Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
233 results(7 / 10)
Seasonal Assessment of Household Food Access in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
2014O. A. Odusina, C. A. Afolami, S. Momoh · · Nigeria (Ibadan)
This study in Ibadan, Nigeria, assessed household food access and diversity across 180 households during harvest and hunger periods using structured questionnaires. Findings indicated significantly better food access during harvest (HFIAS 5.23-7.01) compared to hunger periods (HFIAS 9.75-11.77), though adequate access was maintained in both. Dietary diversity also decreased from an average of 3 food groups during harvest to 2.54 during hunger periods, a significant difference (p<0.01).
WelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceGenesis and development of urban vegetable farming in Republic of Benin
2014H. 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.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageOrganic in Cape Town - fresh food security revolution : organic farmers
2014Carol Posthumus · SABI Magazine - Tydskrif · South Africa (Cape Town)
Abalimi Bezekhaya, a community-supported agricultural organization in Cape Town, operates a network of approximately 5000 small-scale organic farmers across various areas of the Cape Flats. The organization views the city as a farm, contributing to fresh food security.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleLegal and Policy Framework Affecting the Development of Urban Agriculture Market in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya
2014H.W. Kamwele, George Mark Onyango, George G. Wagah, Maria Nyström · Chalmers Publication Library (Chalmers University of Technology) · Kenya
This paper examines the legal and policy framework affecting urban agriculture development in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya, through a case study involving interviews with government officials and review of various acts and bylaws. It found that while national legislation allows for urban agriculture, there is no specific policy for it, and Eldoret Municipality tolerates the practice despite its illegality. The study concludes that the awareness of urban farming's importance has not translated into formal recognition in bylaws and ordinances.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsA Framework For Vacant City-Owned Land To Be Utilised For Urban Agriculture: The Case Of Cape Town, South Africa
2014P. S. Van Staden, Maléne Campbell · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study proposes a framework for utilizing vacant City of Cape Town-owned land for urban agriculture to improve low-income families' livelihoods. The new City of Cape Town zoning scheme now includes urban agriculture zoning, which town planners view optimistically as it offers income-generating opportunities. Empirical data from questionnaires with a farming community in Philippi demonstrated that urban agriculture is viable in Cape Town, even for household-only production. A usufruct agreement is proposed as the lease method for urban agriculture.
PolicyEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceTeacher and Administrator Perceptions of School Gardens in Cape Town, South Africa
2014Hannah Rich, Nicole M. Ardoin · Children Youth and Environments · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study used narrative interviews to explore how teachers and school administrators in low-income schools in Cape Town, South Africa, perceive their school gardens. Interviewees emphasized that despite requiring substantial resource inputs like funding, labor, and training, school gardens offer significant benefits for students, including expanded environmental awareness, food growing skills, and understanding the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and food systems. The data ultimately converged on the primary theme of the garden's importance for greater self-sufficiency for both students and staff.
Food educationCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceFood Security and Productivity of Urban Food Crop Farming Households in Southern Nigeria
2014Otu W. Ibok, Idiong C. Idiong, Nsikan Edet Bassey, Ekaette S. Udoh · Agricultural Science · Nigeria
This study investigated the effect of urban food crop farming household productivity on household food security in Cross River State, Southern Nigeria. Data was collected from 217 urban food crop farmers using a two-stage sampling technique and analyzed with food security index, food insecurity/surplus gap index, head count index, productivity index, and logistic regression. Results showed that 53.5% of households were food insecure, while 46.5% were food secure. Logistic regression revealed that urban farming household productivity had a significant positive effect on household food security status.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWelfareCreating 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 & justiceWelfareOpportunities and Needs in Development and Adoption of Urban Agriculture for Food Security in Sub Saharan Africa
2014Never 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.
Food sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageAssessment of the Contribution of Urban Crop Production to the Socio- Economic Development of Benue State, Nigeria
2014Monica Mwuese Atagher, Abraham VER, Akor Apollos · IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science · Nigeria
This study assessed the contribution of urban crop production to socioeconomic development in Benue State, Nigeria, by surveying 210 urban crop farmers across three towns. Most farmers were educated, married, and used urban agriculture to supplement food and income. Regression analysis showed that farm size, fertilizer amount, and quantity of seeds were significant determinants of output and productivity.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityAssessment of the contribution of urban agriculture to employment, income and food security in Kenya: A case of Kisumu municipality
2013Phil. Caleb Mireri · African Journal of Agricultural Research · Kenya (Kisumu)
This study surveyed 194 urban farmers in Kisumu municipality, Kenya, to assess urban agriculture's role in income, employment, and food supply. It found that most urban farmers and their employees receive very low income, with a mean monthly income of US$135 (US$0.64 per person per day), which is below the acceptable one dollar a day per person. Urban agriculture primarily supplements food requirements for the urban poor and provides income for a few commercial farmers.
