Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
110 results(4 / 5)
Pollution as a threat factor to urban food security in metropolitan Kano, Nigeria
2013Mansur 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.
Contamination & food safetyHealthFood sovereignty & justiceSustainable School Garden Projects and Nutritional Status Among Nigerian Adolescents: An Educational Perspective
2013Chinedu 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.
Food educationHealthPollution of Water, Soil and Vegetables: Challenges to Growing Cities of Bahir Dar and Kombolcha, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
2013Mekonnen Getahun, Yihenew G. Selassie · Journal of Agricultural Science · Ethiopia
A study investigated the extent of contamination of soil, water, and vegetables from wastewater used for irrigation in urban agriculture in Bahir Dar and Kombolcha, Ethiopia. Soil, water, and vegetable samples were collected and analyzed. While heavy metal concentrations in soil were within permissible levels, wastewater samples showed high nitrate and phosphate levels, and boron concentrations in Borkena River and Lake Tana exceeded permissible limits for irrigation. Wastewater drained to Lake Tana exhibited high turbidity and very high BOD, and lettuce and Swiss chard accumulated higher levels of iron, manganese, and zinc.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageEnvironmental and Social Sustainability of Urban And Periurban Agriculture (UPA) In Selected Towns Of Ethiopia
2013Teferi Daba Lemma, M. S. A. Rao · · Ethiopia
This study assessed the social and environmental sustainability of urban and periurban agriculture (UPA) in selected towns of Ethiopia, using primary data from 280 households via questionnaires and interviews. The findings indicate that the environmental and health aspects of UPA sustainability are compromised by extensive use of chemical inputs. Furthermore, UPA is inclined to be unsustainable from a social and political perspective.
Governance failureClimate changeHealthPolicyCommunityCommunity Gardening and Food Security in Cape Town: A Decade's Reflection
2013Dlamini Magagula, Khathi Khumalo, Nombuyisilwe Sithole, Kgosiwe Maseko · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study in Cape Town, South Africa, investigated the impact of community gardens on food security among the urban poor using mixed methods, including ten years of household food expenditure surveys. Participating households showed an average 20% increase in fresh produce consumption compared to non-participants, directly impacting nutrition levels. The review concluded that community gardening projects can enhance food security and quality of life, but further research is needed on best practices, scalability, long-term sustainability, and the impact of diverse crop cultivation.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsTheoretical Framework Underpinning School Gardens' Impact on Nutrition and Academic Outcomes in Mozambique
2013Nhamo Makhuwa · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Mozambique
A 2013 study presented a theoretical framework underpinning the impact of school gardens on nutrition and academic outcomes in developing countries like Mozambique, where school gardens are recognized as a potential intervention. This framework, built upon existing literature on environmental education, agriculture-based interventions, and their impact on nutritional status and cognitive development, emphasized the need for further empirical research to validate these insights and inform policy recommendations for integrating school gardens into educational curricula.
Food educationHealthPolicyCultivating new meaning in the urban landscape : increasing food security and social capital through urban ecology : research article
2013Dominique Rossi Breetzke, Christina Breed · Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir kunsgeskiedenis · South Africa (Pretoria)
This paper explores using abandoned urban land for allotment community gardening in Sunnyside, Pretoria, South Africa, through a case study along the Walker Spruit. It tests the hypothesis of increasing food security and social capital through urban ecology design. Findings suggest that allotment culture and permaculture can reconnect people with urban nature, proposing a design concept to unite neighborhoods and provide social and biophysical services sustainably.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthClimate changeField 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 agricultureSuitability of urban wastes for crop production in Zaria, northern Nigeria: bioavailability and geochemical fractions of potentially toxic elements
2012Sebastian U. Ugbaje, John O. Agbenin · International Journal of Environmental Studies · Nigeria
A pot experiment in Zaria, northern Nigeria, evaluated the chemical forms and phytoavailability of Cr, Ni, and Pb in savannah soil amended with two urban wastes and planted with sorghum. While urban waste application increased total metal concentrations in the soil, only Pb uptake by sorghum increased, with no corresponding increases for Cr and Ni. A single application of urban wastes significantly increased Pb uptake by sorghum, raising concerns about the long-term consequences of such applications in urban and peri-urban agriculture, especially regarding children's exposure to Pb.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleHealthThe contribution of community gardens to food security in the Maphephetheni uplands
2011Stephen Odede. Shisanya, Sheryl L. Hendriks · Development Southern Africa · South Africa
This study evaluated the contribution of community gardens to alleviating food insecurity for 53 community gardeners in Maphephetheni, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, it was found that 89% of these households were anxious about food supplies, consumed insufficient food, and were severely food insecure. Additionally, 72% consumed poor quality food. Community gardens were unable to solve the problem of food insecurity, but their contribution to consumption cannot be entirely ignored.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareHealthGeochemical assessment, distribution, and dynamics of trace elements in urban agricultural soils under long‐term wastewater irrigation in Kano, northern Nigeria
2011Nafiu Abdu, John O. Agbenin, Andreas Buerkert · Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science · Nigeria (Kano)
A study evaluated the distribution and origin of trace elements (Ti, Fe, Nb, Pb, Rb, Sr, Y, and Zr) in five long-term wastewater-irrigated urban vegetable gardens in Kano, Nigeria. Surface soil concentrations of Ti, Fe, Pb, and Y were high compared to comparable soils elsewhere, but soil pollution assessment yielded no evidence of anthropogenic input of the studied trace elements. Enrichment factor, contamination factor, and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) revealed little to no contamination with trace elements.
