Research & reports

Aisha Abdulkadir, Luc Hippolyte Dossa, Désiré Jean‐Pascal Lompo, Nafiu Abdu, H. van Keulen · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Africa

This study characterized the diversity of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) households in three West African cities: Kano (Nigeria), Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso), and Sikasso (Mali). A survey of 318 UPA households and cluster analysis identified six distinct household clusters based on resource endowments and the degree of integration of production activities. Common production constraints across cities included high input costs, water shortages, and lack of fertilizers, while feeding constraints and animal diseases were main issues in livestock production.

Sebastian U. Ugbaje, John O. Agbenin · International Journal of Environmental Studies · Nigeria

A pot experiment in Zaria, northern Nigeria, evaluated the chemical forms and phytoavailability of Cr, Ni, and Pb in savannah soil amended with two urban wastes and planted with sorghum. While urban waste application increased total metal concentrations in the soil, only Pb uptake by sorghum increased, with no corresponding increases for Cr and Ni. A single application of urban wastes significantly increased Pb uptake by sorghum, raising concerns about the long-term consequences of such applications in urban and peri-urban agriculture, especially regarding children's exposure to Pb.

Vide Adedayo · · Nigeria

A study of poultry waste management and utilization techniques in urban vegetable farms in metropolitan Lagos revealed that poultry waste is poorly collected, packaged, and transported. Proper knowledge on treatment is lacking due to insufficient skill, space, time, and capital. Furthermore, a significant difference was found between poultry waste utilization, crop yield, and revenue in the study area.

Douglas Chitepo · Agriprobe · South Africa

The Further Education and Training sub-programme in South Africa's Western Cape is mandated to deliver skills-based training programs and structured learnerships to a diverse target group. This group includes subsistence, smallholder, and commercial farmers, as well as rural and peri-urban agricultural communities and youth.

Mohamed Olaitan Lawal, Ibrahim Rotimi Aliu · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Nigeria (Lagos)

A study interviewed 202 urban vegetable farmers in four areas of Lagos, Nigeria, to understand urban farming operations and contributions. Farmers typically owned linear plots under 120m by 60m, primarily growing green vegetables (Celosia argientes) and using local tools, chemical fertilizers, and irrigation wells. They used produce for household consumption, sold to local marketers, and helped stabilize vegetable prices.

Catherine Rwamba Githuku · Abstracts of postgraduate thesis · Kenya (Nairobi)

This study investigated soil and crop pollution levels resulting from untreated wastewater reuse for irrigation in Kibera and Mailisaba wastewater irrigation farms in Nairobi, Kenya. Analysis of irrigation water, soil, and crop samples (maize, kales, black nightshade, arrowroots) revealed that the Electrical Conductivity (EC) of irrigation water at Mailisaba exceeded recommended levels. Farmers reported adverse effects on crops due to wastewater quality, and despite awareness of health risks, many farmers confessed to not using protective clothing.

O. Yusuf, Idowu Innocent Abbas · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Nigeria

A study of resource use and productivity among 70 urban farmers drawn from the two main cultivator groups—Fadama and Okiti—in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, using focus group discussion, non-participant observation, and a questionnaire survey. Multiple regression analysis identified pump-machine use, vegetable-plot harvest, use of modern inputs, and labor type as determinants of efficiency, together accounting for 89.6% of the contribution to land use, the main resource. Fadama cultivators operated at a larger scale with correspondingly higher profit than Okiti cultivators, and although both groups faced similar environmental and input-access constraints, the two systems differed fundamentally in scale and production efficiency.

John Jacob, Samuel E. Kakulu · American Journal of Chemistry · Nigeria

Soil and vegetable samples (spinach, jute mallow, and tomato) were collected from farms and gardens across 20 zones within Kaduna, Nigeria, plus two rural control villages about 30 km from the city, and analyzed for heavy metals by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Pollution Load Index results showed soils in the city farms were moderately enriched with cadmium and chromium and strongly enriched with lead and nickel from anthropogenic sources. Mean soil concentrations of lead and cadmium exceeded WHO/FAO permissive limits for agricultural soil (nickel and chromium did not), while vegetable metal concentrations exceeded the permissive limits for every metal except nickel — a finding flagged as concerning given the toxicity of lead and cadmium in particular, which have no known biological use.

