Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
122 results(4 / 5)
Creating green spots in the concrete jungle
2014Marike Brits · Farmlink Africa · South Africa (Cape Town)
Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) in Cape Town, South Africa, was established in response to rising crime in surrounding neighborhoods. According to Sheryl Ozinsky, one of the project's founders, the idea for the farm originated as a response to increasing crime in the vicinity.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareClimate-smart urban agriculture in eThekwini
2014J.F.Y.A. Knegtel, Sershen Naidoo · · South Africa
This article describes the findings of a recent study conducted in the low-income area of Cato Manor, eThekwini, South Africa. The study investigated whether climate-smart urban agriculture could improve the livelihoods of people in urban environments affected by climate change and globalization.
Climate changeCommunityWelfareUrban agriculture, social capital, and food security in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya
2013Gallaher C. M., Kerr J. M., Njenga M., Karanja N. K., WinklerPrins A. M. G. A. · Agriculture and Human Values 30(3):389-404 · Kenya
Studying sack gardening in Nairobi's Kibera slums, this paper shows vegetable production enhances household food security and, especially for households farming in groups, builds social capital among the urban poor.
CommunityWelfareGender Roles in Urban Crop Production in Imo State, Nigeria
2013Asadu A. N · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Nigeria (Imo State)
A study investigated gender roles in urban crop production in Imo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 60 respondents via interview schedules, revealing that 60% of urban farmers were female with an average age of 40 years. Mixed cropping was the most common system, with cassava, maize, and Telfaria as major crops. Both men and women were involved in securing plots, and all family members participated in fertilization and harvesting. Weeding and processing were primarily done by women and girls, while men mostly handled chemical spraying.
CommunityEconomicsWelfareIs urban/peri-urban agriculture (UPA) a viable livelihood strategy? Evidence from Ethiopia
2013Teferi Daba Lemma, M. S. A. Rao, M Prasada Rao · Zenith international journal of business economics and management research · Ethiopia
This study assessed the economic sustainability of urban agriculture in central Ethiopia, collecting primary data from 280 urban and peri-urban vegetable farmers. Findings indicated that urban agriculture is a viable livelihood strategy from a financial perspective. However, city administrations and policymakers pay little attention to supporting this sub-sector, suggesting that legal recognition and support would make it a more reliable strategy.
Governance failureEconomicsWelfarePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceImproving food security in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa: Too little, too slow
2013Marijke D’Haese, Nick Vink, Tharcisse Nkunzimana, Ellen Van Damme, Johan van Rooyen, Anne-Marie Remaut, Lotte Staelens, Luc D’Haese · Development Southern Africa · South Africa
Food insecurity remains high in rural KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. This study collected data from 390 beneficiary households in 2010 to assess the perceived impact of the Empowerment for Food Security Programme, launched in 2007, on food security. Findings confirmed that experience-based food insecurity levels were still high, despite the agricultural support program and government income transfers. However, respondents attributed improved dietary diversity and better access to resources to the program.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareEco-Friendly Urban Gardening Practices in Johannesburg Slums: A Systematic Review
2012Kgosi Khumalo, Siyabonga Xaba, Mpho Motshekga, Thabo Tshabalala · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This systematic review examined eco-friendly urban gardening practices for youth in Johannesburg slums, analyzing 34 studies from multiple databases. The review found a trend towards community-led initiatives combining horticulture with sustainable living education. These practices positively impacted household food insecurity, reducing it by an average of 20%, and enhanced youth engagement in environmental stewardship.
CommunityWelfareFood educationClimate changeEnterprise Choice Decisions in Urban Food Production in Nigeria
2012Ubokudom E. Okon, Anselm A. Enete, Taofeq A. Amusa · Outlook on Agriculture · Nigeria
This study identified factors influencing enterprise choice decisions among urban smallholder farmers in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. Based on farm-level data from 160 randomly selected farmers and analyzed using a multinomial logit model, marital status and household size were negatively and significantly related to choosing pepper over waterleaf, while choosing garden egg was positively related to marital status. Farmers' formal education level and farm size were positively and significantly related to choosing cassava, maize, pepper, or garden egg over waterleaf, but income was negatively and significantly related to choosing these other crops.
EconomicsWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceNo. 16: The State of Food Insecurity in Msunduzi Municipality, South Africa
2012Mary 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.
Limited or null effectWelfareEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceCross-Location Analysis of the Impact of Household Socioeconomic Status on Participation in Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture in West Africa
2011Luc 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.
Limited or null effectUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsWelfareThe 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 & justiceWelfareHealthPerformance of poverty alleviation projects in South Africa: The case of Vhembe Districtin Limpopo Province
2011M. Tshitangoni, A. Okorie, Joseph Francis · Scientific Research and Essays · South Africa
In Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa, the performance of 30 poverty alleviation projects (12 community gardens, 8 poultry, 2 piggery, 2 bakery, 6 other) was reviewed. Based on structured questionnaires with 108 respondents, project performance differed by type. All bakery projects were successful, poultry projects achieved 62% success, and community garden and other projects each achieved 33% success. In contrast, all piggery projects performed poorly.
Limited or null effectCommunityWelfareEconomicsAn investigation of urban agriculture projects as a local economic development mechanism to alleviate poverty in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
2011Phumelelo Edwin Khomo · · South Africa (Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality)
An investigation was conducted into three urban agriculture projects in the townships of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, South Africa, examining their role as a local economic development mechanism for poverty alleviation. Five project participants from each project and three municipal officials responded to structured questionnaires. The study aimed to determine the projects' impact on participants' livelihoods, their role in employment creation, and participants' views on project sustainability.
EconomicsWelfareCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceFood security in Southern African cities
2011Jonathan Crush, Alice J. Hovorka, Daniel Tevera · Progress in Development Studies · Africa
This article examines the contemporary importance of household food production in poor urban communities across 11 Southern African Development Community (SADC) cities. It finds that urban food production is not particularly significant in most communities, with many more households relying on supermarkets and the informal sector for food access. Furthermore, few households derive income from selling produce, though the situation varies considerably by city.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsWelfareResults of stage 1: preliminary
2011N. Karanja, F. Yeudall, S. Mbugua, M. Njenga, G. Prain, D. C. Cole, A. L. Webb, D. Sellen, C. Gore, J. M. Levy · Urban agriculture · Sub-Saharan Africa (Kenya (Nakuru))
This paper outlines the conception, design, and implementation process 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 include the value of multi-stakeholder partnerships to address complex issues in urban social agriculture, the crucial role of self-help group organizations, and securing institutional commitments to support farming by HIV-affected individuals. The usefulness of mixed-methods evaluative tools for monitoring progress and identifying supports and barriers to success is also highlighted.
WelfareCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyOrganic gardeners uplift poor communities
2011Sarah Ward · · South Africa (Cape Town)
This article features an interview with Christina Kaba, who works for Abalimi, an urban agriculture and environmental action association operating in socio-economically neglected townships on the Cape Flats near Cape Town, South Africa. Kaba assists individuals, groups, and community-based organizations in initiating and maintaining permanent organic food growing and nature conservation projects, which serve as a basis for sustainable lifestyles, self-help job creation, poverty alleviation, and environmental renewal.
CommunityWelfareOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceCities feeding people: an update on urban agriculture in equatorial Africa
2010Diana Lee-Smith · Environment and Urbanization · Africa (Equatorial Africa)
This article reviews empirical data on urban agriculture in equatorial Africa, primarily East Africa and Cameroon, updating previous work. It quantifies the extent of urban agriculture, assesses its relationship to food security and poverty, and discusses its role in eco-cycles and policy-making efforts in three East African cities. The article concludes that urban agriculture is increasing, beneficial for health and poverty alleviation, but better-off households currently benefit more than poor households.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareOrganic cyclePolicyEconomicsIntegrated Urban Micro Farming Strategy Mitigation against Food Crises in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria
2010P.B. Abdulsalam-Saghir, A.O Oshijo · Journal of Agricultural Extension · Nigeria
This study evaluated integrated urban micro farming in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria, using data from 80 randomly selected urban and peri-urban farmers. Findings showed that 62% engaged in integrated farming, 60% experienced food crises, and major causes included rapid rural/urban migration (37%), inadequate credit facilities (26%), and high land lease rates for city development (11%). The study concluded that urban micro farming serves as a buffer for providing food to urban populations.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureVegetable box scheme in Cape Town, South Africa.
2010Femke Hoekstra, Rob Small · Urban Agriculture Magazine · South Africa
Abalimi Bezekhaya, a civil society organization in Cape Town, South Africa, has worked for 28 years with small-scale producers, primarily unemployed women, in Khayelitsha, Nyanga, and surrounding townships. These micro-farmers engage in home and community gardening to supplement their diet, improve household food and nutritional security, and generate sustainable income. The initiative also fosters community building, personal growth, and self-esteem among participants.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsAssessment of challenges facing poverty alleviation projects in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province in South Africa
2010M. Tshitangoni, A. Okorie, Joseph Francis · Scientific Research and Essays · South Africa (Limpopo Province)
A study conducted in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa, assessed challenges faced by 30 poverty alleviation projects (community gardens, poultry, etc.). A survey of 108 beneficiaries identified numerous inception-based challenges, such as lack of training (90%), lack of funds (80%), and fraudulent use of funds (33%), as well as operation-based challenges like poor record keeping (70%) and unavailability of markets (60%). These challenges were found to significantly limit the performance of the poverty alleviation projects.
Economic viabilityCommunityWelfareEconomicsSchool farming for school feeding: experiences from Nakuru, Kenya
2010Dick Foeken, Samuel Owuor, Alice Mwangi · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Kenya (Nakuru)
This paper examined school farming in Nakuru town, Kenya, focusing on current practice, its contribution to school feeding programs, and the challenges it faces. Based on a survey conducted in almost all primary and secondary schools in Nakuru, it shows that school farming and school feeding are common practices in the town. In many cases, school farming contributes to school feeding programs.
Food educationWelfareCommunityUrban School Farming to Improve School Feeding: The Case of Nakuru Town, Kenya
2010Dick Foeken, Samuel Owuor, Alice Mwangi · Children Youth and Environments · Kenya
A survey was conducted in almost all primary and secondary schools in Nakuru Town, Kenya, to examine the extent to which school farming contributes to school feeding programs. The survey found that while school farming and feeding programs are common practice, school farming substantially contributes to school feeding programs in relatively few cases.
Limited or null effectFood educationWelfareEconomicsStrengthening 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 & justiceCommunityHealthUrban 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 & justiceInformalization, the Informal Economy and Urban Women’s Livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa since the 1990s
2009Dzodzi Tsikata · · Sub-Saharan Africa
This chapter examines urban women's livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa since the 1990s, focusing on economic liberalization and the expansion of the informal economy. Urban agriculture, including home gardens, is identified as an increasingly important activity within this informal sector. Many women in the urban informal economy are employed by others or have been in the past, while industrial subcontracting, a source of informal employment, has been significant only in a few industrialized Sub-Saharan African countries.
WelfareEconomicsCommunity