Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
313 results(3 / 13)
Towards urban food system transformation in South Africa
2025Emmanuel Ndhlovu · Discover Sustainability · South Africa
This article critically analyzed food system policies and actions in four South African cities, drawing from grey and academic documents. It found that the government is failing to achieve food security, with approximately 58 million people facing food insecurity in 2023. The study concludes that transforming South African food systems requires coherent policies, shortened supply chains, integration of food into urban planning, and increased support for farmers, among other actions.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageLe péri-urbain en Afrique : une agriculture en marge ?
2025Paule Moustier, Jacques Pagès · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Africa
This study examined peri-urban agriculture in Africa, identifying it as a significant income and food source for the urban poor, but subject to constraints, primarily land pressure. Analysis of the vegetable supply chain in Brazzaville showed rural and peri-urban areas are complementary, with different types of vegetables originating from each. Land constraints, transport, access to inputs, and technical assistance are crucial factors determining production location. Historical analysis invalidates hypotheses of linear decline or development through intensification for peri-urban agriculture.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageUrban farming system and food security in sub‐Saharan Africa: Analysis of the current status and challenges
2024Kiribou et al. · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Africa
2024 research analyzing urban farming systems' role in sub-Saharan African food security, income generation, and employment creation, examining environmental, economic, and social benefits.
EconomicsUrban Agriculture's 'Invisible' Short Food Value Chain: How Small-scale Farming Contributes to Johannesburg Food Security
2024· Urban Forum · South Africa
Documents how small-scale urban farming through short food value chains in Johannesburg functions as an 'invisible' economy not captured in official statistics. Direct community sales reduce middlemen while improving farmer incomes and local food security. Highlights gaps in statistical and policy frameworks.
EconomicsCommunityFactors Influencing the Adoption of Urban Agriculture and Its Effects on Household Food Security in Southwestern Nigeria
2024· International Journal of Agricultural Economics · Nigeria (Southwestern)
Analyzes the factors driving adoption of urban agriculture among households in southwestern Nigeria and its effect on household food security.
EconomicsWelfareAdoption of Agricultural Technologies Among Small-Scale Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa
2024Okonkwo, E., Mensah, J., Gessesse, A., Okoro, N. · African Journal of Agricultural Research · Africa
Survey of 3,500 small-scale farmers across 8 Sub-Saharan African countries. Farmer field schools increase technology adoption to 48% versus 12% without training.
EconomicsWomen's Empowerment Through Agricultural Extension in Sub-Saharan Africa
2024Adeyemi, F., Mwangi, L., Okafor, B., Mutua, S. · World Development · Africa
Study of 1,200 women farmers across 6 Sub-Saharan countries. Women completing extension training increase productivity 40-60% and earn 35-50% higher incomes.
WelfareEconomicsAssessing economic sustainability and resilience of tomato farming ventures in Addis Ababa: A project-based evaluation
2024Gizaw Ebissa, Hayal Desta, Aramde Fetene · Heliyon · Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
A 2024 project-based appraisal of urban tomato farming in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, using net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and benefit–cost ratio (BCR). With the cost of water included the venture returns a negative NPV of −US$30,100 per hectare per year, an IRR of 0.2%, a BCR of 0.83 and a payback period beyond ten years; excluding water costs it turns positive (NPV +US$15,100/ha/yr, IRR 21%, BCR 1.02, payback 2.9 years). Production cost is US$0.60/kg with water and US$0.45/kg without, against an average selling price of US$0.47/kg, so the venture does not pay for itself as long as water must be bought. Sensitivity analysis shows returns rise with price and yield and fall with operating costs. The authors treat better market access, agro-processing and cooperative formation as preconditions for viability.
EconomicsFactors Affecting Performance of Micro and Small Scale Enterprises (Case of Karat Town, Konso)
2024Mr. Gedeno Gemeda Negash · Journal of Production Operations Management and Economics · Ethiopia
An explanatory study in Karat town, Konso, Ethiopia, examined factors affecting the performance of 185 micro and small-scale enterprises across various sectors, including urban agriculture. Using questionnaires and analyzing data with correlation and multiple regression, the study found a positive and significant relationship between most independent variables and enterprise performance. However, the effect of access to infrastructure on performance was positive but insignificant.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkageFinancial inclusion of urban agro-processors: effect of credit on poverty status of roasted plantain vendors in Calabar, Nigeria
2024E. A. Ajah, EB Etowa, EB Effa, UI Ofem, HE Iso, OI Ettah, IA Asuquo · African Journal of Food Agriculture Nutrition and Development · Nigeria (Calabar)
This study analyzed the effect of credit on the poverty status of 110 randomly sampled roasted plantain vendors in Calabar, Nigeria. Findings showed that 60% of vendors were female, with an average age of 35 and an average household size of four. Poverty incidence was lower among credit recipients (64.5% of vendors) at 0.268, compared to non-recipients at 0.487. Credit access and household size were found to have statistically significant associations with the poverty index.
