Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
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Diversity and nutrient balances of urban and peri-urban farms in Ethiopia
2018Solomon Tulu Tadesse, O. Oenema, Christy van Beek, Fikre Lemessa Ocho · Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems · Ethiopia
This study investigated the diversity and nutrient balances of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) systems in three Ethiopian cities, using data from 425 households (Addis Ababa: 175, Adama: 126, Jimma: 124). It identified six farm types, including commercial livestock (cLS) and subsistence field crop (sFC) systems. The study found that cLS systems accumulated significant nutrients (450 kg N, 85 kg P, 260 kg K ha−1 year−1) with low use efficiency (26% N and P, 15% K), while sFC systems depleted nutrients (−30 kg N, −17 kg K ha−1 year−1) with high use efficiency.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceTHE DETERMINANTS OF FOOD SECURITY STATUS AMONG PERI-URBAN FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
2018ADERINSOLA M. AREGBESOLA · · Nigeria (Ondo State)
A study in Ondo State, Nigeria, examined food security among peri-urban farming households using descriptive statistics, a food security index, logistic regression, and the coping strategy use index. It found that 54.4% of households were food insecure, with a 62% calorie deficit for these households, while 45.6% were food secure, exceeding calorie requirements by 48%. Household income positively affected food security, while household size had a negative effect.
Limited or null effectPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWelfareImpact of Urban Expansion on the Livelihood of Peri- Urban Agricultural Community: Case of Wolaita Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia
2017Paulos Lukas · Journals & Books Hosting (International Knowledge Sharing Platform) · Ethiopia
This study investigated the effects of urban expansion on the livelihood of 100 dislocated farming households in Wolaita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia, using household surveys, group discussions, and interviews. The findings indicate that the implemented expansion program was not participatory, marginalized the farming community, and excluded youth and women from compensation schemes. The dislocation program was not rehabilitative and negatively affected the livelihood of the dislocated farming community.
Equity & displacementPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsWelfareVers une valorisation des déchets ménagers en agriculture (péri) urbaine à Kolwezi : caractérisation et influence de la saisonnalité
2017Upite Joseph Tshala, Misonga Alain Kitabala, Mwamba Jean-Pierre Tunda, Kayakez Michel Mufind, Miji Arsene Kalenda, Kanyimbu Georges Kapele, Kimuni Luciens Nyembo · Journal of Applied Biosciences · Africa
This study, conducted from May 2015 to April 2016 in Kolwezi, assessed the agronomic characteristics of compost from household waste and determined its biodegradable fraction for agricultural use. Waste was collected from 100 households, revealing biodegradable and non-biodegradable fractions, with quantities varying by season and commune. The biodegradable fraction represented 53% of the average monthly waste of 1001.5 kg per household. Major element concentrations were relatively high compared to Cameroon, while heavy metal concentrations were well below international standards.
CompostOrganic cyclePeri-urban agriculturePeri-urban agriculture in Southern Africa: miracle or mirage?
2016Cristina D’Alessandro, Kobena T. Hanson, George Kararach · African Geographical Review · Southern Africa
This paper critically examined existing literature on peri-urban agriculture in Southern Africa, arguing it is a viable livelihood response to feeding urban residents. Despite its potential, the literature indicates that peri-urban agriculture does not play a major role in Southern Africa. The study concluded that a lack of political will and weak or absent policy frameworks, stemming from capacity deficits, hinder its promotion.
