Research & reports

G. A. Abu, A. Soom, Abu, Godwin Anjeinu, Soom, Aondonenge · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Nigeria

This study examined factors affecting food security in 180 rural and urban farming households in Benue State, Nigeria, using structured questionnaires. It found that 53.3% of rural and 62.2% of urban households were food secure based on calorie intake. Key constraints to food security included lack of access to credit, inadequate land, poverty, soil infertility, and storage/processing problems.

Fikadu Goshu Fufa · European Journal of Business and Management · Ethiopia

A study of 96 micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Nekemte town, Ethiopia, found that educational status of MSE operators negatively affects business profitability growth. Additionally, the study revealed that microfinance institution (MFI) loan terms are too short for business operations, and most MSEs rely on personal savings for finance.

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.

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.

Salome 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.

Molly R Loftus · Scholarship @ Claremont (The Claremont Colleges) · Africa

This thesis comparatively analyzes environmental values in Ghana's and Senegal's coastal regions and their implications for the environment. It assesses the countries' approaches to urban farming, mining, fishing, and waste management to understand environmental issues. By comparing environmental degradation and efforts towards sustainable development, the thesis draws examples from Senegal's coastal management successes to recommend environmental policy for Ghana's Greater Accra Region.

Abdoul-Ramane Abdoulaye, Aboudou Yacoubou Mama Aboudou Ramanou · Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection · Benin (Parakou)

This study examined urban market-gardening in Parakou, Benin, as a solution for rural farmers migrating to the city, given the city's population growth and 65% poverty rate. Using documentary research, interviews, and field observation, the study found that market-gardening areas have evolved, reducing food insecurity through consistent produce availability. It also contributes to environmental protection by draining urban areas and preserving vegetable diversity, while increasing farmers' household incomes and creating employment.

Dominique Juhé-Beaulaton · · Benin

This study explores the history of urban agriculture in the ancient kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Benin) since the 17th century, using European traveler narratives and oral information. It reveals that cities like Abomey, Cana, and Ouidah were centers of agricultural innovation and plant preservation, with farming present in interstitial spaces. Early European contact fostered truck-farming, and colonial administration introduced agricultural stations and new town planning, yet local and European agricultural models coexisted without competition.

H. Allagbé, Magloire Aïtchedji, Anges Yadouléton · · Benin

This study, conducted from January to December 2013 in three major vegetable farms in southern and northern Benin, assessed the genesis and rapid expansion of urban agriculture. It found that while Christian missionaries initiated early vegetable farming, its current growth is driven by urban unemployment, rural exodus, and the search for balanced diets, increasing farmers' household income. The activity is dominated by young people (21-40 years old), with 75% being permanent gardeners, but farmers improperly used various pesticides, leading to insecticide resistance in malaria vectors.

Never Assan, Edmore Nhamo · · Sub-Saharan Africa

This discussion highlights the opportunities and needs for developing and adopting urban agriculture to enhance food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. It notes that rapid urbanization is increasing demand for crop and livestock products, leading to a growing food deficit and affecting urban food insecurity. Strategies to promote food productivity gains should focus on infrastructure, appropriate agricultural policies, new technology, and incentives for urban farmers within a fair policy environment.

H. C. Agada, E. A. Obienusi, Emma E. Ezenwaji · Journal of environment and earth science · Nigeria

This study evaluated urban forestry and housing patterns in Awka metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria, over a ten-year period (2001-2010). Analysis of land use data using linear regression and correlation coefficients confirmed a significant correlation between housing patterns (urbanization) and the distribution of trees (forestry). The least square regression results indicated that the rate of forest displacement is a direct consequence of increasing structural development in the study area.

N 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.

Mekonnen 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.

Odewumi Odewumi · Journal of Geography and Regional Planning · Nigeria (Ibadan)

This study surveyed 145 farmers in two urban agricultural communities in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria, to examine their perception of climate change and its effects on urban agriculture. Results showed that 89.6% of respondents perceived climate change and increased variability over the past five years, with effects including temperature increases, fewer rainy days, and more rainstorms and floods. Multiple regression analysis indicated that farmers' socio-economic characteristics had no significant influence on their perception of climate variation effects.