HealthOrganic cycleUrban Agriculture Community Gardens and Elderly Food Security in Nairobi, Kenya: Health Outcomes and Social Support Analysis
2010Wycliffe Cherono Nyaga · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Kenya (Nairobi)
This study in Nairobi, Kenya, investigated the impact of urban agriculture community gardens on elderly food security, health outcomes, and social support. Surveys and interviews with participants in four gardens revealed a significant improvement in dietary variety (p < 0.05) among elderly residents, with a 25% average increase in vegetable intake. Social support networks within and outside the gardens were also crucial for health maintenance.
CommunityElderlyFood sovereignty & justiceHealthStrengthening capacity for sustainable livelihoods and food security through urban agriculture among HIV and AIDS affected households in Nakuru, Kenya
2010Nancy Karanja, Fiona Yeudall, S Mbugua, Mary Njenga, Gordon Prain, Donald C. Cole, Alexandra L. Webb, Daniel Sellen, Christopher Gore, Jennifer Levy · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Kenya (Nakuru)
This paper outlined the conception, design, and implementation of a project aimed at strengthening technical, environmental, financial, and social capacity for urban agriculture (UA) among HIV-affected households in Nakuru, Kenya. Key lessons learned included the value of multi-stakeholder partnerships, the crucial role of self-help group organizations, and the importance of institutional commitments to support farming by vulnerable persons. The usefulness of mixed-methods evaluative tools for monitoring progress was also highlighted.
WelfareFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityHealthAgriculture urbaine et valorisation des déchets au Bénin : une approche de développement durable
2010Hygin Faust Kakai, Alban Gilles Kakai, Armelle Grey Tohouegnon · VertigO · Benin (Cotonou)
This study in Benin examined urban agriculture and waste valorization in Cotonou, Abomey, and Abomey-Calavi. In Cotonou, overexploitation of sandy, organic-poor soil in market gardening led to soil impoverishment, forcing gardeners to use chemical fertilizers with negative environmental impacts. However, some market gardeners adopted compost use, transitioning to organized organic urban agriculture after a waste management project supported waste valorization. This dynamic was not observed in Abomey, where urban agriculture is practiced in family spaces and public areas, unlike Cotonou's developed sites. Abomey-Calavi, despite rapid demographic growth, was almost devoid of urban agriculture practices.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleCompostEconomicsHealthUrban farming in the informal settlements of Atteridgeville, Pretoria, South Africa
2009W. Van Averbeke · Water SA · South Africa (Pretoria)
This study in five informal settlements of Atteridgeville, Pretoria, South Africa, used a pilot study, household survey, and multiple case studies to assess urban farming's contribution to food security and household income. While over half of households participated in urban farming, its contribution to total household income and food security was generally modest. Main constraints included lack of space and limited access to irrigation water.
Limited or null effectCommunityWelfareHealthFood sovereignty & justiceDevelopment of vegetable farming: a cause of the emergence of insecticide resistance in populations of Anopheles gambiae in urban areas of Benin
2009Anges Yadouléton, Alex Asidi, Rousseau F Djouaka, B. James, Christian Agossou, Martin Akogbéto · Malaria Journal · Benin
A study in urban areas of Benin investigated the impact of rapid vegetable farming development on the emergence of insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae populations, using sociological data, bioassay tests, and biochemical analysis. The expansion of urban agriculture led to improper insecticide use for vegetable pests, exerting strong selection pressure on mosquito larval populations. This resulted in the emergence of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors, with permethrin mortality rates of 76% in Parakou, 23.5% in Porto-Novo, and 17% in Cotonou.
