Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Reflecting on the Potential and Limitations of Urban Agriculture as an Urban Greening Tool in South Africa
2020Elizelle Juaneé Cilliers, Louis Lategan, Sarel S. Cilliers, Karla Stander · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · South Africa
This paper investigates urban agriculture (UA) in South Africa as a citizen-led urban greening strategy, reviewing case studies and the national policy framework. Key limitations include many UA initiatives not being self-sustaining or fully citizen-driven, a cultural stigma, limited national support due to the absence of a dedicated UA policy, and South African spatial planners' limited knowledge of UA. These issues hinder the broader implementation of UA.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityUrban–rural linkageBarriers to urban agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa
2020Julia Davies, Corrie Hannah, Zack Guido, Andrew Zimmer, Laura E. McCann, Jane Battersby, Tom Evans · Food Policy · Sub-Saharan Africa
This study investigated the association between urban agriculture (UA) and household food security in smaller African cities and towns, using survey data from 2,687 low- and low-middle income households in 18 urban areas with populations of less than 200,000 across Zambia and Kenya. The analysis found that 33% of households in the sample engaged in UA, but there was limited statistical significance in the relationship between UA and household food security. Key barriers identified were settlement formality, property rights, and distance from food retailers.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkagePathways for resilience to climate change in African cities
2020Kareem Buyana, Shuaib Lwasa, Denis Tugume, Paul Isolo Mukwaya, Jacqueline Walubwa, Samuel Owuor, Peter Kasaija, Hakimu Sseviiri, Gloria Nsangi, Disan Byarugaba · Environmental Research Letters · Africa
This qualitative systematic review examined academic and policy evidence to identify emerging interventions for enhancing climate change resilience in African cities. At the neighborhood scale, resilience often stems from urban agriculture and forestry, alternative energy from wastes, and adjustments in irrigation schedules. At the city scale, planning targets buildings, mobility, and energy service delivery. The review found that evidence on comparisons across regions mainly covers East, West, and South African cities, with less on Northern and Central Africa, and primarily focuses on capital cities rather than secondary cities and towns.
Climate changePolicyCommunityPathways for the Amplification of Agroecology in African Sustainable Urban Agriculture
2020Cristiana Peano, Stefano Massaglia, Chiara Ghisalberti, Francesco Sottile · Sustainability · Africa
This work reports case studies from the Slow Food Association in Africa to demonstrate the importance of agroecological models in small-scale agricultural systems. It focuses on the development of school and community gardens in small urban areas across different African countries. These models are presented as a tool for integrating agricultural activities aimed at social resilience and the conservation of ecosystems, aligning with SDG #12 Responsible Production and Consumption.
Climate changeOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceURBAN AGRICULTURE COMMERCIALIZATION; AN ALTERNATIVE TO FOOD SECURITY (Case of Mekelle city)
2020Gebrekiros Hagos Belay, Abrha Gebreslassie, Amanuel Teklay, Mulugeta Tesfay · Agricultural Social Economic Journal · Ethiopia
A study in Mekelle city, Tigrai, Ethiopia, investigated the commercialization of urban dairy farming, surveying 100 households using questionnaires. Results from a binary logit model showed that household head's education, family size, market distance, and total dairy products owned significantly influenced commercialization decisions. Further analysis indicated that education, extension agent visits, total dairy products, and owned land size significantly affected the extent of commercialization.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunity“There is food we deserve, and there is food we do not deserve” Food injustice, place and power in urban agriculture in Cape Town and Maputo
2020Nicole Paganini, Stefanie Lemke · Local Environment · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study, conducted from 2017 to 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa, and Maputo, Mozambique, explored urban agriculture's contributions to livelihoods and food availability through a food justice lens. In Cape Town, NGO-led urban agriculture regulated production and market access, serving wealthy consumers, with only 15% of farmers consuming their produce. In Maputo, urban agriculture contributed to local food availability, with 99% of farmers eating their produce, but farmers depended on intermediary-determined prices and faced unequal access to inputs. The study revealed stark structural inequalities and uneven power dynamics in both contexts.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityASSESSMENT OF THE SUSTAINABILITY OF SCHOOL FOOD GARDENS: A CASE OF CHRIS HANI DISTRICT, SOUTH AFRICA
2020Harry Kasumba, M. Mashologu, Patrick W Bwowe · · South Africa
An investigation into the sustainability of school food gardens in Chris Hani District, South Africa, used a mixed-methods approach with a purposive sample of six schools. Findings revealed significant bottlenecks hindering sustainability, specifically inadequate funding and a lack of proper planning for school food gardening activities.