Governance failurePeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsSoil properties and subsoil constraints of urban and peri-urban agriculture within Mahikeng city in the North West Province (South Africa)
2016S. A. Materechera · Journal of Soils and Sediments · South Africa (Mahikeng)
Properties of subsoil in soils used for urban and peri-urban agriculture in Mahikeng city, South Africa, were investigated. Measurements of physical, chemical, and biological properties in four soil profiles (topsoil 0-20cm, subsoil 20-40cm) revealed high bulk density (mean 2.06 Mg m−3) and high penetrometer resistance (1.89 MPa) in the subsoil, indicating potential impedance to root growth. Low hydraulic conductivities at saturation and low plant-available boron levels were also found, leading to the conclusion that subsoil constraints to root growth are widespread in these soils.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleEvaluating peri-urban market gardening and shallow well quality for irrigation: a case study from Lagos, Nigeria
2016Isaiah Sewanu Akoteyon, Adeyemi Davidson Aromolaran · International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development · Nigeria (Lagos)
This study evaluated peri-urban market gardening and shallow well water quality for irrigation in Lagos, Nigeria. It found that the mean values of bicarbonate, calcium, and pH in shallow wells exceeded detection levels in 66.7%, 60%, and 53.3% of samples, respectively. Salinity and sodium hazard patterns showed that approximately 66.7% of shallow wells had low salinity, 26.7% medium, and 6.7% high.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthFood sovereignty & justiceUrban farming as a possible source of trace metals in human diets
2016Joshua Oluwole Olowoyo, Gladness Nteboheng Lion · South African Journal of Science · South Africa
This review reports on the concentrations of trace metals in crops, including leafy vegetables, harvested from various urban areas. It highlights the presence of trace metals in leafy vegetables and discusses various pathways of uptake, possible health risks associated with urban farming, and morphological and physiological impacts of trace metals in leafy vegetables.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkageEfforts of watershed sustainability and usage among peri-urban agricultural farmers of Kwadon, NE Nigeria
2016Muhammad Bello Ibrahim, Nobaya Ahmad, Asnarul Khadi Abu Samah, M.S.M. Redzuan · Universiti Putra Malaysia Institutional Repository (Universiti Putra Malaysia) · Nigeria
A quantitative study surveyed 217 peri-urban agricultural farmers in Kwadon, Gombe, NE Nigeria, from a population of 500, to assess their efforts in watershed sustainability and usage. Descriptive statistics indicated that the majority of these farmers are moderately sustaining the Kwadon watershed through their farming practices. The study focused on water sources, water sharing, and watershed management.
Peri-urban agricultureClimate changeCommunityAssessment of planning strategies and integration of urban and peri-urban agriculture into urban planning
2015Sarah Oloo Masawa, George G. Wagah, Reuben Oyoo Mosi · International Journal of Physical and Social Sciences · Kenya
This 2011 study in Bondo Sub County, Kenya, assessed the integration of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPUagr) into urban planning, using a descriptive survey design with 368 households and 248 traders. A major challenge identified was the lack of supportive local policy and legal frameworks for UPUagr, and problems with its integration into broader urban development plans. The study found that UPUagr complemented rural agriculture and increased food system efficiency.
Governance failurePolicyPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceTotal factor productivity of urban agriculture on the urban periphery of Cape Town
2015Martin Dyer, Richard M. Mills, Beatrice Conradie, Jenifer Piesse · Open University of Cape Town (University of Cape Town) · South Africa (Cape Town)
This paper investigates the efficiency relationships between inputs and outputs of urban micro-farms in two Cape Town townships, Nyanga and Khayelitsha. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) applied to 33 producers supplying a social enterprise box scheme revealed an average overall efficiency of 72.4%. Overall efficiency was negatively correlated with land holdings and the use of compost and seedlings, indicating efficiency losses with greater input quantities. Furthermore, it was not shown that mulching or operator experience increases profitability.
Economic viabilityEconomicsCommunityPeri-urban agriculturePeri-urbanization and New Built-up Property Formation Process in the Peri-urban Areas of Ethiopia
2015Achamyeleh Gashu Adam · · Ethiopia
A study assessed the process of built-up property formation in Ethiopia's peri-urban areas. Through analysis of survey results and a review of relevant literature, the study elucidated the processes of peri-urbanization and new property development. It demonstrated that both formal (legal) and informal methods are equally important in converting peri-urban agricultural lands into urban built-up non-agricultural properties. This process creates intense competition for land between agriculture and non-agriculture, leading to the emergence of new property rights and the dissolution of existing traditional rights.
Governance failurePeri-urban agriculturePolicyUrban–rural linkageUrban Agriculture and Food Security in the Low Income Households of Mwiki Location, Nairobi County
2015Nkirigacha, Imungi, J. K Cheminngwa · Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences · Kenya (Nairobi)
This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed the contribution of urban agriculture to food security among 260 low-income households in Mwiki Location, Nairobi County, using semi-structured questionnaires. Findings showed 24% of respondents were farmers, 80% obtained food through purchases, and 17% from own production, with 72% having enough food. Despite indicating food security, urban agriculture practice in the area remains low.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfarePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsEffects of climate change on a peri-urban farming community in Lagos, Nigeria
2014Taibat 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.
Economic viabilityPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeEconomicsCommunityRisques de fièvres typhoïdes et paratyphoïdes liés à l’utilisation des eaux usées en agriculture urbaine et périurbaine : cas du maraîchage dans la ville de Parakou (Bénin)
2014Joseph 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.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureHeavy Metals and Physicochemical Properties of Soils in Kano Urban Agricultural Lands
2014UM 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).
