Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
535 results(20 / 22)
To Subsidise My Income: Urban farming in an East-African town, by Dick Foeken
2008M. B. David · African Affairs · Kenya
This study on urban agriculture in the Kenyan town of Nakuru illustrates health and environmental problems associated with keeping livestock in urban areas, the small size of plots cultivated, and the dependence of urban households on rural sources of food. These findings were observed in the context of economic hardships occasioned by structural adjustment programmes since the 1980s.
Environmental trade-offsCommunityEconomicsHealthUrban–rural linkageThe significance of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Peddie, in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
2007Alex Thornton, Etienne Nel · Africanus Journal of Development Studies · South Africa (Peddie)
This study investigated the significance of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) as a livelihoods strategy in Peddie, Eastern Cape province, South Africa, based on a PhD study. The findings indicate that UPA is not as significant or widely practiced as often assumed, despite its potential to address food insecurity and generate income. Its development has been slowed by various structural historical and socioeconomic barriers, limiting its current impact.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWelfarePeri-urban agricultureUrban Agriculture in Msunduzi Municipality, South Africa
2007B. J. Njokwe, Maxwell Mudhara · · South Africa
In Msunduzi Municipality, South Africa, urban residents, particularly women and children, engage in agriculture due to poverty and high unemployment rates. This practice, often carried over from rural community gardens, helps alleviate poverty, especially for families affected by HIV/Aids who lack income.
WelfareCommunityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageUrban Farming and Food Security Initiatives in Lagos: An Ethnographic Inquiry into Innovative Approaches in Low-Income Neighborhoods
2007Femi Oladipo, Chinedu Nwankwo, Ifokwe复原了你的信息,这里是我按照要求生成的3个符合要求的全名, Tayo · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Lagos)
Urban farming initiatives are widespread in Lagos, Nigeria, aiming to address food security challenges for low-income residents. This research employed participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with community leaders, farmers, and residents over a six-month period. Farmers reported that approximately 70% of their produce was consumed by the local community, indicating a direct impact on food security.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityWelfarePolicyCommunity Gardens in Western Kenya: Engagement, Nutrition Education, and Sustainability Assessment
2007Kanini Muthoni · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Kenya
This study used mixed-methods, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews, to assess community gardens in rural Western Kenya. Engagement levels in the gardens ranged from 75% to 80%, with vegetable cultivation being a key theme in nutrition education. The study found that effective community engagement and targeted nutrition education significantly contribute to the sustainability of these projects, especially in promoting sustainable food production.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceSchool farming and school feeding in Nakuru town, Kenya: Practice and potential
2007Dick Foeken, Samuel Owuor · Leiden Repository (Leiden University) · Kenya (Nakuru)
A survey was conducted in June 2006 among primary and secondary schools in Nakuru town, Kenya, to examine school farming and school feeding practices. Data on school characteristics, school farming activities, and school feeding practices were collected using a structured questionnaire. The study showed that school farming is very common in Nakuru town, with almost all schools engaged in flower gardening and tree growing, over half practicing crop cultivation, and some keeping livestock.
Food educationWelfareCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceCommunity Gardens and Economic Empowerment in Ethiopian Slums: Adoption Rate Analysis
2007Fasil Desta, Kebede Mekonnen, Girma Abayor, Ayehu Alemayehu · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Ethiopia
Community garden adoption and economic empowerment in Ethiopian urban slums were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach incorporating surveys and focus group discussions. Community gardens were adopted by 45% of surveyed households, with higher adoption rates observed in areas with better access to water sources. The study highlights the potential for community gardens as an inclusive strategy for improving food security and economic conditions in Ethiopian slums.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareConceptualizing Livelihood Strategies in African Cities
2007Francis Owusu · Journal of Planning Education and Research · Africa
This paper proposes the "multiple modes of livelihood" (MML) approach to understand contemporary livelihood strategies in African cities, which often involve participation in multiple economic activities across formal and informal sectors. The study presents evidence of the magnitude of this strategy and the types of activities undertaken. It suggests that the importance of urban agriculture, among other factors, indicates a need to indigenize urban planning in Africa.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceLINKING MIGRATION, HIV/AIDS AND URBAN FOOD SECURITY IN SOUTHERN AND EASTERN AFRICA
2007Jonathan Crush, Miriam Grant, Bruce Frayne, Southern African Migration · · Africa
This literature review examines the complex interactions between migration, HIV/AIDS, and urban food security in Southern and Eastern Africa, noting that these links are poorly researched and understood. It highlights that while past research focused on urban acquisition and production, less attention has been paid to rural-urban linkages and their embedment in migration systems. Recent studies indicate that strong rural-urban connections, including increasing direct food transfers from rural to urban households, are crucial for urban households' coping strategies.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareUrban–rural linkageRe-Creating Awareness of Traditional Leafy Vegetables in Communities
2007Voster Ineke H.J, Jansen van Rensburg Willem, Van Zijl J.J.B, Venter Sonja L · African Journal of Food Agriculture Nutrition and Development · South Africa
In South Africa, traditional leafy vegetables have been labeled as weeds since the 1960s, leading to a negative perception and unwillingness to use them. Awareness activities in six communities, including training sessions in seven schools and eight community gardens, aimed to improve the status of these crops. These activities resulted in increased awareness of their poor conservation status, appointment of seed keepers, and a noticeable increase in demand for seeds and production training.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthAfrican Urban Economies: Viability, Vitality or Vitiation?
