Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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233 results(9 / 10)
Assessing food security status among farming households in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state, Nigeria.
2008BF Salahu, TO Dauda · Moor Journal of Agricultural Research · Nigeria
The food security status of farming households in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria, was assessed using 89 questionnaires. The study analyzed urban farming and food security factors (energy and protein levels). Education related to urban farming practices was found to influence the food security status of the respondents.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsUrban–rural linkageUrban Farming Communities' Adoption Rates of Smart Agriculture Technologies in Lagos, Nigeria: Performance Evaluations
2008Obiakọ Obinzeiji, Nkwo Nkechi, Chinedu Chukwuma, Ejiije Edemah · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Lagos)
This study investigated the adoption rates of smart agriculture technologies among urban farming communities in Lagos, Nigeria. A survey questionnaire was distributed to 200 urban farmers across Lagos, revealing that 78% of respondents had adopted at least one smart agriculture technology. Drip irrigation systems were the most popular, adopted by 35% of farmers. The findings indicate significant interest and initial success in adopting these technologies in Lagos.
Digital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityEconomicsThe significance of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Peddie, in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
2007Alex Thornton, Etienne Nel · Africanus Journal of Development Studies · South Africa (Peddie)
This study investigated the significance of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) as a livelihoods strategy in Peddie, Eastern Cape province, South Africa, based on a PhD study. The findings indicate that UPA is not as significant or widely practiced as often assumed, despite its potential to address food insecurity and generate income. Its development has been slowed by various structural historical and socioeconomic barriers, limiting its current impact.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWelfarePeri-urban agricultureUrban 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 & justiceCommunityWelfarePolicyCommunity Gardens in Western Kenya: Engagement, Nutrition Education, and Sustainability Assessment
2007Kanini Muthoni · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Kenya
This study used mixed-methods, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews, to assess community gardens in rural Western Kenya. Engagement levels in the gardens ranged from 75% to 80%, with vegetable cultivation being a key theme in nutrition education. The study found that effective community engagement and targeted nutrition education significantly contribute to the sustainability of these projects, especially in promoting sustainable food production.
CommunityFood educationFood sovereignty & justiceSchool farming and school feeding in Nakuru town, Kenya: Practice and potential
2007Dick Foeken, Samuel Owuor · Leiden Repository (Leiden University) · Kenya (Nakuru)
A survey was conducted in June 2006 among primary and secondary schools in Nakuru town, Kenya, to examine school farming and school feeding practices. Data on school characteristics, school farming activities, and school feeding practices were collected using a structured questionnaire. The study showed that school farming is very common in Nakuru town, with almost all schools engaged in flower gardening and tree growing, over half practicing crop cultivation, and some keeping livestock.
Food educationWelfareCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceCommunity Gardens and Economic Empowerment in Ethiopian Slums: Adoption Rate Analysis
2007Fasil Desta, Kebede Mekonnen, Girma Abayor, Ayehu Alemayehu · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Ethiopia
Community garden adoption and economic empowerment in Ethiopian urban slums were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach incorporating surveys and focus group discussions. Community gardens were adopted by 45% of surveyed households, with higher adoption rates observed in areas with better access to water sources. The study highlights the potential for community gardens as an inclusive strategy for improving food security and economic conditions in Ethiopian slums.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareConceptualizing Livelihood Strategies in African Cities
2007Francis Owusu · Journal of Planning Education and Research · Africa
This paper proposes the "multiple modes of livelihood" (MML) approach to understand contemporary livelihood strategies in African cities, which often involve participation in multiple economic activities across formal and informal sectors. The study presents evidence of the magnitude of this strategy and the types of activities undertaken. It suggests that the importance of urban agriculture, among other factors, indicates a need to indigenize urban planning in Africa.
EconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceLINKING MIGRATION, HIV/AIDS AND URBAN FOOD SECURITY IN SOUTHERN AND EASTERN AFRICA
2007Jonathan Crush, Miriam Grant, Bruce Frayne, Southern African Migration · · Africa
This literature review examines the complex interactions between migration, HIV/AIDS, and urban food security in Southern and Eastern Africa, noting that these links are poorly researched and understood. It highlights that while past research focused on urban acquisition and production, less attention has been paid to rural-urban linkages and their embedment in migration systems. Recent studies indicate that strong rural-urban connections, including increasing direct food transfers from rural to urban households, are crucial for urban households' coping strategies.