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureAgriculture in the Urban Fringe: Analysis of Calabar and its Environs, Cross River State, Nigeria
2014Ekaete 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.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agriculturePolicyEconomicsType and distribution of urban and peri-urban agriculture production systems in Nairobi County, Kenya
2014Nairobi 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.
Peri-urban agricultureDIYHeavy metal content of selected African leafy vegetables planted in urban and peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya
2014A. 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.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureGIS Analysis of Peri-Urban Agricultural Land Encroachment in (FCT), Nigeria
2013N E Etim, J J Dukiya · International Journal of Advanced Remote Sensing and GIS · Nigeria (Abuja)
A study in the Kuje area council of Abuja, Nigeria, used questionnaires and multi-temporal satellite images from 1975–2010 to assess urban encroachment on agricultural lands. It found that urban encroachment into agricultural lands is occurring at an alarming rate of 15.7 km² annually, resulting in a total loss of 509 km² of agricultural land to urbanization over 35 years.
Governance failurePeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkagePolicyEconomicsSalinity of irrigation water in the Philippi farming area of the Cape Flats, Cape Town, South Africa
2013CDR Aza-Gnandji, Yongxin Xu, Lincoln Raitt, Jonathan Levy · Water SA · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study explored the salinity of irrigation water from the Cape Flats aquifer in the Philippi farming area of Cape Town, South Africa, collecting water samples from boreholes and ponds in summer and winter. Concentrations of chloride, nitrate, potassium, and sodium exceeded target maximum limits set by DWAF and FAO guidelines. Groundwater and pond water were found to be brackish in most parts of the research area, with salinization primarily attributed to agricultural activities. The water is generally suitable for irrigation but requires caution for salt-sensitive vegetables.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeThe need for policy framework for urban/peri-urban agriculture in Ethiopia: a reflection
2013Messay Mulugeta · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Ethiopia
This study assessed the need for a policy framework for urban/peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in Ethiopia. It was based on a desk review of other countries' experiences and policy frameworks, supplemented by primary and secondary data from Ethiopia and interviews with legislators, experts, urban farmers, and urban planners. The study's synthesis indicates that formulating a policy framework and by-laws for UPA in Ethiopia is imperative for the country to fully utilize the sector's potential.
PolicyPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsOrganic cycleMunicipal commonage in South Africa: a critique of artificial dichotomies in policy debates on agriculture
2013Doreen Atkinson · African Journal of Range and Forage Science · South Africa
This paper critiques the assertion that commercialization of smallholder agriculture poses dangers for sustainable rangeland management in South Africa. It argues that a range of policy options are required, including commercialization and subsistence farming, large-scale and smallholder farming, various land tenure options, rural and peri-urban farming, and part-time farming. The case of municipal commonage land is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of flexible policy options regarding land ownership, farming scale, and the social nature of farming, but it is noted that effective institutional development is a key requirement in all cases.
Governance failurePolicyPeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkageField assessment of cadmium, lead and zinc contamination of soils and leaf vegetables under urban and peri-urban agriculture in northern Nigeria
2012G. N. Egwu, John O. Agbenin · Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science · Nigeria
A study in northern Nigeria assessed cadmium, lead, and zinc contamination in soils and leaf vegetables (amaranthus, lettuce) irrigated with untreated wastewater. Total cadmium and zinc concentrations in soils exceeded safe limits, and lead and cadmium in edible portions of amaranthus and lettuce exceeded safe limits for human consumption by 7–17 times. The permissible limit for lead established for agricultural lands may not be suitable to ensure produce safety in urban and peri-urban agriculture in Kano.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureConcentrations of Heavy Metals and Pesticide Residues in Leafy Vegetables and Implications for Peri-urban Farming in Nairobi, Kenya
2012Nancy Karanja, Mary Njenga, G.K. Mutua, Carl Johan Lagerkvist, E. Kutto, JJ Okello · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Kenya (Nairobi)
A study in three peri-urban sites in Nairobi, Kenya, assessed heavy metal, nitrate, and pesticide residue levels in wastewater-irrigated kale. Elevated levels of boron, cobalt, chromium, copper, lead, zinc, and nickel were found in vegetables at two sites, with high soil loadings of nickel, arsenic, lead, chromium, copper, and zinc attributed to chicken manure. Pesticide residues of diazinon, cypermethrin, biternol, and profenofos exceeded permissible limits in kale at one site, suggesting consumers may ingest significant amounts of contaminants.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agriculture