Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
535 results(14 / 22)
Improving Living Conditions in Informal Settlements The Case of El-Arab, Hurghada
2016Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed Attia Khalil, Amr Abd El-Aal, Natacha Quintero, Hazem Aayash, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Mohamed R. Ibrahim, Kamal Marei · Procedia Environmental Sciences · Africa
This study focused on an urban upgrading project in El-Arab, an informal settlement in Hurghada, conducted by Master's students from the Urban Development department at Technische Universität Berlin Campus El-Gouna. The project proposed an integrative approach involving physical upgrading, solid waste management, and urban agriculture as three interconnected components to improve living conditions and livelihoods in El-Arab.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsLegal Literacy as a Strategy for Economic Empowerment: A Case of the Implementation of By Laws on Urban Agriculture by Kadoma Municipality, Zimbabwe
2016Kennedy K. Mwangi · IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science · Africa
This paper explores how legal information dissemination impacts socio-economic rights in informal settlements, focusing on urban agriculture rights in Kadoma, Zimbabwe. It investigates residents' knowledge of their urban agriculture rights and their information needs, as well as communication structures between the municipal council and residents. The research aims to provide legal information to enable residents to engage with available services.
PolicyEconomicsCommunitySoil properties and subsoil constraints of urban and peri-urban agriculture within Mahikeng city in the North West Province (South Africa)
2016S. A. Materechera · Journal of Soils and Sediments · South Africa (Mahikeng)
Properties of subsoil in soils used for urban and peri-urban agriculture in Mahikeng city, South Africa, were investigated. Measurements of physical, chemical, and biological properties in four soil profiles (topsoil 0-20cm, subsoil 20-40cm) revealed high bulk density (mean 2.06 Mg m−3) and high penetrometer resistance (1.89 MPa) in the subsoil, indicating potential impedance to root growth. Low hydraulic conductivities at saturation and low plant-available boron levels were also found, leading to the conclusion that subsoil constraints to root growth are widespread in these soils.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleUrban crop production in southeast Nigeria: Potentials and constraints
2016Asadu Anthonia, Enwelu Innocent, Ifejika Philip, Igbokwe Edwin · African Journal of Agricultural Research · Nigeria
A survey and interviews with 210 urban farmers in southeast Nigeria explored the benefits and constraints of urban farming. Farmers reported benefits such as food and income sources, but also faced significant constraints including land insecurity, lack of access to credit, theft, and crop destruction by stray animals. The study concludes that urban farming needs to be legalized and integrated into urban policy to realize its full potential.
Governance failureCommunityEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban Agriculture and Community Economic Development of Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria.
2016Albert Ayorinde Abegunde, Daniel Oluwasola Olaleye · · Nigeria (Lagos)
This study identified vacant land used for urban agriculture in Lagos, Nigeria, and assessed the socio-economic characteristics of 78 farmers in the Ojo Local Government Area. It examined the contributions of urban agriculture to community economic development. Findings showed that most farmers were married males aged 21-50, with about half lacking formal education and earning N6,000-8,999 per month.
CommunityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageEvaluating peri-urban market gardening and shallow well quality for irrigation: a case study from Lagos, Nigeria
2016Isaiah Sewanu Akoteyon, Adeyemi Davidson Aromolaran · International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development · Nigeria (Lagos)
This study evaluated peri-urban market gardening and shallow well water quality for irrigation in Lagos, Nigeria. It found that the mean values of bicarbonate, calcium, and pH in shallow wells exceeded detection levels in 66.7%, 60%, and 53.3% of samples, respectively. Salinity and sodium hazard patterns showed that approximately 66.7% of shallow wells had low salinity, 26.7% medium, and 6.7% high.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthFood sovereignty & justiceUrban farming as a possible source of trace metals in human diets
2016Joshua Oluwole Olowoyo, Gladness Nteboheng Lion · South African Journal of Science · South Africa
This review reports on the concentrations of trace metals in crops, including leafy vegetables, harvested from various urban areas. It highlights the presence of trace metals in leafy vegetables and discusses various pathways of uptake, possible health risks associated with urban farming, and morphological and physiological impacts of trace metals in leafy vegetables.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkageFood for Thought: Perceptions of Food Access and Heathful Eating in The Masxha Community
2016Hannah Richason · School for International Training Digital Collections (School for International Training) · South Africa
This study explored perceptions of food access and healthful eating in the Masxha community, Cato Manor Township, through 10 interviews. The interviews focused on food habits, healthy food perceptions, buying habits, and food access, aiming to understand the experience of food insecurity. The findings indicated that very few participants appeared to be experiencing or at risk of food insecurity. The study concluded that more research is needed on urban food insecurity in South Africa and the effectiveness of community gardens in improving nutrition and food access.
HealthCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceAssessment 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 linkageEfforts of watershed sustainability and usage among peri-urban agricultural farmers of Kwadon, NE Nigeria
2016Muhammad Bello Ibrahim, Nobaya Ahmad, Asnarul Khadi Abu Samah, M.S.M. Redzuan · Universiti Putra Malaysia Institutional Repository (Universiti Putra Malaysia) · Nigeria
A quantitative study surveyed 217 peri-urban agricultural farmers in Kwadon, Gombe, NE Nigeria, from a population of 500, to assess their efforts in watershed sustainability and usage. Descriptive statistics indicated that the majority of these farmers are moderately sustaining the Kwadon watershed through their farming practices. The study focused on water sources, water sharing, and watershed management.
Peri-urban agricultureClimate changeCommunityGender, resilience and resistance: South Africa’s Hleketani Community Garden
2016Elizabeth Vibert · Journal of Contemporary African Studies · South Africa
This article examines the Hleketani Community Garden in Limpopo Province, South Africa, highlighting the successes of women farmers in reducing poverty and improving health outcomes. Despite these benefits, the research identifies significant structural barriers, including lack of access to resources, unfavorable policy frameworks for small-scale agriculture, and worsening climate change, that hinder small-scale farmers, particularly women.
Equity & displacementCommunityWelfareHealthPolicyClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceAn Interpretive Framework for Assessing and Monitoring the Sustainability of School Gardens
2016Francesco Sottile, Fiorito Daniela, Nadia Tecco, Vincenzo Girgenti, Cristiana Peano · Sustainability · Kenya
This study aimed to propose an interpretive framework, the "Sustainable Agri-Food Evaluation Methodology-Garden" (SAEMETH-G), to quantitatively guide the sustainability evaluation of school gardens. As a case study, the methodology was applied to 15 school gardens located in three regions of Kenya. The application of SAEMETH-G as an assessment tool demonstrated that sustainability evaluations of school gardens can be carried out through a participatory and interdisciplinary approach.
Food educationCommunityClimate changeProfitability and Sustainability of Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture
2015FAO · Food and Agriculture Organization · Global (Africa and other regions)
FAO report on profitability and sustainability of urban and peri-urban agriculture systems. Case analyses across regions examine economic viability, environmental conservation, and food security contributions. Includes policy recommendations for smallholder-based local food systems.
EconomicsThe contribution of urban agriculture to food security of individual urban farmers in Yeka Sub City, Addis Ababa
2015Firehiwot Mezgabu, Degefa Tolossa · Ethiopian journal of development research · Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
A 2015 study in Yeka Sub City, Addis Ababa, assessed the contribution of urban agriculture to the food security of 86 households. Findings showed that 74.4% of the households were food-secure, while 24.4% and 1.2% were mildly and severely food-insecure, respectively. Urban agriculture contributed to one-third of household income and played a significant role in improving food security and income, but lack of farmland and water were identified as major challenges.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityGrowing Food and Community: An Exploration of Local Food Initiatives in Cape Town, South Africa
2015Megan Bradley · Syracuse University Libraries (Syracuse University) · South Africa (Cape Town)
A study on local food initiatives in Cape Town, South Africa, explored their role in sustainable community development, focusing on food sovereignty, community capacity, and social capital. Through in-depth interviews, conversations with participants, and observations of community gardens and markets, findings suggested that these initiatives empower community development, both economically and socially, through principles of food sovereignty, social capital, and education.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsFood educationDeterminants 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 linkageFood gardening in Lavender Hill, Cape Town: using adoption rates to estimate the perceived benefit
2015Simon Hazell, Victoria Delbridge, Beatrice Conradie · UR UCT Undergraduate Research · South Africa
A study in Lavender Hill, Cape Town, South Africa, interviewed 50 participants in the Mothers Unite programme to assess the benefits and constraints of homestead-based urban agriculture. Despite the potential for food gardening to alleviate food insecurity and free up 11% of household income, two-thirds of the group had not tried it. Barriers to adoption included lack of space and limited cash flow, with respondents showing little concern for water or compost costs.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityAssessment of planning strategies and integration of urban and peri-urban agriculture into urban planning
2015Sarah Oloo Masawa, George G. Wagah, Reuben Oyoo Mosi · International Journal of Physical and Social Sciences · Kenya
This 2011 study in Bondo Sub County, Kenya, assessed the integration of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPUagr) into urban planning, using a descriptive survey design with 368 households and 248 traders. A major challenge identified was the lack of supportive local policy and legal frameworks for UPUagr, and problems with its integration into broader urban development plans. The study found that UPUagr complemented rural agriculture and increased food system efficiency.
