Research & reports

Marike Brits · Farmlink Africa · South Africa

This short piece introduces Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) in Cape Town, South Africa. Co-founder Sheryl Ozinsky explains that the idea for the farm originated as a response to rising crime in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Emmanuel O. Adu · Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences · South Africa

A study of urban agriculture's relationship to students' life satisfaction in Eastern Cape, South Africa, identifies nutrition, self-employment, food security and poverty eradication as components of that satisfaction, alongside economic benefits such as income distribution and small-scale business. It recommends that South Africa's government make agriculture education compulsory for grades 10 and 11, with practical components making up at least half of overall marks, while noting challenges including limited available space, damage to crops from stray animals, pests and diseases, and unreliable access to inputs such as soil, manure, seedlings and water.

Ande O.T, Adetunji A. M, Akinpelu M. E, Senjobi B.A · Journals & Books Hosting (International Knowledge Sharing Platform) · Nigeria

Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria, home to about 6 million people, has raised growing concern over lowland soils in its periurban area, where much of the industrial waste transported by the River Ona is deposited; these soils are used for dry-season farming and contribute to food security. This study aimed to characterize periurban lowland soils around Ibadan and determine their vulnerability to industrial pollution, using a 50m x 50m grid with surface samples taken at 50m intervals, plus representative profile pits described using the USDA method, and particle-size and chemical analyses (phosphorus, nitrogen, exchangeable cations Ca/Mg/Na/K, manganese, and heavy metals including lead, copper, zinc, chromium, iron, and cadmium). Results showed the floodplain's surface soil was fertile, with high nitrogen (0.35 cmol/kg), phosphorus (51.25 cmol/kg), and potassium (0.61 cmol/kg), and phosphorus levels ranging from very high to toxic, between 28.99 and 87.70 ppm. Average heavy metal concentrations were lead 34.30 mg/kg, zinc 171.20 mg/kg, iron 83.97 mg/kg, copper 19.11 mg/kg, manganese 31.10 mg/kg, chromium 0.69 mg/kg, and cadmium 0.3 mg/kg. Predicted soil-to-plant heavy metal transfer coefficients (Pb 35-343; Cr 0.46-4.6; Zn 171-1712; Cu 19-191; Fe 83-840; Mn 31-281; Cd 0.1-10) indicated crops grown in the area could contain toxic levels of these metals; however, high yields and healthy plant condition observed in the field, together with farmer interviews, suggested that the high phosphorus level (28.99-87 ppm) may have inhibited uptake of some metals such as lead, zinc, and copper.

Vide Adedayo, Mayowa Fasona, Taiwo Kuti · Journal of Geography and Geology · Nigeria

Using rainfall and temperature data from 1971 to 2006 alongside pesticide sales data from selected vendors and farmers, this study analyzed the relationship between climate elements, pest activity and pesticide usage in urban farming communities in Lagos, Nigeria. Rainfall was found to have increased by about 42 mm per year per decade and temperature by about 0.27°C per year per decade over the period. Maximum recorded temperatures were 32.6°C in February and 28.2°C in August. Pest activity was widespread during the dry season when temperatures were high, stimulating increased pest attacks on crops and increased pesticide use. Pesticide usage was estimated at roughly 30,000 liters in February and 15,000 liters in August.

C.F.A. van Wesenbeeck, Valentijn Venus, M.A. Keyzer, B. Wesselman, D. Asare Kye · · Africa

This study examined two tomato production areas in Burkina Faso with potential for counter-seasonal production aimed at Ghanaian urban markets, identifying the main obstacles to developing a horticultural supply chain: the monopsony power of Ghanaian traders and insufficient road quality causing high mechanical-damage losses in transport. Using a spatial-temporal simulation model to assess transport effects on tomato quality, the study found refrigerated transport is not a necessary condition for successful trade, since climate conditions alone do not severely harm quality, and concluded that regional diversification of exports offers Burkina Faso producers the best opportunities for improving their position in the chain, given the persistent trader monopsony and infrastructure constraints.

Workineh Ayenew · Developing Country Studies · Ethiopia

A study of 50 women selected by systematic sampling in Arba Minch town, Ethiopia, used logistic regression (maximum likelihood estimation) to examine determinants of women's saving behavior. Education attainment and age showed a negative influence on saving, but this was not statistically significant. Ownership of urban agriculture and income level had a significant positive effect on saving behavior, while access to credit and family size had a significant negative influence. Goodness-of-fit tests confirmed the model fit the data, and a robust heteroscedasticity test found no problems with model specification.

