Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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110 results(1 / 5)
Toxic heavy metals distribution in urban soils of Africa: a systematic review
2026Nontokozo Pertunia Mkhonza, Sandisiwe Zondo, Samukelisiwe Vilakazi · Environmental Monitoring and Assessment · Africa
A systematic review synthesising 38 peer-reviewed studies (2010–2024) on heavy metals in African urban soils. Weighted mean concentrations of lead, cadmium and chromium exceeded FAO permissible limits in many countries, and industrial activity plus traffic emissions accounted for over half of the identified contamination sources. The review also documents strong geographic bias — Nigeria and Ghana are well studied while Egypt and Ethiopia are barely covered — and a shortage of measurements of bioavailable metal fractions, so the actual dietary risk from crops grown in these cities cannot be determined from this evidence base.
HealthPolicyHeavy metal accumulation in Amaranthus hybridus and Ocimum gratissimum cultivated on automobile workshop soils in Ekiti Nigeria and associated human health risks
2026Amos Tomiwa Afolabi, Bridget O. Odiyi, Oluwasheun Johannah Ojeniyi · Discover Soil. · Nigeria (Ado-Ekiti)
A study in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, investigated heavy metal accumulation in Amaranthus hybridus and Ocimum gratissimum grown on soils from two automobile workshops. A. hybridus accumulated higher metal concentrations than O. gratissimum, with stems showing greater accumulation than leaves. While non-carcinogenic and total cancer risks were within acceptable limits, children showed higher vulnerability, indicating that continuous monitoring and soil remediation are essential for sustainable urban agriculture in these contaminated areas.
Contamination & food safetyHealthA scoping review of the impact of urbanization on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa
2026Alemseged Gerezgiher Hailu, daniel girmay, samuel ataklti · Discover Food · Sub-Saharan Africa
This scoping review analyzed 155 sources (2009–2024) on urbanization's impact on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Findings showed rapid urban expansion converted 30% of peri-urban agricultural land in some regions, increasing dependence on imported staples, and low-income households spend 60–80% of income on food. A policy gap was identified, with only 12% of countries having supportive policies and 19% of cities designating land for farming.
Environmental trade-offsFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeHealthUrban Agriculture Policy and Household Food Security in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria
2026N. I. Odeh, A. T. OGAH, O. C. Odeh · Journal of African Resilience and Advancement Research · Nigeria
This study in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria, examined the urban agriculture (UA) policy framework and household food security using mixed methods, including interviews and a household survey. Findings revealed the absence of a dedicated UA policy, with UA regulated indirectly by general agricultural and land-use policies. Only 20.7% of households were food secure, while 79.3% experienced some level of food insecurity.
Governance failurePolicyFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsPlastic debris facilitates the survival of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens in an urban agricultural environment
2026Michael J. Ormsby, Luke Woodford, James Joseph Mwesiga, Winnie Ernest, Dativa J. Shilla, Daniel Abel Shilla, Richard S. Quilliam · Environmental Pollution · Africa
This study investigated plastic debris as a reservoir for multidrug-resistant (MDR) enteric bacterial pathogens at two peri-urban agricultural sites in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Analysis of 140 environmental samples (soil, water, vegetation, plastic debris) showed higher concentrations of culturable pathogens on plastic debris, with presumptive E. coli loads of ~1 × 10^3 CFU per piece. Plastic debris harbored a greater proportion of MDR strains, including E. coli and K. pneumoniae resistant to critically important antimicrobials, indicating that plastic waste facilitates the survival of MDR pathogens and poses health risks.
Contamination & food safetyHealthFood sovereignty & justicePeri-urban agricultureCowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) landraces in Mozambique and neighbouring Southern African countries harbour genetic loci with potential for climate adaptation
2025Macharia M.W., Caproni L., Solemanegy M., Takele R., Chiulele R.M., Munisse P., Amane M., Pè M.E., Buizza R., Dell'Acqua M. · Communications Biology 8:834 · Africa
Genotypes 389 cowpea accessions (mostly landraces) from Southern Africa and identifies 36 genomic loci linked to local climate adaptation, highlighting the breeding value of farmer-conserved resources.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversityHealthHeavy metal contamination in urban agriculture: evidence from Nairobi
2025Mike Murphy, Githenya Wachira, Cecilia Onyango, Vivian Hoffmann · Environmental Science and Pollution Research International · Kenya (Nairobi)
A study that randomly sampled leafy greens from farms across Nairobi, Kenya, and measured lead, cadmium and mercury. Mean concentrations were 0.68 ppm lead, 0.09 ppm cadmium and 0.11 ppm mercury; plots closer to roads had higher lead and plots near industrial sites had higher mercury. Leafy greens alone pushed 71% of adults and 69% of children above safe lead exposure limits, and 52% of adults above the mercury limit. Comparison greens sourced from outside Nairobi were similarly contaminated, so the authors do not treat contamination as unique to urban farming and instead call for systematic food surveillance in low- and middle-income countries.
