Research & reports

H. Allagbé, Magloire Aïtchedji, Anges Yadouléton · · Benin

This study, conducted from January to December 2013 in three major vegetable farms in southern and northern Benin, assessed the genesis and rapid expansion of urban agriculture. It found that while Christian missionaries initiated early vegetable farming, its current growth is driven by urban unemployment, rural exodus, and the search for balanced diets, increasing farmers' household income. The activity is dominated by young people (21-40 years old), with 75% being permanent gardeners, but farmers improperly used various pesticides, leading to insecticide resistance in malaria vectors.

Carol Posthumus · SABI Magazine - Tydskrif · South Africa (Cape Town)

Abalimi Bezekhaya, a community-supported agricultural organization in Cape Town, operates a network of approximately 5000 small-scale organic farmers across various areas of the Cape Flats. The organization views the city as a farm, contributing to fresh food security.

Maru Abebaw Berhanu, Juliet Akola · VNU Journal of Science: Natural Sciences and Technology (Vietnam National University) · Ethiopia

A descriptive study in Debre Markos Town, Ethiopia, involving 152 farmers/enterprises and 8 officials, identified major types of urban agriculture, stakeholders, environmental challenges, and benefits. Findings indicated that animal husbandry is the most common urban agricultural activity, and stakeholders' environmental concern was very low. 55.9% of urban agriculture's environmental challenges, such as waste dumping, soil loss, and biodiversity loss, were attributed to a lack of environmental attention.

H.W. Kamwele, George Mark Onyango, George G. Wagah, Maria Nyström · Chalmers Publication Library (Chalmers University of Technology) · Kenya

This paper examines the legal and policy framework affecting urban agriculture development in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya, through a case study involving interviews with government officials and review of various acts and bylaws. It found that while national legislation allows for urban agriculture, there is no specific policy for it, and Eldoret Municipality tolerates the practice despite its illegality. The study concludes that the awareness of urban farming's importance has not translated into formal recognition in bylaws and ordinances.

Taibat Lawanson, Olabode Orelaja, Michael Simire · African Journal of Science Technology Innovation and Development · Nigeria (Lagos)

This case study investigated the effects of climate change on agricultural activities in the Igbe Farming Community, Lagos, Nigeria, by surveying 161 farmers. The study found that most migrant farmers leased plots annually or biennially and made marginal profits of $200 to $350 per farming cycle. Erratic weather patterns and aggressive urban growth were major challenges, leading 48% of respondents to engage in informal enterprises.

Joseph Agossou, Léonard Afouda, Julien Didier Adédémy, Alphonse Noudamadjo, Catherine N’da Tido, Emanliikpon Sylvain Ahohoui, Pierre G. Tovihoudji, Farouk Mazou, Benjami Fayomi, Simon Akpona, Sikiratou Adéothy-Koumakpaï, B Ayivi · Environnement Risques & Sante · Benin (Parakou)

This study analyzed the bacteriological and parasitic load in wastewater and market garden products from five major production sites in Parakou, Benin, where farmers use wastewater for irrigation. High concentrations of fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Shigella spp., Entamoeba coli, Giardia intestinalis cysts, and helminth eggs were found in irrigation water, vegetables, and farmers' stools. The use of wastewater resulted in high contamination of vegetables, particularly cabbage, large lettuce, and carrot leaves, by fecal coliforms, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli.

P. S. Van Staden, Maléne Campbell · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · South Africa (Cape Town)

This study proposes a framework for utilizing vacant City of Cape Town-owned land for urban agriculture to improve low-income families' livelihoods. The new City of Cape Town zoning scheme now includes urban agriculture zoning, which town planners view optimistically as it offers income-generating opportunities. Empirical data from questionnaires with a farming community in Philippi demonstrated that urban agriculture is viable in Cape Town, even for household-only production. A usufruct agreement is proposed as the lease method for urban agriculture.

Hannah Rich, Nicole M. Ardoin · Children Youth and Environments · South Africa (Cape Town)

This study used narrative interviews to explore how teachers and school administrators in low-income schools in Cape Town, South Africa, perceive their school gardens. Interviewees emphasized that despite requiring substantial resource inputs like funding, labor, and training, school gardens offer significant benefits for students, including expanded environmental awareness, food growing skills, and understanding the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and food systems. The data ultimately converged on the primary theme of the garden's importance for greater self-sufficiency for both students and staff.