Gallaher C. M., Kerr J. M., Njenga M., Karanja N. K., WinklerPrins A. M. G. A. · Agriculture and Human Values 30(3):389-404 · Kenya

Studying sack gardening in Nairobi's Kibera slums, this paper shows vegetable production enhances household food security and, especially for households farming in groups, builds social capital among the urban poor.

AN Asadu, EM Igbokwe, JM Chah, IA Enwelu · Journal of Agricultural Extension · Nigeria (Enugu)

This study investigated farmers' perceptions of health and environmental hazards from urban livestock keeping in Enugu Urban, Nigeria, interviewing 75 heads of households. While all respondents were aware of general health and environmental implications, only 4.0% knew livestock could cause climate change. Identified environmental issues included crop destruction (89.3%), urban filth (89.3%), and noise (88.0%), while health issues included disease spread (50.7%), accidents (46.7%), and bad smell (86.7%).

Asadu A. N · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Nigeria (Imo State)

A study investigated gender roles in urban crop production in Imo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 60 respondents via interview schedules, revealing that 60% of urban farmers were female with an average age of 40 years. Mixed cropping was the most common system, with cassava, maize, and Telfaria as major crops. Both men and women were involved in securing plots, and all family members participated in fertilization and harvesting. Weeding and processing were primarily done by women and girls, while men mostly handled chemical spraying.

Femi Adesina, Ifunanya Oluwadamilola, Chinedu Akwu · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Lagos)

In 2013, the effectiveness of an awareness campaign promoting water conservation behaviors was investigated among 150 urban female gardeners in Lagos, Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach, including pre- and post-intervention surveys, found a significant increase from 25% to 48% in the adoption of water-saving irrigation techniques after the campaign. While the campaign was effective in enhancing knowledge and behavior, further tailored interventions are recommended for sustained impact.

Teferi Daba Lemma, M. S. A. Rao · · Ethiopia

This study assessed the social and environmental sustainability of urban and periurban agriculture (UPA) in selected towns of Ethiopia, using primary data from 280 households via questionnaires and interviews. The findings indicate that the environmental and health aspects of UPA sustainability are compromised by extensive use of chemical inputs. Furthermore, UPA is inclined to be unsustainable from a social and political perspective.

Adedayo A, A. M. Tunde · Sustainable Agriculture Research · Nigeria (Kwara State)

This study assessed the challenges faced by women farmers in urban areas of Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 1,801 women farmers were sampled from different urban areas, and Focus Group Discussions were conducted. Matrix ranking revealed that lack of credit facilities was one of the most significant challenges hindering increased production by women. Other identified challenges included restricted accessibility to land and a lack of farm input.

Dlamini Magagula, Khathi Khumalo, Nombuyisilwe Sithole, Kgosiwe Maseko · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · South Africa (Cape Town)

This study in Cape Town, South Africa, investigated the impact of community gardens on food security among the urban poor using mixed methods, including ten years of household food expenditure surveys. Participating households showed an average 20% increase in fresh produce consumption compared to non-participants, directly impacting nutrition levels. The review concluded that community gardening projects can enhance food security and quality of life, but further research is needed on best practices, scalability, long-term sustainability, and the impact of diverse crop cultivation.

Odewumi Odewumi · Journal of Geography and Regional Planning · Nigeria (Ibadan)

This study surveyed 145 farmers in two urban agricultural communities in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria, to examine their perception of climate change and its effects on urban agriculture. Results showed that 89.6% of respondents perceived climate change and increased variability over the past five years, with effects including temperature increases, fewer rainy days, and more rainstorms and floods. Multiple regression analysis indicated that farmers' socio-economic characteristics had no significant influence on their perception of climate variation effects.

Marijke D’Haese, Nick Vink, Tharcisse Nkunzimana, Ellen Van Damme, Johan van Rooyen, Anne-Marie Remaut, Lotte Staelens, Luc D’Haese · Development Southern Africa · South Africa

Food insecurity remains high in rural KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. This study collected data from 390 beneficiary households in 2010 to assess the perceived impact of the Empowerment for Food Security Programme, launched in 2007, on food security. Findings confirmed that experience-based food insecurity levels were still high, despite the agricultural support program and government income transfers. However, respondents attributed improved dietary diversity and better access to resources to the program.

Dick Foeken · Journal of Geography and Regional Planning · East Africa

This paper, discussing the role of urban agriculture in the development of middle-sized towns using three East African cases (Nakuru, Morogoro, Mbeya), argues that urban agriculture can be transformed into a thriving sector contributing to employment, income, and food provision. It describes the current situation, focusing on resource allocation, benefits, and environmental challenges, and concludes that a favorable legal and policy setting, support and education, and improved market conditions, led by both government and the private sector, are necessary to achieve this.

