Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
233 results(6 / 10)
Agricultural science and technology research to supportfood security
2017Jimoh Gbadamosi, Peter Kolawole · Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies · Nigeria
This paper reviews machinery and equipment developed for future farmers and encourages the adoption of urban farming as a way for city dwellers to produce more food using technology. It recognizes the activities of smallholder farmers, who are Nigeria's main food producers, and the absence of large-scale farmers who produce raw materials for factories. The paper emphasizes the role of modern technology in increasing farm product by small-scale farmers and the benefits from innovations that will enable farmers to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.
Food sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureEconomic Empowerment of Urban Farmers in Benin Metropolis
2017C.O. Edeoghon · IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science · Nigeria (Benin Metropolis)
This study assessed the effect of urban agriculture on food security and farmers' economic empowerment in Benin Metropolis, Edo State, Nigeria, by surveying 120 randomly selected urban farmers. The majority (62.6%) were male, with a mean age of 45 and an average household size of 9. Reasons for urban farming included high living costs, profitability, and household feeding. Urban agriculture provided economic empowerment for acquiring household equipment, better education, and medical services. Major constraints identified were land acquisition, capital, and transportation difficulty.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban agriculture for sustainable livelihood : a case study of migrants' women in Johannesburg
2017Njenyuei Gideon Agho · Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This research investigated how urban agriculture contributes to the sustainable livelihood of Cameroonian migrant women living in the inner city of Johannesburg. Findings revealed that urban agriculture is used as a strategy for sustainable livelihood by many Cameroonian migrant women, enabling them to raise substantial income to support their families in both South Africa and Cameroon. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining purposeful sampling, a transect walk, in-depth face-to-face interviews, and written sources.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceRole of agricultural enterprises in food security status of urban farmers in Ikorodu Metropolis, Lagos State, Nigeria
2017C.O. Edeoghon, A.A. Idowu · Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management · Nigeria (Lagos State)
This study investigated the role of agricultural enterprises in the food security status of urban farmers in Ikorodu metropolis, Lagos State, Nigeria. A survey of 150 urban farmers, selected using a multistage technique and structured questionnaires, revealed an average food security score of 2.73, indicating food security without hunger. The relationship between food security and agricultural enterprises suggested that fruit, vegetable, and fisheries enterprises tend to move urban farmers towards food secure groups.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agriculture in Southern Africa: miracle or mirage?
2016Cristina 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.
Governance failurePeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsAffordable Microcontroller-Controlled Home Irrigation System for Urban Farmers in Nigeria
2016Eromosele George Oko-Oboh, Philip A. Adewuyi · · Nigeria
This work developed an affordable microcontroller-controlled home irrigation system for urban farmers in Nigeria, aiming to conserve water and mitigate urban poverty and food insecurity. The system, utilizing a PIC16F877A microcontroller, was designed to be cheap in procurement, maintenance, and running costs compared to conventional irrigation. Performance tests conducted in the Proteus VSM environment showed improved performance and energy savings over existing conventional irrigation systems.
Digital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban crop production in southeast Nigeria: Potentials and constraints
2016Asadu Anthonia, Enwelu Innocent, Ifejika Philip, Igbokwe Edwin · African Journal of Agricultural Research · Nigeria
A survey and interviews with 210 urban farmers in southeast Nigeria explored the benefits and constraints of urban farming. Farmers reported benefits such as food and income sources, but also faced significant constraints including land insecurity, lack of access to credit, theft, and crop destruction by stray animals. The study concludes that urban farming needs to be legalized and integrated into urban policy to realize its full potential.
Governance failureCommunityEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEvaluating peri-urban market gardening and shallow well quality for irrigation: a case study from Lagos, Nigeria
2016Isaiah 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.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureHealthFood sovereignty & justiceFood for Thought: Perceptions of Food Access and Heathful Eating in The Masxha Community
2016Hannah Richason · School for International Training Digital Collections (School for International Training) · South Africa
This study explored perceptions of food access and healthful eating in the Masxha community, Cato Manor Township, through 10 interviews. The interviews focused on food habits, healthy food perceptions, buying habits, and food access, aiming to understand the experience of food insecurity. The findings indicated that very few participants appeared to be experiencing or at risk of food insecurity. The study concluded that more research is needed on urban food insecurity in South Africa and the effectiveness of community gardens in improving nutrition and food access.
HealthCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING FOOD SECURITY IN RURAL AND URBAN FARMING HOUSEHOLDS OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
2016G. 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.
Economic viabilityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsUrban–rural linkageGender, resilience and resistance: South Africa’s Hleketani Community Garden
2016Elizabeth Vibert · Journal of Contemporary African Studies · South Africa
This article examines the Hleketani Community Garden in Limpopo Province, South Africa, highlighting the successes of women farmers in reducing poverty and improving health outcomes. Despite these benefits, the research identifies significant structural barriers, including lack of access to resources, unfavorable policy frameworks for small-scale agriculture, and worsening climate change, that hinder small-scale farmers, particularly women.
