Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
122 results(3 / 5)
Effect of youth engagement in vegetable farming on household well-being in Kakamega Town, Kenya
2018A. B. Juma Edwin, Omondi Paul, W. Kareri Raphael · Journal of Geography and Regional Planning · Kenya (Kakamega Town)
This study collected data from 159 urban youth farmers in Kakamega Town, Kenya, to investigate the effect of youth engagement in vegetable production on household well-being. A significant association was found between time spent on the farm and the size of the vegetable plot, with 90.5% of respondents reporting they would continue vegetable production. 34.0% reported vegetable production was 'more than adequate' and 28.9% 'adequate', and urban farming was found to contribute to the greening of the city.
CommunityWelfareFood educationEconomicsUnderstanding Urban Farm households Vulnerability to Economic shocks in South-South Nigeria
2018Ubokudom E. Okon, Kesit Nkeme, Ubon Asuquo Essien, Chukwuemeka Chiebonam Onyia · American Journal of Business and Management · Nigeria
This study assessed the economic vulnerability of 289 urban farm households in three states of South-south Nigeria using vulnerability index analysis. The results indicated a high level of economic vulnerability among urban farmers, primarily caused by lack of access to formal credit, lack of land, low asset value, and low farm income. Households entirely dependent on farm income were 66% more likely to be vulnerable to economic shocks.
Economic viabilityEconomicsWelfareClimate changeFood security and productivity among urban farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria
2018M.K. Saleh, Azher Mustafa · Journal of Agricultural Extension · Nigeria (Kaduna State)
This study investigated food security and productivity among 213 urban farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria, using interviews and statistical analysis. Results showed that 54.5% of households were food insecure. A regression model predicted that the probability of urban farming households being food secure was 51%, indicating a limited effect on food security despite urban farming efforts.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWelfareThe role of urban-based agriculture on food security: Kenyan case studies
2017Omondi S. O., Oluoch-Kosura W., Jirström M. · Geographical Research 55(2):231-241 · Kenya
Through Kenyan case studies, this paper examines how urban-based agriculture strengthens the livelihood strategies and food security of urban households, particularly the poor, highlighting its role within the urban food system.
WelfareEconomicsBeyond food security: women's experiences of urban agriculture in Cape Town
2017Olivier D. W., Heinecken L. · Agriculture and Human Values 34(3):743-755 · South Africa
Examining NGO-run urban agriculture in Cape Town, this study finds projects aid food security while helping low-income women build supportive networks that unlock personal, social, and economic benefits beyond food provision.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsRegreening Kibera: how urban agriculture changed the physical and social environment of a large slum in Kenya.
2017Courtney M. Gallaher · CABI eBooks · Kenya
This chapter considers the effects of landscape greening, including small urban farms and sack gardening, on residents' perceptions of the environment in Kenya's Kibera slum over the last 10 years. It examines what environmental issues residents perceive as most serious, who they believe is responsible for addressing these problems, and to what extent they believe sack gardening is changing Kibera's physical and social environment.
CommunityWelfareClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceImpact 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 agricultureEconomicsWelfareUrban agriculture for sustainable livelihood : a case study of migrants' women in Johannesburg
2017Njenyuei Gideon Agho · Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This research investigated how urban agriculture contributes to the sustainable livelihood of Cameroonian migrant women living in the inner city of Johannesburg. Findings revealed that urban agriculture is used as a strategy for sustainable livelihood by many Cameroonian migrant women, enabling them to raise substantial income to support their families in both South Africa and Cameroon. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining purposeful sampling, a transect walk, in-depth face-to-face interviews, and written sources.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban Agriculture (UA) and Its Effects on Poverty Alleviation: A Case Study of Vegetable Farming in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
2017Remi Adeyemo, Ayodeji Ogunleye, Ayodeji Damilola Kehinde, Olamide Anuoluwapo Ayodele · American Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering · Nigeria (Ibadan)
This study investigated the effects of urban agriculture on poverty alleviation among 100 vegetable farmers in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria, using a multistage sampling procedure. Data analysis showed that about 30% of sampled vegetable farmers experienced poverty, with 3.4% in extreme poverty and 7.9% moderately poor. Net income, cost of labor, and household size had significant effects on farmers' poverty status. The study concluded that vegetable farming is profitable and could help reduce poverty to a minimum level.
