Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
193 results(7 / 8)
Municipal commonage in South Africa: a critique of artificial dichotomies in policy debates on agriculture
2013Doreen 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.
Governance failurePolicyPeri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkageThe role of urban agriculture in the development of middle-sized towns: Cases from East Africa
2013Dick Foeken · Journal of Geography and Regional Planning · East Africa
This paper, discussing the role of urban agriculture in the development of middle-sized towns using three East African cases (Nakuru, Morogoro, Mbeya), argues that urban agriculture can be transformed into a thriving sector contributing to employment, income, and food provision. It describes the current situation, focusing on resource allocation, benefits, and environmental challenges, and concludes that a favorable legal and policy setting, support and education, and improved market conditions, led by both government and the private sector, are necessary to achieve this.
EconomicsPolicyFood educationCommunityWhich 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 cycleCommunityAfrica'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 linkageAn analysis of urban irrigation farming and its urban planning imiplication: case study of Katsina Urban area, Nigeria
2011MM Ruma · Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences · Nigeria
This paper examined wastewater reuse in urban farming in Katsina, Nigeria, by interviewing 130 households out of 276 registered with the Katsina Urban Planning Authority. It found that wastewater reuse in urban farming is a full-time, sole income source for many households and an indispensable activity for the town. Recommendations were provided for promoting and integrating this activity into local planning processes.
EconomicsPolicyPeri-urban agricultureCommunityRole of socioeconomic parameters in determining the efficacy of urban agriculture in providing food security in Birnin Kebbi metropolitan area, Kebbi State, north western Nigeria.
2011A. K. Ango, Aliyu Abdullahi, Bello Bunza Abubakar · International Research Journal of Agriculture and Soil Science · Nigeria (Birnin Kebbi)
A study in Birnin Kebbi metropolis, Nigeria, during the 2009/2010 cropping season surveyed 100 urban farmers across 10 districts. The study found that urban farmers cultivate food crops and rear animals, but identified low capital, lack of adequate funds, strict land-use regulations, and lack of agricultural inputs as major problems. Socio-economic status, family size, and education level were significantly related to participation in urban farming.
Economic viabilityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyCommunityUrban agriculture in metropolitan Lagos: An inventory of potential land and water resources
2011Olugbenga I. Akinmoladun, O. T. Adejumo · Journal of Geography and Regional Planning · Nigeria (Lagos)
This research inventories potential land and water resources for urban agriculture in metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria, using secondary data from government agencies and primary field observations. The study found that Lagos metropolis requires 18 times its current size (3,577 km²) to sustainably feed its population. It identified 4,293 hectares of potential land and 28,890 hectares of potential water resources under federal, state, and private ownership.
EconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeLand quality, urban development and urban agriculture within the Cape Town urban edge
2011H.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.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageResults 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 & justicePolicy‘More punitive penalties should be given to urban farmers’:
2011Romborah Simiyu, Dick Foeken · · Kenya
This chapter reviews national and Eldoret Municipal Council laws and policies related to Urban Agriculture (UA) in Eldoret town, Kenya. It assesses how these policies have shaped the livelihoods of urban farmers and the development of UA as a strategy for urban dwellers. The chapter also reflects on recent developments towards a more facilitative policy framework for UA at the national level.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCities 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 cyclePolicyEconomicsReuse of wastewater in urban farming and urban planning implications in Katsina metropolis, Nigeria
2010Mohammed Murtala Ruma, Abdullahi Usman Sheikh · African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology · Nigeria (Katsina)
This paper investigated the status of wastewater reuse in urban farming in Katsina, Nigeria, by interviewing 120 households out of 250 registered with the Katsina Urban Planning Authority. It was found that wastewater reuse in urban farming is a full-time, sole income earner for many households and is indispensable for this semi-arid city. However, the urban planning process has not officially recognized or given attention to this important activity.
Governance failureEconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageResource use efficiency in urban agriculture in southwestern Nigeria.
2009Remi Adeyemo, F. Kuhlmann · Tropicultura · Nigeria
This paper evaluates the efficiency of resource use in urban food crop production in five districts of two cities in southwestern Nigeria, based on an effective sample of 120 respondents. The analysis showed that urban food crop production is profitable, with an average revenue of N51,294 per hectare and a gross margin of N23,688. However, there was disequilibrium in resource use, with planting seeds and agrochemicals used efficiently, but land and labor used inefficiently, indicating that urban food crop production has not yet attained an optimum level of resource combination.
Economic viabilityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePolicyUrban food security in South Africa: Case study of Cape Town, Msunduzi and Johannesburg
2009Bruce Frayne, Jane Battersby, Robert Fincham, Gareth Haysom · · South Africa
This study examines urban food security in South Africa, focusing on Cape Town, Msunduzi, and Johannesburg, and includes a critique of the City of Cape Town's urban agriculture policy. The abstract indicates that the policy was found to have significant shortcomings, particularly concerning local production and access to food. The research highlights various policy issues related to food access, dietary diversity, local production, and local markets within these urban contexts.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsHealthOverview on urban and peri-urban agriculture: definition, impact on human health, constraints and policy issues
2008Erastus K. Kang’ethe, Delia Grace, Thomas F. Randolph · East African Medical Journal · East Africa
This study synthesizes current knowledge on urban agriculture (UA) in East Africa, focusing on its human health impact. It identifies UA as an important source of food security, but notes that many zoonotic and food-borne diseases are associated with it, with a lack of evidence on human health impact and management. Major constraints include illegality and limited access to inputs and markets, indicating a need for more research to understand both positive and negative health impacts.
Contamination & food safetyHealthFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureSustainability and resilience of the urban agricultural phenomenon in Africa
2008Pay Drechsel, Olufunke Cofie, Seydou Niang, Drechsel, Pay, Cofie, Olufunke, Niang, Seydou · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Africa
This record is a reference to a book chapter on the sustainability and resilience of the urban agricultural phenomenon in Africa, and it does not contain specific research content or findings.
Climate changePolicyCommunityUrban agriculture in metropolitan Lagos: An inventory of potential land and
2008I A Olugbenga, O. T. Adejumo · Eastern Africa Journal of Rural Development · Africa
This paper examined potential land and water resources for urban agriculture in metropolitan Lagos. While urban agriculture positively influences the financial empowerment of the urban poor, who spend 90% of their income on food, the land ownership system in Lagos complicates land access. The study identified 1,197 and 28,890 hectares of potential land resources under Federal, State, and private ownership, respectively.
EconomicsPolicyUrban–rural linkageUrban Agriculture And The Urban Poor In East Africa: Does Policy Matter?
2008Dick Foeken · · Africa
This study analyzed the relationship between urban policy and the practice of urban agriculture by the poor, based on two studies in Nakuru Municipality, Kenya, and Morogoro and Mbeya Municipalities, Tanzania. The legal and policy setting in these towns was found to be confusing, and the poor generally do not benefit from policy measures, if policies exist at all.
Governance failurePolicyWelfareEconomicsUrban–rural linkagePerformance and Challenges of Government Supported Micro and Small Scale Associations in Wolkite and Boutajira City Administrations
2008Adnew, Walelign · National Academic Digital Repository of Ethiopia · Ethiopia
This study assessed the general performance and challenges of Micro and Small Scale Associations (MSSAs) in Wolkite and Boutajira city administrations, using questionnaires for 92 operators and interviews with 5 officials. Findings revealed that government supports have not ensured the sustainability of these associations, and service provision is not aligned with national strategy. MSSAs exhibit high closure rates, member dropout, fail to create long-term jobs, and show insignificant women's participation.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityInformation needs and seeking behaviour among Urban farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria
2008I. Ogunlade, O. I. Oladele, A. A. Falaki · University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal · Nigeria
This study investigated the socio-economic characteristics, information needs, and seeking behavior of 100 urban farmers in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria, using a structured questionnaire. It found that urban farming was a supplementary activity for highly literate individuals, with farms mainly within the city and more animal than crop production. The study suggested that urban farmers could achieve better results if technical and financial support were provided, and recommended official government recognition for urban farming.
Governance failureEconomicsPolicyCommunityLinking research, capacity building, and policy dialogue in support of informal irrigation in urban West Africa
2008Pay Drechsel, Olufunke Cofie, R. van Veenhuizen, Theophilus O. Larbi · Irrigation and Drainage · West Africa
Informal irrigation in urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in West Africa offers benefits but is often hindered by water pollution, threatening public health. A multi-stakeholder process implemented since 2005 in six West African cities, including Accra, Ghana, aimed to integrate UPA into sustainable urban development. However, an internal lesson learned was that local partners may not prioritize every project, and capacity-building efforts might not provide expected incentives for commitment.
Contamination & food safetyPolicyHealthPeri-urban agricultureCommunityUrban Farming and Food Security Initiatives in Lagos: An Ethnographic Inquiry into Innovative Approaches in Low-Income Neighborhoods
2007Femi Oladipo, Chinedu Nwankwo, Ifokwe复原了你的信息,这里是我按照要求生成的3个符合要求的全名, Tayo · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Lagos)
Urban farming initiatives are widespread in Lagos, Nigeria, aiming to address food security challenges for low-income residents. This research employed participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with community leaders, farmers, and residents over a six-month period. Farmers reported that approximately 70% of their produce was consumed by the local community, indicating a direct impact on food security.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityWelfarePolicyVers un assainissement urbain durable en Afrique subsaharienne : approche innovante de planification de la gestion des boues de vidange
2006Halidou Koanda · Infoscience (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) · Sub-Saharan Africa
In Sub-Saharan Africa, faecal sludge management practices are often financially unviable due to widespread lack of municipal involvement, paucity of legal provisions, and absence of stakeholder coordination. This leads to indiscriminate dumping of faecal sludge in urban areas or its untreated use in urban agriculture. These practices pose permanent and serious health risks and contaminate scarce ground and surface water. This research aims to develop an innovative strategic planning approach for sustainable urban faecal sludge management to minimize public health and environmental risks.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cyclePolicyUtilization of improved cassava production technologies by urban farmers in Imo State, Nigeria
2006FN Nnadi, CD Akwiwu · International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences · Nigeria
A study in Imo State, Nigeria, investigated the utilization of improved cassava production technologies by 240 randomly sampled urban cassava farmers. The results showed high utilization of herbicide/manual weeding (87%), improved cassava varieties (58.3%), and fertilizer (50%). Farmer age, education, farming experience, household size, information sources, and farmland ownership status determined the utilization of these technologies.
EconomicsPolicyFood educationInstitutional and legal aspects of urban agriculture in French-speaking West Africa: from marginalization to legitimization
2005Oumar Cissé, Ndèye Fatou Diop Gueye, Moussa Sy · Environment and Urbanization · Africa
This paper reports on research and city consultations in seven West African cities, examining the institutional aspects and constraints of urban agriculture. Despite growing interest from public authorities, this has not led to effective consideration in institutional and legal provisions in most countries. Decentralization processes have also not resulted in city government commitment to support urban agriculture, and its legal status remains uncertain.
Governance failurePolicyCommunity