Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Importance of Horticulture in Adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture in Ethiopia Short Systematic Review
2024Kebede Tedila Tadesse · Journal of Food Technology & Nutrition Sciences · Ethiopia
This systematic review, conducted at Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia, assessed the role of horticulture in adopting climate-smart agriculture (CSA). Ethiopia's agriculture, which is the backbone of its economy, is adversely affected by climate variability and extreme events. CSA is presented as a primary solution to sustainably increase productivity, enhance resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and achieve food security. The principles of horticulture, including urban and peri-urban agriculture, silviculture, and agroforestry, are highlighted as having a strong capacity to adopt CSA.
Climate changePeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceA 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 & justicePotential of ecological water treatment elements to reduce pollution of river water used for urban agriculture in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2024Terusaw Solomon, Kumelachew Yeshitela, Wondmagegn Taye Abebe · Discover Water · Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
This study assessed the effectiveness of a vetiver grass floating treatment wetland in reducing irrigation water pollution at the Mekanisa-Gofa-Lafto Cooperative farm in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. After a 7-day treatment, the wetland reduced BOD (73.68%), COD (73.92%), pH (0.39%), Chloride (43.12%), Total Hardness (66.56%), and TSS (96.21%), approaching recommended irrigation water quality guidelines within 3 days. However, Electro Conductivity (22.2%) and Sodium (15.2%) concentrations increased, exceeding recommended values.
HealthOrganic cycleClimate changePrincipales spéculations maraîchères cultivées dans les zones urbaines et périurbaines de la ville de Kinshasa (<i>Synthèse bibliographique</i>)
2024Jean de Dieu Minengu, Aiko Ikonso Mwengi, Romain Kawanga, Simon Mwengi, Oscar Mangunda Yama · Revue Africaine d’Environnement et d’Agriculture · Africa
Market gardening in Kinshasa's urban and peri-urban areas faces multiple constraints, including land insecurity, low natural soil fertility, the incidence of diseases and pests, weak technical support, climate hazards, poor input supply, and problematic marketing systems. These constraints limit yields in production sites and hinder the development of market gardening activities.
Governance failureUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEffects of sand mining on peri-urban agriculture in Ife East and Ife Central Local Government Areas, Osun State, Nigeria.
2023F.E. Awoyelu, R.A. Mebo · Agro-Science · Nigeria (Osun State)
This study assessed the effects of artisanal sand mining on peri-urban agriculture in Ife East and Ife Central Local Government Areas, Osun State, Nigeria, from 2015 to 2019. Data from 120 respondents (landowners, cultivators, residents) showed that cultivated land area decreased by 24.8% (from 48% to 23.2%), while sand-mined area substantially increased by 20.4% (from 14.6% to 35%). Landowners' decision to part with land for sand mining increased with age, household size, and farming as primary occupation, but decreased with higher education levels.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsUrban–rural linkageClimate changeMeasures for achieving sustainable environment to mitigate climate change in Africa
2023Bismark Osei, Mark Edem Kunawotor, Paul Appiah-Konadu · International Journal of Social Economics · Africa
This study examined measures for achieving a sustainable environment to mitigate climate change in 54 African countries from 2000 to 2020, using panel data and a Cox proportional hazard model. Findings indicate that carbon farming, rooftop gardens, and renewable energy positively contribute to a sustainable environment. However, governance adversely affects the objective of achieving a sustainable environment.
Governance failureClimate changePolicyDIYUrban–rural linkageIntegrating resource oriented sanitation technologies with urban agriculture in developing countries: measuring the governance capacity of Arba Minch City, Ethiopia
2023Abrham Kassa Ejigu, Kumelachew Yeshitela · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · Ethiopia (Arba Minch City)
A study assessed Arba Minch City's governance capacity to integrate resource-oriented sanitation technology with urban agriculture. The findings indicated that the city's capacity is hindered by a lack of systematic monitoring, fragmented policy tools, and inadequate public sector participation. There is no single government body responsible for integration, and a behavioral gap exists among users in adapting to new technologies and recovered organic fertilizer.