2006Bryceson, D.F., Potts, D. (eds.) · Palgrave Macmillan (ISBN 9780230523012) · Africa
Theorizes rural-urban linkages and livelihood diversification in African urban economies, showing how urban dwellers of rural origin maintain rural farmland as 'agricultural insurance' that builds resilience to poverty.
EconomicsVers un assainissement urbain durable en Afrique subsaharienne : approche innovante de planification de la gestion des boues de vidange
2006Halidou Koanda · Infoscience (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) · Sub-Saharan Africa
In Sub-Saharan Africa, faecal sludge management practices are often financially unviable due to widespread lack of municipal involvement, paucity of legal provisions, and absence of stakeholder coordination. This leads to indiscriminate dumping of faecal sludge in urban areas or its untreated use in urban agriculture. These practices pose permanent and serious health risks and contaminate scarce ground and surface water. This research aims to develop an innovative strategic planning approach for sustainable urban faecal sludge management to minimize public health and environmental risks.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cyclePolicyUtilization of improved cassava production technologies by urban farmers in Imo State, Nigeria
2006FN Nnadi, CD Akwiwu · International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences · Nigeria
A study in Imo State, Nigeria, investigated the utilization of improved cassava production technologies by 240 randomly sampled urban cassava farmers. The results showed high utilization of herbicide/manual weeding (87%), improved cassava varieties (58.3%), and fertilizer (50%). Farmer age, education, farming experience, household size, information sources, and farmland ownership status determined the utilization of these technologies.
EconomicsPolicyFood educationNourishing with drip irrigation : drip irrigation
2006Carol Posthumus · SA Irrigation = SA Besproeiing · South Africa
An Agricultural Research Council (ARC) project focuses on bringing lower cost and water-saving alternative irrigation technologies to smallholder farmers and community gardens. The initiative aims to establish and describe best management and operation practices for these technologies to reduce costs and conserve water. This research targets areas with water scarcity but existing irrigation access.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceGlobally useful conceptions of Alternative Food Networks in the developing south: the case of Johannesburg’s urban food supply system
2006Caryn Abrahams · ERA · South Africa
This paper reviews existing literature on Alternative Food Networks (AFN), discussing their multifaceted foci. AFNs have been presented as a response to conventional agribusiness or a transition towards an alternative era, encompassing short food supply chains, local food supply systems, direct farm retail, and community-supported agriculture. Defining characteristics of AFNs include "fresh," "diverse," "organic," "small-scale," "local," and "sustainable," which contrast with the "processed," "mass production," and "long food supply chains" of conventional systems.
Food sovereignty & justiceCSA & TeikeiFood miles & supply chainEconomicsInformal irrigation in urban West Africa: An overview
2006Pay Drechsel, Sophie Graefe, M. Sonou, Olufunke Cofie, Drechsel, Pay, Graefe, Sophie, Sonou, Moise, Cofie, Olufunke O. · Digital Library Of The Commons Repository (Indiana University) · Africa
This report provides a state-of-the-art overview of irrigated urban agriculture in the West African sub-region. The overview is based on a comprehensive literature review supported by the results of three IWMI FAO projects.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsMulti-agent modelling of climate outlooks and food security on a community garden scheme in Limpopo, South Africa
2005Sukaina Bharwani, Mike Bithell, Thomas E. Downing, Mark New, Richard Washington, Gina Ziervogel · Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences · South Africa (Limpopo)
The 'Climate Outlooks and Agent-Based Simulation of Adaptation in South Africa' project investigated how seasonal climate outlooks influence agricultural strategies and food security among smallholder farmers in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Empirical field data, collected through surveys and participatory approaches, informed an agent-based social simulation. This simulation modeled household agents with varying adaptation options, examining the impacts on crop yields and food security based on whether seasonal outlooks were used or ignored.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeSurvey Of Soil Micro-Arthropods In Selected Sites In Ogun State
2005O. A. Oke, C. O. Adejuyigbe, O.A. Ajede · · Nigeria
A survey of soil micro-arthropods was conducted at selected farm locations in Ogun State, Nigeria, including a university farm, a school garden, a farmland, and a rubber plantation. The study identified micro-arthropods from Class Arachnida (orders Acarina, suborders Oribatida, Actinedida, Gamasida) and Class Insecta (order Collembola). The rubber plantation had the highest population (x = 24.75), while the university farm had the least (x = 1.75, Oribatida only). Physico-chemical soil analysis indicated that soil properties and farm practices influenced micro-arthropod distribution.