Jonathan Crush, Bruce Frayne, Wade Pendleton · Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition · Sub-Saharan Africa

A paper on rapid urbanization and rising urban poverty shifting the historical locus of food insecurity from rural areas to the cities of Africa uses baseline survey data from the African Food Security Urban Network (AFSUN), carried out in 11 cities in 9 southern African countries in 2008-2009, to demonstrate extremely high levels of urban food insecurity. It finds that lack of access to food results primarily from household poverty, high unemployment, and limited income-generating opportunities rather than any absolute food shortages. The paper also shows the growing importance of supermarkets, and finds that urban agriculture plays a relatively insignificant role in the food sourcing strategies of the urban poor.

Anthonia N. Asadu, E. M. Igbokwe, Jane M. Chah, I A Enwelu · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Nigeria

A study of Enugu Urban, Nigeria, examining farmers' perceptions of the health and environmental hazards posed by keeping livestock in urban areas, and the implications for climate change mitigation. Seventy-five heads of household were freely sampled and interviewed, with data analyzed using percentages and means. Most farmers kept improved chicken breeds under an intensive system. All respondents were aware of health and environmental implications of urban livestock keeping, but only 4.0% were aware that livestock could contribute to climate change. Reported environmental issues included crop destruction (89.3%), filth in urban areas (89.3%) and noise (88.0%); health issues included disease spreading (50.7%), accidents (46.7%) and bad smell (86.7%). Perceived control measures included proper waste disposal (mean 1.79), seeking veterinary services (mean 1.85), regular shed cleaning (mean 1.80) and provision of extension services (mean 1.85). The study recommends integrating urban agriculture into urban health and environmental policy and having extension services raise awareness of livestock's climate impact among urban keepers.

Tesfamichael Fessahaie · · Africa (Ethiopia)

A thesis examining peri-urban agriculture in Asmara, Eritrea, within an analytical framework of urban population growth encompassing natural population increase, rural-urban migration, and outward movement linked to urban expansion. It draws on primary field data collected with research assistants, secondary data from Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Public Works reports, and focus group discussions. Respondents in the context of natural population growth were found to make a viable living from peri-urban agriculture, but also to face considerable challenges. Three sub-groups of farmers were identified; poultry farmers were the most vulnerable, owing to high input costs, uncertainty from avian flu, and an undeveloped distribution network. Vegetable producers had a sophisticated marketing network but low levels of education, large households, and an impending shortage of land and water. The abstract's description of agriculturalists who migrated to Asmara is cut off before stating a conclusion.

Enow Ajebe, Anna Granberg · · Sub-Saharan Africa

A study using qualitative data from 24 urban farming households in Kumba municipality, Cameroon, drawing on key informant interviews with the government agriculture delegate and questionnaires administered to farmers. Urban agriculture was found to have become an important source of fresh produce, employment, and income for those practicing it, but this activity and the livelihoods depending on it were found to be threatened by a number of problems. The study also finds that while urban agriculture contributes to household food supply, its magnitude in terms of utilization, availability, dietary diversity, and financial contribution should not be overemphasized. Suggestions are offered for improving the sector.

Chinedu Agbakoba, Funmilayo Olayiwala · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria

A paper framed as addressing a research gap on eco-friendly pesticide use strategies among urban farmers in Lagos State, Nigeria, health impacts, and environmental protection (2012) states that it conducted a structured literature review with thematic synthesis of key findings. However, the abstract's actual content is limited to generic mathematical-formalism language — establishing "bounded error under perturbation," a "convergent estimation process under stated assumptions," a "stable link between the proposed metric and observed outcomes," and an empirical specification described as a linear regression form (Y expressed as a linear function of X plus an error term) — and does not report specific data or results on actual pesticide practices, measured health impacts, or environmental protection outcomes among Lagos urban farmers. It closes by calling on stakeholders to prioritize inclusive, locally grounded strategies and improve data transparency.

Adedayo Adebisi, Tunde Afolabi Monisola, Adebisi, Adedayo, Monisola, Tunde Afolabi · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Nigeria

This study examines the motivations behind women's involvement in urban agriculture in small agro-towns of Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 1,801 women farmers were selected from 13 settlements across 8 local government areas, and data were analyzed using simple percentages, graphic illustrations, charts, cross-tabulation, and stepwise multiple regression. The study identifies three factors — food security, income supplement, and accessibility to land — as the best predictors of women's involvement, together accounting for 98.6% of the explained variation. It recommends official recognition of urban agriculture and provision of financial resources to help women expand their farm plots.

Ferdinan Dos Santos · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Sub-Saharan Africa

This study examines the impact of school garden programmes on nutrition knowledge and food security among primary school students in rural Mozambique. While such programmes have been implemented across various regions with mixed results, this study used a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys with primary school students and their parents or guardians. Students showed a statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) in nutrition knowledge, with an average score increase of 20% on the post-intervention survey compared with pre-test results. The findings indicate that the school garden programmes positively influenced students' nutritional knowledge and contributed to their families' food security in Mozambique's rural areas. The authors state that further studies should examine long-term impacts and potential barriers to implementation.