Governance failurePolicyOrganic cycleClimate changeAssessing the Impact of Community Gardens in Mitigating Household Food Insecurity and Addressing Climate Change Challenges: A Case Study of Ward 18, Umdoni Municipality, South Africa
2023Merishca Naicker, Denver Naidoo, Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi · African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies · South Africa
This mixed-methods study surveyed 120 community garden participants in Ward 18, Umdoni Municipality, South Africa, to assess the impact of community gardens on household food security. The survey found that 58.3% of participants did not receive sufficient food from the gardens, and only 15.8% achieved food security, with 40% experiencing moderate food insecurity. Despite their establishment, community gardens appeared ineffective in substantially improving household food security, with challenges including climate change impacts.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsEFFECT OF URBANIZATION ON AGRICULTURAL FARM LAND IN AKURE SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ONDO STATE.
2023Abigail Benson, NICHOLAS O EHISIENMHEN, EUNICE T ADEWALE, R ANIMASAHUN-OLADIMEJI, TOBA R ARIBILOLA, RAZAQ A AFIZ, Augustine Okeke, Oliver P. John, Idris Ahmad Isa, BADRAT O IMRAN, KELVIN D DIRISU, OMOTOYE O OMISORE · Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences · Nigeria (Ondo State)
This study assessed the impact of urbanization on agricultural land in Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria, using populated figures and land use data from satellite images for 2002, 2012, and 2022. GIS analysis revealed an increase in settlement and a decrease in agricultural land from 2002 to 2022. Urbanization significantly decreased agricultural land, farming activities, and farm size, driven by increasing settlement and built-up areas.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkagePolicyClimate changeImpacts of climate variability on the vegetable production of urban farmers in the Addis Ababa metropolitan area: Nexus of climate-smart agricultural technologies
2023Mekonnen Amberber Degefu, Fantu Kifle · Climate Services · Ethiopia
This study examined the impacts of climate variability on vegetable production among 156 randomly selected vegetable farmers along the little Akaki River in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Climate data from 1996 to 2020 and farmer perceptions revealed high coefficients of variation for monthly and annual precipitation. Farmers perceived increased floods/rainfall (44.9%), drought frequency (13.5%), temperature (89.7%), and decreased vegetable productivity (86.5%). High precipitation and temperature variability negatively affect vegetable productivity, with nonadaptation (36.5%) also reported as an adaptation option.
Limited or null effectClimate changeUrban–rural linkageEconomicsClimate change perception, adaptation strategies, and constraints amongst urban farmers in Anambra Metropolis, Nigeria
2023Cynthia Nneka Olumba, Eberechukwu Johnpaul Ihemezie, Chukwudi Charles Olumba · Climate and Development · Nigeria
This study aimed to understand urban farmers’ perceptions of climate change and the adaptation constraints they encounter in Anambra Metropolis, Nigeria. Household survey data using structured questionnaires showed that most urban farmers perceived climate change through effects such as increased weed infestation, drying up of streams/rivers, and decreased soil moisture. Principal adaptation constraints were diverse, falling within broader institutional, information, and financial categories. The study revealed that the socioeconomic conditions of urban farmers in developing countries pose a threat to urban agriculture's potential to mitigate climate change.
Governance failureClimate changeEconomicsPolicyUrban Agriculture Impacts on the Environment of Awka, Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria
2023Odera Chukwumaijem Okafor, Pamela Ogochukwu Mgbenwelu · Trends in Agricultural Sciences · Nigeria
This study investigated the impacts of urban agriculture on the environment of Awka, Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria, using a multi-stage sampling process and analyzing data with descriptive statistics and Spearman's Correlation Coefficient. Findings showed that urban agriculture significantly contributes to the well-being of some city residents by providing revenue, employment, food security, and poverty reduction. The study concluded that urban agriculture should be viewed as a lucrative commercial activity.