Otu W. Ibok, Idiong C. Idiong, Nsikan Edet Bassey, Ekaette S. Udoh · Agricultural Science · Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of urban food crop farming household productivity on household food security in Cross River State, Southern Nigeria. Data was collected from 217 urban food crop farmers using a two-stage sampling technique and analyzed with food security index, food insecurity/surplus gap index, head count index, productivity index, and logistic regression. Results showed that 53.5% of households were food insecure, while 46.5% were food secure. Logistic regression revealed that urban farming household productivity had a significant positive effect on household food security status.

UM Dawaki, A. U. Dikko, SS Noma, U. Aliyu · Nigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences · Nigeria

A study investigated the total, exchangeable, and soluble concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cd) in urban agricultural soils along three rivers (Challawa, Jakara, and Watari) in Kano, Nigeria. Cadmium concentrations at Jakara and Challawa exceeded maximum allowable concentrations in soils. Heavy metal concentrations were found to be significantly higher in areas irrigated with industrial and domestic sewage (Challawa and Jakara) compared to the control site (Watari).

Ekaete Francis Asuquo · · Nigeria (Calabar)

The impact of urban expansion on agricultural land in Calabar and its environs, Nigeria, was investigated. A survey of 150 questionnaires and comparative assessment revealed a decrease in agricultural land in the fringes as urban expansion persists and increases. Before 2013, more farmers owned larger plots, but much of this agricultural land has been converted to housing estates, roads, leisure resorts, and schools, indicating that urban expansion has negatively impacted agricultural land, reducing food productivity and leading to farmer unemployment.

Marike Brits · Farmlink Africa · South Africa (Cape Town)

Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) in Cape Town, South Africa, was established in response to rising crime in surrounding neighborhoods. According to Sheryl Ozinsky, one of the project's founders, the idea for the farm originated as a response to increasing crime in the vicinity.

Nairobi Kenya · · Kenya (Nairobi)

This research investigated the type and distribution of urban and peri-urban agriculture production systems in Nairobi County, Kenya. Results showed that crop-only cultivation accounted for 58.8% in Kamukunji district, while mixed farming was predominantly practiced in Starehe district at 39.1%. Multi-storey (42.5%) and moist gardens (25%) were the most common urban production technologies, whereas drip irrigation (23.6%) and multi-storey gardens (25.5%) were preferred in peri-urban areas.

A. N. Mutune, M. A. Makobe, Mary Abukutsa‐Onyango · African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology · Kenya (Nairobi)

This study analyzed heavy metal content in 10 common African leafy vegetables and their rhizosphere soils from 25 sites along Nairobi Rivers, Kenya. While soil metal concentrations were generally within WHO/FAO permissible levels, except for some cadmium instances, all metals except copper in vegetables exceeded recommended limits at a few sites. This indicates potential heavy metal absorption from industrial and domestic effluent.

Never Assan, Edmore Nhamo · · Sub-Saharan Africa

This discussion highlights the opportunities and needs for developing and adopting urban agriculture to enhance food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. It notes that rapid urbanization is increasing demand for crop and livestock products, leading to a growing food deficit and affecting urban food insecurity. Strategies to promote food productivity gains should focus on infrastructure, appropriate agricultural policies, new technology, and incentives for urban farmers within a fair policy environment.

J.F.Y.A. Knegtel, Sershen Naidoo · · South Africa

This article describes the findings of a recent study conducted in the low-income area of Cato Manor, eThekwini, South Africa. The study investigated whether climate-smart urban agriculture could improve the livelihoods of people in urban environments affected by climate change and globalization.

H. C. Agada, E. A. Obienusi, Emma E. Ezenwaji · Journal of environment and earth science · Nigeria

This study evaluated urban forestry and housing patterns in Awka metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria, over a ten-year period (2001-2010). Analysis of land use data using linear regression and correlation coefficients confirmed a significant correlation between housing patterns (urbanization) and the distribution of trees (forestry). The least square regression results indicated that the rate of forest displacement is a direct consequence of increasing structural development in the study area.