HealthAssessment of Municipal Solid Waste Compost Used In Urban Agriculture and Its’ Potential Public Health Impacts In Katsina City, Nigeria.
2025Aminu Zakariyau, Murtala Rabiu · International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management · Nigeria (Katsina City)
The potential ecotoxicological impacts of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) on soil, plants, and humans in urban Katsina, Nigeria, were assessed. Analysis of soil mixtures and plant biomass (maize and beans) revealed high phytotoxicity in beans, while maize considered MSWC as phytonutrients. No statistical difference in non-biodegradable substance concentrations in soils and plants was found, and ecological risk index (ERI) indicated low risk; however, Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) suggested a likelihood of non-carcinogenic effects to the ecosystem.
Contamination & food safetyCompostHealthOrganic cycleKnowledge and Perception on the Usage of Greywater for Backyard Cultivation of Native Herbs Among Residents of Ibadan North Local Government Area, Ibadan, Nigeria
2025Mumuni Adejumo · Journal of Health and Environmental Research · Nigeria (Ibadan)
This cross-sectional study surveyed 312 residents in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Nigeria, to document their knowledge and perception of using greywater for backyard cultivation of native herbs. The findings revealed that 70.7% of participants had poor knowledge about greywater and its use for cultivating local herbs, and 61% held a negative perception. Only 8% of participants reported having used greywater in their residence, with 70.8% of public servants specifically showing negative perceptions.
DIYHealthCommunityUncontrolled urban vegetable farming poses public health risks in Ethiopia
2025Taffere Addis, Sisay Ketema, Abayneh Melaku · Frontiers in Water · Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
This study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, investigated trace metal levels in sediment, soil, and irrigated vegetables from farms along the Akaki River, evaluating public health risks. Sediment levels of arsenic, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc exceeded threshold effect levels. Soil levels of arsenic, chromium, copper, manganese, and zinc exceeded typical world soil values, with nickel at one site exceeding EEC limits for agricultural soils. Critically, arsenic, lead, and zinc levels in some vegetable samples were above WHO allowable limits, despite soil levels being acceptable, and cadmium was the most accumulated metal in vegetables.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageGrowing together: unveiling the potential of school-based community gardens to foster well-being, empowerment, and sustainability
2025Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira · Urban Transformations · South Africa (Cape Town)
This qualitative study investigated 13 school-based community gardens in low-income townships on the Cape Flats of Cape Town, South Africa, using semi-structured interviews. It found that while these gardens can enhance food security, nutrition, and community development, most urban community gardens in South Africa face significant challenges related to land tenure rights, often requiring negotiation for school land use. The research highlights both the advantages and the challenges of utilizing school land for community gardens.
Governance failureCommunityFood educationHealthPolicyCultivating communities: Understanding motivations in urban gardening among low-income residents in Cape Town, South Africa
2025Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study investigated the motivations for urban gardening among low-income residents in Cape Town's Cape Flats, South Africa, using survey data from 97 participants and interviews across 34 community gardens. While 29 out of 34 gardens prioritized income generation, a tension was found between institutional economic objectives and individual gardeners' motivations. Although 76.3% cited economic reasons, all respondents also valued social, health, and environmental benefits, perceiving gardening as a means to enhance well-being and promote sustainable practices despite structural barriers.