Diana Lee-Smith · City · Africa

This paper reviews a synthesis from late 2010 on Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (UPA) data from East and Central Africa, identifying major issues such as UPA's relationship to food security and poverty, its waste recycling effectiveness, and policy responses. The analysis is updated with data from Southern Africa, suggesting UPA's capacity to recycle nutrients, particularly on efficient crop-livestock backyard farms, signifies its potential role in making cities sustainable.

Dominique Rossi Breetzke, Christina Breed · Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir kunsgeskiedenis · South Africa (Pretoria)

This paper explores using abandoned urban land for allotment community gardening in Sunnyside, Pretoria, South Africa, through a case study along the Walker Spruit. It tests the hypothesis of increasing food security and social capital through urban ecology design. Findings suggest that allotment culture and permaculture can reconnect people with urban nature, proposing a design concept to unite neighborhoods and provide social and biophysical services sustainably.

Chikwendiu Okechukwu, Femi Adekunle, Sunday Nwokolo · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria

A three-year mixed-methods study in selected urban areas of Nigeria assessed the impact of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) among gardeners. Community members' understanding of IPM principles significantly improved, with 20% initially reporting successful pest management strategies, increasing to 75% over the three years. The findings suggest that sustained education and support are crucial for effective IPM adoption in urban gardening communities.

Romborah Simiyu, Dick Foeken · Gender Place & Culture · Kenya

The study examined labour divisions between men and women in urban crop cultivation in Eldoret, Kenya. Divisions were shaped by social constructs of masculinity and femininity, gendered differences in entitlements and farming knowledge, and intra-household power relations, and showed up in which crops each gender took responsibility for, which tasks they performed, and spatial separation of activities. Traditional gender-related labour boundaries were being challenged and reworked. Women's labour contributed more directly to household food security, while men's growing involvement in subsistence farming held prospects for improved productivity and food security.

Carol Posthumus · SABI Magazine - Tydskrif · South Africa

This article traces the history of Oranjezicht City Farm near Cape Town, South Africa. In the 1700s, the farm Oranje Zigt on the site supplied ships on the trade route with fresh fruit and vegetables. A bowling green was built on the site in the 1950s, which over time fell into disuse and became derelict. That site has since been reincarnated as Oranjezicht City Farm, a neighbourhood non-profit project celebrating local food and community.

Dominique Rossi Breetzke, Christina Breed · UpSpace Institutional Repository (University of Pretoria) · South Africa

A landscape architecture study centered on Sunnyside, Pretoria, South Africa, using an abandoned stretch of land along the Walker Spruit as a case study to test the hypothesis that allotment-style community gardening designed around urban ecology can increase food security and social capital. It examines Guerrilla Gardening and allotment cultures in Britain, Canada, and Switzerland, and applies the green infrastructure concept of a "Continuous Productive Urban Landscape," concluding that allotment culture and permaculture can be ways of reconnecting people with urban nature. It proposes a "three natures" design concept intended to unite the neighboring Clydesdale and Sunnyside East areas. The work is a design proposal and case study rather than a study with measured outcome data.

Amy E. Thom, Beatrice Conradie · Open University of Cape Town (University of Cape Town) · South Africa (Cape Town)

This study, focused on Cape Town, South Africa, proposes social enterprise fresh produce box schemes as a sustainable business opportunity for urban agriculture to contribute to development. The research compared three existing box scheme models, analyzed a consumer survey to explore the consumer market, and investigated poor producers' agency through cross-case analysis. This analysis yields suggestions for key characteristics of an "ideal" social enterprise box scheme that is both financially sustainable and contributes to improvements in poor producers' agency.

Kgosi Khumalo, Siyabonga Xaba, Mpho Motshekga, Thabo Tshabalala · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · South Africa (Johannesburg)

This systematic review examined eco-friendly urban gardening practices for youth in Johannesburg slums, analyzing 34 studies from multiple databases. The review found a trend towards community-led initiatives combining horticulture with sustainable living education. These practices positively impacted household food insecurity, reducing it by an average of 20%, and enhanced youth engagement in environmental stewardship.

A. Yusuf · · Nigeria (Lagos State)

This study assessed the attitudes of 50 women farmers towards urban agriculture in the Somolu local government area of Lagos State, Nigeria. Findings indicated that the women's attitude towards urban agriculture was extremely negative. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between attitude and age, marital status, educational level, years of experience, and access to loans. However, farm size, annual income, access to labor, and access to inputs were statistically insignificant.