Environmental trade-offsEconomicsHealthClimate changeUrban food security in South Africa: Case study of Cape Town, Msunduzi and Johannesburg
2009Bruce Frayne, Jane Battersby, Robert Fincham, Gareth Haysom · · South Africa
This study examines urban food security in South Africa, focusing on Cape Town, Msunduzi, and Johannesburg, and includes a critique of the City of Cape Town's urban agriculture policy. The abstract indicates that the policy was found to have significant shortcomings, particularly concerning local production and access to food. The research highlights various policy issues related to food access, dietary diversity, local production, and local markets within these urban contexts.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsHealthIntroducing urine as an alternative fertiliser source for urban agriculture: case studies from Nigeria and Ghana.
2009Olufunke Cofie, Adeoluwa Olugbenga, Philip Amoah · Urban Agriculture Magazine · Nigeria; Ghana
This study introduces human urine as an alternative fertilizer source for urban agriculture, presenting case studies from Nigeria and Ghana. It suggests that proper collection and use of human urine can improve urban environmental sanitation and reduce crop production costs. The approach integrates agriculture, environment, and sanitation sectors.
Organic cycleEconomicsHealthOverview on urban and peri-urban agriculture: definition, impact on human health, constraints and policy issues
2008Erastus K. Kang’ethe, Delia Grace, Thomas F. Randolph · East African Medical Journal · East Africa
This study synthesizes current knowledge on urban agriculture (UA) in East Africa, focusing on its human health impact. It identifies UA as an important source of food security, but notes that many zoonotic and food-borne diseases are associated with it, with a lack of evidence on human health impact and management. Major constraints include illegality and limited access to inputs and markets, indicating a need for more research to understand both positive and negative health impacts.
Contamination & food safetyHealthFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureLinking research, capacity building, and policy dialogue in support of informal irrigation in urban West Africa
2008Pay Drechsel, Olufunke Cofie, R. van Veenhuizen, Theophilus O. Larbi · Irrigation and Drainage · West Africa
Informal irrigation in urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in West Africa offers benefits but is often hindered by water pollution, threatening public health. A multi-stakeholder process implemented since 2005 in six West African cities, including Accra, Ghana, aimed to integrate UPA into sustainable urban development. However, an internal lesson learned was that local partners may not prioritize every project, and capacity-building efforts might not provide expected incentives for commitment.
Contamination & food safetyPolicyHealthPeri-urban agricultureCommunityAssessing food security status among farming households in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state, Nigeria.
2008BF Salahu, TO Dauda · Moor Journal of Agricultural Research · Nigeria
The food security status of farming households in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria, was assessed using 89 questionnaires. The study analyzed urban farming and food security factors (energy and protein levels). Education related to urban farming practices was found to influence the food security status of the respondents.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsUrban–rural linkageTo Subsidise My Income: Urban farming in an East-African town, by Dick Foeken
2008M. B. David · African Affairs · Kenya
This study on urban agriculture in the Kenyan town of Nakuru illustrates health and environmental problems associated with keeping livestock in urban areas, the small size of plots cultivated, and the dependence of urban households on rural sources of food. These findings were observed in the context of economic hardships occasioned by structural adjustment programmes since the 1980s.
Environmental trade-offsCommunityEconomicsHealthUrban–rural linkageRe-Creating Awareness of Traditional Leafy Vegetables in Communities
2007Voster Ineke H.J, Jansen van Rensburg Willem, Van Zijl J.J.B, Venter Sonja L · African Journal of Food Agriculture Nutrition and Development · South Africa
In South Africa, traditional leafy vegetables have been labeled as weeds since the 1960s, leading to a negative perception and unwillingness to use them. Awareness activities in six communities, including training sessions in seven schools and eight community gardens, aimed to improve the status of these crops. These activities resulted in increased awareness of their poor conservation status, appointment of seed keepers, and a noticeable increase in demand for seeds and production training.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthVers un assainissement urbain durable en Afrique subsaharienne : approche innovante de planification de la gestion des boues de vidange
2006Halidou Koanda · Infoscience (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) · Sub-Saharan Africa
In Sub-Saharan Africa, faecal sludge management practices are often financially unviable due to widespread lack of municipal involvement, paucity of legal provisions, and absence of stakeholder coordination. This leads to indiscriminate dumping of faecal sludge in urban areas or its untreated use in urban agriculture. These practices pose permanent and serious health risks and contaminate scarce ground and surface water. This research aims to develop an innovative strategic planning approach for sustainable urban faecal sludge management to minimize public health and environmental risks.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cyclePolicy