Governance failureFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyUrban Horticulture in Sub-Saharan Africa
2020I.O. Amao · IntechOpen eBooks · Sub-Saharan Africa
This chapter conducted an empirical review of urban horticulture in cities across Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to specify its benefits in the region. The review concluded that governments in these countries require political will to realize the identified advantages of urban horticulture, which include food and nutrition security, healthy environments, and sustainable livelihoods. It recommends raising awareness among stakeholders like politicians, policymakers, and urban households to integrate urban horticulture into land use planning.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsPolicy5. Changes in bulk and surface properties of two biochar types during 12 months of field ageing in two West-African soils
2020Kofi Atiah, Edward Yeboah, Eric Nartey, D.Y.I. Lawson, Volker Häring, Andreas Buerkert, Bernd Marschner · West African Journal of Applied Ecology · West Africa
This study investigated the changes in properties of rice husk and corn cob biochars applied in urban agricultural field soils in Tamale, Ghana, and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, over 12 months. Biochars were buried at 20 cm depth, and evaluated based on soil management practices and time. No significant interaction effect was found between soil management practices and time, but time significantly affected most biochar ageing properties. In both biochars, ash content, fixed carbon, cDOC, hDOC, cSUVA, and hSUVA increased, while pH and volatile matter contents significantly decreased.
Organic cycleCompostClimate changeRepurposing support tendered youth owned Small, Medium, and Micro-Enterprises in urban agri-business sector in Durban
2020Tony Ngwenya, Pfano Mashau · Problems and Perspectives in Management · South Africa (Durban)
This study investigated institutional support for youth-owned Small, Medium, and Micro-Enterprises (SMMEs) in Durban's urban agribusiness sector using a quantitative methodology. Findings indicated that CSR interventions had not yielded a fundamental impact, and there was a lack of tangible, result-driven institutional support from policymakers and authorities. Furthermore, targeted technological transfer was a constraining factor, and a lack of monetary and non-monetary access hampered the SMMEs' competitiveness and profitability.
Governance failureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceWelfarePolicyThe Effect of Industry Extension Services Packages on the Performance of Small and Micro Enterprises in Dessie, South Wollo and Oromia Zones of Eastern Amhara
2020Mulugeta Chane Wube · RePEc: Research Papers in Economics · Ethiopia
A descriptive study analyzed the effect of industry extension service packages on the performance of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Dessie, South Wollo, and Oromia Special zones, Ethiopia, sampling 248 out of 646 MSEs. The analysis revealed that industry extension services provided by TVET trainers were inadequate across all four dimensions: technical, technology, Kaizen, and entrepreneurship. The overall performance of the surveyed MSEs was found to be very low, concluding that the provided extension services were insufficient in improving their performance.
Governance failureEconomicsPolicySPATIO-TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF THE PRACTICE OF URBAN AGRICULTURE IN LAGOS METROPOLIS AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR URBAN PLANNING
2020Dauda Rotimi Awoniran, Omotayo Ben Olugbamila, Emmanuel Olufemi Omisore · Analele Universităţii din Oradea Seria Geografie · Sub-Saharan Africa (Lagos)
This study examined urban agriculture practices and land use changes in Lagos Metropolis, Sub-Saharan Africa, over three decades using satellite imagery and primary data from four Local Government Areas. It found that cultivated lands decreased by 28.70% between 1986 and 2000, and by 19.25% between 2000 and 2016. Urban farmlands converted to other uses by 89.48% between 1986 and 2000, and by 75.64% between 2000 and 2016, indicating that food security is under threat as land for urban farmers shrinks.
Limited or null effectPolicyUrban–rural linkageEconomicsRelevance of edible landscaping concept in food security
2020Christiana Olusola Owolabi, Olukemi Ifetola Adediran, T.T. Joseph-Adekunle, J. G. Bodunde, O.O. Olubode · Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science · Nigeria (Abeokuta)
A two-year study at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, assessed the use of Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum) in landscaping under different management practices (manuring, mulching, hedge trimming). Manuring resulted in taller plants with more branches and contributed to improved yield and hedge formation. Manured and trimmed plants yielded 2.0 kg/plot, slightly higher than manured and mulched plants (1.9 kg/plot).