Economic viabilityPolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePollution as a threat factor to urban food security in metropolitan Kano, Nigeria
2013Mansur Usman Dawaki, Abubakar U. Dikko, S. S. Noma, Umar Aliyu · Food and Energy Security · Nigeria
This study evaluated pollution risks to food security from urban agriculture in Kano, Nigeria, by sampling soil, water, and lettuce from two wastewater-irrigated sites (Challawa, Jakara) and a control site (Watari). Results showed all sites were contaminated with Cu, and the domestic wastewater site was slightly polluted with Pb and excessively polluted with Cd and Cr. Metal levels in irrigation waters exceeded recommended thresholds, and plants at the domestic wastewater site accumulated metal concentrations (Pb=26.21 mg/kg, Cd=1.03 mg/kg, Cr=28.63 mg/kg, Cu=2.66 mg/kg) that exceeded allowable limits in vegetables, indicating a human ingestion risk.
Contamination & food safetyHealthFood sovereignty & justiceIs 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 & justiceAdaptation of Excavation Pits for Sustainable Urban Farming and Eco-Supportive Infrastructure in Kaduna State, Nigeria
2013R. O. Yusuf · · Nigeria (Kaduna State)
In Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, a study examined the contribution of urban farming activities utilizing water from excavation pits to farmers' income and food security, and the eco-supportive component of using these pits. Data were collected from 10 farmers between December 2011 and May 2012 through structured interviews and observation. Farmers cultivated various crops and obtained higher incomes from farming compared to their primary occupations. The utilization of excavation pits was found to be eco-supportive by regulating the microenvironment's water balance, serving as carbon sinks, and providing low-cost water extraction. However, observed constraints included insecure land tenure, disturbance from straying domestic animals, and theft of farm produce.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsClimate changeCommunity Gardening and Food Security in Cape Town: A Decade's Reflection
2013Dlamini Magagula, Khathi Khumalo, Nombuyisilwe Sithole, Kgosiwe Maseko · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study in Cape Town, South Africa, investigated the impact of community gardens on food security among the urban poor using mixed methods, including ten years of household food expenditure surveys. Participating households showed an average 20% increase in fresh produce consumption compared to non-participants, directly impacting nutrition levels. The review concluded that community gardening projects can enhance food security and quality of life, but further research is needed on best practices, scalability, long-term sustainability, and the impact of diverse crop cultivation.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsImproving 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 & justiceWelfareUnderwriting Food Security the Urban Way: Lessons from African Countries
2013Franklin 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.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageCommercialization of Urban Farming: The Case of Vegetable Farmers in Southwest Nigeria
2013Roseline 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.
Economic viabilityEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceWhich way for UPA in Africa?
2013Diana Lee-Smith · City · Africa
This paper reviews a synthesis from late 2010 on Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (UPA) data from East and Central Africa, identifying major issues such as UPA's relationship to food security and poverty, its waste recycling effectiveness, and policy responses. The analysis is updated with data from Southern Africa, suggesting UPA's capacity to recycle nutrients, particularly on efficient crop-livestock backyard farms, signifies its potential role in making cities sustainable.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyOrganic cycleCommunityCultivating new meaning in the urban landscape : increasing food security and social capital through urban ecology : research article
2013Dominique Rossi Breetzke, Christina Breed · Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir kunsgeskiedenis · South Africa (Pretoria)
This paper explores using abandoned urban land for allotment community gardening in Sunnyside, Pretoria, South Africa, through a case study along the Walker Spruit. It tests the hypothesis of increasing food security and social capital through urban ecology design. Findings suggest that allotment culture and permaculture can reconnect people with urban nature, proposing a design concept to unite neighborhoods and provide social and biophysical services sustainably.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthClimate changePromoting Urban Agriculture for Development: Suggestions for Designing the 'Ideal' Social Enterprise Box Scheme in Cape Town
2012Amy E. Thom, Beatrice Conradie · Open University of Cape Town (University of Cape Town) · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study, focused on Cape Town, South Africa, proposes social enterprise fresh produce box schemes as a sustainable business opportunity for urban agriculture to contribute to development. The research compared three existing box scheme models, analyzed a consumer survey to explore the consumer market, and investigated poor producers' agency through cross-case analysis. This analysis yields suggestions for key characteristics of an "ideal" social enterprise box scheme that is both financially sustainable and contributes to improvements in poor producers' agency.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCSA & TeikeiEnterprise 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 & justiceAfrica's Quest for Food Security
2012Godwin 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.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageNo. 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 & justiceCharacterization of urban and peri-urban agroecosystems in three West African cities
2012Aisha Abdulkadir, Luc Hippolyte Dossa, Désiré Jean‐Pascal Lompo, Nafiu Abdu, H. van Keulen · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Africa
This study characterized the diversity of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) households in three West African cities: Kano (Nigeria), Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso), and Sikasso (Mali). A survey of 318 UPA households and cluster analysis identified six distinct household clusters based on resource endowments and the degree of integration of production activities. Common production constraints across cities included high input costs, water shortages, and lack of fertilizers, while feeding constraints and animal diseases were main issues in livestock production.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsFood sovereignty & justice