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 & justiceEffects of Urban Agriculture on the Socio-Economic Status of Farmers in Cities of Sub-Sahara Africa. A case of Zambia, South Africa, and Nigeria: A Review
2024Leonard Ninsheka, Edward Ssemakula, Christopher Ewaechabo Tiyo, Rebecca Kalibwani, Ronald Kityo, Wilson Mugizi, Willbroad Byamukama · East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology · Sub-Saharan Africa
This review paper examines existing literature on the effects of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of urban farmers in Sub-Saharan African cities, specifically focusing on Zambia, South Africa, and Nigeria. The review found scanty information regarding how urban agriculture affects farmers' socio-economic status, how farmers derive social and economic status from it, and the types and motivations of farmers. It concludes that understanding crucial factors for food security, income, and related benefits in urban agriculture is essential for policy and technology development.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareCommunityThe contribution of open spaces in Mekelle city on crop production during absolute siege in Tigray Region, northern Ethiopia
2024Tiegsti Hadush, Tarik Gebrekiros · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Ethiopia (Mekelle)
In Mekelle city, Ethiopia, available open spaces were utilized for crop production after the Tigray siege. This study employed remote sensing and a household survey to assess the area of urban open spaces cultivated after the siege and their contribution to crop production. The open spaces in Mekelle city contributed 2687 hectares of newly cultivated land, producing 3825 tonnes of wheat and 880 tonnes of barley grain.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityPolicyDeterminants of urban agriculture market participation decision and intensity in eastern Ethiopia
2024Gebregziabher Nigus, Mengistu Ketema, Jema Haji, Million Sileshi · Discover Food · Ethiopia
A study was conducted in Eastern Ethiopia using primary data from 270 randomly selected urban farmers to identify factors influencing urban agriculture (UA) market participation decisions and intensity. The first stage of the Double Hurdle (DH) Model indicated that age, education, occupation, family size, farming experience, UA-related training, dependency ratio, and market information significantly impacted the decision to participate in the UA output market. The second stage DH Model showed that education, land size, UA-related training, and market information significantly affected the intensity of UA output market participation.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityThe Disenfranchisement of Practitioners and the Public Sector in Innovative Urban Farming in Sub-Saharan Africa: Insights from Nigeria
2024Emmanuel Olatunbosun Benjamin, Abiola Adegoke, Gertrud Buchenrieder · Land · Nigeria (Lagos)
This exploratory qualitative research, conducted in Lagos, Nigeria, used focus group discussions to compare the perspectives of private urban farmers and public sector representatives on innovative urban farming. Urban farmers identified a lack of public sector support for circular agri-food technologies, while public sector representatives attributed issues to farmers' behavioral and educational shortcomings, including poor coordination. These differing views highlight complex dynamics and a need for structural changes and stakeholder dialogues to develop effective urban farming policies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyCommunityDigital agriculturePrincipales 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 & justiceUrbanization, civil conflict, and the severity of food insecurity in Africa
2024Aristophane Djeufack Dongmo, Désiré Avom · Politics & Policy · Africa
This article examined the impact of urbanization and civil conflicts on food insecurity severity across 43 African countries from 2000 to 2020 using heterogeneous choice models. Findings revealed that both urbanization and civil conflict increase food insecurity, with a one-unit increase in urban growth rate raising the probability of high-risk food insecurity by over 0.6 times. The study recommends developing urban agriculture and controlling urbanization to mitigate food insecurity.
