Research & reports

Jenny Smart, David Tschirley, Francis Smart, Smart, Jenny Cairns, Tschirley, David, Smart, Francis · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Mozambique

Food system transformation and changes in diet quality were assessed in Mozambique amidst rapid urbanization and income growth. Rising incomes and processed food consumption were found to be associated with a worsening of negative dietary factors. Furthermore, urbanization, controlling for income, was more strongly associated with a worsening of negative factors than an improvement in positive dietary factors. However, owning one's own farm had a positive and significant effect on nutrition for urban households, primarily driven by reduced purchases of unhealthy foods.

Sky Roberts, Charlie M. Shackleton · Land · South Africa

This study investigated urban community food gardens in four towns in South Africa, using surveys and GIS analysis over three decades. It found that common motivations included cash poverty (37%) and the need to grow food (34%), with reported benefits such as a healthy lifestyle (58%) and food consumption (54%). A significant challenge was theft of garden infrastructure or produce, and there were declines in the number and area of urban community gardens, with only 16% of gardens from the 1980s still operating in the 2000s.

Desta Woldetsadik, Pay Drechsel, Bernard Keraita, Fisseha Itanna, Berhanu Erko, Heluf Gebrekidan · International Journal of Food Contamination · Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)

An assessment in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, analyzed 210 lettuce and 90 irrigation water samples for faecal coliform and helminth eggs. Faecal coliform levels ranged from 4.29-5.61 log10 MPN 100 ml−1 in water and 3.46-5.03 log10 MPN 100 g−1 on lettuce, exceeding WHO recommendations. Helminth eggs were detected in 80% of water and 61% of lettuce samples, also exceeding standards. While washing methods reduced contamination, levels remained in a potential risk range.

Ojuolape F. Akande, S. A. Ajayi · International Journal of Environment Agriculture and Biotechnology · Nigeria

This study measured heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) in soil and in amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus) and jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) vegetables from selected peri-urban farms around Osun State, Nigeria, to assess human health risk. Soil concentrations fell within FAO/WHO (2002) and EU (2006) agricultural background ranges, but vegetable samples showed appreciable metal levels; arsenic was below detection in all samples, amaranth showed higher retention than jute mallow for all metals except copper, the transfer-factor order was Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu, amaranth contributed the highest estimated daily intake for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, the health risk index was high for Cd and Pb but low for Cu and Zn, and the hazard index results indicate that vegetables grown on the selected peri-urban farms are not safe for consumption.

Sunette M. Laurie, Mieke Faber, Mamohkele M Maduna · South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition · South Africa

A cross-sectional survey of 90 primary schools (10 per province across South Africa's nine provinces) participating in the National School Nutrition Programme collected questionnaire data from 66 garden administrators, 55 garden workers, 687 educators and 2,547 learners, with an observational checklist completed for 66 gardens. Sixty-six schools (73%) had a food garden, ranging from 100 to 6,000 m² and growing a variety of vegetables but few fruits. Reported problems included lack of funds (59%), lack of tools and infrastructure (47%), lack of garden workers (53%) and lack of technical support (50%), and few gardens received external funding. In 50% of gardens crops grew for more than six months, and 30% supplied fresh produce to school meals more than twice a week; 54% of learners were involved in school gardens and 67% had food gardens at home, with 68.4% of learners and 86.4% of educators reporting they liked eating vegetables every day.

niversity Ouaga I Prof Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso, Adama Hilou, Issaka Ouédraogo, PAED Sombié, Samson Guenné, Dramane Paré, Mariguetou Compaore · African Journal of Food Agriculture Nutrition and Development · Africa

A field survey in the Ouagadougou region of Burkina Faso examined the socio-economic, food consumption, and conservation aspects of leafy vegetables, specifically amaranth species. Leafy vegetables are cultivated under both rain-fed and irrigated conditions in villages and city gardens, with amaranth species being the most cultivated and marketed, showing potential for commercialization. Ninety-four percent of interviewed people use leafy amaranth in sauce, and there is a growing trend to use introduced amaranth species, which poses a threat to biodiversity.

Isaiah 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.

Joshua 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.

Hannah Richason · School for International Training Digital Collections (School for International Training) · South Africa

This study explored perceptions of food access and healthful eating in the Masxha community, Cato Manor Township, through 10 interviews. The interviews focused on food habits, healthy food perceptions, buying habits, and food access, aiming to understand the experience of food insecurity. The findings indicated that very few participants appeared to be experiencing or at risk of food insecurity. The study concluded that more research is needed on urban food insecurity in South Africa and the effectiveness of community gardens in improving nutrition and food access.

Elizabeth 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.

M. G. Dahiru, Onaiwu Idahosa Enabulele · · Nigeria (Kano)

Microbiological and physicochemical parameters of urban wastewater from the Jakara Canal in Kano were analyzed to assess its potential for irrigation. Mean fecal coliform counts ranged from 64.43 ± 63.20 MPN 100/ml to 216.85 ± 350.16 MPN 100/ml, increasing along the canal. All physicochemical parameters were within FEPA and WHO/FAO acceptable limits, but conductivity needed monitoring to avoid salinity.

West Africa, Olufunke Cofie · · West Africa

An examination of urban agriculture (UA) development in West Africa reveals that despite its known benefits for food supply and livelihoods, UA is not fully recognized as an important component of urban development. This is due to high land demand from other sectors and perceived health risks by authorities. Policy makers need to address issues to institutionalize UA and integrate it into urban development plans.

Norman Kwikiriza, Wellington Jogo, Julius Juma Okello, Haile Tesfay, Frezer Asfaw, Kennedy Otieno Pambo, Kwikiriza, Norman, Jogo, Wellington, Okello, Julius J., Tesfay, Haile, Asfaw, Frezer, Pambo, Kennedy · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Ethiopia (Tigray region)

In Ethiopia's Tigray region, a 2-year project by the International Potato Center and partners promoted vitamin A-rich Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) production and consumption. The project piloted school-based nutritional campaigns, including school gardens and feeding programs, in 11 schools. These schools served as centers for disseminating OFSP planting material and information to parents.

Vide Adedayo · Journal of Research in National Development · Nigeria (Lagos)

This study investigated poultry waste management in urban vegetable farms in Metropolitan Lagos from an ecosystem to human health perspective. Using a transdisciplinary approach, community participation, and socio-cultural, physiochemical, microbiological, and clinical information, the research revealed negative impacts and health problems associated with poultry waste management due to poor storage, composting, and packaging techniques. Consequently, adverse effects on users were identified.

Joseph 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.

UM 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).

A. 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.

S. Maré, Sarel S. Cilliers · Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif vir Natuurwetenskap en Tegnologie · South Africa (Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality)

This study surveyed clinic gardens in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality, North-West Province, focusing on the relationship between the environment, socio-economics, and health aspects of rural Tswana communities. The findings offered insights into species diversity, garden purposes, management reasons, and resources for improvement and potential expansion to community gardens.

Moira Beery, Rachel Adatia, Orsola Segantin, Chantal-Fleur Skaer · Health Education · South Africa (Johannesburg)

This paper examines the role of organic permaculture food gardens established at two schools in Johannesburg, South Africa, over one year, in addressing food insecurity and environmental sustainability. A nutrition study with 68 children found that these gardens can contribute to children's physical, mental, and emotional health, serving as a resource for teachers and learners. The study notes that practical and cultural challenges must be addressed for sustainability, and its findings, based on a one-year assessment at only two sites, may not be universally applicable.

Suarau Odutola Oshunsanya, Tolafe Olayinka Adeniran · Agricultura tropica et subtropica · Nigeria (Ibadan)

A field experiment in Ibadan investigated the quality of irrigation water used for dry season vegetable cultivation along Ona-stream. Water samples from five isolated ponds and one locally dug well were analyzed for heavy metal status. Results showed high concentrations of Pb, Cr, and Co in soil from five farms (A-E) near the stream, and isolated pond water also contained Cr, Co, and Pb exceeding safe consumption thresholds. All vegetables irrigated with untreated isolated ponds contained Cd, Pb, and Ni concentrations above maximum permissible standards, posing potential risks to human health.

Emmanuel O. Adu · Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences · South Africa

A study of urban agriculture's relationship to students' life satisfaction in Eastern Cape, South Africa, identifies nutrition, self-employment, food security and poverty eradication as components of that satisfaction, alongside economic benefits such as income distribution and small-scale business. It recommends that South Africa's government make agriculture education compulsory for grades 10 and 11, with practical components making up at least half of overall marks, while noting challenges including limited available space, damage to crops from stray animals, pests and diseases, and unreliable access to inputs such as soil, manure, seedlings and water.

Otu W. Ibok · Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension Economics & Sociology · Nigeria

A study of food security determinants among 217 urban food-crop-farming households in three urban areas of Cross River State, Nigeria — Calabar, Ikom and Ugep — selected through two-stage sampling. Cross-sectional data from structured questionnaires and interviews were analyzed using a headcount index, food insecurity gap index, food surplus gap index and logistic regression. Results showed 52.5% of households were food secure and 47.5% food insecure; food-secure households exceeded the food security line by 44%, while 53% of food-insecure households fell below the poverty line. Logistic regression identified years of formal education, farming experience, farmer age, farming as the main occupation, household size, farm income and crop output as the main determinants of food security status.

AN Asadu, EM Igbokwe, JM Chah, IA Enwelu · Journal of Agricultural Extension · Nigeria (Enugu)

This study investigated farmers' perceptions of health and environmental hazards from urban livestock keeping in Enugu Urban, Nigeria, interviewing 75 heads of households. While all respondents were aware of general health and environmental implications, only 4.0% knew livestock could cause climate change. Identified environmental issues included crop destruction (89.3%), urban filth (89.3%), and noise (88.0%), while health issues included disease spread (50.7%), accidents (46.7%), and bad smell (86.7%).

Mansur Usman Dawaki, Abubakar U. Dikko, S. S. Noma, Umar Aliyu · Food and Energy Security · Nigeria

This study evaluated pollution risks to food security from urban agriculture in Kano, Nigeria, by sampling soil, water, and lettuce from two wastewater-irrigated sites (Challawa, Jakara) and a control site (Watari). Results showed all sites were contaminated with Cu, and the domestic wastewater site was slightly polluted with Pb and excessively polluted with Cd and Cr. Metal levels in irrigation waters exceeded recommended thresholds, and plants at the domestic wastewater site accumulated metal concentrations (Pb=26.21 mg/kg, Cd=1.03 mg/kg, Cr=28.63 mg/kg, Cu=2.66 mg/kg) that exceeded allowable limits in vegetables, indicating a human ingestion risk.

Chinedu Okafor, Uchenna Alex Anyaegbunam · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria

This mixed-methods study assessed the impact of school garden projects on the nutritional status of adolescents in Nigeria. Surveys, interviews, and observational studies were used to evaluate changes in dietary habits and health indicators among participants. The study found a significant 30% increase in daily vegetable intake among participating students compared to baseline data, indicating improved nutritional practices.