EconomicsWelfareLand Use/Cover Dynamics and its Implication on the Sustainability of Urban Agriculture in Selected Urban Centers of Ethiopia
2024Ashagrie Gibtan, Wondwosen Abera, Mekuria Delelegn, Molla Maru, Adamu Emiru · Ochrana prírody Slovenska/Ekológia · Ethiopia
Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) dynamics were analyzed in four Ethiopian cities—Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Bahir Dar, and Adama—over 17 years from 2006 to 2022. SPOT 5 and Sentinel satellite imagery, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations were used. Findings revealed a rapid expansion of urban built-up areas, primarily at the expense of peri-urban horticultural lands, which has an adverse impact on the sustainability of urban agriculture.
Governance failureUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceLinking policies and regulations to sustainable finance for the promotion of urban agriculture: Evidence from micro and small businesses
2024Goshu Desalegn, Anita Tangl, Mária Fekete‐Farkas, Girma Gudisa, Anita Boros · Heliyon · Ethiopia
A study of micro and small enterprises in Ethiopia showed that government policies and regulations have an insignificant direct effect on urban agriculture. However, sustainable finance plays an important mediating role between urban agriculture and government policies, indicating that the impact of government policies and regulations on urban agriculture is indirect.
PolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeMunicipal solid waste management in Ethiopia – Physical and chemical compositions and generation rate: Systematic review
2024Tsegay Kahsay Gebrekidan, Gebremariam Gebrezgabher Gebremedhin, Abraha Kahsay Weldemariam, Meaza Kidane Teferi · Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association · Ethiopia
A systematic review of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) in Ethiopia found a generation rate of 0.38 kg/ca/day, with waste predominantly composed of food waste, ash, dust, sand, and yard waste. Over 85% of this waste is reusable or recyclable, with 73.13% being organic matter. Despite suitability for composting and biogas, challenges include a lack of political will, weak municipal planning, and inadequate infrastructure, resulting in only 31.8% of MSW being legally collected.
CompostOrganic cycleEconomicsImplications of a Climate-Smart Approach to Food and Income Security for Urban Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
2024Nolwazi Z. Khumalo, Melusi Sibanda, Lelethu Mdoda · Sustainability · Sub-Saharan Africa
A systematic review and bibliometric analysis examined the implications of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and climate adaptation strategies for food and income security in urban Sub-Saharan Africa. The review found that CSA practices boost urban food production and income, but also recognized critical challenges and trade-offs requiring urban agriculture transformation.
Governance failureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthUrban agriculture and women's empowerment: an analysis based on female producers in the Talangaï market gardening belt in Brazzaville (Republic of Congo)
2024Abdias Rodias Paul Ngalekoua · Advanced Research in Economics and Business Strategy Journal · Africa
This study investigated the impact of urban agriculture on the empowerment of female vegetable growers in Talangaï's 6th district, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. A qualitative and quantitative survey was conducted with 105 selected households through semi-structured interviews. The findings confirmed that vegetable growing acts as a vector for empowerment and improves producers' living conditions, contributing to poverty and unemployment reduction, and positively impacting their social and economic spheres.
WelfareEconomicsCommunityLand Rental Transactions in Ethiopian Peri-Urban Areas: Sex and Other Factors for Land Rent Transactions
2024Sayeh Kassaw Agegnehu, Reinfried Mansberger, Moges Wubet Shita, Derjew Fentie Nurie, Ayelech Kidie Mengesha · Land · Ethiopia
This study in the East Gojjam Administrative Zone, Ethiopia, examined factors affecting land rental transactions using data from 353 household heads affected by expropriation. 58% of respondents participated in both renting and renting out land. 60% of female-headed households engaged in land rental transactions (14% renting in, 46% renting out), while 38% of male-headed households rented land (19% renting out). Sex, landholding size, number of oxen, participation in off-farm activities, and extension service were identified as significant determinants. Oral agreements and sharecropping were the most prevalent transaction methods.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsUrban–rural linkagePolicyDeterminants of urban household vulnerability to food insecurity in southern Ethiopia
2024Abraham Woru Borku, Abera Uncha Utallo, Thomas Toma Tora · Discover Food · Ethiopia
A mixed-methods study in selected towns in Southern Ethiopia surveyed 310 households to identify determinants of urban household vulnerability to food insecurity. The results indicated that 41.3% of households were highly vulnerable, 48.3% moderately vulnerable, and 10.6% not vulnerable. Significant determinants included household ownership of houses, health status, urban agriculture, socio-cultural practices, asset ownership, age, and average monthly income.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthDeterminants of adoption of urban agriculture (UA) as climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and its impact on food security: evidence from Wolaita Sodo city, South Ethiopia
2024Mamush Masha, Elias Bojago, Innocent Ngare · Discover Sustainability · Ethiopia
This study investigated the factors influencing the adoption of urban agriculture (UA) as climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and its impact on food security in Wolaita Sodo City, South Ethiopia. Data from 384 randomly selected urban households showed that 53.53% adopted UA, with significant differences between adopters and non-adopters in employment, UA attitudes, and household size. A logistic regression model identified family size, home ownership, household head's occupation, UA perceptions, market demand, and access to training as determinants of adoption. Propensity score matching confirmed that UA adoption significantly improved food security by 0.685-fold.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
2024MATHEWOS ANSHISO · National Academic Digital Repository of Ethiopia · Ethiopia
A study was conducted in Hosanna Town, Central Ethiopia Region, to assess urban-rural land linkages (URLLs) and the livelihood of peri-urban farming communities. This cross-sectional study used quantitative data from household questionnaires and qualitative data from key informant interviews. The results showed strong urban-rural land linkages in Hosanna Town, with peri-urban farming communities engaged in crop production and livestock rearing. However, these communities face challenges including land degradation, water scarcity, and market access.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsCommunityMotivations for women’s participation in urban agriculture: a multivariate probit model analysis
2024Tayech Lemma, Mala Sharma · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Ethiopia
A survey of 272 women in Hossana town, Ethiopia, using a multivariate probit model, identified food security and economic reasons as primary motivations for participating in urban agriculture. Factors such as age, education, marital status, family size, employment, non-urban farm income, farm experience, garden size, credit access, market access, and improved input use significantly influenced participation likelihood.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceHealthReasons for choice of Owerri Town. What an urban-farming community looks like. How one lives in it. What the women do in it.
2024Sylvia Leith-Ross · · Nigeria
This text describes Owerri Town, Nigeria, as a native community in a transition stage, simultaneously urban and agricultural. The author initially chose Owerri for convenience but later recognized its unique character compared to other towns like Aba. The town maintained contact with the outside world and government, while retaining its own distinct life. The author observed the town's life at various times throughout the year.
CommunityUrban–rural linkageEconomicsIrrigated urban agriculture: a mixture of farming scales, water flows and actors in Nairobi, Kenya
2024Arcadius Martinien Agassin Ahogle, Sammy Letema · Water International · Kenya (Nairobi)
This article examines the dynamics of irrigated urban agriculture (IUA) and its socio-technical arrangements in the Nairobi catchment, Kenya. The research identified five principal forms of IUA, differentiated by land size, water sources, technicality, actors, and market orientation. A critical finding is that city services do not provide hydraulic infrastructure or agricultural extension for IUA, and state agencies do not account for IUA practices, indicating a lack of governance support.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityImpacts of urbanization on food security in Ethiopia. A review with empirical evidence
2024Mekonen Getachew Abebe · Journal of Agriculture and Food Research · Ethiopia
This review examined empirical evidence on the impacts of urbanization on food security in Ethiopia. The review showed that urbanization compromises all dimensions of food security through reductions in arable land and its productivity, waste dumping, biodiversity depletion, and water and soil pollution. Rapid urbanization leads to reduced production and higher food prices, resulting in a very high prevalence of food insecurity in Ethiopian urban areas. The review noted that Ethiopia has not implemented solutions like urban agriculture to its full potential.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageA 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 & justiceAdoption and desirable characteristics of Information and Communication Technologies for urban small-scale food producers in South Africa
2024Robert Massimo Alfonsi, Merle Naidoo, Alexandros Gasparatos · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · South Africa
This study examined ICT adoption and desirable characteristics among 85 urban small-scale food producers in disadvantaged areas of Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa, using in-person surveys. Respondents expressed a need for food-related mobile applications facilitating price comparisons, best practice sharing, and health advice, prioritizing user-friendliness, low data use, and affordability. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, such as marital status, number of children, income, education, and land holdings, significantly influenced desired app functionalities and activities.
Digital agricultureEconomicsCommunity