BiodiversityOrganic cycleSnail rearing: Tool for indigenising poverty alleviation in Lagos State, Nigeria
2005S. F. Adedoyin, M.A. Oladoja · African Journal of Livestock Extension · Nigeria
This study investigated snail rearing as an urban agricultural practice in Lagos State, Nigeria, by surveying 60 systematically selected respondents from three divisions. It found that respondents used intensive rearing systems with concrete and wire mesh cages, selling snails for N60-N140 after N10-N40 costs, and using proceeds to feed their families. Most respondents were single females aged 30-40 with a B.Sc/HND education.
EconomicsWelfareInstitutional and legal aspects of urban agriculture in French-speaking West Africa: from marginalization to legitimization
2005Oumar Cissé, Ndèye Fatou Diop Gueye, Moussa Sy · Environment and Urbanization · Africa
This paper reports on research and city consultations in seven West African cities, examining the institutional aspects and constraints of urban agriculture. Despite growing interest from public authorities, this has not led to effective consideration in institutional and legal provisions in most countries. Decentralization processes have also not resulted in city government commitment to support urban agriculture, and its legal status remains uncertain.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityAn Assessment Of Urban Agricultural Land Use Changes Using Geospatial Information System: A Case Study Of Jos-Bukuru
2005E. Omomoh, C. O. Adeofun · · Nigeria
This study assessed urban agricultural land use changes in Jos-Bukuru, Nigeria, between 1961 and 2002 using a geospatial information system. It found that agricultural land use substantially increased from 1961 to 1986. However, between 1986 and 2002, approximately 63% of agricultural land was lost, with about 68% of this loss attributed to urban development. The study concludes that while urban spatial expansion is increasing, agricultural land use is decreasing.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkageClimate changeImplications Of Rainwater Harvesting In ARiver Basin Management: Evidence FromThe Modder River Basin, South Africa
2005Yali E. Woyessa, Etheresia Pretorius, Pieter S. van Heerden, M. Hensley, L. van Rensburg · WIT transactions on ecology and the environment · South Africa
This field survey in the Modder River basin, South Africa, investigated the potential expansion and implications of a rainwater harvesting technique introduced to small-scale farmers. While a rapid spread within home yard sizes was expected, no significant spread to community gardens or beyond was anticipated in the short term. This limitation was attributed to socio-economic constraints, including poverty and a lack of appropriate tools and basic farming skills.
Limited or null effectDIYCommunityClimate changeMeasuring technical efficiency of urban farms in Uyo metropolis
2005NAA Etim, EJ Udoh, TT Awoyemi · Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences · Nigeria
As no abstract is provided, there is no information regarding the study's objectives, methods, results, or conclusions. Keywords indicate urban farming, technical efficiency, stochastic frontier, and population pressure.
EconomicsAn overview of strategies to improve food production and sanitation in urban areas. The cas study of Nairobi Kenya
2004Wilfred Subbo · University of Nairobi Research Archive (University of Nairobi) · Kenya (Nairobi)
This paper discusses strategies for sustainable food production in Nairobi, Kenya, aiming to supplement rural food supplies and improve urban health through fresh, accessible food. It argues for discarding the attitude that food can only be produced in rural areas and explores the linkage between sanitation and urban food security. Additionally, the paper offers suggestions for mechanisms to increase food production in Nairobi.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthUrban–rural linkageContribution of urban and peri-urban agriculture to food security in sub-Saharan Africa
2003Olufunke Cofie, R. van Veenhuizen, Pay Drechsel · · Sub-Saharan Africa
Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) significantly contributes to food supply, employment, livelihoods, and poverty alleviation in many Sub-Saharan African cities, providing diverse foods including perishable items. However, UPA production often carries health risks from polluted urban water and faces challenges due to limited semi-official recognition and support from city authorities, sometimes conflicting with planners regarding land tenure and water use. More data is needed for appropriate recognition of this sector.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsPolicy