Research & reports

Peter Sanjo Adewale, Sunday Clement Olubunmi Makinde, V. Kusemiju · Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development · Nigeria (Lagos)

This mixed-method study in Lagos State, Nigeria, examined the effects of Urban and Peri-urban Vegetable Production (UPVP) on farmers' livelihood subscales using a Household Livelihood Survey and Focus Group Discussion. The findings indicate that all livelihood subscales (Physical, Natural, Financial, Social, Human) were positively and significantly impacted by UPVP, with a moderately high overall impact. The study concludes that UPVP can be a resilient sector for the economy and sustainable development.

Abrham Kassa Ejigu, Kumelachew Yeshitela · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · Ethiopia (Arba Minch City)

A study assessed Arba Minch City's governance capacity to integrate resource-oriented sanitation technology with urban agriculture. The findings indicated that the city's capacity is hindered by a lack of systematic monitoring, fragmented policy tools, and inadequate public sector participation. There is no single government body responsible for integration, and a behavioral gap exists among users in adapting to new technologies and recovered organic fertilizer.

Navjot Sangwan, Luca Tasciotti · Agriculture · Sub-Saharan Africa

This cross-country study analyzed household data from nine Sub-Saharan African countries to investigate the impact of urban agriculture (UA) on household food expenditure and dietary diversity. Using an inverse-probability weighted regression adjustment method, the study found that households engaged in UA reduced overall food expenditure and increased spending on protein-rich foods like nuts, legumes, fruits, dairy, meat, and poultry. The impact of UA varied substantially across the food expenditure distribution.

Mohammed Seid Ebrahim · Ethiopian Journal of Business and Social Science · Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)

This study examined factors affecting the growth of micro and small enterprises in Gulele Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, using survey data from 120 enterprise leaders/owners. Enterprises grew at a rate of 0.20, but growth trends varied across sectors including urban agriculture. The analysis found that age, gender, and work experience of leaders/owners, along with enterprise age, employee numbers, workplace suitability, marketing problems, and government policies, significantly influenced growth, indicating that cumbersome bureaucratic procedures contributed to undergrowth and stagnation.

O.M. Seretse, Abhishek Agarwal, Ulaula Mmiletsi, Mbizo Mpho · Advances in Modern Agriculture · Sub-Saharan Africa

This study designed a cost-effective, two-row donkey-drawn maize planter for small-scale farms in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Botswana, where donkeys are a primary power source. The assembled planter weighs 48.93 kg, can be drawn by three donkeys, and has an estimated cost of 200 USD. The study notes limitations and calls for further research to assess performance under varying soil conditions, durability, and planting efficiency.

Jade Morkel, Noxolo Dumani, Nick Malherbe, Shahnaaz Suffla · Community Development · South Africa

This case study, conducted in a low-income South African community, explored how a community gardener engages with the social solidarity economy (SSE) using thematic analysis of triangulated data from an interview, participant observation, and a participatory film. The study analyzed how the community garden fostered solidarity and established alternative micro-economic practices. It also considered challenges facing community gardens when connecting with the SSE.

Oluwakemi Adeola Obayelu, Adenike Omotola Ajibobare, Abimbola O. Adepoju, Abolupe Oluyemi Ayanboye · CABI eBooks · Nigeria (Ibadan)

This study assessed the perceptions of youths (aged 18-35 years) about urban agriculture and factors influencing their participation in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Data analyzed using descriptive statistics, Likert analysis, and logit regression showed that 38.8% of youths participated in urban agriculture, and access to urban farmland, being a married male, and older youth increased the likelihood of participation. Conversely, longer market distance, higher formal education, and poor access to credit and land reduced participation.

Mallika Sardeshpande, Charlie M. Shackleton · People and Nature · South Africa

This study interviewed 80 urban foragers in four cities in South Africa's eastern coastal region to understand urban foraging in a developing nation context. Foragers began foraging in childhood, viewing it as a cultural and recreational activity, but formal green spaces were not used for foraging and were perceived as poorly provisioned in urban planning. This indicates a lack of governance in urban planning regarding foraging.

Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira, Alexander Follmann, Daniel Tevera · Geographical Journal · South Africa

This mixed-methods study examined 34 urban community gardens in Cape Town, South Africa, to assess their capacity to function as urban commons across six areas: infrastructure, inputs, land, produce, labour, and immaterial components. Findings demonstrated that while these gardens counter neoliberal privatization and individualization, their capacity to function as urban commons is significantly curtailed by their entrenchment within the neoliberal context.

Merishca Naicker, Denver Naidoo, Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi · African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies · South Africa

This mixed-methods study surveyed 120 community garden participants in Ward 18, Umdoni Municipality, South Africa, to assess the impact of community gardens on household food security. The survey found that 58.3% of participants did not receive sufficient food from the gardens, and only 15.8% achieved food security, with 40% experiencing moderate food insecurity. Despite their establishment, community gardens appeared ineffective in substantially improving household food security, with challenges including climate change impacts.

Abigail Benson, NICHOLAS O EHISIENMHEN, EUNICE T ADEWALE, R ANIMASAHUN-OLADIMEJI, TOBA R ARIBILOLA, RAZAQ A AFIZ, Augustine Okeke, Oliver P. John, Idris Ahmad Isa, BADRAT O IMRAN, KELVIN D DIRISU, OMOTOYE O OMISORE · Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences · Nigeria (Ondo State)

This study assessed the impact of urbanization on agricultural land in Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria, using populated figures and land use data from satellite images for 2002, 2012, and 2022. GIS analysis revealed an increase in settlement and a decrease in agricultural land from 2002 to 2022. Urbanization significantly decreased agricultural land, farming activities, and farm size, driven by increasing settlement and built-up areas.

Mekonnen Amberber Degefu, Fantu Kifle · Climate Services · Ethiopia

This study examined the impacts of climate variability on vegetable production among 156 randomly selected vegetable farmers along the little Akaki River in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Climate data from 1996 to 2020 and farmer perceptions revealed high coefficients of variation for monthly and annual precipitation. Farmers perceived increased floods/rainfall (44.9%), drought frequency (13.5%), temperature (89.7%), and decreased vegetable productivity (86.5%). High precipitation and temperature variability negatively affect vegetable productivity, with nonadaptation (36.5%) also reported as an adaptation option.

Cynthia Nneka Olumba, Eberechukwu Johnpaul Ihemezie, Chukwudi Charles Olumba · Climate and Development · Nigeria

This study aimed to understand urban farmers’ perceptions of climate change and the adaptation constraints they encounter in Anambra Metropolis, Nigeria. Household survey data using structured questionnaires showed that most urban farmers perceived climate change through effects such as increased weed infestation, drying up of streams/rivers, and decreased soil moisture. Principal adaptation constraints were diverse, falling within broader institutional, information, and financial categories. The study revealed that the socioeconomic conditions of urban farmers in developing countries pose a threat to urban agriculture's potential to mitigate climate change.

Adane Sirage Ali, Sirak Robele Gari, M.L. Goodson, Claire Walsh, Bitew K. Dessie, Argaw Ambelu · PLoS ONE · Ethiopia

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of diarrhea among children under five in 402 wastewater irrigation farming households in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 2021 to February 2022. The overall prevalence of diarrheal cases in children under five was 22.3%. Diarrhea was strongly associated with wastewater-related occupational exposure factors, including body washing with irrigation water, contaminated cloth with irrigation water, use of protective clothing during farm work, use of farm work cloths at home, and bringing unwashed farm tools home.

Clemêncio Nhantumbo, Nídia Cangi Vaz, Mery Rodrigues, Cândido Manuel, Sífia Rapulua, Jéssica Langa, Hélio Nhantumbo, Dominic Joaquim, Michaque Dosse, José João Sumbana, Ricardo Santos, Sílvia Monteiro, Dinis Juízo · Water · Mozambique

A study investigated fecal microbial contamination levels in river water, drainage water, and drinking water in the Infulene River Basin, Mozambique. Samples from the Infulene River and drainage showed 82% positive for Total Coliforms and 61% for Escherichia coli, while drinking water samples were 63% positive for Total Coliforms and 23% for Escherichia coli. The study confirmed a high vulnerability to microbial contamination across all investigated sources due to poor sanitation and a lack of drainage infrastructure.

Odera Chukwumaijem Okafor, Pamela Ogochukwu Mgbenwelu · Trends in Agricultural Sciences · Nigeria

This study investigated the impacts of urban agriculture on the environment of Awka, Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria, using a multi-stage sampling process and analyzing data with descriptive statistics and Spearman's Correlation Coefficient. Findings showed that urban agriculture significantly contributes to the well-being of some city residents by providing revenue, employment, food security, and poverty reduction. The study concluded that urban agriculture should be viewed as a lucrative commercial activity.

Mulugeta Chane Wube, Heena Atwal · Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship · Ethiopia

This study, conducted in the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia, examined the integrated effect of the entrepreneurial ecosystem's political-legal subsystem on the performance of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and the mediating role of entrepreneurial competence. A sample of 499 MSE operators engaged in manufacturing, construction, and urban agriculture was selected. While the political-legal aspects significantly impacted both entrepreneurial competency and MSE performance, the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and MSE performance was found to be insignificant. The mediating role of entrepreneurial competency in the relationships between policy and business performance and other business environments and business performance was also shown to be insignificant.

Yosef Abebe, Mulugeta Gashaw, Asenake Kefale, Tim Brewer · Water Reuse · Ethiopia

A study on wastewater governance in the upstream catchment of the Awash Basin, Ethiopia, found that untreated wastewater discharged from industries is polluting rivers and the surrounding environment. Regulatory bodies have done little to enforce rules and directives for wastewater regulation, and due to poor implementation of laws, urban agriculture is expanding without concern for its negative health and socioeconomic impacts.

Njenga John Ng’ang’a, Mukundi John Bosco, Masinde Peter Wasike, Kihurani Agnes Wanjiru · Journal of Agriculture Science and Technology · Kenya (Nairobi)

A study in Nairobi's eastern zone assessed heavy metal occurrence in urban farm inputs and food crops (tomatoes, arrowroots, kales). Cadmium, manganese, lead, and zinc concentrations were analyzed in soil, water, and crop samples. The study found that heavy metal contents, particularly cadmium, manganese, lead, and zinc, were above allowable limits in several crops, and based on FAO/WHO standards, were high for health concern.

Amare Molla Dinku, Tefera Chane Mekonnen, Getachew Shumye Adilu · Heliyon · Ethiopia

A mixed-methods study conducted in Dessie and Combolcha cities, north-central Ethiopia, surveyed 506 resident households to measure the status of food insecurity in urban food systems. The study confirmed that 33.1% of respondents were food insecure, with nine and six individuals per 100 people forced to 'sleep hungry' and 'not eat in the whole day and night' respectively. Household food insecurity was significantly associated with the gender of the household head, participation in casual labor, and living house ownership, and the degree of food insecurity was deemed higher due to weak food system governance, an inconsistent food supply chain, and socio-economic and gender inequalities.

Gareth Haysom, Jane Battersby · Palgrave studies in agricultural economics and food policy · Africa

Based on findings from cities in five African countries, this study argues for a re-framing of urban food system resilience. It contends that the urban system, specifically infrastructure, shapes the functioning of the food system and consumers' ability to use it, and that the agency of urban food system users needs inclusion in understandings of, and efforts to increase, food systems resilience.

John Wakhanu · International journal of food science and agriculture · Kenya (Machakos)

This study assessed the impact of a nutrition intervention using African indigenous leafy vegetables (AILVs) grown in school gardens in Machakos County, Kenya, on body composition changes in school-going children (6-10 years) using the Deuterium Dilution Isotope Method (DDIM). An experimental cross-over design with two phases (Phase I: 13 weeks, Phase II: 12 weeks) was used, with 66 children in the experimental group and 46 in the control group in Phase I. Findings indicated high morbidity and low nutritional status, poverty, and poor AILV consumption among subjects, but DDIM showed a significant improvement in body composition in experimental groups (p<0.001).

Nicolette Tamara Jonkman, Karsten Kalbitz, Huig Bergsma, Boris Jansen · Land · Africa

This case study investigates the relationship between prior land use, current management, and soil quality at six urban agriculture (UA) sites in Kisumu, Kenya, and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A soil survey determined the soil macronutrient and mineral composition. Results indicate that three UA sites predate surrounding urban development, and soil nutrient data suggest these sites were likely chosen for their soil.

Xolile Mkhize, Bonginkosi E. Mthembu, Carin Napier · Journal of Agriculture and Food Research · South Africa (Durban)

This study in Umlazi Township, Durban, South Africa, assessed food and nutrition insecurity in an urban informal settlement through a household survey (n=200), vendor survey (n=25), anthropometric data, and land ecotope data. Findings showed that over 67.0% of informal dwellers were unemployed, surviving on a household food budget under US$115.1 per month, and 73.0% of households lacked access to land for cultivation. The study concludes that land accessibility for food production is restricted, contributing to food insecurity.

Endris Assen Ebrahim, Ahmet Toy, Yissa Hassen Kassim · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · Ethiopia

A survey of 218 randomly sampled micro and small-scale enterprise (MSSE) managers/owners across manufacturing, trade, construction, service, and urban agriculture sectors in Dessie Town, Ethiopia, used self-administered questionnaires and stratified random sampling to identify determinants of enterprise growth. Of nine candidate factors, statistically significant associations with MSSE growth and performance (at the 5% level) were found for political/legal factors, management, market conditions, technology, infrastructure, entrepreneur-related factors, and the COVID-19 pandemic.