Food sovereignty & justicePolicyUrban–rural linkageEconomicsAssessing urban transformational strategies through innovative farming practices in the Johannesburg city center
2023Adeline Ngie, Nobukhosi Sithole · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · South Africa (Johannesburg)
A study in Johannesburg, South Africa, assessed urban transformational strategies, including rooftop gardening and hydroponic farming, aimed at improving food security and regenerating infrastructure. Using open-ended interviews with stakeholders, findings indicated improved household food security and income generation, but challenges such as soil and water flow for rooftop gardens persist. Hydroponics faced hurdles like energy supply and input costs, though it showed more promise for land and water resource efficiency.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyCommunityDigital agricultureA Systematic Review of Technology Acceptance and Discontinuance Dynamics for Improved Cassava Planting Material among Ibadan's Peri-Urban Smallholders
2023Chinwe Okonkwo, Ifeoma Nwachukwu, Adebayo Adeyemi · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Ibadan)
This systematic review synthesized evidence on the determinants of adoption and disadoption of improved cassava planting material (ICPM) by peri-urban smallholders in Ibadan. The review found that disadoption rates can exceed 40% within three seasons post-initial adoption. Perceived Usefulness was the strongest adoption predictor, while Perceived Ease of Use was often compromised by logistical barriers, and vendor trust influenced continued use.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceURBAN AND PERI-URBAN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION EFFECTS ON FARMERS’ LIVELIHOODS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
2023Peter Sanjo Adewale, Sunday Clement Olubunmi Makinde, V. Kusemiju · Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development · Nigeria (Lagos)
This mixed-method study in Lagos State, Nigeria, examined the effects of Urban and Peri-urban Vegetable Production (UPVP) on farmers' livelihood subscales using a Household Livelihood Survey and Focus Group Discussion. The findings indicate that all livelihood subscales (Physical, Natural, Financial, Social, Human) were positively and significantly impacted by UPVP, with a moderately high overall impact. The study concludes that UPVP can be a resilient sector for the economy and sustainable development.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareLosing the Plot: The Impact of Urban Agriculture on Household Food Expenditure and Dietary Diversity in Sub-Saharan African Countries
2023Navjot Sangwan, Luca Tasciotti · Agriculture · Sub-Saharan Africa
This cross-country study analyzed household data from nine Sub-Saharan African countries to investigate the impact of urban agriculture (UA) on household food expenditure and dietary diversity. Using an inverse-probability weighted regression adjustment method, the study found that households engaged in UA reduced overall food expenditure and increased spending on protein-rich foods like nuts, legumes, fruits, dairy, meat, and poultry. The impact of UA varied substantially across the food expenditure distribution.
EconomicsHealthFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureUrban agriculture empowerment: Donkey-driven maize planter for sustainable food production in Sub-Saharan African cities
2023O.M. Seretse, Abhishek Agarwal, Ulaula Mmiletsi, Mbizo Mpho · Advances in Modern Agriculture · Sub-Saharan Africa
This study designed a cost-effective, two-row donkey-drawn maize planter for small-scale farms in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Botswana, where donkeys are a primary power source. The assembled planter weighs 48.93 kg, can be drawn by three donkeys, and has an estimated cost of 200 USD. The study notes limitations and calls for further research to assess performance under varying soil conditions, durability, and planting efficiency.
DIYEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunity gardens and the social solidarity economy
2023Jade Morkel, Noxolo Dumani, Nick Malherbe, Shahnaaz Suffla · Community Development · South Africa
This case study, conducted in a low-income South African community, explored how a community gardener engages with the social solidarity economy (SSE) using thematic analysis of triangulated data from an interview, participant observation, and a participatory film. The study analyzed how the community garden fostered solidarity and established alternative micro-economic practices. It also considered challenges facing community gardens when connecting with the SSE.
