Martin Dyer, Richard M. Mills, Beatrice Conradie, Jenifer Piesse · Open University of Cape Town (University of Cape Town) · South Africa (Cape Town)
This paper investigates the efficiency relationships between inputs and outputs of urban micro-farms in two Cape Town townships, Nyanga and Khayelitsha. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) applied to 33 producers supplying a social enterprise box scheme revealed an average overall efficiency of 72.4%. Overall efficiency was negatively correlated with land holdings and the use of compost and seedlings, indicating efficiency losses with greater input quantities. Furthermore, it was not shown that mulching or operator experience increases profitability.
Economic viabilityEconomicsCommunityPeri-urban agricultureEffects of climate change on a peri-urban farming community in Lagos, Nigeria
2014Taibat Lawanson, Olabode Orelaja, Michael Simire · African Journal of Science Technology Innovation and Development · Nigeria (Lagos)
This case study investigated the effects of climate change on agricultural activities in the Igbe Farming Community, Lagos, Nigeria, by surveying 161 farmers. The study found that most migrant farmers leased plots annually or biennially and made marginal profits of $200 to $350 per farming cycle. Erratic weather patterns and aggressive urban growth were major challenges, leading 48% of respondents to engage in informal enterprises.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeEconomicsCommunityAssessment of the contribution of urban agriculture to employment, income and food security in Kenya: A case of Kisumu municipality
2013Phil. Caleb Mireri · African Journal of Agricultural Research · Kenya (Kisumu)
This study surveyed 194 urban farmers in Kisumu municipality, Kenya, to assess urban agriculture's role in income, employment, and food supply. It found that most urban farmers and their employees receive very low income, with a mean monthly income of US$135 (US$0.64 per person per day), which is below the acceptable one dollar a day per person. Urban agriculture primarily supplements food requirements for the urban poor and provides income for a few commercial farmers.
Economic viabilityPolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommercialization of Urban Farming: The Case of Vegetable Farmers in Southwest Nigeria
2013Roseline J. Akinlade, Olubunmi Lawrence Balogun, Adekemi A. Obisesan, Akinlade, Roseline J., Balogun, Olubunmi L., Obisesan, Adekemi A. · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Nigeria
This study analyzed the determinants of commercialization among 230 urban vegetable farmers in Oyo and Lagos states, southwest Nigeria, using primary survey data and a Tobit model. It found that farmers' participation in domestic and regional markets remains low due to various constraints, notably poor market access. The average farm size was 0.05ha, and the average market participation index was 0.73. Factors influencing commercialization included age, farm size, association membership, education, distance to market, and input costs. The study concluded that social capital significantly affects market participation, and recommended proactive support from governments and NGOs to facilitate farmer organizations and market linkages.
Economic viabilityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justice