S. Maré, Sarel S. Cilliers · Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif vir Natuurwetenskap en Tegnologie · South Africa (Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality)

This study surveyed clinic gardens in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality, North-West Province, focusing on the relationship between the environment, socio-economics, and health aspects of rural Tswana communities. The findings offered insights into species diversity, garden purposes, management reasons, and resources for improvement and potential expansion to community gardens.

Monica Mwuese Atagher, Abraham VER, Akor Apollos · IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science · Nigeria

This study assessed the contribution of urban crop production to socioeconomic development in Benue State, Nigeria, by surveying 210 urban crop farmers across three towns. Most farmers were educated, married, and used urban agriculture to supplement food and income. Regression analysis showed that farm size, fertilizer amount, and quantity of seeds were significant determinants of output and productivity.

Moira Beery, Rachel Adatia, Orsola Segantin, Chantal-Fleur Skaer · Health Education · South Africa (Johannesburg)

This paper examines the role of organic permaculture food gardens established at two schools in Johannesburg, South Africa, over one year, in addressing food insecurity and environmental sustainability. A nutrition study with 68 children found that these gardens can contribute to children's physical, mental, and emotional health, serving as a resource for teachers and learners. The study notes that practical and cultural challenges must be addressed for sustainability, and its findings, based on a one-year assessment at only two sites, may not be universally applicable.

Suarau Odutola Oshunsanya, Tolafe Olayinka Adeniran · Agricultura tropica et subtropica · Nigeria (Ibadan)

A field experiment in Ibadan investigated the quality of irrigation water used for dry season vegetable cultivation along Ona-stream. Water samples from five isolated ponds and one locally dug well were analyzed for heavy metal status. Results showed high concentrations of Pb, Cr, and Co in soil from five farms (A-E) near the stream, and isolated pond water also contained Cr, Co, and Pb exceeding safe consumption thresholds. All vegetables irrigated with untreated isolated ponds contained Cd, Pb, and Ni concentrations above maximum permissible standards, posing potential risks to human health.

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.

Alain Peoule Kouhouyiwo GOMGNIMBOU, Birjees Hassan, A. Sanon, P.M. Sedogo, Martinez, J. · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Africa

A study evaluating the effect of pig and cattle manure application on soil chemical parameters of Lixisols in the Bobo-Dioulasso area of Burkina Faso, framed around the potential for organic waste fertilizers in urban and peri-urban agriculture to maintain soil fertility and support food security. Eight farms using animal waste and some non-cultivated plots were identified in 2012, and soil samples were taken for chemical analysis. Pig manure use lowered soil pH (H2O) by 0.46 units at 0-10 cm depth and 0.51 units at 10-20 cm, while increasing organic carbon and nitrogen content and easily absorbed phosphorus at both depths. Cattle manure use raised total potassium to 1,210 ppm at 0-10 cm and 1,351 ppm at 10-20 cm, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) to 7.18 meq/100g, about three times that of unmanured plots. The study concludes animal manure could be an alternative to costly chemical fertilizers.

FN Nnadi, Ogbonna Okoro Aja, C. D. Nnadi, AO Ani, F. C. Anaeto, UN Akwiwu, Christiana I. Agomuo, C. P. Elei · Journal of Agricultural Extension · Nigeria

A survey of 125 randomly sampled urban farmers in Owerri Municipal Council, Imo State, Nigeria, used a semi-structured questionnaire to assess adoption of improved dry-season vegetable production technologies, analyzed with frequencies, percentages, means and OLS multiple regression. Adopted technologies included improved crop varieties (69.5%), fertilizer use (95.6%), irrigation (88.7%), mulching (62.6%) and seed treatment before planting (59.1%). Reasons for participation were increased household access to vegetables (mean 2.92), income generation (3.42) and employment creation (3.11). Information sources were informal interaction with neighbors and friends (35.7%), extension agents (14.8%), radio (12.5%) and television (11.3%), while constraints were land scarcity (88.7%), lack of irrigation water (70.5%) and poor awareness of dry-season farming (50.6%).