Franklin Obeng‐Odoom · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Africa

Data from living standards and demographic health surveys and poverty trend studies in various African countries indicate that urban agriculture substantially contributes to food production and farmers' incomes. The article argues that urban agriculture empowers rather than limits, but to realize its full potential for food security in African cities, it must be understood within a broader socioeconomic and political reality. Factors like food safety, access, and distribution require careful attention.

Doreen 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.

Roseline J. Akinlade, Olubunmi Lawrence Balogun, Adekemi A. Obisesan, Akinlade, Roseline J., Balogun, Olubunmi L., Obisesan, Adekemi A. · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Nigeria

This study analyzed the determinants of commercialization among 230 urban vegetable farmers in Oyo and Lagos states, southwest Nigeria, using primary survey data and a Tobit model. It found that farmers' participation in domestic and regional markets remains low due to various constraints, notably poor market access. The average farm size was 0.05ha, and the average market participation index was 0.73. Factors influencing commercialization included age, farm size, association membership, education, distance to market, and input costs. The study concluded that social capital significantly affects market participation, and recommended proactive support from governments and NGOs to facilitate farmer organizations and market linkages.

Godwin Arku, Paul Mkandawire, Nathaniel Djanmah Aguda, Vincent Kuuire · · Africa

The history of urban agriculture in Africa dates back to the colonial era, when farming flourished in urban areas primarily to meet the consumption needs of bureaucrats, settlers, and other elites. Urban agriculture is considered a potentially viable policy response to the complex challenge of feeding a growing urban population amidst declining food production in rural areas.

Mary Caesar, Jonathan Crush, Trevor Hill · Scholars Commons (Wilfrid Laurier University) · South Africa (Msunduzi Municipality)

A study on food security in Msunduzi Municipality, South Africa, was part of AFSUN's baseline survey across eleven Southern African cities. The survey found that urban poor in Msunduzi are significantly worse off than those in Cape Town and Johannesburg, with one-third of households reporting frequent food shortages. Urban agriculture is not particularly significant in Msunduzi, and while supermarket supply chains dominate the food system, they do not meet the needs of the poor.

Luc Hippolyte Dossa, Andreas Buerkert, Eva Schlecht · Human Ecology · Sub-Saharan Africa

A study surveyed 700 randomly selected households across Kano (Nigeria), Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso), and Sikasso (Mali) to explore the relationship between household socioeconomic status (SES) and participation in urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA). The results showed no significant differences in UPA participation rates across socioeconomic groups. Instead, UPA participation was significantly and positively related to household size.

Bertrand Foe, Salou Zoulkilf · · Benin

A transverse case study conducted from January to June 2011 in Cotonou, Benin, with 50 truck farmers, investigated adaptation strategies for water access in urban agriculture. The study found that increased temperatures and irregular rains reduce available water, making truck farming difficult and painful. Despite increased working time, production decreased by about 50%, indicating a negative economic impact.

H.S. Geyer, Bennie Schloms, Danie du Plessis, Amanda van Eeden · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · South Africa (Cape Town)

An analysis of agricultural land consumption within the Cape Town urban edge between 2002 and 2007 revealed that low-density residential development is the primary consumer of high-potential agricultural land. Commercial, industrial, and informal residential developments had minimal impact on agricultural land loss. High-potential agricultural land is not adequately protected, and urban agriculture is constrained by competition with more profitable land uses like residential development.

Ajadi B.S., Adeniyi Adedapo, A. M. Tunde · Global Journal of Human-Social Science · Nigeria

This paper examined the impact of climate on urban agriculture in Ilorin city, Nigeria, by collecting 10 years of climatic data (rainfall, evaporation, relative humidity, temperature, sunshine hours) and agricultural data for rice, sorghum, maize, cowpea, and yam. Using multiple regression, trend analysis, and correlation techniques, the study found that the selected climatic parameters had a weak correlation with urban agriculture during the review period.

AbdouMaliq Simone · Social Dynamics · Africa

This essay explores urban economies in Kinshasa, focusing on how residents navigate complex livelihood strategies. It examines an important retail market, urban agriculture, and a superblock development, demonstrating that the economy in Kinshasa involves assembling disparate people and things into provisional bundles. The study suggests that the economy functions to keep the value of things open to new uses and sites, highlighting the need to appreciate the oscillations of value in impoverished urban districts.