Food sovereignty & justiceDIYWhat Constraints the Expansion of Urban Agriculture in Benin?
2020Mawuna Donald Houessou, Mirte van de Louw, B.G.J.S. Sonneveld · Sustainability · Benin
To identify the main constraints to the expansion of urban agriculture (UA) in Benin, a systematic literature review, a survey among experienced urban gardeners, and in-depth interviews with stakeholders were conducted. The synthesis revealed five predominant constraints: lack of land and tenure insecurity, insufficient government support, restricted market access, limited access to productive factors, and inequality issues. Specifically, the survey indicated a political unwillingness, which was explained by the unperceived benefits of investing in UA and the lack of enforcement of urban development plans.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsCommunityPERI-URBAN FARMING FOR IMPROVED INCOME: CASE OF FLUTED PUMPKIN PRODUCTION IN SABON GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.
2020H. Shuaibu, A. Yakubu, Abubakar Hassan, Bassey Emmanuel · Ife Journal of Agriculture · Nigeria
A study in the Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, assessed the impact of peri-urban farming on household income, focusing on 120 fluted pumpkin farmers. Farmers realized a gross margin of N16,480 and a return per investment (RNI) of N1.98 annually. Sex, marital status, household size, and years of experience significantly influenced profitability, while 32% of farmers reported inadequate rainfall, 32% financial constraints, and 21% low productivity.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceEconomic linkage between urban development and livelihood of peri-urban farming communities in Ethiopia (policies and practices)
2020Idris Mohammed, Abdella Kosa, Nuredin Juhar · Agricultural and Food Economics · Ethiopia
This study assessed the economic linkage between urban development and the livelihood of peri-urban farming communities in Ethiopia, focusing on current practices and policies. Data was collected from 30 municipal officials and 200 evicted peri-urban farmers across five municipalities in the Amara regional state. Findings indicate that the continuous eviction of peri-urban farmers from their indigenous land for redevelopment negatively affects their livelihood, highlighting significant equity issues. Factors contributing to urban expansion include economic policy reform, private investor incentives, and public sector projects, further exacerbated by policy limitations and lack of municipal intervention.
Equity & displacementPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUse of Urban Agriculture in Addressing Health Disparities and Promotion of Ecological Health in South Africa
2020Michael Rudolph, Evans Muchesa, Florian Kroll · International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management · South Africa
This paper reflects on key socio-economic challenges in South Africa and the role of urban agriculture in addressing health disparities and promoting ecological health. Using a structured mixed literature review and primary/secondary data, the study demonstrates the high prevalence of food and nutrition insecurity. However, it also emphasizes the positive outcomes of an integrated approach to addressing nutrition and food security, suggesting that multi- and trans-disciplinary methods based on ecological health promotion can improve food security, public health, and socio-economic development.
HealthPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityImpact of school garden on dietary diversity and micronutrient level of pre-school children in Makueni County –Kenya
2020Crippina Lubeka, Judith Kimiywe, Hudson Nyambaka · Research Journal of Food Science and Nutrition · Kenya (Makueni County)
This study assessed the effect of school garden interventions on improving serum zinc, iron, and retinol levels, and diet diversity, among pre-school children in Mulala ward, Makueni County, Kenya. A quasi-experimental design was adopted with 63 children, where intervention early childhood centers provided vegetables and animal proteins from school gardens for six months. Post-intervention, a significant difference was found in the mean dietary diversity score between the intervention and control groups, and a significant positive correlation was observed between serum hemoglobin, retinol, zinc levels, and dietary diversity in the intervention population.