Equity & displacementCommunityWelfareHealthPolicyClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceThe contribution of urban agriculture to food security of individual urban farmers in Yeka Sub City, Addis Ababa
2015Firehiwot Mezgabu, Degefa Tolossa · Ethiopian journal of development research · Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
A 2015 study in Yeka Sub City, Addis Ababa, assessed the contribution of urban agriculture to the food security of 86 households. Findings showed that 74.4% of the households were food-secure, while 24.4% and 1.2% were mildly and severely food-insecure, respectively. Urban agriculture contributed to one-third of household income and played a significant role in improving food security and income, but lack of farmland and water were identified as major challenges.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityGrowing Food and Community: An Exploration of Local Food Initiatives in Cape Town, South Africa
2015Megan Bradley · Syracuse University Libraries (Syracuse University) · South Africa (Cape Town)
A study on local food initiatives in Cape Town, South Africa, explored their role in sustainable community development, focusing on food sovereignty, community capacity, and social capital. Through in-depth interviews, conversations with participants, and observations of community gardens and markets, findings suggested that these initiatives empower community development, both economically and socially, through principles of food sovereignty, social capital, and education.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsFood educationFood gardening in Lavender Hill, Cape Town: using adoption rates to estimate the perceived benefit
2015Simon Hazell, Victoria Delbridge, Beatrice Conradie · UR UCT Undergraduate Research · South Africa
A study in Lavender Hill, Cape Town, South Africa, interviewed 50 participants in the Mothers Unite programme to assess the benefits and constraints of homestead-based urban agriculture. Despite the potential for food gardening to alleviate food insecurity and free up 11% of household income, two-thirds of the group had not tried it. Barriers to adoption included lack of space and limited cash flow, with respondents showing little concern for water or compost costs.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityAssessment of planning strategies and integration of urban and peri-urban agriculture into urban planning
2015Sarah 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.
Governance failurePolicyPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceThe Resilience of Urban Agriculture in the Face of Adversity from the City Authorities: The Case of Mkoba
2015Nyasha Chaminuka, Peter Makaye · Global Journal of Human-Social Science · Africa
This paper analyzes urban agriculture in Mkoba, Gweru, as a survival strategy for residents facing food insecurity and poverty, despite opposition from city authorities. It argues that urban agriculture is a resilient practice that has become a significant feature of urban livelihoods, often increasing the burden on women. The paper suggests that city authorities are losing the contest over urban spaces and should reform legislation to accommodate urban agriculture.
Governance failureWelfarePolicyFood sovereignty & justice“I Know How to Handle My Husband”: Intra-household Decision-Making and Urban Food Production in Kenya
2015Robert Romborah Simiyu · Eastern Africa social science research review · Kenya (Eldoret)
This paper examines gender roles in urban gardening decision-making in Eldoret, Kenya, based on a survey of 160 households and 24 interviews. While men generally held more decision-making power, women leveraged social spaces and gender roles to secure significant influence in urban gardening. Women typically initiated gardening, preferred subsistence crops, and controlled consumption, whereas men's roles were more prominent in income-oriented gardening and sales decisions.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceEffect of urban household farming on food security status in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria
2015Sulaiman Yusuf, Olubunmi Lawrence Balogun, Olanike Falegbe · Journal of Agricultural Sciences Belgrade · Nigeria (Ibadan)
This study investigated the effect of urban household farming on food security status in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria, using primary data from 110 urban farming households. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Foster-Greer-Thorbecke, and probit regression. Results showed that sex, years of schooling, marital status, household size, access to extension agents, hired labor, and type of farming enterprises are determinants of food security.
WelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceURBAN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A CASE STUDY OF ELDORET MUNICIPALITY, KENYA
2015Salome 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.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareEconomicsUrban–rural linkageUrban Agriculture and Food Security in the Low Income Households of Mwiki Location, Nairobi County
2015Nkirigacha, 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.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfarePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsThe impact of school nutritional campaigns on OFSP adoption and food security among smallholder farming households in Tigray region, Ethiopia
2015Norman Kwikiriza, Wellington Jogo, Julius Juma Okello, Haile Tesfay, Frezer Asfaw, Kennedy Otieno Pambo, Kwikiriza, Norman, Jogo, Wellington, Okello, Julius J., Tesfay, Haile, Asfaw, Frezer, Pambo, Kennedy · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Ethiopia (Tigray region)
In Ethiopia's Tigray region, a 2-year project by the International Potato Center and partners promoted vitamin A-rich Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) production and consumption. The project piloted school-based nutritional campaigns, including school gardens and feeding programs, in 11 schools. These schools served as centers for disseminating OFSP planting material and information to parents.
Food educationHealthFood sovereignty & justiceUrban farmers and urban agriculture in Johannesburg: Responding to the food resilience strategy
2015Naudé Malan · Agrekon · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This article examines urban farmers' perspectives on Johannesburg's urban agriculture policy, part of its "food resilience" strategy, using participatory and social science research methods. Through facilitated workshops, farmers identified key themes for organizational development and urban agriculture, including Land and Water, External Stakeholders, Training, Tools and Technology, Marketing, Organizational Development, Permaculture, and Security. The findings provide crucial insights for policy implementation in Johannesburg.
PolicyCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCultivating the Right to Food? The Contribution of Urban Community Food Gardens to Food Sovereignty in Johannesburg, South Africa
2015Brittany Kesselman · ScholarWorks -A service of University of Vermont Libraries (University of Vermont) · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This proposal outlines ongoing PhD research aimed at understanding if and how urban community gardens contribute to food sovereignty in Johannesburg, South Africa, and determining actions to enhance their contribution. The research examines the way urban community gardens contribute to six key elements of food sovereignty: access to adequate food, sustainable income/livelihoods, localization and democratization of the food system, environmental sustainability, empowerment of marginalized groups, and promotion of gender equity.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfarePolicyCreating Space: Sack Gardening as a Livelihood Strategy in the Kibera Slums of Nairobi, Kenya
2015Courtney M. Gallaher, Antoinette WinklerPrins, Mary Njenga, Nancy Karanja · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Kenya (Nairobi)
This research investigated how participation in sack gardening improved the livelihoods of farmers in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya. The study demonstrates that urban agriculture, particularly low-space activities like sack gardening, can be a viable and important livelihood strategy for households, even in densely populated slum environments.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban Market-Gardening in Parakou (Republic of Benin): Spatial Dynamics, Food Security, Protection of the Environment and Creation of Employments
2015Abdoul-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.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCommunityUrban–rural linkage