Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
110 results(5 / 5)
An overview of strategies to improve food production and sanitation in urban areas. The cas study of Nairobi Kenya
2004Wilfred Subbo · University of Nairobi Research Archive (University of Nairobi) · Kenya (Nairobi)
This paper discusses strategies for sustainable food production in Nairobi, Kenya, aiming to supplement rural food supplies and improve urban health through fresh, accessible food. It argues for discarding the attitude that food can only be produced in rural areas and explores the linkage between sanitation and urban food security. Additionally, the paper offers suggestions for mechanisms to increase food production in Nairobi.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthUrban–rural linkageContribution of urban and peri-urban agriculture to food security in sub-Saharan Africa
2003Olufunke Cofie, R. van Veenhuizen, Pay Drechsel · · Sub-Saharan Africa
Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) significantly contributes to food supply, employment, livelihoods, and poverty alleviation in many Sub-Saharan African cities, providing diverse foods including perishable items. However, UPA production often carries health risks from polluted urban water and faces challenges due to limited semi-official recognition and support from city authorities, sometimes conflicting with planners regarding land tenure and water use. More data is needed for appropriate recognition of this sector.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsPolicyWater, land and health in urban and peri‐urban food production: the case of Kano, Nigeria
2003Tony Binns, Roy Maconachie, Adamu Idris Tanko · Land Degradation and Development · Nigeria (Kano)
This paper examines health and environmental concerns associated with urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in Kano, Nigeria. Empirical evidence indicates that industrial and domestic toxins are reaching dangerously high levels, leading to significant pollution of soils and water channels. This raises serious questions about the sustainability of UPA and the long-term health implications of toxin exposure.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agriculturePolicyUrban agricultural production: heavy metal contamination of Amaranthus cruentus L. grown on domestic refuse landfill soils in Ibadan, Nigeria
2003Ogunyemi Awodoyin, Taliat Opadeji · Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture · Nigeria (Ibadan)
A 2003 study in Ibadan, Nigeria, investigated heavy metal contamination of Amaranthus cruentus L. grown on domestic refuse landfill soils. Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) concentrations in soils from four landfill sites and a control site ranged from 110.5 to 678.5ppm for Pb and 2.01 to 3.20ppm for Cd. Metal accumulation in Amaranthus cruentus L. tissues was proportionate to soil Pb concentrations, while Cd levels in crop tissues exceeded soil levels. Crop growth and yield were significantly reduced due to Pb and Cd contamination, leading to the conclusion that Ibadan landfills are unsafe for Amaranthus cruentus cultivation, with heavy metal concentrations in the vegetable tissues much higher than FAO/WHO dietary allowances.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureImpact of Community Gardening on Urban Nutrition Security in Cape Town Slums: A Replication Study
2002Sipho Maseko · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · South Africa (Cape Town)
To evaluate the impact of community gardening on urban nutrition security in Cape Town slums, a mixed-methods study was conducted over two years. Data collected through surveys and interviews revealed a statistically significant increase in dietary diversity (p < 0.05) among community gardeners compared to a control group. This study confirmed the positive impact of community gardening on urban nutrition security and diet quality in Cape Town slums.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceExperience of World Vision Ethiopia Micronutrient Program in Promoting the Production of Vitamin A–Rich Foods
2001Haile Meskel Balcha · Food and Nutrition Bulletin · Ethiopia
World Vision Ethiopia launched a Micronutrient Program in October 1998 to improve the micronutrient status of mothers and children, promoting vitamin A–rich food production. By 1999, 11,708 backyard gardens, 275 school gardens, and 77 community gardens were developed, contributing to household food security and income. The program found that vitamin A–rich vegetable production was well accepted, sustainable, and cost-effective, but faced challenges with the availability and cost of imported seeds.
Food educationWelfareCommunityHealthUrban Vertical Farming and Household Dietary Diversity: A Qualitative Exploration of Food Security in Low-Income Lagos Neighbourhoods
2000Chinwe Okonkwo · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Lagos)
A study in low-income Lagos neighborhoods, Nigeria, qualitatively explored the perceived impact of urban vertical farming projects on household dietary diversity. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 24 household primary food providers participating in vertical farming initiatives and focus group discussions with project facilitators. Participants reported a marked increase in regular consumption of leafy green vegetables, and a "substitution effect" was observed where savings from home production were redirected to purchase other nutrient-rich foods.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareUrban Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition in Low Income Areas of the City of Nairobi, Kenya
1996A. Mboganie-Mwangi, Dick Foeken · Leiden Repository (Leiden University) · Kenya (Nairobi)
A 1996 study in Nairobi, Kenya, compared the food security and nutritional status of low-income households engaged in urban agriculture with those not farming. It found that urban farmers primarily produced for home consumption and faced theft as a major problem. While the Undugu Society Urban Agriculture Project (USUAP) group showed better food situations and higher energy and protein intakes than other groups, all three groups had inadequate energy intake on average. The long-term beneficial effect of urban agriculture on nutritional status was negligible.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareCommunityRecognizing Ethiopia's urban farmers.
1993Lee M · PubMed · Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, urban agriculture faces significant challenges due to government disapproval of public land use for farming and difficulty in obtaining credit. A 1983 survey in Addis Ababa found that 17% of 1352 households produced their own food on less than 25 sq. meters, with 90% of non-farmers citing lack of land. Despite urban agricultural cooperatives demonstrating 70% higher member income, their lack of government legalization prevents access to loans for productivity improvement.
Governance failureCommunityEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareClimate changeUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureFood educationBiodiversityCompostDIYElderlyFood lossHeirloom & landraceOrganic cyclePollinatorsFood miles & supply chainCSA & TeikeiDigital agricultureProject to Increase Urban Food Production in South Africa
1982Pauline Raphaely · Birkhäuser Basel eBooks · South Africa
Food Gardens Unlimited is an educational project in South Africa that teaches disadvantaged urban populations to grow food in small areas using limited resources. The project provides five-day training courses, step-by-step directions, and subsidized seeds through existing institutions. It aims to deliver physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits to participants.
Food educationWelfareCommunityOrganic cycleHealth