Research & reports

Kra Kouakou Valentin · European Scientific Journal ESJ · Africa

A study of Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire, analyzes new land-use dynamics around intra-urban shallow lowlands (bas-fonds) and their effects on market gardening. It finds that rising stakes over these lowlands have drawn in new actors, reducing cultivated areas and making market gardening more unstable and casualized. The operating rules for the floodplain plots previously allocated to gardeners have been redefined, and public servitude land and unbuilt areas are increasingly subject to illegal land transactions and unauthorized construction — indicating a breakdown in land governance and the neglect of urban agriculture within public policy and city management in Côte d'Ivoire.

Paulos 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.

Upite 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.

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.

C. O. Odudu · Nigerian Journal of Environmental Sciences and Technology · Africa

This study evaluated how competition constraints affect land accessibility for urban crop farmers in Lagos, Nigeria, using multi-stage (purposive and simple random) sampling of farmers across seven of ten farming-active communities delineated by the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, with structured questionnaires analyzed by descriptive statistics and linear regression. It found 19.5% of farmers had been forced off their locations, 10.3% vacated voluntarily, 1.4% left due to high rents, and 67.8% were missing values; urban farmers were largely unaffected by competition or high rents because they occupied marginal land not sought by competing uses, yet regression analysis showed competition constraint explained only 3.5% of variance in farmer productivity while still significantly affecting it, given farmers' confinement to marginal land. The study concludes government should support urban farming by providing designated agricultural land in the metropolis.

Cristina 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.

S. 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.

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.

Muhammad 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.

Sarah 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.

Martin 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.

Achamyeleh 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.

Nkirigacha, 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.

Georges Courade · Recherches Internationales · Africa

This essay examines the food challenge facing an increasingly populous and urbanized Africa, worsened by land grabs for biofuels and food production destined elsewhere, climate change and speculative management of food security; it states a quarter of Africans, and more than a third of young children, remain malnourished. It argues that responses from peasant agriculture untouched by the green revolution are insufficient, but points to paths toward food sovereignty: agricultural policy favoring family farms, urban agriculture, diversified agroecological models, stock-based food policy, and peasant organizations.

Imogen Bellwood‐Howard, Volker Häring, Hanna Karg, Regina Roessler, Johannes Schlesinger, Martina Shakya · · Africa

A working paper in the IWMI (International Water Management Institute) series reporting an exploratory survey of urban and peri-urban agriculture characteristics conducted in Tamale, Ghana, and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The available abstract text describes only the series' purpose — recording IWMI researchers' work and findings, including project reports, case studies, conference proceedings and discussion papers — and does not state the survey's specific results.

Taibat 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.

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).

Ekaete 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.

Nairobi 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.

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.

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.

Alain Peoule Kouhouyiwo GOMGNIMBOU, Birjees Hassan, A. Sanon, P.M. Sedogo, Martinez, J. · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Africa

A study evaluating the effect of pig and cattle manure application on soil chemical parameters of Lixisols in the Bobo-Dioulasso area of Burkina Faso, framed around the potential for organic waste fertilizers in urban and peri-urban agriculture to maintain soil fertility and support food security. Eight farms using animal waste and some non-cultivated plots were identified in 2012, and soil samples were taken for chemical analysis. Pig manure use lowered soil pH (H2O) by 0.46 units at 0-10 cm depth and 0.51 units at 10-20 cm, while increasing organic carbon and nitrogen content and easily absorbed phosphorus at both depths. Cattle manure use raised total potassium to 1,210 ppm at 0-10 cm and 1,351 ppm at 10-20 cm, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) to 7.18 meq/100g, about three times that of unmanured plots. The study concludes animal manure could be an alternative to costly chemical fertilizers.

Achamyeleh Gashu Adam · African review of economics and finance · Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, all land is state-owned and granted to residents only as a holding right, with separate systems for rural and urban areas. Focusing on peri-urban agricultural land under growing pressure from urbanisation, this desk-review study analyzed existing survey research together with property-rights literature, theory, and current land-rights laws and policies. It found that new recipients of peri-urban land under the urban land-lease system obtain better and more extensive bundles of land rights than the indigenous, local peri-urban landholders who previously held that land.