CommunityHealthEconomicsPolicyCadmium and lead pollution in environmental and food matrices in Kakamega Town of Kenya highlighting risks in rapidly urbanizing regions of Africa
2025Doreen N. Meso, Enos W. Wambu, Gelas Simiyu, Shem M. Mwasi, Thomas Munyao · Discover Environment · Kenya (Kakamega Town)
This study assessed heavy metal pollution in agricultural soils, water, and pumpkin leaves from 21 sites across three zones in peri-urban Kakamega Town, Kenya. It found cadmium pollution in all water samples, and lead and nickel pollution in sections of soil and leafy vegetable samples. Lead pollution was linked to vehicular emissions near the town center, while cadmium enrichment in informal settlements implicated inadequate waste management. Sequential extraction showed 31–35% of soil cadmium was in exchangeable fractions, posing a risk of bioavailability, highlighting persistent heavy metal contamination with implications for public health, environmental sustainability, and agricultural productivity.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPeri-urban agricultureImpacts of rising food prices on the food security of different socio-economic groups in Abuja, Nigeria
2025Katuka, Stephen Agire, Magaji, Sule, Ismail, Yahaya · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Nigeria (Abuja)
This study analyzed the impact of rising food prices on the food security of different socio-economic groups in Abuja, Nigeria, using a cross-sectional survey of 400 households. Findings revealed that only 18% of households were food secure, while 56% experienced moderate to severe food insecurity. Food price inflation had a significant negative effect on food security, particularly among low-income households. Rising food prices were shown to increase the likelihood of mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity by 53%, 88%, and 132%, respectively.
Economic viabilityEconomicsHealthWelfareRecreational Community Gardens: a Study on Their Role In Promoting Well-being and Social Cohesion Among Housing Estate Residents In Fct Abuja
2025Ebimorboere endoni, Ibrahim Umar, Patrick Chukwuemeke Uwajeh, Timothy Onosahwo Iyendo, olawepo ibidolapo · Nile Journal of Engineering and Applied Science · Nigeria
This research investigates the role of community recreational gardens in fostering social cohesion among residents in urban housing estates in FCT Abuja, Nigeria, using a mixed-methods approach including surveys, interviews, and observational studies. Key findings indicate that community recreational gardens serve as inclusive environments, promoting cross-generational interactions, cultural exchange, and the formation of social networks in housing estates.
CommunityHealthPolicyImplications of a Climate-Smart Approach to Food and Income Security for Urban Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
2024Nolwazi Z. Khumalo, Melusi Sibanda, Lelethu Mdoda · Sustainability · Sub-Saharan Africa
A systematic review and bibliometric analysis examined the implications of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and climate adaptation strategies for food and income security in urban Sub-Saharan Africa. The review found that CSA practices boost urban food production and income, but also recognized critical challenges and trade-offs requiring urban agriculture transformation.
Governance failureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthSCHOOL GARDEN IN THE SUBJECT OF GEOGRAPHY FOR STUDENTS OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 29 OF MAXIXE
2024Teófilo Etelvino do Amaral, Carlitos Luís Sitoie · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Mozambique (Maxixe)
A school garden project was implemented at Escola Secundaria 29 de Setembro da Maxixe in Mozambique, integrating it into the geography curriculum. Research found that geography teachers only taught theoretical content, lacked practical understanding of the geographical relationship with local agricultural production, and did not value food from home gardens. Students and their parents also had no knowledge of vegetable gardens and preferred processed foods, which exacerbated hunger when they lacked money. The school garden was suggested as a means to produce healthy food and generate family income.
Food educationFood sovereignty & justiceHealthDeterminants of urban household vulnerability to food insecurity in southern Ethiopia
2024Abraham Woru Borku, Abera Uncha Utallo, Thomas Toma Tora · Discover Food · Ethiopia
A mixed-methods study in selected towns in Southern Ethiopia surveyed 310 households to identify determinants of urban household vulnerability to food insecurity. The results indicated that 41.3% of households were highly vulnerable, 48.3% moderately vulnerable, and 10.6% not vulnerable. Significant determinants included household ownership of houses, health status, urban agriculture, socio-cultural practices, asset ownership, age, and average monthly income.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthExploring the Association of Urban Agricultural Practices with Farmers’ Psychosocial Well-Being in Dar es Salaam and Greater Lomé: A Perceptual Study
2024Akuto Akpedze Konou, Kossiwa Zinsou-Klassou, Victoria M. Mwakalinga, Jean-Claude Baraka Munyaka, Armel Firmin Kemajou Mbianda, Jérôme Chenal · Sustainability · Africa
This perceptual study surveyed 733 urban farmers in Dar es Salaam and Greater Lomé to explore the psychosocial effects of urban agriculture on their well-being. Using the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form and bespoke questionnaires, the research found significant variations in urban agriculture-related happiness across city zones, with peripheral farmers reporting greater satisfaction than urban counterparts. Female farmers also reported higher levels of happiness.
HealthWelfareCommunityPolicyCan Agroecology Close the Health Disparities Gap for Urban Vulnerable Communities in South Africa?
2024Michael Rudolph, Evans Muchesa · Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir landbouvoorligting/South African journal of agricultural extension · South Africa (Johannesburg)
This article explores the potential of agroecology to address health disparities in urban communities in South Africa, where approximately 34% of Johannesburg households face food insecurity. A transdisciplinary literature review, using secondary data from the University of Johannesburg and Siyakhana Growth and Development, posits that an agroecological approach can effectively address food and nutrition insecurity. The study emphasizes the importance of localized food production, personalized training, and a supportive policy framework for urban farming and agroecology.
HealthFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareCommunityUrban agriculture for environmentally just cities: the case of urban community gardens in Cape Town, South Africa
2024Tinashe P. Kanosvamhira, Mohamed Deen Shade · Local Environment · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study examined how 34 urban community gardens in low-income neighborhoods of Cape Town, South Africa, contribute to environmental justice using a mixed-methods approach including remote sensing, interviews, and observations. Findings revealed an unequal distribution of green spaces between wealthier and less affluent neighborhoods. While current gardening benefits may not be widespread, the gardens offer advantages such as environmental education, promotion of agro-ecological practices, and land use for green purposes.
CommunityHealthClimate changePolicyPeri-urban agriculture and household food and nutrition security around Eldoret, Kenya
2024Ivica Petríková, Melvine Anyango Otieno, Gertrude Were, Mahmoud Eltholth, Ana Rodriguez‐Mateos, Seeromanie Harding, Victoria Hall Morán, Odipo Osano, Jennifer Cole · Food Security · Kenya
This study investigated the links between peri-urban households' engagement in agriculture, their dietary behavior, and their children's nutrition outcomes around Eldoret, Kenya. Survey data collected from 518 households indicated that peri-urban households involved in agriculture, particularly crop growing and sales, had more diverse and nutritious diets than non-engaged households. However, a significant improvement in children’s health outcomes in these households was observed only when coupled with improved water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions.
Limited or null effectPeri-urban agricultureHealthFood sovereignty & justiceMotivations for women’s participation in urban agriculture: a multivariate probit model analysis
2024Tayech Lemma, Mala Sharma · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Ethiopia
A survey of 272 women in Hossana town, Ethiopia, using a multivariate probit model, identified food security and economic reasons as primary motivations for participating in urban agriculture. Factors such as age, education, marital status, family size, employment, non-urban farm income, farm experience, garden size, credit access, market access, and improved input use significantly influenced participation likelihood.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceHealthAssessing the Impact of Community Green Spaces on Social Cohesion and Public Health In Jos Metropolis During Covid-19.
2024James Demenongu Demshakwa, Y.C. Professor Sati, Professor Erekpitan E. Ola-Adisa · International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science · Nigeria
This study investigated the impact of community green spaces on social cohesion and public health in Tudun Wada and Vanderpuye areas of Jos metropolis, Nigeria, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey of 400 participants using structured questionnaires and quantitative analysis found that community green spaces significantly enhance social cohesion and positively influence public health by reducing stress and promoting physical activity. The null hypotheses of no significant impact were rejected.
CommunityHealthThe Health Burden of E-Waste: The Impact of E-Waste Dumping Sites on Child Mortality
2024Stefania Lovo, Samantha Rawlings · The World Bank Economic Review · Ghana, Nigeria
This study investigated the impact of e-waste dumping sites on neonatal and infant mortality, focusing on two major dumpsites in Ghana and Nigeria. Using a difference-in-differences approach, outcomes were compared for children born near and far from dumpsites before and after their creation. E-waste sites increased neonatal and and infant mortality for those living closer to the sites, with event studies suggesting effects emerge two to three years after site openings. There is suggestive evidence that contamination of water and of urban farming produce are among the drivers of the observed effects.
Contamination & food safetyHealthEconomics