Food sovereignty & justiceWelfareUrban–rural linkageRe-Creating Awareness of Traditional Leafy Vegetables in Communities
2007Voster Ineke H.J, Jansen van Rensburg Willem, Van Zijl J.J.B, Venter Sonja L · African Journal of Food Agriculture Nutrition and Development · South Africa
In South Africa, traditional leafy vegetables have been labeled as weeds since the 1960s, leading to a negative perception and unwillingness to use them. Awareness activities in six communities, including training sessions in seven schools and eight community gardens, aimed to improve the status of these crops. These activities resulted in increased awareness of their poor conservation status, appointment of seed keepers, and a noticeable increase in demand for seeds and production training.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthNourishing with drip irrigation : drip irrigation
2006Carol Posthumus · SA Irrigation = SA Besproeiing · South Africa
An Agricultural Research Council (ARC) project focuses on bringing lower cost and water-saving alternative irrigation technologies to smallholder farmers and community gardens. The initiative aims to establish and describe best management and operation practices for these technologies to reduce costs and conserve water. This research targets areas with water scarcity but existing irrigation access.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceGlobally useful conceptions of Alternative Food Networks in the developing south: the case of Johannesburg’s urban food supply system
2006Caryn Abrahams · ERA · South Africa
This paper reviews existing literature on Alternative Food Networks (AFN), discussing their multifaceted foci. AFNs have been presented as a response to conventional agribusiness or a transition towards an alternative era, encompassing short food supply chains, local food supply systems, direct farm retail, and community-supported agriculture. Defining characteristics of AFNs include "fresh," "diverse," "organic," "small-scale," "local," and "sustainable," which contrast with the "processed," "mass production," and "long food supply chains" of conventional systems.
Food sovereignty & justiceCSA & TeikeiFood miles & supply chainEconomicsMulti-agent modelling of climate outlooks and food security on a community garden scheme in Limpopo, South Africa
2005Sukaina Bharwani, Mike Bithell, Thomas E. Downing, Mark New, Richard Washington, Gina Ziervogel · Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences · South Africa (Limpopo)
The 'Climate Outlooks and Agent-Based Simulation of Adaptation in South Africa' project investigated how seasonal climate outlooks influence agricultural strategies and food security among smallholder farmers in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Empirical field data, collected through surveys and participatory approaches, informed an agent-based social simulation. This simulation modeled household agents with varying adaptation options, examining the impacts on crop yields and food security based on whether seasonal outlooks were used or ignored.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeAn overview of strategies to improve food production and sanitation in urban areas. The cas study of Nairobi Kenya
2004Wilfred Subbo · University of Nairobi Research Archive (University of Nairobi) · Kenya (Nairobi)
This paper discusses strategies for sustainable food production in Nairobi, Kenya, aiming to supplement rural food supplies and improve urban health through fresh, accessible food. It argues for discarding the attitude that food can only be produced in rural areas and explores the linkage between sanitation and urban food security. Additionally, the paper offers suggestions for mechanisms to increase food production in Nairobi.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthUrban–rural linkageContribution of urban and peri-urban agriculture to food security in sub-Saharan Africa
2003Olufunke Cofie, R. van Veenhuizen, Pay Drechsel · · Sub-Saharan Africa
Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) significantly contributes to food supply, employment, livelihoods, and poverty alleviation in many Sub-Saharan African cities, providing diverse foods including perishable items. However, UPA production often carries health risks from polluted urban water and faces challenges due to limited semi-official recognition and support from city authorities, sometimes conflicting with planners regarding land tenure and water use. More data is needed for appropriate recognition of this sector.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsPolicySeasonal Production Trends and Economic Growth Models in Community Gardens as Urban Food Security Initiatives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,
2003Mulu Tesfay Gebru · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
This research in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, investigated community gardens as urban food security initiatives, collecting data through surveys and market analysis. Seasonal fluctuations showed vegetable production peaked during the rainy season, contributing up to 30% of total annual harvests. Economic models indicated a positive correlation between garden size and local income generation, highlighting the potential of community gardens for food security and economic stability.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceGrasscutter rearing as an urban agricultural practice in Ibadan Metropolis
2002L. A. Akinbile · African Journal of Livestock Extension · Nigeria (Ibadan)
A study in Ibadan, Nigeria, reviewed grasscutter rearing as an urban agricultural practice. It found that farmers used intensive rearing systems and sold animals for N1,000-N2,100, generating up to N5,000 annually per pair. However, the provision of credit was identified as a major limiting factor for this practice.