Oranjezicht City Farm · Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) · South Africa

Founded in 2012, Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) is an organic urban farm and market in Cape Town, South Africa. Alongside a weekend market selling certified organic produce, it runs volunteer programmes, workshops and farm tours to build local food culture and community. In December 2025 the market relocated to the V&A Waterfront.

Luc Hippolyte Dossa, Andreas Buerkert, Eva Schlecht · Human Ecology · Sub-Saharan Africa

A study surveyed 700 randomly selected households across Kano (Nigeria), Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso), and Sikasso (Mali) to explore the relationship between household socioeconomic status (SES) and participation in urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA). The results showed no significant differences in UPA participation rates across socioeconomic groups. Instead, UPA participation was significantly and positively related to household size.

Stephen Odede. Shisanya, Sheryl L. Hendriks · Development Southern Africa · South Africa

This study evaluated the contribution of community gardens to alleviating food insecurity for 53 community gardeners in Maphephetheni, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, it was found that 89% of these households were anxious about food supplies, consumed insufficient food, and were severely food insecure. Additionally, 72% consumed poor quality food. Community gardens were unable to solve the problem of food insecurity, but their contribution to consumption cannot be entirely ignored.

MM Ruma · Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences · Nigeria

This paper examined wastewater reuse in urban farming in Katsina, Nigeria, by interviewing 130 households out of 276 registered with the Katsina Urban Planning Authority. It found that wastewater reuse in urban farming is a full-time, sole income source for many households and an indispensable activity for the town. Recommendations were provided for promoting and integrating this activity into local planning processes.

M. Tshitangoni, A. Okorie, Joseph Francis · Scientific Research and Essays · South Africa

In Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa, the performance of 30 poverty alleviation projects (12 community gardens, 8 poultry, 2 piggery, 2 bakery, 6 other) was reviewed. Based on structured questionnaires with 108 respondents, project performance differed by type. All bakery projects were successful, poultry projects achieved 62% success, and community garden and other projects each achieved 33% success. In contrast, all piggery projects performed poorly.

Phumelelo Edwin Khomo · · South Africa (Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality)

An investigation was conducted into three urban agriculture projects in the townships of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, South Africa, examining their role as a local economic development mechanism for poverty alleviation. Five project participants from each project and three municipal officials responded to structured questionnaires. The study aimed to determine the projects' impact on participants' livelihoods, their role in employment creation, and participants' views on project sustainability.

Nafiu Abdu, John O. Agbenin, Andreas Buerkert · Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science · Nigeria (Kano)

A study evaluated the distribution and origin of trace elements (Ti, Fe, Nb, Pb, Rb, Sr, Y, and Zr) in five long-term wastewater-irrigated urban vegetable gardens in Kano, Nigeria. Surface soil concentrations of Ti, Fe, Pb, and Y were high compared to comparable soils elsewhere, but soil pollution assessment yielded no evidence of anthropogenic input of the studied trace elements. Enrichment factor, contamination factor, and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) revealed little to no contamination with trace elements.

A. K. Ango, Aliyu Abdullahi, Bello Bunza Abubakar · International Research Journal of Agriculture and Soil Science · Nigeria (Birnin Kebbi)

A study in Birnin Kebbi metropolis, Nigeria, during the 2009/2010 cropping season surveyed 100 urban farmers across 10 districts. The study found that urban farmers cultivate food crops and rear animals, but identified low capital, lack of adequate funds, strict land-use regulations, and lack of agricultural inputs as major problems. Socio-economic status, family size, and education level were significantly related to participation in urban farming.

Bertrand Foe, Salou Zoulkilf · · Benin

A transverse case study conducted from January to June 2011 in Cotonou, Benin, with 50 truck farmers, investigated adaptation strategies for water access in urban agriculture. The study found that increased temperatures and irregular rains reduce available water, making truck farming difficult and painful. Despite increased working time, production decreased by about 50%, indicating a negative economic impact.

Olugbenga I. Akinmoladun, O. T. Adejumo · Journal of Geography and Regional Planning · Nigeria (Lagos)

This research inventories potential land and water resources for urban agriculture in metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria, using secondary data from government agencies and primary field observations. The study found that Lagos metropolis requires 18 times its current size (3,577 km²) to sustainably feed its population. It identified 4,293 hectares of potential land and 28,890 hectares of potential water resources under federal, state, and private ownership.