Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
535 results(9 / 22)
Continuity under change: Towards a spatiotemporal understanding of market-oriented urban and peri-urban agriculture – Insights from Kenya
2021Alexander Follmann, Maximilian Willkomm, Gilbert M. Nduru, George Owuor, Peter Dannenberg · Applied Geography · Kenya
This study analyzes the spatiotemporal dynamics of market-oriented urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) and farmers' responses to changing socio-spatial circumstances in Nyeri and Nakuru, Kenya. Findings indicate that the continued existence of market-oriented agriculture in these cities is linked to dynamic processes of commercialization, specialization, and intensification. The research concludes that market-oriented farmers are not inevitably displaced but can actively adapt to pressures and opportunities arising from rapid urban growth.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsUrban–rural linkageImpact of Urbanization on Agricultural Land in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria
2021Shabu Terwase · International Journal of African and Asian Studies · Nigeria
This study assessed the impact of urbanization on agricultural land in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria, using population figures and land use data from 1997, 2007, and 2017. GIS analysis revealed an increase in settlement and a decrease in agricultural land, with 99.51 hectares of agricultural land converted to settlement between 1997 and 2017. Urbanization significantly decreased agricultural land, activities, and farm size in the study area.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkagePolicyMicro and Small Enterprises in Dire Dawa Administration: Marketing Mix Challenges and Opportunities and Their Implication on Sales Turnover
2021Yalew Mamo · European Journal of Business and Management · Ethiopia (Dire Dawa)
This cross-sectional descriptive study examined marketing challenges and opportunities for 226 micro and small enterprises, including urban agriculture, in Dire Dawa City, Ethiopia. Regression analysis found that product, price, and place significantly affected sales turnover, but promotion had an insignificant effect. Major challenges included a lack of coordination among government offices and insufficient commitment from enterprise owners.
Governance failureEconomicsProduction of Edibles and Use of Garden Waste in Domestic Gardens of a Middle-Class Suburb in Cape Town, South Africa
2021Anjali Mistry, Manfred Spocter · · South Africa (Cape Town)
A study in a middle-class suburb of Cape Town, South Africa, investigated edible cultivation and garden waste management in domestic gardens. While potential gardening space averaged two-thirds of residential plots, 129 respondents primarily cultivated lawns, not food, with minimal vegetable production. Residents often used private gardening services for waste disposal, and on-site garden waste disposal techniques need promotion.
Limited or null effectDIYCompostCommunityUrban–rural linkageCover Crops in Vegetable Production and Urban Farming in Sub-Saharan Countries
2021Michael Kwabena Osei, Mavis Akom, Joseph Adjebeng‐Danquah, Kenneth Fafa Egbadzor, Samuel Oppong Abebrese, Kwabena Asare Bediako, Richard Yaw Agyare · · Sub-Saharan Africa
This abstract discusses the decline in soil fertility and accelerated desertification in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, due to decades of cropping. It introduces cover crops as a method to manage soil erosion, soil fertility, soil quality, water, weeds, pests, diseases, biodiversity, and wildlife in agro-ecosystems. The abstract also notes the increasing proportion of Ghana's population living in urban communities and that vegetable cultivation is conventionally a trade for rural dwellers.
Organic cycleClimate changeUrban–rural linkageBuilding a food-resilient city through urban agriculture: The case of Ilorin, Nigeria
2021Akeem Ola · Town and Regional Planning · Nigeria (Ilorin)
This study examined the effects of urban planning practices on urban agriculture (UA) in Ilorin, Nigeria, and its contribution to the city's food shock resilience. Findings revealed that UA contributed 16.9% to meat/fish/egg requirements, 4.5% to yam/cassava/potato, 0.58% to vegetables, 0.6% to fruits, and 0.5% to grain requirements. However, the Respondents’ Agreement Index (RAI) indicated that poor access to finance (0.93), limited land area (0.75), and lack of tenure security (0.44) were dominant variables influencing UA's poor contribution to food security.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justicePolicyEconomicsCommunityPotential for Sustainable Urban and Peri-Urban Agricultural Practices in Nairobi County
2021Mary Njoki Mwaura, Sabina Mukoya-Wangia, Japheth Ododa Origa, O.L.E. Mbatia, Evans Chimoita · Journal of Agricultural Extension · Kenya
A study of 149 respondents in Nairobi County examined urban and peri-urban agricultural practices, finding composting and open field farming popular but not the most profitable. More profitable practices like cattle rearing and mushroom farming were unpopular due to expensive inputs and specialized skills. The study indicates that popular practices are less profitable, highlighting a need for transformation towards controlled environment agriculture with policy support.
