Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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535 results(11 / 22)
Planning Policy Frameworks and Urban Agriculture Practices in Western Kenya
2020Isaac Otieno Dawo, George Mark Onyango, Francis Ang’awa Okere · The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies · Kenya
This study investigated the influence of planning policy frameworks on urban agriculture practices in Eldoret, Kakamega, and Kisumu towns in Western Kenya. A cross-sectional survey of 205 urban farmers found that the economic influence of urban planning legislation declined, social influence increased only in Kakakamega, and environmental influence doubled in all towns. Newly enacted urban planning legislations had no major influence on the planning, promotion, and regulation of urban agriculture, though a significant low positive correlation with urban agriculture practice was observed.
PolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityUrban Agriculture in Ethiopia: An Overview
2020Amsalu Woldie Yalew · Regional Economic Development Research · Ethiopia
This paper provides an overview of urban agriculture in Ethiopia, synthesizing existing evidence on its role in the overall agricultural sector, urban economy, and urban employment, based on official reports and statistical surveys. Despite scant evidence, urban agriculture shows considerable contributions. However, the review reveals existing gaps in institutional and policy support for urban agriculture.
Governance failureEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageThe Roles of Urban Agriculture for Climate Change Adaption in The Case of Debre Markos Town and Surrounding Districts East Gojjam Zone Amhara Region Ethiopia
2020Mengist Belay · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Ethiopia
This study, focusing on Debre Markos Town and surrounding districts in the East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, establishes that Urban Agriculture is a multipronged tool for adaptation and mitigation to tackle climate change. It is concluded to be an effective tool to address food security challenges in cities, educate and reconnect urban and peri-urban farms and people to assure food and climate security in the cities.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageFoodborne illness prevention in Debre Berhan, Ethiopia: Preliminary efforts to understand household agricultural practices
2020Hillary A. Craddock, Elisabeth Fost Maring, Stephanie Grutzmacher · African Journal of Food Agriculture Nutrition and Development · Ethiopia
A mixed-methods pilot survey of 21 teachers and parents in Debre Berhan, Ethiopia, investigated household agricultural practices to understand foodborne illness risks. The study found that half of respondents using manure applied uncomposted manure as fertilizer, and many kept multiple animal species. This suggests a high risk of pathogen exposure for children and adults through contact with uncomposted manure and animals.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCompostOrganic cycleOn whose land is the city to be built? Farmers, donors and the urban land question in Beira city, Mozambique
2020Murtah Shannon, Kei Otsuki, Annelies Zoomers, Mayke Kaag · Urban Studies · Mozambique (Beira)
This article examines the implications of global interventionism in African cities for existing claims to urban space, particularly those of farmers, using Beira, Mozambique, as a case study. A historical-political analysis demonstrates that urban farming has been a distinct feature of Beira's urbanism amidst successive and contradictory state-land regimes. A new urban regime, formed by municipal leaders and international donors, aims to erase urban agriculture from the city through urban 'development', indicating a need for better understanding of manifold claims to urban space beyond slum urbanism.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunitySoil 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 agricultureEconomicsSocio- Economic Characteristics of Urban Extension Workers Influencing Empowerment of Farmers in Nairobi County, Kenya
2020Mary Njoki Mwaura, Sabina Wangia, Japheth Ododa Origa, Lee Ernest Mbatia Oliver · Journal of Agricultural Extension · Kenya (Nairobi)
This study investigated the influence of urban extension workers' socio-economic characteristics on farmer empowerment in Nairobi County, Kenya, using data from 64 extension workers. While extension workers' characteristics positively influenced the choice of extension methods, explaining 37.2% of farmer empowerment, a significant finding was that 49.9% of extension workers were unaware of adult learning principles (ALPs). The study recommends training extension workers in ALPs and ICT techniques to improve extension methods.
Governance failureCommunityDigital 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 cycleNutraceutical Uses of Traditional Leafy Vegetables and Transmission of Local Knowledge from Parents to Children in Southern Benin
2019Akakpo D. B., Achigan-Dako E. G. · Agronomy · Benin
Interviews with 360 respondents across three southern Benin villages on three traditional leafy vegetables, analyzing how use and knowledge transmission from parents to children vary by generation, gender, and village.