Urban–rural linkageClimate changeWelfareEconomicsWastewater governance in the upstream catchment of the Awash Basin, Ethiopia: challenges and opportunities for better accountability
2023Yosef Abebe, Mulugeta Gashaw, Asenake Kefale, Tim Brewer · Water Reuse · Ethiopia
A study on wastewater governance in the upstream catchment of the Awash Basin, Ethiopia, found that untreated wastewater discharged from industries is polluting rivers and the surrounding environment. Regulatory bodies have done little to enforce rules and directives for wastewater regulation, and due to poor implementation of laws, urban agriculture is expanding without concern for its negative health and socioeconomic impacts.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPolicyEconomicsClimate changeThe effects of urbanisation on food security in Africa: An overview and synthesis of the literature
2022Bethuel Sibongiseni Ngcamu · Environmental & Socio-economic Studies · Africa
This literature review explored the effects of urbanization on food security in Africa by reviewing eleven empirical journal articles. Findings indicate that rapid, unplanned urbanization has led to increased food insecurity, environmental degradation, and unsustainable food security, exacerbated by ill-prepared and incompetent governments. Key issues identified include poor government interventions, inadequate land-use planning, and high incompetency among urban planners.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyClimate changeEconomicsImpacts of hailstorm on urban agriculture in Northern of Maputo City and Matola (Mozambique) - An analysis from a climate change perspective
2022Bernardino Bernardo, Elisa Eda Nhambire, Alice Castigo Binda Freia, Octávio Manuel de Jesus, José Júlio Júnior Guambe, Zacarias Alexandre Ombe, Gustavo Sobrinho Dgedge · Cadernos de Geografia · Mozambique (Maputo)
This mixed-method study analyzed the impacts of hailstorms on urban horticulture in northern Maputo City and Matola, Mozambique, following a storm on June 1, 2021. The study found total and partial destruction of ready-to-cut vegetables, including cabbage, lettuce, and onions, across all production areas. This resulted in heavy financial losses for farmers and a significant increase in vegetable prices in local markets.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceAgricultura urbana, relações e desenvolvimento: um olhar sobre Maputo, Moçambique
2022Axel Prestes Dürrnagel, Matias Siueia Júnior, Simone Prestes Dürrnagel · Boletim GeoÁfrica · Mozambique
In Maputo, Mozambique's capital, urban agriculture is at a critical point, with accelerated urban growth and climate change impacts increasingly compromising agricultural spaces. A qualitative case study focusing on farmer associations in the urban district of KaMavota indicated that horizontal relationships among farmers enable information sharing and social capital creation. Conversely, vertical relationships between farmers and the government primarily promote knowledge exchange and competencies related to agricultural extension and land rights allocation.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyClimate changeThe Contribution of Architectural Design Concepts for Sustainable Urban Farming: The Case of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2022Bruk Getahun, Essayas Deribe · Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning · Ethiopia
A case study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, assessed the contribution of architectural design concepts for sustainable urban farming in selected urban farms. The research evaluated urban farms using six criteria based on the three pillars of sustainability: ecological, social, and economical. Findings revealed that most urban farms in Addis Ababa did not fully achieve the sustainability criteria.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsClimate changeCommunityCover Crops in Vegetable Production and Urban Farming in Sub-Saharan Countries
2021Michael Kwabena Osei, Mavis Akom, Joseph Adjebeng‐Danquah, Kenneth Fafa Egbadzor, Samuel Oppong Abebrese, Kwabena Asare Bediako, Richard Yaw Agyare · · Sub-Saharan Africa
This abstract discusses the decline in soil fertility and accelerated desertification in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, due to decades of cropping. It introduces cover crops as a method to manage soil erosion, soil fertility, soil quality, water, weeds, pests, diseases, biodiversity, and wildlife in agro-ecosystems. The abstract also notes the increasing proportion of Ghana's population living in urban communities and that vegetable cultivation is conventionally a trade for rural dwellers.
Organic cycleClimate changeUrban–rural linkageImpact of landscape dynamics and intensities on the ecological land of major cities in Ethiopia
2021Mekonnen Amberber Degefu, Mekuria Argaw, Gudina Legese Feyisa, Sileshi Degefa · ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH · Ethiopia
This study characterized and compared the Spatio-temporal responses of ecological land to urban landscape dynamics in Bahir Dar, Addis Ababa, Adama, and Hawassa cities in Ethiopia for the last three decades (1990–2020). Three sets of Landsat satellite images, field observations, and urban land indexes were used to produce landscape maps and geo-spatial data analysis. Results showed that in all cities, ecological land had changed intensely regarding its quantity and spatial pattern, and the substantial expansion of built-up ecosystems was manifested at the cost of ecological land.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkageClimate changePolicyPracticing Urban Agriculture Is the Most Appreciate Means to Fight Against Famine, Depression, Anxiety and Spread of Coronavirus
2021Chanie Derso Misganaw · Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries · Ethiopia
This review paper highlights the current lack of urban agriculture practice in Ethiopian towns and emphasizes its significance. Urban agriculture contributes to food self-sufficiency, social goodness, economic profitability, and environmental health, and is stated as the most appreciated means to improve livelihoods, generate income, create job opportunities, and fight against famine, depression, anxiety, and the spread of coronavirus. The paper discusses the types, principles, and prospects of urban agriculture based on updated information.
HealthEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeOutdoor 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 educationPathways 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 & justice5. 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 changeThe 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 linkage