EconomicsWelfareCommunityThe socio-economic profile of urban farming and non-farming households in the informal settlement area of the Cape Town Metropole in South Africa
2017Jan Willem Swanepoel, Van Niekerk J.A., Luc D’Haese · Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir landbouvoorligting/South African journal of agricultural extension · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study analyzed the socio-economic profile of households in the informal settlement area of the Cape Town Metropolitan area, South Africa, focusing on poverty and food security. It examined average household size (4.32 members), average age of household head (50 years), gender (more female-headed households), education (40.1% with some secondary education), ethnic group (mostly African), and income sources (mainly formal salaries). The findings indicate a need to investigate additional income sources to improve household income and food security.
EconomicsWelfareCommunityDeterminants of Level of Women Participation in Urban Agriculture: The Case of Wolaita Sodo Town, Southern Region of Ethiopia
2017Misrak Misikir Sebisibe · Journals & Books Hosting (International Knowledge Sharing Platform) · Ethiopia
This study in Wolaita Sodo town, Ethiopia, investigated determinants of women's participation in urban agriculture using a sample of 204 women respondents. The Tobit model found that age negatively affected participation, while dependency ratio, credit access, extension worker contact, land ownership, neighbor influence, farm experience, and improved seed access positively affected it. Descriptive analysis showed 22% of women in the study area participated in urban agriculture, with an average participation extent of 34.3%, generating average monthly incomes ranging from 557 to 3392 birr.
CommunityEconomicsWelfareFood, aid, and education in East Africa: repackaging the conversation
2016Amy Stambach · Cambridge Journal of Education · Africa
This paper examines students' food perspectives across three East African contexts: a university in Kigali, Rwanda; a school garden and canteen in Nairobi, Kenya; and a fast-food restaurant in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It contrasts these perspectives with the work of the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) in these countries. The study suggests that WFP could engage with food more complexly by building upon students' existing astute and complex food perspectives.
Food educationWelfareCommunityImproving Living Conditions in Informal Settlements The Case of El-Arab, Hurghada
2016Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed Attia Khalil, Amr Abd El-Aal, Natacha Quintero, Hazem Aayash, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Mohamed R. Ibrahim, Kamal Marei · Procedia Environmental Sciences · Africa
This study focused on an urban upgrading project in El-Arab, an informal settlement in Hurghada, conducted by Master's students from the Urban Development department at Technische Universität Berlin Campus El-Gouna. The project proposed an integrative approach involving physical upgrading, solid waste management, and urban agriculture as three interconnected components to improve living conditions and livelihoods in El-Arab.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsAssessment of the Influence of Urban Agriculture on Household Income. Evidence from Kogi State, Nigeria
2016S. J. Ibitoye, U Shaibu, Firdaus Sale, Oroka Frank · International Journal of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences · Nigeria (Kogi State)
This study assessed the influence of urban agriculture on household income in Kogi State, Nigeria, using data from 120 urban farmers. Urban agriculture was found to increase household income at a 90% confidence level. However, urban farmers faced significant constraints including inadequate capital (M=2.9), poor extension services (M=2.4), and high labor costs (M=2.2).
Economic viabilityEconomicsWelfareCommunityGender, resilience and resistance: South Africa’s Hleketani Community Garden
2016Elizabeth Vibert · Journal of Contemporary African Studies · South Africa
This article examines the Hleketani Community Garden in Limpopo Province, South Africa, highlighting the successes of women farmers in reducing poverty and improving health outcomes. Despite these benefits, the research identifies significant structural barriers, including lack of access to resources, unfavorable policy frameworks for small-scale agriculture, and worsening climate change, that hinder small-scale farmers, particularly women.
Equity & displacementCommunityWelfareHealthPolicyClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceThe Resilience of Urban Agriculture in the Face of Adversity from the City Authorities: The Case of Mkoba
2015Nyasha Chaminuka, Peter Makaye · Global Journal of Human-Social Science · Africa
This paper analyzes urban agriculture in Mkoba, Gweru, as a survival strategy for residents facing food insecurity and poverty, despite opposition from city authorities. It argues that urban agriculture is a resilient practice that has become a significant feature of urban livelihoods, often increasing the burden on women. The paper suggests that city authorities are losing the contest over urban spaces and should reform legislation to accommodate urban agriculture.