Governance failurePolicyPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceTotal 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 agriculturePeri-urbanization and New Built-up Property Formation Process in the Peri-urban Areas of Ethiopia
2015Achamyeleh Gashu Adam · · Ethiopia
A study assessed the process of built-up property formation in Ethiopia's peri-urban areas. Through analysis of survey results and a review of relevant literature, the study elucidated the processes of peri-urbanization and new property development. It demonstrated that both formal (legal) and informal methods are equally important in converting peri-urban agricultural lands into urban built-up non-agricultural properties. This process creates intense competition for land between agriculture and non-agriculture, leading to the emergence of new property rights and the dissolution of existing traditional rights.
Governance failurePeri-urban agriculturePolicyUrban–rural linkageMicrobiological and Physicochemical Evaluation of Jakara Canal Wastewater Used for Irrigation in Kano
2015M. G. Dahiru, Onaiwu Idahosa Enabulele · · Nigeria (Kano)
Microbiological and physicochemical parameters of urban wastewater from the Jakara Canal in Kano were analyzed to assess its potential for irrigation. Mean fecal coliform counts ranged from 64.43 ± 63.20 MPN 100/ml to 216.85 ± 350.16 MPN 100/ml, increasing along the canal. All physicochemical parameters were within FEPA and WHO/FAO acceptable limits, but conductivity needed monitoring to avoid salinity.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkageThe Resilience of Urban Agriculture in the Face of Adversity from the City Authorities: The Case of Mkoba
2015Nyasha Chaminuka, Peter Makaye · Global Journal of Human-Social Science · Africa
This paper analyzes urban agriculture in Mkoba, Gweru, as a survival strategy for residents facing food insecurity and poverty, despite opposition from city authorities. It argues that urban agriculture is a resilient practice that has become a significant feature of urban livelihoods, often increasing the burden on women. The paper suggests that city authorities are losing the contest over urban spaces and should reform legislation to accommodate urban agriculture.
Governance failureWelfarePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceInformation Needs of Youths involved in Urban Agriculture as Strategy for Checking Unemployment in Epe Lga of Lagos State, Nigeria
2015C.O. Edeoghon, DU Okoedo-Okojie · Journal of applied science and environmental management · Nigeria (Lagos State)
This study assessed the information needs of 140 youths involved in urban agriculture in Epe LGA, Lagos State, Nigeria, using structured questionnaires. Most respondents (71.4% unemployed) needed information on crop production (54.3%) and perceived urban agriculture as a solace for unemployment. Major agricultural tasks included vegetable, maize, cassava, and fish production. Unemployment was attributed to laziness, lack of knowledge, and god-fatherism, and perceived information needs were significantly associated with education level and primary occupation.
WelfareFood educationEconomicsCommunity“I Know How to Handle My Husband”: Intra-household Decision-Making and Urban Food Production in Kenya
2015Robert Romborah Simiyu · Eastern Africa social science research review · Kenya (Eldoret)
This paper examines gender roles in urban gardening decision-making in Eldoret, Kenya, based on a survey of 160 households and 24 interviews. While men generally held more decision-making power, women leveraged social spaces and gender roles to secure significant influence in urban gardening. Women typically initiated gardening, preferred subsistence crops, and controlled consumption, whereas men's roles were more prominent in income-oriented gardening and sales decisions.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justice