Economic viabilityCompostOrganic cycleEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureDigital agricultureImpact of landscape dynamics and intensities on the ecological land of major cities in Ethiopia
2021Mekonnen Amberber Degefu, Mekuria Argaw, Gudina Legese Feyisa, Sileshi Degefa · ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH · Ethiopia
This study characterized and compared the Spatio-temporal responses of ecological land to urban landscape dynamics in Bahir Dar, Addis Ababa, Adama, and Hawassa cities in Ethiopia for the last three decades (1990–2020). Three sets of Landsat satellite images, field observations, and urban land indexes were used to produce landscape maps and geo-spatial data analysis. Results showed that in all cities, ecological land had changed intensely regarding its quantity and spatial pattern, and the substantial expansion of built-up ecosystems was manifested at the cost of ecological land.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkageClimate changePolicyFeeding the Cities
2021Nancy Karanja, Mary Njenga · · Kenya (Nairobi)
The urban agriculture efforts of Alice Wairimu and her husband Michael Macharia, who migrated to Nairobi, Kenya, are presented. They raised livestock but lost a cow during political unrest and sold the rest for hospital bills. They also attempted wastewater farming on government-owned land, which was repossessed in 2010. Subsequently, they used their meager savings to rent land nearby and continue practicing urban agriculture.
Governance failureCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceThe role of urban vegetable production in Jos (Nigeria) as a source of livelihood
2021Solomon Wuyep, Isaac Tebogo Rampedi, AP Ifegbesan · African Journal of Food Agriculture Nutrition and Development · Nigeria (Jos)
This study assessed the role of urban vegetable production as a source of livelihood for 94 small-scale farmers in Jos, Nigeria, by randomly selecting 40% of urban vegetable farmers and using questionnaire-administered interviews with a mixed-method approach. Results indicated that vegetable farming provides 84% part-time and 5% full-time employment opportunities and reduces food insecurity among participants. However, lack of credit facilities, seasonal variations, and high costs of farm inputs and equipment were identified as serious problems, and small-scale urban farming also entailed negative environmental impacts that could undermine long-term sustainability.
EconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareOpen doors - The Department of Visual Arts goes beyond education
2021Sinead Page · · South Africa (Pretoria)
The Department of Visual Arts at the University of Pretoria aims to produce entrepreneurs in the arts, not just artists. In 2020, the first BA Fine Arts group volunteered at Moja Gabedi, a community garden in Hatfield, Pretoria. This initiative, in affiliation with Reliable House, offers a vibrant space for multi-disciplinary service-learning.
CommunityFood educationA Comprehensive Review of Biomethanation of Urban Food Waste in Nairobi City County, Kenya
2021Hope Baxter Chamdimba, Isaiah Omosa, Simon M. Wandera · Journal of Energy Environmental & Chemical Engineering · Kenya (Nairobi)
This review analyzed urban food waste in Nairobi City County, Kenya, which accounts for 64% of recoverable municipal solid waste, totaling 29.4 thousand tons annually. The study found that food waste has a biomethane potential of 508.45 ml CH4 /g VS, suggesting that the city's food waste could yield 10.5 million m3 of methane and 1.38 MW of electricity. While food waste is increasingly used for animal feed and composting, its application for energy recovery via anaerobic digestion is limited by a lack of source separation. Biogas is shown to be more economical than liquefied petroleum gas, but long-term methane generation requires supportive policies.