Governance failureWelfarePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceInformation Needs of Youths involved in Urban Agriculture as Strategy for Checking Unemployment in Epe Lga of Lagos State, Nigeria
2015C.O. Edeoghon, DU Okoedo-Okojie · Journal of applied science and environmental management · Nigeria (Lagos State)
This study assessed the information needs of 140 youths involved in urban agriculture in Epe LGA, Lagos State, Nigeria, using structured questionnaires. Most respondents (71.4% unemployed) needed information on crop production (54.3%) and perceived urban agriculture as a solace for unemployment. Major agricultural tasks included vegetable, maize, cassava, and fish production. Unemployment was attributed to laziness, lack of knowledge, and god-fatherism, and perceived information needs were significantly associated with education level and primary occupation.
WelfareFood educationEconomicsCommunityEffect of urban household farming on food security status in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria
2015Sulaiman Yusuf, Olubunmi Lawrence Balogun, Olanike Falegbe · Journal of Agricultural Sciences Belgrade · Nigeria (Ibadan)
This study investigated the effect of urban household farming on food security status in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria, using primary data from 110 urban farming households. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Foster-Greer-Thorbecke, and probit regression. Results showed that sex, years of schooling, marital status, household size, access to extension agents, hired labor, and type of farming enterprises are determinants of food security.
WelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceURBAN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A CASE STUDY OF ELDORET MUNICIPALITY, KENYA
2015Salome C.R. Korir, Jacob Rotich, Pacifica Mining · · Kenya (Eldoret)
This paper investigated the contribution of Urban Agriculture to the food security of residents of Eldoret Municipality, Kenya. The study aimed to lay the foundation for future policy formulation for Urban Agriculture in Kenya.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsUrban–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 agricultureEconomicsCultivating the Right to Food? The Contribution of Urban Community Food Gardens to Food Sovereignty in Johannesburg, South Africa
2015Brittany Kesselman · ScholarWorks -A service of University of Vermont Libraries (University of Vermont) · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This proposal outlines ongoing PhD research aimed at understanding if and how urban community gardens contribute to food sovereignty in Johannesburg, South Africa, and determining actions to enhance their contribution. The research examines the way urban community gardens contribute to six key elements of food sovereignty: access to adequate food, sustainable income/livelihoods, localization and democratization of the food system, environmental sustainability, empowerment of marginalized groups, and promotion of gender equity.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfarePolicyCreating Space: Sack Gardening as a Livelihood Strategy in the Kibera Slums of Nairobi, Kenya
2015Courtney M. Gallaher, Antoinette WinklerPrins, Mary Njenga, Nancy Karanja · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Kenya (Nairobi)
This research investigated how participation in sack gardening improved the livelihoods of farmers in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya. The study demonstrates that urban agriculture, particularly low-space activities like sack gardening, can be a viable and important livelihood strategy for households, even in densely populated slum environments.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceGrowing Out of Poverty: Does Urban Agriculture Contribute to Household Food Security in Southern African Cities?
2014Frayne B., McCordic C., Shilomboleni H. · Urban Forum 25(2):177-189 · Southern Africa
Using data from 11 Southern African cities, this study questions whether urban agriculture meaningfully contributes to household food security, finding its impact limited and often a last resort rather than a choice for poor households.
WelfarePolicyEconomicsSeasonal Assessment of Household Food Access in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
2014O. A. Odusina, C. A. Afolami, S. Momoh · · Nigeria (Ibadan)
This study in Ibadan, Nigeria, assessed household food access and diversity across 180 households during harvest and hunger periods using structured questionnaires. Findings indicated significantly better food access during harvest (HFIAS 5.23-7.01) compared to hunger periods (HFIAS 9.75-11.77), though adequate access was maintained in both. Dietary diversity also decreased from an average of 3 food groups during harvest to 2.54 during hunger periods, a significant difference (p<0.01).
WelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceFood Security and Productivity of Urban Food Crop Farming Households in Southern Nigeria
2014Otu 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.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWelfare