Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
535 results(8 / 22)
Assessment of Quality of Wastewater Being Used in Irrigating Soils under Urban Agriculture in Zaria Urban Area
2022Sani Abubakar Mashi, Samuel Yakubu, Sofia Yuniar Sani · Asian Research Journal of Agriculture · Africa
A study in the Kubanni basin of Zaria, Africa, evaluated the quality of wastewater used for irrigating urban agriculture soils. The wastewater contained arsenic, iron, chromium, copper, zinc, manganese, and lead. Although concentrations were generally below Nigeria's permissible limits for irrigation, the study noted the metals' tendency to accumulate in soils, raising concerns about potential heavy metal buildup in irrigated soils and crops.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleIntegration of Urban Farming into City Infrastructure Development
2022Ayobami Abayomi Popoola, Bolanle Wahab, Hangwelani Hope Magidimisha, Lovemore Chipungu · CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development · Nigeria (Ibadan)
This mixed-methods study in Ibadan, Nigeria, surveyed 236 urban farmers across five local government areas to determine patterns of integrating urban farming into city infrastructure development. Findings indicated that old age limited farmers' travel distance and farm produce theft was detected, highlighting challenges in current urban farming practices and infrastructure.
Governance failurePolicyCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWhy Home Gardens Fail in Enhancing Food Security and Dietary Diversity
2022Marié J. du Toit, Olivia Rendón, Viktoria Cologna, Sarel S. Cilliers, Martin Dallimer · Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution · South Africa
A case study in a low-income former township area in South Africa, involving 140 home garden owners, found that gardens did not substantially contribute to household food security. Only 10% of households were completely food secure, and dietary diversity was very low. Key constraints included cultural practices, a focus on ornamental plants, and reliance on purchased food.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityWelfareThe effect of poorly controlled physical development on urban food production in Ibadan, Nigeria
2022Umar Usman Jimoh, Kolade Victor Otokiti · South African Journal of Geomatics · Nigeria
This study in Ibadan, Nigeria, examined the effect of poorly controlled physical development on urban food production using a longitudinal survey and geographical/remote sensing methods. It revealed that Ibadan's urban area expanded significantly from 70.3584 ha in 1986 to 411.8877 ha in 2019, leading to the loss of agricultural land, depletion of water bodies, and agricultural land conversion. This expansion negatively impacted urban food production.
Governance failureUrban–rural linkagePolicyExploration of wheatgrass as functional food by using urban agriculture models for regulating growth & nutrients
2022Nilesh L. Patil, Anjali A. Kulkarni, Dinesh Amalnerkar, Swapnil C. Kamble · South African Journal of Botany · South Africa
This study assessed the growth and nutrient values of wheatgrass cultivated in soil, hydroponics, aeroponics, and paper-pulp based potting mix soil. Plantlets from potting mix soil showed the highest height (88.67 cm), weight (15.13 gm), and overall nutrient content. Cost analysis over six months revealed that potting mix soil systems were 17x and 23x cheaper than hydroponics and aeroponics, respectively, making them the most productive for long durations.
DIYEconomicsHealthThe effects of urbanisation on food security in Africa: An overview and synthesis of the literature
2022Bethuel Sibongiseni Ngcamu · Environmental & Socio-economic Studies · Africa
This literature review explored the effects of urbanization on food security in Africa by reviewing eleven empirical journal articles. Findings indicate that rapid, unplanned urbanization has led to increased food insecurity, environmental degradation, and unsustainable food security, exacerbated by ill-prepared and incompetent governments. Key issues identified include poor government interventions, inadequate land-use planning, and high incompetency among urban planners.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyClimate changeEconomicsEffects of Urban Agriculture Practices on Households’ Livelihoods in Ondo State, Nigeria
2022Oluwole Matthew Akinnagbe, Obadamilola Enitan Ipinmoye · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Nigeria (Ondo State)
This study examined the effects of urban agriculture on households' livelihoods in Ondo State, Nigeria, using a multistage sampling procedure with 150 respondents. Major crops and livestock were leafy vegetables (100.0%) and broiler chickens (57.0%), respectively. The majority (82.0%) of urban agriculture practitioners had no contact with extension agents. Urban agriculture significantly improved respondents' standard of living (from 85.0% to 98.0%) and saving patterns (from 66.7% to 100.0%), and also led to improved knowledge.
EconomicsWelfareCommunityDeterminants of Sustainable Growth of SMEs in Developing Countries: The Case of Ethiopia
2022Gemechu Abdissa, Abebe Ayalew, Anna Dunay, Csaba Bálint Illés · Economies · Ethiopia
This study investigated the determinants of sustainable growth for SMEs, including those in urban agriculture, in Ethiopia using primary data from 194 employees. Findings indicate that political instability, corruption, and COVID-19 are significantly harming the growth and long-term sustainability of Ethiopian SMEs.
Economic viabilityEconomicsPolicyStrengthening Vegetable Production and Consumption in a Kenyan Informal Settlement: A Feasibility and Preliminary Impact Assessment of a Sack Garden Intervention
2022Alexandra Zivkovic, Emily V. Merchant, Thomas Nyawir, Daniël J. Hoffman, James E. Simon, Shauna Downs · Current Developments in Nutrition · Kenya (Nairobi)
A feasibility and preliminary impact assessment of sack gardens for women in Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya, involving 21 participants in 2018-2019, found reduced household food insecurity. However, key barriers included insufficient inputs and difficulties in group work, particularly communication. The study suggests sack gardens may partially improve diet quality, but further research is needed on household income impact.
Governance failureWelfareCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceDisability-inclusive community development: A case of a community garden in Limpopo province in South Africa
2022Brian Tigere, Theresa Moyo · African Journal of Disability · South Africa
A qualitative study in rural Limpopo province, South Africa, examined the role of community gardens in uplifting persons with disabilities and their communities. Using face-to-face interviews with 21 participants, including people with disabilities and government officials, the study found that community gardens contributed to the economic and social well-being of persons with disabilities by providing income and creating jobs. The study recommends a disability access audit to address accessibility challenges.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsImpacts of hailstorm on urban agriculture in Northern of Maputo City and Matola (Mozambique) - An analysis from a climate change perspective
2022Bernardino Bernardo, Elisa Eda Nhambire, Alice Castigo Binda Freia, Octávio Manuel de Jesus, José Júlio Júnior Guambe, Zacarias Alexandre Ombe, Gustavo Sobrinho Dgedge · Cadernos de Geografia · Mozambique (Maputo)
This mixed-method study analyzed the impacts of hailstorms on urban horticulture in northern Maputo City and Matola, Mozambique, following a storm on June 1, 2021. The study found total and partial destruction of ready-to-cut vegetables, including cabbage, lettuce, and onions, across all production areas. This resulted in heavy financial losses for farmers and a significant increase in vegetable prices in local markets.
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceAgricultura urbana, relações e desenvolvimento: um olhar sobre Maputo, Moçambique
2022Axel Prestes Dürrnagel, Matias Siueia Júnior, Simone Prestes Dürrnagel · Boletim GeoÁfrica · Mozambique
In Maputo, Mozambique's capital, urban agriculture is at a critical point, with accelerated urban growth and climate change impacts increasingly compromising agricultural spaces. A qualitative case study focusing on farmer associations in the urban district of KaMavota indicated that horizontal relationships among farmers enable information sharing and social capital creation. Conversely, vertical relationships between farmers and the government primarily promote knowledge exchange and competencies related to agricultural extension and land rights allocation.
Governance failureCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyClimate changeThe Contribution of Architectural Design Concepts for Sustainable Urban Farming: The Case of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2022Bruk Getahun, Essayas Deribe · Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning · Ethiopia
A case study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, assessed the contribution of architectural design concepts for sustainable urban farming in selected urban farms. The research evaluated urban farms using six criteria based on the three pillars of sustainability: ecological, social, and economical. Findings revealed that most urban farms in Addis Ababa did not fully achieve the sustainability criteria.
Urban–rural linkageEconomicsClimate changeCommunityThe urban poor: profile and constraints affecting their participation in allotment gardens
2022Mawuna Donald Houessou, B.G.J.S. Sonneveld, Augustin K. N. Aoudji, Fréjus THOTO, D. J. Snelder, Anselme Adégbidi, Tjard de Cock Buning · Development in Practice · Benin
A survey of 88 urban poor individuals in Benin investigated their profiles and constraints affecting participation in allotment gardens. Findings revealed low educational and income levels, overcrowded and unsanitary housing, and limited access to social services and health facilities among the participants. Furthermore, 76% of them experienced food insecurity, and engaging them in allotment gardens was constrained by requirements for farming skills, financial capital, and safety issues.
Equity & displacementWelfareCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceThe invisible crisis: the determinants of local food insecurity in Gauteng municipalities, South Africa
2022Adrino Mazenda, Nonkosazana Molepo, Tinashe Mushayanyama, Saul Ngarava · British Food Journal · South Africa (Gauteng)
This quantitative cross-section study estimated the determinants of household food insecurity in the Gauteng City-Region, South Africa, using binary logistic regression on 13,616 observations from the Gauteng City-Region Observatory Quality of Life 2020/2021 data. The main findings highlight unemployment, health status, education, household size, indigency, and income as the primary determinants of food insecurity. Further studies are needed for an in-depth assessment of household coping mechanisms, the influence of government social grants, and access to credit.
HealthPolicyEconomicsWelfareDeterminants of Micro and Small Enterprise Growth: Three Selected Woreda Cases in Gulachi District, Ethiopia
2022· Journal of Global Economy Business and Finance · Ethiopia
This study aimed to identify major problems associated with the growth and success of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the trade, services, manufacturing, construction, and urban agriculture sectors in three selected Woredas (Cheha, Abeshge, and Enmore ena Eaner) in the Gurage zone, Gulachi District, Ethiopia. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used, and primary data was collected through questionnaires, unstructured interviews, and personal observations.
Economics‘I lost my job suddenly, but I was prepared’: the significance of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Benin City, Nigeria
2022Emaediong Uko, Tony Binns, Etienne Nel · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Nigeria (Benin City)
This study investigated the significance of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in Benin City, Southern Nigeria. Field-based data, collected using qualitative research methods (observation, in-depth interviews, and questionnaire surveys), revealed that in the context of unpredictable and frequent economic shocks, households across all socio-economic levels significantly depend on food production activities. This dependence serves not only for immediate survival but also as a means of reducing household vulnerability and building resilience against future shocks.
EconomicsWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageGrafting observation of tomatoes on potatoes for urban and peri-urban agriculture in North Wollo Sirinka
2022Tadesse Wudu, Adimasie Kassaw · International Journal of Horticulture and Food Science · Ethiopia
An observational study in Sirinka, Ethiopia, in October 2018, investigated grafting 30-day-old tomato seedlings onto 20-day-old potato seedlings to create "pomato" plants for urban agriculture. Successful graft unions were observed after two weeks, with plants producing both tomatoes (average 18 fruits, 954g per plant) and potato tubers (4-5 tubers, 219.27g per plant). The experiment confirmed the success of the graft, suggesting its potential for home gardeners.
DIYPeri-urban agricultureGouvernance Du Foncier Agricole Dans L’arrondissement De Zinvie : Enjeux Et Perspectives
2022Enagnon Arsène Euloge YAOVI, Martial WOROU, Bola A. MALOMON, Sylvain A. VISSOH · International Journal of Progressive Sciences and Technologies · Africa
This research in the Arrondissement of Zinvié, Africa, investigated agricultural land governance through surveys of 109 people and field observations. Findings indicate rapid urbanization is causing anarchic land occupation and uncontrolled consumption of agricultural space, with renting being the dominant land access mode (50%). From 2010 to 2020, cultivable land decreased by 517.69 hectares due to urbanization, highlighting significant governance challenges.
Governance failurePolicyUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureUnlocking Land for Urban Agriculture: Lessons from Marginalised Areas in Johannesburg, South Africa
2022Doctor S. Nkosi, Thembani Moyo, Innocent Musonda · Land · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This study developed a GIS-based planning support system to identify, quantify, and visualize an index for urban agricultural land in marginalized areas. Using Greater Orange Farm, a marginalized area in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa, as a case study, indigenous knowledge systems were incorporated through the Charrette visioning process for formulating criteria, weights, and rulesets. The results revealed spatial sites ranked by an index where sustainable investment in urban agriculture infrastructure and supporting programs should be targeted.
CommunityPolicyEconomicsHousehold Dietary Patterns and Food Security Challenges in Peri-Urban South Africa: A Reflection of High Unemployment in the Wake of Rising Food Prices
2022Gamuchirai Chakona · · South Africa
A study surveyed 314 randomly selected households in four peri-urban settlements in South Africa to assess dietary diversity and food security. Findings revealed generally low dietary diversity and high levels of food insecurity across all sites, with male-headed households experiencing worse conditions than female-headed households. Food insecurity was linked to high poverty, unemployment, and low education levels.
Equity & displacementFood sovereignty & justiceWelfarePeri-urban agricultureEconomicsUptake of Climate Smart Agriculture in Peri-Urban Areas of South Africa's Economic Hub Requires Up-Scaling
2021Chitakira, M., Ngcobo, N. · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · South Africa
A mixed-methods study (n=36) of peri-urban smallholders in the Tshwane metro (Gauteng), South Africa, documenting a knowledge-practice gap—high experiential awareness of climate change but low recognition of 'Climate Smart Agriculture' as a framework—and calling for up-scaling its uptake.
PolicyAquaponics for Improved Food Security in Africa: A Review
2021· Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Africa
A review of aquaponics as a means to improve food security in Africa, discussing small-scale pilots such as the SANFU project in Lagos, Nigeria.
DIYCommunityEconomic viability of a small scale low-cost aquaponic system in South Africa
2021· Journal of Applied Aquaculture · South Africa
The study analyzes the economic feasibility of a small-scale, low-cost aquaponic system in South Africa, examining how the fish-to-plant revenue ratio affects viability.
DIYEconomicsPost-harvest losses in rural-urban value chains: Evidence from Ethiopia
2021Minten B., Tamru S., Reardon T. · Food Policy · Ethiopia
Analyses self-reported post-harvest losses across farmers, wholesalers, processors, and retailers along rural-urban value chains for teff and liquid milk in Ethiopia.
Food lossEconomics