Economic viabilityEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceImpact of Community Gardening on Urban Nutrition Security in Cape Town Slums: A Replication Study
2002Sipho Maseko · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · South Africa (Cape Town)
To evaluate the impact of community gardening on urban nutrition security in Cape Town slums, a mixed-methods study was conducted over two years. Data collected through surveys and interviews revealed a statistically significant increase in dietary diversity (p < 0.05) among community gardeners compared to a control group. This study confirmed the positive impact of community gardening on urban nutrition security and diet quality in Cape Town slums.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceUrban agriculture: international support and capacity building in Africa.
2001Camillus J. Sawio, Lori A. Spies, Djibril Doucouré · CABI Publishing eBooks · Africa
This chapter provides an overview of international efforts and initiatives to strengthen urban and periurban agriculture, with special reference to related networks in Africa.
PolicyUrban–rural linkagePeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceUrban Vertical Farming and Household Dietary Diversity: A Qualitative Exploration of Food Security in Low-Income Lagos Neighbourhoods
2000Chinwe Okonkwo · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Lagos)
A study in low-income Lagos neighborhoods, Nigeria, qualitatively explored the perceived impact of urban vertical farming projects on household dietary diversity. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 24 household primary food providers participating in vertical farming initiatives and focus group discussions with project facilitators. Participants reported a marked increase in regular consumption of leafy green vegetables, and a "substitution effect" was observed where savings from home production were redirected to purchase other nutrient-rich foods.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareUrban farmers in Nakuru, Kenya
2000Dick Foeken, Samuel Owuor · Leiden Repository (Leiden University) · Kenya (Nakuru)
A general survey was conducted in June-July 1999 on farming practices by inhabitants of Nakuru town, Kenya. The survey collected basic data on the extent of farming, types of farming, food produced, inputs used, constraints faced, characteristics of farming households, reasons for urban farming, and the extent of rural farming by town dwellers.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceComplémentarité entre agriculture urbaine et agriculture rurale
1999Paule Moustier · Agritrop (Cirad) · Africa
Case studies conducted in Africa on urban household food supply systems evaluated the relative roles of urban and rural agriculture. These studies highlighted a strong complementarity between urban and rural sources in terms of products and periods, linking these observations to differences in production and marketing systems. To stabilize urban food supply in quantity and quality, support programs for farmers and traders should target both urban/peri-urban and rural areas in a differentiated but articulated manner.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceFeeding Africa's growing cities into the 21st century: the potential of urban agriculture
1998Tony Binns, Kenneth Lynch · Journal of International Development · Africa
This paper addresses the escalating demand for fresh foodstuffs in rapidly urbanizing Sub-Saharan Africa, where urban agriculture is a widespread activity. Based on a literature survey and empirical evidence from Kano and Dar es Salaam, it presents a framework for analyzing urban agriculture. The study proposes policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the future sustainability of urban agriculture.
Food sovereignty & justicePolicyUrban–rural linkageEconomicsUrban agriculture and urban poverty alleviation: South African debates
1998Christian M. Rogerson, Rogerson, Christian M. · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · South Africa
This paper aims to analyze the existing challenge of urban poverty in South Africa and examine the potential role of urban agriculture as a component of a pro-poor urban development strategy.
WelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justicePrinciples and practical implementation of farming systems research and farmer participatory research. Including Vulindlela District and Sobantu Village case studies
1998B. Pound, Adrienne Martin, Mark Thomas, B. J. Njokwe · · South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal)
This publication integrates theory and practical work from Farming Systems and Farmer Participatory Research courses held at the Institute of Natural Resources and associated institutions in KwaZulu-Natal during 1996 and 1997. Its objectives are to provide reference material for FSR/FPR, demonstrate how its principles and methods can be applied to real situations, and record the situation, suggestions, and priorities of rural and peri-urban families in Vulindlela District. It also presents the Urban Agriculture workshop in Sobantu Village as a case study of participatory workshop methods.
CommunityPeri-urban agricultureFood sovereignty & justice