Food educationHealthThe challenge posed by urban dietary norms to the practice of urban agroecology
2020Brittany Kesselman, Mvuselelo Ngcoya, Daniela Casale · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · South Africa
This paper, based on research from two urban gardens in Johannesburg, South Africa, argues that contemporary urban dietary norms pose a challenge to urban agroecology. The dietary norms and practices of Johannesburg residents are poorly aligned with the production requirements and outputs of urban agroecology. Lessons from other countries suggest that the benefits of agroecology could be enhanced by targeting changes in food preparation and consumption practices.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityAccessibility of urban green infrastructure in Addis-Ababa city, Ethiopia: current status and future challenge
2020Sileshi Azagew, Hailu Worku · ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH · Ethiopia (Addis-Ababa)
This study assessed the status, accessibility, and constraints of urban green infrastructure (UGI) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It revealed that UGI land use decreased by 9.2% from 2003 to 2016, with urban agriculture declining by 11.9%. City residents lack sufficient recreational UGI, with park per capita at a very small 0.37 m² compared to Ethiopian standards of 15 m², and over 90% of the population lacking access to existing parks within walking distance. Major constraints identified include weak implementation of development plans, density, built-up area expansion, and lack of priority for UGI development.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageEconomicsA agricultura urbana na Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), dividida entre desejo dos moradores da cidade e ação pública
2020Amélie Robert, Jean Louis Yengué, A. Fanny, Mikael Motelica‐Heino, Edmond Hien, Alain Sanou · Risco Revista de Pesquisa em Arquitetura e Urbanismo (Online) · Africa
This research, conducted in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, utilized in situ observations, interviews with farmers and decision-makers, and an analysis of planning documents. It found that urban agriculture has experienced a significant increase in surface area and is popular among city residents. However, it is not officially considered in urban planning, revealing divergences in viewpoints between farmers and public decision-makers.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justice“The idea of beautifying the surroundings”: Bloemfontein’s (Mangaung) Batho location a “garden location”? (ca. 1918-1939)
2020Derek Du Bruyn, Marietjie Oelofse · New Contree · South Africa (Bloemfontein)
This article investigates the Bloemfontein Municipality's efforts to establish Batho, a new location for black and coloured people (ca. 1918-1939), as a 'garden location' within the historical context of British-style urban planning and racist, segregationist policies. Initiatives included securing water supply, allocating allotment gardens, providing a fresh-produce market, and planting trees. While some motivations were aesthetic, others were deeply rooted in segregationist ideology. The article critically assesses whether these attempts to create a garden location were 'successful'.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyUrban agriculture in the Gauteng City-Region’s green infrastructure network
2020Eliana Camargo Nino, Sam R. Lane, Kanako Okano, Irvanu Rahman, Bo Peng, Hannah Benn, Christina Culwick Fatti, Gillian Maree, Samkelisiwe Khanyile, Carla-Leanne Washbourne · Occasional paper · South Africa
This paper aimed to understand urban agriculture within the green infrastructure network in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa, and identify ecosystem services delivered by maintaining and investing in these assets. A multi-method approach was used to identify interlinkages between urban agriculture and social, economic, and environmental systems, validate them with stakeholder input, and visualize them through spatial analysis of food gardens. Urban agriculture was shown to enhance food security, provide economic opportunities, and strengthen ecosystem services such as climate change mitigation and disaster resilience.
PolicyCommunityEconomicsBiodiversityPredicting the Toxicities of Ternary Mixtures of two Metals and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate to Serratia marcescens (SerEW01) from Otamiri River Water
2020Reuben Nwoye Okechi, Edna Ifeoma Chukwura, Christian Okechukwu Nweke · Journal of Advances in Microbiology · Nigeria (Owerri)
This study, conducted in Owerri, Nigeria from June to December 2019, evaluated the interactive toxic effects of ternary mixtures of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and divalent metals on Serratia marcescens (SerEW01) from the Otamiri River, a source for urban farming. The study found that both concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) models predicted lower toxicities compared to experimentally observed data. The Toxic Index and Model Deviation Ratio indicated a synergistic interaction of SDS and metal ions, resulting in higher combined toxicities than predicted, posing environmental hazards due to co-contamination.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban Agriculture: Determinants and Its Implication on Poverty Reduction: A Case of Bishan Guracha Town, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
2020Hadji Wabe Nure, Abdulkadir Hussein Gemada, Gamachu Gishe Badasa, Bezabih Wondimu, Burash Elemo Gaduda · OALib · Ethiopia
A study in Bishan Guracha Town, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, analyzed the determinants of urban agriculture and its implication for poverty reduction. A convergent parallel mixed design was utilized, involving 228 households from fishery, milk, and animal fattening micro and small enterprises. The findings indicated that about 40% of urban agricultural practitioners fell below the poverty line, and there were statistically significant differences among the income generated from the three types of urban agriculture.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justice