Heirloom & landraceFood educationCommunityHealthDoes Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Contribute to Household Food Security? An Assessment of the Food Security Status of Households in Tongaat, eThekwini Municipality
2019Nolwazi Z. Khumalo, Melusi Sibanda · Sustainability · South Africa
This paper assessed the food security status of 208 households (109 urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) practicing, 99 non-UPA practicing) in Tongaat, eThekwini Municipality, South Africa. While a greater proportion (54%) of UPA practicing households consumed more than six food groups compared to non-UPA households (40%), a Mann-Whitney U test (U = 5292, p = 0.808) found no significant difference in dietary diversity between the two groups. Employment status, access to arable land, land tenure, and household monthly income were significantly associated with food security status.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsPeri-urban agriculturePratiques phytosanitaires en agriculture périurbaine et contamination des denrées par les pesticides : cas des maraîchers de Port-Bouët (Abidjan)
2019· Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences (J Anim Plant Sci ) ISSN 2071 – 7024 · Africa
A study in Port-Bouët, Abidjan, examined market gardeners' phytosanitary practices and pesticide residue incidence on lettuce. It found that 39.6% of pesticides used were not recommended for market gardening, 86.84% of gardeners did not protect themselves during application, and 80.26% did not observe pre-harvest intervals. Consequently, 93.33% of lettuce samples did not comply with Codex Alimentarius and EU standards due to high pesticide residue contamination.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthAwareness and Perception of Arbaminch Town Residents about Climate Change: A Cross Sectional Study
2019Habtamu Abebe · International Journal of Environmental Sciences & Natural Resources · Ethiopia
This cross-sectional study in Arbaminch town investigated community awareness of climate change and the perceived role of urban agriculture for climate resilience using a structured questionnaire. It found that 87.2% of respondents were aware of climate change, primarily through media (70.7%), family/friends (63.4%), and public meetings/seminars (28%). A significant association was observed between respondents' age, education level, and occupation with both climate change awareness and the perception of urban agriculture's importance for climate change intervention.
Climate changeUrban–rural linkageCommunityUrban agriculture as a source of social capital in the Cape Flats of Cape Town
2019Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira, Daniel Tevera · African Geographical Review · South Africa (Cape Town)
This paper investigated urban agriculture as a source of social capital in Mitchells Plain, a low-income neighborhood in Cape Town, South Africa. Using a mixed-methods approach combining a questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews, the findings showed that urban agriculture increases social interaction among urban gardeners and the community. Non-governmental organizations and government actors were also found to be crucial in enhancing social interaction within the community.
CommunityEconomicsPolicyUrban markets and agricultural transformation in Southern Africa
2019Thulasizwe Mkhabela · · Southern Africa
This chapter examines trends in large and urban agricultural markets in Africa, focusing on Southern Africa and using South Africa as an example. It notes the increasing importance of urban agriculture markets due to growing urban populations, purchasing power, and changing consumer preferences. The chapter analyzes the evolution of these markets, including the rise of alternative marketing channels like farmers' markets, and discusses the linkages between rural and urban areas in food marketing, suggesting policy interventions to enhance urban agricultural markets.
EconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceFarmers' Perception, Willingness and Capacity in Utilization of Household Sewage Sludge as Organic Resources for Peri-Urban Agriculture around Jos Nigeria
2019Cosmos C. Alamanjo, Abimbola O. Adepoju, H. Martin, R.N. Baines · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Jos)
This mixed-methods study investigated farmers' perceptions, willingness, and capacity to use household sewage sludge as organic resources for peri-urban agriculture around Jos, Nigeria. Farmers were found to use a complex mix of fertilizers and were keen to utilize household sewage sludge for soil fertility, though constrained by accessibility. A critical finding was that household sewage sludge observed in the field is heterogeneous due to its proximity to urban refuse disposal, raising concerns for possible cross-contamination of pollutants and indicating a lack of extension guidance.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleCompostHealthDrought Mitigation Policies: Waste Water Use, Energy and Food Provision in Urban and Peri-Urban Africa
2019Hendrick J. Bruins · · Africa
This paper discusses drought mitigation in urban and peri-urban Africa, where severe droughts threaten food production under rainfed agriculture. It argues that while urban and peri-urban farming's informal private sector should not be government-controlled, the treatment and use of urban wastewater in agriculture requires government planning, investment, and extension services. Participatory development is suggested to integrate central wastewater planning with private farmer use.
PolicyPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleThe role of cooperation amongst cities, universities, research bodies and civil society organizations Food on Urban Policies in Africa as innovative actions in the cadre of the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact.
2019Valerio Bini, Maria Bottiglieri, Egidio Dansero, Andrea Magarini, Yota Nicolarea, Roberto Sensi · · Africa
This paper explores urban food policies from a Global South perspective, focusing on African cities and their unique urbanization processes and city-food linkages. It describes an overview of initiatives in African cities, aligning with the New Urban Agenda and Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, to promote new forms of cooperation among cities, universities, research bodies, and civil society organizations. The paper aims to identify cross-cutting issues like land tenure, climate change, and urban agriculture to compare cases across different African perspectives.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeThe 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 & justiceWelfareEconomicsCommunityCultivating Social Cohesion: Urban Gardens and Social Capital among Internally Displaced Populations in Maiduguri
2019Chinwe Okonkwo, A. Bello · Open MIND · Nigeria (Maiduguri)
This study investigated the role of urban community gardening programs in generating social capital among 312 internally displaced persons in Maiduguri, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey across three displacement-affected wards measured bonding, bridging, and linking social capital. Participation in community gardens was significantly associated with increased bonding and bridging social capital, with 78% of respondents forming new trusted relationships across ethnic or village backgrounds. Frequency of garden participation positively predicted perceived community solidarity.