Food lossOrganic cycleEconomicsWaste to resource: use of water treatment residual for increased maize productivity and micronutrient content
2021Tariro Gwandu, Lynsay I. Blake, Hatirarami Nezomba, Jairos Rurinda, Stephen Chivasa, Florence Mtambanengwe, Karen L. Johnson · Environmental Geochemistry and Health · Sub-Saharan Africa
An eight-week greenhouse experiment in Sub-Saharan Africa evaluated the short-term benefits of applying aluminum-based water treatment residual (Al-WTR) with compost and inorganic phosphorus fertilizer on maize productivity. A co-amendment of 10% Al-WTR and 10% compost significantly increased maize shoot biomass (3.92 ± 0.16 g) compared to the control (1.33 ± 0.17 g). Adding phosphorus fertilizer to this co-amendment further doubled the yield and increased maize uptake of zinc, copper, and manganese.
CompostOrganic cycleEconomicsSustainable Social Entrepreneurship Models for Urban Agribusiness Initiatives in Johannesburg
2021Michael Rudolph, Madimetja Antony Mello, Evans Muchesa · Journal of food security · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This study aimed to develop a sustainable social entrepreneurship model for urban farming initiatives in Johannesburg. Through a literature review and qualitative interviews with experts, findings highlighted several important challenges that limited urban smallholder farmers' ability to ensure the financial viability and sustainability of their farming initiatives. These challenges included limited accessibility to farming land, markets, funding, and knowledge regarding setting up and managing small agri-businesses.
Economic viabilityEconomicsCommunityPolicyFood educationEXPLORING THE RECYCLING OF MANURE FROM URBAN LIVESTOCK FARMS: A CASE STUDY IN ETHIOPIA
2021Solomon Tulu Tadesse, O. Oenema, Christy van Beek, Fikre Lemessa Ocho · Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering · Ethiopia
This study in Jimma, Ethiopia, from 2015-2050, used an N mass flow model and field experiments to explore manure recycling from urban livestock farms under four scenarios. It found that livestock manures are the main organic wastes in urban areas, and manure production in urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is projected to increase 3 to 10 times. Critically, only 13% to 38% of manure nitrogen will be recycled in croplands, and intensification of urban livestock production greatly increased nitrogen surpluses, indicating a significant environmental tradeoff.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cyclePeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceCompostASSESSING THE IMPACT OF URBAN AGRICULTURE ON ECONOMIC LIVELIHOOD OF CALABAR METROPOLIS, CROSS RIVER STATE
2021O. O. Egbai, Emil Peter, I. A Arikpo · Journal of Critical Reviews · Nigeria (Calabar)
A survey study assessed the impact of urban agriculture on the economic livelihood of youth farmers in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria. Information was collected from 60 youth farmers across six locations using questionnaires and purposive sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied to the data. The results showed chi-square test statistics of 140.126 and 83.742 with a p-value of (p < 0.001), indicating a significant impact.
EconomicsCommunityImpact of urban expansion on the peri-urban farming communities: the case of lalibela town, amhara regional state, ethiopia.
2021Nibret Sefiw Adugnaw · Open access jounrals · Ethiopia
This study examines the impact of urban expansion on peri-urban farming communities in Lalibela town, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.
Peri-urban agricultureUrban–rural linkagePolicyPracticing Urban Agriculture Is the Most Appreciate Means to Fight Against Famine, Depression, Anxiety and Spread of Coronavirus
2021Chanie Derso Misganaw · Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries · Ethiopia
This review paper highlights the current lack of urban agriculture practice in Ethiopian towns and emphasizes its significance. Urban agriculture contributes to food self-sufficiency, social goodness, economic profitability, and environmental health, and is stated as the most appreciated means to improve livelihoods, generate income, create job opportunities, and fight against famine, depression, anxiety, and the spread of coronavirus. The paper discusses the types, principles, and prospects of urban agriculture based on updated information.
HealthEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeChromium Laden Soil, Water, and Vegetables nearby Tanning Industries: Speciation and Spatial Distribution
2021Adugnaw Maru Gezahegn, Fekadu Fufa, Esayas Alemayehu, Abebe Beyene · Journal of Chemistry · Ethiopia (Modjo city)
This study investigated the spatial distribution and speciation of chromium in water, soil, and edible plants in tannery-contaminated areas of Modjo city, Ethiopia. Total chromium in the Modjo River was 20.6 mg L−1 upstream, and soil Cr (III) and Cr (VI) concentrations were found to be higher than guideline values. Chromium concentrations in edible plants were also significantly higher than in control areas, with roots accumulating more chromium than leaves and fruits. It was concluded that water, soil, and edible plants in this area contain chromium concentrations higher than recommended for a healthy environment and human consumption.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageThe Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Security in Rural and Urban Settlements in Benin: Do Allotment Gardens Soften the Blow?
2021Mawuna Donald Houessou, Annemijn Cassee, B.G.J.S. Sonneveld · Sustainability · Benin
A Rapid Food Security Appraisal was conducted among 240 rural and urban dwellers in southern Benin to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 ‘cordon sanitaire’ on food consumption. The pandemic affected food security pillars in both rural and urban areas, with the steepest decline observed among those inside the cordon sanitaire, particularly rural producers and urban inhabitants without allotment gardens. Increased food prices, logistics disruptions, and movement restrictions were cited as reasons, while access to allotment gardens effectively mitigated the crisis for households.
CommunityHealthWelfareSAVINGS MOBILIZATION ON POVERTY ALLEVIATION AMONG PERI-URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN KWALI AND BWARI AREA COUNCILS F.C.T ABUJA, NIGERIA
2021Juliana Ojochide Olori, Ogechi Cordelia Nwahia, F. Siewe · Agricultural Social Economic Journal · Nigeria (Abuja)
A study analyzed savings mobilization for poverty alleviation among 185 peri-urban farming households in Kwali and Bwari Area Councils, Abuja, Nigeria, using cross-sectional primary data. The analysis revealed a poverty incidence of 49%, a poverty depth of 28%, and a poverty severity of 56% among the households. Findings indicated that primary occupation and education reduced the likelihood of not being poor but increased the likelihood of being very poor.
Economic viabilityWelfareEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureFrom the researched to co-researchers: including excluded participants in community-led research on urban agriculture in Cape Town
2021Nicole Paganini, Silke Stöber · The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension · South Africa (Cape Town)
This long-term study in Cape Town, South Africa, developed and employed a co-research approach with urban farmers, using mixed methods including focus groups, farming diaries, and surveys. Participants perceived the research process itself as more important than the results, as they developed agency for change. The mutually developed results were used by co-researchers to establish a representative body advocating for small-scale farmers' needs.
CommunityPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceFood educationOutdoor living wall systems in a developing economy: A prospect for supplementary urban food production?
2021Karen Botes, Christina Breed · Acta Structilia · South Africa
This article reviewed three edible living wall case studies in Gauteng, South Africa, focusing on system resilience, economic feasibility, and edible plant possibilities. Interviews were conducted with clients, contractors, and designers. Findings suggested indirect commercial value through customer experience and educational value, but indicated that economic feasibility and resilience need enhancement for improved urban food production.
Economic viabilityDIYEconomicsClimate changeFood educationAgainst the grain? A historical institutional analysis of access governance of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture in Ethiopia
2020Mulesa T.H. · The Journal of World Intellectual Property · Ethiopia
A historical institutional analysis of the governance of access to plant genetic resources in Ethiopia, examining national policy evolution in relation to the ITPGRFA, benefit-sharing, and farmers' rights.
Heirloom & landracePolicyBiodiversityImpact of small scale irrigation technology on women empowerment in Amhara national regional state of Ethiopia
2020· Cogent Economics & Finance · Ethiopia
Analyses how small-scale irrigation technology affects women's empowerment, including control over household resources, income and decision-making.
DIYWelfare