Economic viabilityCommunityEconomicsHealthFood sovereignty & justiceYouths’ Participation in Urban Agriculture in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
2023Oluwakemi Adeola Obayelu, Adenike Omotola Ajibobare, Abimbola O. Adepoju, Abolupe Oluyemi Ayanboye · CABI eBooks · Nigeria (Ibadan)
This study assessed the perceptions of youths (aged 18-35 years) about urban agriculture and factors influencing their participation in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Data analyzed using descriptive statistics, Likert analysis, and logit regression showed that 38.8% of youths participated in urban agriculture, and access to urban farmland, being a married male, and older youth increased the likelihood of participation. Conversely, longer market distance, higher formal education, and poor access to credit and land reduced participation.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceFruits of the city: The nature, nurture and future of urban foraging
2023Mallika Sardeshpande, Charlie M. Shackleton · People and Nature · South Africa
This study interviewed 80 urban foragers in four cities in South Africa's eastern coastal region to understand urban foraging in a developing nation context. Foragers began foraging in childhood, viewing it as a cultural and recreational activity, but formal green spaces were not used for foraging and were perceived as poorly provisioned in urban planning. This indicates a lack of governance in urban planning regarding foraging.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageExperimental urban commons?: Re‐examining urban community food gardens in Cape Town, South Africa
2023Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira, Alexander Follmann, Daniel Tevera · Geographical Journal · South Africa
This mixed-methods study examined 34 urban community gardens in Cape Town, South Africa, to assess their capacity to function as urban commons across six areas: infrastructure, inputs, land, produce, labour, and immaterial components. Findings demonstrated that while these gardens counter neoliberal privatization and individualization, their capacity to function as urban commons is significantly curtailed by their entrenchment within the neoliberal context.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsAssessing 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 changeEconomicsUrban food systems: Factors associated with food insecurity in the urban settings evidence from Dessie and Combolcha cities, north-central Ethiopia
2023Amare Molla Dinku, Tefera Chane Mekonnen, Getachew Shumye Adilu · Heliyon · Ethiopia
A mixed-methods study conducted in Dessie and Combolcha cities, north-central Ethiopia, surveyed 506 resident households to measure the status of food insecurity in urban food systems. The study confirmed that 33.1% of respondents were food insecure, with nine and six individuals per 100 people forced to 'sleep hungry' and 'not eat in the whole day and night' respectively. Household food insecurity was significantly associated with the gender of the household head, participation in casual labor, and living house ownership, and the degree of food insecurity was deemed higher due to weak food system governance, an inconsistent food supply chain, and socio-economic and gender inequalities.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthUrban Food Security and Resilience
2023Gareth Haysom, Jane Battersby · Palgrave studies in agricultural economics and food policy · Africa
Based on findings from cities in five African countries, this study argues for a re-framing of urban food system resilience. It contends that the urban system, specifically infrastructure, shapes the functioning of the food system and consumers' ability to use it, and that the agency of urban food system users needs inclusion in understandings of, and efforts to increase, food systems resilience.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageIntegration of Urban Farming into City Infrastructure Development
2022Ayobami Abayomi Popoola, Bolanle Wahab, Hangwelani Hope Magidimisha, Lovemore Chipungu · CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development · Nigeria (Ibadan)
This mixed-methods study in Ibadan, Nigeria, surveyed 236 urban farmers across five local government areas to determine patterns of integrating urban farming into city infrastructure development. Findings indicated that old age limited farmers' travel distance and farm produce theft was detected, highlighting challenges in current urban farming practices and infrastructure.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWhy Home Gardens Fail in Enhancing Food Security and Dietary Diversity
2022Marié J. du Toit, Olivia Rendón, Viktoria Cologna, Sarel S. Cilliers, Martin Dallimer · Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution · South Africa
A case study in a low-income former township area in South Africa, involving 140 home garden owners, found that gardens did not substantially contribute to household food security. Only 10% of households were completely food secure, and dietary diversity was very low. Key constraints included cultural practices, a focus on ornamental plants, and reliance on purchased food.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityWelfareThe 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 changeEconomicsStrengthening Vegetable Production and Consumption in a Kenyan Informal Settlement: A Feasibility and Preliminary Impact Assessment of a Sack Garden Intervention
2022Alexandra Zivkovic, Emily V. Merchant, Thomas Nyawir, Daniël J. Hoffman, James E. Simon, Shauna Downs · Current Developments in Nutrition · Kenya (Nairobi)
A feasibility and preliminary impact assessment of sack gardens for women in Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya, involving 21 participants in 2018-2019, found reduced household food insecurity. However, key barriers included insufficient inputs and difficulties in group work, particularly communication. The study suggests sack gardens may partially improve diet quality, but further research is needed on household income impact.
Governance failureWelfareCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceImpacts 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 & justice