CommunityWelfareHealthWomen's agricultural practices and their effects on soil nutrient content in the Nyalenda urban gardens of Kisumu, Kenya
2019Nicolette Tamara Jonkman, Esmee D. Kooijman, Karsten Kalbitz, Nicky Pouw, Boris Jansen · SOIL · Kenya (Kisumu)
This study in Nyalenda urban gardens, Kisumu, Kenya, investigated how female farmers' knowledge and practices influence soil nutrient status. Soil analysis revealed that intercropped fields had significantly lower total soil nutrients than fields with only manure, despite cowpeas theoretically increasing soil N. Female farmers' knowledge was limited to practical and sensory aspects, and intercropping did not increase soil nutrient content due to socioeconomic factors like poverty.
Equity & displacementCommunityHealthWelfareOrganic cycleUrban soil management of marginalized lands: recognizant of history
2019Nicolette Tamara Jonkman, Boris Jansen · Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability · Sub-Saharan Africa
This literature review on urban agriculture (UA) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) identifies a significant constraint: conflicting stakeholder perceptions of UA, which hinders its development into a sustainable business. Some view UA as illegal and unsustainable, while others see it as a means to food security and employment. The review highlights a knowledge gap regarding land-use history and its effect on UA soil composition and nutrient status, proposing that UA sustainability requires understanding this historical context to build inclusive business models.
Governance failureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changePolicyHow to Transition from Cooperations to Cooperatives: A Case Study of the Factors Impacting the Organization of Urban Gardeners in Benin
2019Mawuna Donald Houessou, B.G.J.S. Sonneveld, Augustin K. N. Aoudji, Fréjus THOTO, Smith A. R. Dossou, D. J. Snelder, Anselme Adégbidi, Tjard de Cock Buning · Sustainability · Benin
A study explored and compared international standards of prevailing organizations and their functioning among 261 urban gardeners in two cities in Benin. It found that a vast majority of urban gardeners are members of a cooperation. However, their membership is largely titular because gardeners mostly behave semi-autonomously, and few decisions are taken collectively. The obvious economic advantages of leveraging bargaining power, reducing transaction costs, and increasing possibilities for loans are seriously underutilized.
Governance failureCommunityEconomicsWelfarePolicyComparison of metallic trace elements accumulation capacities in three market garden species, lettuce (Lactuva sativa L.), spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and amaranth (Amaranthus paniculatus L.), grown on agricultural sites in the city of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
2019Kouassi Joseph Kouakou, Ahoua Edmond Sika, Seu Jonathan Gogbeu, Koffi Bertin Yao, M. Bounakhla, Denézon Odette Dogbo, Yves‐Alain Bekro · · Africa
This study compared the accumulation potential of five trace metals (cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, and nickel) in lettuce, spinach, and amaranth grown at market gardening sites in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Using principal components analysis, it was found that lettuce had a greater capacity for accumulating these metals compared to spinach and amaranth. Amaranth and spinach from the three sites showed nearly identical metal accumulation capacities.
Contamination & food safetyHealthFood sovereignty & justicePrioritization of Micro and Small Enterprises in Terms Feasibility Analysis in Case of Dire Dawa City
2019Hailay Aregawi Hagos · European Journal of Business and Management · Ethiopia (Dire Dawa)
This study aimed to prioritize alternative business enterprises based on their feasibility in Dire Dawa city, Ethiopia. Primary data were collected via questionnaires from 202 judgmentally selected micro and small enterprises. Descriptive analysis showed that urban agriculture, manufacturing, service, construction, and trade sectors are the top five feasible sectors, respectively, in terms of market, technical, financial, and organizational parameters. The study concludes that entrepreneurs should undertake a preliminary feasibility study before starting a business.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkageRole of Urban Agriculture in Improving Household Income and Dietary Diversity: The Case of Bure and Finoteselam Towns, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia
2019Zebenay Shitaye · Developing Country Studies · Ethiopia
This study investigated the role of Urban Agriculture (UA) in improving household income and dietary diversity in Bure and Finoteselam Towns, Ethiopia. A survey was conducted with 242 respondents from two Kebeles, selected based on their UA potential and existing training, and data were analyzed using SPSS. Major reasons for UA engagement included earning additional income (57.6%) and employment opportunities (18.5%). UA significantly enhanced dietary diversity for practitioners, particularly in the consumption of tuber roots, vegetables, fruits, eggs, legumes, and milk. However, constraints included inadequate extension support and training, shortages and high costs of inputs, inconvenient working places, lower product prices, transportation problems, and price manipulation by middlemen.
EconomicsHealthFood educationCommunity